Merit Network has selected Power & Tel as materials supplier for Merit's Round 1 broadband stimulus project, REACH-3MC. Power & Tel was selected from a number of qualified suppliers that responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) that Merit issued in July of 2010.

While there were several strong proposals, Merit's team thoroughly reviewed all RFPs and determined that Power & Tel could deliver the most competitive solution for the material needs of their Round 1 REACH-3MC project, which will build 1,017 miles of open-access, advanced fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Among the components that make up the material needs of the REACH-3MC project are splice enclosures, hand holes, strand, and lashing wire.

"Power & Tel's proposal was the most complete and cost-competitive of any solution that we received," said Pete Miller, Merit's director of network engineering and operations. "Power & Tel offers a wide range of product offerings to meet the needs of the REACH-3MC project."

"The Power & Tel tracking process will allow Merit to access information about our materials in real time," he said. "We are also very confident that Power & Tel's kitting process will help to ensure project construction will not be unnecessarily delayed due to a lapse in materials delivery."

Through Power & Tel's "Bluelink" ordering and PTMI (Power & Tel Managed Inventory) tracking application, Merit engineers and project managers will have access to real time order status and materials consumption information.

Additionally, Power & Tel offers a "Miracle Mile" and kitting service. Through this service, Power & Tel will work with Merit to ensure all the necessary construction hardware is kitted and shipped to the most appropriate build location in the state.