Specifications include, but are not limited to: Phase 1 Broadband Deployment Routes: The first phase will involve preparing a recommended network of high-speed broadband routes to best serve businesses, institutions, and residents in the project area. Task 1: Inventory of area public and private utility provider service areas and facility ownership Task 2: Assessment of existing underserved businesses, institutions, and residents and future broadband needs at catalytic development sites Task 3: Recommended network of broadband routes and associated project development costs Phase 1 Deliverable: Broadband Deployment Routes report completed Phase 2 - Implementation Strategy: The second phase will identify best practices for deployment and recommend a feasible course of action for implementing a collaborative public-private partnership to advance the initiative. Task 4: Summary of applicable regional, state, and national best practices in regional broadband models including potential P3 regulatory structures. Task will include a comparison matrix that includes advantages, challenges, and risks associated with each model. Task 5: Identify project champion(s) and recommend deployment model based on local needs/constraints and organizational capacity within the region. An implementation strategy will accompany the recommendation and detail project timing, responsible parties, funding sources/innovative financing opportunities, project development costs, ownership responsibility, and operations and maintenance costs. Task 6: Funding strategy to implement the recommendations drawing upon new financial resources being offered at the state level through BroadbandOhio and the federal level through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Phase 2 Deliverable: Regional Implementation Strategy
