Purpose of the Request
The Town of Berthoud ("the Town") is seeking qualified and experienced private entities ("Respondents") to participate in a public-private partnership (PPP) to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or similar structure that establishes a long-term arrangement between the government entity and private sector institutions. The partnership will be designed to harness private capital financing to (1) build broadband infrastructure and (2) be responsible for providing the internet service, either by the Respondent providing the service itself and/or leasing the infrastructure to internet service providers (ISP) within the Town's jurisdiction. It is the Town’s intent to provide an open-access network, of which there are multiple ISPs operating in Berthoud on the fiber infrastructure; this means that Respondents are welcome to propose solutions to build infrastructure and provide the service, and there will be an expectation that they, as part of the SPV, will be responsible for leasing the infrastructure to other ISPs as well. The objective of this RFQ is to identify potential partners capable of collaborating through an SPV to bring high-quality, reliable, and affordable broadband services that enhance digital connectivity and economic development.
This request seeks market interest to establish a PPP with a qualified partner to create an SPV for the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a state-of-the-art fiber-based broadband network. The SPV will serve as the vehicle through which the partnership's activities will be managed, facilitating a structured and effective collaboration. This request is intended to provide an opportunity for the Town to work with a qualified partner to create an open-access system that:
- Increases competition, resulting in lower consumer prices and/or increased quality of services
- Adds critical fiber infrastructure to the Town that will be necessary for the community’s
quality of life in the future
- Provides high-quality, reliable, and affordable internet service to all community members in Berthoud
- Offers options for financial support to low-income residents through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
