GERMAN TOWNSHIP ISSUES BROADBAND EXPANSION
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
The German Township Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that, on May 1, 2023, the Township issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the expansion and deployment of high-speed broadband internet service in the Township. The RFQ will allow the Township to identify firms that are capable of providing internet service to residents and businesses in areas of the Township where internet service is currently unavailable or inadequate. The RFQ was prepared by the Cohen Law Group, a Pittsburgh based telecommunications law firm, in conjunction with the Township Board. The RFQ is available at the Township website (www.germantownship.org) and by request. Interested firms are required to submit their responses to the RFQ prior to June 15, 2023.
The Township intends to take advantage of federal funding opportunities that have been made available for broadband expansion projects, along with funds provided by the firm or firms that will provide the internet service, to help facilitate the construction of the infrastructure necessary to provide services to residents in need. Possible funding sources include funds received by the Township under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and future funding under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. BEAD funding will be distributed by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority through an application process in the near future.
The Township recognizes that high-speed internet service is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Township residents need reliable internet service to perform at their highest levels in school, to excel in their careers, and to ensure public safety. The Township Supervisors look forward to addressing this important issue and working to provide high-speed broadband internet service to those residents who have been overlooked by internet providers in the past. The Township welcomes input on this project from residents and businesses, both in writing and at future public meetings, and will keep the public informed as the RFQ process progresses.
RESPECTFULLY,
TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
STEVE CLARK -CHAIRMAN
FLOYD GLADMAN-VICE CHAIR
L.C. OTTO - SECRETARY