August 22, 2011

The Office of Telecommunications Management (OTM) has been made aware of an industry-wide issue. Due to the tsunami in Japan and other supply chain problems, the chemicals and polymers that are used to manufacture the plenum-rated jackets of telephone and computer cabling are in short supply. Therefore, longer lead times to get the cables in stock are being experienced. Click here for more detailed information about the nature of the problems in the supply chain.

OTM is hereby alerting all agency telecommunications coordinators to expect delays from the vendor for their wiring orders. Please be patient with the vendors as the problem is out of their hands and is industry wide.

Please distribute this information to all purchasing, telecommunications, and information technology staff.

All questions about this notice should be directed to Kirk Arnold with the OTM Wire and Cable Section at 225-342-7730 or kirk.arnold@la.gov.