Why did we issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) instead of a Request for Information (RFI)?
  • The purpose of an RFI would have been to simply identify internet service providers that may have been interested in providing service in Spring Hill.  
  • In the Broadband Task Force recommendations, an RFI was suggested to market Spring Hill to potential internet service providers that may find interest in doing business in Spring Hill. An RFI would result in further discussions and an eventual RFP. After further research, and input from internet service providers, we learned that many companies will not invest their time into responding to an RFI for various reasons and that an RFP was recommended. An RFP evaluates the merit of each proposal and a decision is then made based on the proposals submitted. 
  • City staff reviewed the reasons for issuing an RFP with the Broadband Task Force and the City Council and both agreed that an RFP was the appropriate next step. 
  • Request for Proposal for Partnership of a Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) Network released Aug. 12, 2019

Show All Answers

1. Why did the City get involved?
2. Did the City talk to the existing internet providers before moving ahead with this project in 2017?
3. Did the City talk to other internet providers before releasing the RFP?
4. Do existing internet service providers in Spring Hill have fiber networks?
5. Why is fiber important?
6. Why is gigabit speed important?
7. What due diligence was performed?
8. What was the purpose of the Broadband Task Force?
9. Why was a feasibility study performed?
10. What is a feasibility study?
11. What was the recommendation made by the Broadband Task Force?
12. Why did the Broadband Task Force disband?
13. What areas does this project impact?
14. Is the City going to own the internet service?
15. Why not wireless?
16. Why did Spring Hill have a launch event for RG Fiber?
17. What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
18. Does an RFP obligate the City to act?
19. Why did we issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) instead of a Request for Information (RFI)?
20. Why was a Mutual Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement included?
21. What were the stated goals of the RFP and when was it released?
22. Why were incentives important to the RFP process?
23. What incentives were offered in the RFP?
24. Who was the RFP distributed to?
25. Who responded to the RFP?
26. What steps were involved in the selection process?
27. Was a rating matrix completed during the proposal review process?
28. What was the committee recommendation?
29. Why was an out of state company chosen?
30. Why didn’t the City pick the lowest bid?
31. What is dark fiber?
32. Why is the City proposing a dark fiber network?
33. Will the City control the residents’ internet?
34. Will the City get internet before the residents do?
35. Why does the City need high-speed internet to the Aquatic Center and the Community Center?