A fiber optic assembly is provided including a support substrate having a substantially flat surface and a signal-fiber array supported on the support substrate. The signal-fiber array includes a plurality of optical fibers. At least some of the optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers includes a first datum contact disposed between the optical fiber and an adjacent optical fiber and each of the optical fibers of the plurality of optical fibers includes a second datum contact disposed between each of the optical fibers of the plurality of optical fibers and the support substrate. A first datum surface is disposed at a top surface of each of the plurality of optical fibers opposite the support surface.