Transforming internet access for underserved communities

Our technology client was responsible for delivering broadband infrastructure for the state of California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI), a public-private partnership that oversaw the design, acquisition and management of the development, construction, maintenance and operation of 10,000 miles of fibre construction across the state.

The middle-mile network is funded by Senate Bill 156 and allocated USD6B over three years for state middle-mile broadband infrastructure projects to provide internet connections to communities and businesses. This required agreement between multiple federal and statewide stakeholders.

The client needed a partner that would manage and maintain all their procurement related activities for the MMBI project, including developing processes and ensuring all the activities met the federal and statewide requirements. 

Failure to deliver on this initiative would result in unequitable access to internet, loss of revenue, legal ramifications and reputational damage. 

GHD Digital provided consultancy services to support the delivery of MMBI project objectives. Our advanced security and communication systems, innovation management, project management and procurement professionals helped facilitate and streamline the finalising of contracts between the client and several US Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMA), tribal groups, cooperatives, public and private organisations. 

In addition, we provided risk management assessments to identify potential legal, environmental and operational risks associated with broadband infrastructure deployment on federal lands. Strategies were created to mitigate risks and were then incorporated into the MMBI Plan. 

Regular reviews and consultations with legal experts and stakeholders guaranteed that the exhibits adhered to established risk management protocols. The services ensured the prudent distribution of funds aligned with the program goals. For example, we confirmed funding, planning and implementation of the broadband network and made sure it followed all requirements for the federal and state agencies. This included new fibre design and construction, indefeasible rights use (IRUs), joint-lease and other alternative delivery methods to ensure cost savings in the delivery of broadband across the challenging terrain. 

We also developed and documented program methodologies and metrics and performed funding and acquisition analyses that met the state’s goals. This helped identify which processes could be improved by automation and identified opportunities to engage with disadvantaged communities and businesses to encourage them to submit funding submittals. 

Once the procurement process was reviewed, digital solutions were used to simplify the requirement gathering processes across multiple departments, that allowed our team to have procurement expedited. This gave them the adaptability and ability to work collaboratively. 

To build the necessary infrastructure, documentation had to be streamlined with built-in checks and balances to create efficiencies. Using automated solutions, we lead the broadband implementation across the state and developed all fibre-related solicitations (i.e. hardware, software, broadband components, huts and advisory and consulting services).

Together with the state’s financial controllers, we helped monitor spending and supported them to understand how they were reallocating their funds. Our mentorship to their staff promoted positive change and improved creative decision-making and problem-solving, while ensuring the MMBI funds were being disbursed in an objective way to meet the needs of the program. 

Our innovative approach upgraded the procurement process and saved our client USD500K, while improving connectivity, accessibility and digital inclusion for unserved and underserved communities.  The completed Public Entity Agreement deliverables between our client and the FLMA represent a significant step toward enhancing broadband connectivity in California's federal lands. Through collaboration, careful planning and adherence to legal and environmental requirements, the initiative brings lasting benefits to these communities. 

“The GHD team was a pinnacle piece in our efforts to negotiate contracts with all our Lease Purchase Partners,” the client shared.  “They researched, organised, templatised and provided valuable feedback that fed our negotiations, including securing lower cost savings in just one example over USD500K. They took a leadership role helping drive focus, prioritisation and direction. They kept us on track and ensured the work was completed on time.” 

Access to high-speed internet connectivity improves the lives of community members and encourages economic development, enhances education and helps healthcare services.

Contact us today to discover new and forward-thinking digitised ways to build operational efficiencies.