• specifications for cabling, connectors, bend radius and splice cases • scalability and interoperability
• point-to-point and GPON
• applicability for municipal, business and residential uses • factoring rights-of-way constraints and utility easements ENTRUST will provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical specifications for construction crews to ensure consistent quality, safety, and documentation throughout the deployment process.
PERMITTING AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Permitting
Permitting work involves identifying all permit agencies for all city, county, environmental and historic preservation agencies across the project area.
Local conditions and variables affect the exact type, number and cost of required permits.
Specific requirements for the number and types of permits required will be determined during low-level design. ENTRUST can provide all materials for permits applications and assist with preparation and submittal on a time and materials basis. In addition to fees for any local encroachment, excavation, or building permits, on average, ENTRUST has found permit application preparation costs in California, depending on specifics within each jurisdiction, range between $1,700 to $4,200 for each Caltrans crossing, $1,500 to $2,700 for railroad crossings; wetlands permits start at $1,500, but can vary depending on local conditions.
ENTRUST has provided an estimate of permit fees for this project in the separate Attachment 4, Fee Schedule/Cost Proposal. This is an estimate only and may be higher of lower after design engineering is completed. ENTRUST will submit a change order during the project based on the actual costs, including labor to complete all of the permits for this project.
CEQA Exemption Research and Documentation
Anticipating the Project would be categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(b) (Class 1, Existing Facilities), Section 15303(d) (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and Section 15304 (Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land). Under this scope of work, ENTRUST will develop a CEQA Exemption Consistency Memorandum to document the Project’s ability to meet the Class 1, Class 3, and Class 4 exemption criteria for successful CEQA compliance.
CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT AND QUALITY
ASSURANCE
Construction Management
ENTRUST’s local Construction Manager (“CM”) will be onsite and act as the client’s liaison to the Outside Plant (OSP Construction Contractors) team and will manage the overall construction of the City’s fiber-optic network(s). The CM with the support of the Project Coordinator will review overall compliance with project schedules and specifications, Huntington Park Proposal Page 10
assessing Contractor adherence to public works and right of way restrictions, performance of construction activities, and development of applicable project documentation.
Other tasks that will be performed include:
• Managing the overall Construction deployment of the Outside Plant (OSP), ensuring schedule management, specification compliance and documentation according to standards, including micro trenching.
• Approving all materials to be used in the job and all construction subcontractors. • Act as the main point of contact for selected OSP Contractor, addressing field issues, coordinating daily activities, assessing compliance of safety requirements and with applicable permits.
• Establish and enforce rigorous QA/QC program for verification of continuity, attenuation and loss using OTDR and power meter testing. • Inspection of splice enclosures, cable routes and labeling for compliance with industry standards
• Adherence to backfill, compaction and restoration requirements • Coordinating with the City as applicable on construction activities, material access and handling and administrative requirements.
• Coordination with construction vendor, assessing adherence to schedule commitments, tracking completion of defective items, assisting final completion and delivery, and turnover to operations.
• Review of production installations to specifications and schedule timelines. • Identifying any issues with, and resolution of, applicable action items.
Construction Inspection
ENTRUST’s Construction Manager will provide construction inspection services for Huntington Park as the network is constructed with the support of the Project Coordinator.
ENTRUST’s construction manager will provide on-site supervision to determine compliance with project specifications, safety and permitting requirements. In addition, ENTRUST will provide quality review on installation and ground restoration in real time. All field data and information related to changes in the field, as built and redline information will also be acquired and reviewed in real time. In addition to these services, on-site inspection services provide field representation, to assist the client with oversight of crews in the field. Field inspection services include the following, as well as per diem, lodging, and vehicles for local CI resources:
• Real time inspection services, including compliance and specification review of installations.
• Onsite assessment of installed quantities and installation quality assurance. • Review of compliance with safety standards including traffic compliance and permitspecific requirements.
Huntington Park Proposal Page 11
• Review of compliance following the National Electric Safety Code. • Onsite supervision of fiber-optic testing (OTDR and power meter) and compliance. • Field level decision-making to minimize crew downtime. • Review of deliverable accuracy for all documentation including red lines, directional bore logs and production sheets.
Construction Close Out
Within thirty (30) days of completion and acceptance of the Project, ENTRUST Inspectors will furnish Huntington Park with the following:
• Photo log.
• Information for record drawings.
• All record drawings produced by Contractor and Consultant during construction.
Final documents shall be delivered to Huntington Park in electronic format and shall become the sole property of Huntington Park. Acceptable formats include Microsoft Word, Excel, and AutoCAD-DWG.
BUSINESS PLANNING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Business Model Options
Based on information gathered about your community during preceding tasks, our team will identify the most appropriate business model option for broadband expansion which may include opportunities for utility, joint build, partnership options, regional collaborations, considerations about the competitive environment, and funding.
ENTRUST will assist the City with investigating the business model options including public-private agreements with incumbent and new entrant broadband providers. Some of the key questions that we will address in this section include:
• What opportunities exist for the City to leverage its infrastructure to provide additional broadband service options to unserved and underserved locations? • How might joint investment in broadband infrastructure be accomplished between the City and other public or private sector organizations?
• What legal and operational structures should be considered by the City and other organizations in use of the proposed infrastructure?
• How will the City balance private sector goals of revenue growth and profitability with public goals of providing affordable and available broadband services across the region?
• How will future system expansion be handled between the City and private sector providers and what contributions will the parties make to this infrastructure? • What regional opportunities exist for collaboration?
ENTRUST will provide a recommendation for the most appropriate business model structure for Huntington Park.
Business Model Financials
ENTRUST will utilize our Broadband Financial Sustainability Model to ensure that Huntington Park has a full understanding of the business and financial sustainability of the proposed project and future operations.
Huntington Park Proposal Page 12
Our financial models have been specifically developed for broadband utilities and are very similar to electric utility rate studies. ENTRUST’s financial modeling tools have been utilized to plan and manage broadband network investments for over $500 million in broadband projects nationwide. Using our financial tools, we propose using a 20-year period to analyze the project and develop a Pro Forma projection that includes the following:
• Develop the cost model for the network, including one-time and ongoing capital expenditures to build the network.
• Develop the cost model for operations, including O&M, network operations, field services, staffing, billing and customer service applicable to Huntington Park and/or private partner.
• Adjust projections for the customer segmentation and growth on the network, across each type of customer (business, school, hospital, etc.). • Determine a proposed competitive rate schedule for potential services, using competitive market pricing information.
• Develop financial statements, pro-formas, depreciation schedules, and cash flows. • Conduct comprehensive financial analysis on the project to determine overall financial sustainability using key metrics such as free cash flow, debt service coverage, operating margin, and net income.
• Use scenario analysis to evaluate different business models and determine which are feasible for Huntington Park to consider.
• Recommend the most feasible business model based on Huntington Park’s goals, overall business and financial sustainability, community benefit, and long-term value to the community.
Partnership Outreach
The information from ENTRUST’s business modeling will help Huntington Park determine if there is an interest in forming a partnership with a private entity to expand, invest in, manage, maintain and operate the network. ENTRUST will work closely with Huntington Park and private providers to determine the fit for a partnership. ENTRUST meets regularly with private providers and investors who with their venture capital investors seek to form partnerships following several different business models. ENTRUST will introduce the City to these providers and assist in conversations regarding partnership opportunities should the City wish to pursue one of those models. ENTRUST could assist Huntington Park with negotiations of a term sheet and drafting an agreement at additional cost if the City is interested. ENTRUST could assist Huntington Park in negotiating the best terms that address the following key terms:
Huntington Park broadband services for public facilities Retail services & pricing to a range of customer segments, including residential and/or commercial
Retail services & pricing to government, education, healthcare and anchor organizations
Retail services that leverage other utilities for outsourced content and services Fiber leasing arrangements
Revenue sharing agreements
Open Access Model compliance
Phased roll-out of lit services to customers
Milestones & performance schedules to guarantee delivery of services Partnership arrangements with third-party asset owners (County, other private telecoms)
Others to be determined throughout the course of negotiations.
Huntington Park Proposal Page 13
ENTRUST will also be prepared to draft reports, memos, and presentation slide decks, and to assist Huntington Park when presenting to any public meetings for Huntington Park Council deliberation and approvals.
Market Analysis
ENTRUST’s team will conduct a market analysis to gain an understanding of what service offerings are currently available to businesses and residents in Huntington Park.
ENTRUST’s market analysis will identify the services that are available, providers, service level, pricing, and access. We will document all privately-owned networks and research incumbent providers that currently serve the market as well as potential new entrants. This information will come from a variety of sources, including our comprehensive broadband database, third-party research, and information obtained from the providers themselves.
We will then analyze the current market and delineate served, underserved and unserved areas that have a need for broadband but currently lack the necessary infrastructure. We will also work with the local providers to understand and document their current needs, as they too are stakeholders in the region.
Marketing Strategy and Operations Plan
With the knowledge gained from the previous work completed on the project, ENTRUST will develop a comprehensive marketing, outreach, and customer onboarding strategy for residents, businesses, anchor institutions, and un/underserved members of Huntington Park. The marketing strategies will include network branding and marketing to online, press and social media outlets as well as outreach to current and future customers.
ENTRUST will explore various revenue opportunities, including IRU, partnerships, revenue sharing and dark and light service offerings. We will also review opportunities to deploy smart city applications, including public Wi-Fi, AMI, public safety video, intelligent transportation and parking, and other government innovations. Upon completing the demand and benefit review, ENTRUST will design a broadband operations plan that recommends service delivery workflows, customer service protocols, network performance monitoring, and service-level agreement (SLA) commitments. OPX recommendations will include staffing requirements, maintenance schedules, escalation procedures, and performance metrics.
REPORTING, DOCUMENTATION AND AUDIT READINESS
Grant Reporting & Administration
During the 18-month grant implementation period, ENTRUST will provide tracking and reporting of documentation as required by the CPUC for grant reporting, including regular monitoring of eligible expenses, drafting quarterly narrative reports, updates, and tracking filing deadlines and dates, as required by the grant conditions.
Project Accounting
ENTRUST will provide project accounting services to effectively manage financial aspects of the project between Huntington Park, contractors, third party providers and ENTRUST.
These services include financial controls for project deliverables, accounts payable and receivables, project budgets and actuals and accounting transactions between the project parties. Deliverables include a Project Management Plan, monthly project statements and Huntington Park Proposal Page 14
reporting on progress of the Plan with recommendations for financial adjustments as necessary. ENTRUST will use its project management system and ESRI to:
• Maintain complete and accurate records for all phases of the project in compliance with CPUC, and federal standards
• Track and maintain procurement, contract, permit, utility coordination, GIS, engagement activities and performance data and reports
• Track and report KPI’s for the project including homes passed, construction activities, fiber splicing and testing
• Maintain up-to-date financial data and controls for audit-readiness, including expenditures, invoices, contract terms and conditions, timekeeping and labor rates for prevailing wage compliance
Project Close Out
Within thirty (30) days of completion and acceptance of the Project, ENTRUST will furnish Huntington Park with the following:
• Financial reconciliations.
• Performance summaries
• Asset inventories
• All documentation required by the CPUC
PROJECT TEAM AND EXPERIENCE
PROJECT TIMELINE Ongoing Task
Deliverable
Phase
Month 1Month 2Month 3Month 4Month 5Month 6Month 7Month 8Month 9Month 10Month 11Month 12Month 13Month 14Month 15Month 16Month 17Month 18 Project Planning and
Management
Community Outreach and
Stakeholder Management
Technical Expertise and
Deployment Support
Permitting and Regulatory
Compliance
Construction Oversight and
Quality Assurance
Business Planning and
Sustainability
Reporting, Documentation and
Audit Readiness
QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY
CONTROL
At ENTRUST, quality is not just a process it is a core value embedded in our culture and operations. As an ISO 9001-certified engineering design firm since 2008, our QA/QC approach is structured around six key objectives: integrity and ethics, customer satisfaction, on-time delivery, safety, efficiency, and continual improvement. These principles are actively measured and refined through our Quality Management System.
Major QA/QC Elements and Procedures:
• Engineering Discipline Review: Each discipline lead conducts detailed reviews to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with client standards. Design reviews are held collaboratively with stakeholders to capture operational, safety, and coderelated feedback early in the process. • Coordination Review: Weekly meetings and reporting cycles ensure alignment across teams. These meetings highlight completed tasks, upcoming work, and any issues impacting schedule or cost. Meeting minutes and action items are documented and distributed promptly.
• Constructability Review: The project team evaluates feasibility, site constraints, and subsystem impacts. High-risk items such as environmental or access issues are flagged early and discussed with the client, with alternative solutions proposed as needed.
• QA/QC Review: A dedicated QA/QC process includes document control, milestone deliverable tracking (30%, 60%, 90%, IFB, IFC), and high-level quality checks before client submission. Our Document Control Department ensures secure, accurate, and accessible records throughout the project lifecycle. • Control Review: Project controls integrate scheduling, cost, and manpower planning. Using tools like Deltek Vantagepoint, Primavera, and MS Project, we track real-time costs, manage scope changes, and forecast project performance.
Variances are addressed through proactive communication and corrective action. • Change Management: All scope changes are logged, evaluated for cost/schedule impact, and approved by the client before implementation. This ensures transparency and accountability.
ENTRUST’s QA/QC program is designed to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes while maintaining flexibility to adapt to project-specific needs. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every phase of project execution.
REFERENCES
1. City of Glendale – Project Management and Construction Management Contact: Varghese George
Phone: (818) 551-4663
Email: [email protected]
Scope of Work Summary: ENTRUST partnered with the City of Glendale to enhance the city's infrastructure and community services. The project involves the comprehensive modernization of public facilities, expansion of green spaces, and improvement of transportation networks. ENTRUST is responsible for project management, engineering design, permitting, and construction oversight. The goals of the project are to modernize and upgrade public facilities to meet current standards, expand and improve green spaces for recreational activities, enhance transportation networks to reduce congestion and improve accessibility, and support sustainable development initiatives and eco-friendly practices. Among the project's achievements are the successful upgrade of multiple public buildings with state-ofthe-art technology and amenities, the increase in the number of green spaces and parks providing more areas for community recreation, the improvement of transportation infrastructure including new roadways, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways, and the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices reducing the city's carbon footprint.
2. City of Hillsboro, Oregon - Fiber Design and Construction Management Contact: Greg Mont, Information Services Director
Phone: 503-681-5401
Email: [email protected]
Scope of Work Summary: The City of Hillsboro hired ENTRUST to develop a citywide fiber backbone and fiber to the home broadband network. ENTRUST engineered an optimal fiber to the home architecture using the backbone network as a launchpad for broadband. Our design furnished the City with a blueprint for broadband across 44,000 homes and businesses. We provided detailed fielding, utility assessment, permitting, make-ready, prints, costing and as-builts for each phase of construction. The design delivers 1 and 10 gigabit capabilities natively in the network. To enable seamless deployment of the network, the City also selected ENTRUST to manage construction, given our deep experience constructing municipal fiber and our collaborative approach with the City’s internal departments.
Today, 34 schools are connected to the network, providing nearly unlimited bandwidth to support their current and future needs, while reducing its operating budgets by $200,000 annually. The fiber backbone and the first phase of fiber to the home construction have been completed to enable the City to launch its gigabit internet services to the first homes in Hillsboro.
3. City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Fiber Design and Construction Management Contact: Fred Lyn, Utility Division Manager
Phone: 909.477.2740 ext. 4035
Email: [email protected]
Scope of Work Summary: ENTRUST worked with the City to develop a fiber master plan and engineering assessment that laid out a multi-year plan for new aerial and underground fiber deployment throughout the City, totaling $12 million over 6 years. Since adopting the master plan in 2017, ENTRUST has designed and built the first three phases of the fiber to the premises network. In this work, we have provided full engineering, fielding, utility assessments, pole and make ready planning, construction prints and bid packages. We also manage construction as an owner’s representative for the City in the fiber build, ensuring that the construction contractor meets our engineering specifications developed for the City, with tight quality control and within the budget. Today, the City has connected neighborhoods and business corridors, enabling gigabit broadband services to residents and businesses across the City. Residential customers receive gigabit service for $69.99 per month, giving them nearly five times the bandwidth for a lower cost than is available in the market today. Businesses have competitively priced internet on City fiber that has replaced slow and unreliable DSL, and cable internet services.
4. City of Chesapeake, VA – Fiber and Wireless Network Design Contact: Jay Krail
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 504-920-3181
Scope of Work Summary: ENTRUST worked with the City to engineer the 170- mile C-NGN fiber-optic network and complementary smart city wireless overlay, branded Chesapeake Connects. ENTRUST conducted detailed assessment of each stakeholders’ needs and developed the network design to maximize community use of the fiber. The network connects over 200 community facilities including city, school, library, hospital, public utility, public safety and traffic locations. The design also incorporates Chesapeake’s economic development goals by ensuring that key business corridors are equipped with high-capacity fiber. ENTRUST engineered over 170-mile route miles of fiber, including fielding, low-level design, construction prints, permitting, master budgets and construction bids. In late 2020, ENTRUST’s scope was expanded to determine how Chesapeake Connects will support organizations during and after the COVID-19 pandemic focusing on telehealth and remote education. ENTRUST’s process of design, then bid, then build is giving the City best approach to minimize the cost of construction, select the most capable construction contractor and ensure rapid deployment of the network. The City of Chesapeake began construction by July 2021 and is working with ENTRUST to accelerate the timeline, targeting 18-24 months for completion of major construction related activities.
Cost Proposal
The total labor cost to Huntington Park is $1,406,657 and includes eighteen (18) months of work to be completed by EN Engineering as stated in this Proposal. EN will bill $78,147.61 on the first day of the month for the current month’s services. “Not to exceed” travel and incidental expenses of $50,815, will be billed as incurred, and added to the monthly invoice. Invoices are payable on net 30 terms from the date of each invoice.
This work is priced under the assumption that the overall project will last eighteen (18) months, construction will be completed within a sixteen (16) month period.
Permitting and Unanticipated Additional Needs:
EN has provided an estimate of permit fees for this project in this Attachment 4, Fee Schedule/Cost Proposal. This is an estimate only and may be higher of lower after design engineering is completed. EN will submit a change order during the project based on the actual costs, including labor to complete all of the permits for this project.
If construction schedules are accelerated or even more resources are added by the contractor, or if construction is extended due to delays, EN will discuss a change order to be approved by Huntington Park to adjust dedicated resources and pricing to ensure adequate coverage.
Proof of Insurance
Resumes
Jory Wolf Page 1 of 1
VP of Digital Innovation
OVERVIEW:
Jory joined Magellan after 22 years as CIO of the City of Santa Monica, where he launched Santa Monica City Wi-Fi, which provides free internet services to the public through a network of 32 hot zones and wireless coverage in most major commercial and transit corridors throughout the city. He created Santa Monica City Net, a 100-gigabit broadband initiative to support an environment for local businesses to compete in the global economy with innovative network solutions. Jory has over 35 years of experience in Information Technology, including broadband, FTTH and Smart City initiatives. Since joining Magellan Advisors in July 2016, Jory has led teams that have worked on 50+ government projects in broadband master planning, feasibility studies, wireless strategic planning, 5G small cell policies, dig once policies and smart city.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Implemented broadband systems that support innovation in government services and enables public service and community stakeholder institutions to improve community health, education, safety, and wellbeing.
Planned and managed the implementation of a new $9.5 million P25 compliant trunked public safety radio system for first and second responders as part of the ICI regional interoperable system.
Planned and managed the City's centralized automated systems and related services, including personnel and equipment and provided strategic development and use of information technologies; overseeing design and implementation of new systems; coordinating citywide acquisition of software and hardware, including development and implementation of a long-range funding plan for maintenance and replacement of hardware; and managed operations and customer support functions for software applications, telecommunications systems and network systems and related technology services.
Established goals and policies in accordance with mission and service level objectives; prioritized and supervised the implementation of goals and objectives.
Managed the preparation and administration of operating and capital improvement budgets and recommended and approved technology budgets and expenditures for all departments.
Developed and implemented citywide long-range information systems strategies, which involved facilitating discussions with City management regarding current and anticipated information services requirements, applications development, enhancement requests and alternative approaches.
Resume Highlights
Engineering Design
Project Management
Operations Management
QA/QC
Years with EN Engineering: 5
Years of Experience: 35
Primary Office Location:
999 18th Street Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80202
Education:
Management Information Systems -
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
and Biology -
California State University Northridge,
Los Angeles, CA
Awards:
Los Angeles Business Journal,
2012 CIO Lifetime Achievement
Award
Public Technology Institute
Award, Management Strategies
Public Technology Institute
Award, Telecommunications
Strategies
Helen Putnam Award, Innovative
Government Services
Public Technology Institute
Award, Interactive On-line
Services
Los Angeles Consortium of
Governments Award, Best
Practices in Technology
Thomas Davis Page 1 of 2
Project Coordinator rev. 7/06/22
OVERVIEW:
Thomas Davis is a Project Coordinator for Entrust Solutions Group. Prior to joining Entrust, Thomas is an accomplished Construction Assistant Project Manager with 7 years of experience in project management and project coordination. Effectively manage multiple large-scale projects from design through completion while building strong customer relationships.
RELEVANT PROJECTS:
Chesapeake, VA
Superior, WI
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Assistant Project Manager
Breeden Companies
• Assisted Project Manager with managing 4 large scale residential projects to completion in 2022 totaling 645 separate housing units with a market value of $31 million
• Coordinate multiple multi-family construction projects budget of $1M+ and ensure company obtains the best possible pricing; determine and minimize risk in buyout process, reducing project cost by 3%
• Developed and maintained a detailed project plan for each project, saving a total of $2.7 million from project costs in 4 years • Reduced budgets by 10-20% by integrating energy efficient products and alternative building materials
Plant Operations
Fairfax Water Authority
• Aided senior leadership during executive decision-making process by generating daily reports to recommend corrective actions and improvements
• Developed new process for employee evaluation which included marked performance improvements
• Spearheaded new business process improvement for delivery of essential materials saving Fairfax Waters $100k
• Performed independent research by collecting data, analyzed findings, prepared budget, and set time frames by do-able actions Field Service Operations
Resume Highlights
Engineering Design
Project Management
Operations Management
QA/QC
Years of Experience: 7
Primary Office Location:
999 18th Street. Suite 3000
Denver, CO, 80202
Education:
Bachelor of Science – Business
Administration
Southern New Hampshire
University
Thomas Davis Page 2 of 2
Project Coordinator rev. 7/06/22
Mitsubishi Power Systems of America
• Lead a team of 6 to streamline processes for complete combustor inspection for a top client (Florida Power and Light), within just five business days, saving Mitsubishi up to $200K in human resource expenditures
• Conducted over 115 combustor inspections, 31 turbine inspections and 17 major overhaul inspections; test, troubleshoot, repair to maintain operational readiness
• Collaborated with internal team members and client personnel to propose pilot, and track solutions to technical issues.
Operations Supervisor
U.S. Navy
• Spearheaded shipboard engineering department preventive maintenance system (PMS) and corrective actions for engineering auxiliary division (A-Gang) reducing repair time by 5%
• Maintained 100% operational readiness of the shipboard auxiliary system: reverse osmosis plant, diesel engines, fire pumps, freshwater pumps, hydraulics, shipboard air (LP) and (HP) and refrigeration plant
• Strategically coordinated, planned, and conducted over 20 missions with 100% effectiveness
• Ensured the optimal performance of over $100 million in technical equipment, sophisticated communication equipment, weaponry, main propulsion engines and cargo carriers
Jim Severance
PM - Sr. Broadband Consultant rev. 10/16/23
OVERVIEW:
Jim has over 25 years of experience supporting major broadband initiatives for regional, national, and international providers and carriers. Focusing mostly on the products and services that are supported by a robust broadband infrastructure, he understands the technical requirements needed for bandwidth-intensive applications using a variety of access methods including fiber, cable, and wireless.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Entrust – Sr. Broadband Consultant
• Lead Broadband/Fiber Network client engagements, while executing high-level assessment methodologies and action plans.
• Manage timelines, issues, and deliverables related to assigned projects. • Manage the work product and ensuring that it conforms to project scope.
Bluebird Network – Product Manager
• Product management lead for Bluebird Network, a super-regional communications infrastructure and ISP provider operating in 6 Midwest states. Defined, developed and documented the suite of products and services for a 10,000+ mile fiber / 2 data center network. • Delivered key programs to support strategic products including cloud connect, managed router, and internet exchange services. • Member of the team that defined monthly key performance indicators to assess product health by sales channel.
Lumen – Senior Lead Product Manager
• Led cross-functional teams from engineering, product development, marketing, sales, and legal / regulatory organizations to launch a new product trial.
• Developed and maintained product roadmap, collaborating with key stakeholders and supporting organizations including Segment Marketing, Marcomm, Sales, Strategy & Development, Service Delivery, Operations, IT, Development, Network Engineering and Planning.
Sprint – Senior Product Manager
• Led a 6-member product development team to support Sprint’s internet services, voice over IP, and managed service portfolio for business customers which generated $2.5B in revenue per year.
• Optimized customer lifecycle for Sprint’s wireline services including prequalification, installation, service assurance, customer care, revenue assurance, and reporting.
Resume Highlights
Project and Program
Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Data Collection and Analysis
Product Development
Years with ENTRUST: 1
Years of Experience: 28
Primary Office Location:
Olathe, KS
Education:
BS, Electrical Engineering,
Kansas State University
MBA, Indiana University
Licenses and Certifications:
Licensed Professional Engineer
KS PE11686
Will Morat Page 1 of 2
Senior Broadband Consultant
OVERVIEW:
Will has 16 years of experience leading complex projects in government, communications, and economic development. He has led public fiber optic network projects from the nascent stages all the way through launch. His focus is on leveraging public assets with private investment to realize community benefit: closing the Digital Divide, improving public services through technology, and enhancing the quality of life and economic environment.
Will brings a background in public policy, local government administration, and cross-departmental experience in project management that complements the critical role of broadband in community growth and development.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
City of Sacramento Broadband Strategic Plan
Project Manager
Developed the City of Sacramento’s Broadband Strategic Plan, incorporating public and private assets, assessing the current market, conducting a thorough needs assessment through data analysis and community engagement, a field survey of cellular coverage, and identifying a conceptual design and phased implementation plan. Location: Sacramento, California Los Angeles County Broadband Feasibility Study
Project Manager
Developed the Office of the CIO’s broadband feasibility study targeting eight of the County’s most vulnerable areas. Assessed the market and need, identified a cost-effective wireless conceptual design, and developed a capital budget and operational revenues and expenses to connect more than 85,000 households. Location: Los Angeles County, California Ventura County Regional Broadband Initiative
Project Consultant
Support the County’s broadband efforts, including a phased implementation plan, grant opportunities, public-private partnership negotiations, and engagement with other public agencies for a regional network that enables last-mile connectivity. Location: Ventura County, California VallejoNET – Broadband Public-Private Partnership
Project Manager
Built the City’s revenue-positive Municipal Broadband Project from initial study all the way through service launch, engineering an 11-mile resilient loop with redundant backhaul, including negotiating a public-private partnership with an ISP to provide day-to-day network management and retail data services. Location: Vallejo, California
Resume Highlights
Strategic Planning
Project Management
Public Policy
Quantitative Analysis
Financial Management
Economic Development
Years with EN Engineering: 2
Years of Experience: 16
Primary Office Location:
Remote
Education:
Master of Public Administration,
Syracuse University
Bachelor of Social Science,
California State University Chico
Certifications:
PIO Team/Joint Information
Center (US Dept of Homeland
Security)
EOC Management; Earthquake
Response (CSTI)
Will Morat Page 2 of 2
Senior Broadband Consultant
RELEVANT PROJECTS: (cont’d)
Inyo Networks, Inc. DBA: Onward
Director of Public-Private Partnerships
Led the proposal and negotiations for public-private partnerships with municipalities and the Department of Defense for deployment of fiber optics and broadband services in communities and military bases throughout California and Nevada. Identified private and public assets that could be leveraged against private investment and public grant funds to construct resilient and redundant open-access fiber networks to deploy Smart City technology and offer retail data services to businesses, educational institutions, and residents. Location: California & Nevada City of Vallejo
Economic Development Manager
Developed the City’s wireless ordinance and negotiated small cell agreements with major telecom carriers; established a cross-departmental negotiations for redevelopment of an 800-acre former naval base; worked on securing revenue bonds for public infrastructure projects; led the development of a $32 million affordable housing project funded through federal grants and tax credits. Location: Vallejo, California City of Novato
Senior Analyst
Managed the City’s economic development projects and revenue-generation strategies, including negotiating development agreements for city-owned land; facilitated state and federal business development grant programs, including disbursement of ARPA funds. Location: Novato, California Matthew Steadman Page 1 of 3
Senior Broadband Consultant rev. 7/06/22
OVERVIEW:
An experienced executive with a diverse background in wireless, smart city, broadband, and EV charging. An exceptional track record in large scale, fast paced, network deployments, program integration and aggressive P&L management. A proven history of creating innovative business models, strategic partnerships, and original program solutions to achieve aggressive growth targets. Excels at site development, program management, team building, real estate negotiation, operations improvement, budget development, network deployments, and original Public/private Partnership models (P3).
RELEVANT PROJECTS:
Washington DC
DDOT Streetlight Conditions Assessment Project with the District of Columbia. Over 71,000 lighting structures were assessed, with over 1.5 million data points collected, analyzed, and catalogued, including over 700,000 field photos, as part of the overall P3 LED Smart Streetlight upgrade initiative.
Clark County, NV
Retained to create a wireless master plan for Clark County, NV including a subsection exclusively designed for “the Resort Areas” within the County jurisdiction. Services included, wireless master planning with data Platform integration, ordinance recommendations, design standard recommendations, and best practices recommendations.
City of Columbus, OH
Retained to develop and implement a city-wide broadband strategy and fiber network expansion initiative revolving around four pillars of economic development, public safety, digital literacy, and government services. Project included the brokered use of the city’s 600-mile fiber network by public entities and commercial carriers.
Metro Nashville, TN
Program management solution provider contracted to create and implement Metro’s broadband strategic plan focused on mobile broadband expansion and asset management initiatives that incorporate Smart City planning.
Warren County (KY)
Broadband Master Planning and Project Management contract focused on comprehensive strategic plan development and implemented with extensive community engagement, training and public-private partnership building for wired and wireless connectivity.
Resume Highlights
Smart City Planning
Program Management
Wireless Deployment
EV Charging
Years of Experience: 22
Primary Office Location:
Remote
Education:
JD Temple University School
of Law
BA Temple University
Professional Organizations &
Affiliations:
USMC Officer
Matthew Steadman Page 2 of 3
Senior Broadband Consultant rev. 7/06/22
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
2020-2023- Vice President- Site Development-SmartWorks Development • Led nationwide project management initiatives for multi-site property owner pipeline to expedite digital infrastructure real estate accessibility for small cell, EV charging, 5g, edge network, IoT, and ITS.
• End to end program management of service partners including land acquisition, site development, real estate, compliance, regulatory, legal, engineering, utility, and construction vendors for multi-site wireless and EV charging project deployments.
• Managed vendor bids, design reviews, equipment specifications, project plans and all client solution offerings.
• Created site development program standards, quality control measures, procurement standards, and budgetary KPIs for new regional DCFC EV charging network.
• Established remote program management systems for clients to ensure project delivery & performance in GM, Stellantis EV charging ecosystems. • Developed new business use cases, created advanced financial models, and negotiated complex agreements on behalf of commercial clients nationwide.
2018-2020: Chief Program Officer-SmartWorks Partners
• Led P3 broadband and 5g partnership initiatives with municipalities nationwide, to advance commercial infrastructure access for connectivity, mobility, sustainability, and economic development.
• Provided program management services to local governments with total combined population of over 4.7 million residents, and their combined annual operating budgets exceeded $13 billion.
• Expanded the business development team by 600% to support new software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings and additional consultative services, resulting in high-level relationships established in 43 states. • Led government RFP response team to secure Smart City national purchasing cooperative agreement with 50,000 members across all 50 states.
• Managed cross-functional programs overseeing site development, legal, engineering, finance, and new business development including project teams with up to a 140-person headcount.
2015-2017: Vice President-Network Solutions-SmartWorks Partners • Restructured programs to promote city client objectives for fiber & 5g asset revenue generation leading to client revenue growth of 700% in first year. • Routinely negotiated complex Partnership Agreements, Master Agreements, IRUs and SLAs, while creating unique financial models in support of P3 partnerships.
• Developed strategic partnerships with CLEC, OSP vendors, telco, data centers, and local utilities.
Matthew Steadman Page 3 of 3
Senior Broadband Consultant rev. 7/06/22
2014-2015: Area Director- Nexius Solutions – West Region • Launched turnkey wireless network deployment services in multiple markets, expanding client base and revenue targets from inception. • Created new revenue and market opportunities while leading nationwide area P&L metrics (average project net margin 22%).
• Expanded traditional wireless new build site development services into site modifications, FTTP, backhaul, utility coordination, turnkey construction, and other services.
2009-2013: Founding Member-The Derna Group
• Devised go-to market strategy for new turnkey wireless services company in western US markets, for a variety of wireless network providers. • Completed Clearwire SoCal market launch as a preferred partner out of 14 contractors, and single partner in Central Valley in first year. • Cultivated long term relationships with key clients such as American Tower, and Verizon Wireless, driving increased year over year growth. • Expertly delivered project management services for over 1500 sites in Western US markets.
2005-2009: Market Manager-Network Deployment-West Region-Wireless Facilities Incorporated
• Led business development initiatives, and developed new market opportunities, increasing client base by 500% in 3 years. • Led cross functional team of experts for a variety of services in all areas including, engineering, construction management, utility coordination, legal, zoning, and regulatory.
• Highest P&L rating in the country for market area of similar size covering six states, completing over 1200 sites for a variety of clients in (Sprint, Cingular, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Clearwire).
Adrienne Schmidt Page 1 of 1
Project Management Analyst rev. 10/18/24
OVERVIEW:
Adrienne earned her BS in Chemical Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Chemistry from Virginia Tech. She joined Entrust Solutions Group after two years as a risk and compliance analyst for Serco, a government contractor, where she served as the subject matter expert in business continuity, ensuring that secure measures were in place to guarantee uninterrupted services for 200+ government projects. In her role at Serco, she became certified as a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, demonstrating her passion for streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Her technical background provides her with a strong foundation for analytical problemsolving and strategic decision-making. Coupled with her passion for leveraging technology to bridge digital divides and empower communities through enhanced connectivity and access to information, she prioritizes the robustness and efficiency of broadband infrastructure, ensuring reliable services for all communities.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Project Management Analyst, Entrust Solutions Group
Key Projects: Chesapeake, VA Connects; Cumberland and Salem Counties Responsibilities include ensuring project tasks are being completed according to budget and within allocated hours, facilitating project team meetings and following up on action items.
Additionally, responsible for initiating and executing technical proposal process for broadband engineering services. Ensure timely and high-quality submissions, leading to winning over $200,000 worth of proposals.
Risk & Compliance Analyst, Serco
Analyst working alongside the chief executive management team of the $2.1 billion North American division of Serco Group (United Kingdom parent firm) to develop and maintain 20+ corporate and 200+ contract business continuity and emergency plans. Analyzed changing federal and state regulations and translated regulatory requirement into quality system, ensuring procedures were current and regulatory requirements were met. Contributed to drafting procedural documents and compiling a comprehensive quality manual to support the company’s ISO 9001:2015 certification process. Visualized and presented subject matter expertise on analysis of business continuity to chief level executive management team via PowerPoint.
Chemical Engineering Project Intern, BAE Systems - Radford Army Ammunition Plant
Chemical Engineering Project Intern reporting to Project Engineer at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant contracted by the government contractor, BAE Systems to develop a user-friendly model and algorithm for production floor workers to easily change incoming nitrocellulose production process streams (a process to produce helicopter propellant) to maintain a steady, constant operation with an optimal incoming stream composition to reduce wasted costs.
Resume Highlights
Data Analysis
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Engineering
QA/QC
Years of Experience: 8
Primary Office Location:
Remote
Education:
B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Skills:
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Lean Process Improvement
• Algorithm Design
• Business Continuity
• Microsoft Suite
Dave Martinez Page 1 of 2
Senior Project Manager rev. 05/2025
OVERVIEW:
David Martinez brings over 45 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, with more than 25 years focused on project and program management. He began his career in the mid-1990s with Nortel and Alcatel, where he led the installation and modification of network and cellular switching systems, including early deployments of QUALCOMM CDMA and DMS-100 Electronic Switching Systems.
In the private sector, David has overseen large-scale infrastructure deployments for major service providers such as Windstream, CenturyLink, AT&T, and Cox Communications. His leadership has encompassed thousands of remote and central office installations, coordination with utility companies, subcontractor management, and the on-time delivery of complex broadband and wireless systems.
As a senior project manager, David has successfully led multiple initiatives with budgets ranging from $25 million to $75 million. His responsibilities span client engagement, contractor coordination, budget oversight, and the development of critical project documentation—including proposals, forecasts, and grant applications.
David is recognized for his proactive leadership style, strong communication skills, and proven ability to manage complex projects in high-pressure environments.
RELEVANT PROJECTS:
Pea River Electric Cooperative (PREC) – FTTH Construction & Grant Coordination
Project Manager
Oversaw construction and grant compliance for a multi-phase FTTH deployment across southeast Alabama. Key responsibilities included managing backbone and lateral fiber builds, coordinating hut installations in Ozark, Clio, Capps, and Echo, and tracking progress across 262 FDH zones.
Led permitting and compliance efforts for ADECA Broadband Accessibility Fund and Capital Projects Fund (CPF) grants. Delivered comprehensive construction documentation, including customized prints, splicing diagrams, shapefiles, and milestone reports.
Collaborated closely with internal teams and state agencies to align construction timelines with grant requirements, ensuring timely and successful project execution.
Tallahatchie Valley EPA (TVEPA) – FTTH Grid Modernization Project Manager
Managed construction and compliance for a multi-phase FTTH deployment across northern Mississippi, serving Quitman, Yalobusha, Grenada, and Tallahatchie counties.
Oversaw the installation of fiber optic drop cables, ONTs, and NIDs at customer premises, and coordinated splicing, equipment configuration, and speed testing.
Resume Highlights
Engineering Design
Project Management
Operations Management
QA/QC
Years of Experience: 45 Years
Primary Office Location:
Huntsville, AL
Education:
Pine Forrest High School
Professional Organizations &
Affiliations:
N/A
Professional Registrations:
N/A
Dave Martinez Page 2 of 2
Senior Project Manager rev. 05/2025
Led permitting and documentation efforts for both RUS-funded and non-funded workstreams. Delivered comprehensive construction documentation—including customized prints, shapefiles, and photographic records—through QuickBase.
Worked closely with contractors, internal teams, and TVEPA to align construction milestones with funding requirements, ensuring timely and successful project execution.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
ENTRUST Solutions Group
Senior Project Manager
As a Project Manager in the telecommunications sector at ENTRUST, David leads multiple infrastructure initiatives with budgets ranging from $25 million to $75 million.
He ensures all projects comply with regulatory standards while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with clients. David supports clients in selecting contractors, technologies, and funding strategies, and conducts thorough analyses of budgets and contracts to ensure alignment with project objectives.
He is responsible for developing detailed documentation, including technical reports, proposals, and grant applications, and for coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within scope. His leadership spans engineering, construction, networking, and quality assurance, with a strong emphasis on process optimization and clear, effective communication.
ADTRAN
Project Manager
As a Project Manager at ADTRAN, David oversees the Windstream Turf account across six states, managing nearly 390 infrastructure projects. He directs field operations, material logistics, and installation workflows, ensuring timely resolution of on-site issues and the successful deployment of critical telecommunications infrastructure.
In addition to Windstream, David leads key initiatives for CenturyLink and Frontier, including site surveys, engineering coordination, and wireless network upgrades. He drives aggressive project schedules, fosters seamless communication among stakeholders, and ensures that all milestones are achieved with precision and a strong focus on client satisfaction.
OTELCO
Project Manager
As a Project Manager at OTELCO, David partnered with the sales team to scope and estimate projects for 96 remote and 5 central sites across Maine and Vermont. He managed vendor relationships, coordinated installation timelines, and oversaw testing and customer transitions to ensure seamless service delivery. David maintained strict control over project budgets and profit margins, while providing consistent progress updates to program managers and clients.
Albert Marin Page 1 of 1
Construction Manager rev. 4/22/25
OVERVIEW:
Al Marin is a seasoned professional specializing in fiber optics splicing and testing, with extensive experience in managing fiber networks, analyzing fiber optic testing, handling network emergencies and restoration, and deploying FTTH (Fiber to the Home) solutions.
EXPERIENCE:
Entrust Solutions Group (Construction Manager/Inspector) Cities of Glendale and Indio, California - Worked with utility locators and City to inspect designed construct build out. Also, advised on alternate routes for design changes, as needed.
City of Beverly Hills. Fiber optic network. - Completed Walkouts to design areas not yet designed (Commercial District)
Mastec (International assessor for FTTH deployment)
City of Bogota, Colombia - International assessor for FTTH deployment.
Surveyed and implemented design changes in existing infrastructure as required.
Contracted with several clients in the western United States since 1995 for inspection, audit and consultation.
Fiber optic splicing and testing. Construction.
Developed a complete understanding of data
Management and transmission.
Created GIS models for social planning and
Institutional needs.
Fiber optics splicing and testing.
Laser Optic technology
Resume Highlights
Inspection
Project/Construction
Management
FTTH Deployment
QA/QC
Years of Experience: 20
Primary Office Location:
Orlando, FL
Education:
Santa Monica College
Network Administration/GIS
Pasadena City College
Fiber Optic networks and
Laser optic’s
Request for Proposal Page | 16
Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment ATTACHMENT 2 - CITY’S STANDARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT Request for Proposal Page | 17
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Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project Management & Consulting
Services for Broadband
Infrastructure Deployment
City of Huntington Park
COMPANY:
Tilson Technology Management, Inc.
16 Middle St., 4th Floor
Portland, ME 04101
CONTACT:
Adam Quinlan, AVP, Broadband Consulting
(207) 224-4849
[email protected]
Gerry Lopez – Public Works Director
City of Huntington Park
(323) 584-6264
[email protected]
Re: Request for Proposal to the City of Huntington Park for Project Management & Consulting Services Dear Mr. Lopez, 7/10/2025
Thank you for considering Tilson Technology Management, Inc. (“Tilson”) for the opportunity to provide project management and consulting services for Huntington Park’s Citywide Broadband Infrastructure Project.
We have a unique team suited for all aspects of this project, as our consulting department covers broadband and grant management, consulting engineering, and features a dedicated project management office.
Furthermore, we have experience in California infrastructure deployment through our work with an open access middle mile broadband project for the California Department of Technology (CDT), and engineering services for the Golden State Connectivity Authority (GSCA).
We have read, understood, and agreed to all statements in this Request for Proposal and acknowledge receipt of all addendums/amendments as well as the terms, conditions and attachments referenced.
We are energized by the potential of this project and look to continue to help Californians close the digital divide. We welcome any questions and look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of Huntington Park.
Sincerely,
Scott Madison
AVP, Consulting Engineering
[email protected]
(603) 397-9604
Adam Quinlan
AVP, Broadband Consulting
[email protected]
(207)229-4849
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY....................................................................................................................3
2. CONSULTANT PROFILE....................................................................................................................4
3. TECHNICAL APPROACH...................................................................................................................8 PROJECT SCHEDULE..........................................................................................................................16 QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL.......................................................................................17
4. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.................................................................................................................18 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................20 CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE.............................................................................................................21 3 1. Executive Summary
Tilson Technology brings a wealth of expertise in telecommunications infrastructure deployment and policy, having established itself as a multi-specialty firm with over two decades of experience. The company's capabilities go beyond traditional services, providing critical support for technical review and analysis, as well as on-site inspection capabilities.
Our consulting team works across the country with broadband providers, government agencies and stakeholders to successfully build broadband plans and develop broadband grant programs. Our team features broadband consulting and consulting engineering teams, with a dedicated project management office to assist with broadband project management.
The Tilson telecom consulting team has decades of experience managing and assisting in the deployment of broadband and wireless infrastructure projects, with experts in both fields of wired and wireless technologies. Tilson consultants specialize in working with state and local governments developing and administering broadband infrastructure grant programs while consulting on policy, regulation and legislation.
Our team has demonstrated success in managing large-scale, grant funded municipal broadband programs, most notably in its work with the California Department of Technology and Golden State Connect Authority.
As the lead broadband consultant for West Virginia’s State Broadband Office, Tilson consultants have a full understanding of state and federal broadband grant programs. In our work with the state, we also have experience maintaining records with state and federal oversight requirements, financial controls, and performance tracking metrics. A major component of our work has been translating complex technical information into accessible public-facing materials and addressing diverse community needs throughout the state. Our Broadband Consulting Team utilizes the Grants Management Body of Knowledge (GMBok) frameworks for grant program management and reporting.
The telecom consulting team boasts a project management office to complement both sides of its consulting business utilizing PMI PMBOK frameworks. Our project management team is highly certified— we have multiple team members with Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certifications.
Our dynamic team is ready to help the City of Huntington close the digital divide. 4 2. Consultant Profile
Tilson is a multi-specialty telecommunications services firm founded in 1996 in Portland, ME, on a mission to design and build America’s 21st century telecommunications infrastructure. We have since grown to include over 900 employees in 26 offices around the United States. We have extensive experience designing, building, and maintaining telecommunications networks using both wireless and fiber technologies, in a variety of applications (including oversight of grant-funded implementations) and for a variety of clients including governments, carriers, and service providers. Our depth of in-house capabilities allows us to participate in many projects from conception and planning through engineering and construction.
Tilson is at the forefront of designing, building, maintaining, and operating some of America’s most capable and cutting-edge technology platforms. Tilson’s portfolio of projects and variety of clients has given us expertise in reliable, future-looking infrastructure that is positioned to handle the next generation of connected devices and services. Tilson annually engineers, builds, and designs thousands of miles of fiber optic networks nationwide, including permitting and building thousands of small cell nodes while serving all sizes of public and private sector clients around the country.
Leadership
Founded in 1996, Tilson is a privately held, Limited Liability Company (LLC) chartered in the State of Maine.
Tilson is led by its CEO, Darrell Ingram. In 2022, Darrell joined Tilson as COO and President, leading the company’s rapid expansion of its engineering and construction self-performance capabilities. The Tilson telecom consulting team is led by Jay Ford, while Associate Vice President’s Adam Quinlan and Scott Madison oversee the broadband and engineering consulting respectively of the telecom division.
Staff
The telecom consulting team has 40+ members it can draw from in service of this work. Tilson’s deep bench of in-house consulting and engineering team members allows us to lead and execute telecommunications projects from conception and planning through engineering and construction.
Office
Tilson’s office is located in Portland, Maine, with additional offices throughout the United States and remote workers in nearly every state in the U.S.
Clients
Tilson’s current client list includes Golden State Finance Authority, Golden State Connect Authority, Golden State Network, and we would welcome the opportunity to work with the city of Huntington Park.
Recent program experience includes:
• Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) • Digital Equity Act (DEA)
5 • Capital Projects Fund (CPF)
• State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)
• NTIA Middle Mile Grant Program (MMG)
• NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP)
• USDA’s ReConnect program
• Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP)
A note on Tilson’s restructuring: Tilson and all of its affiliates are operating as usual and meeting their obligations to clients and partners without interruption. The Company has received $37.5 million in debtorin-possession financing from its existing lenders to support operations throughout the restructuring process. Tilson aims to complete the restructuring as quickly as possible and emerge from this process as a financially stronger company in the third or fourth quarter of 2025.
Key Personnel
Scott Madison, AVP, Consulting Engineering
Role and Responsibility – Scott will oversee the engineering components of this project (Tasks 3, 4 and 5).
Experience Overview - Scott Madison is a 40+ year veteran of the broadband telecommunications industry.
Prior to joining Tilson, Mr. Madison served as Vice President of Technical Operations for HC Cable, Opco, a wholly owned entity of Halyard Capital Partners, James Cable Partners, LLC, a wholly owned entity of GoldenTree Asset Management, and Director of Engineering for C4 Media Companies, Inc. With a diverse background in operations management, project management, engineering and enterprise, Mr. Madison has, on multiple occasions, been an active member of acquisition teams, performing due diligence, network and operations evaluations, capital and operating financial forecasts, and opportunity assessments. Over the last four years, Scott has led tech due-diligence projects on several high-profile telecom M&A (mergers & acquisitions) and funding transactions in North America.
Adam Quinlan, AVP, Broadband Consulting
Role and Responsibility – Adam will oversee the broadband consulting components of this project.
Experience Overview - Adam oversees broadband consulting engagements for public and private sector clients, including nonprofits. As an attorney with a deep background rooted in technology, he has helped Tilson grow into a first-in-class provider of telecom consulting services, primarily for public-sector clients.
Anthony Black, Manager, Project Lead Consulting Engineering Role and Responsibility – Anthony will oversee all project lead consulting engineering work with this project.
Experience Overview - Anthony is a 46-year veteran of the broadband and telecom industry and former Executive Director of Network Operations and Engineering for Cox Communications where he led the national network operations support team. At Tilson, Anthony manages a team of highly skilled Project Lead Consulting Engineers who spearhead large-scale and long-term design and engineering projects. 6 John Costa, Manager, Consulting Engineering
Role and Responsibility – John will oversee all consulting engineering work with this project.
Experience Overview - John acts as Tilson’s Consulting Engineering Manager and is an accomplished, multi-disciplined telecommunications engineer with over 29 years of experience. John has extensive experience building ground up UAT function and process solutions and has successfully led numerous strategic quality initiatives.
Jeremy Tuttle, Program Manager
Role and Responsibility - Jeremy leads the Project Management Office in the Telecom Consulting space and leads a team of Project Managers and Project Coordinators who are tasked with driving a wide variety of projects from start to finish. He will assign a project manager to this project after negotiations are complete. As program manager, Jeremy will oversee the project milestones and ensure the project is staying on track and on budget.
Similar Project Overview - Jeremy has been in the Project Management discipline for 25 years, with the last 13 years in leadership. Jeremy has experience in a wide variety of industries including software development, aerospace, finance and engineering, and local government, working for such companies as Microsoft, Boeing and the City and County of Denver.
David Beaulieu, Project Lead Consulting Engineer
Role and Responsibility – David will be the project lead consulting engineer on this project. A Los Angeles resident, David will be on location to offer construction oversight and in person program management.
Experience Overview – David is a Telecom Consultant at Tilson with nearly three decades of experience planning, designing and implementing terrestrial and wireless telecom networks for commercial carriers, governments, and electric utility providers. Since 2022, David has supported the development of Golden State Net in its role as third-party administrator of the CA Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, as well as providing ad hoc support of the Golden State Connect Authority in their mission to bridge the digital divide.
Drawn to large complex projects, David’s experience includes the rollout of active and passive FTTx, the decommissioning of SONGS nuclear power plant, supporting SCADA for transmission of CA renewable energy, the Big Dig Boston, consultant to Saudi Telecom in support of a nationwide rollout of FTTx.
Carlos Banegas, Consulting Engineer
Role and Responsibility – Carlos will perform consulting engineering work for this project.
Experience Overview – Carlos is a bilingual telecommunications professional and team leader with over 13 years of experience in telecommunications, combining a Bachelor of Engineering with a master's degree in global business management. Prior to joining Tilson, Carlos served as Supervisor of Network Construction and OSP/Fiber Project Manager for Crown Castle, Network Construction Coordinator for Spectrum/Charter Communications, and Project Engineer for Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. Carlos received his Bachelor of Science Engineering in Telecommunications from Unefa Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica De La Fuerza Armada Bolivariana Venezuela and Master’s Degree in International Business from Hult International Business School in San Francisco, CA. 7 Heather Mills, Principal Consultant
Role and Responsibility – Heather will assist with grant oversight and management work, reporting and documentation for this project.
Experience Overview - As a Principal Consultant for Tilson Technology Consulting's Broadband Consulting team, Heather advises clients on all aspects of grant preparation and grants management and supports clients with application preparation and awardee program compliance, as well as programmatic monitoring and compliance. Her recent experience includes supporting grant program design for BEAD. She has more than a decade of experience in project management and data analysis, with exceptional skills in long-term strategic planning for broadband funding, execution of complex tactical funding plans, and grant administration, budgeting, and financial and programmatic reporting. She is also an expert in NEPA and Section 106 processes and has spent more than a decade supporting clients with FCC programs such as E-Rate and Lifeline/ACP.
Ryland Sherman, Principal Consultant
Role and Responsibility – Ryland will assist with business planning & sustainability for this project.
Experience Overview - Between March 2021 and May of 2023, Ryland served as a broadband challenge process subject matter expert at his prior firm, advising clients using his research into various states’ challenge processes and the FCC’s BDC challenge process throughout its development and implementation. Ryland also advised the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) on a variety of broadband mapping issues and, in 2022, designed Alabama’s broadband map challenge process. He has worked extensively with the FCC’s Form 477 and BDC data and submitted FCC challenges on behalf of clients. Ryland worked on BEAD-related projects since the program’s inception, leveraging his knowledge of broadband mapping and policy issues on behalf of clients. Ryland earned a PhD with a focus on economics and policy issues of telecommunications industries and a law degree from Indiana University.
8 3. Technical Approach
Our consulting team is well-equipped to manage all seven tasks of this project, to help the City of Huntington Park close the digital divide.
Task 1: Project Planning & Management
Our approach to managing and completing the defined scope of work is built upon a proven framework of strategic planning, operational control, and stakeholder alignment; designed specifically to meet the complexity and urgency of public broadband deployments.
1. Comprehensive Project Work Plan Development Project initiation will begin with development of a detailed Broadband Project Work Plan, structured in phases (e.g., Planning, Permitting, Make-Ready, Construction, Testing, Service Activation). The work plan will include:
• A Gantt-based master schedule with clear milestones, critical path analysis, and interdependency mapping across civil construction, fiber splicing, permitting, and equipment integration. • Resource planning tied to labor needs, subcontractor availability, and procurement cycles. • Role and responsibility matrices (RACI) to align internal team members, contractors, and agency partners.
• Deployment sequencing that prioritizes high-impact zones and aligns with CPUC and federal grant performance benchmarks.
2. Broadband Program Management Controls Our team will implement rigorous project governance practices including:
• Budget & Grant Fund Tracking: Real-time tracking of budget expenditures, subrecipient spending, and grant fund allocations through integrated financial systems. • Milestone-Based Reporting: Project progress will be measured by deliverable-based KPIs with automated reports tied to grantor requirements (e.g., CPUC, NTIA, or CTCAC1). • Risk & Issue Management: A live project risk register will identify and mitigate issues such as utility conflicts, ROW access delays, weather impacts, or material shortages. 1 California Tax Credit Allocation Committee
9 • Change Management: A formal change control process will assess scope adjustments for cost/time impact and ensure stakeholder approval.
• Performance Monitoring: Weekly performance dashboards will provide transparency across budget, timeline, and scope metrics.
3. Operational Readiness & Financial Sustainability We will tightly integrate construction and technical milestones with operational launch plans to ensure service activation readiness. Key elements include:
• Customer service readiness assessments and staffing.
• Equipment provisioning and network testing protocols (e.g., OTDR, BER). • Cash flow modeling aligned with construction drawdowns and service revenue projections. • Forecasting models to evaluate post-grant operational sustainability and maintenance budgeting.
4. Advanced Project Management Tools We will utilize Smartsheets and Sitetracker to manage task assignments, track dependencies, and produce stakeholder-ready dashboards. Our systems will support:
• Real-time updates for permitting, fiber installation, and make-ready coordination. • Custom reports aligned with CPUC Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Middle Mile performance reporting standards.
• Document management and version control for all project submittals, permits, and compliance records.
5. Cross-Functional & Interagency Coordination Success in broadband projects requires collaboration.
We will lead weekly coordination meetings with:
• City engineering, permitting, and finance departments. • Construction contractors and fiber integrators.
• Broadband service providers and ISPs.
• Utility stakeholders (e.g., pole owners, underground utilities). • External partners like LA DEAL and community stakeholders to maintain alignment with digital equity objectives and outreach goals.
6. Grant Compliance & Audit Readiness Our internal compliance team will ensure full alignment with CPUC, NTIA, and federal grant frameworks. Activities include:
• Documentation of all allowable costs, timekeeping, and subcontractor invoices. • Maintenance of audit-ready documentation repositories. • Quarterly and milestone-based progress reporting with required narratives and cost substantiation.
• Adherence to scope-of-work limits, avoiding scope creep or unallowable tasks without proper change order approvals.
Task 2: Community Outreach & Stakeholder Management
Tilson’s broadband consulting team is well-equipped to lead a community broadband needs assessment and to stand up long-term stakeholder engagement as a result of the needs assessment for Huntington Park. Our approach will be built upon identifying disadvantaged and underserved populations for inclusive 10 outreach, leveraging local schools, senior centers, and other relevant groups to maximize community participation.
1. Community Broadband Needs Assessment
We will first define the objectives and scope of the needs assessment, primarily focusing on underserved and marginalized groups. Activities include:
• Conduct surveys both in person and remote about broadband use, barriers, device access and interest in funding programs
• Develop maps and dashboards showing gaps in adoption, affordability and literacy. • Gather ISP availability maps, census-level connectivity, income, education and device data.
2. Targeted Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
Our outreach efforts will be tailored to reach multilingual, low-income, and digitally disconnected populations. This will include:
• Mapping key stakeholders including: residents, businesses, schools, anchor institutions, nonprofits, and broadband advocacy groups like LA DEAL. • Create tailored outreach channels to key stakeholders in multiple languages • Use multi-modal engagement tools like direct mail, in-person forums and online webinars • Monitor turnout and demographic reach
3. Integrate Adoption & Digital Equity into Engagement
• Assist stakeholders in designing curriculum relevant to daily needs, like job applications, telehealth and safety
• Partner with libraries, schools and non-profits for device distribution and literacy training • Clarify pricing tiers with targeted community input in focus groups and surveys
4. Ongoing Communication & Strategy Alignment
• Create a multi-stakeholder advisory committee with representation from all key groups • Present our findings, designs, and strategy updates to stakeholders • Use community data gathered to adjust service packaging, marketing language, and customer support models
5. Documentation, Reporting & Accountability
• Track inputs and outcomes of survey results and focus groups • Summarize community engagement outcomes in regular reports to CPUC • Use regular check-ins to identify misalignments, pivot strategies, or reallocate resources to underrepresented areas or groups
6. Long-term Relationship Building & Sustainability
• Maintain periodic reporting with key area stakeholders • Ensure that outcomes of survey results and focus groups are accurately implemented into the broadband network
11 Task 3: Technical Expertise & Deployment Support
Our team brings extensive experience in implementing micro trenching as a cost-effective, minimally invasive deployment method. We will provide the City with detailed deployment guidance including:
• Trench Specifications: Recommend trench depths of 10–14 inches and widths of 0.75–2 inches, tailored to site-specific conditions and conduit diameter. • Routing Strategy: Leverage existing right-of-way, road shoulders, and sidewalks to minimize surface disruption and avoid utility conflicts, guided by local GIS and utility locate data. • Traffic Management Planning: Develop comprehensive traffic control plans compliant with MUTCD and local DOT requirements, including lane closures, detour signage, and off-peak construction schedules to minimize public disruption.
• Standards Compliance: All trenching designs and methods will adhere to ANSI/TIA-758-B, IEEE 802.3, and BICSI TDMM and Outside Plant guidelines, as well as local and environmental regulations.
1. Trenching Equipment & Integration
We will advise on the selection and deployment of state-of-the-art micro trenching systems and support equipment including:
• Precision Cutting Systems (e.g., Ditch Witch, Vermeer micro trenchers) for clean, narrow cuts. • Vacuum Excavation Units for potholing and debris removal. • Fiber Pullers & Jetting Machines for low-stress cable installation. • Rapid Backfill Solutions, including flowable fill and thermoplastic sealing compounds for fast restoration and durability.
2. Fiber Optic Cabling and Connectivity Solutions
We will specify and procure fiber and components that ensure future-ready scalability:
• Single-mode Fiber (OS2) with bend-insensitive characteristics to support 10G+ upgrades. • Splice Enclosures & Slack Management Solutions that provide flexibility and weatherproof protection.
• Interoperability Considerations for integration with existing legacy fiber and multi-vendor network environments.
3. Network Architecture Design
We will assess and recommend robust and scalable network designs based on:
• Point-to-Point Architecture for direct high-speed connections to businesses or government facilities.
• GPON/XGS-PON Solutions for cost-efficient, high-capacity delivery to residential and MDU environments.
• Tailored architecture will ensure support for symmetrical gigabit speeds and integration with future smart city and IoT deployments.
4. Integration with Existing Infrastructure
We will ensure seamless integration with City and utility systems through:
• GIS Mapping Coordination to avoid conflicts and utilize existing assets. • ROW and Easement Optimization, leveraging pole data, vault access, and conduit availability. 12 • Collaboration with utility partners to align fiber placement with electric, water, and telecom systems.
5. Installation SOPs and Technical Specifications
We will deliver a comprehensive SOP manual and specifications covering:
• Fiber Pathway Preparation & Trenching Protocols
• Cable Pulling, Splicing, and Termination Procedures
• Safety and Quality Assurance Practices
• Documentation Standards for redlining, labeling, and as-built reporting Task 4: Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
Our team has a proven track record in managing complex broadband permitting processes across jurisdictions. We will:
• Coordinate and Submit Permit Applications with municipal, county, and Caltrans authorities. • Prepare CEQA/NEPA Documentation when applicable, including environmental assessments and exemption filings.
• Maintain Compliance with CPUC General Order 95 (pole attachments), GO 128 (underground construction), and applicable environmental and stormwater regulations. • Monitor compliance with prevailing wage, local hiring mandates, insurance and bonding requirements, and construction safety standards (Cal/OSHA). • Facilitate compliance reporting for CPUC grant-funded projects, including milestones, workforce tracking, and audit documentation.
Task 5: Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance
We provide full-service construction management with experienced field staff and inspection protocols, serving as the City’s on-site representatives. Our approach includes:
1. Daily Oversight of Construction Activities
• Oversight of civil work, including micro trenching, conduit installation, vault placement, and street restoration.
• Fiber Deployment Supervision, covering pulling, splicing, testing, and labeling. • Coordination with Subcontractors and Utilities, including daily briefings, job walks, and conflict resolution.
2. Progress Monitoring and Milestone Management
• Enforcement of construction milestones, critical path timelines, and material delivery schedules.
• Coordination of change orders, scope adjustments, and field issues in real time.
3. Inspections and Compliance Verification
• Daily Field Reports with photos, redlines, and checklist documentation. • Verification of:
o Trench depth/width and placement per design
13 o Conduit integrity and sealing
o Vault installation, accessibility, and grounding
o Slack loops and fiber protection
• Review of as-built drawings, GIS data, and inspection reports for accuracy.
4. QA/QC Program Implementation
We will establish and enforce a robust QA/QC plan that includes:
• OTDR and Power Meter Testing for fiber continuity, signal loss, and splice verification. • Inspection of splice trays, closures, enclosures, and routing. • Verification of labeling, documentation, and panel configuration. • Adherence to compaction specs and surface restoration (asphalt/concrete restoration, striping, signage).
• Coordination of final walkthroughs and punch-list completion.
5. Compliance with Regulatory and Grant Requirements
• Enforce compliance with:
o CPUC funding rules and reporting (CASF, BEAD)
o Environmental mitigation measures
o Labor standards (Davis-Bacon, DIR)
o City-specific utility and construction codes
All activities will be documented with field photos, GPS-based construction logs, QA checklists, and contractor certifications, ensuring full transparency and audit readiness.
Task 6: Business Planning & Sustainability
Tilson’s talented Principal and Broadband consultants will work to create a fiscally sustainable, communityresponsive business plan tailored to Huntington Park’s strategic vision and regulatory commitments. Tilson will execute the following approach items:
1. Business Model Development & Financial Modeling
• Tilson will provide a 10-year financial projection, including a cost model for the network, capital expenditures operations, network operations, field services and staffing • Identify model options that work best for this network including:
o Public utility/municipal broadband
o Public-private partnerships
o Open-access wholesale
o Fully private
2. Market Analysis & Competitive Benchmarking
We will:
• Map existing provider coverage, speed tiers and pricing • Conduct survey and focus groups to gauge demand, service priorities, and willingness to pay. • Analyze demographics for price elasticity and tier preference • Recommend pricing tiers (basic, symmetrical gigabit or business) incorporating possible subsidy discounts
• Align digital equity tiers with underserved households 14 3. Marketing, Outreach & Acquisition Strategy
• We will prepare a communications strategy to align marketing, outreach and acquisition strategies.
• We will promote branding and messaging that emphasizes multilingual outreach • We will co-brand with local trusted voices like schools and non-profits.
4. Operations Plan & SLA Framework
We will design a broadband operations plan that outlines:
• Workflow design
• Customer service protocols
• Network monitoring
• Maintenance & Staffing
• Performance metrics
5. Revenue Diversification & Value Add services
• Identify dark fiber leasing options to local ISPs, businesses and anchor institutions • Managed service offerings such as VLAN, cybersecurity, hosted VoIP and backup for institutions • Identify Smart City & IoT initiatives
• Anchor partnerships, like contracts with schools, health clinics, and community businesses
6. Compliance Reporting & Coordination
• Collaborate with Huntington Park and CPUC for milestone tracking and reporting • Monthly, Quarterly, and annual report preparation
• Closeout reporting
• Maintain audit trails including customer records, vendor invoices and ensure all components align with grant/funding requirements
• The deliverables will include: financial statements and updated pro formas; adoption metrics by geography and income, a performance dashboard, and community engagement summary Task 7: Reporting, Documentation & Audit Readiness
To manage a comprehensive, compliant, and audit-ready broadband deployment program for the City of Huntington, Tilson will complete the following activities:
1. Centralized Program Management System
• We will use Smartsheets or an agreed upon Grant Management System (GMS) to support version control, real-time updates and automated workflows to manage this program
2. Comprehensive Record-Keeping
We will keep comprehensive records of:
• Procurement and awarded contracts
• Permits and utility agreements
• Construction and GIS records
• Community engagement and performance documentation
Our documentation will meet CPUC, federal and local retention standards.
3. Progress Reporting & Grant Updates
15 We will submit progress reports and updates to the CPUC or other relevant entities like the NTIA that review:
• Financial drawdowns
• Milestone achievements
• BSL maps
• Customer activation
• Service availability
4. KPI Tracking & Reporting
We will track and visualize key project KPIs such as:
• Homes passed vs. planned
• Task-rates by geography/demographics
• Construction footage completed
• Fiber splicing success rates & OFST testing
• Cost per mile vs. budget
• Average customer activation time
• Any other as defined by Huntington Park
5. Audit-Ready Financial Controls & Protocols
Our team will ensure full audit readiness by implementing financial controls and audit protocols like:
• Coding and tracking expenditures
• Invoice reconciliations
• Timekeeping and labor documentation
• KPI outcome verification
6. Final Project Closeout Package
• We will create a closeout package with financial reconciliation of final budgets, CapEx/OpEx summaries and re-costing analysis
• The final report will detail a sustainability plan of the ongoing operations budget, customer support structure, and digital inclusion commitments
• We will list a full compliance documentation with a full archival of permits, performance logs, certification statements, invoices, labor time records, audit reports, and community engagement. 16 Project Schedule
Project Start Date: August 4, 2025 1-Aug-25
Project Name: Huntington ParkAug
SepOct
NovDec
JanFeb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
SepOct
NovDec
Jan
Activity Start Date End Date
Task No. 1: Project Planning & Management
Develop a detailed Broadband Project Work Plan, integrate financial sustainability Aug-25 Oct-25 Implement robust program management controls Aug-25 Oct-25 Track progress, manage deliverables, provide real-time status reports Aug-25 Dec-26 Lead cross-functional coordination among stakeholders Aug-25 Dec-26 Ensure compliance with applicable grant management frameworks Aug-25 Dec-26 Task 2: Community Outreach & Stakeholder Management
Lead design and execution of a community broadband needs assessment Aug-25 Oct-25 Develop and implement a targeted stakeholder engagement strategy Aug-25 Oct-25 Integrate broadband adoption and digital equity considerations into stakeholder engagement efforts Aug-25 Oct-25 Facilitate ongoing stakeholder communication and program alignment Aug-25 Oct-25 Document and incorporate community input into project planning Aug-25 Oct-25 Build long-term relationships with community stakeholders Aug-25 Dec-26 Task 3: Technical Expertise & Deployment Support
Provide detailed guidance on broadband deployment methods Oct-25 Mar-26 Advise on the selection and integration of trenching equipment and technologies Oct-25 Mar-26 Specify fiber optic cabling and connectivity solutions that meet current and future bandwidth requirements Oct-25 Mar-26 Assess and recommend network architecture options Oct-25 Mar-26 Ensure proper integration with existing broadband infrastructure and utility systems Oct-25 Mar-26 Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical specifications for installation crews Oct-25 Mar-26 Task 4: Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
Manage all permitting processes Jan-26 Oct-26
Monitor compliance with applicable construction roles Jan-26 Oct-26 Task 5: Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance
Comprehensive oversight of all broadband construction activities Jan-26 Dec-26 Coordinate with key stakeholders to maintain alignment with project schedules, safety standards, and construction milestones Jan-26 Dec-26 Conduct regular site inspections, progress reviews, and punch-list evaluations Jan-26 Dec-26 Establish and enforce a rigorous QA/QC program Jan-26 Dec-26 Document construction progress and compliance Jan-26 Dec-26 Ensure all construction activities comply with applicable codes and regulations Jan-26 Dec-26 Task 6: Business Planning & Sustainability
Develop financially sustainable broadband business model options tailored to the City's goals, demographics and regulatory environment Aug-25 Dec-25 Conduct market analysis and competitive benchmarking Aug-25 Dec-25 Develop a comprehensive marketing, outreach and customer acquisition strategy Aug-25 Dec-25 Design a broadband operations plan Aug-25 Dec-25
Explore revenue diversification strategies Aug-25 Dec-25 Coordinate with city staff to prepare required CPUC and other agency reports Aug-25 Dec-26 Task 7: Reporting, Documentation & Audit Readiness
Establish and maintain a centralized broadband program management system Aug-25 Oct-25 Maintain, complete, organized records of all broadband deployment phases Aug-25 Dec-26 Develop and submit comprehensive progress reports and grant performance updates Aug-25 Dec-26 Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) Aug-25 Dec-26 Ensure full-audit-readiness Aug-25 Dec-26
Prepare a final closeout package upon project completion Jan-27 Jan-27 2026
Q3
2025 2025 2026 2026
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1
2026 2027
Q4
17 Quality Assurance / Quality Control
We will implement a comprehensive QA/QC program tailored to broadband infrastructure deployment. This program will be guided by national standards (e.g., BICSI, TIA-568, IEEE 802.3) and industry best practices.
Key components include:
• Testing & Verification
o Verify OTDR and power meter testing to validate fiber optic continuity, loss budget, and signal integrity.
o Review test results for compliance with design thresholds and CPUC performance metrics.
• Physical Inspections
o Inspect splicing enclosures, patch panels, and slack loops for craft quality, strain relief, bend radius, and labeling compliance.
o Conduct trench depth and compaction verification using probe tools and density tests. o Monitor backfill, and surface restoration to ensure long-term durability and adherence to local standards.
• Documentation & Reporting
o Produce detailed inspection reports that include photographs, redlined as-built markups, and contractor QA checklists.
o Maintain a centralized QA log that records issues, resolutions, test data, and compliance evidence.
o Submit weekly summaries to City staff highlighting work completed, deficiencies noted, and next steps.
Regulatory & Grant Compliance
We will ensure all field activities comply with:
• Applicable Codes and Standards – Including CPUC, OSHA, CALOSHA, MUTCD, NEC, and Cityspecific requirements. • Environmental Permits – Monitor work areas for compliance with SWPPP/NPDES requirements and resource protection measures.
• Prevailing Wage & Workforce Reporting – Verify contractor adherence to certified payroll, skilled labor usage, and grant-specific workforce documentation requirements (if funded by CPUC or other state/federal grants).
Our Team’s Qualifications
Our QA/QC leads bring extensive experience in field oversight of fiber network construction across both urban and rural environments. Our team has successfully overseen projects involving micro trenching, aerial-to-underground transitions, directional drilling, and high-count fiber backbone installations.
Conclusion
Through diligent construction oversight and a rigorous QA/QC program, we will safeguard the City’s investment in broadband infrastructure, ensure contractor accountability, and deliver a high-performing network built to last. Our structured reporting and proactive coordination will keep all stakeholders informed and confident in project progress from groundbreaking to final acceptance. 18 4. Relevant Experience
GSN (California Department of Technology Middle Mile Broadband Initiative) (2022) Tilson played a pivotal role in supporting the California Department of Technology (CDT) on its ambitious, state-funded open access middle mile broadband project, which will ultimately span approximately 8,154 miles across California. Leveraging deep industry expertise, Tilson facilitated the adoption of telecommunications industry standards to ensure the network’s interoperability, reliability, and long-term sustainability. The team developed robust project tracking and monitoring tools, enabling CDT and its partners to oversee progress, manage risks, and maintain transparency across multiple project phases and stakeholders. Tilson also defined custom network design specifications tailored to California’s diverse geography and unique infrastructure needs, ensuring the network would meet both current and future demands.
In navigating the complex regulatory landscape, Tilson ensured full compliance with state, local, and federal permitting agencies, streamlining approvals and minimizing delays. The firm drafted a comprehensive operational budget model, providing CDT with clear financial projections and resource allocation strategies throughout the project lifecycle. To support the network’s long-term viability, Tilson defined a suite of potential services to monetize the infrastructure, maximizing public benefit and sustainability. The team also created detailed network operations and maintenance models, outlining best practices for efficient, reliable service delivery. Throughout the engagement, Tilson led project data collection, analysis, and reporting, equipping CDT with actionable insights to guide decision-making and demonstrate progress to stakeholders. This comprehensive approach helped position California’s Middle Mile Broadband Initiative as a national model for large-scale, open access broadband infrastructure development.
GSCA (2022-Present)
Since 2022, Tilson has performed engineering and related consultative services for Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA), a joint powers authority comprised of 40 rural California counties designed for the purpose of increasing access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet for the residents and businesses of those counties. Tilson’s work spans from conceptual design all the way through low-level design and engineering to create constructible network designs that are shovel ready. Tilson is focusing on designs that not only meet the objectives of GSCA but will maximize eligibility for various funding opportunities available.
Tilson’s engineering services have included high-level fiber optic design, quantitative and qualitative cost and feasibility analyses, low-level fiber optic design, civil and facilities engineering for central office and network hut facilities, permitting and rights-of-way engineering, and final preparation of bid-ready RFP packages.
19 Additionally, Tilson served as the lead broadband consulting partner for the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) and its member counties, delivering a comprehensive suite of planning, technical, and strategic services to advance regional broadband initiatives. Tilson’s work included conducting county-level broadband needs assessments, mapping existing infrastructure, and identifying service gaps through robust data collection and stakeholder engagement. Leveraging its deep technical expertise, Tilson developed detailed network designs and cost estimates for proposed middle-mile and last-mile fiber deployments, tailored to the unique geographic and demographic characteristics of each county.
Along with technical planning, Tilson guided GSFA and its counties through complex regulatory and funding landscapes, including the preparation of successful grant applications for state and federal broadband programs. The firm provided ongoing project management support, facilitated public outreach, and coordinated with local governments, utilities, and internet service providers to ensure alignment and maximize project impact. Tilson’s ability to synthesize technical, financial, and policy considerations enabled GSFA and its constituents to make informed decisions, secure critical funding, and advance toward the goal of universal, affordable broadband access. This engagement demonstrates Tilson’s capacity to deliver end-to-end broadband consulting services that drive results for public sector clients.
Seneca Nation (2019-2021)
The Seneca Nation of Indians is a federally recognized tribal nation consisting of five territories over approximately 54,000 acres in Western New York. These territories are not contiguous and each parcel is unique in its economic, social, and environmental profile. The Cattaraugus territory encompasses approximately 22,000 acres (or 34.4 square miles) with a population of 2,655 enrolled tribal members and their families, 41 government facilities, and approximately 1200 residential and commercial structures.
Through its ReConnect Funding Program, the USDA invested $4.3 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure aimed at creating or improving rural e-Connectivity for more than 1,000 rural households in the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Territory in western New York. The proposed network would provide access to all premises on the territory, provide speeds up to 2.4 Gbps downstream and 1.2 Gbps upstream per 32 subscribers, and be engineered for integration and expansion of future technological advances or subscriber growth. The Nation required a reliable firm to provide expert-level broadband consulting and holistic oversight of the project; conduct comprehensive utility pole surveys; design and engineer the last mile fiber-to-the-premise network to meet necessary specifications; undertake financial modeling and budget forecasting of the proposed network; identify required third-party approvals or permits; oversee the utility pole and conduit licensing process; prepare the construction-ready bid package; and provide assistance in reviewing proposals and ultimately identifying a construction contractor.
Tilson provided first-in-class turnkey design and engineering services creating a construction-ready design capable of connecting the entirety of identified premises in the Cattaraugus Territory. Through value-added engineering, Tilson was able to creatively re-purpose existing commercial grade properties as hut locations, 20 efficiently develop routes to leverage federal funding, and ultimately introduce savings of approximately $425,000 or roughly 8.5% of the estimated total project cost.
Tilson also provided expert broadband consulting services throughout the project to develop informative and actionable financial models and acted as a resource to ensure successful execution of the project from start to finish.
References
Client Contact Person: Barbara Hays,
Chief Economic Development Officer,
Golden State Connect Authority
Phone: 916.447.4806
Email: [email protected]
Years of Service: 4
Client Contact Person: Shannon MartinGuzman, Product Delivery Manager, Golden State Network
Phone: 916.579.1862
Email:
[email protected]
Years of Service: 1
Client Contact Person: Anthony
Giacobbe, General Manager, Seneca
Energy
Phone: 716.532.9221 x5040
Email: [email protected]
Years of Service: 3
21 Certificate of Insurance
Please see next page.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 1 City of Huntington Park, CA
Project Management & Consulting Services
For Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
July 10, 2025
[email protected]
City of Huntington Park – City Clerk’s Office
Attn: Gerry Lopez, Public Works Director
6550 Miles Avenue
Huntington Park, CA 90255
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 2 Table of Contents
1. Consultant’s Background 4
2. Qualifications & Experience 7
a. Technical Approach 8
i. Project Planning & Program Management 8
ii. Community Outreach & Stakeholder Management 9
iii. Technical Expertise & Deployment Support 12
iv. Permitting & Regulatory Compliance 14
v. Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance 16
vi. Business Planning & Sustainability 16
vii. Reporting, Documentation, & Audit Readiness 21
b. Project Timeline and Milestones 24
c. Relevant Project Experience 25
3. Quality Assurance / Quality Control 31
4. References 32
5. Fee Schedule / Cost Proposal 34
Appendix A. Team Resumes 35
Appendix B. Proof of Insurance 51
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 3 July 10, 2025
City of Huntington Park – City Clerk’s Office
Attn: Gerry Lopez, Public Works Director
6550 Miles Avenue
Huntington Park, CA 90255
Dear Director Lopez,
Congratulations on Huntington Park’s $25.3 million award from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
This is a historic milestone for the City that holds the promise of higher quality broadband at more affordable rates for Huntington Park residents, businesses, and institutions, leading to greater broadband adoption and economic success. Now, you have an exceptionally tall task ahead: you must oversee the effective design, permitting, and construction of this network before federal funding runs out at the end of next year; secure a partner to provide service over the network such that it is affordable to residents while also being financially sustainable; ensure community support and adoption-readiness amidst a challenging political landscape locally and nationally; and document the project with the rigor necessary to secure CPUC reimbursement and pass any potential audits. This project is not for the faint of heart.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) and CTC Technology & Energy (CTC) are uniquely equipped to serve as your partner in this endeavor. We have been working in partnership for eight years delivering projects just like yours, and we believe you can have confidence in our firms and our dedicated team leaders for several reasons, including:
• We have overseen the delivery of billions of dollars in broadband infrastructure deployment for government agencies, including the highest profile projects in Los Angeles and statewide. For example, the California Department of Technology has entrusted HR&A and CTC to serve as strategic advisors and program managers for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, the largest public network construction project in the country. In Los Angeles, we have been the lead consultants and program managers for the County’s Community Broadband Network program, for which we’re currently helping to oversee WeLink’s deployment. • We bring deep experience with the CPUC, including serving as their consultants for multiple projects.
Experience navigating the CPUC is essential for the City. Our team works directly with CPUC as their consultants for the BEAD program and we even wrote CPUC’s California Local Jurisdiction Broadband Permitting Playbook. We know how to prepare documents that earn CPUC approval and how to navigate conversations about the project’s needs along the way to ensure speed and compliance. • We are well-established, proven, and trusted members of LA’s digital equity ecosystem. In addition to our work for LA County, our local broadband work includes helping Destination Crenshaw and West Hollywood secure an open access network development partner, developing the Bureau of Street Lighting’s municipal mile broadband program, helping Long Beach develop a new program for broadband in multiple dwelling units, and leading the Internet Action Team of The Angeleno Project to develop new governance models for broadband management that also helped to secure funding for our partners at LA DEAL. • We are local and will be with you on the ground at every step along the way. Our overall Program Manager, HR&A Principal Alex Banh, is based in our DTLA office, and CTC’s Director of OSP Engineering, Cyle Chapman and Senior OSP Engineer Aaron Easton are based in Compton. They will serve as our onsite project leaders, complemented by strategic guidance from HR&A Partner Danny Fuchs, CTC President Joanne Hovis and CTO Andrew Afflerbach, who bring 70 years combined public broadband experience.
Notably, our companies are also entirely free of any financial entanglements with any construction company or ISP, ensuring that the City will have neither real nor perceived conflicts of interest for this project. I have read, understood, and agreed to all statements in this request for proposal and acknowledge receipt of all addendums/amendments as well as to the terms, conditions, and attachments referenced. We hope you find our candor, experience, and approach compelling, and we look forward to the opportunity to meet you.
Sincerely,
Danny Fuchs, Partner, HR&A Advisors, Inc. | 212.977.6171 | [email protected]
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 4
1. Consultant’s Background
HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) and CTC Technology & Energy (CTC) have been collaborating on broadband and digital equity projects for eight years. We have each worked across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to create more equitable, resilient, and dynamic communities for more than forty years. We bring unparalleled experience working for multiple state governments, large and small municipalities, nonprofits, public interest institutions, and others to achieve universal broadband and digital equity. We built our partnership first in the City of New York, where we developed the Internet Master Plan that secured the selection of eleven different Internet Service Providers to deploy last-mile networks in neighborhoods across the city. Our partnership is designed to cover every aspect of broadband network development, from strategic planning to community engagement; business and financial planning to ISP engagement and public-private partnership negotiation; engineering design to permitting and construction management across every type of broadband typology; monitoring and compliance to long-term program evaluation and strategic communications. As a result, we have been entrusted by nearly two dozen State Broadband Offices and many more localities across California and nationwide.
About HR&A Advisors, Inc.
For nearly fifty years, HR&A has worked to turn vision into action through rigorous analysis, strategy development, and implementation planning. Our 100% employee-owned firm, founded in Los Angeles in 1976, provides strategic advisory services for some of the most complex city-building projects across North America and abroad. Our 180 employees have guided hundreds of clients in transforming public infrastructure, real estate, and economic development concepts first into actionable plans, then into job-producing, communitystrengthening assets.
We have been serving the public broadband network movement for nearly a decade, helping our clients develop plans and deliver results for tens of thousands of households, with a pipeline of hundreds of thousands of households and businesses to be connected over the next few years in the communities we have served thanks to funding and public-private partnerships we helped secure. We have been entrusted by three of the four largest states in the nation to serve as overarching program managers for the broadband and digital equity deployments, in addition to eight of the twenty most populous counties in the country and countless smaller communities and tribal nations. But one example is our comprehensive program delivery services for the State of New York, for which we helped to design and continue to manage or advise on five separate broadband infrastructure programs – including the landmark Municipal Infrastructure Program, which is currently deploying nearly $215M from the US Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund to enable more than a dozen local governments like Huntington Park deploy more than 2,000 miles of fiber to 87,000 locations to be served by public broadband networks.
HR&A’s roots in economic development, real estate, and government consulting and capacity building reflect how we approach our broadband work: it is not only about the outputs of the work – for example, the number of households and businesses connected, miles of fiber laid, or number of devices distributed – it is also about the outcomes that our clients are able to realize – for example, the improvements to economic and workforce development, public health, educational attainment, or the efficiency and effectiveness of essential services.
About CTC Technology & Energy
CTC is a nationally recognized, independent, woman-owned telecommunications consulting firm with over 40 years of experience serving the public sector. Since CTC’s founding in 1983, it has provided strategic planning, engineering design, and construction oversight services to hundreds of jurisdictions and municipal utilities nationwide. CTC offers a unique combination of qualifications and capabilities in broadband engineering (fiber and wireless), network planning, financial analysis, business planning, project management, construction oversight, and grant compliance.
CTC’s California headquarters is a short, 20-minute drive from Huntington Park City Hall. Our broadband construction management and oversight team works nationally but is headquartered and heavily staffed locally,
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 5 including their Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Afflerbach, Ph.D., who is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of California (#23035).
CTC has a full-time team of approximately 100 broadband engineers, GIS specialists, analysts, project managers, and administrative staff. They have provided independent financial, strategic, and technical guidance to hundreds of public sector clients, including state and local governments, non-profit consortia, universities, and municipal utilities.
We have designed, engineered, and overseen the construction of thousands of miles of outside plant (OSP) fiber, including for municipal and state middle-mile and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) initiatives. We have designed fiber networks ranging in scope from 4 miles to more than 1,000 miles and have done this work in rural, suburban, and urban environments.
Among our successful past projects is an 80-mile FTTP design, engineering, and construction oversight project for the City of Westminster, Maryland—as well as similar fiber engineering and construction oversight projects for the towns of Holly Springs and Wake Forest, North Carolina; Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County, Maryland; and Arlington County, Virginia. We also created the outside plant (OSP) architecture for the New Zealand national FTTP buildout.
Our staff of network engineers and outside plant engineers — many of whom are licensed Professional Engineers — have extensive industry background, including conducting field data collection, designing, and engineering fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks.
As a matter of policy, CTC does not have financial relationships with broadband construction companies, equipment manufacturers, or suppliers. We are completely independent of the entities the City will select for its design-build process. Because of this lack of entanglements, we are in a position to oversee and manage the City’s project—and to unfailingly represent the City’s interests—in ways that the vast majority of consulting companies are not. In our 42 years in business, we have never deviated from this commitment.
About our Project Team
Danny Fuchs, Joanne Hovis, and Andrew Afflerbach will be responsible for the effective delivery of this project for Huntington Park; we are company leaders who take personal interest in and responsibility for the work of our team. We are excited to be able to offer a team of dedicated, passionate senior leaders from our companies to serve the City of Huntington Park on the ground, with the capability to hit the ground running given our deep experience with broadband deployment locally. The following bios provide an overview of the staff members who would lead our work with Huntington Park (resumes are attached in Appendix A.) This team will be complemented by HR&A and CTC's expansive roster of analysts and other subject matter experts. Our team for this project includes:
Alex Banh, HR&A Principal
Role in Project: Lead Program Manager
Alex will be responsible for integrating community engagement, business planning, permitting, construction management, and compliance and reporting into a clear and accessible project plan that enables the City to have confidence each week that progress is proceeding apace, risks are identified early, and risk management tactics are in place, and corrective actions are taken with your design-build partner when necessary. This role requires an integrated thinker who understands all aspects of the project across government, community, financial, business, partnership, legal, and other perspectives – perspectives that Alex has developed through his time as Digital Equity Manager for the City & County of San Francisco, as leader in multiple State broadband programs, including California’s, and in his role overseeing Clark County, Nevada’s comprehensive broadband and digital equity program, which includes the ongoing construction of fiber to municipal facilities and an active selection process for the County’s prospective ISP partners.
Preston Rhea, Principal
Role in Project: Business Planning & Sustainability Lead Preston has over a decade of experience in telecommunications engineering and public interest advocacy.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 6 Preston advises governments, philanthropists, and economic development organizations on the most impactful and equitable ways to build and use infrastructure for universal broadband adoption. Previously, Preston worked at Monkeybrains, an Internet Service Provider based in San Francisco, where he coordinated partnerships with governments to build public fiber to affordable housing, broke barriers to affordable internet in large apartment buildings, and advanced gigabit network penetration in underserved areas.
Teles Fremin, P.E., Deputy Chief Technology Officer
Role in Project: Technical Program Manager
As CTC’s Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Teles draws on her two decades of hands-on experience to provide engineering and technical oversight for clients’ telecommunications projects and services. Working closely with the CTO, she develops broadband strategic plans for state and local governments; her engagements have included projects for the California Department of Technology, the Georgia Technology Authority, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Mitchell Hergett, Director of Technical Compliance & Monitoring Role in Project: Technical Compliance & Monitoring Lead Mitch is an expert in the design and construction of broadband networks. He provides project management for many of CTC’s consulting and engineering projects. He previously managed CTC’s outside plant (OSP) engineering and construction oversight services. He develops project plans, performs stakeholder outreach, manages staff, and reviews network designs as well as fiber broadband grants management processes.
Matthew DeHaven, Vice President of Fiber & Infrastructure Role in Project: Subject Matter Expert
Matt will provide overall project oversight and subject matter expertise for this project. He has managed and supported the planning and deployment of dozens of fiber-to-the-premises networks for public sector clients, working on system-level designs and cost estimates as well as providing detailed engineering and construction oversight. He led the project that built CTC’s proprietary fiber network cost model, which incorporates economic, financial, topographical, and field data to produce highly accurate fiber network cost estimates. Matt leads the CTC team that supports the California Department of Technology in managing all aspects of the deployment of California’s 8,000+ mile statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Network, including supervision of network design, construction, maintenance, and operation.
Cyle Chapman, Director of Outside Plant Engineering
Role in Project: Construction Oversight Manager, QC/QA Lead Cyle oversees CTC’s outside plant engineering team, which conducts field surveys, develops network design data, performs fiber network quality control checks and other aspects of construction oversight, and conducts postgrant-award compliance monitoring of network deployments. Cyle is local to Huntington Park. He specializes in fiber broadband network engineering and has experience in the design, layout, deployment, construction, and splicing of fiber. In his management work, he has specialized in quality control, training, and cost containment.
Aaron Easton, Senior Engineer
Role in Project: Construction Oversight, QC/QA
Aaron Easton has decades of experience in network design and engineering, including extensive recent experience as an engineer supporting CTC’s engagement with the California Department of Technology’s MiddleMile Broadband Initiative. Aaron is local to Huntington Park.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 7
2. Qualifications & Experience
Managing the implementation of Huntington Park’s broadband infrastructure project requires an expansive range of tasks over the next year. HR&A and CTC will provide unparalleled broadband expertise to develop and manage a comprehensive Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Plan for the City, and to deliver that plan on time and on budget, including not only management of the City’s design-build partner, but also an expansive community and stakeholder engagement program, as well as the identification and selection of a capable operating partner for the network that minimizes the City’s ongoing risk associated with the project.
Progressive broadband infrastructure deployment experience – Our team demonstrates extensive experience in managing complex broadband infrastructure projects across diverse environments. We deliver comprehensive OSP engineering services including field surveys, desktop designs, attachment licenses, ROW permits, material specifications, drafting, professional engineering review, environmental permits, railroad permits, GIS data integration, utilities locating, as-built verification, and GPS mapping. We have successfully overseen aerial and underground fiber installation, conduit system design, and full-scale fiber optic network construction in urban and suburban settings.
Grant-funded municipal broadband program management – We have significant recent experience working with state and federal grant funding across various broadband infrastructure programs for municipalities and beyond, including Treasury’s ARPA CPF and SLFRF Programs; NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure, Middle Mile Grants, and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Programs; USDA ReConnect; and E-Rate funding for schools and libraries. We deliver comprehensive grant support services including application development, compliance oversight, and post-award administration. Our team includes personnel with direct experience working with federal agencies, and in California, we have managed grant-funded broadband projects for the County of Los Angeles and Destination Crenshaw, coordinating among City and County agencies, community stakeholders, and private sector partners.
Compliance excellence and documentation – As a result of this experience, we understand the importance of project and financial controls, and the necessity to ensure that all grant-related expenses are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. We have experience developing schedules, risk assessments, risk mitigation measures, and other project documentation consistent with grant funding requirements, and then reporting that information to state and federal agencies during desk reviews and site visits. We are also intimately familiar with the key state and federal regulations governing project performance and compliance, such as 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements), Treasury guidance specifically applicable to CPF subgrants, Environmental and Historic Preservation requirements – including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and related laws and Executive Orders. We have helped the California Department of Technology (CDT) manage procurement, budgets, environmental compliance, reporting, and desk reviews as part of its NTIA Middle Mile Grant award; our subject matter experts wrote the CPUC’s California Local Jurisdiction Broadband Permitting Playbook, which included a section on CEQA compliance; and we developed much of the prevailing wage guidance for the CPUC’s BEAD Initial Proposal Volume II and BEAD grant application, including guidance on the consideration of Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, aspects of California Labor Code § 1770 et seq., “Prevailing wage determination,” and California Labor Code § 1720.
Our experience includes helping clients like Huntington Park stay in compliance with their obligations, as well as overseeing vendors and subgrantees to ensure that all obligations and requirements are appropriately floweddown to third party agreements and that those obligations are then monitored for compliance and appropriately rolled-up for state and federal reporting, as needed.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 8 Comprehensive program management expertise – We employ certified Project Management Professionals (PMP) who consistently deliver projects on time and within budget. Our program management approach encompasses project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, vendor oversight, and stakeholder coordination. We have developed custom RFPs for construction services, managed bid evaluation processes, and provided construction contractor oversight for numerous municipal clients. Our project management approach is informed by best practices from the Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) framework and project management best practices. In alignment with that framework, we work closely with our clients to understand their scope, define important milestones, set deadlines, establish clear accountability, and leverage tracking tools and appropriate communications channels to manage issues and communicate important outcomes.
Technical expertise in fiber optic technologies – Our team possesses deep technical expertise in FTTH/FTTP deployments, GPON architectures, and fiber testing standards. Our engineering team prepares detailed splice matrices, logical network diagrams, and performs comprehensive fiber optic performance testing including OTDR and insertion/return loss measurements. Staff engineers oversee construction quality assurance, ensuring compliance with design specifications and industry standards.
Business model development and sustainability planning – We develop comprehensive business models and sustainability plans for broadband systems, including detailed pro forma analysis, revenue forecasting, and cost modeling. We assist clients with rate design strategies and customer acquisition planning to ensure long-term network viability.
Stakeholder coordination and public engagement – We excel at translating complex technical information for diverse audiences, facilitating community engagement sessions, conducting inclusive and comprehensive needs assessments, and coordinating among stakeholders across multiple sectors. We have led stakeholder engagement and community outreach for multiple cities, counties, and states across the country. a. Technical Approach
HR&A and CTC's work will be responsive to Huntington Park’s needs at every step throughout plan development and implementation, ranging from support for the City’s broadband planning and project management, permitting and regulatory compliance, and oversight of construction and quality assurance to comprehensive needs assessment, community outreach, stakeholder management, business planning, and marketing.
The pages that follow detail our technical approach and the scope of work that we plan to undertake to ensure the City’s broadband success.
i. Project Planning & Program Management
Consistent with our business philosophy and values, our team manages client projects with an approach that promotes quality, consistency, and transparency with our clients, while ensuring our work is delivered on time and on budget.
Detailed scheduling and work planning – In this engagement, we will leverage our project management methodology, informed by PMI’s PMBOK framework and best practices, to develop a detailed schedule that considers the timing of interrelated activities, such as the specification and acquisition of materials and electronics, across disparate project partners that will include materials suppliers, construction vendors, community outreach, permitting authorities, and technicians responsible for business systems, testing, and service delivery. We have demonstrable success balancing these priorities and tasks across prior engagements and ensuring satisfactory delivery for our clients that is on-schedule and on-budget.
Tracking milestones and budget – We take a data-centric approach to meeting our clients’ short- and long-term objectives. During this engagement, we will rigorously analyze actual progress against planned milestones at each phase of the project, so we can assess alignment between actual progress and expenditures with planned milestones and budget. When something goes awry, our team will identify issues – be they technical, financial, or
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 9 performance challenges – that may be impacting progress, operational readiness, service delivery, and financial projections. We will seek to identify the root cause of such issues and present the issue, our analysis, and any recommendations, to the appropriate business owner for investigation and remedy.
Our objective is to leverage key performance metrics to identify issues early, allowing time for correction and mitigation, before minor issues can become major threats to the program schedule or budget.
Project management tools and dashboards – We have significant experience using Microsoft Project to track project tasks, milestones, resource allocation, and their related interdependencies. This methodology allows for real-time tracking of project status and identification of risks based on schedule or interdependencies.
For this engagement, we propose to link the project plan with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data on planned deployments and implementation progress. This permits us to deploy real-time dashboards that visually demonstrate project deployment status to stakeholders and funding agencies. This can include details like when and where construction is planned or proceeding by network segment, number of locations connected to the network, and other information.
Compliance – Our team is intimately familiar with the key state and federal regulations governing project performance and compliance. These include various federal regulations like such as 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements), Treasury guidance specifically applicable to CPF subgrants, Environmental and Historic Preservation requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and related laws and Executive Orders. In addition to the specific FFA grant terms and conditions, other applicable state regulations will include SB 156, the California Public Utilities Code and any applicable CPUC resolutions, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
For this engagement, we will leverage our significant experience managing these types of grants and work with the City to review project activities and expenditures to ensure that they are in-scope, allowable and allocable to the appropriate project, and delivered within the grant period of performance. We will also support state and federal oversight and reporting as needed, including preparation and review of all programmatic and financial reports; support for monitoring calls, desk reviews, and site visits; support for audits and investigations, if necessary; and full support for grant closeout.
Cross-functional coordination – We have deep experience in multisector, cross-functional coordination among stakeholders and partners, taking a multimodal approach to ensure awareness and alignment. We are very familiar with the region’s regulatory agencies and have had strong working relationships with the CPUC and LA DEAL. Based on our experience managing large multistakeholder broadband projects such as CDT’s MMBI, we plan to organize an initial workshop with cross-functional stakeholders and partners to inform them of the City’s upcoming work and align on expectations for coordination, hold regularly occurring individual meetings with stakeholders and partners on a cadence based on their roles on the project and coordination needs, and keep stakeholders and partners informed of project updates through broader reaching newsletters and virtual townhalls as part of Task 2’s Community Outreach & Stakeholder Management efforts. ii. Community Outreach & Stakeholder Management
Our team will deploy an authentic, inclusive, creative, and data-driven community outreach and stakeholder management process. We design community broadband needs assessments that surface the full range of needs, barriers, and challenges to equitable access to broadband to drive local decision-making and program design, including through citywide surveys, focus groups, capacity building workshops, and other engagement tools. We understand the importance of designing community engagement to overcome the digital divide collaboratively with organizations and individuals who live the digital divide daily in their communities, and we have a deep commitment to addressing barriers to broadband infrastructure and adoption through such collaborations. We know the types of activities that do not work, for example: hosting a focus group on a weekday afternoon; advertising an online survey exclusively through a government listserv; holding a Zoom-based workshop where all participants need a webcam.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 10 We will bring tools that we have built for broadband and digital equity planning in California and other states and communities, enabling us to start with a strong foundation while working to customize them to the particular dynamics in Huntington Park. We have built and implemented tools and processes for collecting and analyzing digital equity data, including asset inventories, needs assessment surveys, stakeholder engagement frameworks, and event program designs. We anticipate using these tools to assist Huntington Park with answering the critical questions on resident and stakeholder needs regarding current broadband gaps and barriers, pricing, and customer support design.
HR&A’s work to collect and analyze resident data about barriers to device access, internet access, and digital equity will include:
Stakeholder engagement planning – Early in the project, we will engage with the City to discuss priorities for stakeholder engagement, prior stakeholder engagement efforts and the City’s current work with Principia Group, and key internal and external stakeholders to engage. We will then hold introductory interviews with a select group of stakeholders, including community leaders, businesses, anchor institutions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups like LA DEAL to understand their potential role in the project, communication preferences, ideas for ongoing engagement, and additional partners and assets to leverage. The product of this initial planning effort will be a detailed memo containing an inventory of key stakeholders (organization, contact information, sector, role, recommendations) and a robust, multi-pronged strategy for engagement and communications.
As mentioned in Task 1, this strategy will include an initial workshop with stakeholders, regularly occurring individual meetings based on their role on the project, a newsletter, and quarterly virtual townhalls to present on progress and solicit stakeholder input on design considerations such as pricing models, tiers, and customer support design. We will also use these opportunities to raise awareness of available low-cost broadband offers, digital literacy training, and device distribution opportunities identified through our asset mapping, as well as to ensure communities stay informed of construction for impact mitigation. Through this multimodal and tailored approach to engagement based on the needs and interests of each stakeholder, we will develop long-term relationships with key stakeholders and provide meaningful opportunities for input.
Community broadband needs assessment – We take a comprehensive approach to broadband needs assessments, combining existing local, state, and federal data with public survey and qualitative findings to develop an accurate baseline of current needs and barriers. For this engagement, we will begin with analyzing and mapping existing data from FCC’s Broadband Data Collection and CPUC’s Broadband Mapping Program data on broadband availability, speeds, and providers throughout the City; American Community Survey data on broadband and device adoption across multiple demographic groups; Broadband Now's data on service options and pricing; and CDT’s Statewide Digital Equity Survey data on broader barriers to broadband adoption and digital literacy relevant to Huntington Park.
Following the analysis of existing data, we may conduct a citywide survey designed to fill gaps in our understanding of needs and barriers faced by Huntington Park residents around broadband access, affordability, adoption, digital literacy, and other topics agreed with the City. HR&A has designed and delivered survey instruments that have already received thousands of responses in Los Angeles and tens of thousands of responses in other jurisdictions to understand these important nuances, and we are prepared to design and implement a similar instrument for Huntington Park. This survey will be distributed through an online website, CBO partners, community forums and listservs, and other approaches finalized after discussion with the City and other key stakeholders.
In parallel with the Citywide Survey, HR&A will conduct an initial round of Community Conversations across the city to gather qualitative data on broadband needs, barriers, and solutions. HR&A has now helped produce and facilitate public engagement events for digital equity planning that have reached several thousand participants, from large-scale events to one-on-one interviews. At the outset of the project, we will co-design the Community Conversations program with the City and key partners such as LA DEAL, framing multiple potential approaches,
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 11 ranging from target volume and demographic distribution of participants to considerations of how discussion topics may evolve through the project. Through Community Conversations, we will work with community organizations across Huntington Park to host discussions, workshops, and dialogues with residents to not only discuss broadband needs but also identify common ground on important design considerations such as broadband deployment, service options, and customer support design. Instead of organizing standalone events, we will propose to meet residents where they are by partnering with community organizations to hold Community Conversations during events or programs already serving and trusted by our target audience, such as festivals and fairs, school events, parent programs, and community meetings. Through this approach, the City will have qualitative data and powerful human stories that will bolster the needs assessment, and support residents and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the City’s broadband infrastructure plans and raise awareness of available programs.
Asset mapping – To identify available low-cost broadband programs and opportunities for digital literacy training and device distribution, our team will complement the needs assessment with a Digital Equity Asset Map specific to Huntington Park. Asset mapping will start by analyzing CDT’s Digital Equity Ecosystem Mapping (DEEM) data for programs and services located in the city, including integrating the Low-Cost Offer Finder with our collaborators at digital equity nonprofit Everyone On. We will further build out this asset map by incorporating assets mentioned in stakeholder interviews and virtual townhalls and share a draft version of this map with stakeholders to identify any missing assets.
Outreach to multilingual, low-income, and digitally disconnected populations – For Citywide Survey distribution and Community Conversations, we will coordinate with local partners who are closest to underserved and marginalized communities to ensure that sufficient input is collected for each community. The survey and Community Conversations will be offered in languages accessible to participants, including the use of plain language and translation as needed.
Construction Impact Mitigation and Communications – We are committed to minimizing disruption during the broadband deployment process and will leverage community outreach and stakeholder engagement for a comprehensive Construction Impact Mitigation and Communications Program tailored to Huntington Park’s unique traffic conditions. Recognizing that traffic congestion is a concern in the city, our team will coordinate closely with City departments, contractors, and utility partners to design and implement a proactive traffic management and communications strategy. This may include multilingual, real-time notifications via SMS and social media, as well as physical signage and updates through the newsletters and virtual town halls. We will also work with Public Works to leverage existing feedback mechanisms to ensure residents and businesses can easily access information and voice concerns. These efforts will be integrated into our broader community outreach and stakeholder engagement strategy and our work in Task 5. Construction Oversight and Quality Assurance to ensure transparency, responsiveness, and community trust throughout the construction phase.
Incorporating and reporting input – We will summarize findings from the needs assessment, asset mapping, stakeholder interviews, and virtual townhalls in slide decks for the City for incorporation into project planning and design. Community engagement outcomes will also be summarized in reports required by CPUC.
Ultimately, our community outreach and stakeholder engagement strategy will be designed not only to inform and involve residents and stakeholders but to also shape the broadband business model and implementation plan in a way that reflects the priorities of Huntington Park’s communities. By grounding our approach in robust data collection, inclusive engagement, and ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders and local partners, we will generate actionable insights into service demand, affordability, and digital literacy and other potential barriers to adoption. These insights will directly inform marketing strategies, pricing models, and broadband adoption and support plans – ensuring alignment with community expectations and maximizing take rates. This input will guide support our work in Task 6. Business Planning & Sustainability in the development of realistic assumptions for Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), service tier design, and take rate forecasts, which are critical to building a financially sustainable and equitable business plan.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 12 iii. Technical Expertise & Deployment Support
Our team has experience with numerous fiber broadband deployment methods, including aerial and buried deployments using various technologies. Examples include new aerial deployments on new or existing poles, aerial fiber over-lashed to existing cable, and buried fiber deployments using existing conduit, micro trenching, and new conduit installed using plowing, trenching, and directional boring. Our engineering team is overseen by certified professional engineers, familiar with the applicable ANSI/TIA, IEEE, and BICSI standards. At project outset, we will align with the City on its preferences for how we can most effectively provide our technical expertise and deployment support – likely through a combination of predefined deliverables like memos and presentations on specified topics and ad hoc support when new questions arise.
Guidance on broadband deployment methods – We are fully prepared to offer guidance to the City on deployment methodologies, particularly micro trenching, which has become increasingly popular in urban environments because it is minimally invasive, offers relatively rapid deployment, reduces traffic disruption, and may have a lower overall cost, when compared to other fiber deployment technologies. We have supported several clients with micro trenching deployments. In each case, we evaluate local conditions – such as soil conditions, climate, and performance in similar service areas – before recommending micro trenching.
As part of any fiber deployment, our engineering team will validate installation plans developed by the designbuild contractor, such as trench depth and width, as well as network route. We will also evaluate traffic management plans, safety procedures, and environmental and permitting requirements (including state, federal, and tribal obligations) to ensure that Huntington Park complies with all state, federal, and municipal obligations.
Trenching equipment and technologies – Our skilled engineering team will make recommendations to the City on trenching equipment and technologies. Our approach will be informed by an assessment of local conditions (such as soil, rock, and pavement) and the routes and locations for the planned network. This information, along with cost, schedule, and materials availability – and the December 31, 2026, completion deadline – will guide our recommendations for installation methodology, including the evaluation of particular equipment and technologies.
Our team is familiar with various trenching systems, precision cutting systems (including micro trenching), the use of vacuum excavation in soft dig applications, and rock saws and chain trenchers (for use in hard rock or in less urban areas). Similarly, we are familiar with both cable pullers and compressed-air jetting to deploy fiber following conduit installation. We can make appropriate recommendations on the use case for each technique based on the length and complexity of different conduit runs. We are also familiar with backfill and restoration solutions, including Flowable Fills and Controlled Low Strength Materials (CLSM), which are frequently used in conjunction with micro trenching. We are also familiar with the use of polymeric backfills used in high-traffic and aesthetically important areas.
Safety is a priority during fiber deployments. As your project management partner, we will oversee deployment activities to ensure that utility locates are complete prior to construction. We will also evaluate safety and traffic management plans to minimize the risk of installation to project partners and the public, to the extent possible.
Fiber optic cabling and connectivity solutions – Our engineering team will make recommendations to Huntington Park that consider current and future bandwidth needs, while also considering cost, schedule, and materials availability to meet the December 31, 2026, completion deadline.
As a result of our experience working on both middle-mile and last-mile fiber deployment projects, our team is familiar with a variety of cabling and connectivity solutions. These include single mode fiber, low water peak fiber, and emerging technologies. We are also familiar with bend-insensitive fiber solutions that enable bends and flexibly routing without impacting signal transmission. We are similarly familiar with a variety of module and sealed splice enclosures that support a variety of sizes, fiber applications, and offer appropriate inside and outside plant applications.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 13 Future scalability and legacy interoperability – We will help the City ensure that network components are scalable to support 10+ Gbps in the future, while supporting legacy system interoperability. Our analysis will consider a variety of network components, including:
• Future-ready single-mode optical fiber that adheres to the ITU-T G.652 standard for signal loss, bandwidth, and transmission distance
• Bend-insensitive fiber that conforms to the ITU-T G.657.A1 standard, which balances performance and legacy compatibility
• Connectivity solutions that leverage Multi-Fiber Push-On (MPO) connectors to support a high density of fiber connections within a limited space (like a crowded cabinet or splice enclosure) and universal patch panels, which allow for MPO and legacy connections within a single enclosure • Link budgets and network designs that consider multi-generation support for 10+ Gbps (and potentially 100+ Gbps)
• Legacy interoperability strategies, like hybrid multimode and single-mode deployments, protocol-agnostic designs, and infrastructure that supports speed negotiation • Splice enclosures and termination solutions that can accommodate higher fiber counts for future expansion
Network architecture – We are familiar with a variety of fiber network architectures and the deployment of networks that will serve a variety of customer classifications, such as residential, business, government, and enterprise. We are fully prepared to help the City analyze possible architectures that suit its requirements. • GPON is generally the most cost-effective configuration for residential deployments. GPON permits a 32:1 split ratio to serve multiple locations while offering download speeds in excess of 2 Gbps. It is most useful where average bandwidth consumption remains well below peak capacity, which is typical in residential areas
• XGS-PON, the next-generation of PON solutions, offers 10 Gbps symmetric capacity and is backwardscompatible with GPON equipment. This offers an upgrade path for GPON deployments when peak usage or bandwidth requirements exceed GPON capabilities
• Point-to-point fiber infrastructure offers the highest performance for premium users and businesses that demand high-speed symmetrical bandwidth or dedicated fibers. Point-to-point solutions – and the associated costs – are critical for certain financial applications, health care, and cloud services providers.
Municipal government and other anchor institutions can also benefit from point-to-point designs, where schools, libraries, government buildings, and public safety facilities require reliable, high-capacity connections with guaranteed performance
We are pleased to evaluate these and other architectures that will support Huntington Park’s requirements and deliver scalable broadband infrastructure capable of meeting your current and future connectivity needs, while balancing the capital and operating costs and revenue potential of various options.
Integration with existing broadband infrastructure and utility systems – Based on the RFP Q&A provided by the City, we understand that Huntington Park does not currently possess GIS layers, utility as-builts, or completed engineering assessments related to the broadband project. As a result, we are prepared to support the City with collection of that baseline data, which is required to evaluate routing, permitting, and network design activities.
We propose to integrate efforts to capture information on existing broadband infrastructure, coordinate with local utilities on infrastructure and easements, and evaluate rights-of-way, in the first phase of the project, in parallel with the baseline data collection. We believe this will afford the City the most time-efficient data collection and planning effort.
Our assessment will include:
• Evaluating existing fiber broadband infrastructure in the project area • Considering cable and hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) integration
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 14 • Considering fiber-fed fixed wireless integration
• Evaluation of utility partnerships, including joint use poles, utility location coordination, and joint-build possibilities
• Evaluation of municipal and state rights-of-way
• GIS data integration, where data is available or can be readily collected Standard operating procedures and technical specifications – Our engineering and outside plant teams will develop SOPs and technical specifications for fiber deployment. This will include a number of documents, including:
• Pre-Installation Guidelines that familiarize installation crews with the project, including construction drawings, GIS maps, utility location marking, permitting requirements, and any special installation considerations. This document will also include pre-construction checklists to confirm that materials are available on-site, including fiber cable, splice enclosures, hardware, and testing equipment. • Safety Procedures that mandate evaluation of work area hazards including traffic conditions, overhead power lines, underground utilities, and environmental factors that may impact construction. This document will establish traffic control standards, including signage placement, work zone delineation, and flagging requirements, when necessary. The Safety Procedures will also include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, excavation safety protocols (if necessary, based on the design), electrical safety procedures when work occurs near power lines, emergency response planning, and clear procedures for accident reporting, medical emergencies, and utility damage incidents. • Environmental and Permitting Compliance Guide to document regulatory requirements, such as wetland permits, environmental protection measures, and municipal work permits. This guide will also document restoration requirements for different surface types including concrete, asphalt, landscaping, and specialty paving materials.
• Customer Coordination Protocols will establish procedures for residential and business deployments that require property access, including standards for advance notification, crew arrival times, work duration, and communicating restoration timelines.
• Fiber Installation Standards will specify standards for aerial and buried fiber deployments. This will include aerial procedures that comply with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements for communication cable placement on joint-use poles, minimum separation for power and communication attachment points, and specifications for installation hardware. Similarly, guidelines for buried fiber deployments, including specifications for placement in roadways, easements / rights-of-way, and private property, will be presented in a manner compliant with grant requirements and local codes. The installation standards will also specify equipment standards for different deployment methodologies (e.g., precision cutting standards for micro trenching, guidelines for directional boring) and the pulling or jetting of fiber into conduit (e.g., pulling tension thresholds and tension monitoring equipment requirements). • Splicing and Termination Standards will document procedures and technical criteria (such as splice loss and connector installation standards) applicable to splicing fiber connections. These guidelines will include control measures to use portable splicing trailers or enclosures that permit field splicing. • Testing and Quality Assurance Protocols will govern the verification, functional testing, and OTDR testing of all splice locations and network links. These protocols will include documentation and record keeping standards to ensure that fiber routes, splice locations, splice diagrams, and other data are recorded appropriately.
iv. Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
We are intimately familiar with all aspects of local, state, and federal permitting and regulatory compliance for broadband deployment projects and are ready to support the City in the timely acquisition of required local, state, and federal approvals, including:
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 15 Local Requirements
• Building and construction permits are required for construction activities affecting public roadways, rights-of-way, sidewalks, and municipal property
• Franchise agreements establish the legal framework for utilizing public rights-of-way to provide ongoing broadband services within municipal boundaries
State Requirements
• CPUC establishes telecommunications service provider status and enables access to utility infrastructure and rights-of-way in California. To obtain service provider status, it is necessary to submit applications that include business licensing, insurance verification, technical qualifications, and service territory plans.
Maintaining ongoing compliance requires regular reporting, including service quality metrics and customer complaint procedures.
• Caltrans governs fiber installation along state highways, bridges, and transportation corridors in California. Obtaining permits will require detailed applications that may include traffic impact studies, construction staging plans, and restoration specifications that meet state highway standards. • The project must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and address air quality, water protection, and historic preservation requirements. This will necessitate coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office when fiber routes are near areas with tribal, archaeological, or historic significance.
Federal Requirements
• The project must follow Treasury’s guidelines for National Environmental Policy Act compliance, as well as other environmental and historic preservation laws. This will necessitate coordination with federal agencies, tribes, and the State Historic Preservation Office when fiber routes are near areas environmental, tribal, archaeological, or historic significance. • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance is required, including verification of telecommunications service provider licensing and compliance with federal communication infrastructure regulations. Network operators must register broadband deployment activities through the FCC's Broadband Data Collection program, providing coverage area data and service capability information.
They must also coordinate with FCC requirements for emergency alert system integration and accessibility compliance for customers with disabilities. • Federal Highway Administration Permits will be necessary if fiber infrastructure crosses interstate highways, federal roads, or federally funded transportation projects. Applications must be submitted via Caltrans, which is responsible for coordinating with federal highway officials. Permits will require detailed engineering drawings showing crossing methods, restoration plans, and traffic impact mitigation. • Other Federal Permits will be necessary if the project crosses any federal lands (such as Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or other federal land management agencies). These permits can be time consuming to obtain and may require specialized environmental and historic preservation documentation.
To track compliance with these requirements, we propose to develop a centralized permit and requirements inventory that catalogues each of the permits and regulatory requirements applicable to the project, as well as construction codes, environmental regulations, safety standards, and CPUC funding requirements and ongoing reporting obligations. This will enable the project team to proactively manage permitting and regulatory compliance activities, understand the dependencies between permits and deployment, and identify any schedule risk that may arise. Further, this centralized approach will promote shared visibility, supporting efforts to identify and mitigate risks before they can impact the project’s timeline or budget. Finally, milestones and deadlines associated with both permitting and regulatory compliance should be incorporated in the Microsoft Project project plan for communication, evaluation, and tracking.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 16 v. Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance
Our team will act as the City’s representative to deliver comprehensive oversight of all broadband construction activities; coordinate daily field activities; and verify that the contractors’ work aligns with approved plans, permits, and utility locates. During construction, we will conduct in-progress inspections on a sampling basis to assess compliance with worker and public safety standards, general quality of work, and adherence to design specifications. Our quality assurance inspections will verify task completion, work quality, and construction contractor documentation. We will use advanced tracking systems that allow real-time quality reporting with photo documentation and cloud-based storage for immediate back-office review.
Contractor and subcontractor management – We will coordinate and manage contractors and subcontractors to maintain project alignment, including bi-weekly jurisdiction meetings, weekly construction status meetings, and ad hoc coordination with other relevant authorities. We will resolve field-level conflicts and manage change orders. We will seek to immediately address issues as they arise, whether predictable or unforeseen, to minimize timeline delays.
Site inspections, progress reviews, and punch-list evaluations – We will align our construction oversight and quality assurance efforts with the City and contractor’s project plan to ensure we conduct site inspections, progress reviews, and punch-list evaluations at each construction phase. We will verify trenching depth and placement, conduit integrity, fiber slack management (e.g., adequate slack in each vault), vault access, and the accuracy of the contractor’s as-builts.
QA/QC program – We will conduct regular site inspections and establish rigorous quality assurance programs, including verification of fiber optic cable continuity using OTDR and power meter testing for suitable samples to validate contractor-provided test data. Our QA/QC approach includes verifying slack loop cable lengths, proper bonding/grounding, and location verification of outside plant assets using precision GPS receivers. Pursuant to our Quality Control Plan and the project-specific checklists we will develop to document our work, we will inspect splice enclosures, cable routing, and labeling to ensure compliance with industry standards. We will also inspect physical aspects of the construction sites—including the contractor’s adherence to backfill, compaction, and surface restoration procedures—to ensure the City’s utilities, pavement, and built environment are properly maintained and restored.
Documenting progress – We will document construction progress through detailed reporting, photographic evidence, and as-built documentation reviews. Our comprehensive reporting approach includes preparing reports documenting test data review, independent testing, and post-construction inspection to provide verification that networks conform to approved final designs.
Compliance – We will ensure compliance with applicable codes and grant requirements, leveraging our experience with grant compliance reporting and oversight for federally and state-funded broadband projects. vi. Business Planning & Sustainability
Integrating business planning and sustainability into the oversight of the City’s design-build contractor is one of the most essential parts of this project: the City does not want to be left with a “white elephant” of a broadband network that is built but that does not have a sustainable operating model. This fact is one of the essential benefits of the HR&A-CTC team: we focus not only on exceptional program management and construction management and QA/QC – we are also the industry leaders in broadband business planning for local governments and have deep experience in structuring public-private partnerships for network operations and service provisions, with multiple deals structured across LA County in the last four years, in addition to multiple other operating agreements and public-private partnerships elsewhere in California and across the country.
Business model evaluation and kickoff – To ensure the long-term sustainability of Huntington Park’s broadband infrastructure, our team will walk the City through an evaluation of a range of business models tailored to the City’s goals, demographics, and regulatory environment at the outset of the project. These models will include:
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 17 • Public-Private Partnerships (P3s): Leveraging private sector expertise and capital while retaining public oversight. Our work with the Los Angeles Internal Services Department (ISD), Destination Crenshaw, and others demonstrates our ability to structure P3s that align with community values and deliver affordable, high-quality service.
• Municipal or Utility-Run Systems: Evaluating the feasibility of a City-operated network, including staffing, operations, and financial sustainability. We will assess the potential for the City to own and operate the network directly or through a municipal utility model – a model we’ve helped to successfully deliver elsewhere but that frankly is quite difficult to implement, especially on the City’s timeline. • Open Access Networks: Designing a wholesale model where the City owns the infrastructure and multiple ISPs compete to provide retail services. This model promotes consumer choice but has particular challenges – it's a model that we’ve helped deliver elsewhere (including structuring two such partnerships in LA), but that has had mixed success and even the progressive policy community that has been advocating for it for years has started to recognize that it’s not always possible. • Retail vs. Wholesale Service Structures: We will assess the trade-offs between the City acting as a retail provider versus leasing capacity to third-party ISPs.
We have the capability to provide multi-year pro forma financials, including CapEx, OpEx, revenue projections, and ROI analyses for each of these models, as well as to evaluate revenue diversification strategies in each, such as leasing dark fiber, offering managed services, and/or supporting smart city and IoT applications. We will conduct internal interviews with City departments and community anchor institutions (CAIs) to identify potential use cases and revenue opportunities for City uses (which may save City agencies money on existing connectivity expenditures), smart city applications, and other revenue-generating models. These insights will inform both the business model and the network design.
Our honest assessment: public-private partnership development – While the analyses described above may surface multiple viable alternate models on paper, based on our experience and preliminary understanding of the current position of the City of Huntington Park, we believe that identifying a private service provider partner as early as possible is essential to the long-term sustainability and success of Huntington Park’s broadband network.
Delivering high-quality, affordable broadband service is a complex undertaking that requires deep operational expertise, financial capacity, and a commitment to digital equity. We imagine that the City is unlikely to want to assume the ongoing operational burden of managing a broadband network—and may, in fact, wish to treat the network as a long-term revenue-generating asset. This makes the case for a well-structured public-private partnership (P3) compelling. The fact that the City is delivering the broadband network and a private partner can leverage that asset means that you will have the ability to attract new ISP investment in the City in a way that many others have not been able to do.
Our team has extensive experience structuring and negotiating such partnerships, including for Los Angeles County, Destination Crenshaw, West Hollywood, the States of California and New York, and multiple projects between the coasts. We understand the pool of qualified partners and maintain relationships with the vast majority of them; we understand the business models of the open access network developers and managers, as well as ISPs that are capable of serving as partners to local governments, from established FTTP challenger ISPs to the FWA challenger ISPs that have been rapidly gaining ground to the incumbent ISPs who are always players in any project like the City of Huntington Park’s, whether they become your partner or seek to thwart your efforts that they view as competitive to their business (which we have extensive experience with). Delaying the partnership development process risks missing the opportunity to align network design and equipment selections with the operational realities of potential partners. We propose to identify and structure a deal with a private partner by mid-2026 to ensure alignment with the City’s construction and funding timelines and to enable service to start as soon as construction is complete.
To meet this goal, we propose the following structured and time-sensitive process:
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 18
1. Develop a Pitch Deck – We will create a compelling pitch deck that communicates the value proposition of Huntington Park’s broadband network to prospective partners. This strategy, which we executed successfully with Destination Crenshaw, will include an overview of the City’s design-build project, demographic and market data that demonstrate the potential for the provider’s business model, and the range of partnership opportunities that the City would be open to, along with specific priorities that we establish with the City at kickoff – for example, the ability of the provider to offer low-cost options to residents, the potential for open access network operations, assurances that the City will not have financial risk associated with network operations, and the ability of the partner to move swiftly. The deck will be designed to appeal to a wide range of potential partners, including open access providers, traditional ISPs, and managed service providers. We will plan to have this pitch deck complete within the first month of the project, as time is of the essence.
2. Execute a Market Sounding and Targeted Marketing and Outreach Campaign – We will launch a broad outreach campaign using our database of broadband providers and infrastructure investors. This will include direct outreach to both providers and their financial backers (since investment firms are always on the lookout for such deal flow), targeted email campaigns, and promotion in industry publications and forums – for example, there are a series of newsletters and trade press in which ISPs looks for these opportunities and that we have relationships with. We will also consider hosting an open informational webinar or industry day to broaden awareness and attract interest. This marketing campaign will also serve as a formal “market sounding” that enables the City to understand exactly the range of models that private partners are willing and capable of delivering – not a theoretical business model analysis, but rather one grounded in the realities of specific partners that the City can have the opportunity to engage. The result of this task will be an assessment of the City’s options for deal structure, an analysis of alignment to the terms of the CPUC grant, and a recommendation for the general terms that the City should seek to achieve with its operational partner.
3. Release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) – Immediately following this marketing approach and market sounding, we will work with the City to develop and release an RFQ to formally solicit qualifications from potential partners according to the terms that the City seeks. An RFQ process will allow the City to identify a shortlist of capable and aligned partners, and we will endeavor to work with your procurement team to enable selection through an RFQ process in which we select 2-3 finalists with whom we can negotiate deal terms. However, if an RFQ is not one of the City’s preferred or most feasible procurement mechanisms for selection, we will work with the City to identify, develop, and release the most appropriate solicitation and selection process. We know from experience sensitive procurements like this can be, how long they can take, and the various levers that local government have to navigate the complexities of such a process.
4. Negotiate a Contract – As we have done in other localities, we will lead negotiations to structure a partnership that meets the City’s goals for affordability, service quality, digital equity, and long-term sustainability. This may include clear service-level agreements (SLAs) that form the basis of contractual compliance, as well as revenue-sharing provisions and performance-based incentives, in addition to a whole suite of requirements that we describe in greater detail below. We will endeavor to shift as much risk from the City to the private partner and believe that that will be possible as a result of the City’s massive capital investment in the network. We will plan to work with the City's lawyers on this contract, but if the City would be interested in outside counsel, we can also help engage such counsel.
5. Establish Oversight and Evaluation Systems – Anytime a city enters into a public-private partnership or operating agreement with an internet service provider, partnership management, oversight, and contractual enforcement represent the most meaningful responsibility for the local government. Having helped design and build the capacity of numerous broadband program offices across the country, designing their systems for oversight and partner management, we will help the City establish systems to monitor partner performance, ensure compliance, and evaluate outcomes. This includes defining KPIs, setting up reporting protocols, integrating community feedback mechanisms, and having clear processes
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 19 for enforcing contractual terms with your partners. The organizational structure and responsibilities for the City may also include the approach to leveraging the network for additional City uses and revenue opportunities.
Market analysis and competitive benchmarking – Should the City agree that a public-private partnership is the best approach for ongoing business management and financial sustainability for the network, the pricing strategy, service tiers, and digital equity programs to drive service adoption will be shaped by that partnership.
Nonetheless, our market analysis approach will provide the City grounding to the terms of that deal and will include not only the Market Sounding described above, but also in-depth assessments of multiple other datasets including those from CPUC and the FCC, as well as direct research into serviceability and pricing for existing providers in Huntington Park to inform potential pricing strategies and take rate assumptions for the City’s network. This analysis will help us assess service demand, price sensitivity, and the competitive landscape, enabling the City to design service offerings that are both market-competitive and equity-driven. We will also identify gaps in service that can be addressed through targeted deployment or subsidy programs, including Lifeline and prospective future iterations of the now defunct Affordable Connectivity Program, which ran out of funds in June 2024.
Comprehensive marketing, outreach, and customer acquisition strategy – To ensure strong adoption and community support, we will develop a comprehensive marketing and outreach strategy that includes:
• Branding and Messaging: Creating a compelling identity for the network that reflects the City’s values and commitment to serving its residents, noting that we’ve helped advance multiple such models from municipal-forward models to ISP-led models “powered by” or “in partnership with” the City. • Digital and Physical Outreach Channels: Utilizing social media, local media, community events, and direct mail to reach residents, businesses, and anchor institutions. We are not only strategists on this front: we have led multiple such outreach programs, including overseeing ACP adoption grants for both California and Clark County, as well as running call centers to support adoption and data collection. • Customer Onboarding Processes: Designing user-friendly enrollment workflows, including multilingual support and digital navigation assistance, and ensuring that your ISP or operating partner is delivering a customer-friendly process that is adapted to the cultural dynamics and different languages spoken in Huntington Park.
• Broadband Adoption Assistance: Drawing on our experience with CDT and in Clark County and other jurisdictions, we will promote the network and any affordability programs (such as Lifeline and California LifeLine) to promote adoption among low-income households. • Partnership with ISPs/MSPs: We will work closely with the selected ISP or managed service provider to align marketing, customer service, and outreach efforts. This includes co-branded campaigns, joint community events, and shared performance metrics.
Our outreach strategy will be inclusive, data-driven, and tailored to the unique needs of Huntington Park’s diverse communities. It will also be informed by the community engagement and needs assessment work described in our broader proposal.
Broadband operations plan – Our team understands that a comprehensive broadband operations plan will serve as the backbone of service delivery and customer service, by ensuring consistent quality, efficient operations, and customer satisfaction. Employing such a framework will allow the City to deploy a sustainable, scalable broadband service operation, regardless of the operating model that the City chooses. Our framework will include:
• Service delivery workflows that begin at customer acquisition and extend through the entire service lifecycle. This includes customer onboarding and order validation, where customer information, service availability, and technical feasibility are all verified. This information should flow into pre-provisioning activities including circuit design, port allocation, and equipment configuration. The provisioning phase encompasses physical installation scheduling, technician dispatch, equipment deployment, and service
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 20 activation. Post-installation involves service validation testing, customer premise equipment configuration, and handoff to ongoing support operations. These workflows must also consider support for existing customers, to handle upgrades, downgrades, and feature changes through a streamlined process that minimizes service disruption. Each workflow requires clear handoffs between departments, using documented procedures and tracking systems. Integration with OSS/BSS platforms enables realtime status updates and ensures consistent service delivery across all customer touchpoints. • Customer service protocols to define a multi-tiered support structure with clearly defined protocols for each interaction level. For example, Tier 1 support typically handles initial contact, basic troubleshooting, and service inquiries through phone, email, chat, and self-service portals. These agents follow detailed decision trees and knowledge base articles to resolve common issues within 10-15 minutes. Tier 2 support manages complex technical issues, requiring deeper network knowledge and access to diagnostic tools. Tier 3 support involves network engineers and specialists who handle infrastructure-level problems and advanced troubleshooting. Each tier operates with specific response time targets. For example, Tier 1 responds within 2 minutes for phone calls and 1 hour for emails; Tier 2 escalations occur within 30 minutes for critical issues; and Tier 3 engagement happens within 2 hours for problems impacting services. Customer communication protocols should mandate proactive update timeframes (for example every 2 hours) during outages and follow-up contact timelines (for example, follow-up within 24 hours of issue resolution) to ensure customer satisfaction. The team will develop a clearly documented and defined escalation matrix to support rapid issue resolution while managing resource utilization effectively. This will include management escalations for SLA violations, large customer complaints receiving executive level interaction, and automatic escalation of any issue unresolved after 24 hours. The escalation matrix will identify specific contacts for each scenario, required notification methods, and expected response times. Documentation requirements will require complete incident records for postevent analysis and process improvement • Effective network performance monitoring combines automated systems with expert analysis to maintain service quality. The monitoring infrastructure encompasses multiple layers: physical infrastructure monitoring tracks power systems, environmental conditions, and equipment health; network performance monitoring measures bandwidth utilization, latency, jitter, and packet loss; servicelevel monitoring validates customer-specific metrics and SLA compliance; and application performance monitoring ensures end-to-end service quality. Key monitoring tools include SNMP-based network management systems for real-time device monitoring, flow analysis tools for traffic pattern identification, synthetic transaction monitoring for service validation, and correlation engines that identify root causes across multiple data sources. Monitoring data feeds into centralized dashboards providing real-time visibility for operations staff, automated alerting systems that trigger based on predefined thresholds, and reporting engines that generate performance metrics and trend analysis. • Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) must balance competitive service guarantees with operational capabilities. Core availability commitments typically target 99.95% uptime for business services and 99.9% for residential services. Network performance SLAs specify maximum latency (typically <30ms within network), minimum packet delivery rates (>99.95%), and jitter thresholds (<5ms for voice services).
Service restoration commitments vary by customer tier: priority business customers may receive 4-hour mean time to repair (MTTR), standard business customers may get 8-hour MTTR, and residential customers may have 24-hour MTTR, for example. SLA remedies vary and may include service credits calculated as percentage of monthly recurring charges, with escalating credits for extended outages.
Exclusions cover force majeure events, customer-caused issues, and scheduled maintenance windows communicated 72 hours in advance.
• Optimal staffing models will consider service scale, geographic coverage, and support hours. A typical mid-sized broadband operation serving 50,000 customers requires approximately 15-20 Tier 1 support agents for 24/7 coverage, 8-10 Tier 2 technical support specialists, 4-5 Tier 3 network engineers, 10-15 field technicians for installation and repair, 3-4 network operations center (NOC) engineers per shift, and 2-3 capacity planning and engineering staff. A management team leads this staff: a Director of Operations
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 21 overseeing all operational functions, a Customer Service Manager responsible for support quality and metrics, a Network Operations Manager managing NOC and field operations, and a Quality Assurance Manager ensuring process compliance and continuous improvement. Please note that these staffing figures are estimates, and do not scale linearly. We will support the City with a custom staffing model that reflects the deployed network and active customer classes. We will also collaborate with the City to determine if outsourced support or an operations and maintenance vendor may be the most advantageous staffing and operating model for the City’s network. • Preventive maintenance schedules to reduce service disruptions and extend equipment life. Monthly activities should include testing of backup systems, evaluation of performance measurements, and software patch evaluation. Quarterly maintenance generally encompasses firmware updates for network equipment, physical infrastructure inspections, and disaster recovery drills. Semi-annual tasks involve major software upgrades, capacity review and augmentation, and comprehensive security audits. Annual maintenance includes equipment refresh planning, cable plant inspections, and strategic technology reviews. Maintenance windows should be scheduled during low-usage periods (typically 2-6 AM local time) with 72-hour advance customer notification. Emergency maintenance procedures allow immediate action for security vulnerabilities or service-threatening conditions, with customer notification within 1 hour of implementation.
• Comprehensive performance metrics should be utilized to enable data-driven operations and continuous improvement. For example, network performance metrics can track availability percentage, mean time between failures (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTTR), capacity utilization trends, and service quality indicators. Customer service metrics can be used to measure first-call resolution rate, average handle time, customer satisfaction scores, and escalation rates. Operational efficiency metrics may include technician utilization rates, truck roll effectiveness and first-visit resolution, provisioning cycle time, and cost per customer served. Financial metrics track service margins, operational expense ratios, and capital efficiency measures. These metrics should feed monthly operational reviews, quarterly business reviews, and annual strategic planning processes. vii. Reporting, Documentation, & Audit Readiness
Our teams bring deep experience in broadband grant compliance and reporting, including our ongoing work supporting the California Department of Technology (CDT) with the full lifecycle of their National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Digital Equity Planning and Capacity Grant program.
As CDT’s broadband program management partner, we have developed and implemented systems to ensure compliance with all federal and state reporting requirements, including those tied to the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act programs.
Based on our experience developing standardized reporting protocols, templates, and dashboards for CDT, we will develop similar tools and resources tailored to the City’s unique needs, systems, and processes. These tools ensure timely, accurate, and audit-ready submissions. We will also support the City in preparing for desk reviews, site visits, and final closeout reporting, drawing on our extensive experience navigating NTIA and CPUC oversight processes.
For Huntington Park, we will coordinate closely with City staff to prepare and submit all required reports to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other relevant agencies. This includes:
Broadband program management system – Unless the City has an existing centralized broadband program management system, we would not initially recommend implementing such a system. With the necessity of completing grant-funded construction in approximately 17 months, due to the December 31, 2026, completion deadline, we believe it is more advantageous for the City to leverage existing tools to achieve the same goals. As described elsewhere in our proposal, we recommend and will plan for the flexible use of several different tools:
• A Microsoft Project plan to manage timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and project interdependencies
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 22 • A centralized permit and requirements inventory to track all environmental, local, state, and federal permitting requirements
• GIS tools to manage planned and active construction
• A centralized database to track KPIs and reporting data • The City’s financial systems for transaction management, financial recordkeeping, the allocation of eligible and non-eligible expenses, and payment tracking
• A well-organized “grant file” to manage grant-related documentation and retain records • Dashboards to interconnect data sets and produce cross-functional reports on status and planning for project stakeholders
Once construction has been completed, and the network nears operationalization, we can work with the City to select a Business and Operations Support System (BSS/OSS) or Fiber Management System (FMS). Should the City elect to hire a third-party to operate the network, it is likely that the partner will also have its own BSS/OSS and FMS architecture that it prefers.
Recordkeeping – The CPUC’s FFA Awardee Administrative Manual indicates that awardees are required to “maintain files, invoices, and other related documentation for three years after final payment.” To comply with the requirement to maintain organized records during and after the project, we recommend and will support the City with setting up a central repository or “grant file” to house all relevant project-related documents during the record retention period. Appropriate staff should have access to the grant file, and records should be organized for document location and production. We also recommend the City implement a standard file-naming convention to indicate whether a document is “Draft” or “Final,” as well as an appropriate dating scheme (particularly for final documents). These approaches will contribute to ongoing project management success as well as to audit- and compliance-readiness. We will help the City select from among a variety of technologies to manage such a grant file, including a simple folder structure on a central server, Microsoft SharePoint or a similar tool, or a wiki-based technology, based on the City’s current knowledge management practices. For example, we have collaborated with local and state government clients to use Microsoft SharePoint with great success, since it is generally already available in most organizations’ IT ecosystems, and is relatively easy to use and administer.
The key requirement for this task is organization, because many files of many different types will accumulate in the repository during the lifetime of the grant and the production of the “grant file” is a common requirement of both audits and site visits, as part of the funding agency’s oversight. Use of a system like SharePoint makes it easy to demonstrate the City’s organization and attention to recordkeeping, while also enabling staff to quickly identify and produce requested documents. As a best practice, we will work with the City to preserve records in their grant file, including: final grant application and all attachments (including narrative, budgets, maps, and other attachments); award documents (including any terms and conditions or special award conditions); any modifications to the application or award, including budget or scope; motes from check-in calls and other informal monitoring activities; risk assessment analyses and findings associated with the award; grant-related process and procedure documentation; procurements and contracts documents with vendors and partners, including evidence of flow-down requirements; financial documents regarding expenses and income; copies of reimbursement or payment requests and supporting documentation associated with those requests (such as invoices or other documents), along with any curing, corrective action, or payment records; etc.
Reporting – We are very familiar with the monthly FFA reports required by the CPUC, as well as the reports required by Treasury for ARPA CPF funding (the source of a portion of the CPUC’s FFA funding). To support the City, we will establish programmatic and financial grant reporting protocols, including the templates, guidelines, and instructions necessary to compile draft reports that comply with these federal and state reporting requirements. These protocols will include the source of data for each reporting element, as well as any checks and balances or verification steps necessary to confirm reporting data is accurate. Our team will develop draft reports during each reporting cycle throughout the period of performance, following the established reporting protocol. Reports will include all necessary components, including financial metrics, task completion metrics, GIS data, take-rate and adoption figures, and compliance certifications. We will also develop standard procedures for
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 23 report reviews and approval by City personnel. This will ensure that the City validates the draft we have prepared before it is approved and transmitted to the funding agencies. During this process, we will address any questions from the City and make any edits necessary for report submission.
Tracking KPIs – We will work with the City to define the project’s key performance indicators (KPIs). These will include the metrics described here (homes passed, customer take-rates, construction progress by geography, fiber splicing/testing results, cost per mile, and average time to customer activation), as well as metrics relevant to the CPUC and federal agencies and highlighted in the state and federal reports (such as funds expended, BSLs connected, and permitting status). For this engagement, we propose to integrate the display of these KPIs with the real-time dashboards described above, which will visually demonstrate project deployment status to stakeholders and funding agencies. This will make the KPIs available to these important audiences, while putting the KPIs in the context of other relevant project details, such as the location of planned or active construction by network segment, the number and location of BSLs connected to the network, and so on.
Audit-readiness – Our team has significant experience supporting clients with the development of financial controls, internal review and audit protocols, and recordkeeping necessary to manage state and federal funds in compliance with their awards. We will work closely with the City’s accounting team and auditors to:
• Ensure that proper accounting structures are in place to track grant-eligible (and non-eligible) expenditures associated with the project
• Establish controls to ensure that grant program funds from different sources are not mistakenly commingled
• Establish appropriate accounting procedures for invoice review, reconciliation with contracts, crossreferences with known progress, and alignment with established deliverables/milestones • Establish a standard calendar for progress and financial reporting and annual audits to ensure that compliance deadlines are communicated clearly and not missed • Implement oversight procedures to cross-reference invoices with actual field conditions and progress; this is applicable to expenses like materials delivery (were the correct quantities of materials delivered to the correct location as specified?), construction progress (did crews work on the specified segment during the reported period and was the work satisfactory?), and similar checks and balances • Develop procedures for the collection, oversight, and retention of timekeeping and labor documentation for prevailing wage compliance, to include records from the Department of Labor or California Department of Industrial Relations demonstrating that prevailing wage determinations were made • Implement oversight procedures to ensure that worker timesheets and payment records align with prevailing wages determinations, to include interviews with workers during field inspections, to ensure that workers are being paid in accordance with wage determinations Closeout – We will support the City with expert project closeout support. We will work with the City’s team to capture the data and finalize the reporting necessary for closeout of the award in a manner consistent with CPUC and federal requirements. This support will include the work necessary to finalize all financial records, summarize performance and outcomes, account for grant-funded materials and equipment, and provide required reporting on sustainability, locations connected, and other metrics. Generally, these tasks include final financial and program progress reports, as well as confirmation that the program has followed requirements to secure the federal interest in real property acquired using grant funding. Federal programs generally also require subgrantees to hold the title to federally funded assets and to record the federal interest per 2 CFR § 200 Subpart D, agency terms and conditions, and Specific Award Conditions. Additionally, Treasury guidance for CPF broadband projects does not explicitly require grantees to file Uniform Commercial Code-1 (UCC-1) to declare Treasury’s rights in the grant-funded property, but it does impose other conditions on property or equipment funded by the award, for the duration of the Federal Interest Period (which extends to December 31, 2034). Our team will help the City develop guidelines for the ongoing use, treatment, and recordkeeping associated with grant-funded assets through the December 31, 2034, deadline to comply with Treasury guidance, since CPF is a source of a portion of CPUC’s FFA funding.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 24 b. Project Timeline and Milestones
Included below is a preliminary timeline based on anticipated project activities and the December 31, 2026, required program completion date. This timeline will be refined following the project kickoff, once our project team has the opportunity to fully assess the City’s grant application, award agreement, and other data that was not included in the RFP.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 25 c. Relevant Project Experience
Select HR&A and CTC Broadband & Digital Opportunity Projects State of
California
Department
of
Technology
HR&A and CTC, together as Broadband Equity Partnership (BEP), are currently serving as the State of California’s broadband consultants for Broadband Advisory & Program Management Services for the State’s broadband program including oversight of a statewide open-access middle-mile network, the state digital equity plan, and the governor’s Broadband for All Action Plan. As part of this work, BEP supports California Department of Technology (CDT)’s implementation of the state’s Broadband for All Action (BB4A) Plan and Middle Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI), with goals to provide high-speed broadband availability and affordability, devices, and digital skills training and support to unserved and underserved communities across California. Our team provides technical assistance to CDT and multiple state lead agencies to operationalize the plan’s 24 action items, including external stakeholder engagement, public communications, and program design.
We also supported CDT with the development of the State Digital Equity Plan, including leading extensive stakeholder engagement, needs assessment surveys, and asset mapping.
BEP supports CDT in the implementation of the MMBI, managing all aspects of the deployment such as supervision of design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the planned 8,000-mile statewide open-access middle-mile network.
Our core task is to advise CDT leadership and the Program Management Office and undertake critical technical and policy activities at their direction. Our work encompasses all program methodologies, processes, procedures, and communication. We commenced work in the fall of 2021. Following a close analysis and assessment of Senate Bill 156 and State priorities at the outset of the project, BEP collaborated closely with CDT in beginning to implement the initiative.
BEP provides outreach and engagement support, working to increase awareness of and support for the MMBI and strategic planning for the development of the MMBN (middle-mile broadband network) among the public and strategic entities.
BEP helped CDT initiate an efficient and reliable process for awarding and supervising construction work on a large scale, replacing legacy procurement mechanisms which would have driven up costs and delayed the project.
As the project continues to be implemented, our support has included:
• Design engineering and quality analysis/quality control of ongoing construction
• Best practices regarding engagement with the third-party administrator, Golden State Network
• Project management support from process development to job descriptions
• Identifying options for public-private partnerships in operating the network; and
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 26 Select HR&A and CTC Broadband & Digital Opportunity Projects • Policy advice, including documenting permitting best practices in the State of California Local Permitting Playbook
Note: CTC is also the CPUC’s consultant on the BEAD Program, but we have no role in the FFA Program and therefore no conflict of interest on Huntington Park’s project. The CPUC’s FFA Program is entirely separate from the Commission’s BEAD Program. Further, there are no BEAD-eligible locations in Huntington Park so there would be no overlap of efforts undertaken by CTC for Huntington Park and for the CPUC’s BEAD Program.
Los Angeles
Internal
Services
Department
The County of Los Angeles is home to over 400,000 families who do not have a reliable home internet connection. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department (ISD) partnered with HR&A to design and implement solutions to broadband access, affordability, and adoption for communities impacted by the digital divide. HR&A led the implementation of two landmark programs—Community Broadband Networks and Digital Navigators.
Community Broadband Networks are public-private partnerships to deploy new high-speed internet infrastructure and guarantee affordable internet service.
HR&A’s work has included conducting a market sounding of fiber and fixed wireless broadband service providers; drafting a competitive RFQ and RFP solicitation; and evaluating vendor submissions. In addition, HR&A designed a Digital Navigator program to advance digital inclusion countywide. Our work included conducting community engagement interviews with 30+ community organizations; developing a program implementation strategy and operating model, and identifying available federal, state, and philanthropic funding sources.
As a result of this work, ISD was awarded $56 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to implement the Community Broadband Network program and $3 million in State grant funding to implement the Digital Navigators program. HR&A continues to assist ISD with implementation, including leading the RFP solicitation that resulted in a historic public-private partnership between the County and WeLink to bring affordable internet to East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles, for which we provide ongoing advisory and engineering services.
State of New
York
ConnectALL
Office
HR&A and CTC have helped to build the programs and organizational capacity of the State of New York’s ConnectALL Office for nearly three years. ConnectALL is tasked with administering $1.1B+ of state and federal funds for broadband initiatives to close the state’s remaining digital divide. To date, we have developed applications for and secured multiple federal grants, supported program design for major infrastructure grant programs, developed a staffing strategy and proposed organizational structure, and planned and managed stakeholder engagement activities across the entirety of the state. We have supported ConnectALL in all aspects of broadband program design and implementation, including grant reporting and compliance, local and interagency coordination, mapping and data collection, and the development of the Statewide Digital Equity Plan, BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, Initial Proposal and Final Proposal, and multiple CPF-funded broadband infrastructure programs.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 27 Select HR&A and CTC Broadband & Digital Opportunity Projects Currently, our work for ConnectALL includes managing the State’s BEAD program; overseeing the deployment of a historic Municipal Infrastructure Program, which is funding more than a dozen locally-developed public networks with more than $215M in CPF funding for more than 2,000 miles of fiber deployment to serve 87,000 locations; overseeing a similar County Partnerships program for counties that need gap funding for public-private partnership network developments; and helping to lead the management and oversight of the Affordable Housing Connectivity Program, through which multiple ISPs are connecting more than 34,000 homes in affordable housing across several regions of the state. We are responsible for developing all of the project management systems with ConnectALL staff, fueling daily project briefings for executive leadership.
Destination
Crenshaw
Destination Crenshaw is a dynamic community-based organization leading public infrastructure investment in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District—the epicenter of Black Los Angeles. In 2022, nearly 45% of households in the Crenshaw neighborhood did not have a home broadband subscription—preventing critical access to education, healthcare, public services, and economic opportunities.
HR&A supported Destination Crenshaw in defining its vision to invest in broadband infrastructure that would improve internet access and digital equity throughout the neighborhood. HR&A’s work included conducting an infrastructure and market analysis of current broadband service providers in the area, facilitating a market sounding exercise to evaluate potential partnership models, and leading a procurement process to identify private partners to construct and operate broadband infrastructure in alignment with community goals. HR&A evaluated six vendor bids and led Destination Crenshaw leadership through a workshop to discuss tradeoffs associated with the various approaches.
HR&A supported Destination Crenshaw in finalizing its preferred partners, Plenary and Digital Ubiquity Capital, and helped this partnership successfully secure $25 million in CPUC FFA funds for network deployment.
Clark
County,
Nevada
HR&A serves as strategic advisors and program managers for Clark County, Nevada in the development and delivery of a comprehensive action plan to address broadband access, affordability, and adoption in Las Vegas and its surrounding communities. As part of this work, our team analyzed public and proprietary data to identify coverage gaps and priority areas for broadband investment, conducted extensive stakeholder outreach and resident/business surveys, and produced a landscape assessment to understand the roles that different internet service providers and other stakeholders play in the County’s connectivity ecosystem. As a part of our work with the County, we helped develop a municipal middle mile program to complement a statewide middle mile network with a local open access distribution partner to create Points of Presence in municipal facilities across the County, for which construction is actively proceeding to the highest priority sites, selected for their dual potential to save the County internet service costs and to catalyze last mile network deployments in communities of concentrated needs. With the endorsement of the Clark County Board of Commissioners last year, HR&A has also helped build the Broadband Program Office within the County and supported them in securing $10.7 million in
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 28 Select HR&A and CTC Broadband & Digital Opportunity Projects federal funding for digital equity and leading an active solicitation for broadband deployment partners.
Committee
for Greater
LA / No
Going Back
Internet
Action Team
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant structural inequities that have long dictated life for too many Angelenos, including a lack of equitable broadband access fundamental to life in modern society. The Committee for Greater LA, seeking to address this lack of digital equity, formed the No Going Back Internet Action Team to convene civic leadership and experts around this issue, and develop a plan for resolving it. HR&A and CTC served as the partners in developing the Committee’s analysis and blueprint for action. As part of this scope, HR&A acted as a research partner and consensus facilitator to conduct research of relevant broadband policy and program precedents, producing a power map of broadband efforts throughout Los Angeles County, and defining the committee's role in reshaping the landscape of affordability, access, and adoption. HR&A produced a policy blueprint for the Action Team to guide the group's strategic initiatives -- the central one being the creation of a countywide agency responsible for broadband infrastructure management. HR&A then served as an implementation partner to put the blueprint into action and form a governance structure for the agency, working with Morales + Morales to assess current and future stakeholder views from governmental and advocacy leaders countywide via dozens of one-on-one meetings with city leaders, develop an action plan and organizational design to ensure equitable representation, and build coalition support across stakeholder communities through a series of convenings with groups of city leaders.
AltonWorks CTC conducted a multi-phase engagement with AltonWorks—"a social impact development company focused on the revitalization of Historic Downtown Alton, Illinois”—that began with evaluating the existing broadband services and infrastructure in Alton and the surrounding area. The team identified broadband gaps, particularly focusing on the types of services required by job-creating businesses that might grow in Alton. This assessment served as a critical foundation for developing high-level network designs and cost estimates.
As part of the downtown revitalization and economic development planning initiative, CTC’s engineers prepared a comprehensive fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network engineering design for downtown Alton. Additionally, they designed middle-mile fiber infrastructure to connect the network to a point of presence.
The team then prepared a system-level design and cost estimate for fiber construction that was strategically aligned with AltonWorks’ goals.
The candidate network was designed to deliver the greatest possible amount of fiber connectivity and economic impact within AltonWorks’ grant-funded budget.
The design included connections to facilities and target areas identified in collaboration with the AltonWorks project team and incorporated excess fiber capacity to provide flexibility for future use.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 29 Select HR&A and CTC Broadband & Digital Opportunity Projects CTC also provided technical oversight and grant compliance services for AltonWorks. In this capacity, CTC served as AltonWorks’ independent representative overseeing the technical performance of selected construction partners. The scope included attending project kick-off meetings, facilitating regular project status conference calls, reviewing and approving project timelines and management plans, reviewing safety plans, specifications, bills of materials, and design plans.
CTC also conducted quarterly onsite inspections during construction for safety and workmanship, performed post-construction inspections for compliance with approved designs, and provided detailed reviews of as-built documentation.
Additionally, CTC attended monthly status meetings to identify and resolve roadblocks, prepare project status details, and provide meeting minutes and action items to ensure projects continued to move forward on schedule.
Nevada Gold
Mines
CTC delivers expert construction oversight and related engineering and operations services during the construction of a public benefit fiber-to-the-home broadband network deployed through a partnership between Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) and Anthem Broadband in Elko, Nevada. CTC is responsible for project oversight throughout the project, including design support, construction oversight, field inspections, and regular reporting.
Based on its findings, the CTC project team offers recommendations and delivers subject matter expertise to NGM and Anthem to ensure that construction and reporting follow best practices and address any recurring issues. In addition to engineering and construction support, CTC provides operational recommendations to refine business processes, improve sales and marketing results, support installations and troubleshooting, and boost financial performance and reporting.
In a planned three-year engagement that began in late 2023, CTC is responsible for project oversight, including design support, construction oversight, field inspections, and regular reporting.
Hampton
Roads, VA
Planning
District
Commission
(on behalf of
the
Southside
Network
Authority)
CTC provided outside plant engineering and construction oversight services to support the Southside Network Authority’s project: Southside Regional Connectivity Ring (RCR). The Southside Network Authority was formed by the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach (five Southside Cities).
For this engagement, CTC performed detailed engineering design work for approximately 117 miles of the 119 miles that make up the RCR network routes.
Along with the field surveys, GIS design, and engineering plans, CTC also provided right-of-way permitting and environmental quality assessment and permitting services.
CTC also served as the Southside Network Authority’s representative, overseeing the performance of the selected fiber construction contractor—supporting construction quality assurance of the Authority’s network.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 30 Select HR&A and CTC Broadband & Digital Opportunity Projects Maryland
Inter-County
Broadband
Network
(ICBN)
CTC was the lead engineer, program manager, and project manager for the development of the Maryland Inter-County Broadband Network (ICBN) project. In that role, we designed and engineered approximately 360 miles of ICBN fiber routes for four large counties in the state; oversaw and directed engineering and fiber network construction contractors for the deployment of nearly 800 miles of fiber to 645 anchor institution sites; executed a strong management plan, staffing plan, and quality control plan; maintained the project plan for our work; allocated resources; tracked every aspect of the OSP process; oversaw the budgets and worked with the design team’s Project Coordinators to manage deliverables and due dates; and oversaw $100 million in project funding.
During the ICBN design process, we conducted field walk-outs throughout the jurisdictions. We also worked with the State Highway Administration and the county departments of transportation to determine the availability of existing duct and cabinets and included those in the design to cost-optimize the routes.
We played a key role in developing ICBN design principles such as fiber quantity, storage locations, access points, and building entry; developing bills of materials (BOMs); analyzing design options (e.g., use of aerial versus underground, use of existing infrastructure); and coordinating with the environmental assessment study.
Holland, MI
Board of
Public Works
CTC has been supporting HBPW on this fiber buildout since 2022. We began the project by conducting a broadband feasibility study, developing a high-level network design for citywide FTTP, and supporting procurement processes for a design-build contractor and material supplier.
CTC assisted with negotiations and selection of the providers, conducted detailed reviews of the low-level designs produced by the design-build contractor. CTC continues to provide construction oversight as the buildout progresses, including review of invoicing, progress tracking, and extensive field inspection during construction and upon completion of each “fiberhood.”
During the COVID-19 supply chain crisis, we helped the project find a warehouse to purchase and store broadband equipment to avoid project delays. Our ongoing construction inspection and oversight has been instrumental in navigating construction challenges and maintaining consistent quality.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 31
3. Quality Assurance / Quality Control
Our team has developed and implemented project-specific fiber construction Quality Control Plans for our ongoing engagements on behalf of the California Department of Technology (for the statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Network deployment), Nevada Gold Mines (for the FTTP deployment in Elko, Nevada), and the City of Baltimore (for fiber construction at multiple affordable housing properties across the city).
Our approach to implementing a comprehensive Quality Control Plan is built on industry standards of acceptable work quality and begins with creating a formal, project-specific quality assurance (QA) plan. This plan incorporates all quality-related expectations and customer-defined specifications gathered during the project initiation, ensuring alignment with contract requirements and customer needs.
The QA plan serves as the foundation for developing our quality control (QC) strategy and action-oriented checklist, which details specific steps for controlling quality workmanship throughout the project lifecycle. Our approach incorporates the total quality management cycle, distinguishing between QC as a front-line process that ensures work completion in accordance with requirements, and QA as the verification process that validates the effectiveness of QC.
Leadership – The Project Manager serves as the managing authority responsible for the Quality Control Plan, utilizing established methods and schedules for inspecting the project’s work quality. Quality inspectors are assigned to specific work types and are responsible for implementing the plan for each segment while maintaining detailed testing record logs.
Construction and post-construction tasks – During construction, we conduct in-progress inspections on a sampling basis to assess compliance with worker and public safety standards, general quality of work, and adherence to design specifications. Our quality assurance inspections verify task completion, work quality, and construction contractor documentation. We use advanced tracking systems that allow real-time quality reporting with photo documentation and cloud-based storage for immediate back-office review.
Post-construction activities include comprehensive fiber performance testing to ensure cables were not damaged during installation and that splicing and termination meet acceptable quality standards. We conduct optical performance testing of terminated fiber optic strands, including bi-directional OTDR and power meter testing.
Contractor-provided test results are reviewed to ensure proper installation and integration, with independent testing performed to validate accuracy and verify end-to-end connectivity.
Documentation and reporting – Our quality management system tracks, logs, and reports all project activities from planning through execution to closing, providing objective evidence of compliance. We prepare comprehensive quality assurance reports documenting test data review results, independent testing outcomes, and post-construction inspections to verify network suitability and design conformance. Quality discussions occur during internal weekly project meetings and are reported at each executive project review.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 32
4. References
Reference for: HR&A and CTC
Client: State of California Department of Technology
Contact Name & Title: Mark Monroe, Deputy Director, Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Email: [email protected]
Phone: 916-661-2511
Location: State of California
Reference for: HR&A and CTC
Client: State of New York ConnectALL
Contact Name & Title: Joshua Breitbart, Senior Vice President Email: [email protected]
Phone: 347-242-1170
Location: State of New York
Reference for: HR&A
Client: Clark County, Nevada
Contact Name & Title: Bob Leek, Chief Information Officer Email: [email protected]
Phone: 702-455-5853
Location: Clark County, NV
Reference for: HR&A
Client: Destination Crenshaw
Contact Name & Title: Jason Foster, President & Chief Operating Officer Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-652-4698
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reference for: HR&A
Client: County of Los Angeles
Contact Name & Title: Eric Sasaki, Manager, Major Programs Email: [email protected]
Phone: 562-359-7997
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reference for: CTC
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 33 Client: AltonWorks
Contact Name & Title: Mark Carlie, Senior Executive
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 314-550-2100
Location: Alton, IL
Reference for: CTC
Client: Nevada Gold Mines
Contact Name & Title: Kevin Sessions, Head of Energy and Capital Projects Email: [email protected]
Phone: 775-299-1570
Location: Elko, NV
Reference for: CTC
Client: Hampton Roads (Virginia) Planning District Commission (on behalf of the Southside Network Authority)
Contact Name & Title: Steven DeBerry, Southside Network Authority Executive Director Email: [email protected]
Phone: 757-617-1999
Location: Hampton Roads, VA
Reference for: CTC
Client: Holland (Michigan) Board of Public Works
Contact Name & Title: John Van Uffelen, Utility Services Director Email: [email protected]
Phone: 616-218-2772
Location: Holland, MI
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 34
5. Fee Schedule / Cost Proposal
Please refer to the Fee Schedule/Cost Proposal (Attachment 4) submitted as a separate PDF file.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 35 Appendix A. Team Resumes
Danny Fuchs | Partner, DO Practice Lead
Danny Fuchs is a former government official who is focused on helping New York and other State and local governments develop and deliver transformative broadband infrastructure projects and comprehensive digital equity programs. He also is a trusted advisor to and program manager for nonprofits, civic institutions, and philanthropies, as well as tech companies and real estate investors. Danny’s work has included helping to develop public-private partnerships for large-scale infrastructure initiatives in the fields of broadband, transportation, public parklands, and real estate, changing how the City of New York does capital budget planning and management, restructuring the economic development apparatus in Los Angeles, and leading one of the largest civic engagement campaigns in New York City, reaching tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
Education
Yale University, Bachelor of Arts,
Architecture and Urban Studies
From 2014-2017, Danny served as the Director of Capital Planning for the City of New York and Founding Director of the Capital Planning Division. His work included developing new data products to reshape the City’s $100 billion 10-Year Capital Strategy, creating and managing a $1B Neighborhood Development Fund to fuel comprehensive, neighborhood-based planning, helping conceive and launch the Capital Planning Explorer and NYC Planning Labs, and serving as CoChair of Core Infrastructure and Services for OneNYC, the City’s long-term plan for growth, sustainability, resiliency, and equity.
As the leader of HR&A’s Digital Opportunity practice, Danny is focused on empowering communities to shape their broadband future and build stronger digital equity ecosystems. His work is at the forefront of shaping how more than $100 billion in Federal funding and tens of billions more of private and local government funding will improve economic, educational, healthcare, and social outcomes in communities across the country. Danny’s recent clients and work include:
State and Local Government
• City of New York: Internet Master Plan and Public-Private Development • City of Chicago: Broadband and Digital Equity Program Development • City of Long Beach, CA: Smart City Initiative
• City of West Hollywood: Broadband Public-Private Partnership Development • Clark County, Nevada: Broadband and Digital Equity Program Development • Los Angeles County: Free Broadband for the Residents of Los Angeles • Miami-Dade County: Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan • State of California: Middle Mile Broadband and Digital Equity Program Advisory
• State of New York: Federal Funding Strategy for Broadband • State of Rhode Island: Broadband and Digital Equity Strategic Plan • State of Texas: Digital Opportunity Plan
Work Experience
HR&A Advisors, Inc.
Partner, NY
Practice Lead,
Broadband and Digital Equity
2017 – Present
Broadband Equity Partnership
Co-Founder
2020 – Present
NYC Dept. of City Planning
Director of Capital Planning
2014 – 2017
HR&A Advisors, Inc.
Principal, 2013 – 2014
Director, 2011 – 2013
Senior Analyst, 2008 – 2011
Analyst, 2007 – 2008
Board Memberships
Citizens Housing Planning
Council
Board Member
2019 – Present
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 36 Yale/City
Founding Member
2021 – Present
Civic Institutions, Nonprofits, and Philanthropies
• Committee for Greater Los Angeles: Internet Action Team Policy Blueprint Development
• Destination Crenshaw: Digital Equity Program Design
• House New York: Affordable Housing Broadband Initiative • New York Public Library: Wireless Internet Access Program Advisory • Ford Foundation: Building-Based Broadband: A New Approach to the Digital Divide
• Ford Foundation & Schmidt Futures: National Broadband Resource Hub • Methodist Healthcare Ministries: The Economic Benefits of Broadband for South Texas
Infrastructure Investors and Internet Service Providers • Inter-American Development Bank
• Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners
• WeLink Cities
Danny’s work in broadband and digital equity is complemented by a body of work that has included large-scale infrastructure initiatives, real estate developments and public-private partnerships, economic development programs, public park development programs, and civic engagement campaigns. Current and previous clients include:
Local Government and Authorities
• City of Austin
• City of Indianapolis
• City of Long Beach
• City of Los Angeles
• City of Minneapolis
• City of Saint Paul
• Denver Dept. of Parks and
Recreation
• Hennepin County Regional Railroad
Authority
• London Legacy Development
Corporation
• Massachusetts Convention Center
Authority
• Metropolitan Transportation
Authority
• Minneapolis Parks & Recreation
Board
• NYC Dept. of Administrative Services
• NYC Economic Development Corp.
• NYC Mayor’s Office of the CTO
• NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy
• Port Authority of New York & New
Jersey
• Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority
Real Estate Developers
• Brookfield Properties
• The Brooklyn Home
Company
• Douglaston Development
• The Feil Organization
• Hudson Pacific Properties
• Jamestown Properties
• New World Development
• Sidewalk Labs
• Stronach Group
• Terra Group
• Urban Renaissance Group
• Vornado Realty Trust
• Wassaic Community Dev.
Partners
• YoungWoo & Associates
Nonprofits and Philanthropies
• Friends of the High Line
• Friends of the
QueensWay
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 37
EDUCATION
University of California,
Berkeley: Master of Public
Policy 2012
University of California, Los
Angeles: Bachelor of Arts,
Political Science
2007
WORK EXPERIENCE
HR&A Advisors, Inc. Principal
2024 - Present
Director 2022 – 2024
Asian Youth Center Deputy
Director 2021 – 2022
City and County of San
Francisco, Digital Equity
Manager 2017 – 2021
Asia Foundation, Global
Information Services
Senior/Program Manager
2014 – 2017
Program Associate 2013 –
2014
City and County of San
Francisco Department of
Technology, Program Analyst
2012 – 2013
U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California,
Graduate Student Evaluation
Consultant 2012
International Accountability
Project, Research Fellow
2011
California Competes,
Graduate Student Consultant
2011
University of California, Los
Angeles, Student Affairs
Alex Banh | Principal
Alex Banh serves as a Principal with HR&A Advisors. Alex brings over a decade of experience in digital inclusion and social service programs for underserved communities, including two tenures leading municipal broadband and digital equity programs.
Currently, Alex leads Clark County, Nevada’s Broadband and Digital Equity Program, which includes managing the RFQ solicitation for broadband infrastructure and developing the County’s last-mile deployment plan. His other projects leading the design of a major digital equity grant program in California, developing Rhode Island’s State Digital Equity Plan, facilitating the Intergovernmental Broadband Coordinating Committee for Los Angeles County, and training small and medium-sized cities on broadband and digital equity program design and grant opportunities for the National League of Cities.
Prior to joining HR&A, Alex created and led the SF Digital Equity initiative at the City and County of San Francisco, developing the city’s five-year Digital Equity Strategic Plan and coordinating various citywide multistakeholder projects to build and fund broadband access and digital skills projects. In this role, he managed the Fiber to Housing program, coordinating broadband deployment and adoption efforts across the City’s affordable housing and public housing sites. He also managed connectivity projects for the city's pandemic response and served as staff on the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force and Emerging Technology Working Group. In a separate previous role, he co-managed San Francisco’s $7.9 million federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant, involving nonprofit subgrantee oversight, program evaluation, and citywide outreach.
Beyond San Francisco, Alex served as Deputy Director of the Asian Youth Center, overseeing all operations and programs, including Affordable Connectivity Program outreach, for a nonprofit serving nearly 2,000 residents each year throughout Los Angeles County. Earlier in his career, he managed digital transformation and skillbuilding projects internationally at the Asia Foundation and directed a college outreach project at UCLA. He holds a Master of Public Policy degree from UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy and a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA.
Representative Clients
Clark County Broadband and Digital Equity Program
Serving as Project Manager for Clark County, Nevada in the development and delivery of a comprehensive action plan to address broadband access, affordability, and adoption in Las Vegas and its surrounding communities. Led the grant application and stakeholder engagement process for the County to secure $10.7 million in federal Digital Equity Competitive Grant funding on behalf of 26 partners, and leading an RFQ solicitation to qualify broadband infrastructure partners.
California Broadband for All Action Plan
Served as Project Manager to support California Department of Technology (CDT)’s implementation of the state’s Broadband for All Action Plan, with goals to provide highspeed broadband availability and affordability, devices, and digital skills training and support to unserved and underserved communities across California. Advised and provided additional capacity to CDT and multiple state lead agencies to implement the plan’s 24 action items, including external stakeholder engagement, public
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 38 Officer/Project Director 2007 –
2009
communications, and program design. Advised on the development of California’s State Digital Equity Plan and supported on CDT’s application to National Telecommunications and Information Administration for planning grant funds. Designed the California Digital Equity Program to provide $50 million in grants to statewide and local entities to support digital equity planning and implementation.
New York Affordable Housing Connectivity Program
Serving as Project Manager to support the New York State ConnectALL Office with program development and implementation of the Affordable Housing Connectivity Program (AHCP). Funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, AHCP will connect 100,000 low-income housing units to affordable, high-speed internet by partnering with affordable housing owners and ISPs throughout the state.
Project includes development of a funding program for ISPs to retrofit affordable housing with broadband installations, outreach and engagement with affordable housing owners, and analysis of the state’s affordable housing portfolio and pipeline.
National League of Cities – Local Infrastructure Hub Broadband Bootcamp Led eight-week bootcamp for National League of Cities (NLC) and its collaborators on the Local Infrastructure Hub, a national program that provides resources to small and medium-sized cities and towns to help them unlock federal funding opportunities.
Sessions included the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the BEAD challenge process, and best practices for broadband partnership development.
Advised on and supported sessions led by the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation. Advised NLC’s data team on the development of a data dashboard to simplify broadband data analysis for cities. Engaged 50 cities from 19 states in total.
PREVIOUS WORK
San Francisco Digital Equity Strategic Plan
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 39 Led the development of the City and County of San Francisco’s Digital Equity Strategic Plan, a five-year plan for closing the digital divide in underserved communities. Planning steps included the design and analysis of the city’s first-ever Digital Divide Survey, measuring citywide gaps in technology access, adoption, and digital skills, followed by stakeholder engagement and ideation workshops with over 400 residents and 50 participating organizations. The Digital Equity Strategic Plan resulted in greater investments in free broadband access and a new Digital Equity Grants program to support digital literacy training and digital device distribution programs. Led to San Francisco being recognized as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
Fiber to Housing Program
Managed the Fiber to Housing program, coordinating work between the City’s Department of Technology, housing and community development department, affordable housing owners, community-based organizations, and local ISP partner Monkeybrains, to deliver free fiber internet service to over 10,000 low-income housing residents. Led annual planning and site selection in coordination with affordable housing developers, and developed and managed digital navigation and support services for 15 housing sites, including outreach, device distribution, service referral, and ongoing support. Fiber to Housing was recognized in 2019 with a CIO-100 award.
COVID-19 Connectivity Response
Coordinated effort between multiple San Francisco City agencies and school district to provide internet connectivity to residents and community organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Provided analysis to identify major family housing locations and homeless shelters for City’s emergency Wi-Fi installation, and distributed information on free or affordable internet and device offers to communities citywide. Led technology component for the City’s Community Hubs initiative, providing safe spaces for remote learning for underserved youth at 78 Rec and Park centers, libraries, and communitybased organizations. Prepared City’s comments for state and federal pandemic connectivity programs, including California Public Utilities Commission proceedings and Federal Communications Commission’s telehealth and Emergency Broadband Benefit programs. San Francisco’s COVID-19 connectivity response was recognized in 2021 with a CIO-100 award.
Digital Equity Capacity and Coalition-Building
Organized annual Digital Equity Conference and Connect with Tech Week with the San Francisco Public Library to engage organizations, tech industry, and thousands of residents in digital equity learning, planning, and knowledge-sharing. Developed Digital Equity Playbook and digital literacy curriculum to help community-based organizations meet the technology needs of their clients.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 40 Pronouns: He/Him/His
Education
Georgia Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science, Electrical
Engineering
Minor, Spanish
2009
Preston Rhea | Principal
Preston Rhea brings over a decade of experience in telecommunications engineering and public interest advocacy to HR&A. As a leader in the Broadband Equity Partnership, Preston advises governments, philanthropists, foundations, and economic development organizations on the most impactful, equitable, and forward-looking ways to build and use infrastructure for universal broadband adoption, as well as programmatic interventions to maximize the democratic potential of infrastructure.
Previously, Preston worked for six years at Monkeybrains, an Internet Service Provider based in San Francisco. As Director of Engineering, Policy Program at Monkeybrains, Preston coordinated partnerships with governments to build public fiber to affordable housing, broke barriers to affordable internet in large apartment buildings, and advanced gigabit network penetration in underserved areas. Preston developed the public policy program while managing the technician team at Monkeybrains. Prior to joining Monkeybrains, Preston worked at Code for America developing civic engagement practices with city governments and networks of civic technologists, developed and implemented a field curriculum for community wireless network deployment at New America's Open Technology Institute in Washington, DC, and worked at a content delivery network startup in Beijing, China. Preston holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he specialized in optics and fiber coursework and minored in Spanish.
Work Experience
HR&A Advisors Inc.
Principal
2024 – present
Director
2021 – 2023
Monkeybrains ISP
Director of Engineering, Policy
Program
2019 – 2021
Director of Field Operations
2015 – 2019
Code for America
Civic Engagement Program
Coordinator
2014 – 2015
Open Technology Institute, New
America
Field Analyst
2010 – 2014
Prime Networks Beijing
Project Manager
Representative Clients
California Department of Technology Broadband Advisory Services HR&A and CTC, working together as the Broadband equity Partnership (BEP), are currently serving as broadband consultant for Broadband Advisory & Program Management Services to provide the California Department of Technology (CDT) with broadband expertise and advise CDT and the Office of Broadband & Digital Literacy (OBDL) in the implementation of Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) and the Broadband for All Action Plan for statewide digital equity. BEP provides programmatic consultation and technical assistance in all phases of these projects including the oversight of the design, construction, maintenance, business planning, and operations of the statewide open-access middle-mile network, sharing and researching best practices, identifying key strategic, technical, and policy considerations, and conducting targeted research and other duties to inform all efforts related to the statewide open-access middle-mile network. Preston has served as the day-to-day point of contact for the State and liaises between HR&A and CTC project staff, State stakeholders, additional consulting partners, and numerous other stakeholders in the ecosystem. He specializes in conducting market and stakeholder outreach to local government agencies, last-mile service providers, and advocates to align the statewide middle-mile network’s success with that of lastmile services throughout California.
City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting
Preston led a team at HR&A to deliver an Infrastructure and Assets Plan to guide the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting’s (BSL) strategy for investing in broadband infrastructure to support its core lighting services and improve
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 41 2009 – 2010
ROHM Semiconductor
Field Application Engineer Intern
2005 – 2006
connectivity for city agencies and Angelenos. HR&A began work with BSL by leading a workshop to determine a goals framework for BSL's infrastructure strategy. This framework guided the development of an asset library and analysis of partnership and revenue-generation opportunities based on BSL’s current asset portfolio. HR&A then conducted market sounding research, including interviews with internet service providers, smart cities companies, infrastructure partners, and other City agencies to determine demand for BSL assets and appetite for partnership. HR&A conducted a high-level feasibility analysis of alternative infrastructure deployment approaches to determine financial feasibility of different infrastructure options. Based on this analysis, HR&A recommended an approach for building, maintaining, and managing new broadband infrastructure, including roles for the public and private sector in finance and governance.
Los Angeles County Community Broadband Networks
As a Director, Preston worked with the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department (ISD) to develop an action plan to construct community wireless networks and make other interventions to close the digital divide in the U.S.'s largest County, where over 400,000 households do not have a reliable home internet connection. In the first phase of work, Preston led the BEP team to review the millions of square feet of property the County controls in conjunction with building heights to identify ideal locations for siting CBRS and unlicensed 5GHz wireless radios; chose the best pilot locations in the most impacted neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, including both rural and urban neighborhoods with the lowest rates of home broadband adoption; and developed a playbook to connect these households to high quality internet service at no cost to the household. In November 2021, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the implementation of HR&A’s recommendations to LA ISD to deploy community wireless networks, as well as to develop a County-wide digital navigator program to foster adoption of this service, federal subsidy programs, and additional County-sponsored mobile service. Since then, Preston's work has included evaluating vendor submissions to a competitive RFP solicitation to expand broadband networks to over 525,000 households through public-private partnerships. As a result of this work, ISD was awarded $56 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to implement the Community Broadband Network program. HR&A continues to assist ISD with implementation.
NY State ESD Broadband Grants, Broadband Planning, and Consultation As part of the BEP team, HR&A is supporting the State of New York’s newlyformed ConnectALL Office, which is tasked with administering $1.1B+ of state and federal funds for initiatives to close the state’s remaining digital divide. As a Director, Preston supported program design and developed a Request for Applications for ESD's Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP), through which New York State is using $228.2 million in U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Funds for new last mile deployments to construct open-access and predominantly publicly controlled fiber to thousands of homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions statewide. Additionally, Preston supported ESD with federal grant compliance and a market sounding of public agencies, Board Service
Community Tech Collective
2021 – 2022
San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
2019 – 2021
Community Technology Network
2015 – 2018
Publications
“San Francisco’s communications
choice ordinance is working.”
SF Examiner
2020
“Buying PG&E’s network could also
make municipal broadband
possible.”
SF Examiner
2019
The KEYSPOT Model: An evaluation of
the Philadelphia Freedom Rings BTOP
Partnership.
2013
“Promoting Digital Equality: Internet
as a Public Good and Commons.”
Agenda for Social Justice: Solutions
2012.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 42 electric co-operatives, and private ISPs and infrastructure investors to inform the design of the MIP.
State of Texas Digital Opportunity Plan
HR&A worked with the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) to develop a statewide Digital Opportunity Plan that will allow the state to unlock NTIA Digital Equity Act funding for closing the digital divide, as well as collaborating with a broader Connect Texas Team on the development of the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan, Initial Proposal, and Final Proposal. As a Director, Preston supported HR&A's expansive public engagement work as manager of the Economy and Workforce Task Force, supporting the Task Force Chair in convening more than a dozen leading stakeholders throughout Texas to provide expert input to Texas's Digital Opportunity Plan related to the key outcome area of economic and workforce development. Preston also provided input as a subject matter expert to public and organizational surveys collecting data about barriers to digital equity and to understand the current state of broadband in Texas.
Previous Work
Fiber to Housing Partnership
The Fiber to Housing Partnership was a collaboration between the City and County of San Francisco's Department of Technology (DT), the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), and Monkeybrains ISP. Fiber to Housing works to reduce the digital divide by bringing free high-speed internet to residents in affordable housing in San Francisco. In collaboration with DT, Monkeybrains advised on and implemented a plan to operate a public dark fiber ring with terminations in the main point-of-entry of affordable multidwelling unit buildings. In these buildings, Monkeybrains advised MOHCD on an in-building wiring standard to ensure gigabit service delivery over carrierneutral wiring that greatly reduced ongoing cost and disruption for internet service provision. In Fiber to Housing buildings, MOHCD offers free routers to residents to take advantage of gigabit speeds in their home. Thousands of affordable housing residents in San Francisco use this service, which the City and County of San Francisco supports as a cornerstone digital equity program.
San Francisco DT won a CIO-100 award for the Fiber to Housing Partnership in 2019.
Communications Choice Ordinance (San Francisco Article 52) Became the leading ISP-side specialist on implementing, defending, and expanding an innovative San Francisco ordinance that has improved internet affordability and competition for tens of thousands of tenants. Provided thought leadership for ISP executives and educated the US House Speaker’s office, FCC Chief of Staff, and California Public Utilities Commission on the ordinance’s power to improve healthy ISP competition and reduce internet costs for tenants in San Francisco, and the ordinance’s potential expansion throughout the United States which became an FCC regulation in force in February 2022. Coordinated and co-led a coalition of small ISPs and community organizations to advocate for the ordinance’s adoption by the Oakland, California City Council which passed in October 2021.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 43 California Advanced Services Fund Grants Implementation In partnership with three affordable housing developers and women’s shelter providers, applied for and received over $500,000 from the California Public Utilities Commission’s California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) to build and serve high-speed internet to over 1,100 units of affordable housing, SRO units, and shelter beds. Coordinated closely with construction and wiring contractors during HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)-funded redevelopment to create an innovative carrier-neutral universal wiring standard that saved tenants and ISPs money and labor when implemented. Documented and reported to the CPUC on usage and adoption statistics at each funded site.
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 44 Andrew Afflerbach, Ph.D., P.E., CEO and Chief Technology Officer Andrew is an expert in broadband technologies who has delivered strategic guidance on wired and wireless communications issues to cities, states, utilities, and nonprofits for 30 years.
Andrew oversees all technical analysis and engineering work performed by CTC and develops emerging technology strategies to meet clients’ goals. He oversees a team of expert engineers who plan, design, and oversee the implementation of last-mile and middle-mile broadband communications networks. His expertise includes broadband infrastructure design; fiber and wireless technologies; critical technical issues related to broadband engineering; and the unique requirements of public safety communications networks.
He has advised cities including New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Memphis, and Boston; localities including Montgomery County, Maryland, and Multnomah County, Oregon; and states including California, New York, Texas, Alabama, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Andrew also served as a senior adviser to Crown Fibre Holdings, the public entity directing New Zealand’s national FTTP project.
Fiber network planning and engineering
Andrew has architected and designed middle- and last-mile fiber broadband networks for the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.); the city of San Francisco; the Delaware Department of Transportation; the Maryland Transportation Authority; and many large counties.
He oversaw the development of system-level broadband designs and construction and operational cost estimates for the cities of Atlanta, Boston, Boulder, Palo Alto, Memphis, and Seattle; the states of California, Connecticut, and Kentucky; municipal electric providers; and rural communities.
In Boston, Andrew led the CTC team that developed a detailed RFP, evaluated responses, and participated in negotiations to acquire an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) agreement with a fiber vendor to connect schools, libraries, public housing, and public safety throughout the City.
Statewide network planning and grant implementation
Andrew leads the technical elements of CTC’s engagements with state broadband offices that are implementing IIJA-funded Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act programs and ARPA-funded Capital Projects Fund (CPF) programs.
For example, CTC has designed and is helping to administer competitive BEAD subgrant programs in over a dozen states, representing over $10 billion in BEAD funding. As CTO, Andrew oversaw the development of CTC’s proprietary statewide network planning and grant implementation tools, based on BEAD and other federal requirements. This proprietary tool:
• Calculates a network’s estimated capital and operational costs based on local conditions • Evaluates operator business models and cash flow scenarios in each local area • Optimizes technology choices based on BEAD funding allocations • Analyzes project area options, including the benefits and drawbacks of each • Creates a framework for award prioritization, ISP negotiations, and subgrantee selection
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1995–Present CEO/Chief Technology Officer, CTC
Previously: Director of Engineering, Principal Engineer, Senior Scientist 1990–1996 Astronomer/Instructor/Researcher
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 45 University of Wisconsin–Madison, NASA, and Swarthmore College
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Astronomy, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1996 MS, Astronomy, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1993
BA, Physics, Swarthmore College, 1991
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES
Professional Engineer: California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, and Virginia Teles Fremin, P.E. | Deputy Chief Technology Officer
As CTC’s Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Teles draws on her two decades of hands-on experience to provide engineering and technical oversight for clients’ telecommunications projects and services. Working closely with the CTO, she develops broadband strategic plans for state and local governments; her engagements have included projects for the California Department of Technology, the Georgia Technology Authority, the Texas Department of Transportation, and other state and local government clients.
In her previous roles at LUS Fiber, Teles led initiatives to expand connectivity to underserved areas, secure federal grant funding, and introduce new technology solutions and product lines to the market. Under her leadership, LUS Fiber delivered broadband to more than 70,000 households.
As a broadband authority with public-sector expertise, Teles has spoken at local and national conferences on topics ranging from fiber deployment planning, broadband policy and industry insights to workforce challenges and customer service.
CTC Technology & Energy, Deputy Chief Technology Officer 2021 to present • Oversees fiber design and engineering projects
• Develops capital and operating cost estimates for fiber and wireless networks • Works with the Chief Technology Officer to develop technology strategies for county, state, and local government clients
• Performs quality assurance reviews of program performance and deliverables LUS Fiber, Acting General Manager/Interim Director 2002 to 2021 • Oversaw all day-to-day activities for LUS Fiber including the departments of engineering, operations, business support services, and customer service including residential, business, and enterprise business sales
• Managed $8 million capital and $35 million operational budget • Oversaw construction crews installing fiber optics
• Created underground material and construction standards for fiber-to-the-home • Promoted steadily from Engineer I to Chief Communications Engineer and then to Acting General Manager and Interim Director
EDUCATION
BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2001 MBA, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2022
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 46
AFFILIATIONS
Board Member of the Fiber Broadband Association 2019 to 2021 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 2002 to present Louisiana Engineering Society 2002 to present
National Society of Professional Engineers 2002 to present
CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Engineer: Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, and Pennsylvania Matthew DeHaven | Vice President of Fiber & Infrastructure Matt DeHaven will provide overall project oversight and subject matter expertise for this project. He has managed and supported the planning and deployment of dozens of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks for public sector clients, working on system-level designs and cost estimates as well as providing detailed engineering and construction oversight. He led the project that built CTC’s proprietary fiber network cost model, which incorporates economic, financial, topographical, and field data to produce highly accurate fiber network cost estimates.
Matt leads the CTC team that supports the California Department of Technology (CDT) in managing all aspects of the deployment of California’s 8,000+ mile statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Network, including supervision of network design, construction, maintenance, and operation. Matt worked on developing an efficient and reliable process for awarding and supervising construction work to replace legacy procurement mechanisms and construction oversight. He designed a procurement process to obtain an independent third-party network operator for the multi-billion-dollar project.
Matt led a fiber broadband project in Holland, Michigan, where CTC oversaw the design-build contractor and coordinated a supply chain management project under which the city purchased and warehoused critical broadband construction inputs during a period of scarcity and long lead times.
He also managed CTC’s work for the City of Westminster, Maryland, that pioneered a public-private partnership model in which the city owns the fiber network infrastructure. His team created a successful financial model that incorporated demand and the take-rate necessary for sustainability. Matt then led the team that designed the fiber drops connecting every home in the city and oversaw the construction contractors.
Matt also served on the grant application development team that successfully led the State of Maryland to a $115 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) award from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and became the Portfolio Manager for the One Maryland Inter-County Broadband Network project.
CTC Technology & Energy, Vice President of Fiber & Infrastructure 1999 to present • Develops candidate network designs, wired and wireless • Advises clients on the cost and performance choices in network design • Serves as a subject matter expert for project leaders and team leaders, answering the most difficult questions raised by the cutting-edge projects that CTC supports • Oversees and collaborates with financial consultants and project management contractors • Develops and iterates improvements to construction oversight processes
EDUCATION
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 47 The Johns Hopkins University, 1996 – 2000
Cyle Chapman | Director of Outside Plant Engineering
Cyle oversees CTC’s outside plant (OSP) engineering team, which conducts field surveys, develops network design data, performs fiber network quality control checks and other aspects of construction oversight, and conducts post-grant-award compliance monitoring of network deployments.
Cyle engages with clients nationwide, but he is local to Huntington Park. He specializes in fiber broadband network engineering, having overseen thousands of miles of completed fiber broadband network construction, working on every facet of the network from long-haul backbones to in-building wiring. He has extensive experience in the design, layout, deployment, construction, and splicing of fiber. In his management work, he has specialized in quality control, training, and cost containment.
CTC Technology & Energy, Director of OSP Engineering 2022 to present • Oversees clients’ construction including overseeing engineers and inspectors, and monitoring project budgets, often exceeding $100 million, tracking project progress and training and assessing new hires • Oversees procedures for compliance with safety and other regulations • Acts as a subject matter expert for clients and CTC on design issues, infrastructure, functional issues, project requirements, and implementation
BPG Designs, Senior Project Manager 2020 to 2021
• Managed project timelines and project management teams for the Verizon One Fiber, CenturyLink/Level 3 OSP/ISP projects
• Trained and mentored engineers and vendors on OSP principles and professional development • Oversaw vendor management
• Worked with government agencies on permits and site acquisitions Ledcor, Design Engineering Manager 2018
• Managed OSP Engineering Design Department including Verizon One and Verizon FiOS fiber OSP projects • Trained engineers and established quality control processes Tilson Technology Management, Lead Engineering Manager 2017 to 2018 • Managed OSP Engineering Department including Verizon One and Verizon FiOS fiber OSP • Oversaw design of plant and splicing schematics
CHC Consulting, OSP Design Engineering Manager 2015 to 2017 • Trained 26 new engineers to be productive within two weeks of start • Responsible for work order management
CEC Designs, OSP Engineering Consultant 2011 to 2014
• Worked with cross functional teams—including dispatch, construction, engineering, and marketing—to improve the coordination between these departments and better meet project timelines/deadlines • Served as liaison between the company and other entities such as other telephone companies, Department of Highways, power companies, and property owners • Performed field engineering and design of FTTP network to residential and commercial customers
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 48 MasTec Network Solutions, Senior Engineering Manager 2005 to 2011 • Estimated time and materials costs and provided related narrative justifications for FTTP projects • Surveyed worksite for OSP design of small to large scale residential and commercial FTTP applications • Interfaced weekly with Verizon management on quality, cost containment initiatives, and new concepts to streamline construction and deployment methods
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business, Business Management, Commonwealth University, Denver Mitchell Hergett | Director of Technical Compliance & Monitoring Mitch Hergett is an expert in the design and construction of broadband networks. He provides project management for many of CTC’s consulting and engineering projects. He previously managed CTC’s outside plant (OSP) engineering and construction oversight services. He develops project plans, performs stakeholder outreach, manages staff, and reviews network designs as well as fiber broadband grants management processes.
CTC Technology & Energy
Director of Technical Compliance & Monitoring 2010 to present • Project management, acting as the point person for clients nationwide and managing tasks, teams, and schedules
• Oversees engineering design and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), coordinating with network stakeholders, creating vendor task orders, and managing such tasks as fiber allocations and splice design • Since 2022, he and his team have administered grants for state projects such as Montana’s ConnectMT broadband program, advising on grant administration, supporting the technical challenge process, and reviewing grant applications for technical feasibility and viability • Oversaw engineering and technical portions of the Montana’s ARPA broadband funding program and led technical reviews of the networks proposed by subgrantees—Montana’s ARPA program awarded $400 million to broadband providers
• Plans and implements technical specifications and technical compliance for Montana’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) programs, which will allocate more than $600 million in funds to build broadband to all remaining unserved Montana households • For the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, oversaw the design and a feasibility study for a 120-mile middle-mile fiber ring project, and subsequently oversaw OSP work, stakeholder engagement, and construction oversight
• Oversaw the initial detailed design and construction oversight of a citywide FTTP project for the Board of Public Works of Holland, Michigan
• Provided program-level support and project management for the $115 million statewide One Maryland Broadband Network (OMBN) project
• Mentors and trains senior engineers in OSP project management and the technological aspects of grant administration
EDUCATION
BS, Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, 2008
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 49 Aaron Easton | Senior Engineer
Aaron Easton has decades of experience in network design and engineering, including extensive recent experience as an engineer supporting CTC’s engagement with the California Department of Technology’s (CDT) Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI).
As lead Technical Project Manager (TPM) on the CDT MMBI project, Aaron coordinates with all other TPMs for Caltrans Districts 1 – 11, as well as regional project managers for CDT. He conducts quality control reviews on fiber designs, hut designs, as-builts, and work authorizations. He coordinates with the project’s GIS team for mapping updates. He also meets with and receives updates from Caltrans district representatives and provides input and oversight on fiber network design and permit issues. For segments of the MMBN that are being deployed through joint-use and lease partners, Aaron receives updates and helps coordinate and provide technical oversight on network deployment.
Aaron serves clients nationwide but is local to Huntington Park. He has worked in both the telecommunications and electrical power distribution industries across the United States. At CTC, his responsibilities include engineering and project management as well as enhancing automation tools.
CTC Technology & Energy, Senior Engineer 2022 to present • Network engineering and project management for the CDT’s statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Network • Outside plant project manager on local and state government projects • Redefined proprietary right-of-way access installation assessment desk survey tool • Performs quality control on fiber splicing designs for local government projects BPG Designs, Project Manager 2020 to 2022
• As part of the quality control process for a Verizon fiber deployment project in the City of Los Angeles, reviewed and approved microtrenching designs
• Managed multiple vendors and hubs to oversee the build out of Verizon Fiber One and Frontier fiber-tothe-home (FTTH) projects in southern California and coordinated projects from inception to construction, as built, and close out
• Trained PMs and designers, managed and coordinated planning, design, fielding and permitting efforts; trained both PMs and designers on OSP fundamentals; interviewed job candidates; member of the BPG leadership team
• Developed partnerships and sought out and onboarded new clients such as Frontier Ledcor Technical Services, Senior OSP Design Engineer 2018 to 2020 • Managed aerial design group and provided quality control for O-Calc, MRE, and underground fiber designs for Verizon Fiber One Project – Greater Chicago market • Engineered high- and low-level design for Verizon One Fiber Network including ODN • Supervised designers using O-Calc, GIS, and AutoCAD
• Project manager
• Trained junior designers in OSP fundamentals
OSP Engineer, Tilson Technology Management 2017 to 2018 • Designed backhaul, fronthaul, and ODN fiber networks for Verizon Fiber One project using OSP standards
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 50 • Created fiber path design in 3GIS and provided support to junior designers • Identified and resolved design issues with design team as well as guiding fielding efforts Quality Control Engineer, CHC Consulting 2017
• Performed quality checks on AT&T layout designs and submitted approvals to AT&T • Provided training and updated guidelines for engineers including creating job aides and one on one training
• Designed Verizon One Fiber networks for Chicago, San Francisco, and San Jose markets FJS Cable Engineering, Designer/ Fielder 2016 to 2017
• Performed on site field survey of overhead and underground telecom and power facilities • Designed layouts and make ready drawings for Wilcon, Crown Castle, and AT&T utilizing AutoCAD and ARAMIS to design OSP facilities for repair or maintenance to meet GEO 95 standards Electrical Designer, Contractor 2010 to 2013
• Designed and performed QC on schematic and construction drawings utilizing AutoCAD • Provided conduit packages, MH butterfly schematics, and similar documents Potomac Electric Power Company, Distribution Designer 1999 to 2010 • Designed electrical construction drawings, utilizing AutoCAD, MicroStation V8, GIS, and GWD and interpreted site plan feeder maps, utility drawings, conduit drawings, and switchgear drawings • Surveyed job sites to collect field data to determine design methods, materials, equipment, and crews • Managed project budgets and cost estimates and tracked status using WMIS, Excel, and SAP; coordinated projects with electricians, construction crews, and developers
EDUCATION
Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, 2022
Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1999 Electronics Engineering, DeVry Technical Institute, 1997
CERTIFICATIONS
• Project Management Technical Projects
• Project Management International Projects
• Project Management Software Projects Management Foundations • Project Management for Designers
• Project Management Foundations – Budgets
• Osmose O-Calc Pro
HR&A Advisors, Inc. | Huntington Park, CA - Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment | 51 Appendix B. Proof of Insurance
HR&A carries the required insurance and will be pleased to provide a certificate of insurance upon selection.
Fee Schedule/Cost Proposal
(Attachment 4)
HR&A has provided unit costs based on the estimated level of effort required for each major task, providing effective and efficient delivery of quality services in line with the City’s needs. We would be happy to continue to discuss alternative pricing structures to right-size the project as needed. Our rates are also included below; we will guarantee these rates through 2026 for this project. Estimated levels of effort by staff member are subject to change as we learn more about the requirements of the project on the ground.
City of Huntington Park
RFP -Project Management & Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Fee Schedule
Bidder Name HR&A Advisors
Project Management Services
Category Description Monthly Price Annual Price
Flat Fee For a term of 17 months from August 2025
through January 2027. $176,000 $2,112,000
TOTALS 17 Months $2,991,500
Authorized Signature
Print Name
Daniel Fuchs
Estimated Hours by Task
Name Title/Role Hourly Rate Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Task 6 Task 7 TOTAL Hours Total Cost Danny Fuchs HR&A PIC $ 475 60 20 100 180 Hrs. $ 85,500
Alex Banh HR&A Principal/PM $ 435 420 260 100 780 Hrs. $ 339,300 Preston Rhea HR&A Principal $ 435 0 0 560 560 Hrs. $ 243,600 Chae Kim HR&A Senior Analyst $ 290 0 0 700 700 Hrs. $ 203,000 TBC HR&A Analyst $ 235 0 150 0 150 Hrs. $ 35,250
TBC HR&A Research
Analyst
$ 185 310 400 700 1410 Hrs. $ 260,850
HR&A TOTAL $ 1,167,500
Teles Fremin Senior Executive $ 285 100 90 50 120 20 60 440 Hrs. $ 125,400 Andrew
Afflerbach
Senior Executive $ 285 30 10 0 0 20 0 60 Hrs. $ 17,100
Matt
DeHaven
Senior Executive $ 285 30 10 0 0 20 0 60 Hrs. $ 17,100
Mitch Hergett Director / Principal
Analyst / Engineer
$ 255 60 90 40 0 170 360 Hrs. $ 91,800
Cyle
Chapman
Director / Principal
Analyst / Engineer
$ 255 270 20 190 400 0 880 Hrs. $ 224,400
Aaron Easton Senior Analyst /
Engineer
$ 240 680 240 480 680 200 2280 Hrs. $ 547,200
TBC Staff Analyst /
Engineer
$ 225 1020 600 480 1060 400 3560 Hrs. $ 801,000
CTC TOTAL $ 1,824,000
GRAND TOTAL 2980 830 1060 1240 2260 2220 830 11420 Hrs. $ 2,991,500 ITEM 3
CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK
Community Development Department
City Council Agenda Report
August 18, 2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Huntington Park
6550 Miles Avenue
Huntington Park, CA 90255
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council:
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT TO BEDROCK GROUP INC. FOR CIP 2024-01
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC)
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. Award contract to Bedrock Group Inc. for the construction of CIP 2024-01 Emergency Operations Center as a responsive and responsible bidder for a notto-exceed amount of $2,000,000;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Contract Services Agreement.
BACKGROUND
The City of Huntington Park is moving forward with the rehabilitation and modernization of its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located in the Annex Building adjacent to the Police Department. The EOC plays a critical role in managing local emergencies and coordinating regional disaster response efforts.
To support this effort, the Huntington Park Police Department secured a $1,000,000 grant to initiate the facility upgrade. The project will address significant deficiencies in the current facility by upgrading the space to meet modern standards for incident command, ADA accessibility, health and safety, fire codes, and operational readiness. Proposed improvements include interior reconfiguration, creation of breakout and secure staff areas, communications and electrical system upgrades, HVAC improvements, security enhancements, and new furnishings and equipment.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
August 18, 2025
To ensure timely and professional project delivery, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction management services. Bedrock Group Inc. was the sole proposal received. Based on qualifications, relevant experience, and understanding of the project scope staff recommend moving forward with Bedrock Group Inc.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project cost is estimated at $2,300,000 which includes a 15% contingency of $300,000. This amount will be covered using a combination of grant funds, ARPA funds, and public funds. Staff recommend awarding the contract to Bedrock Group, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for not to exceed amount of $2,000,000
CONCLUSION
Upon Council’s direction, staff will proceed with actions as directed.
Respectfully submitted,
RICARDO REYES
City Manager
GERRY LOPEZ
Public Works Director
ATTACHMENT(S):
A. Draft Contract Services Agreement for Bedrock Group Inc.
B. Bedrock Group proposal
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING SERVICES FOR BROADBAND
INFRASTRUCTURE DEPLOYMENT
THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into this 18 of August 2025 (hereinafter, the “Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK, a municipal corporation (“CITY”) Entrust Solutions Group (hereinafter, “CONSULTANT”). For the purposes of this Agreement CITY and CONSULTANT may be referred to collectively by the capitalized term “Parties.” The capitalized term “Party” may refer to CITY or CONSULTANT interchangeably.
RECITALS
This AGREEMENT is made and entered into with respect to the following facts:
WHEREAS, on August 18, 2025, the CITY entered into a Professional Services Agreement (the “Master Agreement”) with Entrust Group Solutions to provide Project Management and Consulting Services for Broadband Infrastructure deployment; and WHEREAS, on August 18, 2025, the Professional Services Agreement was assigned to the CONSULTANT, which assignment the City agreed to on August 18, 2025.
CONSULTANT then commenced providing Project Management and Consulting services under the terms and conditions of said Master Agreement; and WHEREAS, CONSULTANT represents that it is fully qualified to perform such professional services by virtue of its experience and the training, education and expertise of its principals and employees; and
WHEREAS, CONSULTANT further represents that it is willing to accept responsibility for performing such services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the execution of this Agreement was approved by the Huntington Park City Council at its Regular Meeting of August 18, 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions herein contained, Agency and CONSULTANT agree as follows:
ATTACHMENT “A”
I.
ENGAGEMENT TERMS
1.1 SCOPE OF SERVICES: Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and all exhibits attached and incorporated hereto, CONSULTANT agrees to perform the services and tasks set forth in that certain document entitled “Scope of Services” and attached hereto as Exhibit “A” (hereinafter referred to as the “Scope of Services”). CONSULTANT further agrees to furnish to CITY all labor, materials, tools, supplies, equipment, services, tasks and work necessary to competently perform and timely complete the services and tasks as set forth in the Scope of Services. For the purposes of this Agreement the aforementioned services and tasks set forth in the Scope of Services shall hereinafter be referred to generally by the capitalized term “Work.”
1.2TERM: This Agreement shall have an initial term of sixteen (16) months commencing form the Effective Date unless terminated as provided elsewhere in this Agreement (hereinafter, the “Term”). Upon the conclusion of the Term, this Agreement may be renewed for a one (1) year extension term, upon mutual agreement of the Parties and approval from City Council, unless either Party issues written notice sixty (60) days in advance of its intent not to authorize an additional extension term. Nothing in this Section shall operate to prohibit or otherwise restrict the CITY’s ability to terminate this Agreement at any time for convenience or for cause as further set out herein.
1.3 COMPENSATION: During the term of this Agreement and any extension term provided herein, CONSULTANT shall perform the Services set forth in Section 1.2 above, at the rates of compensation set forth in the Rate Schedule reflected in Exhibit “A”. Subject to the CPI Index Adjustment section of Exhibit “A”, CONSULTANT further agrees that the total compensation for the Work shall not exceed the sum total of $1,457,472.00 DOLLARS per year /($91,092.00 per month (hereinafter, the “Base Fee”). CONSULTANT shall not exceed the Contract Price unless such added expenditure is first approved by the CITY Council acting in consultation with the City Manager. In the event CONSULTANT’s charges are projected to exceed the Contract Price prior to the expiration of the Term or any single extension term, CITY may suspend CONSULTANT’s performance of any additional Work outside the Work as defined in Exhibit A, pending CITY approval of any anticipated expenditures in excess of the Contract Price or any other CITYapproved amendment to the compensation terms of this Agreement.
1.4 PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION: On the first of each month, CONSULTANT shall submit to CITY an itemized invoice for that month’s Base Fee and indicating the additional services and tasks performed during the recently concluded calendar month, including services and tasks performed and the reimbursable outof-pocket expenses incurred. If the amount of CONSULTANT’s monthly compensation is a function of hours worked by CONSULTANT’s personnel, the invoice shall indicate the number of hours worked in the recently concluded calendar month, the persons responsible for performing the Work, the rate of compensation at which such services and tasks were performed, the subtotal for each task and service performed and a grand total for all services performed.
Within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of each invoice, CITY shall pay any undisputed amounts. Within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of each invoice, CITY shall notify CONSULTANT in writing of any disputed amounts included in the invoice. CITY shall not withhold applicable taxes or other authorized deductions from payments made to CONSULTANT.
1.5 ACCOUNTING RECORDS: CONSULTANT shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to all matters covered under this Agreement for a period of three (3) years after the expiration or termination of this Agreement. CITY shall have the reasonable right to access and examine such records, without charge.
CITY shall own and further have the right to audit such records, to make transcripts therefrom and to inspect all program data, documents, proceedings, and activities.
1.6 ABANDONMENT BY CONSULTANT: In the event CONSULTANT ceases to perform the Work agreed to under this Agreement or otherwise abandons the undertaking contemplated herein prior to the expiration of this Agreement or prior to completion of any or all tasks set forth in the Scope of Services, CONSULTANT shall deliver to CITY immediately and without delay, all written materials, including any electronic communications, records and other work product prepared or obtained by CONSULTANT in the performance of this Agreement. Furthermore, CONSULTANT shall only be compensated for the reasonable value of the services, tasks and other work performed up to the time of cessation or abandonment, less a deduction for any damages, costs or additional expenses which CITY may incur as a result of CONSULTANT’s cessation or abandonment.
II.
PERFORMANCE OF AGREEMENT
2.1 CITY’S REPRESENTATIVES: The CITY hereby designates the City Manager (hereinafter, the “CITY Representative”) to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement. The City Manager shall be the chief CITY Representative. The CITY Representative or their designee shall act on behalf of the CITY for all purposes under this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall not accept directions or orders from any person other than the CITY Representative or their designee.
2.2 CONSULTANT REPRESENTATIVE: CONSULTANT hereby designates [WHO CONSULTANT DESIGNATES] to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (hereinafter, “CONSULTANT Representative”). CONSULTANT Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of the CONSULTANT for all purposes under this Agreement. CONSULTANT Representative or his designee shall supervise and direct the performance of the Work, using his best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all portions of the Work under this Agreement. Notice to the CONSULTANT Representative shall constitute notice to CONSULTANT.
CONSULTANT may, by written notice to CITY, advise CITY of any change in CONSULTANT Representative.
2.3 COORDINATION OF SERVICE; CONFORMANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS:
CONSULTANT agrees to work closely with CITY staff in the performance of the Work and this Agreement and shall be available to CITY staff and the CITY Representatives at all reasonable times. All work prepared by CONSULTANT shall be subject to inspection and approval by CITY Representatives or their designees.
2.4 STANDARD OF CARE; PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES: CONSULTANT represents, acknowledges and agrees to the following:
A. CONSULTANT shall perform all Work skillfully, competently and in accordance with industry standards of CONSULTANT’s profession; B. CONSULTANT shall perform all Work in a manner in accordance with this Agreement;
C. CONSULTANT shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including the conflict of interest provisions of Government Code Section 1090 and the Political Reform Act (Government Code Section 81000 et seq.);
D. CONSULTANT understands the nature and scope of the Work to be performed under this Agreement as well as any and all schedules of performance;
E. All of CONSULTANT’s employees and agents possess sufficient skill, knowledge, training and experience to perform those services and tasks assigned to them by CONSULTANT; and
F. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, all of CONSULTANT’s employees and agents (including but not limited to subCONSULTANTs and subconsultants) possess all licenses, permits, certificates, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the tasks and services contemplated under this Agreement and all such licenses, permits, certificates, qualifications and approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this Agreement and made available to CITY for copying and inspection.
The Parties acknowledge and agree that CONSULTANT shall perform, at CONSULTANT’s own cost and expense and without any reimbursement from CITY, any services necessary to correct any errors or omissions caused by CONSULTANT’s failure to comply with its obligation set out herein or failure on the part of CONSULTANT’s employees, agents, CONSULTANTs, subCONSULTANTs and subconsultants to fulfill its obligations herein. Such effort by CONSULTANT to correct any errors or omissions shall be commenced as soon as reasonably practicable upon their discovery or notice by either Party and shall be completed within seven (7) calendars days from the date of discovery or such other extended period of time authorized by the CITY Representatives in writing, in accordance with applicable industry standards.
The Parties acknowledge and agree that CITY’s acceptance of any work performed by CONSULTANT or on CONSULTANT’s behalf shall not constitute