LCOG Selects Vendor to Create Regional Broadband Strategy

EUGENE, Oregon. – Lane Council of Governments has selected a vendor to create a regional broadband strategy to increase access to internet services throughout Lane County.

After soliciting requests for proposals (RFPs) in June 2022, an RFP Selection Committee chose CobbFendley and Associates of Olympia, Washington to create the strategy and funding response for the Lane County, Oregon region.

The committee -- comprised of partners from the City of Eugene, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Lane Council of Governments, Lane County, the City of Springfield, Springfield Utility Board, and the University of Oregon -- received six proposals. Following a rigorous review, including vendor interviews, the committee selected CobbFendley and an Intent to Award was released on Friday, September 2, 2022. LCOG staff have begun contract negotiations with the vendor and hope to reach an agreement by the end of October 2022.

CobbFendley will develop a plan and actionable steps toward providing enhanced and reliable broadband internet service to Lane County areas lacking appropriate coverage, maximize the region’s competitiveness, and expand into underserved and unserved areas in Lane County.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the lack of reliable internet access to residents throughout Lane County when they needed it most, including for remote online school and working from home,” said Michael Wisth, LCOG Government Services Division Director. “This project is a chance for Oregon to continue to be a leader on the broadband front.”

The project’s initial focus will be on connecting near-term project concepts, and other actionable steps towards providing enhanced and reliable Broadband Internet Service to Lane County areas lacking appropriate coverage, to immediate and near-term Federal funding opportunities (with an emphasis on ARPA Capital Projects, BEAD and Digital Equity grants). Focus will then turn to broader longer-term support structures contributing to the ability of rural and urban centers to increase speeds and equitable access.

In anticipation of this project, LCOG staff have begun recruiting for the Broadband Strategy Advisory Committee, staffed by area partners and stakeholders, who will oversee the work of the vendor throughout the course of the project.

About Lane Council of Governments

LCOG’s mission is to coordinate and provide high quality public services in Lane County. Lane Council of Governments is dedicated to serving the public interest and enhancing the quality of life for citizens of Lane County. LCOG serves as a regional planning, coordination, program development, and service delivery organization in local communities across Lane County. Learn more at www.lcog.org.