The Puerto Rico Broadband Program (“PRBP”) of the Puerto Rico Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) was created pursuant to Executive Order No. EO-2022-040 (“Broadband Program Executive Order”)1, for the purposes set forth thereunder, including the coordination, authorization, and execution of the disbursement of local and federal funds allocated to Puerto Rico for broadband programs, among other things.
On May 11, 2023, the PRBP issued a Request for Proposals titled ‘Resilient Power and Hardening of Telecommunications Facilities Across Puerto Rico – Phase 1’ (“RFP-Round-1”)2, with a closing date of June 2, 2023. Thereafter, on September 18, 2023 the PRBP awarded the RFP-Round-1 to certain firm(s), according to the parameters established therein.
Through this request for proposals (“RFP-Round-2”) the PRBP is seeking responses from qualified vendors (”Applicants”), as the meet the requirements set forth in Section V of this RFP-Round-2, to design and implement resilient power systems and hardened infrastructure solutions for telecommunications facilities in Puerto Rico, including security infrastructure for key telecommunications sites, to address the Scope of Work defined in Section IV of this RFP-Round-2 (“Program”). The Program’s main goal is to facilitate reliable, resilient power and hardened infrastructure to key telecommunications facilities to minimize the loss of internet and telecommunications connectivity to Puerto Ricans. This is RFP – Round-2 is intended for “shovel ready” projects that can be implemented expeditiously.
Telecommunications infrastructure in Puerto Rico faces significant challenges due to frequent storms and commercial electrical grid reliability. Maintaining broadband connectivity during storms is of the utmost importance. When disasters strike, the people of Puerto Rico need to stay connected to obtain critical information and emergency services. A reliable broadband connection can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by these events. It is crucial to prioritize the development of resilient power and hardened infrastructure that can withstand these challenges and keep our communities connected, informed, and safe.
Through this RFP-Round 2, the PRBP seeks innovative solutions that can support more resilient and redundant networks that can withstand future storms and electrical grid outages, ultimately improving the overall quality of internet connectivity of Puerto Ricans – especially in times of disaster.
The PRBP solicits interested Applicants to submit their responses to this RFP-Round 2, which should include details on the use of funds, as well as any innovative solutions for the Program, if awarded by the PRBP. If an Applicant is selected under this RFP-Round 2, the PRBP will contact the appropriate Applicants to communicate any further information required, to the extent needed
The deadline for this RFP is December 22, 2023. Please send any queries via email to FAQ@smartisland.pr.gov. The subject on the electronic submission shall read as follows: ‘Re – Resilient Power and Hardening of Telecommunications Facilities Across Puerto Rico, Round 2’.
