Sherburne County is looking for broadband partner. It’s a good opportunity is you are a potential partner and a good model if you are a community that might be looking for a partner yourself soon. Here’s the overview from the RFQ…

Sherburne County is seeking qualifications from potential firms to work in partnership with the County to install, maintain and operate a fiber optic network. The goal of the fiber network is to serve the residents, businesses, institutions and public facilities within Sherburne County. The intention of the RFQ is to select a well-qualified partner or partners to leverage their fiber broadband expertise and business acumen enabling the County to better position itself for future grant and partnership opportunities.

With the assistance of the selected partner(s), the County will submit an application to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (“DEED”) for a broadband development grant. DEED grant funding will be requested to help fund the installation of a fiber optic infrastructure network that meets the needs of the County. In the event DEED grant funding is unavailable, the County will review other possible funding alternatives.

The selected partner(s) will enter into a contract with the County that will secure the opportunity to design, construct and ultimately operate a community broadband network. This RFQ is designed to solicit potential qualified partners who will assist the County in developing creative broadband infrastructure solutions.