December 5, 2022 COVID Task Force Meeting

Digital Access Task Force Meeting
Monday November 28, 2022
Promptly 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Kibitzing with Colleagues 8:45-?
See Details Below

Tentative Meeting Schedule: November 14, 21, 28
See Meeting Agenda Tab below
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Zoom Meeting ID: 919 9321 8962
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ID: 919 9321 8962
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Registration Required: To enable collaboration, we are requiring you to register when you join the meeting so that we can capture and share presenter and attendee contact info. This contact info will then be included in the meeting report.

Kibitzing with Colleagues: An Optional
Monday Morning Task Force Experience
After the Task Force Meetings - About 8:45 - ?

At the conclusion of our regular Task Force meeting, you are invited to stay on line to Kibitz With Your Colleagues. This an informal gathering of Task Force members. There will be no agenda, no presentations, no ending time, just discussion, sharing and collaborating. ZOOM will remain open as long as people want to keep kibitzing. Come kibitz with us.

Download Task Force Reports
and Meeting Presentations

November 28, 2022 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: December 5, 12, 19.
No meeting December 26 and January 2
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below

November 28, 2022 meeting recording
November 28, 2022 Registration List
November 28, 2022 Chat
November 28, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (coming later) (Note: We are using Otter AI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.

November 28 Arizona Broadband Director Update
As you may already know, after a national search, Sandip Bhowmick, the current Assistant Broadband Director, has been promoted to Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Sandip provided an overview of: the status of the BEAD and Digital Equity applications; his vision and plans for Arizona and the Broadband Office; the plan to release an RFQ for organizations to apply to lead planning for: 1) BEAD 2) Digital Equity, 3) Mapping; and more. Following his presentation there was considerable discussion about the the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process. See below

FCC announces timeline for the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement of a firm timeline for the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process. NTIA expects to communicate Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) allocation levels to eligible entities (states and territories) by June 30th. Also today, NTIA has announced more details on how the FCC’s mapping process will impact the BEAD program. Here is the BEAD timeline

Key Dates Description

November 18, 2022-FCC releases draft National Broadband Map, a comprehensive, location-by-location view of high-speed Internet availability in America.
November 18, 2022-January 13, 2023 - Best opportunity for eligible entities to submit challenges in time for the FCC to include corrections in the final version of the map that will be used to allocate Internet for All funding in the summer of 2023.
By June 30, 2023-NTIA plans to announce BEAD allocations, using the most up-to-date version of the FCC maps as a guide.

As the Biden-Harris Administration is required by law to allocate BEAD funds according to a formula derived from the map data, NTIA coordinates closely with the FCC to ensure that this data is accurate and reliable, and will continue to do so. NTIA’s efforts to date include: 1) Calling every single Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the United States to remind them of their obligations relating to the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) process, register any concerns or technical assistance requests, and relay those to the FCC; 2) Engaging in sustained outreach with Governors’ offices, state broadband offices, and stakeholder communities to share technical assistance resources, solicit feedback, and relay major areas of concern; and 3) Producing and sharing materials to break down the process with key dates and deadlines for affected stakeholders.

NTIA will engage in a comprehensive outreach effort to support the FCC in its efforts to ensure that every state that wishes to file a challenge can do so. This effort will include: 1) Technical assistance to state broadband officials and governors’ offices as they prepare challenges; 2) Webinars for members of the public wishing to learn more about how to participate in the challenge process; 3) Regular engagement with state officials to identify and resolve issues.

FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program - AZBSN Meeting
The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here.

Since there is no state agency review or state plan required, and any eligible organization can apply, we thought it might be beneficial to identify which organizations plan to submit an application, and to explore the feasibility of a voluntary and collaborative application. Steve will convene a meeting the week after Thanksgiving (date TBA) for all interested parties.

Recognizing the importance of effective outreach to eligible households from trusted messengers to historically underserved communities, Congress authorized the FCC to establish the Outreach Grant Program. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.
See Details Here

See Meeting Reports and Recordings
from Previous Months Here

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December 5, 2022
Digital Access Resource Highlight

Arizona & AZBSN Initiatives

Possible change of date and time for Task Force Meetings: Due conflicting federal meetings on Monday mornings, Sandip Bhowmick the Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority and: Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth OICG for Arizona, may not be able to attend many of our Task Force meeting
Plan to update the Task Force Comprehensive Statewide 2020 Digital Access Strategy Report. In November 2020, the Task Force published a Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report that includes short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the Internet and other digital access needs of all Arizona citizens. Lots has changed. It is time for a refresh. We initiate a process to update the plan led by John Kelly a Principal with Triadvocates, Karen Ziegler Owner Karen Ziegler Consulting Services, and Jan Schiller a Partner with Berkshire Consulting Review and download the plan here.
Discussion and special meeting to discuss Arizona’s response to the National Broadband Map and Mapping challenge process. The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement of a firm timeline for the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process. By law NTIA will allocate BEAD funds according to a formula derived from the map data, NTIA coordinates closely with the FCC to ensure that this data is accurate and reliable, and will continue to do so.

NTIA will engage in a comprehensive outreach effort to support the FCC in its efforts to ensure that every state that wishes to file a challenge can do so. This effort will include: 1) Technical assistance to state broadband officials and governors’ offices as they prepare challenges; 2) Webinars for members of the public wishing to learn more about how to participate in the challenge process; 3) Regular engagement with state officials to identify and resolve issues.

See additional Mapping Challenge Process info below. The latest FCC National Broadband Map is available: https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home
Discussion and AZBSN Meeting regarding FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program - The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity. Since there is no state agency review or state plan required, and any eligible organization can apply, we thought it might be beneficial to convene a meeting for all interested parties to identify the organizations that plan to submit an application, and to explore the feasibility of a voluntary and collaborative application. See additional Outreach Grant Information below.
NTIA Arizona Industry Listening Sessions: Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth OICG for Arizona, will convene Industry Listening Sessions tentatively scheduled for January 11 and again January 18 to get input from industry representatives regarding BEAD funding.
Review of the recently released Arizona Commerce Authority RFQ and RFP for planning and consulting services. Review of the recently released Arizona Commerce Authority RFQ For Broadband Consulting Services for BEAD, Mapping, Digital Equity, Infrastructure; and RFP to identify Operations, Maintenance, and Commercialization entities to provide OMC Services for Arizona’s Middle-Mile Fiber Infrastructure. See additional RFP and RFQ Information below.

RFQ for Broadband Consulting Services
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced Request for Qualifications (RFQ) # 2023-12 to identify vendor(s) to provide Broadband Consulting Services. Scope Of Work - Program Requirements: ACA is seeking assistance to build its capacity to execute a number of broadband initiatives and major deliverables:

1) Create a Five-Year Broadband Action Plan with the goal of providing broadband access to every Arizonan that meets or exceeds all requirements specified by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) program guidelines;

2) Develop a statewide Digital Equity Plan and grant program as specified by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Digital Equity Program;

3) Develop geospatial assets that include a statewide broadband coverage map to validate or challenge the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) location fabric maps as specified in the 2020 Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (“Broadband DATA Act”) that show served and unserved locations throughout Arizona;

4) Design a purchasing cooperative strategy for Arizona stakeholders to competitively acquire goods and services associated with the deployment of physical broadband infrastructure to mitigate supply chain issues, cost inflation, and delays in deployment.

5) Develop a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for a statewide digital infrastructure deployment plan, which includes advanced applications and use case development.

To request a copy of the RFQ and be added to the notification list for this solicitation, click here. Solicitation Point of Contact: Teri Orman, Procurement/Grants Manager (602) 845-1245 | procurement@azcommerce.com

RFP for Arizona Middle-Mile Fiber Infrastructure Operations, Maintenance, and Commercialization (“OMC”) Services

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is pleased to announce the opening of Request for Proposals (RFP) # 2023-06. The purpose of this RFP is to identify Operations, Maintenance, and Commercialization (“OMC”) Entities to provide OMC Services for Arizona’s Middle-Mile Fiber Infrastructure.

This RFP is being issued by the ACA in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Transportation (“ADOT”). ACA is seeking a well-qualified OMC Entity capable of operating and maintaining the Fiber Infrastructure which includes, but not limited to I-17, I-19, and I-40 West. Additionally, the ACA is seeking an OMC Entity with the ability and experience to commercialize the excess capacity (i.e., MicroDucts, dark fiber, etc. - Commercialization Assets) to offset the O&M costs associated with the ADOT network and generate revenue for the ACA. Given the criticality of the Fiber Infrastructure and ongoing expansion efforts, the ACA requires a firm that is flexible and adaptable to changes and can provide OMC Services at a high level of service and reliability. To request a copy of the RFQ and be added to the notification list for this solicitation, click here. Solicitation Point of Contact: Teri Orman, Procurement/Grants Manager (602) 845-1245 | procurement@azcommerce.com

FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant ProgramA great overview video of the ACP Outreach Grant Program is available from NDIA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chBLHqxx6_k

The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here

The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.

Website and Interactive Map

The Connect Arizona Website and Interactive Map provides user friendly access to free Wi-Fi hotspots and technical support resources in Arizona. The locations on this map include free public Wi-Fi hotspots at public libraries, schools, businesses and other sites, as well as broadband provider Wi-Fi capabilities made available to the public. The site also provides information on free and discounted resources to get connected and free technical support. Thousands of Arizona citizens have taken advantage of this resource
Link

Task Force Comprehensive Statewide
Digital Access Strategy Report

View/Download

In November 2020 the Task Force published a Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report that includes short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the Internet and other digital access needs of all Arizona citizens.

Support The Task Force

We arel be launching a Task Force Sponsorship Campaign. Find out how you can sign-on as a sponsor to enable continued coordination of the Task Force and implementation of our short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives. With your tax-deductible commitment you will have the opportunity to tell your story, showcase your organization, and connect with public and private Digital Access advocates in Arizona.

See Details Here

AZBSN Contact Info
Steve Peters, AZBSN and Task Force Coordinator
aticarizona@gmail.com Phone or Text: 520-321-1309

December 5, 2022 AZBSN
Digital Access Task Force Meeting

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December 5, 2022 ​AZBSN Digital Access Task Force Meeting

Agenda, Support, Events & Announcements, About The Task Force

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520-321-1309

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December 5, 2022 AZBSN
Digital Access Task Force Meeting