Specifications include, but are not limited to: engage innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, vendors, researchers, and experts (collectively the “innovators”) to collaborate on designing leading-edge solutions to address current and future business needs of the State. Instead of asking for a particular product or service, the State is identifying a critical business need and is seeking innovative ideas and solutions that will address this need in ways that are comprehensive and effective. The ultimate goal is to close the Digital Divide in California by constructing a robust and resilient State-owned Internet network backbone that can provide affordable middle-mile services to unserved communities and underserviced areas of the State. The State seeks to capitalize on California’s innovation economy, through a fair, flexible, and competitive procurement process to better make use of the investment of the State’s taxpayer dollars. The State’s objective is to identify solutions that are in the best interests of and will provide the best value to the people of California.
