INTERSTATE NETWORK SYSTEMS WIN ABC AWARD FOR HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
Company Recognized For Outstanding Achievement

North Billerica, MA - Interstate Network Systems garnered honors from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). This 5-month, $775,000 project won a Merit Award from the Massachusetts Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

In response to the ever-increasing complexity of on-site technology and communications, Harvard Business School elected to convert their network to an all-new fiber optic system as part of a large-scale infrastructure improvement program. The installation of the fiber optic program was to the benefit of HBS students, alumni, faculty and staff. The end result was to re-link and reconnect the buildings on the HBS campus, providing faster and more reliable network communications. The fiber optic installation project took five months to complete, with a project value of $775,000. A new network hub was created as part of the system.

Most of the installation work took place while school was in session, and the Interstate team was required to work around class sessions, lectures and executive education activities by working as much as possible during evenings, weekends and semester breaks.

Interstate reported directly to Harvard’s facilities management, serving as general contractor by managing project schedule, estimating, budget and labor. Interstate also managed all the coring, cutting, patching and painting required - a unique combination of services. The planning, design, scheduling, and construction installation on this project was a formidable technical challenge. The fiber optic and raceway work demanded stringent and detailed specifications, which needed to be precisely executed by the Interstate Network Systems engineering and construction staff.

Interstate installed over 16,000 feet - more than 3 miles - of fiber optic cable at HBS, linking 14 buildings on campus. All technical work was accomplished on schedule and budget, without disrupting the day-to-day academic activities of HBS.

State-of-the-art fiber optic materials were manufactured to meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of the Harvard Business School community. The new network configuration will allow future flexibility for changes and expansion, without requiring additional infrastructure investment.

Interstate’s success in delivering a new, world-class fiber optic network at HBS, and the care and craftsmanship demonstrated on this high profile job, made this project an outstanding accomplishment.

“The level of service that Interstate provided to our client is consistent with our corporate value and commitment to exceed our clients’ expectations”, Greg Cohan, Owner’s Representative for Harvard Business School.