Specifications include, but are not limited to: The successful proposer that is awarded a contract will provide the County with a plan that contains the information needed to analyze, select, and implement the best solutions to improve rural broadband access and connectivity across the entire County. Elements of the plan may include, but are not limited to: • Identifying residences or areas within the county that lack affordable, high-speed internet access. • Gathering input from underserved residents to determine demand and price sensitivity. • Identification of all current and potential internet services providers. • Analysis of relevant laws and ordinances • Defining standards for “affordable” and “high-speed”. • Analysis of existing public and private broadband facilities within the county. • Identifying challenges to, and opportunities for, broadband facility expansion. • Exploring the potential for public/private partnership. • Identifying specific funding sources, including government grants, to help expand broadband facilities. The County’s preferred technology is fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP). The County understands, however, that the geography and population density of some parts of the County may require creative options for greater broadband deployment. As such, the County is open to considering hybrid fiber/wireless solutions and last-mile wireless solutions. Another possibility is the extension of hybrid fiber-coaxial service from adjacent areas, so long as the resulting network provides the necessary level of service. The successful proposer that is awarded a contract will also assist in developing a grant program for existing or new providers that will make use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the construction and expansion of broadband to serve rural county residents, businesses, and agencies. The County has already identified a share of the County’s direct allocation of ARPA funds to support such a grant program and will be receiving additional funds from the State of Oregon. Any grant program using ARPA funds must comply with United States Treasury guidance regarding the use of ARPA funds. As part of grant program, the consultant will assist with the following: • Developing a recommendation and process of soliciting, reviewing, ranking, and awarding grants. Key elements of grant program will include: o ARPA qualified project o Service to unserved and underserved areas o Preference for reliability o Preference for affordability o Preference for customer service o Preference for wireline fiber o Preference for equity participation by provider o Preference for leverage of other funds • Facilitate and provide recommendation for convening a grant review committee, comprised of industry experts and community members to review, score, and prepare grant award recommendations. • Assist the County with providing oversight of grant awards and project progress. Consultant may include optional scope of work items that you believe would be beneficial and support the county’s goals. County will assist the successful consultant and provide additional information to successfully execute the outlined information in the RFP.
