Agenda

Back to Calendar Return

Regular Agenda Item 4. C.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	10/06/2020
Submitted For:	Homero Vela	Submitted By:	Betty Hurst, Contracts Administrator
Department:	Finance
Fiscal Year:	2021	Budgeted?:	Yes
Contract Dates Begin & End:	02-2021	Grant?:	No
Matching Requirement?:	No	Fund?:	Renewal

Information

Request/Subject

Contract Award for Request for Proposal No. 071320-Master Plan for Broadband Phase 2 in Gila County.

Background Information

Gila County has previously hired a consultant, EntryPoint, to provide conceptual network designs, a market analysis, website development, development of project plans and benchmarks, specification of inside and outside plant equipment, develop financial pro-forma based on the conceptual design, and assist with community outreach. The following have been completed:

Visited with 6 cities and towns
Developed a website and survey:
Held numerous Community Broadband Team meetings
Held discussions with APS, SRP, Sparklight, Coconino County, IDA
Reviewed Improvement Districts and Cooperative concepts
Analyzed 130 invoices from incumbent providers
Mapped routing for APS, SRP, and Sparklight fiber routes
Reviewed conceptual designs and conceptual financial pro-forma

A report documenting these activities will be issued in the next month and will include conceptual cost and networks and conceptual financial pro-forma. This information will be fully shared with a Kimley-Horn consultant.

This earlier contract was issued before the Arizona Commerce Authority granted Gila County a $50,000 grant and had a limited scope and cost. This additional funding will allow the County to go to the second level of detail in the planning process. The contract will include the RFP requirements as follows:

Conduct a statistically valid survey of the communities to assess demand and interest in faster and more reliable connectivity.
Update web site, social media channels and hold town hall meeting/webinars to educate residents on the project and get their input.
Compare the various operational structure models (County ISP, Public-Private Partnership, Open Access, Cooperative, other) and propose a recommendation.
Analyze the cost to connect County infrastructure to replace leased connections.
Review cost models and designs to connect to the first mile, the internet exchange point, and evaluate opportunities to leverage the e-rate network.
Layout middle-mile routes and high-level costs for middle mile.
Develop a high-level last-mile design for the following:

Young
Pine-Strawberry
Rim Community ring
Tonto Basin
Review of grant opportunities
And all other requirements of the Request for Proposals (RFP).

Evaluation

The need exists to develop an affordable strategic broadband plan and prepare the roadmap for implementation. It is requested that the Board of Supervisors approve the contract with Kimley-Horn to develop high-level designs and plans for a County-wide broadband plan. The plans will serve to guide the County in determining the best way to proceed with the future implementation of broadband infrastructure. Kimley-Horn Consultant has prepared municipal and regional broadband infrastructure master plans for other communities in Arizona has offered a team that is experienced and qualified and has the necessary expertise to develop a plan for Gila County.

Conclusion

It has long been evident that rural communities lag behind urban communities in broadband infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic shines a light on this disparity and brings a focus to the idea that our quality of life is dependent, in many aspects, to the quality of our internet connectivity. A strategic broadband plan will allow Gila County to submit for broadband grants and pursue an implementation plan. The County does not have the expertise to accomplish this project and is seeking a consultant who has a proven track record in broadband infrastructure development.

Recommendation

Kimley-Horn has the experience and staff to help Gila County finalize the broadband strategic plan. They are committed to complete the work by February of 2021. Staff recommends that the Board approve a contract with Kimley-Horn to provide the planning and implementation of all aspects of the Request for Proposal as it pertains to the Master Broadband Plan Phase 2 for an amount not to exceed $50,000.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to award a contract to Kimley-Horn in the amount of $50,000 in response to Request for Proposals No. 071320-Master Broadband Plan Phase 2, and authorize the Chairman's signature on the award contract. (Homero Vela)

Attachments
Professional Services Contract No. 071320
Attachment A
RFP 071320
Kimley-Horn Proposal
Entrypoint Proposal
Mission Broadband Proposal