Countywide Broadband Investment Strategy Consultant

Washington County, Oregon is seeking a consultant team to develop a comprehensive Broadband Investment Strategy through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The primary objective is to create a shared vision and collaborative plan for future broadband infrastructure investments that ensure fast, reliable, and affordable internet access for all county residents and businesses. The consultant will be required to conduct a multijurisdictional assessment of broadband infrastructure, focusing on access, affordability, and equity, with a particular emphasis on rural areas that comprise over 80% of the county. Key deliverables include a detailed broadband assessment, targeted community outreach, and a final strategic investment report that identifies high-impact investment opportunities and potential funding sources from state and federal programs. The RFP requires proposers to submit a comprehensive proposal of no more than 25 pages, with evaluation criteria weighted as follows: project approach and work plan (40%), staff qualifications (25%), similar project experience (25%), and proposed cost (10%). A pre-proposal conference was scheduled for January 18, 2022, with proposals due by 3:00 pm on February 3, 2022. The contract term will be effective through December 31, 2023, with options to renew for two additional one-year periods, potentially extending the maximum contract term to five years.

The county is committed to promoting economic growth and maximizing participation of diverse consultants, partners, contractors, and suppliers throughout the project. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP emphasizes an equity-centered approach, particularly focusing on racial equity across broadband infrastructure, access, and affordability. Proposers will need to demonstrate expertise in areas such as facilitation, access and affordability analysis, demographic research, infrastructure assessment, and strategic investment planning. The project has a defined budget of $150,000, and the county may work with one or multiple contractors based on their specific expertise. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), and Professional Liability ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), with additional provisions for naming Washington County as an additional insured and maintaining specific coverage standards. The strategy is particularly motivated by broadband access inequities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a goal of creating a framework for cross-jurisdictional partnerships to improve internet connectivity across the county.