Broadband Consulting RFP
For Immediate Release
Commissioners Announce RFP for Broadband Consulting Services
Warren, PA – The Warren County Commissioners have released a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) for broadband consulting services to solicit proposals from qualified broadband engineering and consulting firms to assist in the targeted expansion, construction, and deployment of broadband infrastructure and service to areas of the County that do not have access to the internet, or whose connection is insufficient to carry out everyday tasks.
With the allocation of American Rescue Plan funding as well as numerous grant funding pots at the Federal and State levels for broadband expansion, the need for the county government to have qualified counsel to best utilize that funding is critical as the broadband landscape is complex and requires a great deal of engineering insight and experience to properly address.
Commissioner Chair Tricia Durbin stated, “Our top priority in this term and future terms is the expansion of reliable and affordable broadband internet to all corners of the county. The commissioners, after great care and study, realize we need more technical assistance to make sure we get the best investment for the funds we have to allocate to expansion. We believe the fulfillment of this RFP will put us in a solid position to move forward with expanding internet service in Warren County.”
The deadline for submitting proposals will be January 23rd, and a decision on the agency that will be hired will be made on or before February 8th at a publicly held meeting. The RFP was developed after careful study of programs being carried out in Westmoreland and Greene counties and with great consultation with experts in the field.
The initial term of the contract for a successful bidder will be one year with four additional single-year options if the county is pleased with the services provided. It is expected that the agency the county hires will be a collaborator for 3-5 years and will assist in all aspects of evaluating projects, negotiating terms with providers, and assisting with grant applications for greater funding to further expand the scope of work.
To view the RFP document, please go to the county website at https://warrencountypa.gov/.
Any questions for the Commissioners Office regarding this news story may be directed to Pam Matve, Chief Clerk, by phone at 814-728-3402 or by email at pmatve@warrencountypa.gov.