Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Data Collection and Planning The Consultant shall: a. Assist the Office of Innovation and Emerging Technologies with research and data collection activities to develop and/or enhance various broadband connectivity datasets. Conduct market research and advise on trends of emerging broadband and tele-capable solutions especially for public sector applications, including but not limited to, citizen engagement, building operations, asset management and telehealth. b. Help the County review and analyze existing data, reports, and feedback to determine development and investment strategies and tactics to expand broadband infrastructure, devices, workforce development and digital literacy initiatives. c. Assist the County with the prioritization of identified targeted areas that include a systematic and phased approach to development and investment. d. Help the County review and analyze state-of-the-art best in class broadband/telecapability solutions research; market analyses on existing vendors and/or research organizations who have deployed public sector technologies in these areas of applications; as well as technical writing and budget development. 2. Engagement and Collaboration through the Office of Innovation and Emerging Technologies The Consultant shall: a. Facilitate a project kick-off meeting within 15 calendar days of the project award and provide a Project Schedule within 30 calendar days after the project kick-off meeting. b. Assist with meeting preparations which include development of presentation materials, and be available as on-site support at the Local Technology Planning Team (LTPT), staff meetings or Board of County Commission meetings when requested. c. Participate in weekly project management meetings with the Office of Innovation and Emerging Technologies. d. Provide quarterly detailed reports which identifies the program(s), objectives, risks and next steps inclusive of all key metrics defined by the Office of Innovation and Emerging Technologies. e. Facilitate meetings and engagement with the County’s LTPT to secure meaningful feedback to define the vision, goals, and objectives of the County’s broadband, devices, workforce development and digital literacy initiatives. f. Serve as the point of contact (POC) between the County and broadband providers, as well as other stakeholder groups. g. Develop and update living Strategic Plan documents to describe the Office’s Broadband and Digital Literacy initiatives, goals and next steps. h. Facilitate meetings and discussions to obtain meaningful feedback from the Board of Commissioners, stakeholders, County residents, businesses, etc. when required. i. Assist with facilitation and strengthening of federal, state, local, and private partnerships regarding broadband deployment projects and associated programs. Future programs may get funding from Broadband, Equity, Access, Deployment (BEAD), United States Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CFP), etc. j. Support the development and implementation of public engagement strategies, and specialized outreach programs and products related to regional broadband connectivity. k. Provide reporting, with relevant graphics that document feedback received from all staff, public and stakeholder coordinated efforts. This includes development of content for website publications and coordination with Orange County’s Communications Office. e. Identify and explore emerging technologies for operational/economic optimization opportunities. This includes identifying programs, opportunities and workflow development to support education and workforce development services in support of Orange County’ Center for Innovation and Design initiatives. l. Assist in developing device and literacy programs. 3. Strategy and Implementation The Consultant shall: a. Develop preliminary cost estimates(based on cost analysis or price analysisthat are federally compliant) and concepts for broadband connectivity deployment projects as well as other devices, workforce development and digital literacy initiatives. b. Assist with the development of procurement documents such as RFPs or subawards to identify potential providers for multiple and separate project areas. c. Develop technical specifications for the procurement of broadband literacy campaigns; broadband and other mobile device programs; broadband voucher programs; tele-health and mental wellbeing systems; and other potential technology investments for resident and internal County applications identified by the Chief Innovation and Emerging Technologies Officer. d. Review proposals and provide technical advice. All guidance shall be based upon identified County goals and objectives, funding type and availability, and the Consultant’s experience and industry knowledge. 4. Review and Analysis The Consultant shall: a. Review engineering plans and drawings related to broadband deployment projects. b. Recommend potential actions from a time and cost standpoint that could be taken at the project level to streamline deployments. c. Monitor the progress of the County’s broadband, devices, workforce development and digital literacy projects, including all related activities and deadlines. d. Monitor the budget and all related expenditures, to ensure the funding is used in accordance with established requirements. e. Maintain research on unmet community needs and evaluate each approved project’s impact on those community needs. Monitor overall program progress including the delivery of the services to County residents. f. Conduct ongoing risk assessments and identify any potential problems or issues with the projects.
