Orange County Broadband, Digital Literacy and Workforce Initiatives Consultant

Orange County, Florida is seeking a consultant for Broadband, Digital Literacy, and Workforce Initiatives through Request for Proposals (RFP) #Y23-2405-MM. The procurement is being managed by the County's Office of Innovation and Emerging Technologies and aims to support comprehensive technology and workforce development programs initially funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Proposals must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov Procurement portal by September 12, 2023, at 4:00 PM local time. The selected consultant will be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives including broadband internet expansion for rural and underserved communities, digital connectivity programs, device accessibility, and supporting the Orange County Center for Innovation and Design. Key deliverables include data collection, market research, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, project management, and support for federal, state, and local partnerships. Proposers must demonstrate expertise in infrastructure planning, non-profit programming, and experience with federally funded initiatives. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on technical capabilities, past performance, and proposed methodology for addressing digital equity, adoption, literacy, telehealth, and workforce development goals.

The contract has a total available funding of up to $700,000 and is expected to run through December 31, 2026. While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly mentioned in the documents, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a preference for consultants with robust experience in technology, community development, and public sector initiatives. The project encompasses multiple strategic objectives, including establishing a digital navigator help desk program and supporting digital connectivity across Orange County and potentially surrounding jurisdictions. Technical support for proposal submission will be available through the OpenGov platform via chat, email, and phone during business hours. Respondents are required to submit documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF formats, with scanned documents needing a minimum resolution of 150 dpi. The county emphasizes that any modifications to standard response forms will result in a non-responsive designation, indicating a strict adherence to submission guidelines. Potential bidders should carefully review all documentation and ensure complete compliance with the detailed procurement requirements.