Redacted proposal-Krasan Response of Broadband Connect IL~1.pdf

IFB#26-420DCEO-BROAD-B-52161

FY27 IFB Connect IL Implementation Tech Assistance

Company Confidential

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Table of Contents Cover Letter

Executive Summary

Vendor Services Information

Mandatory Requirements

Company Background

Relevant Experience

Project 1:

Project 2:

Project 3:

Project 4 - Ongoing

Key Personnel

Key Personnel Resumes

Key Personnel Resume 1: Sandeep Taxali

Key Personnel Resume 2: Lene Schulze

Key Personnel Resume 3: Stephen Morris, P.E

Key Personnel Resume 4: Prasad Bhandaru

Best Practices, Risks and Considerations

Sub-Contracting

Location of Services Performed

Attachments

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Cover Letter July 24, 2026

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO)

Illinois Office of Broadband (IOB)

Reference: IFB submitted to Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Titled – Connect Illinois Technical Assistance

Krasan Consulting Services, Inc. ("Krasan") is pleased to submit this bid in response to the

FY27 Connect Illinois Implementation Technical Assistance Invitation for Bid (IFB #26-

420DCEO-BROAD-B-52161) issued by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO).

Krasan is an experienced IT consulting firm and solution integrator with a proven record of delivering advisory services to state, and local government agencies. Our qualified professionals possess the expertise, technical capabilities, and organizational capacity necessary to successfully perform all services required under this IFB, including financial modeling and analysis, technical review of broadband network designs, operational and managerial assessments, grantee monitoring, compliance support, risk evaluation, permitting advisory services, and technical guidance for broadband deployment initiatives throughout Illinois.

We have carefully reviewed the IFB and confirm that our bid is fully responsive to all solicitation requirements. Krasan has included all required certifications, disclosures, forms, P a g e | 3 and supporting documentation, and accepts the terms and conditions of the solicitation without exception.

This experience positions Krasan to continue delivering timely, reliable, and high-quality technical advisory services that support the successful administration of

Connect Illinois and BEAD-funded broadband deployment projects across Illinois.

This bid shall remain valid for ninety (90) days from the Bid Opening Date in accordance with the requirements of the IFB.

Krasan appreciates the opportunity to continue serving the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Office of Broadband. We look forward to supporting the State's ongoing efforts to expand broadband access through effective technical advisory services, sound financial and operational guidance, and continued program excellence.

Should you require any additional information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Key Point of Contact

Sincerely, P a g e | 4

Executive Summary

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), through the Illinois

Office of Broadband (IOB), is leading one of the nation's most significant broadband expansion initiatives through the Connect Illinois and Broadband Equity, Access, and

Deployment (BEAD) programs. Delivering these initiatives successfully requires a trusted partner with demonstrated expertise in broadband program administration, financial and technical due diligence, operational oversight, risk management, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration.

Unlike firms that require significant transition time to become familiar with the program, Krasan offers immediate operational readiness, established working relationships, and institutional knowledge that enable seamless continuity of services while minimizing transition risk. Our proven experience supporting Connect Illinois positions us to continue delivering high-quality advisory services while helping DCEO expand broadband deployment under the evolving BEAD program.

Krasan's multidisciplinary team brings together specialists in broadband engineering, network architecture, financial analysis, grant management, program administration, compliance, policy, and implementation oversight. Our professionals have extensive experience evaluating broadband deployment proposals, reviewing financial and technical documentation, conducting risk assessments, supporting grantee monitoring, validating project milestones, and advising state broadband offices on complex federally and state-funded broadband initiatives.

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Under this engagement, Krasan will provide comprehensive technical advisory services that include:

Conducting financial analysis of business plans, budgets, funding structures, and pro forma models to evaluate project feasibility and long-term sustainability.

Reviewing broadband network designs, engineering documentation, deployment strategies, and technologies to assess technical feasibility and alignment with program objectives.

Evaluating operational readiness, implementation plans, organizational capabilities, and project risks to support successful broadband deployment.

Supporting grantee monitoring, compliance activities, milestone validation, and technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

Assessing broadband provider qualifications, deployment experience, and organizational capacity.

Advising on permitting requirements, infrastructure dependencies, pole attachments, railroad crossings, and other deployment-related considerations.

Delivering practical recommendations, best practices, and risk mitigation strategies that promote responsible stewardship of public funding and successful project outcomes.

Krasan's approach is built on practical experience gained through direct delivery of Connect

Illinois technical assistance services and extensive experience supporting government technology and infrastructure programs nationwide. Our structured methodology integrates financial due diligence, technical evaluation, operational assessment, compliance oversight, and collaborative stakeholder engagement to provide consistent, transparent, and defensible recommendations that support informed program decisions.

By combining incumbent experience, institutional knowledge, and a highly qualified multidisciplinary team, Krasan is uniquely positioned to help DCEO and the Illinois Office of

Broadband continue advancing Connect Illinois and BEAD initiatives. We are prepared to deliver immediate value, maintain program continuity, and support the successful deployment of reliable, equitable, and sustainable broadband infrastructure that benefits communities throughout Illinois.

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Vendor shall submit invoices to the Department at a frequency agreed upon by the Department, but no less than a quarterly basis throughout the term of this Contract.

Yes

Vendor must ensure invoices for services delivered prior to July 1 of any year will be presented to the Department no later than July 31 of that year; otherwise, the Vendor may have to seek payment through the Illinois Court of Claims.

Yes

Vendor must ensure billings shall conform to State fiscal year requirements, including prorating, if necessary, notwithstanding any contrary provision herein. By submitting its invoices, the Vendor represents that the services have met all written requirements of the

Agreement.

Yes

Vendor must submit invoices labeled to reference the agreed upon workplan.

Yes

Vendor must submit Invoices as a PDF to

CEO.AccountsPayable@Illinois.gov and include:

Reference to an appropriate 10-digit contract number or DCEO issued purchase order number.

Invoice date, invoiced amount due, [vendor’s] invoice number, remittance address, period of service, and an itemized list of products or services rendered within the invoice period

An itemized list of products or services rendered within the invoice period which must include:

Detailed accounting of hours worked along with a description of the services provided, and how such services relate to the completion of specific milestones and/or deliverables under this Contract.

Supporting documentation to support payment of amounts within the invoice including but not limited to: hourly billed rate in accordance with the Contract, copies of receipts, time report logs, and other materials upon request from Agency.

Yes

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A.1. Year of establishment and number of years in operation.

A.2. Description of the company’s history, mission, and areas of specialization.

Relevant Experience

B.1. A list of at least two (2) projects or contracts completed within the past FIVE (5) years that are similar in size and scope to the requirements of this solicitation. , i.e., providing technical broadband deployment advisory services to the Connect Illinois program.

B.2. For each project, include:

i. Client name

ii. Project description

iii. Duration of engagement

iv. Services provided

v. Contact information for client reference

Key Personnel

Resumes or bios of key staff who will be assigned to this contract, including their years of experience and relevant qualifications.

The format in which this information is presented shall be at the discretion of the vendor.

Vendors must submit, as a part of their bid a summary of best practices, risks, and considerations related to technical advisory and support services for Connect Illinois broadband deployment projects. Submission must demonstrate the vendor's knowledge in the following areas:

Agree

Page number 51 –

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Illinois broadband and internet service provider landscape.

Technical, financial, managerial, and operational best practices and considerations for broadband deployment using wired and wireless technologies in Illinois.

Connect Illinois program best practices and risk mitigation.

The format of this submission shall be at the vendor’s discretion; however, the total length shall not exceed two

(2) pages.

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Mandatory Requirements A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following:

Krasan significantly exceeds the IFB's minimum requirement of two (2) years of experience providing technical expertise and advisory services for broadband deployment initiatives in

Illinois.

A. Providing technical expertise and advisory services in broadband deployment in

Illinois, including

Response:

Krasan's responsibilities have included evaluating broadband deployment proposals, advising DCEO on financial, technical, operational, and managerial considerations, supporting funding recommendations, participating in applicant discussions, monitoring grantee performance, and providing subject matter expertise related to broadband deployment best practices, permitting considerations, infrastructure challenges, and implementation risks. This continuous engagement has provided Krasan with comprehensive knowledge of Illinois' broadband provider landscape, program objectives, review methodologies, and deployment practices.

A.1. conducting financial modeling and analysis, P a g e | 14

Reviewing business plans, project budgets, pro forma financial statements, capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) assumptions, financing structures, subscriber growth projections, and revenue forecasts to evaluate overall project feasibility and long-term sustainability.

Validating financial assumptions, including construction costs, equipment pricing, labor estimates, subscriber adoption rates, revenue projections, matching fund commitments, and other key cost drivers against industry benchmarks and Illinois-specific broadband market conditions.

Performing cost-per-location, cost-per-passing, and cost-efficiency analyses across broadband deployment projects utilizing fiber and wireless technologies in diverse geographic and demographic environments throughout Illinois.

Evaluating funding structures, project cash flows, deployment methodologies, technology selections, organizational capacity, and implementation strategies to assess the reasonableness of proposed investments and identify potential financial and operational risks.

Conducting sensitivity and scenario analyses to evaluate project resilience under varying assumptions related to construction costs, funding availability, subscriber adoption, implementation schedules, and long-term operational performance.

Identifying funding gaps, unrealistic financial assumptions, cost overruns, implementation risks, and sustainability concerns that could affect successful project delivery and long-term program outcomes.

Preparing detailed financial analyses, risk assessments, and recommendations that supported application evaluations, merit review activities, funding determinations, grant negotiations, and ongoing oversight of awarded projects.

Through these activities, P a g e | 15

A.2. evaluating business plans of broadband deployments, and

Krasan brings more than five years of experience evaluating business plans for broadband deployment initiatives in Illinois.

These evaluations have supported application reviews, funding recommendations, negotiations, and program implementation by assessing whether proposed broadband deployment projects were technically feasible, financially viable, operationally achievable, compliant with program requirements, and sustainable over the long term.

Krasan's business plan evaluations have included:

Evaluating market assumptions, including the consistency of proposed service areas with the number of unserved and underserved locations, projected subscriber adoption rates, pricing strategies, and revenue forecasts to assess long-term financial sustainability.

Reviewing deployment strategies, network expansion plans, technology selections, engineering approaches, service area coverage, and infrastructure scalability to determine technical feasibility and alignment with Connect Illinois and BEAD program objectives.

Assessing recurring operating costs, capital investment plans, network equipment replacement assumptions, and other financial components to ensure consistency with industry benchmarks and long-term operational sustainability.

Reviewing implementation schedules, construction sequencing, staffing plans, contractor utilization, resource allocation, and project governance to evaluate implementation readiness and organizational capacity.

Evaluating applicants' go-to-market strategies, including broadband service offerings, pricing models, customer outreach and adoption strategies, customer support capabilities, billing operations, and ongoing subscriber management to assess the long-term viability of proposed broadband services.

Assessing the consistency and alignment between business plans, financial models, engineering documentation, deployment schedules, organizational capabilities, and operational strategies to identify potential gaps, inconsistencies, or implementation risks.

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Identifying technical, financial, operational, regulatory, and implementation risks requiring clarification or refinement before funding recommendations and negotiations.

Preparing structured evaluation findings and recommendations that supported application reviews, merit review activities, funding determinations, negotiations, and ongoing program oversight.

Through these evaluations, A.3.evaluating the qualifications of entities looking to deploy broadband service in

Krasan brings more than five years of experience evaluating the qualifications of broadband service providers and other applicant organizations seeking State funding for broadband deployment projects in Illinois.

Krasan's qualification assessments have included:

Evaluating organizational structure, governance models, management approaches, and partnership strategies to determine organizational readiness and long-term operational capability.

Assessing partnership programs and implementation strategies for addressing workforce recruitment, local permitting requirements, rights-of-way, private

P a g e | 17 easements, tower placement, environmental reviews, make-ready work, pole attachment coordination, and other deployment-related challenges.

Evaluating applicants' financial capacity by reviewing audited financial statements, access to capital, funding commitments, and agreements with equity investors, lenders, and other financing partners to determine financial stability and long-term sustainability.

Reviewing prior broadband deployment experience, including network planning and design, permitting, procurement, infrastructure construction, testing, and operational readiness.

Assessing technical, managerial, and operational capabilities through the evaluation of prior project performance, experience delivering similar broadband deployments, key personnel qualifications, available resources, strategic partnerships, and organizational capacity.

Reviewing prior performance under State and federal grant programs to evaluate successful project delivery, regulatory compliance, grant administration, and overall performance history.

Evaluating implementation readiness by assessing project management capabilities, staffing resources, deployment strategies, subcontractor utilization, and the applicant's ability to successfully execute projects of the proposed scope and complexity.

Identifying project-specific risks associated with organizational experience, financial capacity, geographic challenges, technology selection, implementation complexity, and significant increases in deployment scale relative to an applicant's previous experience, enabling DCEO to incorporate appropriate risk mitigation and oversight strategies.

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B. Conducting or facilitating application review for the Connect Illinois Program, including

This experience enables Krasan to provide consistent, evidence-based technical advisory services that promote responsible stewardship of State and federal broadband funding while advancing Illinois' broadband deployment objectives.

B.1. budget and pro forma due diligence, P a g e | 19

Krasan's responsibilities included:

Reviewing project budgets to evaluate completeness, reasonableness, and consistency with the proposed project scope, including engineering and design costs, equipment procurement, labor, materials, construction, contingency allowances, and other project cost components.

Examining budget line items for cost efficiencies and identifying costs that appeared inconsistent with industry benchmarks, including deployment costs, cost-per-mile, and the distribution of major cost categories.

Reviewing pro forma income statements by evaluating revenue assumptions, addressable market analyses, subscriber adoption rates, average revenue per user

(ARPU), operating expenses, and alignment with industry benchmarks.

Evaluating pro forma cash flow statements to verify consistency with projected revenues and expenses, assess capital expenditure schedules, and determine long-term project sustainability based on projected cash flows and funding availability.

Reviewing pro forma balance sheets to evaluate financial strength, working capital, liquidity, leverage, cash reserves, and consistency with supporting financial statements.

Identifying funding gaps, unrealistic financial assumptions, cost variances, and financial risks requiring clarification during application review and negotiations.

Preparing financial findings and recommendations that supported funding determinations, grant negotiations, and ongoing project oversight.

B.2. technical review of network designs, and

Reviewing engineering designs, network architecture, and supporting technical documentation for completeness, accuracy, and the ability to provide required broadband speeds, latency, reliability, and service availability to all proposed locations.

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Evaluating proposed deployment methodologies, technology selections, and network architecture across fiber, fixed wireless, and other broadband technologies.

Assessing constructability, scalability, operational readiness, redundancy, resiliency, and long-term network sustainability.

Reviewing implementation considerations, including permitting requirements, pole attachments, railroad crossings, environmental reviews, utility coordination, make-ready activities, and construction sequencing.

Identifying technical risks, implementation constraints, and engineering issues requiring clarification or mitigation before project implementation.

Preparing technical findings and recommendations that supported application evaluations, funding recommendations, negotiations, and implementation planning.

These reviews strengthened project readiness by ensuring proposed broadband deployments were technically sound, constructible, operationally sustainable, and aligned with the objectives of the Connect Illinois and BEAD programs.

B.3. negotiations based on industry and Illinois broadband knowledge.

Identifying project costs and budget items that appeared inconsistent with project requirements or industry benchmarks.

Evaluating proposed matching contributions based on project financial viability, capital requirements, and long-term sustainability.

Reviewing revised financial, technical, engineering, and operational information submitted during negotiations.

Evaluating the impact of proposed changes to project scope, budgets, schedules, network designs, and implementation strategies.

Assessing implementation schedules, project milestones, deployment readiness, and overall project feasibility.

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Identifying outstanding financial, technical, operational, and implementation risks and recommending appropriate mitigation measures.

Supporting Benefit of the Bargain negotiations and subsequent implementation planning activities by providing documented findings and technical recommendations.

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Company Background A. Company Background

A.1. Year of establishment and number of years in operation.

Response:

Krasan has extensive experience supporting state, and local government agencies through the delivery of strategic advisory, technology implementation, and professional consulting services.

A.2. Description of the company’s history, mission, and areas of specialization.

History:

Mission: Krasan's mission is to empower organizations through exceptional consulting, technology, and professional services that improve operational performance, accelerate digital transformation, and deliver measurable business outcomes. We are committed to serving as a trusted partner by providing innovative, client-focused solutions founded on integrity, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Areas of specialization include:

IT and Management Consulting Services

Broadband Program Advisory and Technical Assistance

Business and Technology Operations

Application Development, Systems Integration, and Modernization

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AI professional Services

Cloud, Data, Analytics, and Digital Transformation

Project and Program Management Services

IT Strategy and Enterprise Architecture

Professional IT Project resource support Services and Workforce Solutions

Website Design Services

Krasan has extensive experience supporting complex public sector initiatives requiring multidisciplinary technical, financial, operational, and program management expertise.

Our experience spans advisory services, financial and technical due diligence, program design, application and merit review, grant administration support, risk assessment, compliance monitoring, and implementation oversight, enabling government agencies to successfully deliver large-scale technology and infrastructure initiatives.

Relevant Experience

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Through these engagements, Krasan has provided comprehensive financial, technical, operational, and managerial advisory services supporting statewide broadband deployment initiatives.

As a result, Krasan is uniquely positioned to continue providing immediate, high-quality technical advisory services that support informed decision-making, effective program administration, and the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure throughout

A list of at least two (2) projects or contracts completed within the past FIVE (5) years that are similar in size and scope to the requirements of this solicitation., i.e., providing technical broadband deployment advisory services to the Connect Illinois program.

For each project, include:

i. Client name

ii. Project description

iii. Duration of engagement

iv. Services provided

v. Contact information for client reference

These engagements are similar in size, scope, and complexity to the requirements of this solicitation and demonstrate Krasan's experience supporting the planning, application review, financial and technical due diligence, negotiations, implementation, monitoring, and ongoing technical advisory services for

Illinois' statewide broadband deployment initiatives.

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Contact Information for

Client Reference

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The resumes proposed for this engagement are found on the following pages;

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Key Personnel Resumes

Key Personnel Resume 1:

– Professional Summary –

, policy strategist, and telecommunications advisor with nearly 17 years of experience supporting broadband funding programs, public-private partnerships, infrastructure investments, and telecommunications policy initiatives.

He has played leadership roles in the design, implementation, review, and administration of major broadband programs, including Illinois' Connect Illinois and BEAD programs, New

Mexico broadband funding programs, NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

(BTOP), and broadband initiatives supported by UNICEF, OneWeb, and other public-sector organizations. His expertise includes broadband program design, application review, financial and technical due diligence, grant negotiations, business case analysis, provider evaluations, strategic planning, and broadband deployment oversight. Throughout his career, he has supported billions of dollars in broadband investments and contributed to the award and management of hundreds of broadband infrastructure projects.

– Professional Experience –

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO) – Chicago, IL, Broadband Technology/Business Specialist and Program Advisor | May 2020 –

Present

• Supports the Illinois Office of Broadband in the implementation of the Connect Illinois

Program and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, helping guide broadband infrastructure investments across Illinois.

• Contributed to the development of program policies, eligibility requirements, application materials, scoring methodologies, financial templates, and review processes used to administer broadband funding programs.

• Led the review and evaluation of broadband grant applications by assessing technical feasibility, organizational qualifications, financial sustainability, network scalability, and compliance with program requirements.

• Conducted detailed analyses of business plans, revenue forecasts, capital and operating expenditure assumptions, project risks, and long-term sustainability to support funding recommendations and award decisions.

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• Supported negotiations with provisional awardees to improve project economics, increase matching fund commitments, reduce cost inefficiencies, and maximize the impact of public funding.

• Advised broadband providers, community stakeholders, and public-sector organizations regarding deployment strategies, business models, public-private partnerships, and broadband funding opportunities.

NEW MEXICO OFFICE OF BROADBAND ACCESS AND EXPANSION – Santa Fe, NM

Program Director / Advisor | February 2022 – Present

• Designed and implemented broadband funding programs involving more than $620 million in public funding and over $200 million in private investment.

• Authored Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), scoring rubrics, program guidance, application materials, compliance requirements, and evaluation criteria.

• Led application review, scoring, curing, negotiation, and award recommendation activities for broadband infrastructure projects throughout the state.

• Negotiated budget adjustments and matching fund contributions that improved program efficiency while maintaining financially sustainable deployment projects.

• Supported strategic planning initiatives, including development of statewide broadband plans, middle-mile strategies, performance targets, and implementation frameworks.

• Facilitated engagement with broadband providers, community organizations, local governments, and state stakeholders to support broadband expansion initiatives.

STRATEGIC & POLICY ADVISOR – GOVERNMENT FUNDING PROGRAMS

Independent Advisor | 2021 – 2022

• Advised broadband providers, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and technology organizations on federal and state broadband funding opportunities, grant strategies, and public-private partnerships.

• Supported broadband expansion initiatives involving fiber-to-the-home deployments, ARPA-funded broadband programs, and sustainable rural broadband business models.

• Assisted clients in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive applications, and aligning broadband deployment strategies with program requirements.

ONEWEB – McLean, VA

Director, Public-Private Partnerships | December 2017 – March 2020

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• Led partnership and broadband development initiatives focused on expanding broadband access through collaboration with governments, telecommunications providers, NGOs, and international development organizations.

• Developed broadband deployment and subsidy strategies supporting rural connectivity initiatives in multiple countries.

• Represented OneWeb in engagements with organizations including the World Bank, ITU, UNICEF, and GSMA to advance broadband adoption and infrastructure investment programs.

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION (NTIA)

Senior Policy Advisor / Broadband Program Specialist | May 2009 – November 2017

• Played a leadership role in the $3.6 billion Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

(BTOP), one of the largest broadband funding initiatives in the United States.

• Led the review and recommendation process for broadband infrastructure proposals representing more than $2 billion in funding requests and managed a portfolio exceeding

$600 million in broadband investments.

• Developed grant evaluation frameworks, application templates, financial due diligence methodologies, and program guidance used to support funding decisions.

• Conducted performance monitoring, compliance reviews, and site visits to assess project implementation, sustainability, and achievement of program objectives.

• Co-authored broadband public-private partnership best practices and served as Lead Co-

Chair for development of the National Broadband Research Agenda.

INCODE TELECOM GROUP (ERICSSON)

Senior Manager & Practice Lead, Strategic Advisory Services Group | June 2004 – May

• Led strategic consulting engagements for major telecommunications and wireless operators involving broadband strategy, market analysis, business case development, and investment planning.

• Developed financial models, scenario analyses, and implementation strategies supporting broadband and telecommunications investments ranging from $10 million to $2 billion.

• Provided executive-level recommendations concerning growth strategies, regulatory considerations, operational improvements, and emerging technology opportunities.

BALLENGER GROUP

Manager – Strategic Planning | October 2002 – May 2004

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• Led strategic planning, operational improvement, pricing, government affairs, and communications initiatives supporting organizational growth and effectiveness.

• Directed process improvement and technology adoption initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and customer retention.

THE PARTHENON GROUP

Strategy Consultant | 2000 – 2002

• Developed market assessments, growth strategies, competitive analyses, and investment evaluations for clients across multiple industries.

• Supported executive decision-making through business case development, acquisition analysis, and strategic planning engagements.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Senior Telecommunications Policy Advisor/Analyst | August 1996 – September 1999

• Developed telecommunications and satellite policy initiatives affecting broadband, wireless, and communications markets.

• Drafted policy analyses, regulatory documents, executive briefings, and speeches supporting FCC leadership and industry stakeholder engagement.

GRANT THORNTON & OTHER CPA WORK

CPA | September 1992 – April 1994

• Performed financial audits and accounting reviews for publicly traded companies, building a strong foundation in financial analysis and risk assessment.

• Supported tax planning and financial advisory engagements for commercial clients across multiple industries.

– Education & Qualifications –

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

College

Concentrations: Strategy, Marketing, Decision Science

• Master’s in public policy (MPP), Harvard Kennedy School

Concentrations: Business-Government Relations, Media & Telecom Policy

• Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, University of Illinois (Honors Graduate)

– Certifications –

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• Certified Public Accountant (CPA Exam Passed)

– Technical Skills –

Broadband Programs & Grant BEAD, Connect Illinois, BTOP, ARPA

Programs, NTIA Funding Programs, Grant

Design, NOFO Development

Broadband Strategy Broadband Deployment Strategy, Market

Assessment, Broadband Adoption, Sustainability Planning

Financial & Business Analysis Financial Modeling, ROI Analysis, Revenue

Forecasting, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Business

Cases

Program Management Program Design, Program Implementation, Strategic Planning, Performance

Measurement

Telecommunications Technologies Fiber Broadband, Fixed Wireless, Middle-

Mile Networks, Last-Mile Networks, Satellite Broadband

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Key Personnel Resume 2:

with 20 years of experience in digital infrastructure, technology advisory, public-private partnerships, and broadband strategy, including more than 10 years of direct experience supporting broadband program design, financial due diligence, business plan evaluation, provider qualification reviews, grant negotiations, and broadband deployment initiatives. Since 2023, she has provided technical and financial advisory support to the Illinois Office of Broadband

(IOB) for Connect Illinois and the BEAD Program, supporting applicant evaluations, business plan and pro forma reviews, provider assessments, budget negotiations, and post-award implementation activities. In addition to her Illinois broadband program experience, Lene advises state broadband offices, ISPs, technology companies, and infrastructure providers on broadband deployment strategy, infrastructure finance, emerging broadband technologies, and public-sector partnerships. Her expertise spans fiber, fixed wireless, LEO satellite, and free-space optical technologies, combined with extensive experience supporting broadband deployment, commercialization, and connectivity initiatives across the United States.

• Provides technical and financial advisory support to the Illinois Office of Broadband (IOB).

• Supports Connect Illinois and BEAD program implementation activities.

• Conducts applicant pre-qualification assessments and provider evaluations.

• Reviews business plans, pro-form financials, budgets, and funding structures.

• Performs financial due diligence and provider qualification assessments.

• Supports negotiations regarding project budgets, matching fund commitments, and grant structures.

• Advises on Benefit of the Bargain activities and post-award implementation.

• Supports development of performance measurement frameworks, FASA approaches, and implementation risk assessments.

Founder & Principal – Nord Strategies|2022–Present

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(Broadband Strategy, Infrastructure Finance & Program Design Advisory)

• Advises state broadband offices, ISPs, infrastructure providers, and technology companies.

• Provides guidance on broadband strategy, program administration, infrastructure finance, and grant implementation.

• Supports broadband funding program design, business case development, technology commercialization, and public-private partnerships.

• Maintains long-term advisory relationships with state broadband offices and broadband stakeholders.

Impact Strategy & Foundation Advisor – Mawingu Foundation

(East Africa Rural Connectivity)|2024–Present

• Advises Mawingu Foundation on impact strategy, foundation development, fundraising, and partnerships.

• Supports efforts to expand the social and economic benefits of rural connectivity initiatives.

• Provides strategic guidance focused on broadband adoption and community impact.

Strategic Advisor – Taara (Alphabet X)

(U.S. Market Development & State Broadband Engagement) |2024–2026

• Supported U.S. market development for Free-Space Optical (FSO) broadband technology.

• Assisted in positioning FSO as a BEAD-eligible broadband solution.

• Advised on NTIA guidance, state broadband office engagement, and public-sector outreach.

• Supported ISPs integrating alternative broadband technologies into BEAD applications.

• Provided strategic recommendations regarding adoption of emerging broadband technologies.

Advisor|2016–2017

& Head of Global Partnerships & Business Development|2017–2023

(Bluetown)

(Venture-Backed Rural Connectivity Provider)

• Structured strategic partnerships with Microsoft Airband, USAID, and other public and private sector stakeholders.

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• Supported funding, design, and deployment of community broadband projects across

Africa and Asia.

• Led business development and global partnership initiatives.

• Supported broadband deployment strategies targeting underserved communities.

• Advised on funding mechanisms, partnership models, and implementation strategies for rural connectivity projects.

Head of Deloitte Nordic Labs – Monitor Deloitte

(Silicon Valley Technology Innovation Hub)|2016–2017

• Led Silicon Valley innovation programs supporting Nordic corporate and public-sector clients.

• Advised organizations on emerging technologies, innovation strategies, and technology commercialization.

• Facilitated engagement between technology companies, startups, investors, and public-sector organizations.

Managing Director – 42 Associates

(Silicon Valley Innovation Programs and Technology Scouting) |2015–2016

• Led innovation and technology scouting programs for European corporate clients.

• Supported technology commercialization and strategic innovation initiatives.

• Managed client engagements focused on emerging technologies and market opportunities.

Deputy Director & Co-Founder, SCALEit – Innovation Centre Denmark

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs|2006–2015

(Silicon Valley Technology Accelerator Program)

• Co-founded one of the first government-backed Silicon Valley accelerator programs.

• Connected Nordic technology companies with U.S. corporate customers, investors, and strategic partners.

• Established and expanded the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ presence within the Silicon

Valley technology ecosystem.

• Supported innovation, technology commercialization, and international business development initiatives.

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• Master of Science (M.Sc.), Engineering – International Technology Management

Aalborg University, Denmark

• International Business Diploma (with Distinction) – University of California, Berkeley

Broadband Programs & Funding BEAD Program, Connect Illinois, Broadband

Grant Program Design, Subgrantee

Selection

Financial & Business Analysis Financial Modeling, Pro Forma Analysis, Business Plan Evaluation, Infrastructure

Finance

Broadband Strategy Broadband Deployment Strategy, Program

Administration, Broadband Advisory

Services

Grant Administration Budget Review, Match Structuring, Benefit of the Bargain, Award Negotiations

FASA Expertise Fixed Amount Subaward (FASA) Advisory and Development

Emerging Broadband Technologies Free-Space Optics (FSO), LEO Satellite, Fixed Wireless, Fiber Broadband

Spectrum & RF Spectrum Utilization (CBRS, 39 GHz), RF

Design, Wireless Optimization

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Key Personnel Resume 3:

with more than 25 years of experience supporting broadband deployment, engineering evaluations, wireless and fiber network planning, grant application reviews, infrastructure strategy, and telecommunications operations. He has advised state broadband offices, broadband providers, municipalities, utilities, and public-sector organizations on broadband deployment feasibility, technical due diligence, provider qualification assessments, engineering reviews, network design, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure investments. His expertise spans fiber, fixed wireless, wireless broadband, spectrum strategy, grant application evaluation, and broadband deployment planning, enabling informed funding, deployment, and operational decisions for large-scale broadband infrastructure initiatives.

BROADBAND BEYOND, LLC – Rock Hill, SC

Principal | October 2016 – Present

• Provides strategic advisory, engineering, and technical due diligence services supporting broadband, wireless, municipal, utility, and public-sector infrastructure projects.

• Serves as a State Broadband Office Advisor, conducting technical and financial reviews of

BEAD applications for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) deployments, including evaluation of financial plans, funding commitments, take-rate assumptions, operational readiness, and technical feasibility.

• Reviews broadband business plans, engineering designs, deployment strategies, coverage models, spectrum utilization assumptions, and broadband performance requirements to identify risks and improve project viability.

• Provides Professional Engineering (P.E.) reviews and technical assessments for broadband grant applications involving fiber, HFC, licensed and unlicensed fixed wireless technologies.

• Led the planning and launch of a $50 million Fiber-to-the-Home expansion into underserved communities, establishing project governance processes, stakeholder coordination mechanisms, vendor strategies, and implementation tracking frameworks.

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• Conducts broadband feasibility studies, business case development, infrastructure assessments, and deployment evaluations supporting broadband investment and funding decisions.

• Supports contract negotiations, operational readiness reviews, regulatory compliance assessments, and deployment planning efforts for broadband and telecommunications organizations.

RIVERSTREET NETWORKS – Wilkesboro, NC

Director of Wireless Operations | April 2021 – May 2023

• Managed seven Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), serving more than 6,000 customers across 47 counties and five states through a network of more than 450 transmission sites.

• Directed broadband operations, infrastructure deployment activities, regulatory compliance initiatives, and network optimization efforts to improve service performance and operational efficiency.

• Ensured compliance with FCC, FAA, OSHA, NESC, and broadband reporting requirements, including documentation and coverage modeling supporting FCC Broadband Data Collection initiatives.

• Successfully delivered county grant commitments and broadband deployment obligations, improving stakeholder confidence and meeting program performance requirements.

• Led infrastructure optimization and network re-architecture initiatives that significantly improved service reliability and increased broadband performance.

• Negotiated critical site access agreements, infrastructure leases, and equipment placement arrangements that preserved service continuity and supported long-term broadband operations.

VANTAGE POINT SOLUTIONS – Mitchell, SD

Senior Technology Leader | January 2020 – March 2021

• Led broadband engineering, fiber network planning, wireless technology assessments, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance initiatives for telecommunications clients.

• Directed the design of a statewide fiber network valued at approximately $200 million, supporting connectivity across electric cooperative infrastructure and operational facilities.

• Performed wireless feasibility analyses and broadband performance assessments to determine compliance with federal and state funding program requirements.

• Conducted cost analyses, infrastructure evaluations, coverage studies, and technology assessments supporting broadband investment decisions.

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• Authored industry research regarding broadband deployment technologies and contributed to broadband and 5G expansion studies.

• Led FCC Auction 105 (CBRS) spectrum strategy activities, securing 25 licenses through research, bidding analysis, and regulatory filings.

COMPORIUM, INC.

Director, Wireless Planning & Development | 2000 – 2016

• Led broadband and wireless infrastructure growth initiatives, network deployments, contract negotiations, and operational improvement programs across multiple technology generations.

• Managed a $100 million joint venture involving network assets, spectrum holdings, and customer base transitions while supporting long-term business growth objectives.

• Directed the deployment of more than 100 wireless sites supporting 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies and expanded network coverage and service availability across the region.

• Negotiated and managed more than 1,000 telecommunications, infrastructure, tower, and service agreements supporting network expansion and operational continuity.

• Increased annual revenues by approximately $40 million and expanded the wireless subscriber base from approximately 6,300 to more than 26,000 customers.

• Established strategic partnerships with major wireless carriers, public safety organizations, and infrastructure stakeholders to support broadband and wireless deployment objectives.

• Master of Electrical Engineering, Clemson University

• Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Clemson University

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) Licenses: Arizona (AZ), Idaho (ID), Georgia (GA), North

Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Utah (UT), Virginia (VA)

– Certifications –

• CompTIA Network+ Certification

Broadband Technologies Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), Fixed Wireless

Access (FWA), HFC, Microwave Networks, Broadband Infrastructure

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Broadband Programs & Grants BEAD Program Reviews, Grant Application

Evaluation, Grant Development, Broadband Feasibility Assessments

Network Engineering Network Design, Infrastructure Planning, Coverage Modeling, Capacity Analysis, Deployment Planning

Wireless Technologies Cellular Networks, Small Cells, Microwave, CBRS, Spectrum-Based Solutions

Leadership & Operations P&L Management, Organizational

Assessment, Program Management, Multi-

State Operations Leadership

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Key Personnel Resume 4:

with more than 16 years of experience leading the planning, evaluation, engineering review, deployment, and optimization of broadband infrastructure projects. His expertise spans fiber and satellite broadband, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), CBRS, mmWave, LTE, and 5G technologies, supporting broadband providers, wireless operators, equipment manufacturers, and public-sector broadband programs. As a BEAD Merit Reviewer supporting the Illinois Office of Broadband (IOB), Prasad has conducted technical assessments of Connect Illinois and BEAD-funded broadband proposals, evaluating network architecture, engineering documentation, provider qualifications, deployment strategies, technical risks, financial sustainability, and long-term operational viability. He is recognized for his expertise in fiber broadband, advanced wireless technologies, broadband performance analytics, FCC reporting, radio access architecture, spectrum utilization, and technical due diligence, helping organizations make informed broadband deployment decisions while mitigating implementation risks and improving infrastructure performance.

Broadband Technology Consultant / Broadband Technology & Network Architecture

SME|2024–Present

• Provide technical advisory services supporting broadband deployment programs.

• Evaluate fiber and FWA network architecture, engineering documentation, deployment strategies, provider qualifications, and technical feasibility.

• Lead FCC broadband performance reporting using Broadband Forum TR-143 and

Ookla methodologies.

• Serve as technical SME for Tarana CBRS FWA and CBNG 39 GHz mmWave broadband solutions.

• Develop broadband performance analytics and executive technical recommendations.

BEAD Merit Reviewer – Illinois Office of Broadband (Consulting)|2024–2025

• Conduct technical merit reviews for BEAD and Connect Illinois broadband proposals.

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• Review engineering drawings, budgets, deployment schedules, technical risks, and financial sustainability.

• Assess broadband technologies supporting rural connectivity and digital inclusion.

5G Network Performance & Broadband Engineering Lead|2021–2024

• Led nationwide 5G and broadband performance initiatives for a major cellular service provider.

• Directed KPI strategy, capacity planning, customer experience improvements, and technical investigations.

Broadband Network Architecture & Fixed Wireless Solutions|2014–2021

• Supported fiber, CBRS, mmWave, DAS, and private LTE/5G deployments.

• Led technical solution development and engineering reviews for carrier and enterprise broadband projects.

Senior RF & Broadband Network Engineer|2004–2014

• Designed, deployed, optimized, and validated wireless broadband networks for major cellular service providers.

• MBA, Business Strategy & Technology Management – University of Maryland

• MS, Electrical Engineering – University of Texas at Arlington

Broadband Technologies Fiber Broadband, Satellite Broadband, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Wireless & Cellular Technologies LTE, 4G, 5G, CBRS, mmWave

Network Architecture Broadband Network Design, Radio Access

Architecture, Capacity Planning

Broadband Evaluation & Advisory Technical Due Diligence, Engineering

Reviews, Deployment Strategy,…