Telecommunications Assessment

Location:	California
Posted:	Feb 5, 2026
Due:	Mar 6, 2026
Agency:	Hillsborough town
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	D - Automatic Data Processing and Telecommunication Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Proposals Due: Friday, March 6, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. by email to mbrown@hillsborough.net .

Description: The Town of Hillsborough is soliciting proposals in order to identify qualified individuals, firms or teams of firms to provide professional services to the Town for the preparation of a Telecommunications Assessment. The selected consultant(s) will have demonstrated experience, qualifications, and knowledge in the preparation of a Town-wide telecommunications assessment and recommendations. Most recently the Town held a community meeting to give members of the public the opportunity to share their experiences and identify goals related to telecommunications services in Town, and staff made a presentation on the results at the January 12, 2026 City Council meeting. Agenda Link Here (see report starting on page 163):

Contact: Mandy Brown, mbrown@hillsborough.net

RFP Documents:

Request for Proposals (RFP)

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Request for Proposals (RFP)

Telecommunications Assessment

Issue Date: February 6, 2026

Response Due: March 6, 2026

TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH

California

Overview

The Town of Hillsborough (Town) is soliciting proposals in order to identify qualified individuals, firms or teams of

firms to provide professional services to the Town for the preparation of a Telecommunications Assessment. The

selected consultant(s) will have demonstrated experience, qualifications, and knowledge in the preparation of a Town-

wide telecommunications assessment and recommendations. The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to

solicit responses from individuals, firms, or teams of firms that desire to be considered for this project. Most recently

the Town held a community meeting to give members of the public the opportunity to share their experiences and

identify goals related to telecommunications services in Town, and staff made a presentation on the results at the

January 12, 2026 City Council meeting. Agenda Link Here (see report starting on page 163):

https://www.hillsborough.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-1411

Background

The Town of Hillsborough is located in San Mateo County, California with an area of 6.23 square miles and a current

population of ~11,000. Incorporated in 1910, the Town is a general law city governed by a five-member City Council

elected at-large, with a council-manager form of government. The Town employs approximately 90 staff who provide

public services including police protection, land use planning, building permitting and inspection, and maintenance of

roads, public facilities, water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructures. The Town also funds fire protection services

provided by the Central County Fire Department. The Town is zoned exclusively single-family residential, with

permitted non-residential uses including public and private schools, a country club, a racquet club, various public

facilities, utility installations, and open space.

The hilly terrain of the area and the low population density (about one tenth the density of San Francisco) have

presented challenges to traditional wireless and wired deployments. The Town is also vulnerable to power outages

and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The Town seeks a consultant to evaluate its current telecommunications service

availability and quality and explore creative methods and options to improve its connectivity. The Town is looking

for a qualified firm or firms to conduct a needs assessment, analyze available technologies and solutions, and develop

recommendations to deploy solutions to improve (1) fiber connectivity, (2) wireless service deficiencies, (3) power

backup solutions, and (4) alternative technologies to improve connectivity. This assessment should consider both

infrastructure solutions and technologies and solutions available for consumers.

The Project

The following generalized task descriptions are presented as information only to assist the firm in preparing the

proposal. The final scope of services will be incorporated into the negotiated agreement. If any information is unclear,

please provide assumptions and state these assumptions within your proposal.

a. Conduct Needs Assessment

a. Determine the Town’s current coverages, services, needs and demand for both wireless and fiber

b. Research and evaluate the current supply of wireless and fiber communications assets, products, and

services in the Town and region

c. Analysis of relevant information and maps available through the Federal Communications

Commission

d. Map out and designate areas lacking sufficient wireless and fiber access. Identify coverage gaps and

unreliable and/or inadequate services within the Town, utilizing the necessary information sources

e. Outreach and community engagement activities:

i. Conduct independent community outreach, including virtual town hall meetings, online

surveys, and at least one community workshop for Town residents

ii. Conduct stakeholder interviews with service providers

f. Review existing Town policies and ordinances regulating wireless and wireline communication

facilities

b. Identify Solutions to Improve (1) Fiber Connectivity, (2) Wireless Connectivity, (3) Access to Backup Power,

and (4) Utilization of Alternative Technologies

a. Conduct peer analysis of similar communities to identify solutions as it relates to each of the four

identified areas of need

b. Review Town-owned facilities for potential integration/involvement into solutions

c. Provide recommendations on potential changes to Town regulations or policies

d. Develop community education library and resources guide, including but not limited to:

i. Resources for homeowners on how to improve quality and reliability of services at home

ii. List of providers, discounts, or incentives available

iii. Potential grant or incentive programs that the Town could apply for or offer

iv. Develop FAQ or guide to support resident connectivity to available providers

e. Research and summarize alternative technologies and solutions available or upcoming that could

improve connectivity and reliability, including but not limited to:

i. Satellite or space-based networks

ii. Alternative wireless providers

iii. Development of microgrid to support backup power solutions

iv. Coordination with other public entities to support service enhancements

v. Others

c. Develop Recommendations for Implementing Solutions

a. Identify the specific tasks involved to accomplish each identified solution, including:

i. The role of the Town

ii. The role of other entities (either public or private)

iii. The role of the resident/other group

iv. Associated budget (and who is responsible)

v. Anticipated timeline for implementation

vi. Anticipated trade-offs or considerations

Selection Process

1. Based on the responses received, Town staff may choose to interview some, all, or none of the Proposers.

The Town will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

a. The firm is independent and properly licensed to practice and authorized to do business in the State of

California.

b. The firm has no conflict of interest with regard to any other work performed by the firm for the Town.

c. Clarity and conformance of proposal to RFP.

d. Content of the proposal.

e. Proposed method to accomplish the Services

f. Proposer’s experience and performance.

g. Team members’ experience and performance.

h. Fee proposal.

i. Reference’s comments.

2. It is the Town’s intent to select a firm evidencing demonstrated competence and professional qualification

sufficient to perform the Services. The Town reserves the right to reject all proposals, select by proposal

review only or interview as needed. Certain firms may be selected to make a brief presentation and oral

interview after which a final selection will be made. The successful proposer will be selected on the basis of

information provided in the RFP, in-person presentations, and the results of the Town’s research and

investigation. Upon selection of a firm, the Town will endeavor to negotiate a mutually agreeable

professional services agreement with the selected firm. In the event that the Town is unable to reach

agreement, the Town will proceed, at its sole discretion, to negotiate with the next firm selected by the Town.

The Town reserves the right to contract for services in the manner that most benefits the Town including

awarding more than one contract if desired.

3. After negotiating a proposed Agreement that is fair and reasonable, Town staff will make the final

recommendation to the City Council concerning the proposed Agreement. The City Council has the final

authority to approve or reject the Agreement.

Protests

1. Protest Contents: Proposer may protest a contract award if the Proposer believes that the award was

inconsistent with Town policy or this RFP is not in compliance with law. A protest must be filed in writing

with the Town (email is not acceptable) within five (5) business days after receipt of notification of the

contract award. Any protest submitted after ___ p.m. of the fifth business day after notification of the

contract award will be rejected by the Town as invalid and the Proposer’s failure to timely file a protest will

waive the Proposer’s right to protest the contract award. The Proposer’s protest must include supporting

documentation, legal authorities in support of the grounds for the protest and the name, address and

telephone number of the person representing the Proposer for purposes of the protest. Any matters not set

forth in the protest shall be deemed waived.

2. Town Review: The Town will review and evaluate the basis of the protest provided the protest is filed in

strict conformity with the foregoing. The Town shall provide the Proposer submitting the protest with a

written statement concurring with or denying the protest. Action by the Town relative to the protest will be

final and not subject to appeal or reconsideration. The procedure and time limits set forth in this Section are

mandatory and are the Proposer’s sole and exclusive remedy in the event of protest. Failure to comply with

these procedures will constitute a waiver of any right to further pursue the protest, including filing a

Government Code claim or legal proceedings.

Evaluation Procedure

In reviewing a firm’s proposal, staff will evaluate firms based on their submittal and adherence to the objectives

delineated in this RFP.

RFP Schedule

The Town reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the timeline as it deems necessary.

Process Step

Release of RFP

Deadline for Questions

Town Provides Responses to Questions

Responses Due by 12:00 p.m.

Evaluation of Responses

Interviews (if requested by Town)

Select Proposer(s)

Estimated Dates

February 6, 2026

February 18, 2026 by 5:00 pm

February 25, 2026

March 6, 2026 by 12:00 pm

Week of March 9

Week of March 16

End of March

Submittals

Digital Submittal

Proposals must be in PDF format and must be submitted electronically, via email to mbrown@hillsborough.net or via

a platform such as DropBox, Box, or other similar, cloud-based FTP site. PAPER SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT

BE ACCEPTED.

Submittal Deadline

Proposals are due no later than 12:00 pm on March 6, 2026.

Submittal Requirements

Proposers who wish to be considered for this project must submit an electronic copy of their proposal to the Town

for review. Electronic documents should be submitted in PDF form. Proposals should be clear and concise. At a

minimum, each proposal must include the following information in sections as outlined below.

b. Submittal Cover Form and Cover Letter

The proposal shall be submitted with a cover letter. The letter accompanying the proposal must

provide the name, title, address, telephone number, and signature of the individual(s) authorized to

negotiate and bind the firm contractually. An unsigned proposal or one signed by an individual.

c. Project Approach and Proposed Scope of Work

Provide a detailed description of the firm’s proposed approach to implementing the Scope of

Services. At a minimum, the approach shall include implementation plan for the tasks described in

the scope of services and any recommended revisions or additions to the list of tasks.

d. Project Schedule and Timeline

Outline a proposed project schedule, timeline, and deliverables.

e. Experience and Qualifications

Provide a brief history of the firm, including name of the firm, general services, experience, the year

the firm was established under the current name, the principal place of business, and the location of

local office(s). Indicate any other previous names for the firm during the last five years and the year

any name change was effective.

f. References

Provide a list of at least three prior projects/contracts within the last ten years in which the firm

provided relevant services similar to this assignment. Provide the name of client, location, proposed

staff who worked on the example projects, description of services, schedule, contact information, etc.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

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Telecommunications Assessment

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