JF-0000000052-RFP_F - Expanding Broadband Access

Tompkins County is seeking the services of a professional consultant to provide expert guidance on the topic of high-speed broadband internet. The county is aware of several locations where residents lack access to reliable, high speed internet. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of this infrastructure as workplaces, schools, and healthcare all utilized online formats in novel ways. Homes and establishments that lack access to high-speed internet service are at a disadvantage accessing opportunities for work, education and health services.
The county is interested in closing this gap and ensuring that all households within Tompkins County are able to access a reliable connection to high-speed internet. The county is seeking a vendor who can provide support in multiple capacities including:

• Review of existing local, state, and federal data on broadband service
• Identification of funding opportunities and assistance with preparing grant applications
• Engagement with local internet service providers (ISPs)
• Development of impactful methods to expand broadband service within the county
• Implementation of broadband service expansion initiative(s)
• Analysis of technical telecommunication specifications