Specifications include, but are not limited to: The goal of this RFI is to gather information about the level of interest by the private sector in building a robust broadband network that resolves deficiencies and service gaps for citizens in rural Champaign County. One role that the County is contemplating is providing matching funds to make it easier for an ISP to be successful in applying for state and federal broadband grant programs.; The County understands this RFI could disclose business interests in areas of the County and as such, sections of the RFI will be treated as confidential and proprietary information, but not the entire RFI. Finley Engineering will provide to the County Executive and the Broadband Task Force at their July 2022 meeting copies of the RFIs received (redacting proprietary information) and a summary of interest for discussion and determination of next steps. Of note, this RFI is for planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation nor should it be construed as an obligation on the part of the County to make a purchase. Should Champaign County choose to proceed based on information obtained in this RFI, the County Executive, based upon recommendations from Broadband Task Force, will determine next steps.; Respondents will need to complete the RFI Response Form labeled Addendum A and indicate in priority order which of the unserved and underserved areas are of interest for expansion. Shapefiles of the County are available upon request.; Last Mile Internet Service Providers - Finley Engineering seeks responses from Last Mile2 Internet Service Providers on their interest in expanding broadband in rural Champaign County where it currently is unavailable. Respondents need to answer and complete the accompanying form and provide additional supplemental information for County leadership to take under advisement. Respondents must meet ARPA funding requirements (see previous Section 2.0).; Middle Mile Internet Service Providers - Finley Engineering seeks responses from Middle Mile Internet Service Providers on their interest in expanding middle mile connectivity in and through rural Champaign County where it currently is unavailable. Middle Mile ISPs needs to be aware the County wants an ISP to demonstrate how the project will accelerate deployments for last-mile providers, thus connecting more households and enabling 100 Mbps symmetrical speeds or greater. Respondents need to answer and complete the accompanying form and provide additional supplemental information for County leadership to take under advisement. Respondents must meet ARPA funding requirements (see previous Section 2.0). For the purposes of this RFI, Finley refers the interested parties to the footnote for definition of middle mile3
