Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Manager
Jon Walton, Chief Information Officer, Information Services
Subject: Public Internet Connectivity Pilot Project
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Approving a $2,879,010 allocation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for the purposes of funding the "Public Internet Connectivity Pilot Project" to improve high-speed internet access for disadvantaged students; and
B) Waiving the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and authorizing:
1. The County Manager, or the County Manager's designee, to prepare and execute agreements with Smartwave Technologies for the provision of design, installation, and maintenance services that will expand the current SMC Public Wi-Fi network in an amount not to exceed $1,916,585, and for the provision of mobile wireless access points in an amount not to exceed $250,620, with both agreements having a term of August 4, 2020, to August 4, 2021; and
2. Ratification of an agreement and amendment with Kaizen Technology Partners for consultancy and data services for the term of May 29, 2020, to May 28, 2021 in an amount not-to-exceed $495,000.
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BACKGROUND:
In March 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as local and state shelter-in-place orders, San Mateo County school districts resorted to distance learning conducted virtually over video conferencing platforms. The proliferation of students engaged in distance learning revealed significant internet connectivity challenges for school districts, especially those serving students in vulnerable communities.
During the 2020-2021 school year, it is anticipated that San Mateo County school districts will continue to implement distance learning until the risk of COVID-19 has been abated. The effective implementation of distance learning requires access to reliable and fas...
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