BEA is seeking proposals from vendors to provide broadband access to as many eligible locations as possible, as identified in Attachment E, at the lowest overall cost to the State. BEA reserves the right to make awards to multiple vendors, as necessary, to achieve this objective. The scope of this project includes planning, construction, and installation of all necessary broadband infrastructure and equipment for providing access to broadband for all unserved locations (Attachment F). Per CPF guidance, the program requires the project to be designed so that it reliably meets or exceeds 100 Mbps download speeds and between 20 Mbps and 100 Mbps upload speeds and be scalable to a minimum of 100 Mbps symmetrical for download and upload speeds. To accomplish these speeds, the project will prefer fiber-optic technology. Ongoing operations and maintenance of the system will be the sole responsibility of the selected Applicant. Additionally, any costs incurred for properties or locations that do not meet the definition of “unserved,” as defined in this RFP’s executive summary, are not eligible to be covered by the State under this RFP.
