RFI 909-25-1939AH Broadband Information on MDU

Background
The Broadband Development Office (BDO), part of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA), is focused on expanding high-speed internet access and digital opportunities for all Texans.

The BDO has identified that many residents in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) are inaccurately classified as having reliable broadband access due to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) mapping methodology. This RFI aims to gather information to better understand the broadband needs and barriers faced by MDU residents, particularly in light of updated FCC speed thresholds that could affect funding and support for these communities.

Work Details
The RFI seeks detailed responses regarding the current state of broadband availability in MDUs, including:
1. Current average internet speeds in specific Texas regions.
2. Necessary renovations or infrastructure builds required to provide reliable high-speed internet.
3. Existing collaborations between housing authorities and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
4. Barriers to providing high-speed internet to MDU residents and strategies to overcome these barriers.
5. Anticipated infrastructure costs for connecting and maintaining units within MDUs, including retrofitting costs for older versus newer buildings.
6. Examples of digital opportunity programs that could be adapted for MDUs.
7. Lessons learned from previous MDU digital opportunity programs.
8. Workforce needs for effective MDU broadband development.
9. Methods for measuring outcomes and success of MDU broadband programs.

Period of Performance
Responses to this RFI must be submitted by October 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., Central Time (CT).

The information gathered will inform future grant activities aimed at addressing MDU connectivity.

Place of Performance
The RFI pertains to Multi-Dwelling Units across Texas, with a focus on urban areas such as Houston, Austin, and Dallas where there is a higher concentration of MDUs.