Specifications include, but are not limited to: Background Broadband is now considered essential infrastructure for the 21st century. Schools, offices, retail and governments all rely on online platforms, offering people significant time savings and a digital avenue for economic prosperity. However, broadband is still far from a universal service across the State. Within the SCAG region alone, approximately 15 percent of all households do not have access to adequate internet speeds or no internet access. These households are disproportionately located in underserved urban communities and rural communities. Access to universal subscription is attributed to range of factors. Broadband is still considered to be relatively expensive, and studies regularly show prices as a significant barrier to broadband adoption. Many also lack digital skills – significantly 52% of adults are “relatively hesitant” when it comes to new technologies and digital skills, meaning they have low levels of digital skills or limited trust in the internet. Finally, there are still physical infrastructural gaps that provide another significant barrier for adoption. On February 2, 2021, SCAG’s Regional Council adopted Resolution No. 21-629-2, which pledges SCAG to assist in bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. One of the mandates set forth by the resolution directs staff to develop solutions and strategies to assist in rapid deployment of broadband technology. As such, SCAG is seeking a consultant which can assist in the following permit streamlining solutions. Consistent with the requirements of the California Emerging Technology (CETF) grant that funds this project, the selected Consultant (henceforth known as “Consultant”) shall have experience developing permit streamlining reports, familiarity with local ordinances, policies, and codes, as it relates to broadband and experience with conducting workshops, stakeholder coordination and outreach.
