BL2026_07-BEAD-Construction-Management-RFP_final.pdf

Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Construction Management Services

Request for Proposals (RFP) BL2026_07 June 1, 2026

INTRODUCTION

About Broadlinc and BEAD Project Area Awards

Broadlinc, the Spokane Regional Broadband Development Authority authorized by WA State RCW

35.21.730 through 35.31.749, is a public development authority established to expand broadband infrastructure and internet access across Spokane County through development of a public-benefit open-access network. Broadlinc plans, develops, and owns broadband infrastructure that enables participating Internet Service Providers (ISP) to deliver retail service to homes, businesses, and Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) throughout the region.

Broadlinc has been awarded 13 project areas (Exhibit A) by the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These project areas represent a significant regional broadband expansion effort including approximately 400 miles of anticipated fiber design to connect nearly 10,000 Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL) in combination with up to 20 tower locations supporting Next Generation Fixed Wireless (ngFW) access deployment in Spokane County.

BEAD Program Delivery Framework

Broadlinc’s network expansion model uses publicly owned broadband infrastructure in partnership with participating Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to extend service capacity through a hybrid deployment strategy that combines fiber backbone and distribution infrastructure with strategically placed ngFW delivery points where geography, cost conditions, and service efficiency support that approach.

Because the 13 BEAD project areas vary in geography, permitting readiness, construction conditions, sequencing, and deployment timing, Broadlinc anticipates an iterative implementation framework in which engineering, permitting, procurement, materials coordination, utility coordination, and construction activities may proceed concurrently across multiple project areas and contractors throughout a four-year project delivery plan (Exhibit B).

SCOPE OF WORK

Broadlinc seeks qualified firms to provide Construction Management (CM) services in support of broadband infrastructure deployment projects funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and related capital initiatives. Services are intended to supplement and expand Broadlinc’s internal operational capacity and will be performed in coordination with Broadlinc staff and other contracted resources.

Broadlinc anticipates a phased and iterative deployment model in which engineering, permitting, procurement, materials coordination, utility coordination, and construction activities may progress concurrently across multiple project areas and contractors. Construction management services must therefore support active coordination across overlapping project schedules, deployment phases, and into field construction through project completion.

Functional Responsibilities

The selected firm is expected to function as an operational implementation partner supporting coordination between Broadlinc, engineering firms, contractors, utility owners, permitting agencies, vendors, and other project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Services may include project coordination and management, construction oversight, deployment readiness support, documentation management, contractor communication, reporting, field verification, material distribution, connection with utilities, and related implementation support activities associated with broadband deployment infrastructure.

A Responsibility Assignment RACI Matrix (EXHIBIT C) identifying anticipated operational roles, coordination responsibilities, accountability expectations, and implementation relationships between Broadlinc, the Construction Management firm, engineering firms, and contractors should be considered supplementary to this Scope of Work. The RACI document is intended to further clarify expected structure and operational participation throughout project delivery.

Broadlinc anticipates that services may include support in the following areas:

Coordinate

• Construction implementation activities across multiple active project areas, contractors, and deployment schedules.

• Engineering, permitting, procurement, materials management, construction, compliance, and operational stakeholders throughout project execution.

• Construction sequencing, deployment timing, contractor mobilization, and implementation readiness across multiple concurrent construction activities.

• Contractors, engineers, vendors, utility representatives, and permitting agencies regarding field implementation activities and project sequencing.

• Broadlinc and engineering teams regarding revised field conditions, design clarifications, sequencing modifications, or implementation adjustments identified during active construction.

• Materials-related implementation activities including delivery sequencing, staging coordination, deployment readiness, and identification of supply chain or long-lead procurement concerns affecting construction schedules.

• Fixed wireless and tower-related deployment activities including coordination for contractors, site readiness, equipment installation sequencing, electrical, backhaul, and related implementation activities where applicable.

Perform

• Field verification and constructability review support associated with approved project designs and active construction conditions.

• Identification, documentation, escalation, and coordination of field conflicts, construction concerns, utility conflicts, schedule impacts, or deployment issues requiring review or resolution by Broadlinc or the applicable engineering firm.

• Monitoring contractor progress for consistency with approved plans, specifications, schedules, authorized work activities, and applicable project requirements.

• Maintenance of field documentation including daily reports, issue logs, meeting summaries, progress tracking records, photographic documentation, and construction status reporting.

Support

• Tracking permit status, utility activity, make-ready readiness, and jurisdictional issues affecting deployment schedules or construction readiness.

• Tracking installed quantities, construction progress, deployment milestones, and project status information necessary for contractor payment review and project reporting.

• Construction progress tracking, deployment visibility, GIS activity, infrastructure status tracking, and reporting workflows associated with active project implementation.

• Contractor readiness review activities including coordination of material availability, construction sequencing, permitting readiness, traffic control readiness, and implementation timing.

• Documentation of workflows associated with federally funded infrastructure projects, including project records, reimbursement support documentation, materials traceability, and other compliance-related implementation records.

Participate

• Project meetings, pre-construction meetings, deployment readiness discussions, utility meetings, and ongoing implementation activities.

• Substantial completion activities, punch list coordination, restoration verification, final inspection, and project closeout documentation.

Operational Expectations

Broadlinc anticipates a highly collaborative implementation environment requiring recurring communication, active operational participation, and ongoing field coordination throughout project delivery. The selected firm will be expected to maintain active participation in Broadlinc project and operational oversight activities throughout the BEAD implementation period.

Participation is expected to include recurring meetings with Broadlinc staff, contractors, engineers, utilities, and other project stakeholders.

Recurring coordination activities are expected to include participation/presentation at:

• Broadlinc Board meetings as requested by Broadlinc Executive Director (generally monthly)

• Operations Subcommittee meetings as requested by Broadlinc staff (generally monthly)

• Internal Broadlinc team meetings (generally weekly)

• BEAD Project Area specific meetings (generally two to three times weekly)

• Additional meetings, field visits, contractor meetings, utility meetings, or implementation discussions as required to support project delivery (scheduled prior)

The selected firm must maintain the ability to participate in a combination of in-person meetings, virtual meetings, and field activities throughout Spokane County in associated project areas.

The selected firm will be expected to onboard, maintain, and actively utilize Broadlinc-designated project management and collaboration systems, including Monday.com, for BEAD project coordination, status tracking, implementation visibility, documentation workflows, and related communication activities. Familiarity with the Monday.com platform is preferred.

Travel associated with performance of the work described in this RFP shall be included within the respondent’s proposed pricing structure and will not be separately reimbursed unless otherwise authorized in writing by Broadlinc.

Staffing and Availability Expectations

Broadlinc anticipates that construction management support requirements will increase as engineering, permitting, procurement, and construction activities progress across active BEAD deployment areas.

Although actual workload may vary based on project sequencing, permitting timelines, contractor mobilization, and deployment conditions, Broadlinc currently anticipates approximate construction management involvement generally consistent with the following implementation progression following contract signing:

• Months 1–3: approximately 10–15% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) involvement

• Months 3–6: approximately 40% FTE involvement

• Months 6–12: approximately 80% FTE involvement

• Month 12 and beyond: approximately 100%, possibility greater during peak construction implementation and closeout periods

Respondents should demonstrate the staffing capacity, continuity, and operational flexibility necessary to support increasing deployment activity levels throughout the BEAD implementation period.

Governance

Broadlinc retains all procurement authority, operational authority, financial authority, engineering acceptance authority, and grant compliance authority associated with BEAD program implementation. The selected construction management firm will function in an advisory, coordinative, implementation support, and operational assistance capacity in support of Broadlinc-led project delivery activities.

The Executive Director or designated Broadlinc representatives retain final authority regarding project approvals, operational direction, procurement decisions, contract administration, schedule prioritization, and financial authorization.

The selected firm must demonstrate the ability to operate within a public entity and federally funded project environment, and maintain documentation practices suitable for grant reimbursement, audit review, and compliance monitoring. Experience coordinating broadband infrastructure deployment activities involving multiple contractors, utility coordination, phased implementation, and federally funded infrastructure programs is preferred.

Performance Oversight

Broadlinc reserves the right to conduct periodic performance evaluations of the selected firm throughout the contract period, including review of responsiveness, staffing continuity, project coordination effectiveness, documentation quality, schedule support, communication practices, and overall implementation performance.

Performance assessments may occur up to quarterly or at other intervals determined appropriate by Broadlinc. Broadlinc reserves the right to adjust scope, staffing expectations, assigned responsibilities, or contract status based on operational needs, project conditions, or performance outcomes consistent with the terms of any resulting agreement.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Respondents should submit sufficient information to demonstrate qualifications, technical capability, staffing capacity, and operational readiness necessary to perform the work described in this RFP. Proposals should clearly reflect the respondent’s understanding of large-scale broadband deployment, phased implementation environments, and federally funded infrastructure project delivery.

Proposals should be organized in a clear and concise manner and include the following sections:

Firm Qualifications and Experience

• Firm name, business address, legal structure, and primary contact information

• Description of the firm’s experience providing construction management, program management, owner’s representation, or broadband deployment implementation support services for infrastructure projects

• Summary of experience coordinating broadband deployment activities involving engineering firms, contractors, utility coordination, permitting activities, procurement, and construction implementation

• Description of experience operating within federally funded or public infrastructure deployment environments

• Identification of any proposed subconsultants and description of their anticipated roles

Relevant Project Experience

• Description of at least three completed or active projects of similar scale, complexity, or operational structure.

• Projects should reflect, where applicable o broadband deployment or telecommunications infrastructure implementation o federally funded infrastructure or grant-funded projects o phased or multi-contractor implementation environments o utility coordination, permitting, or construction sequencing activities o projects involving simultaneous field implementation across multiple active deployment areas

• For each project, include project owner, location, general scope, approximate size, respondent’s role, project status, and reference contact name, title, phone number, and email address

Staffing Approach and Key Personnel

• Identification of key personnel proposed for Broadlinc work, including primary project manager and lead implementation personnel

• One-page (only) resume for each key individual proposed for assignment

• Description of the respondent’s proposed staffing structure and operational approach for supporting Broadlinc’s anticipated implementation ramp-up and active deployment period

• Description of the respondent’s ability to maintain staffing continuity, meeting participation, field availability, and operational responsiveness throughout the BEAD implementation period

• Identification of personnel expected to regularly participate in project meetings, field activities, reporting workflows, and contractor activities

Project Understanding and Implementation Approach

• Description of the respondent’s understanding of Broadlinc’s iterative deployment framework and multi-party implementation structure

• Description of the respondent’s proposed approach to coordinating engineering, permitting, procurement, materials readiness, utility coordination, contractors, and construction implementation activities across overlapping deployment schedules

• Description of the respondent’s approach to issue escalation, deployment visibility, documentation management, and implementation in a federally funded project environment

• Description of the respondent’s approach to integrating with Broadlinc staff, contractors, engineering firms, and project management systems during active deployment

Reporting, Systems, and Operational Coordination Capability

• Description of the respondent’s experience utilizing project management, reporting, coordination, or deployment tracking platforms in active infrastructure deployment environments

• Description of the respondent’s ability to support implementation tracking, reporting workflows, construction visibility, GIS coordination, and documentation management activities

• Description of the respondent’s familiarity with collaborative project coordination systems, including willingness and ability to onboard and actively utilize Broadlinc-designated systems such as Monday.com

• Representative examples of project tracking reports, dashboards, issue logs, status reporting formats, or implementation workflows, if available

Pricing Proposal

• Provide proposed pricing structure for hourly construction management service rates for anticipated staffing classifications or other proposed fee structures applicable to the Scope of Work

• Identify any assumptions associated with the proposed pricing structure, including anticipated staffing availability, travel assumptions, meeting participation expectations, or field presence assumptions

• Identify any optional services, exclusions, or additional cost assumptions not otherwise included in the proposed pricing structure

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

Proposals are to be submitted electronically as a single PDF and organized in the same order as the evaluation criteria identified in this RFP. Submissions should be concise, complete, and formatted to allow efficient review by the evaluation committee.

Proposals are limited to twenty-five (25) pages total, inclusive of resumes, project examples, graphics, pricing information, attachments, and supplemental materials. Broadlinc encourages concise and focused submissions emphasizing relevant project experience, staffing approach, operational readiness, and implementation capability.

Submission Requirements

• Include a cover letter signed by an authorized representative of the firm

• Use a file name format similar to: FirmName_Broadlinc_CM_RFP.pdf

• Include “BEAD BL2026_07 RFP” in the subject line of your response

• Identify any proposed subconsultants and describe their anticipated roles

• Include all pricing information within the proposal submission, including any assumptions, exclusions, or optional services associated with the proposed pricing structure

• Include representative reporting examples, dashboards, workflows, or coordination tools if applicable to the respondent’s proposed approach

Proposals shall be submitted electronically to info@broadlinc.org and must be received no later than the deadline identified in the Selection Schedule. Late submissions will not be considered.

Broadlinc may issue written addenda to modify this RFP at any time prior to the proposal due date.

Only written addenda issued by Broadlinc will modify the requirements of this solicitation.

Respondents are responsible for monitoring Broadlinc procurement postings and acknowledging receipt of any issued addenda within their proposal submission.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be reviewed by Broadlinc using the materials submitted in response to this RFP.

Broadlinc may request clarifications, supplemental information, revised pricing information, or interviews from one or more respondents if additional information is needed to support final evaluation. Interviews, if conducted, may be used to further evaluate project understanding, staffing approach, operational coordination capability, and overall implementation readiness.

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Firm Qualifications and Organizational Experience

Relevant experience providing broadband construction management, deployment coordination, program management, or infrastructure implementation support within public or federally funded environments.

20 Points

Relevant Project and Project Management Experience

Quality and relevance of project examples demonstrating broadband or similar project management deployment, phased implementation, coordination with contractors and utilities, and infrastructure delivery of similar scale or complexity

20 Points

Staffing Approach and Key Personnel

Qualifications, availability, continuity, responsiveness, and operational capacity of proposed personnel to support Broadlinc’s implementation schedule, meeting cadence, and field coordination requirements.

15 Points

Project Understanding and Implementation Approach

Demonstrated understanding of Broadlinc’s iterative deployment framework, operational needs, implementation sequencing, reporting expectations, and multi-party project delivery environment.

15 Points

Reporting, Systems, and Operational Coordination Capability

Experience utilizing project coordination systems, reporting workflows, deployment tracking tools, dashboards, GIS, and operational visibility practices during active infrastructure deployment.

10 Points

Pricing Proposal

Overall reasonableness, clarity, completeness, and alignment of proposed pricing structure with the operational expectations and Scope of Work

20 Points

SELECTION PROCESS

Proposals received in response to this RFP will be reviewed and scored by a Broadlinc evaluation committee using the criteria identified in this document. The evaluation committee will determine respondent rankings based on overall responsiveness to the RFP, demonstrated qualifications, proposed implementation approach, staffing capacity, operational readiness, and proposed pricing.

Broadlinc intends to select a single firm to provide construction management services associated with Broadlinc’s BEAD deployment activities. Fee negotiation will occur only after proposal scoring is complete and the highest-ranked firm is identified.

Selection Schedule

Milestone Date

RFP Issued Monday, June 1

Q&A Session Thursday, June 11 at 1pm PT

Questions Due Tuesday, June 16

Responses to Questions / Addenda Issued Thursday, June 18

Proposals Due Tuesday June 23, 5pm PT

Q&A

Questions may be submitted to info@broadlinc.org, and an optional Q&A Session will be held both in person at Broadlinc offices and virtually. Responses to both written and live questions will be posted in the final Responses to Questions at the RFP listing at Broadlinc.org/procurement.

Virtual Teams Link

Broadlinc Offices:

4420 E 8th Ave Spokane Valley, 99212

Final Selection and Negotiation

Following proposal evaluation, Broadlinc anticipates entering negotiations with the highest-ranked respondent regarding final scope alignment, staffing assumptions, implementation expectations, pricing structure, and contract terms.

Final selection and contract execution remain subject to Broadlinc approval and contracting authority requirements. Broadlinc reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, request additional information, revise the solicitation, or discontinue the procurement process at any stage if determined to be in Broadlinc’s best interest.

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GENERAL CONDITIONS

All costs associated with preparation and submission of a proposal are the responsibility of the respondent. Materials submitted in response to this RFP become the property of Broadlinc upon receipt.

Reservation of Rights

Broadlinc reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, request clarification or additional information, revise or discontinue this RFP, or reissue the solicitation in whole or in part if determined to be in Broadlinc’s best interest.

Broadlinc reserves the right to negotiate scope, staffing assumptions, pricing structure, implementation approach, schedule expectations, and contract terms with the highest-ranked respondent prior to final contract execution.

Broadlinc may issue written addenda to modify this RFP at any time prior to the proposal due date.

Only written addenda issued by Broadlinc will modify the requirements of this solicitation.

Broadlinc reserves the right to adjust project priorities, implementation sequencing, deployment schedules, or operational coordination requirements throughout the BEAD implementation period based on permitting conditions, contractor mobilization, material availability, funding requirements, or other project conditions.

Public Records

Proposals submitted to Broadlinc may be subject to disclosure under applicable public records laws. If a respondent believes any portion of its submission contains information exempt from disclosure, the respondent should clearly identify those portions and provide the basis for the claimed exemption. Broadlinc will evaluate any such request in accordance with applicable law.

Marking the entire proposal as confidential will not be honored.

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Respondents are expected to demonstrate the legal, financial, operational, and professional capacity necessary to perform the work described in this RFP and enter into a professional services agreement with Broadlinc.

Document Retention

Work performed under any resulting agreement may be subject to federal, state, grant, audit, public records, and program oversight requirements.

The selected firm shall maintain project records, documentation, correspondence, reports, supporting materials, and other records associated with services performed under the agreement for the period required by applicable federal, state, grant, and contractual requirements. Where retention requirements differ, the selected firm shall comply with the most stringent applicable requirement.

The selected firm shall make such records available to Broadlinc, funding agencies, auditors, or other authorized entities upon reasonable request and in accordance with applicable law and contractual requirements.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

The selected firm shall maintain commercially reasonable and industry-standard cybersecurity practices designed to protect project information, records, systems, and communications associated with services performed under any resulting agreement.

The selected firm shall implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of project-related information and shall promptly notify Broadlinc of any known cybersecurity incident, unauthorized access, or data breach that could reasonably affect Broadlinc, project records, or project operations.

The selected firm shall comply with applicable federal, state, and contractual requirements relating to information security, data protection, and confidentiality throughout the term of the agreement.

Organizational and Professional Requirements

• The respondent must be authorized to do business in the State of Washington.

• The respondent must maintain all licenses, registrations, certifications, and professional qualifications necessary to perform the services described in this RFP.

• The respondent must identify the primary personnel responsible for management and coordination of services performed under any resulting agreement.

• The respondent must demonstrate the operational capacity necessary to support recurring coordination meetings, field activities, reporting requirements, and ongoing implementation support throughout the anticipated BEAD deployment period.

• The selected firm will be required to maintain insurance coverage and limits acceptable to Broadlinc and consistent with the requirements of any resulting professional services agreement.

Federal and State Eligibility

• The respondent must not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federally funded work.

• The respondent must be prepared to comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements associated with BEAD-funded infrastructure projects.

• The respondent must demonstrate familiarity with documentation, coordination, and operational practices commonly associated with federally funded infrastructure deployment environments.

Funding Framework

Work performed under any resulting agreement will be subject to requirements associated with state and federal broadband funding programs, including applicable provisions connected to Broadlinc’s contract framework with the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and associated BEAD program requirements.

The selected firm may be required to support documentation, reporting, coordination, and operational practices necessary to assist Broadlinc in maintaining compliance with applicable funding requirements, reimbursement frameworks, audit expectations, and program oversight obligations.

RFP DISCLOSURES AND ATTESTATIONS

Authorship

Applicants must identify any assistance provided by agencies or individuals outside the proposer's own organization in preparing the submittal. No contingent fees for such assistance will be allowed to be paid under any contract resulting from this RFP. All submissions become the property of the Project Owner. It is understood and agreed that the prospective Firm claims no proprietary rights to the ideas and written materials contained in or attached to the submission.

Did outside individuals/agencies assist with preparation of this RFP?

☐ YES ☐ NO

If "Yes", please describe:

Conflict of Interest

Disclose any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest associated with work described in this RFP, including relationships with contractors, engineering firms, vendors, or other entities participating in Broadlinc BEAD implementation activities.

☐ N/A

Beneficial Interest Disclosure Statement

In accordance with Chapter 42.23 RCW Firms must disclose any and all personal relatives, or any relatives of the Firm’s employees or sub-contractors, who are presently employed by the Project Owner, or who stand to realize any financial gain, or beneficial interest, if a contract is awarded to the Firm or any sub-contractor of the Firm for the work of this RFP.

The Firm certifies below that no persons, meeting the criteria above, have any beneficial interest in the work of this RFP. (CHECK YES OR NO BELOW).

☐ YES ☐ NO

If NO, list below the name of the person, organization, relationship, and interest. (Add additional pages if necessary).

Attestation

Signature, Administrator, or Applicant Agency Date

Print name and title

EXHIBIT A

Broadlinc BEAD project areas (in orange) and associated preliminary design boundaries.

EXHIBIT B

Broadlinc’s Timeline Estimates for Firm and Deployment Activity

EXHIBIT C

See Responsibility Assignment RACI Matrix on RFP listing at broadlinc.org/procurement.