Site work for a municipal facility in Beaufort, South Carolina. Completed plans call for site work for a municipal facility.

Beaufort County is seeking qualified proposals from private provider(s) to deploy, operate, and maintain a broadband internet network which delivers high-speed broadband to currently unserved or underserved premises in unincorporated Beaufort County. This RFP reflects the commitment of Beaufort County to ensure high-speed broadband is available to as many residents and businesses in unincorporated Beaufort County (hereinafter primarily referred to as "County") as possible. The successful Internet Service Provider(s) or other organization(s) responding to this RFP (hereinafter referred to as "Applicant") will be expected to deploy a network that meets the eligibility requirements set forth in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), PL 117-2 (March 11, 2021), which amends Title VI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear and achievable plan to deliver high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband communications services in one or more un/underserved area in unincorporated Beaufort County (see Figure 1). The County is offering one-time direct capital funding to qualified and committed private sector partners to support deployment. Furthermore, to achieve their goal, the County understands it may need to fund more than one Applicant to achieve the County's desired solution. The purpose of the direct capital funding will be to partially defray the cost of the infrastructure necessary to meet the requirements of the RFP, which might include construction or improvement of fiber optics, cabinets, pedestals, poles, pole attachments, CPE, etc. (collectively this infrastructure is hereinafter referred to as "Assets"). Applicants may submit multiple approaches to this RFP within a single proposal that differ in service areas, technology, requested County funding, timing of deployment, eligibility requirements or any combination thereof. Through this RFP, the County seeks proposals from Applicants to build, operate, and maintain Assets to provide underground fiber broadband internet service throughout one or more geographic area(s) of unincorporated Beaufort County. The County seeks proposals that state clearly how many premises will be covered and at what levels of service. Question Deadline 11/05/2024 at 5:00 PM ET Submit questions you have through the Procurement Portal