Question : Network Installation/Setup

Hi,

I just leased two facility for my new business and need to get a ball park of what it'll cost me to hire a contractor. I want to get a general idea so that I can make a proper offer.  I'm looking to hire a contractor who will be the lead to set up systems and network/security for both facility, as well as to provide long term ongoing support and network maintenance on an as need bases (performing backups, installing patches..etc).  One facility will be local, and the other will be about 45 to an hour drive away.  You'll be spending an equal amount of time in both facility so please take commuting time into consideration.

At the moment, there are 13 users (more will be hire in the new future). It'll be a mixed environment of laptop and desktop, so I would need both facilities to have secured wireless connectivity when their in either facility, and VPN capability when they're off site.  Network security is crucial, so I'll need this contractor to be highly experience in setting up firewall and policies.

I will also be hiring 9 additional contractors (1 project lead, and 8 of her staff).
For the lead, she will have a laptop, but desktop for all of her staff.  These contractors will be on site with limited access.

There will be a total of 3 network printers.  2 at the local facility, and 1 at the remote facility.

All users will have either double of tri monitors.  The Cad designer (1) will have quad monitors.  All users will either be provided with iPhones or Blackberrys, so I would need this contractor to install/configure apps for each users so that the staff can send/receive work emails on their device.

I will be purchasing all equipments specified by the contractor, so only calculate the cost of labor, time & travel.
Please give me a total estimate for the initial setup/installation, and another estimate for ongoing support once the setup is complete and whether the ongoing support should be pay by the hour or month, whichever is most cost effective.

Your feed backs are appreciated and please do not hesitate to ask if you need any addition info.  If you can also give me an ETA on how long it can take for the initial setup, I'd appreciate that too.

Answer : Network Installation/Setup

The accepted practice in the US is to receive bids for jobs not to offer a certain price.
I believe that is true for a lot of elsewhere as well

You will have a difficult time getting a valid answer here. [You don't even say what part of the world you are in.]
There are just too many potentially unknown variables.

Your best bet is still to contact locals and ask them for ballpark estimates.
Local people will be familiar with all of the local conditions that will greatly affect your costs and time for setup.