Title
a. Authorize the Chief Information Officer or his designee to execute a non-standard Data License Agreement with CostQuest Associates, Incorporated for the provision of a software license to allow the County to access and download Federal Communications Commission data from the signing of this Agreement through August 1, 2030, at no cost to the County; and
b. Accept non-standard language as recommended by the Chief Information Officer.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Chief Information Officer or his designee to execute a non-standard Data License Agreement with CostQuest Associates, Incorporated for the provision of a software license to allow the County to access and download Federal Communications Commission data from the signing of this Agreement through August 1, 2030, at no cost to the County; and
b. Accept non-standard language as recommended by the Chief Information Officer.
SUMMARY:
CostQuest Associates, Incorporated is contracted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide the foundational location data to support the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection process and National Broadband Map. The approval of this non-standard Data License Agreement will allow the County to access data in relation to Broadband services available in Monterey County
DISCUSSION:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a significant step to address the need for accurate broadband service data with the release of the National Broadband Map. This map provides detailed information about internet services available at individual locations, including new mobile coverage maps based on data reported by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) through the FCC's ongoing Broadband Data Collection initiative.
Local government agencies now can access this valuable fabric data (a combination of different data integration styles) through CostQuest Associates, Incorporated contracted by the FCC, given that they meet specific criteria. Firstly, the agency must be responsible for managing FCC licensing, and secondly, they must have a fully executed software agreement with the vendor contracted by FCC. Fortunately, the Information Technology Department (ITD) meets this criteria since ITD is currently responsible for managing FCC licensing to support all non-emergency departments in the county, as well as 28 public safety agencies.
The approval of this recommended action will enable ITD to gain access to the necessary software license, enabling the department to access and utilize the FCC effectively. With the fabric data, the department will be able to evaluate regions of the county that are currently underserved or lacking broadband coverage. This data will prove valuable not only for identifying areas that need improved broadband services but also for sharing with potential providers and community partners who may seek funding for broadband expansion projects. By collaborating with such stakeholders, the county can work towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that reliable internet access is available to all residents and businesses in Monterey County. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the Chief Information Officer to approve this non-standard agreement for software license at no cost to the county.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed the agreement with CostQuest Associates, Incorporated.
FINANCING:
There is no fiscal impact to the County.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The approval of this recommended action will support the broadband initiatives and collaboration with community partners and providers to expand broadband services and improve digital equity.
X Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Sandra Shaffer, Management Analyst III, 759-5798
Approved by:
___________________________ Date: _________________
Eric A. Chatham, Chief Information Officer, 759-6920
Attachments:
Non-standard Agreement