Lease of County’s 195’ Monopole for Wireless Communication Facilities

Mathews County, Virginia, is seeking sealed proposals for the lease of two 195-foot monopole communication towers located at 94 Cricket Hill Road in Hudgins and 4396 East River Road in Bohannon. The Request for Proposals (RFP) 23976 aims to secure a lease for the construction and operation of new wireless telecommunications facilities on these county-owned towers. Qualified proposers must be an FCC licensed carrier or have an agreement with one, and will be evaluated based on criteria including financial strength, aesthetic design, technical expertise, and experience with similar projects. The initial lease term is set for 20 years, with potential for extensions, and proposals are due by September 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM local time. The County will provide the main power service feed, with successful proposers responsible for meter, service feeds, and backup power, and required to pay a one-time $5,000 fee for main service feed installation.

While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the RFP indicates that the County will award the lease to the most advantageous proposal, considering both price and qualitative factors. The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, suggesting flexibility in the procurement process. No incumbent vendors are explicitly identified in the documents. The existing infrastructure includes two 195-foot monopole towers at specified locations, with the successful proposer expected to integrate their wireless communication facilities. The RFP includes minimum rental bid requirements and allows for proposals to include an annual escalation rate, though specific award values or precise budget ranges are not explicitly stated. The procurement is conducted pursuant to Virginia Code A15.2-734, with the ultimate goal of supporting wireless communications activities in Mathews County.