OIPD DE/BEAD-RFI-24-001 -- Increasing Digital Access for Unserved and Underserved Communities

The Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development (OIPD) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit responses from qualified companies with proven expertise in expanding digital access for unserved and underserved communities. The purpose of this RFI is to understand industry capabilities, identify potential partners, and collect innovative solutions that can inform a future Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

Objectives:
●      Address the digital divide through the expansion of broadband access and internet services.
●      Enhance digital literacy by implementing inclusive training programs for covered populations.
●      Improve access to affordable devices and internet services for underserved communities.
●      Foster collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders to promote community engagement in technology initiatives.
●      Support the creation of inclusive technology policies that meet the unique needs of Guam’s diverse populations.
●      Implement AI-driven solutions to optimize public services that directly impact covered populations.
●      Integrate IoT technology to enhance connectivity and efficiency in public transportation, healthcare, and utility management that enhance the lives of covered populations.
●      Develop smart city initiatives that use AI and IoT to improve government services, including emergency response.
●      Promote the use of digital health technologies, including AI-powered telehealth services, to expand access to healthcare.
●      Encourage local innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging technologies, such as AI, IoT, and automation, to boost economic development.
OIPD recognizes that digital inclusion is crucial for equitable access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and civic participation. Many residents on our island face barriers due to lack of affordable high-speed internet, inadequate digital skills, and limited access to internet-enabled devices. We are seeking solutions that can reduce these barriers. 
Respondents to this RFI should provide information on strategies, technologies, and partnerships they have employed successfully in similar projects that respond to the Objectives listed above. 
Respondents are requested to provide the following information:
 
●      Your company’s profile and past performance in relevant projects.
●      Innovative ideas on how to employ the BEAD funding effectively.
●      Estimated cost and timeline for implementation.
●      Strategies for addressing potential challenges or issues.
●      Additional resources or partnerships that could leverage the BEAD funding.
●      Any other information that would help us understand your capabilities and approach.
●      Contact Information: Please include primary contact details for any questions regarding the RFI.
All responses should be submitted electronically to broadband@guam.gov by May 1, 2025. 

OIPD may use responses to structure future solicitations. OIPD advises commenters to avoid including any information in their responses that might be considered business sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential. If, however, a commenter chooses to submit business sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise privileged information, it must be clearly and conspicuously marked as such in the response. 
The requested information is for preliminary planning purposes only, and does not constitute an obligation by OIPD to enter into a contractual agreement, nor does it constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that OIPD will issue an RFP in the future. OIPD will not be responsible for any costs offerors incur in furnishing this information.
We appreciate your time and effort in helping us ensure the efficient and effective use of the Digital Equity and Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) programs funding for Guam.
/s/ Melissa F. Bettis
Director
Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development
Office of the Governor of Guam