Regional Broadband Strategy & Funding Response

The Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Regional Broadband Strategy and Funding Response covering Benton, Lincoln, and Linn Counties in Oregon. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to develop two primary deliverables: a near-term Funding Response targeting immediate funding opportunities like BEAD and Digital Equity grants, and a comprehensive Regional Broadband Strategy supporting long-term broadband access and speed improvements. The selected contractor must possess at least 5 years of experience in telecommunications planning, broadband resource development, and stakeholder engagement. Specific project requirements include conducting extensive stakeholder outreach, performing baseline analysis, preparing funding applications, executing cost-benefit and economic impact analyses, defining governance and ownership structure options, and developing communication plans. Proposals are due by 2:00 PM on July 20, 2022, with the Funding Response required by January 31, 2023, and the complete Regional Broadband Strategy due by August 30, 2023. Evaluation criteria will focus on the contractor's experience, proposed project methodology, and demonstrated capability to meet the comprehensive project requirements.

OCWCOG has allocated a budget of $260,000 for this project, which appears to be open to a wide range of qualified consulting and telecommunications strategy firms. While the RFP does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it emphasizes the need for robust stakeholder engagement and regional collaboration. The procurement seeks to address broadband infrastructure gaps across three Oregon counties, potentially creating opportunities for vendors with strong regional planning and telecommunications expertise. No incumbent vendors or existing technology integration requirements are specifically mentioned in the available documentation. The project's significant budget and comprehensive scope suggest a substantial opportunity for firms with specialized expertise in broadband strategy, infrastructure planning, and grant development in rural and regional contexts.