City Releases RFI for Fiber to Home

On April 24, 2023, the Carlisle City Council approved release of a Request For Information to companies interested in providing fiber internet access to the Carlisle community. 

The proposed Request for Information (“RFI”) seeks to identify qualified companies that can achieve the City of Carlisle’s (“Carlisle”) priority broadband goals, described in this RFI. Responses are welcome from any entity with a track record of providing excellent broadband services and the intent to meet these goals.  These may include incumbent service providers, competitive providers, nonprofit organizations, public cooperatives, nontraditional providers, and any other interested, capable entities.  Successful responses to this RFI will demonstrate how the respondent’s approach will achieve Carlisle’s goals, in a manner consistent with Iowa laws. Carlisle may also use responses to pre-qualify entities for any subsequent Request for Proposals or Quotations that may result from this initiative. Responses should provide information to Carlisle that helps it identify potential business models and partnering alternatives to pursue.  This includes identifying strategic-level conceptual terms and conditions under which selected providers would likely participate in such a project.  Carlisle is most interested in identifying providers able to construct, manage, or utilize a robust network that leads to achieving the community priorities in a timely manner (2–3 years). Respondents are encouraged to share their expertise so that it may be used to shape the direction and formation of the network. Multiple providers may collaborate to jointly respond to this RFI. Carlisle is not seeking Responses from vendors proposing a full municipal utility business model at this time. Responses that focus on business models and non-profit/private partnerships or agreements that effectively build on existing and planned municipal assets and operations are welcome.

The full RFI with instructions can be seen below. 

1. Written responses must be received no later than 5:00pm CDT on May 26, 2023.
2. Electronic RFI responses are highly encouraged. Submittals shall be submitted in a single Microsoft Word or PDF file and e-mailed to: curtis@smartsourceconsulting.com
3. If electing to submit a hard copy of the RFI response instead, please mail or hand deliver/ overnight/courier to:

SmartSource Consulting

9712 Turnpoint Dr.

West Des Moines, IA 50266