Agenda - 09-04-2018 6-a - Approval of Contract with Open Broadband, LLC for Broadband Infrastructure Development for Unserved Areas

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FINANCIAL IMPACT: The purpose of the attached agreement is to better understand the financial viability for a business to offer broadband services to the aforementioned service areas. The proposal has investments by Open Broadband, LLC, and Orange County. The result is that the County will incentivize Open Broadband to make capital investments in Orange County in order for them to sustain service offerings for at least 36 months. The total Pilot Program Funding amount is $500,000, broken down as follows: • Pilot Program 1 consists of Service Areas 1, 2, and 3 as shown on the Service Area Map with a cost of $385,280. • Pilot Program 2 consists of Service Area 10 as shown on the Service Area Map with a cost of $114,720 in order to remain within the overall budget. It should be noted that the County is only granting funds for this public - private partnership and will not own any equipment or be providing any services. Equipment and services will be wholly owned and offered by Open Broadband, LLC and not by Orange County. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF - SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. Orange County has a goal to promote an interactive and engaging system of governance that reflects community values by OUTREACH /INTERNET ACCESS by expanding internet access through County hotspots or incentives to private parties. The proposal before the Board hopes to make available affordable access for rural Orange County residents to broadband and internet technology, augment existing and create new rural economic development, increase residents' information technology skills, and foment the creation and consumption of relevant web -based content and services where there was none before; i.e., address digital inclusion and digital divide issues in Orange County. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Manager to sign the attached contract.