Princeton Broadband Municipal Light Plant July 2015 Request For Information Bagg Hall, Princeton Common, Princeton, Massachusetts The Town of Princeton, Massachusetts, is pleased to offer the opportunity to construct and/or operate an active ethernet fiberoptic network and seeks private parties interested in providing robust broadband services to its homes and businesses.
Contents Page Introduction and Background 3 Schedule and Contact Details 5 How Responses Will Be Used 5 Functional Areas 5 Financing and Investment Structure 6 Key Questions for Respondents: Construction 7 Key Questions: Maintenance, Network Operators and Service Providers 8 Other Important Information 9 RFI Requirements 10 Appendix 10 Attachment A 11 RFI Cover Sheet 12
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 3 Introduction and Background The town of Princeton, Massachusetts, is located roughly 45 miles west of Boston and 10 miles north of Worcester, New England s second largest city. Citizens of the town have only limited access to Internet infrastructure, consisting of satellite service, a slow 1990s WiMax service, rationed Verizon DSL and geographically constrained mobile phone voice/data, all with speeds well below FCC broadband levels. The town is defined standards set by Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) as one of the 45 unserved communities in Massachusetts. On November 18, 2014 at a Special Town Meeting, a municipal bond issue was approved with 92% in favor of financing the improvement in the utility pole infrastructure making possible construction of a fiber network in town. The town now looks to have an Active Ethernet (AE) fiber to the home (FTTH) network installed and operated. The town has a population of roughly 3600 with some 1240 premises and a median income of over $100k with more than 40 percent of the adult population earning graduate level degrees or certificates of advanced studies. The town has a rural setting comprised of more than 80 miles of roadway with electrical power provided along some 70 miles. A municipal power company Princeton Municipal Light Department (PMLD) that shares equal ownership of the utility poles with VerizonTM services the town. In 2014, the town had middle mile broadband service provided by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) connected to five Community Access Institutes via the 123 Middle-Mile Project. This connection provides the town with access to the greater Internet and could be used as the backhaul for a town network. The town commissioned a high-level network design that can be provided to any interested applicants including AutoCad (.dwg) and Google Earth (.kml) mappings as well as engineering spreadsheets with mileages and line counts. The town has initiated the make-ready process with Verizon and PMLD. The town, through its legal entity known as Princeton Broadband Municipal Light Plant (PBMLP), now seeks a vendor to construct and/or to operate a town controlled fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network and private parties interested in providing robust broadband services to its homes and businesses. The town has initiated this Request for Information (RFI) with the goal of seeking input from potential providers regarding the terms and conditions under which they would participate in such a project. We are particularly interested in providers who will use the fiber to provide ultra-high-speed network access. We define ultra-high-speed as being in the hundred megabit-per-second (Mbps) to gigabit-per-second (Gbps) range. Potential vendors must understand that PBMLP has a responsibility to satisfy the requirements of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, a major funding source for the project, and its own bond counsel/ legal entity regarding borrowing (1) an approved $1.2M for all-inclusive make-ready costs, and (2) construction costs. Both of these funding entities mandate that there be in place an operation agreement between PBMLP and the chosen vendor clearly delineating that PBMLP have meaningful oversight and control over the construction and has ongoing meaningful control in the maintenance of the constructed project, rate setting and resolving any service concerns patrons may have. It must be clearly understood by interested vendors in this project that PBMLP will have ownership over the assets and infrastructure that is constructed or procured through the building process.
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 4 We also seek partners who will, if necessary, consider a variety of models that share technological and operational responsibilities between the partners in innovative ways. We view the goal of this project to be the provision of 21st century communications services to residents, visitors, and local businesses. Broadband can enable communities, otherwise at a disadvantage, to participate on more equal footing in the emerging global economy. The Internet can enable many types of businesses to locate anywhere as long as there is enough bandwidth at affordable prices. High tech firms and other companies that rely on high connection speeds will go where they can flourish. Rental property owners understand that many of their potential customers require broadband for entertainment and to stay connected to their work. It is well documented and understood that Broadband-enabled communities generally have higher property values, improved job creation and retention, and better quality of life. We seek to make Princeton a more desirable place for those who will see the quality-of-life benefits of broadband both directly through home connections and through enhanced services provided by the business community. Responses to this RFI should state how the respondent s approach will further the town s goals of attracting small and work-at-home businesses, residential growth, and providing equal footing for our students who have slow Internet services from home. It is expected that the network would include these areas: The network fiber capacity installed would accommodate all developed and undeveloped parcels in Princeton and provide redundancy That hub and premise electronics be capable of gigabit speeds and not have limitations around providing video That the network will have a service provider and operator with a single point of contact for one-call trouble-shooting and customer service That the network includes capabilities for such as but not limited to smart-grid, medical monitoring operations and VOIP. The above elements are strong requirements, but respondents are encouraged to provide new ideas that would complement the current plan and its trajectory. Suggested alternatives are welcomed. In this RFI, we seek to: Understand the key technical considerations involved in constructing the fiber and deploying an Active Ethernet Architecture Uncover potential issues that need to be addressed prior to construction of the planned network. Understand possible ongoing issues during the construction process Develop an appropriate business model for Princeton and any contracted vendor during construction and service, keeping in mind the requirements under Massachusetts general law Learn of the capabilities and requirements of the respondents with regard to construction, operation and maintenance of the network
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 5 Schedule and Contact Details Listed below are important dates and time by which actions related to this RFI should be completed Event Date Release of Request for Information July 14, 2015 Conference Call for Interested Parties July 22, 2015 Written Questions Due To Princeton July 27, 2015 Responses to Questions Due to Respondents July 31, 2015 RFIs Due from Respondents August 10, 2015 As noted above, a Conference Call to discuss the RFI will take place at 1:30 pm on July 22, 2015. All other deadlines occur on the date shown at 5 pm ET. Interested parties can dial-in to the following conference bridge number: Conference Access Number: 781-628-1237 Questions and responses should be directed in writing to: Town Administrator Princeton Town Hall 4 Town Hall Drive Princeton, MA 01541 Email: townadministrator@town.princeton.ma.us How Responses Will Be Used Responses to this RFI will be used to develop a plan going forward for the PBMLP and will lead to an IFB to procure services. This plan will also help to identify potential partners and interested parties, and the results will be provided to elected officials and policy makers, as well as made available to the public via the town s official website. Responding to the RFI is not a prerequisite for participation in any future solicitation process. Functional Areas Princeton views possible respondents fitting within one or more provider categories as described below. It is important to note that a single firm can fulfill multiple functional areas. Please comment on any omissions should these categories seem incomplete.
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 6 1. Construction: Firms which provide fiber cable installation and required construction services including, but not limited to, digging trenches and duct banks, building conduit, pulling cable, erecting facilities, installing initial electronics a, and other functions to connecting the network together or to users. 2. Maintenance: Firms that repair broken fiber cables, provide replacement fiber, fix broken aerial structures, replace compromised facility structures, and generally keep the network s physical elements in working order. 3. Network Operator: Firms responsible for the operation of the network including managing the performance of the switches, service, software, and data traffic within the network. The Network Operator will have the relationship with the network hubs and interconnections, run the NOC and dispatch maintenance and other technical resources to provision, maintain, and repair the network as needed. 4. Service Provider: Firms who manage the customer relationship, either directly or white-labeled as the MLP. These firms handle billing, process payments, provide customer relations, provide technical support, undertake home installation and serve as a customer service contact. Respondents should self-select their interests in sections below by only answering those question which pertain to their experience. Financing and Investment Structure Princeton has not yet finalized its funding plan. However, any expenditure made by Princeton will be bound by unique financing structures that impose certain restrictions. Because the Princeton network project is at least partially funded by self-taxation and other public monies, the requirements for use of these funds include: All expenditures made during construction will be used to acquire durable, long-lived assets such as fiber, network equipment, and facilities for housing such assets As stated earlier in this RFI, PBMLP must have meaningful control over the assets and infrastructure that is constructed or procured through the building process. Key Questions for Respondents - Construction Respondents should only respond to the questions in the section to the extent they have direct experience in the construction of fiber optic networks. Please answer any questions where the respondent has the experience of insight. Experience Please discuss the respondent s corporate history and structure Please describe the respondent s experience building networks of this type and size. Please provide specifics and examples Does the respondent have a presence near Princeton or experience building networks in Massachusetts of for municipalities? Please provide specific examples Does the respondent have any previous case studies that could provide insight for PBMLP? Can the respondent provide materials on any other municipal networks that have adopted the approach and or best practices the respondent recommends? Will the respondent use subcontractors and if so on what capacity?
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 7 Construction (Overhead and Underground) Note: Sections of Princeton will need underground service runs. A recent survey performed by our technology consultant reveals no major obstacles or issues exist in providing underground access to homes. The current plan is to install underground fiber to the curb on the public roads, and provide engineering plans and cost estimates for the private road premises. Neither the town nor PBMLP have legal authority to do work on private roads, nor can these entities legally spend public money on private property. What is the typical duration of a project like this and how would the ultimate timeline look, e.g. award=> permit=> make-ready=> construction=> acceptance? What can PBMLP or a construction company do to reduce construction time? In the respondent past experience, what has been the best way to structure the relations between the town, network operator, construction company, and third parities for construction of the network? What permitting and rights of way considerations are relevant? What best practices in permitting and ROW acquisition should Princeton adopt? Can a builder construct the designed network without the previous selection of a network operator? Are there any issues or risks in approaching construction this way? Technical Model and Approach Are there specific standards or manufacturers the respondent prefers or requires? Are there technical reasons for such preferences? Are there specific equipment or other network requirements to allow OTT video? What physical facilities are required for the network? What facilities can Princeton provide to reduce the cost and/or deployment time? What additional requirements on network construction are necessary for Smart Grid or medical monitoring support? Key Questions for Respondents Maintenance, Network Operators and Service Providers Respondents should only respond to the questions in the section to the extent they have direct experience in either maintaining and operating networks or providing outsourced customer care and billing services. Please answer any questions where the respondent has the experience or insight. Experience Please discuss the respondent s corporate history and structure Please describe the respondent s experience maintaining/operating networks of this type and size. Please provide specifics and examples. Does the respondent have a presence near Princeton or experience maintain/operating networks in Massachusetts of for municipalities? Please provide specific examples. Does the respondent have any previous case studies that could provide insight for PBMLP? Can the respondent provide materials on any other municipal networks that have adopted the approach and or best practices the respondent recommends? Will the respondent use subcontractors in the area of maintain/operating the network?
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 8 Business and Technical Model General Is PBMLP s four functional areas (see Page 5) approach appropriate? If not, what other roles should be added or what roles should be combined? Can the four functional areas be separated? Are there any benefits to assigning more than one of these roles to a single firm? What specific services and product offerings would the respondent make available beyond entry level, commercial Internet access and phone service (e.g., extended phone services, video, etc.)? What requirements do these additional services have on network design, construction, and operation? Does the respondent consider the proposed services necessary or optional? Does the respondent recommend any specific actions prior to network activation that would ease the transition, especially for users with limited technical expertise? What start-up assistance would the respondent make available to PBMLP? Maintenance Should the town contract out maintenance as needed or have an ongoing service contract? What ongoing operating and other costs will be required to sustain and operate the network? What ongoing operating and other costs will be required to sustain and operate the network? What kind of service life should be expected from network hardware? How should the operator and Princeton plan for network refresh and one-time maintenance, such as repairing storm damage? Network Operator Does the Network Operator need a physical local presence? What ongoing operating and other costs will be required to sustain and operate the network? What technical aspects should PBMLP consider when building the network? What attributes should PBMLP consider when selecting an operator? What monitoring and reporting capabilities would the respondent recommend Princeton include in any bid? Service Provider Are there a minimum number of subscribers that an operator would need to participate? With whom should the customer relationship exist? PBMLP or the Service Provider? What other considerations are important? What ownership model does the respondent recommend for other COP past the ONTs? Contracts What kind of legal structure needs to be in place in terms of Service Level Agreements between the town and the vendor? What conditions would the operator want with resect to customers, i.e. should the town guarantee customers a minimum speed? How should customer information be handled? Where will the subscriber usage information live, and who will have access to it and for how long? Should the vendor have any right to sell or otherwise benefit from any of Princeton s subscriber information based on usage patterns?
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 9 How long of a contract does the operator need to be incented to bid on any bid? What contracts does the operator need in order to use public infrastructure or rights of what from Princeton? What could be expected in terms of multi-vendor arrangements? Will contracts with more than one vendor be required to complete this project? Will the respondent have supplier diversity plan? Does the respondent plan to support local businesses? How? Please include specifics. How much time does the respondent need to respond to any bid?
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 10 Appendix Other Important Information This RFI does not commit Princeton Broadband Municipal Light Plant or the town to award a contract, issue a Purchase Order, or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal in response to this request. The RFI responses will become part of the PBMLP s files without any obligation on the town s part. All responses will be made publicly available on Princeton s website. RFI Requirements A reply to the RFI will be read only if it includes a fully complete Cover Page (see attachment A). The RFI should address as many of the questions above as possible. Responses should be formatted using the same headings as Section 6 or 7: Key Questions for Respondents. Respondents are welcome to address as many or as few of the questions to which they feel qualified to respond. Respondents are also encouraged ton contribute additional ideas and thoughts on topics not included above, but which the respondents fell are important for policy makers to address of be aware of. There are no requirements with regard to length. This RFI does not commit Princeton to award a contract, issue a Purchase Order, or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal in response to this request. The RFI responses will become part of the Princeton MLP s files without any obligation on the town s part. All responses will be made publicly available on Princeton s website. The town of Princeton thanks you in advance for your thoughtful response. Princeton Broadband Municipal Light Plant: Stan Moss, Chair Edith Morgan Jon Fudeman Robert Reid, Acting Town Administrator Representing the Princeton Broadband Committee: John Kowaleski, Chair
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 11 Attachment A Request for Information Response In order for your response to be reviewed and considered, the RFI must contain, at minimum, the following: Completed Cover Sheet (All questions answered) RFI Provide three (3) references, including contact information, from previous contracts or partnerships. Delivery Requirements Electronic version emailed to townadministrator@town.princeton.ma.us
Princeton Broadband MLP Request For Information Page 12 Name of Respondent Organization RFI Cover Sheet Mailing Address City/Town State Zip Code Telephone FAX Respondent Web address Respondent Primary Contact and Title Which of the following best describes the respondent: (you must select one )! Broadband Service Provider! Government Organization! Equipment Manufacturer! Non-Profit Organization! Equipment Vendor! Owner of Physical Assets (please specify Asset):! Network of Systems Integrator! Interested Individual! Investor/Venture Capital! Consultant! Advocacy Group! Other (Please specify other): Brief Description of Organization List of anticipated partner organizations!!