Telecommunications-broadband consulting

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) is seeking technical and regulatory telecommunications and broadband consulting services through a fixed-price bid solicitation. The procurement is targeting qualified consultants to provide comprehensive support for ORS's telecommunications and broadband initiatives in Richland County and across South Carolina. Required services include network design development, statewide broadband planning, content and graphic design, onsite infrastructure inspections, strategic planning, and expert testimony before governmental entities. Mandatory qualifications for offerors include a minimum of 10 years of telecommunications regulatory experience, a bachelor's degree in information technology or related field, a valid driver's license, ability to travel within South Carolina, and strong knowledge of broadband service delivery requirements. The solicitation requires online proposal submission by January 13, 2022, at 11:00 AM ET, with questions due by December 29, 2021, at 11:00 AM ET. Initial award was scheduled for posting on January 18, 2022, with potential quarterly reviews for late bids through 2026.

The solicitation does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract will have an initial one-year term beginning January 28, 2022, with four optional one-year renewal terms, potentially extending the contract to a maximum five-year period ending January 27, 2027. Pricing is fixed at a maximum of $150 per hour for consultant services, with travel time reimbursed at one-half the hourly rate and mileage reimbursed at the IRS standard business rate. The estimated total contract value across all awarded vendors will not exceed $250,000 annually in aggregate. Offerors must submit a signed cover page, narrative statement demonstrating experience and qualifications, staff resumes, and insurance policy summaries. The state will evaluate proposals based on experience, qualifications, insurance coverage (minimum $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence), and ability to meet mandatory requirements. Vendors must register with South Carolina's procurement system and maintain active vendor registration status throughout contract performance.