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Florida Rural Broadband Alliance

Invitation to Negotiate “ITN”

Network Operator Partnership

ITN #2013-01

Released: March 1, 2013

Due: March 25 2013 5:00PM EST

Contact: Michelle Boylan, [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Florida Rural Broadband Alliance Network Operator Partnership ITN

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Introduction

This Invitation to Negotiate “ITN” is presented by Florida Rural Broadband Alliance, LLC (FRBA) to solicit responses from interested parties to develop long-term partnerships with FRBA to manage and operate its 14-County regional broadband network. In 2010, FRBA applied for BTOP federal grant funding, provided pursuant to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to build a Wireless Broadband Middle Mile Network (the “Network”) to serve 15 counties in Northwest and South Central Florida. In August of 2010, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, awarded ARRA BTOP funds to FRBA to deploy the new network. The BTOP Grant awarded total funding of $23,693,665. Since award, FRBA has progressed through construction of the network, which will be finalized and operational mid-year.

The Network will support ubiquitous broadband Internet, transport, colocation and other services for local communities, governmental entities, businesses, anchor institutions and wholesale/last-mile providers within or near the Network’s service area consisting of its member counties. The main purpose of the Network is to provide non‐discriminatory, affordable and scalable fixed broadband wireless infrastructure supporting Internet access for all constituencies, as well as last mile providers. Key to the network is the new availability to wholesale services, such as backhaul transport, IP, colocation and related services which create new supply of scarce wholesale capacity in the region.

FRBA’s grant has invested over $21 million in network assets to provide advanced wireless broadband services across the 14-County region. These assets are primarily composed of equipment, IRU capacity and prepaid tower lease agreements used to build the regional wireless broadband system. FRBA’s primary and statutory objective is to connect 196 community anchor institutions (“CAIs”) consisting of local governments, schools, healthcare organizations, public safety organizations and other organizations by the end of the BTOP grant period. Beyond these 196 CAIs, it is FRBA’s mission to continue expanding advanced broadband services throughout the region in an effort to bolster economic development and the region’s overall competitiveness.

FRBA is soliciting interest from telecommunications, wireless and broadband industry operators to identify a partner who can manage the network, market and sell system capacity, manage the underlying operations and continue to expand broadband services throughout the FRBA region. The FRBA network has substantial wholesale and retail transport capacity, IP, colocation and other assets available that will be used to provide broadband services to residents, businesses, anchors and wholesale providers. FRBA believes that an industry partner with extensive telecommunications, wireless and broadband experience will be able to maximize the use of the system’s available capacity and ensure that FRBA’s services continue to expand. FRBA also believes that an industry partner will bring efficiencies to operations and management of the network through past experience and current operations, efficiencies that would not otherwise be achieved internally by FRBA.

It is FRBA’s intent to assign the operations and management of the system to a Network Operator. The Network Operator will manage the Network and all available resources at its disposal to generate new system revenues. This includes all excess system capacity, IP, transport, colocation and other revenue-generating assets contained on the Network. Revenues


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generated by the Network Operator will provide the basis of return to the Network Operator for managing the Network.

The Network Operator will also assume all contractual obligations for the lease of physical assets, tower lease agreements, capacity lease agreements and related obligations and be responsible for paying the costs for these contracts. In addition, FRBA desires the Network Operator to provide for initial capital investment in the project that can be used toward initial revenue-generating activities such as building out last-mile network, customer connections, CPE and other capital requirements. FRBA also desires the Network Operator to fund annual operational, renewal and replacement reserves, as well as begin to contribute to a capital fund after several years of operations.

It is assumed that the Network Operator will absorb operational losses in the initial ramp-up period. FRBA believes that the revenue opportunities afforded to the Network Operator will enable it to realize the required return for initial investment in the project.

FRBA is open to innovative partnership options in this ITN and encourages firms to propose such options that will mutually benefit both organizations. This section lays out important aspects of the FRBA organization that may help quantify the opportunities in a Network Operator Partnership. FRBA is providing this information to prospective respondents to convey FRBA’s needs and potential opportunities for the Network Operator partner.

The FRBA organization seeks to preserve its interests in the network as a provider of advanced broadband services to unserved and underserved areas within the region. Its mission is to deliver critical broadband to these areas and the community anchors within them. An equally important goal is to foster economic growth of the region through operation of advanced broadband infrastructure. FRBA seeks a Network Operations Partnership whereby these initiatives are preserved, while enabling the Network Operating Partner to sell the network’s excess available capacity in order to generate a required return for the investment.

The FRBA organization desires partnerships whereby the Network Operator assumes operational management of the primary functions of the network. FRBA understands that it is not itself an operator but instead the owner of the network that has the capability to serve the region’s needs for many years to come. FRBA proposes several possible models for this partnership.

Under a revenue sharing partnership, FRBA and Network Operator define a partnership whereby the Network Operator would derive compensation through the revenues from the network, which may include all gross revenues up to a defined threshold amount, (less FRBA administration costs and set-aside funds for sustainability which may include funding for capital, renewal and replacement and reserves). Once the defined revenue threshold is exceeded, the Network Operator and FRBA will share revenues in accordance with final negotiated revenue sharing agreement. Under this scenario, Network Operator will absorb all network operations costs as part of the partnership. FRBA and the Network Operator will jointly determine allocation of funds for new customer connections, network expansion, major upgrades and other areas of capital investment that will be necessary for long-term growth of the network.

Under an Equity Investment Model, Network Operator receives consideration in the form of


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equity for capital investment in FRBA. FRBA will consider minority and majority equity positions. Capital investment will be used to continue expansion of the network and provide the necessary capital and operational funding for the network’s growth. The Network Operator absorbs all network operations costs of managing the FRBA network. The Network Operator receives consideration in the form of dividends/distributions defined on a schedule to be determined between FRBA and Network Operator. All network operations services required in this ITN, as outlined in Scope of Work (SOW), Exhibit 1 are expected to be performed in a professional manner consistent with industry practice and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. Respondents are directed to review the requirements detailed in Exhibit 1, Scope of Work, and are advised that, at a minimum, Respondents must meet all of the following criteria and/or provide the following information to be eligible to for consideration in connection with this solicitation:

• Agree to comply with all applicable federal, state and grant‐specific regulations and requirements, as more fully described herein.

• Provide a name, phone number, street address and e‐mail address for the company representative, who is designated to be contacted in connection with this ITN.

Documentation of required certifications must be submitted with the Response packages. Additional information and certification forms can be found in the Attachments. Response packages received from companies that do not meet the criteria above will not be considered.

FRBA reserves the right to accept responses in whole or in part, or to reject any and all submittals, or to waive any and all non‐substantial irregularities in submittals received whenever such acceptance, rejection or waiver is in the best interest of FRBA. In the event that any or all submittals are rejected or waived, FRBA reserves the right to solicit and re‐advertise for other qualified respondents. Final Respondent selection and contract negotiations will be governed by FRBA’s policies and procedures. The selected vendor will be required to comply with certain requirements of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) as administered by the National Telecommunications Information and Administration and any other applicable regulations. FRBA’s grant end date is August 2013.

Section 1: Notice to Prospective Respondents

1.1 Notice is hereby given that Florida Rural Broadband Alliance, LLC (“FRBA”) will accept submittals from qualified respondents for a Network Operator Partnership as described herein. Electronic Responses must be submitted to Florida Rural Broadband Alliance, LLC c/o: Michelle Boylan, [email protected].

1.2 Responses will be accepted until 5:00PM EST on March 25th, 2013.

1.3 Delivery Instructions: only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please indicate the title of the ITN,FRBA ITN #2013-01 Network Operator Partnership, in the subject line of your email. Guidelines on the format of the response is detailed in section Section 6.



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1.4 The current estimated time‐frame for completion of the Network is within the next five months, with limited services to be offered out of the FRBA Fiber Access Points by the end of May 2013. The Network will continue to evolve and expand based upon demand. Therefore, time is of the essence in selecting qualified respondents to provide services necessary for successful operation and maintenance of the Network. As detailed throughout this ITN, the Network Operator must be fully ramped and operational providing network operations services by July 1, 2013.

Section 2: Project Overview

2.1 The FRBA Network is a microwave wireless system offering:

• Wireless transport, IP, colocation and related services throughout the Network’s service area;

• Multiple inter‐connection points to fiber connected data centers in Tallahassee and Orlando; and

• Inter‐connection points to local (last mile) service providers, anchor institutions and other Network tenants.

2.2 The Network will support ubiquitous broadband Internet access and other IP services for local communities, governmental entities, anchor institutions (schools, health care, libraries, public buildings, public safety, etc.) and last mile providers within or near the Network’s service area consisting of its member counties. The main purpose of the Network is to provide non‐discriminatory, affordable and scalable fixed broadband wireless infrastructure supporting Internet access for all constituencies, as well as last mile providers, who implement local access connections to the Network.

2.3 FRBA is working to deploy the Network at the lowest practicable cost to provide affordable high quality, high speed Internet connectivity where it is currently unavailable or inaccessible in the service area.

2.4 See Attachment M for information on the FRBA Network.

Section 3: Issuing Entity

3.1 FRBA is equally co-owned by its Managing Members, Florida’s Heartland Regional Economic Development Initiative, Inc. (“FHREDI”) and Northwest Florida Business Development Council, d/b/a/ Opportunity Florida (“Opportunity Florida”). Both of the Managing Members are 501 c(6) non-profit organizations established to promote economic development within their respective regions, South Central Florida for FHREDI and Northwest Florida for Opportunity Florida. More information on these two non-profit organizations can be found here:

FHREDI: www.flaheartland.com

Opportunity Florida: www.opportunityflorida.com

3.1.1 FRBA’s participating communities include:

http://www.flaheartland.com/

http://www.opportunityflorida.com/


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FHREDI Participating Communities– Southern Region Hendry County Okeechobee County DeSoto County Highlands County Glades County Unincorporated Area of Immokalee in Collier County Opportunity Florida Participating Communities – Northern Region Holmes County Washington County Gadsden County Calhoun County Liberty County Gulf County Jackson County Franklin County 3.2 For additional information about FRBA, the federal award and the Wireless Broadband Middle Mile Network, please visit FRBA’s website at www.weconnectflorida.com.

Section 4: Services

4.1 Exhibit 1 of this ITN document describes the “Network Operator Services” that FRBA intends to retain through this Network Operator Partnership ITN.

4.2 This ITN is intended to outline the tasks and activities FRBA will require of the Network Operator and the potential partnership models for the provision of such services. Network Operator Services will include 24/7/365 network operations through a network operations center (“NOC”) to provide network fault identification, performance monitoring, security management, diagnostic functions, configuration and user provisioning, customer management, customer billing and accounts receivable management. Services also include field services to provide network maintenance, which includes scheduled maintenance, emergency maintenance and diagnosis/repair of problems in response to trouble tickets issued by the NOC, all as more fully described in Exhibit 1. In addition, FRBA desires the Network Operator to manage all business functions for the operations, including sales, marketing, finance, accounting and other functions that occur in normal operations of a telecommunications organization.

4.3 Respondents are advised to apply their knowledge and experience in network operations in developing a qualified response that includes inherent flexibility to adapt to possible changes in FRBA’s Network as the network is deployed, upgraded and expanded over time.

Section 5: ITN Schedule

5.1 ITN Schedule

• Release of ITN: March 1, 2013


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• Deadline for Written Questions: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 5:00pm EST

• Answers to Questions/Addenda Posted: Monday, March 15, 2013 at 5:00pm EST

• Deadline for Submission of Response: Monday, March 25, 2013 at 5:00pm EST

• ITN Opening Date: Monday, March 26, 2013 at 10:00am EST

• Notification of Potential Partners: Monday, April 1, 2013

• Discussion with Potential Partners: Week of April 8, 2013

5.2. After the release of the ITN on March 1, 2013, please visit the FRBA website at www.weconnectflorida.com to determine if there are any changes to the meeting dates, venues or instructions cited above.

5.3 Communications Guidelines for Respondents

5.3.1 Any questions should be emailed to [email protected]. All questions must be received by March 11, 2013 2013 on or before 5:00pm EST. Answers to all questions will be posted to the FRBA website at www.weconnectflorida.com by March 15, 2013 at 5:00pm EST.

5.3.2 Contact with any FRBA official, including members of the Executive Committees of FHREDI and Opportunity Florida, other FRBA officials (including staff of FHREDI and Opportunity Florida), the FRBA Network Analyst (including staff) and the FRBA Construction Manager/General Contractor (including staff), except as otherwise provided herein, is prohibited.

5.3.3 Potential respondents who would like additional financial information or network design information to assist in preparing a response to this ITN should contact Michelle Boylan at [email protected] for a Non-Disclosure Agreement form which must be signed prior to release of any FRBA records.

5.4 Addenda

5.4.1 FRBA will record responses to inquiries and any additional submittal instructions in the form of written addenda to this ITN.

5.4.2 If revision to the ITN becomes necessary for any reason, FRBA will provide written addenda which will be posted on the FRBA website at www.weconnectflorida.com.

5.4.3 It is the responsibility of all respondents to visit the FRBA website, www.weconnectflorida.com regularly to obtain any updates. Each respondent should check the website on a daily basis. All respondents shall indicate by signing the Certification Page (Attachment B) that they have received and read the addenda posted on the website.

5.4.4 FRBA may request additional information from any Respondent only for the purpose of clarifying the Respondent’s Response. Such additional information will be requested in writing,

http://www.weconnectflorida.com/



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(electronic and/or hard copy) including an explanation as to the nature of the inquiry, instructions for responding and deadline for submitting a response. Information submitted after the deadline for responding will not be considered by the FRBA.

Section 6: Technical Qualifications/ Response Submission Guidelines

6.1 Response Requirements

6.1.1 FRBA reserves the right to accept responses in whole or in part, to reject any or all responses, or to waive any non‐substantial irregularities in submittals whenever such rejection or waiver is in the best interest of the FRBA. In the event that all Responses are rejected or waived, FRBA reserves the right to re‐solicit for other qualified Respondents.

6.1.2 Responses received after the deadline set forth in Section 5.1 will be not be opened or considered. Respondents may withdraw their submissions by notifying FRBA, in writing, at any time prior to the submission deadline.

6.1.3 This ITN does not constitute an offer or a contract with the Respondent. A contract or agreement is not implied until a contract is approved and executed by FRBA.

6.1.4 FRBA may choose, in the sole exercise of its discretion, to select all, some or none of the Responses.

6.1.5 Neither the FRBA nor its representatives will be liable for any expenses incurred by respondents in connection with preparation of a Response pursuant to this ITN. Respondents should prepare their Response simply and economically, providing a straight‐forward, succinct and concise description of services, equipment, prices, terms and their ability to meet the requirements.

6.1.6 Respondents shall have the option to propose to serve as the Network Operator for both regions of FRBA or to identify one specific region in its response. Any respondent who fails to clearly specify a preference for one region or the other in its response, including an indication on the outside of the package, on the cover of the response and in the Letter of Transmittal, shall be treated as a response to serve as the Network Operator for both regions.

6.2 Required Format for Response Submission (all information below should be submitted with response, in the order presented) in an electronic format

Letter of Transmittal ‐ The letter should be brief and introductory in nature. The letter should, at a minimum, state the name phone number and e‐mail address of the individual authorized to make commitments for the firm. The letter should also include a description of all subcontractors who will be part of the respondent’s team and an explanation of the exact nature of the relationship. Provide DUNS number, if already obtained.

Table of Contents – Clearly identify the material by page number.

Executive Summary – summary overview of technical response.


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Technical Qualifications/Written Response to include the following information:

Describe your understanding of the project and proposed approach to address all of the requirements specified in ITN Exhibit 1, Scope of Work and in accordance with the General Requirements described in ITN Section 8 below. The organization of your project approach should follow the organization of the SOW in Exhibit 1 and should describe all of the activities associated with accomplishing the tasks identified in the SOW. If there are additional activities that you think should be accomplished but are not included in Exhibit 1, please identify those activities in your project approach and include optional pricing information for these activities in your response.

Describe any mobilization activities that are required at the outset of the project and anticipated schedule for mobilization.

Respondent Qualifications

The selected Network Operator may consist of a single entity or a lead entity with subcontractors as part of a Team. FRBA’s preference is for the Network Operator to serve as the lead entity. The Network Operator may provide field services directly or subcontract these services. Subcontractors for any aspect of the work, and their qualifications to perform the work, should be identified in the response.

Respondent Information

A. Provide a brief description of your company’s history and experience in telecommunications, including years in operation, locations served, number of customers, service offerings, sustainable competitive advantages, experience managing wireless broadband networks and other information that describes the nature of your company. Provide information supporting the financial viability of your company, specifically the last three years of corporate financial statements, audited by an independent auditor, and DUNS number.

If submitting as a Team (Prime with subcontractors), provide this information for all Team members.

B. Provide a sample organization chart for the proposed structure that you will use to support the FRBA network including a description of the proposed structure of the partnership with FRBA. Provide a corporate organizational chart of the Company or division relating directly to this network. Also identify the Project Manager and include resumes of the key managerial employees with daily, direct responsibility for this network and key field personnel demonstrating experience and required certifications.

C. Describe your Team’s network operations organization, including both the NOC and field operations.

D. In anticipation that Respondent will utilize a shared NOC, describe your plan for ensuring separation of phone calls, trouble tickets, alarms, records, etc. to ensure proper prioritization and handling of FRBA related events and activities.


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E. Describe your document management and control procedures including retention, destruction and protection of proprietary information.

Technical Experience

Describe your organization’s experience in the following areas:

A. Constructing and maintaining physical telecommunications infrastructure facilities.

B. Monitoring critical network equipment and components to ensure optimal operating performance.

C. Operating a microwave‐based telecommunications network.

D. Providing technical/operational support to key users of your telecommunications, Internet and related services.

E. Respondent should describe their experience with Ethernet and IP networks with special emphasis on experience with the following:

a. Microwave Radios:

i. Digital;

ii. Ethernet;

iii. Licensed bands of 6 and 11 GHz;

iv. Unlicensed bands;

v. Ethernet, coax, optical and low voltage DC interfaces.

b. Ethernet Equipment

i. Layer 2 and 3 switches;

ii. Advanced protocol implementation;

iii. Switching and Routing

iv. Internet Networking, BGP, IP Addressing

v. DNS/DHCP

vi. Ethernet and optical interfaces;


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vii. Security implementation.

c. Intelligent Network:

i. SNMP monitoring programs;

ii. Flow-based monitoring and management (Netflow, C-Flow)

iii. Advanced OSI layer;

iv. Security implementation.

d. Power and on‐site Security:

i. Remote power management;

ii. Security and alarming integration;

iii. Environmental monitoring integration.

F. Respondents should describe experience in managing their own network and other networks. Details should include duration of the assignment and descriptions of the technologies involved and the level of complexity and responsibility managed.

G. Describe your experience with compliance of federal FCC requirements.

H. Field Services ‐ Methods and Resources

Describe in detail your organization’s field services capabilities and/or plans for the following:

A. Will your organization deploy in‐house personnel or subcontractor(s)?

1) If subcontractors, please provide subcontractor qualifications, including resumes demonstrating necessary certifications.

2) How will your organization manage the subcontractor(s)?

B. Network repair, ranging from trouble tickets to catastrophic network failure, including, for example, tower collapse and destruction of OSP facilities.

C. Network extension, including installation of wireless network components on towers and other infrastructure and integration of new sites/nodes into the overall network.

D. Quality control processes and procedures for network maintenance and repair.


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E. Testing criteria and test equipment

Spectrum analyzer;

Continuity testers;

OTDR and other optical test equipment;

Network performance testing.

F. Training and Certifications

Cisco Certification or equivalent routing, switching and security certifications;

Ceragon Radios;

Calix/Occam Switches;

Respondent or respondent’s subcontractors must be authorized to work on American Tower, Crown Castle and SBA tower sites;

If Respondent is not trained/certified/authorized in any of the areas identified above, Respondent must commit to completing requirements within 45 days of contract authorization.

1. Attachment A: Certification

2. Attachment B: References

3. Attachment C: Conflict of Interest Statement

4. Attachment D: Business and Technical Resources

5. Attachment E: Special Conditions

6. Attachment F: Network Overview and Network Map

7. Attachment G: Non Discrimination and Interconnection Policy.

Section 7: General Requirements

8.1 Exhibit 1 describes the Network Operator Services required by FRBA for ongoing operation and maintenance of the FRBA Wireless Broadband Middle Mile Network. Respondents must clearly describe how their services meet or exceed the requirements as stated.


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8.2 All services are expected to be performed in a professional manner, with a high quality, grade and nature as is customary in the industry and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.

8.3 Respondent shall furnish all necessary tools and ancillary equipment required for the performance of its work and shall equip their personnel and subcontractors, as required, for the completion of the tasks set forth herein at the Respondent’s own expense.

8.4 All contractors or subcontractors performing Work on any FRBA tower site prior to the commencement of any such Work must obtain the following insurance:

8.4.1 Worker’s Compensation Insurance with statutory limits in accordance with all applicable state, federal and maritime laws, and Employers’ Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $500,000.00 per accident/occurrence, or in accordance with all applicable state, federal and maritime laws.

8.4.2 Commercial General Liability Insurance (Bodily Injury and Tower Facility Damage), the limits of liability of which shall not be less than $2,000,000.00 per occurrence.

8.4.3 An umbrella policy of not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).

8.4.4 Automobile Liability with limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.

The above insurance shall provide that FRBA and the Tower Owners will receive not less than 30 days written notice prior to any cancellation of, or material change in coverage. The insurance specified herein shall contain a waiver of subrogation against FRBA and Tower Owners and shall name FRBA, Tower Owners, Inspired Technologies Inc., and G4S, Inc. as additionally insured, and shall be primary over any insurance coverage in favor of Subcontractor.

8.5 FRBA will not compensate Respondent for any training of technical staff used on FRBA projects. Staff is expected to have adequate training to meet the qualification requirements outlined in this ITN.

8.6 An active DUNS number will be required for all contracted services. If you don’t have a DUNS number you can apply at www.dnb.com.

ATTACHMENTS

RESPONDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS WITH THEIR RESPONSES, INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS A, B, C, D and E. PLEASE PLACE THE ATTACHMENTS IN YOUR RESPONSE IN THE ORDER THEY ARE PRESENTED IN THIS ITN. ALL FORMS REQUIRING SIGNATURES MUST BE SIGNED.


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EXHIBIT 1: SCOPE OF WORK –NETWORK OPERATOR

FRBA seeks the services of a Network Operator to participate in the activities that will help FRBA fulfill its mission to bring broadband services to the underserved areas of Florida. The Network Operator must demonstrate an understanding of the requirements associated with operating a broadband middle mile network consisting of data centers, fiber optic access points, microwave backbone and various means of connectivity for last mile service providers.

The Network Operator will assume responsibility for the network in stages as it is rolled out by FRBA in accordance with an accepted turnover process. The FRBA Fiber Optic Access Points and Data Centers are now operational and the wireless network is being installed currently with expected completion in June 2013. FRBA cannot guarantee the timing of the network deployment; as such, the consequences of any material delays in the construction schedule will be addressed in the course of negotiating the Network Operator Agreement.

The Network Operator will be responsible for maintaining the Network to a high quality standard in line with similar networks providing mission critical data services. The Network Operator will be responsible for customer service using a level of care and service consistent with industry accepted standards. Alternatively, FRBA may consider level of care and service standards proposed by the Network Operator that are consistent with the level of care and service provided by the Network Operator to its existing customers on a similar high quality commercial network.

The Network Operator will manage the network, market and sell system capacity, manage the underlying operations and continue to expand broadband services throughout the FRBA region. The Network Operator will manage the Network and all available resources at its disposal to generate new system revenues. This includes all excess system capacity, IP, transport, colocation and other revenue-generating assets contained on the Network. Revenues generated by the Network Operator will provide the basis of return to the Network Operator for managing the Network.

The Network Operator will also assume all contractual obligations for the lease of physical assets, tower lease agreements, capacity lease agreements and related obligations and be responsible for paying the costs for these contracts. In addition, FRBA desires the Network Operator to provide for initial capital investment in the project that can be used toward initial revenue-generating activities such as building out last-mile network, customer connections, CPE and other capital requirements. FRBA also desires the Network Operator to fund annual operational, renewal and replacement reserves, as well as begin to contribute to a capital fund after several years of operations.

It is assumed that the Network Operator will absorb operational losses in the initial ramp-up period. FRBA believes that the revenue opportunities afforded to the Network Operator will enable it to realize the required return for initial investment in the project.

FRBA is open to innovative partnership options in this ITN and encourages firms to propose such options that will mutually benefit both organizations. Please describe the structure of any proposed partnership in your response.


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Detailed Scope of Work

A detailed scope of work for this Network Operator ITN is included below. Additional Network Operator duties and responsibilities may be developed over time to meet the needs of the Network. Additional work not initially established within the initial SOW may be requested by FRBA, at which time the selected Network Operator would be required to submit a scope, schedule and budget based on the labor rates provided in this response to FRBA for FRBA review and approval before any additional work is started.

Network Operations

Network operations encompasses a variety of functions from running the Network Operations Center (NOC) to ongoing operations and maintenance, access management, performance monitoring, and help desk support.

Key activities are described in further detail below:

1) Monitor network performance on a 24/7/365 basis and distribute network fault alarm notifications to appropriate personnel. Thresholds for alarms, network performance and service level agreements (SLAs) will be set to levels that have been reviewed with FRBA to ensure continuity and accuracy of reporting.

2) Dispatch personnel, using established operating procedures and mindful of customer SLA provisions, to respond to network alarms, resolve network performance issues, and repair damage. Failure to respond may result in violation of SLA provisions with customer contracts.

3) Tracking all trouble events from initial notification through resolution using a formal trouble process and ticketing system. The trouble ticket system should include an escalation protocol based upon the nature of a particular event. Procedures for handling trouble events, escalation, dispatch and other activities shall be developed with and approved by FRBA.

4) Support the last mile service providers in troubleshooting problems with their underlying customers to ensure that the FRBA network is not the source of the difficulty.

5) Coordinate with other transport service, Internet access providers and collocation providers (such as Level 3, tower owner/operators) that support the FRBA network to monitor and maintain network reliability. This would include the call to these supporting entities, initiation, monitoring and escalation as necessary of trouble tickets.

6) Provide secure connectivity to network elements and associated data centers for operation, monitoring and management as required. The configuration of these links must be approved by FRBA before use.

7) Conduct customer notifications in support of pending and active outages, activation and deactivation of circuits, maintenance or other possibly service‐affecting events.

8) Maintain network security, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention and access management.


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9) Provide support for internal IT requirements including OSS/BSS, server infrastructure, database management and regular system backups.

a) The Network Operator shall provide its own Operational Support Systems (OSS) for managing the FRBA Network. The OSS systems must be capable of:

i) Coordinating all functions described in this ITN,

ii) Ensuring consistency of processes,

iii) Storing and recording operational, system and business information,

iv) Properly managing and tracking all FRBA assets, circuits and services that are the responsibility of the Network Operator.

b) The Network Operator will provide a read only portal into their systems for FRBA with at least the ability to view important reports regarding service information to customers.

c) The need for management, control, and accurate, timely information is a critical component of the relationship between the Network Operator and FRBA. Please provide a clear, well though‐out plan and a detailed description of your approach to OSS.

10) The Network Operator shall provide FRBA with information on its Professional Service Automation System and provide to FRBA a read‐only view into its trouble management and network monitoring systems.

11) Periodically update or upgrade electronics, software systems and other components of the Network such that its customers can be assured of adequate access to bandwidth services. It will be important to update components of the Network to keep equipment up‐to‐date and maintain the quality, security and reliability of services offered on the Network. Note that any software/firmware upgrades will be provided by the manufacturer through the warranty period and procured by FRBA thereafter. Software/firmware costs should not be included as part of your response.

12) Upgrades to the capacity and performance of the Network may also be required to meet rising levels of demand and to enable FRBA to provide new or enhanced services over the Network. The Network Operator will be required to participate in these upgrades and enhancements in order to ensure that the NOC can continue to manage and monitor the network.

13) Provide access to the FRBA network ensuring redundant and timely visibility for monitoring, provisioning and alarms.

14) Provide disaster recovery plans including emergency dispatch and possible need for additional resources and backup power. Information included should describe their plans in case of loss of service of their primary NOC.


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15) Conduct regular backup of network configuration, pertinent OSS records and other information.

16) FRBA must comply with all terms and conditions of its BTOP grant award requiring network openness, nondiscrimination, and customer choice. Among other things, the FRBA BTOP Grant Award requires that FRBA:

a) Adhere to the principles contained in the FCC’s Internet Policy Statement, FCC 05‐151.

b) Not favor any lawful Internet applications and content over others.

c) Display any network management policies in a prominent location on our web page and providing notice to customers on any changes to these policies.

d) Connect to the public Internet directly, so that the FRBA Network is not a private closed network, but open to accessing all Internet resources.

e) Offer interconnection, where technically feasible without exceeding current or reasonably anticipated capacity limitations, on reasonable rates and terms negotiated with requesting parties.

The Network Operator shall adhere to any and all FRBA policies developed to ensure compliance with these requirements, as interpreted and applied by NTIA.

17) FRBA is obligated, for the useful life of the network facilities funded through the FRBA BTOP Grant Award, to operate and maintain its Network properly and efficiently for the general and specific purpose of BTOP and the particular FRBA Grant Award. The Network Operator, therefore, must operate the network in accord with these requirements, including:

a) The federal interest in real property and equipment, including broadband facilities, that FRBA acquired or improved in whole or in part with Federal funds, which, among other things, requires that (i) FRBA may not sell, transfer, convey, or mortgage any interest in the real property and equipment, including broadband facilities, during its estimated useful life, without prior approval by the NTIA; (ii) FRBA may not use such real property and equipment, including broadband facilities, for purposes other than the purposes for which the award was made;

b) Federal property management standards, including equipment inventory and asset control requirements that restrict disposition of BTOP‐funded property and require the periodic preparation and submission of physical inventories;

c) Federal financial standards requires that FRBA track and report program income, as defined in 15 C.F.R. § 24.25 through the end of the BTOP Grant Award period, July 31, 2013.

The Network Operator shall ensure that it has the capability to develop, implement and adhere


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to processes and procedures developed to ensure compliance with these requirements, as interpreted and applied by NTIA.

Field Services

Field Services includes responsibility for physical work, installation, maintenance and support of the FRBA Network based on general architectural guidance provided by FRBA staff and as directed by the NOC. This may include, without limitation:

1) Implement a preventative maintenance program, reviewed and approved by FRBA, to minimize deterioration of equipment and service throughout the network. This should include periodic ride-outs along core network segments for inspections and quality assurance of network maintenance. .

2) Respond to dispatch by NOC to respond to network alarms, resolve network performance issues, and repair damage. On call personnel must be able to coordinate resources for troubleshooting issues and conduct on‐site repair/replace tasks as needed.

3) Supply vehicles, tools, test equipment, and other hardware or software required for operation and maintenance.

4) Receive and process ordered materials and equipment.

5) Coordinate vendor warranty, repair and return services.

6) Manage spares and inventory in vehicles and warehouse.

7) Update design documents to represent as‐built conditions at the completion of maintenance activities.

8) Install and provision extensions of the network from backbone network to in‐kind assets and other last mile service provider meet‐me points.

9) Conduct field surveys, as requested, in support of FRBA engineering design of network and customer service locations.

10) Certification Requirements

a) Cisco Certification or equivalent in routing, switching and security;

b) Ceragon Radios;

c) Calix/Occam Switches;

d) Respondent or respondent’s subcontractors must be authorized to work on American Tower, Crown Castle and SBA tower sites;

e) If Respondent is not trained/certified/authorized in any of the areas identified above, Respondent must commit to completing training/certifications


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within 45 days of contract authorization.

f) The Jessica Lunsford Act applies to contractors performing work on school sites. Any future installation and pathing work is to be performed on a school site, the company performing the work will be required to comply with the Lunsford Act requirements, including registration with the local school district.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing activities will include all management of the sales functions of the organization in effort to generate annual revenues and promote the growth of the organization. The Network Operator will have access to FRBA’s extensive network of government, education, public safety, healthcare and other anchor markets to further the sales of FRBA’s services in the region. The Network Operator will be responsible for the following functions:

1) Sales of all FRBA’s products and services

2) Management of top-line revenue growth, quota management, sales goals and strategies

3) Responsibility for outside and inside sales functions, including qualification, pipeline development, dealmaking, contracts, closings and renewals.

4) Determination of optimal marketing strategies and execution of such strategies for FRBA’s products and services

5) Determination of optimal advertising and outreach strategies and execution of such strategies for FRBA’s products and services

6) Development of new products and services for FRBA

Finance and Accounting

The Network Operator will manage all financial aspects of the organization including running financials, billing accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliation, financial reporting, tax reporting and other areas required to manage the finances of a telecommunications organization.

1) Financial management

2) Financial and corporate accounting

3) Billing and accounts receivable

4) Accounts Payable

5) Financial Reporting

6) Tax Reporting


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Reporting

The Respondent will be required to submit regular written reports to FRBA including but not limited to:

1. Bi‐weekly Metrics showing any outages, performance issues or any degraded services.

2. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports after any outages.

3. Assistance to Owners in creating periodic reports to NTIA in accordance with grant requirements.

4. Track and inventory all equipment including RMA with vendor.

5. Billing and Accounts Receivable reports of FRBA customers.

6. Capacity and usage reports from the wireless and wired portions of the network


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ATTACHMENT A CERTIFICATION

Date Issued: March 1, 2013

ITN #: 2013-01

ITN: Network Operator Partnership

Issued By: Florida Rural Broadband Alliance, LLC

Response Due: March 15, 2013 5:00PM EST

Response received after the due date and time will not be accepted and will be returned to the respondent.

The undersigned hereby offers and agrees to furnish the equipment, materials and/or services described in the attached Response in compliance with the attached ITN. The undersigned represents that the information provided in the attached Response is complete and accurate.

Name of Firm:

Address:

Date:

Name of Authorized Representative:

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Phone:

Email:

Acknowledgement of Addenda

Acknowledge receipt of all the addenda issued by the FRBA for this ITN by identifying the addenda number and its issue date below and include this form in the response package:

Addenda Number _________________

Date ____________________________

Signature________________________


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ATTACHMENT B REFERENCES

Please provide at least three (3) references, if applicable, describing your experience with projects similar to the FRBA project, including particularly other BTOP funded projects, and the specific requirements described in this ITN. References should be submitted for the Prime Contractor (Respondent) and any subcontractors. Please include the following information for each reference (Please duplicate this page, 1 for each reference):

• Client/Project Name

• Contact Person

• Name

• Address

• Phone number

• Email address

• Description

• Location

• Network description

• Services provided


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ATTACHMENT C CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

By submitting a Response in response to this solicitation, the respondent agrees that:

• Respondent does not and shall not have any employment or agreement, oral or written, with any third party relating to any interests which are in conflict with or otherwise inconsistent with any interest or position of the FRBA or its representatives.

• Respondent shall not accept, during the term of any contract arising from this ITN, any retainer or employment from a third party whose interests appear to be conflicting or inconsistent with those of the FRBA. Respondent hereby agrees to and complies with this pledge.

Name:___________________________________

Date:____________________________________

Signature: ________________________________


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ATTACHMENT D BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Respondents are requested to provide the following information about their business and technical resources to demonstrate how they have the capacity and capability to meet the requirements of this ITN. Please provide comments as appropriate.

Category

Statement

Number of years in business

Number of employees

Location of headquarters

Offices in Florida or Southeast

Type of business

Public or privately held

DUNS Number

Primary products/services

Major customers

Technical strengths

Operational strengths


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ATTACHMENT E SPECIAL CONDITIONS

By its execution of this agreement, the Operator and all of Operator’s subcontractors, agree that they have read and will comply with, and will take all reasonable steps necessary to facilitate FRBA’s compliance with all applicable provisions and terms and conditions of BTOP Grant Award # NT10BIX5570122 and all applicable Federal and State statutes.

Name: _______________________________________

Date:_________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________


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ATTACHMENT F NETWORK OVERVIEW AND NETWORK MAPS

FRBA was awarded a Federal Grant under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) as part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The FRBA project will build a new middle mile broadband infrastructure to link the enormous capacity of the Internet backbone “superhighways” to the rural and underserved areas in Florida. The “superhighways” are the fiber optic networks that will be connected to a middle mile microwave backhaul network providing connectivity throughout the region.

The FRBA Middle Mile Project is intended to spur additional private investment in last mile infrastructure to provide constituents of the 14 county Rural Areas of Critical Economic Concern (RACECs) with new, enhanced and/or redundant multi‐megabit broadband access to critical broadband services. The FRBA project will support community anchor institutions, such as schools, hospital, clinics, public safety, libraries and community colleges by bringing high speed ubiquitous broadband to these areas. These institutions will be able to provide area residents, including those who do not own a computer, with access to a variety of services including virtual learning, online vocational and technical training, formal education courses and awareness programs. In addition, new online K‐12 education level courses for children can be offered with full access to the same resources found in a typical classroom, such as specialized book collections, course materials, and library resources.

The FRBA project is designed to be the backbone supporting a range of e‐government deployments, which connect government entities with constituents in the county and the region. Low‐income, unemployed, aged and otherwise vulnerable populations in the area will have online access to support agencies, such as American Red Cross, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, Association of Health Care Administrators and other organizations at the federal, state, and local level.

In addition, the FRBA project will greatly expand broadband access to public safety/first responder agencies. Specifically, the project design incorporates a secure multi‐megabit connection for intranet and Internet connectivity. The network will give public safety organizations the ability to leverage vertical assets while its architecture accommodates the likely future deployment of fleet mobile broadband connectivity.

System Design

The key network components involved in this project are Data Centers, Fiber Interconnection Points, the Microwave Backbone Network and the Microwave Distribution Network.

Data Centers

FRBA currently is collocated at two data centers located in Tallahassee and Orlando. These data centers are owned and operated by Level3 but carrier interconnection and peering is allowable in each data center (neutral access). The FRBA currently maintains a 300 sq. ft suite in the Orlando data center and two cabinets in the Tallahassee data center. Each data center is equipped with AC and DC power feeding FRBA’s equipment. Core routers are collocated in each location connecting to fiber interconnection points that provide backhaul into the FRBA region.


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Fiber Interconnection Points

Two fiber interconnection points exist in the FRBA network that connect the FRBA Microwave Backbone Network to the two primary data centers, located in Tallahassee and Orlando, Florida. Each fiber interconnection point provides redundant Gigabit connectivity back to each data center, where FRBA locates its core routers and related equipment. As capacity requirements increase on the network, FRBA will continue to upgrade these fiber interconnection points to meet the future demands of the region.

Microwave Backbone Network

The Microwave Backbone Network uses licensed frequencies of 6 and 11 GHz, determined by the distances of each link and the bandwidth requirements. Radios distribute signal among the 15 counties using a multiple ring topology throughout the region. This topology provides redundancy for backbone traffic utilizing a proprietary ring-protection mechanism built into the OCCAM switches. An industry standard tool, Pathloss, was utilized to engineer 99.999% availability at a minimum of 150Mbps full duplex for each ring. Tower sites and all related equipment is UPS protected with an average of 8-hour battery life per site. The Microwave Backbone Network will provide interconnection with the Microwave Distribution Network to reach individual service areas within the region.

Microwave Distribution Network

Space is reserved on each tower and in each cabinet/shelter for the placement of distribution network equipment. Distribution network equipment (FRBA-owned or owned by last-mile providers) will interconnect with the Microwave Backbone Network at each tower location. FRBA may also utilize its in-kind tower, ground and other assets to provide intermediate connection into service areas through which last-mile connections may be made directly or through last-mile providers.

Several configurations will occur regarding this equipment:

1. FRBA deploys distribution equipment directly In this scenario, FRBA will install distribution equipment on towers to provide service directly to CAIs and other customers in the region. These may include the full range of CAIs, businesses and last-mile providers with vertical assets in proximity to FRBA backbone towers. Distribution equipment will utilize licensed and unlicensed spectrum, depending on the bandwidth and reliability requirements of the customer.

2. Last-Mile Provider deploys its own equipment In this scenario, a last-mile provider may desire to collocate on a FRBA backbone tower for the interconnection into its own last-mile network. In this case, FRBA will provide interconnection with the last-mile provider at the base of the tower and create an interconnection between the FRBA shelter and last-mile provider shelter. The last-mile provider will be responsible for managing/maintaining its own equipment, as well as purchasing potential tower and ground lease from the tower provider.


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System Upgrades

System upgrades will be required in the FRBA network for expansion of middle-mile wireless, fiber and IP throughout the region. Expansion of the Microwave Backbone Network will require installation of additional radios at tower locations to upgrade backbone capacity. Trigger points for upgrades are generally set in increments of 200Mbps. Fiber interconnection points are currently provisioned with 1Gpbs of capacity and are upgradeable in increments of 1Gbp. Commodity Internet services are currently being provisioned in the data centers within Orlando and Tallahassee and will be upgradeable based on standard industry increments, 100Mbps or greater, utilizing burstable features.


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ATTACHMENT G NONDISCRIMINATION AND INTERCONNECTION POLICY

Florida Rural Broadband Alliance

Nondiscrimination and Interconnection Policy VERSION 1.0

Florida Rural Broadband Alliance (FRBA) is required to adhere to BTOP's nondiscrimination and interconnection requirements. These obligations may also apply to contractors, subcontractors, purchasers of IRUs, or other parties engaged to deploy or operate the network facilities that are part of the FRBA project. FRBA will make all reasonable efforts to allow all requesting parties to interconnect with their facilities regardless of the business.

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