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University Policies and Procedures

9.4.4 Procedures for Telecommunications and Network Installations in New and Remodeled Space

I. Introduction

Telecommunications and networking encompasses all forms of information transport and processing, not just the traditional concerns for voice-only systems. Voice, data, video, control and audio are all ingredients of a modern building. The procedures outlined in this section cover issues relating to the funding, division of responsibility, and program statement requirements for telecommunications and network installations in new and remodeled space.

II. Funding

The method and source of funding of telecommunications and network facilities for new and remodeled spaces parallel, for the most part, those for other utility systems. The specific funding guidelines for telecommunications and network installations are as follows:

  1. Work area components extending from the wall or floor outlet (telephones, data terminals, computers, etc.) will be treated as other movable equipment required in a new or remodeled area. Departments are responsible for the funding of the equipment. The department may request that funds be included in the project for work area components as part of a request for equipment funds.
  2. The building or remodeling project must include funds for all telecommunications and network distribution facilities required within the building. In-building facilities include all telecommunications and network wall or floor outlets, building wiring, telecommunications and network distribution frames, enclosures, electronic equipment areas, conduits, raceways, cable trays and any optical fiber. All wiring must conform to the University's uniform wiring plan.
  3. Funds to provide new or upgraded telecommunications and network distribution facilities (manholes, conduit, etc.) to the building from an appropriate telecommunications node site should be included in a special Utilities Expansion Project.
  4. Funds for any increased switch facilities, cable, or optical fiber from an appropriate telecommunications or network node site to the building, will be provided by Telecommunications and Networking and recovered through normal chargeback for service.
  5. Any existing telecommunications network facilities, or infrastructure that must be relocated as a result of new construction or remodeling must be funded by the project requiring the relocation.

III. Installation Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the various functions relating to telecommunications and network installations in new and remodeled spaces are assigned as follows:

  1. Telecommunications and Networking (with review by Facilities Management and the Office of Facilities Planning) is responsible for the development and maintenance of standards for: in-building wiring (uniform wiring plan), installation of mechanical and electronic portions of the in-building distribution facility, and for extensions to the University's telecommunications and network infrastructure.
  2. The Office of Facilities Planning is responsible for including Telecommunications and Networking in the preparation of building program statements. When a program statement is not prepared by the Office of Facilities Planning, Facilities Management will include Telecommunications and Networking in the review of the project during the program analysis and schematic design phases, and during the balance of planning and construction.
  3. The commissioned architect/engineer is responsible for developing adequate space within the building, in accordance with program requirements, for telecommunications and network enclosures, equipment areas, conduits, raceways and cable trays.
  4. The electrical division of work will include the installation of all conduit, raceways and cable trays.
  5. The installation of all wiring, distribution frames and devices may be bid as a separate division of work or be included in the electrical bid of the project. The installation in either case will be performed by a qualified telecommunications and network subcontractor.
  6. The commissioned architect/engineer (using Telecommunications and Networking staff or consultants if necessary) is responsible for the detail design of all telecommunications and network facilities required in the building and, unless there is a separate utility project, the extension of the University's telecommunications and network infrastructure to the building.
  7. The commissioned architect/engineer, or an authorized representative from Telecommunications and Networking or Facilities Management, is responsible for monitoring the quality of work performed in the installation of telecommunications and network systems.
  8. The commissioned architect/engineer is responsible for integrity testing of telecommunications and network facilities after completion of the work. The specifications for the test to be performed will be developed by Telecommunications and Networking with review by Facilities Planning and Facilities Management. These specifications will be included in the project construction contract documents.
  9. Telecommunications and Networking will coordinate all contacts with outside vendors concerning requests for connection to the telecommunications and network service infrastructure.

IV. Program Statement

Coordination of the development of program statements for new and remodeled space is the responsibility of the Office of Facilities Planning. Guidelines for the development of the telecommunications and network portion of the program statement are as follows:

  1. Telecommunications and network requirements will be stated in the program statement. This will include a budget line for each of the following: telecommunications and network in-building facilities, associated equipment, outside plant extension, and a budget for ISUnet connectivity. Telecommunications and Networking will assist the Office of Facilities Planning or Facilities Management with telecommunications and network estimates as needed.
  2. The program statement will reference the University's telecommunications and network standards.
  3. The program statement will indicate that the detail design of telecommunications and network facilities will be the responsibility of the commissioned architect/engineer and that the commissioned architect/engineer must demonstrate the ability to successfully design and monitor the installation.
  4. The program statement will indicate that the installation of telecommunications and network media be performed by a qualified contractor that has previously demonstrated the ability to successfully install telecommunications and network facilities.
  5. The program statement will require a minimum warranty of one year on the Inside Plant (ISP) telecommunications and network facilities and two years on the Outside Plant (OSP) portion of the facilities. This warranty will include all parts and labor necessary to maintain the entire installed system at its original specifications.
  6. The program statement will require a complete set of "as built" drawings and CAD/CAM data disks specifically designed to reflect all aspects of telecommunications and network facilities. This will include detailed layout and wiring drawings on all risers, Building Distribution Frames (BDF's), Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDF's) and all Inside Plant (ISP) and Outside Plant (OSP) portions of the facilities.

Last Review: May 2007