Title
Residential and Community Spaces Wired and Wireless Internet Services
Action
Action:
A. Approve the use of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for Residential and Community Spaces Wired and Wireless Internet Services,
B. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Spectrum Southeast for Residential and Community Spaces Wired and Wireless Internet Services for an initial term of two years, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract for up to one, one-year term with possible price adjustments and to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Reenie Askew, City Manager’s Office
Randy Moulton, Innovation & Technology
Explanation
§ On March 11, 2021, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Congress enacted the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which included the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. This funding can be used to support a wide range of community investments.
§ This contract will provide high-speed internet services to a variety of residential dwellings and community sites including approximately 5,200 households, 15 community sites, and one city-owned learning lab.
§ Census data shows that approximately 67,000 households in Charlotte lack a high-speed internet connection; 12,000 of these households fall within the city’s Corridors of Opportunity.
§ This lack of high-speed internet connection further exacerbates barriers to economic mobility and community resilience.
§ This contract bridges a gap in affordable internet options and improves staff’s ability to connect households to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered by the Federal Government.
§ On September 20, 2022, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP); three responses were received.
§ The company selected best meets the city’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, and responsiveness to RFP requirements.
§ Annual aggregate expenditures are estimated to be $1,600,000.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Per Charlotte Business INClusion Policy: Part C: Section 2.1(a) The city shall not establish Subcontracting Goals for Contracts where (a) there are no subcontracting opportunities identified for the Contract; or (b) there are no MWBEs or SBEs certified to perform the scopes of work that the city regards as realistic opportunities for subcontracting.
This contract meets the provisions of (a) - No subcontracting opportunities.
Fiscal Note
Funding: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds