Development and Implementation of Tucson's Fiber to the Premises Program

The City of Tucson is seeking to enable 1 Gbps symmetrical (or better), reliable, and affordable fiber-optic internet that is available to all residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions in Tucson, Arizona. The City of Tucson does not intend to build this infrastructure or operate it, but rather is enabling third party businesses to build, own, and operate these services throughout the entirety of our city limits. To accomplish this, the City will launch a program that will establish a new Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) licensing program that will include incentives and controls to achieve the City’s desired goals. This RFP is requesting proposals from experienced firms to set up, oversee, coordinate, and manage a sustainable and effective FTTP initiative. The FTTP Program goals include: Provide fiber to 100% of Tucson premises in an equitable manner to all residents, business owners, and community anchor institutions; Lower costs for FTTP buildouts whenever possible, including: providing rapid responses and reduced delays on FTTP Licensee builds; reducing cuts in pavement; coordinating digs and reducing conflicts during construction; controlling and inspecting the quality of construction; and, enabling shared infrastructure; Ensure that the FTTP Program is cost neutral; Support local area broadband network redundancy by helping providers connect to Tucson’s IXP; and, Enable fair competition, affordable customer rates, and digital equity efforts that achieve internet and digital access for everyone in Tucson, particularly those with the largest barriers to high-speed, high-quality internet service access, digital devices, and digital literacy. These goals will be achieved by providing a means for the businesses seeking authorization to install and operate fiber within City limits. This RFP is not for the installation or operation of fiber itself; we are seeking a management firm to oversee the City program to achieve those outcomes by enabling independent third parties. The successful bidder will work with existing City staff to complete development of the new program, and will be accountable for the program’s successful implementation of citywide FTTP. The successful bidder will begin work immediately and bring on subcontractors as needed as their budget allows. It is anticipated that all resource needs (staffing) to realize this initiative beyond the existing City staff identified will be provided by the successful bidder. The City does not intend to hire any Full Time Employees (FTEs), but available staff from relevant departments will support the successful execution of this effort. The program has initial seed funding provided by City of Tucson general funds. The program must be cost neutral, covering all the costs to manage and support the program implementation – which include costs for consultant services hired as part of this RFP. It is anticipated that build out could begin in mid-2025, and take until 2029 or longer reach 100% coverage, depending upon number of fiber builders/operators. It is expected that revenues received for the FTTP Licensing program are to fully cover all program costs.