Request for Information: Partnership for Broadband Internet
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This text contains an abridged version of the full RFP.
See the full RFP here.
The City of Akron, Ohio hereinafter “City” is seeking information regarding supplier’s capabilities and interest for providing Broadband Internet throughout the city.
Interested firms must upload their response online at akronohio.submittable.com and selecting the application for Broadband Internet RFI no later than May 19, 2023. Electronic submissions will be the only form of submissions accepted.
Questions concerning the RFI should be directed to Chief Technology Manager Darren Rozenek at drozenek@akronohio.gov.
Questions regarding the RFI process should be directed to Deputy Mayor Sean Vollmansvollman@akronohio.gov.
Sean Vollman and Darren Rozenek are the only individuals who may respond to any questions regarding the RFI. Any responses to the questions will be posted to the “Developers” section of the City’s website: akronohio.gov/rfp. The City will schedule interviews with Potential Vendors to answer questions that the City has regarding a Proposal.
The City issues this RFI for the purpose of gauging the interest of qualified entities to engage with the City to deploy gigabit capable fiber or fixed wireless throughout the city, and to make, at a minimum, terrestrial internet with speeds of 100 Mbps/20 Mbps available to all Akron homes and businesses that are currently identified as unserved (lacking access to internet speeds in excess of 25/3 Mbps) and underserved (lacking access to internet speeds in excess of 100/20 Mbps) by either the Ohio Broadband Maps or the FCC Broadband Maps. This initiative, which envisions a City-wide broadband plan, will provide or enhance the broadband connectivity of the City’s residents, businesses, and local education institutions by expanding the range and quality of available broadband and data transport services.
TheCityhasinitiatedthisRFItoexpandtheCity’sknowledgeofthemarketplaceandtoidentify potential providers for the City to engage in exploratory discussions to enable, or directly provide, high‐capacity broadband services to end users within the city limits of Akron. The City seeks input from potential providers to assess possibilities, capabilities, and business model alternatives and the terms and conditions under which they would participate in such a project. The City is interested in providers who will use a robust infrastructure to provide broadband internet access within a reasonable timeframe (4-5 years).
Each market and business model represents a unique combination of opportunities and challenges. This RFI is not seeking responses from vendors for a retail model but rather a true informational gathering exercise to determine how services can be brought not just to high income population centers, but also to any second tier and third tier areas within the City that are currently unserved or underserved. This endeavor specifically is being sent with the sole intentions of (i) exploring alternative options with established service providers that provide broadband services, (ii) specifically seeking viable plans to deploy fiber throughout the city and to connect residents and businesses in areas where high-speed Internet access is unavailable and (iii) ensuring affordable access to the internet at levels sufficient to enable lower income households to participate fully in both educational and work aspects needed to survive and thrive in the increasingly competitive global economy.
This RFI seeks responses that focuses community goals and exploring all viable partnership models that ensure economic development, educational opportunity, workforce development, and digital equity while providing a clear outline of respondent(s) technological capabilities, operational responsibilities, and financial risks that are proposed between the City and the successful respondent(s). The City will also consider any proposed construction, operation, and ownership models associated with public/private partnership, non‐exclusive franchise agreements, and other appropriate innovative business models submitted for consideration.
Responses to this RFI should state how the respondent’s approach will further the City’s goals to deploy fiber throughout the city, as well as cost‐effective service with speeds of at least 100 Mbps/20 Mbps to all unserved and underserved areas of the City.
The City encourages respondents to share their expertise, which may be used to shape the direction and formation of the network. Respondents may work together to respond to this RFI. The City is open to creative solutions that will maximize the efficiency of the investment while providing reliable and high‐quality services to meet the needs of its citizens.
The City welcomes responses from all interested firms, including incumbent service providers, competitive providers, nonprofit organizations, public cooperatives, non-traditional providers, and other entities.