Fiber Broadband Intiative

County Administration Building

y GENESEEPCOUNTY (C) firncnizor S:cute 24

(810) 257-3030

GD DEPARTMENT OF FISCAL SERVICES _perrick jones
Purchasing Administrator

March 12, 2026

GENESEE COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 26-484

Sealed proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. (EST), Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Genesee County
Purchasing Department 324 S Saginaw Street, Suite 9A, Flint, MI, 48502 for Fiber Broadband Initiative.

This procurement is conducted in accordance with the Genesee County Purchasing Regulations, a copy of
which is on file and available for inspection at the Genesee County Purchasing Department or at the website
Microsoft Word - PURCHASING REGULATIONS 8222016.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on March 30, 2026 @ 10:00 AM. Attendance at this meeting is highly
recommended in order to get additional details concerning this request and ask any questions directly
related to this solicitation in person. This meeting will be held in a room in which individuals can
participate physically or virtually. Interested parties who want to participate either physically or virtually
must RSVP by sending an e-mail to diones@geneseecountymi.gov by March 26, 2026, before 12:00 PM

Each offeror is responsible for labeling the exterior of the sealed envelope containing the proposal response
with the proposal number, proposal name, proposal due date and time, and your firm's name. The proposal
request number and due date for this RFP are

DUE DATE: 2:00 PM (EST), Thursday, April 16, 2026
18 SET OF QUESTIONS SUBMITTAL DUE 5:00 PM (EST), Tuesday, March 24, 2026
DATE

PRE-BID MEETING Monday, March 30, 2026 @ 10:00 am (EST)
POST PRE-BID SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS March 31, 2026, before 5:00 PM (EST)

BID NUMBER #26-484

Derrick Jones

Attachments

GENESEE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Wwww.geneseecountymi.gov

RFP #26-484

RFP #26-484 FIBER BROADBAND INITIATIVE

SECTION 1 - INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1.

Sealed proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. (EST), Thursday, April 16, 2026,
at the Genesee County Purchasing Department, 324 S. Saginaw St., Ste 9A, Flint,
MI, 48502. The Genesee County Purchasing Department hours of operation are 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed holidays check website for closed days. Label the sealed
envelope containing the proposal response as described on page 1. LATE
PROPOSALS AND PROPOSALS SENT BY FACSIMILE OR E-MAIL WILL NOT
BE ACCEPTED.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on March 30, 2026 @ 10:00 AM. Attendance at this
meeting is highly recommended in order to get additional details concerning this
request and ask any questions directly related to this solicitation in person. This
meeting will be held in a room in which individuals can participate physically or
virtually. Interested parties who want to participate either physically or virtually must
RSVP by sending an e-mail to djones@geneseecountymi.gov by March 26, 2026,
before 12:00 PM.

Please carefully review this document. It provides information necessary to aid
participating vendors in formulating a thorough response. A formal, comprehensive
review period will be conducted to ensure that Genesee County selects the best
possible vendor that will provide the best value and service.

Submit one original and one paper copy of your proposal. After the proposal
closes, you will be contacted to send the County an electronic copy of your
complete proposal via email. All proposals submitted become the property of
Genesee County. The original must include a signature on the Signature Page of a
person authorized to make a binding offer. Failure to provide the required number of
duplicate copies may result in rejection of your proposal. Proposals may not be
submitted on the MITN site for this offering.

All submissions will be time-stamped by an individual within Fiscal Services
Department. The only acceptable evidence of the time of receipt of the submissions
is that of the time clock that resides within said department. It is each Proposer's
responsibility to ensure that its proposal is time stamped by Fiscal Services by the
deadline. This responsibility rests entirely with the Proposer, regardless of delays
resulting from postal handling or for any other reasons. Proposals will be accepted at
any time during the normal course of business only, said hours being 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Local Time, Monday through Friday, legal holidays as exception.

Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network- an alternate review of the RFP #26-
484 Fiber Broadband Initiative can be done at:
http://www.bidnetdirect.com/mitn

i)

RFP #26-484

7.

10.

a. Genesee County has partnered with BidNet as part of the Michigan Inter-
governmental Trade Network (MITN) and will post their bid opportunities to
this site. As a vendor, you can register with Michigan Inter-governmental
Trade Network (use hyperlink or
https://www.mitn.info/Registration.asp?ID=2340) and be sure that you see
all available bids and opportunities. By selecting automatic bid notification,
your company will receive emails once Genesee County has a bid
opportunity that matches your company's business. In addition, the site
handles bid opportunities, RFPs, and RFQs for other member governmental
agencies. If you need help registering, please call Michigan Inter-
governmental Trade Network support department toll free 1-800-835-4603.

All communications, any modifications, clarifications, amendments, questions,
responses or any other matters related to this RFP, shall be made by and through
the purchasing contact reference in this solicitation. No contact regarding this
solicitation made with other County employees is permitted. Any violation of this
condition may result in immediate rejection of proposal.

All prospective proposers shall be responsible for routinely checking the Genesee
County Purchasing Department website at Current Bids (www.geneseecountymi.gov)
for issued addenda and other relevant information. Genesee County shall not be
responsible for the failure of a prospective proposer to obtain addenda and other
information issued at any time related to this RFP.

A sample of a contract is attached to this RFP. After the award is made to the
successful proposer, the County and the successful proposer will negotiate a final
contract that substantially conforms to said contract. Any exceptions to the terms and
conditions of the contract and this RFP must be clearly set forth in your proposal and
referenced on company letterhead. The County will not entertain negotiations to
change any terms and conditions of the contract or RFP unless those changes are
requested in your proposal. If your company requires that the County execute a
contract that is unlike the one contained in this request, it must be submitted with your
proposal.

Insurance must be provided prior to the contract starting date and kept in full effect
and compliance during the entire contract period. Insurance requirements are
provided in Section 9 Insurance Required from Proposer. Failure to comply with these
provisions will cause termination of the agreement. The County of Genesee requires
a signed Genesee County Insurance Checklist form with each proposal submitted.

The Contractor agrees to be responsible for any loss or damage to property or
persons due to the performance of services herein contracted and further agrees to
indemnify and defend the County of Genesee harmless from any loss or damage
resulting therefrom.

County Policy dictates that under no circumstances can the County agree to indemnify
proposers pursuant to Michigan Law.

w

RFP #26-484

11.

12.

Preference for Genesee County Businesses: Unless the funding source for the
contract prohibits such preferences, in the case of requests for proposals where a
quantitative based evaluation criteria is used for evaluating responsive proposals,
Preferred Businesses shall be afforded an additional five (5) percent of the total
evaluation points up to a maximum of five (5) points. If applicable.

Proposal Format: Proposals must be submitted in the format outlined in SECTION 7
- INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM PROPOSERS to be deemed responsive.

SECTION 2 - STANDARD TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.

See Genesee County website, Purchasing Department for Standard Terms and
Conditions by going to the following link: Std TC SECTION 2023.pdf

SECTION 3 - ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.

Purpose: Through this RFP, Genesee County ('the County") is soliciting
proposals from qualified firms who can provide design, finance, construct, operate,
and maintain a countywide underground fiber-optic broadband network.

Issuing Office: This RFP is issued by the Genesee County Purchasing
Department on behalf of the Information Technology Department. The contact
person is Derrick Jones, Purchasing Administrator, Genesee County, 324 Saginaw
St, Ste 9A, Flint, Michigan 48502, phone (810) 257-3851 and
djones@geneseecountymi.gov. Email is the preferred method of contact.

Questions & Inquiries: All questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted in
writing and received no later than Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before 5:00 PM
(EST) to the Genesee County Purchasing Department as listed above. E-mail is
the preferred method of contact for all inquiries concerning this RFP, and please
entitle the subject line of your e-mail as follows: Question(s) for RFP 26-484. No
verbal interpretation to any respondent as to the meaning of any requirement
stated in this RFP shall be binding on Genesee County. All responses to questions
regarding this RFP shall be issued in writing and distributed as an addendum by
Genesee County. Vendors who attended the pre-bid meeting will also be allowed
to submit questions no later than March 31, 2026 by 5:00 PM.

Addenda: Genesee County reserves the right to amend and provide clarification
of this RFP prior to the date for proposal submission. In such an event, an
addendum will be posted on the Purchasing Department website Current Bids
(www.geneseecountymi.gov). Further, all proposers shall acknowledge having
seen any and all addendums issued (1, 2, 3, etc.) on the Signature Page.

Proposal Considerations: All costs incurred in the preparation of a response to
this RFP or any costs prior to approval of the contract by Genesee County and
formal notification to the selected proposer will be the responsibility of the

RFP #26-484

10.

11.

12.

13.

respondent and will not be reimbursed by Genesee County. Proposals should be
prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description
of the proposer's ability to meet the requirements of this RFP.

Responsive Proposals: To ensure proper consideration, all proposers are
encouraged to submit a complete response to this RFP using the format outlined
in SECTION 7 - INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM PROPOSERS. In addition, at
least one of the paper proposals must be signed with an original signature of the
official authorized to bind the proposer to its provisions.

Proposal Modifications: Clarifications, modifications, or amendments to any
Proposal that has been submitted, but prior to the Proposal Opening Date, may be
made only within the discretion and written approval of the Purchasing Manager.

Withdrawal of Proposal: Proposals may only be withdrawn by a proposer with
written notice prior to the date and time set for the opening of proposals.

Validity Period: Any proposal submitted as a result of this Request for Proposal
shall be binding on the proposer for 120 calendar days following the due date.

Right to Reject: Genesee County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals
received in response to this RFP.

Disclosure: All information in an offeror's proposal is subject to disclosure under
the provisions of Public Act N. 442 of 1976 known as the "Freedom of Information
Act'. This Act also provides for the complete disclosure of contracts and
attachments thereto. In the event that a proposer wishes to designate any portion
of their submission as "confidential" or "proprietary," the proposer must contact the
Purchasing Manager prior to submission of the proposal. All requests regarding
disclosure and requests for confidentiality of a proposal response to this RFP shall
be submitted in writing and received no later than Monday, April 6, 2026, by 12:00
p.m. (EST), to the Genesee County Purchasing Department as listed above.

Errors, Omissions, And Discrepancies: If a Proposer discovers any ambiguity,
conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the RFP, it shall immediately notify
the Genesee County Purchasing Manager of such error in writing and request
modification or clarification of the document prior to the deadline for submitting
questions. Genesee County will make modifications by issuing a written
addendum. The proposer is responsible for clarifying any ambiguity, conflict,
discrepancy, omission, or other error in the Request for Proposals prior to
submitting a proposal or it shall be waived.

Best and Final Offers: Discussions may be undertaken with those proposers
whose proposal, based on the evaluation criteria stated herein, has been
determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award. After
discussions are held, and prior to award, proposers may be allowed the opportunity
to submit revisions to their proposals for the purpose of obtaining best and final
offers.

RFP #26-484

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

During the aforementioned procedures, neither the names of any of the proposers
nor the contents of any proposal will be disclosed until the completion of
negotiations and revision of proposals (Best and Final Offers).

The contract that may be entered into will be awarded based on the proposal
response and, where applicable, the Best and Final Offer that is the most
advantageous to Genesee County, per the evaluation criteria included in this RFP.

Prime Contractor Responsibilities: The successful offeror(s) shall be required
to assume responsibility for all services offered in the proposal regardless of who
produces them. Further, the County will consider the successful offeror to be the
sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters, including payment of any
and all charges resulting from the contract.

Non-Assignability: The contract may not be assigned, transferred, or conveyed
by the Contractor without the expressed written consent of Genesee County.

Independent Contractor: It is understood and agreed to, by and between the
Contractor and Genesee County, that any and all acts that the Contractor or its
personnel, employees, and servants perform pursuant to the terms of the Contract
shall be undertaken as independent contractors and not as employees of Genesee
County by or with a contract or agreement, nor impose any liability upon Genesee
County. All acts and contracts of the Contractor shall be in its own name and not
in the name of Genesee County.

Subcontracts: The Contractor shall not enter into subcontracts to this Agreement
with additional parties without obtaining prior written approval of Genesee County.
A condition of granting such approval is that such subcontractors shall be subject
to all conditions and provisions of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible
for the performance of all subcontractors.

Statement of Exceptions: The proposer shall furnish a statement on company
letterhead giving a complete description of all exceptions to the terms, conditions,
and specifications set forth in the proposal. Failure to furnish this statement shall
mean that the proposer agrees to meet all requirements set forth in this solicitation.

Acceptance of Proposal Content: It is proposed that, if a contract is entered into
as a result of this RFP, the RFP will serve as the basis for the contract. The
contents of the proposal of the successful offeror may become contractual
obligations if a contract is issued. Failure of the successful offeror to accept these
obligations will result in cancellation of contract award.

Termination for Misrepresentation: If the successful proposer receives a
contract and is subsequently found to have misrepresented any information in its
proposal and/or Best and Final Offer submission, the contract may be terminated
at the discretion of Genesee County.

RFP #26-484

21.

22.

23.

24.

Acceptable Deviations: The decision of Genesee County shall be final as to what
constitutes acceptable deviations from specifications or requirements.

News Release: News releases pertaining to this RFP or the services to which it
relates will not be made without prior written Genesee County approval, and then
only in accordance with the instructions from the contract administrator. No
information regarding the procurement and services shall be released without prior
approval of the contract administrator.

Contract Award/Split Awards: The County reserves the right to award by item
and/or group of items. The Bidder to whom the award is made will be notified at the
earliest possible date. Tentative acceptance of the bid, intent to recommend award
of a contract and actual award of the contract will be provided by written notice sent
to the Bidder at the address designated in the bid if a separate Agreement is
required to be executed.

Debarment and Suspension: The contractor certifies to the best of its knowledge
and belief, that the corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietor, and/or its'
principals, owners, officers, shareholders, key employees, directors and member
partners: (1) are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment,
declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any
Federal department or agency; (2) have not within a three-year period preceding
this form been convicted of or had a civil judgement rendered against them form
commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting
to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State or local) transaction or contract
under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or
commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of
records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; (3) are not presently
indicted for or otherwise criminally charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State
or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in (2) of this
certification; and , (4) have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal
had one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause
or default.

SECTION 4 - QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSERS

In order to qualify for award, a proposer shall have the capability in all respects to perform
the work and the integrity and reliability, which will assure good faith performance. This
requirement shall include, but is not limited to, the availability of the appropriate financial,
material, equipment, facility, personnel, ability, expertise and experience necessary to meet
all procurement requirements.

A proposer must have the capability, qualifications, and the necessary experience to
provide services of a character similar to that required in this solicitation. If an offeror
does not convince Genesee County that it possesses the above minimum qualifications
with the bid submission, Genesee County shall not consider its bid for award.

RFP #26-484

SECTION 5 -- INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The County of Genesee (the County), Michigan was incorporated on March 18, 1835,
and covers an area of approximately 642 square miles, with the county seat located in
the City of Flint, Michigan. The County operates under an elected nine-member Board
of Commissioners (BOC) and provides services to its more than 425,000 residents in
many areas, including law enforcement, administration of justice, community enrichment
and development, and human services. Education services are provided to citizens
through more than 156 schools in 27 local school districts, 5 colleges, and a district
library; such districts, colleges, and the library are separate governmental entities.

Genesee County, Michigan ("County"), through its NextGenesee Broadband Initiative
and associated task force, invites proposals from qualified firms or teams
('Respondents') to design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain a countywide
underground fiber-optic broadband network.

NextGenesee is Genesee County's coordinated effort to bring high-speed, reliable
Internet access to every corner of the County. In an era where connectivity is
essential for education, business, healthcare, public safety, and social engagement, the
County is committed to ensuring that no residents are left behind.

A County-appointed task force has guided this initiative and overseen:
Preliminary network routing and design
Identification of Community Anchor Institutions

Acomprehensive resident broadband survey, conducted in partnership with
Merit Network

Survey findings show:

63% of respondents are dissatisfied with the price they pay for Internet
service

41% of unserved households cite monthly cost as the primary barrier
38% of unserved households are only willing to pay $25/month or less

Residents report low confidence in digital skills, particularly video calling, job
searching, and online identity management

Satisfaction with existing providers is low across all major ISPs

Fiber users report higher satisfaction and digital confidence than other
technologies

These findings directly inform the requirements of this RFP.

RFP #26-484

Therefore, the goal is to create a public/private, underground, fiber-based broadband
system that provides 24/7 high speed Internet access that is equitable, accessible,
affordable, and sustainable for all Genesee County residents and businesses.

SECTION 6 - SCOPE OF WORK

The County has completed foundational planning and will provide Respondents with
access to:
Preliminary countywide fiber routing and phasing concepts

Community Anchor Institution inventory

Results of the NextGenesee Resident Survey

Identification of underserve ed and economically disadvantaged areas
Respondents must materially incorporate these inputs and clearly document:

How County data was used

+ Any proposed deviations and the rationale for them

Proposals that disregard County inputs without justification may be deemed non-
responsive.

Network Design

Respondents shall complete and refine a countywide underground fiber-optic
network design that:

Uses fiber as the primary infrastructure

e Builds upon County-provided routing and GIS data

Supports scalable speeds consistent with long-term demand

Addresses redundancy, resiliency, and interconnection

Includes phased deployment options

Minimizes reliance on aerial construction unless justified
Financing and Delivery Models

Respondents shall propose one or more delivery and financing models, which may
include:

Public ownership with private operation

Public-private partnership (P3)

REP #26-484

Privately financed models with varying degrees of risk transfer
Each proposal shall include:

Estimated total capital cost

Estimate cost per mile of underground fiber

+ Sources and uses of funds

Assumptions regarding County financial participation (if any)

Risk allocation

Sensitivity analysis for take-rates and pricing

Important:
Nothing in this RFP constitutes a commitment by the County to levy a millage, issue
debt, or pledge its full faith and credit.

Operating Model (Preferred Framework)

NextGenesee's preferred operating concept is a County Broadband Commission
model.

Respondents shall:
Propose the structure, authority, and governance of such a commission
Identify roles for County oversight and public input

Describe the relationship between the commission, operators, and service
providers

Address long-term accountability and transparency
Proposed staffing structure and customer service standards

Alternative operating models may be proposed but must clearly explain how public
interests are protected.

Affordability, Equity, and Digital Inclusion
Affordability is a central driver of this RFP, based directly on resident survey results.
Respondents shall submit a plan that includes:
A. Affordable Fiber Service Options
e Income-qualified service tiers
Target monthly price points informed by survey data

10
RFP #26-484