All correspondence must be made through the Vendor Portal. Specifications include, but are not limited to: qualified, independent consultants to assist Comptroller in researching and developing the State Digital Equity Plan, applying for and managing IIJA grants, and related services; Successful Respondent shall assist the BDO in broadband planning under IIJA and the NOFOs and applying for related grants. Successful Respondent shall act as an expert consultant related to the IIJA, NOFOs and Texas’ broadband planning needs. Comptroller expects Successful Respondent to draft a Comprehensive Work Plan, BEAD Five-Year Action Plan, BEAD Initial Proposal, BEAD Final Proposal and State Digital Equity Plan. Successful Respondent will be responsible for robust stakeholder engagement and ongoing monitoring, reporting and performance management. Successful Respondent will recommend and implement the following after approval by Comptroller: a local coordination strategy; a communication and coordination process for personnel, consultants and offices working with the BDO on broadband planning, development and implementation; a subgrantee selection and monitoring program; a BEAD Initial Proposal challenge process; and other actions necessary to comply with IIJA and the NOFOs.
