HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - 8179 BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSISProposal For:
BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN- FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
Per RFP 8179
Submitted by:
Uptown Services, LLC
CONTENTS
I. CONSULTANT BACKGROUND ...............................................................................1
II. PROJECT APPROACH ..............................................................................................2
A. TASK 1: CITY OF FORT COLLINSASSET REPORT AND MAPS (S) ..........................................2
B. TASK 2: TARGET BROADBAND STANDARD(S) REPORT........................................................5
C. TASK 3: BROADBAND SERVICE MARKET DEMAND REPORT ................................................6
D. TASK 4: FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS ........................................................................................11
E. TASK 5: STRATEGIC, FINANCIAL, OPERATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL RISKS AND
OPPORTUNITIES REPORT..................................................................................................................15
TASK 6: BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN SYNOPSIS AND RECOMMENDATION REPORT .....................15
III. SCOPE OF SERVICES..............................................................................................16
IV. PROJECT MANAGER..............................................................................................16
V. PROJECT TEAM ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES................................................17
VI. SUSTAINABILITY....................................................................................................18
VII. PROJECT BUDGET..................................................................................................18
VIII. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE......................................................................................19
A. EXAMPLES OF SIMILAR FEASIBILITY STUDY PROJECTS WITH REFERENCES.......................19
B. RELEVANT FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE .................................................................................21
C. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXPERTISE ............................................................................24
IX. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL – CONSULTING PHILOSOPHY..............................25
X. ADDENDUM CONFIRMATION..............................................................................25
XI. APPENDIX.................................................................................................................25
A. PROJECT TEAM RESUMES ..................................................................................................25
B. UPTOWN CLIENT LIST .......................................................................................................25
The City of Fort Collins
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I. Consultant Background
Uptown Services (Uptown) is in its 16th year of providing broadband consulting to the municipal and public
power sector. We support our clients with leading edge feasibility studies, business planning/strategy advising,
engineering and implementation support services across a full range of functional areas. We work with existing
broadband operators as well as entities considering deploying these systems. Our services and expertise cover
the full potential of this industry including local telephony, video entertainment, high speed Internet access, and
smart grid. While we understand the full range of broadband network technologies, the vast majority of our
broadband consulting experience is with fiber networks.
A brief company history and experience of our firm’s role in planning, engineering, implementing, or operating
next generation FTTP systems is presented in the table below. Over the last 16 years, Uptown has established a
strong track record as a consulting advisor to numerous municipal broadband systems across a full range of
functional expertise cover planning, business case development, financial analysis, market research and analysis,
business operations, system design, technical planning, and system start-up and implementation.
With this experience, Uptown has established credentials in serving the municipal broadband industry across a
range of important and successful projects, and has developed a comprehensive set of advisory skill sets to
provide ‘big picture’ perspective for the City’s strategic planning project.
Demonstrated Expertise Detail
We have launched 6 fiber systems as part
of the start-up team and advising or
completing functional tasks across all
areas.
Uptown was the implementation consultant for Sallisaw, OK
(2005); Morristown, TN (2006); Pulaski, TN (2007); Tullahoma,
TN (2008); Wilson, NC (2008), and Longmont, CO (2014). These
systems are successful and are ‘case study’ systems referenced by
the FTTH Council and Broadband Communities. Longmont is
nearing its one year anniversary of FTTP and has achieved 45
penetration of Internet service where available.
We have implemented very successful
turn-around plans with existing
broadband systems that needed to
improve their operating performance
Example: Uptown worked with Columbia, TN to overhaul their
product pricing and packaging, implement technical upgrades, and
launch voice services. The result was a reversal of subscriber
declines and an increase of annual cash flow by $200k
We have designed and engineered the fiber
networks of both last mile and middle
systems
Uptown has been contracted to engineer last mile and middle mile
fiber systems for the City of Wilson, NC, Cedar Falls Utilities,
Concord Municipal Light Plant, City of Dover, OH, San Luis
Valley REC, Delta Montrose Electric Association, Longmont
Power & Communications and The City of Beverly Hills. We have
either completed or are under contract to complete over 1,500 miles
of plant and 100,000 passings.
We have designed and engineered Smart
Grid and broadband wireless systems
Uptown has engineered and implemented advanced metering
infrastructure and smart grid systems for Tipp City, Ohio and
Concord Municipal Light Plant (MA). We have also engineered
Cedar Falls Utilities’ broadband wireless system for their rural
broadband stimulus award.
We serve in an ongoing advisory capacity
to some of the most successful fiber
systems
Example: Uptown serves in an ongoing advisory capacity with
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We have developed a leading-edge
quantitative market survey approach to
evaluate the unique fiber potential of each
specific community
Uptown has conducted 24 comprehensive broadband market
research studies using quantitative market research and total sample
of 9,400.
We have negotiated the original video
programming agreements for fiber
systems
Uptown negotiated and secured the programming contracts for
Sallisaw, OK (2005); Bristol, TN (2005); Morristown, TN (2006);
Pulaski, TN (2007); Tullahoma, TN (2008); Wilson, NC (2008);
Chattanooga, TN (2009); Opelika, AL (2012); and Northeast
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (2014)
We have devised and implemented
successful marketing and sales programs
Uptown has designed and implemented marketing and/or sales
programs for several new and existing FTTP systems
We have served as an expert witness and
testified as such in court actions involving
municipal broadband
Uptown principal Dave Stockton has served as an expert witness on
3 municipal broadband federal cases
II. Project Approach
A. Task 1: City of Fort Collins Asset Report and Map(s)
Uptown will evaluate the City’s current broadband network capabilities. To the extent possible, we will
compare the City’s existing network with the incumbent provider’s network for possible synergies and/or gaps.
Uptown will perform a technical evaluation of the City’s existing fiber-optic network resources and its ability to
expand to provide broadband services. This analysis will reflect existing fiber strand availability, fiber strand
characteristics, geographic usability and cable route space capacity. In conjunction with the fiber network,
Uptown will also evaluate the City’s Tropos Wi-Fi capability to identify efficiencies and future capabilities.
1. Deliverable: Evaluation of Current Network Capabilities
Uptown will evaluate and characterize the City’s current broadband network capabilities. This assessment will
include analysis of City GIS information and other public data sources available at the time of the study.
Uptown will work to catalogue the relevant fiber cable, conduits, structures, equipment and sites that could be
used in any future broadband implementation. By being based on Boulder, we will be in a position to do much
of this work in person, without the cost of airfare or hotels. This affords us the ability to spend more time on site
working with City staff and reviewing paper documents as required (e.g. subdivision plat maps or plotted paper
maps).
Per the City’s requirements, Uptown will characterize key assets in the context of their applicability to different
broadband implementations. For example, how would fiber scarcity (or abundance) impact the City’s preference
network architecture in the future? Short haul fiber applications as less sensitive to fiber strand make up, but we
will confirm the City’s ability to use Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology based on the type
of fiber that is currently owned by the City.
The analysis will compare and contrast the City’s assets and the network that it might enable with the networks
of phone and cable incumbents. Uptown has worked for several municipal utilities that have built and operated
state of the art cable television systems (hybrid fiber coax or HFC). We understand the upgrade path available
for HFC systems and have completed numerous cost studies and business cases for these clients. This gives us
the inside knowledge to understand what a cable company would be considering in response to a FTTP
overbuild.
Finally, Uptown will review the current Tropos system in Fort Collins. We have worked with several clients on
wireless strategies, including a stimulus implementation for Cedar Falls Utilities (Iowa). This experience has
made us familiar with the realities of Wi-Fi systems. In addition to consulting experience with municipalities,
Uptown also started a Wi-Fi testing company called “WiVerifi.” WiVerifi completed third party validation
testing for most of the leading city-wide wireless networks that were deployed in the mid-2000s. Our testing
included Portland, San Jose, Santa Clara, Lompoc, Philadelphia and several other cities. Most of the systems
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tested were Tropos networks. Through this experience, we became very familiar with benefits and drawbacks of
a mesh network, so we are highly qualified to evaluate the Tropos network in Fort Collins.
2. Deliverable: Consideration of Innovative Design and Construction
Approaches
Uptown served as the owner’s rep for the Sallisaw Municipal Authority (SMA) FTTP deployment in 2004.
Since that time, we have worked with many more clients that have successfully deployed FTTP networks. Over
this period of time, we have completed over 40 feasibility studies and engineered over 1,500 miles of FTTP
systems passing over 100,000 homes and businesses. Uptown starts each assignment with a review the latest
enabling equipment and outside plant technologies and construction techniques. Some approaches show
promise, but aren’t quite ready for deployment. Other products or techniques are hyped to be promising, but fail
to materialize in reality. We will consider the leading design and outside plant construction approaches as part
the City’s feasibility study.
a. Analysis of Innovative Underground Construction Techniques
Given the high percentage of underground plant in the City, it will be essential to find the optimal approach for
underground outside plant path creation. Uptown will complete a careful assessment of easements, rights of way
and soil conditions to determine what underground construction approaches are available to City. Uptown has
extensive experience with horizontal directional drilling and missile boring around the country. We have also
kept a careful eye on micro trenching over the past 10 years. We have completed in depth analyses for several
clients over the past five years. The applicability of micro trenching for the City will depend heavily on the
requirements of the public works department relative to ongoing road, gutter and sidewalk maintenance. In any
case, Uptown is very attuned to huge impact that underground path creation costs will have on the financial
viability of this project. We will complete an in-depth analysis of innovative construction approaches based on
the factors present in Fort Collings and share those findings with the City.
b. Analysis of Innovative Last Mile Design Approaches
Uptown has been designing FTTP systems for over 10 years. While our designs are state of the art, they also
strike the optimal balance of being future proof, craft friendly and economical. Over the years labor rates have
increased and material costs have stabilized or declined. Attaining the “spliceless” drop install has always been
the unachievable when it came to the optimal mix of factors - until now. As the system architect for Longmont’s
NextLight system, Uptown developed a bundle of building blocks in concert with two key vendors that enabled
an economical connectorized network. Our approach eliminated 40,000 splices and trimmed over $2M from the
last mile capital budget. Installers do not need to carry $7,000 splicers and they aren’t required to open and close
splice enclosures to complete a standard residential or commercial install. This would not have been possible
without Uptown’s relationships with leading suppliers in the FTTP industry. Uptown also completed this work
as an out of scope effort prior to commencing with the actual design.
Uptown will review the latest innovations for FTTP systems as part of the City’s study. This process will start
with discussions with City staff related to network requirements such as spliceless installs, structure size and
fiber placement. We will then work with leading vendors to discover any new or innovative building blocks that
might help to achieve the City’s given objectives. We will include City staff in this process which will give
them an opportunity to learn about the latest FTTP capabilities and provide critical feedback to Uptown as the
reference architecture takes shape. The fact that Uptown is a short drive from Fort Collins, will make it easier
for us to meet face to face for these important ad hoc discussions.
3. Deliverable: Reference Architecture
Uptown brings a very detailed level of understanding of broadband technology, and fiber networks in particular,
to this assignment. We see the role of understanding technology at two levels; the inherent capabilities of a
given technology and the competitive threats and opportunities associated with it over time, and the practical
cost/budgeting requirements associated with a particular technology when applied to a specific client system.
The latter dimension involves actual applied experience in designing fiber systems and the ability to intersect the
technology with the financials required to deploy it.
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Broadband is an extremely capital intensive endeavor, so we need to make sure the financials include an accurate
estimate of the cost to deploy the proposed broadband system throughout the community. The purpose of this
task is to define the appropriate technology strategy for the Client and then to develop a capital budget using
advanced engineering methods.
Neil Shaw first evaluated broadband technologies as a new hire at Northwestern Bell in 1987. He continues to
evaluate the evolving standards and how they apply to different client situations. Broadband technologies have
matured a great deal since Uptown implemented their first system in 2004. Standards have emerged for Gigabit
passive optical network (GPON) and active Ethernet last mile systems. Uptown has worked with both types of
networks and can speak to the capabilities and costs involved.
Uptown will develop the network architecture recommendation for the Client based on the aforementioned
analysis and the following factors:
Applicable Smart Grid system requirements
Triple play services requirements
Support of open access / open services business model as required
Ability to leverage existing infrastructure
Deployment cost and life cycle costs
Point on the cost curve
Point in technology life cycle
Upgrade path
Overall cost of ownership
Bandwidth capabilities
Standards compliance
Optical budget
The system architecture recommendation will consist of the technology specific recommendations for the
broadband systems required to support the Client’s broadband objectives and requirements. Uptown’s
recommended technology approach will be used as the basis for developing the capital budget for the business
plan.
4. Deliverable: FTTH Sample Designs
Uptown will develop broadband sample network designs as part of the development of an accurate capital
budget. The design will accommodate current needs and be scalable enough to provide for future needs without
wholesale equipment replacement. Outside plant items such as rights-of-way issues, pole attachments, and other
items required for successful implementation will be addressed. Other issues such as network redundancy,
equipment, ancillary equipment such as vehicles and other equipment not directly used in the transmission of the
signal will be addressed.
The sample design phase involves evaluation and development of the optimal outside plant design approach for
the proposed broadband system. Uptown will work with Client staff to define the best mix of building blocks
and their sizing for all critical outside plant components. We will also identify with staff the appropriate sample
areas to be evaluated in detail. Our process for completing this task is detailed next.
a. Characterization of Service Area
A good broadband design should accommodate and leverage the unique characteristics of the local service area.
Uptown will work with Client staff to collect important information including, but not limited to the following:
1. Total residential passings;
2. Total commercial passings;
3. Total Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs);
4. Total road miles;
5. Total miles of electric plant;
6. Percentage overhead vs. underground (direct buried vs. conduit);
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7. Availability of pole space for additional fiber cable (power space vs. telecom space);
8. Square miles of service area;
9. Location of all key Utility assets;
10. Existing fiber routes;
11. Location of local exchange carrier (LEC) central office (CO);
12. Location of any other telecommunications points of presence (i.e. long haul carriers)
b. Selection of Sample Design Areas
We will jointly determine what areas (up to three service areas of 250 passings or less) are best representative of
the entire service area and then complete a detailed design of them. This information will then be used to
develop weighted capital requirements for the full service area.
c. Node Sizing
Depending on the size of the service area and the broadband system used in the study, the Client may need to
deploy nodes to house active electronics. Uptown will discuss this approach with Client staff and go over any
restrictions on these locations. Uptown will also review active node configuration alternatives that have been
installed in various broadband networks. Finally, Uptown will estimate the number of passings and subscribers
per active node. This node sizing will be based on the combination of the desired configuration (footprint / form
factor), distance from head end and likely penetration of homes passed for the Client’s services.
d. Deliverable: Sample Designs
Uptown will provide detailed ESRI-based maps of each of the selected sample design areas.
e. Deliverable: Capital Budget
Uptown will provide a line item capital budget including quantity and unit cost information for each major piece
of equipment or materials required for a system-wide broadband deployment. This budget will include
expenditures related to outside plant materials and construction, fiber transport equipment, broadband equipment
including network interface devices, customer premises equipment including set top boxes, head end systems,
building renovations and any other major expenditures (vehicles, test equipment, etc.). This will serve as a key
input for the financial analysis task.
B. Task 2: Target Broadband Standard(s) Report
Uptown will define and justify reasonable standards (capacity, throughput, quality of service/reliability, etc.) for
multiple applicable classes of next generation broadband services and summarize our recommendation on a
Broadband Standards Report. To accomplish this, Uptown will define the services to be offered with respect to
capacity (downstream and upstream), features and functionality, packaging, tiers, rate card pricing,
discounting/bundling, terms of service restrictions, and Service Level Agreement parameters (for the relevant
classes of service (e.g. high cap services).
The next generation broadband services that will be quantified will include:
Service Market Service Parameters
High
Capacity
Data
Services
Medium-
Large
Commercial &
Institutions
Dedicated high-capacity Access and Transport services ranging
from 100Mbps to 10Gbps+
Internet
Access
Services
Residential
and
Commercial
Internet Service Tiers
Downstream and upstream speeds
Features
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Video
Services Residential
Limited Basic
Expanded Basic
Digital Packages
Digital Tiers
Premiums
PPV/VOD
Standard Set Top Boxes
High Definition/ DVR Set Top
Voice
Services
Residential
and
Commercial
Access Line Fees
Feature Packages
Long Distance Packages
Triple Play
Bundles Residential
2- and 3-service combinations, discounts, and term limitations
C. Task 3: Broadband Service Market Demand Report
Per the RFP, Uptown will conduct market research with the purpose of:
Identifying unique needs (services) by sector of population and/or geographical area.
Estimating demand and take-rate assumptions by sector(s).
To accomplish this, Uptown will assess the market demand for services enabled by a broadband system. This
demand analysis will utilize local and statistically valid quantitative market research and will feed into the
financial analysis (Task 4) as inputs for the residential segment. Additionally, Uptown will conduct qualitative
research in the form of depth interviews to assess the demand and needs of the commercial and institutional
segment. Uptown will work with City staff to finalize the survey instrument to be used. All of our clients
approve all research activities and survey designs prior to use.
This task will be completed using both primary (local market) quantitative telephone surveys and qualitative
depth interviews to evaluate local market conditions. The structure of the research as applied to the requirements
per the RFP are summarized in the table below:
Market
Segment
Research
Methodology Research Parameters
Residential
Consumers
Quantitative
Phone Surveys
Sample size of 400 with 95% Confidence Interval (n=400)
10-12 minute survey
Screened for telecom/broadband decision maker and employment bias
Weighted by age decile to project to census distribution of population
Small and
Medium
Sized
Businesses
Sample size of 50 with 95% Confidence Interval (n=50)
10-12 minute survey
Large
Employers
Depth
Interviews
Depth Interviews of 30-45 minutes each1
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K-12 Education
Higher Education
Property
Development
Depth Interviews of 30-45 minutes each1
Sectors included:
MDU owners and managers
Stakeholders across specific geographic areas:
Downtown Fort Collins
North College Avenue
Midtown and the Mason Street Corridor
Mountain Vista Subarea
Harmony Corridor
1. Quantitative Research Methodology
The research survey will be conducted according to acceptable research standards for achievement of random
and independent sampling of the universe population. Uptown’s quantitative research approach utilizes formal
and empirically proven techniques to ensure that both the data and the analysis are of the highest quality.
a. Scope of Survey
The quantitative survey will cover the following major areas:
Identification of current broadband services being used, from which provider (market share), and
monthly spending.
Satisfaction with current services and areas for improvement.
Willingness-to-pay at a 10% discount to incumbent offerings and analysis of expected take rates
(penetration) for each service.
An identification and rating of service attributes.
Identification of areas of improvement relative to current services
Ranking of importance of broadband to the community and identification of ideal service provider
b. Response Design
Uptown carefully designs response options to ensure they are symmetrical and meet accepted research standards.
We exclusively use Likert scales for purchase intent questions. Further we include open-ended response options
in our surveys to gather specific information where needed (e.g. “What could be improved with your current
broadband services?”). Open-ended question cost more to include because they require labor costs to code the
responses, but we strongly believe they improve the quality of the research.
c. Screening Criteria
Uptown uses screening questions at the start of every interview to insure that the respondent is not biased due to
their employment. For example, we screen out all client employees and all incumbent employees. We also
make sure we are talking to the decision-maker for these services in the home or business.
d. Residential Survey Sample
Residential sample size will be 400. A 95% confidence interval will be achieved for the residential quantitative
research survey. With a universe of approximately 46,000 households, an error rate of +/-4.88% is realized with
a sample size of 400. We exclusively use phone surveys to remove bias from the sample. It is our strong belief
that mail response surveys do not achieve a random sample. Also, the research firm we work with uses software
that ensures a random sampling form the list that is loaded onto the autodialer.
e. Important Survey Metrics
The length of the phone survey will be 10-12 minutes.
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The survey sample will be conducted with decision makers of entertainment and communications
services for their household/business.
Sample file to be provided by Client (e.g. Electric Utility Customer File or Property Tax Database)
The survey will include an up-front screener question to ensure that employees of the City or one of
the incumbent providers are not included in the sample.
f. Survey Scope
The survey scope shall generate the key local market data required to enable an accurate financial analysis to be
prepared and will be conducted using professional research practices and standards.
The survey will identify current usage of broadband services
The survey will identify current spending patterns for broadband services
The survey will measure the current satisfaction levels among the incumbent providers for Cable TV,
Internet access, and local phone service.
The survey will measure the performance of the following key players on the above attributes:
Incumbent Cable Television Providers (MSO’s)
Incumbent Local Phone Companies (ILEC’s)
The survey will quantify the interest and purchase intent (willingness to switch) for broadband
services if offered by an alternative provider.
Our approach to survey design will be consistent with professional techniques to ensure data validity. In this
way, the Client is assured of viable research data and the quality of the financial inputs derived from it:
Sampling (randomness and confidence interval)
Response design (e.g. Likert Scale, other)
Overstatement adjustment (purchase intent forecasting)
Screening criteria (e.g. not an employee of an incumbent)
2. Deliverable: Analyze Service Offerings of Incumbent Providers
Uptown will analyze the local providers of broadband and telecommunications services (phone, video, and
Internet access) used by the residential and business markets. The incumbents studied will include at a
minimum:
Incumbent Local Cable TV Providers
Broadband Internet Access Providers
Incumbent Local Telephone Providers
Uptown will identify the local offerings of the existing providers. We will also analyze the pricing of current
service offerings. In completing this task, Uptown will complete a side-by-side comparison of each major
product, or product package, within each product category (LOB) to the appropriate benchmark incumbent and
identify any corresponding price discount or price premiums.
3. Deliverable: Consumption Patterns
Uptown will determine the current usage behavior for each broadband service. Specific usage information will
include:
Cable Television
% of households using no pay TV service
% of households using Cable TV service
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% of households using Satellite TV service
% of Pay TV households using analog TV service
% of Pay TV households using digital TV service
% of Pay TV households using High definition TV service
Internet Access
% of households without a PC
% of households with a PC but no Internet
% of households using Dial-Up Internet service
% of households using Cable Modem Internet service
% of households using DSL Internet service
Market share of Internet providers
Local Telephone
% of households using Wireless as a substitute for Wireline
% of households using VoIP
Number of lines per household
4. Deliverable: Customer Satisfaction
Uptown will interpret the role service satisfaction levels play in market demand for alternative broadband
services. This data can be cross-tabbed with other data to provide insight into the drivers of satisfaction.
Uptown will determine the current satisfaction ratings for each service category and provider. Specific
satisfaction data will cover:
Satisfaction Scores by Service category
Cable TV
Satellite TV
Dial-Up Internet
DSL Internet
Cable Modem Internet
Local Telephone
5. Deliverable: Determine Market Demand
Uptown will define the opportunity for launching broadband services in Fort Collins in terms of potential size
and market share penetration rates. Uptown has developed a reliable methodology for predicted market
penetration if the City were to launch a broadband service. Details of the approach and its accuracy are
presented below.
a. Willingness to Pay
Uptown will identify the purchase intent of the residential market for each of the three services and the
willingness to switch form an incumbent provider to the City. To extend the ‘shelf-life’ of the research and
ensure correct interpretation by respondents who may not be aware of nominal price points by the incumbents,
we use a “10 Percent Less” reference point to the existing incumbent services.
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b. Overstatement Adjustment
In our experience, Uptown is unique in its use of Overstatement Adjustment within the municipal broadband
sector. Overstatement Adjustment is a time-tested empirical method for determining eventual market penetration
of a service being evaluated using quantitative market research. This technique has been around for over 30
years and was pioneered in the packaged goods sector by firms such as Proctor & Gamble. The technique was
developed as these firms realized that research respondents, for various reasons, overstated their purchase
intentions during research as compared to the eventual penetration of a product that was subsequently
commercially launched. This technique involves adjusting the respondent statement downward to reflect actual
purchasing behavior when someone is actually choosing to pay for a service. In other words, we factor down the
responses to generate a more accurate penetration forecast. Uptown will use a 5-point Likert scale as the
response options for purchase intent, and these will then be factors for overstatement adjustment.
6. Deliverable: Benchmarking Research Results
In completing 25 municipal broadband quantitative surveys in the last 10 years, Uptown is uniquely qualified to
benchmark the Client penetration estimates and other research findings against other Uptown quantitative
research studies. Uptown will provide comparable data to clarify where the Client stands in comparison to other
markets relative to demand for alternative broadband.
Our intent in reviewing these metrics is to assess the Client business case for reasonableness and achievability.
This analysis attempts to answer such questions as; are the operating targets achievable compared to the actual
performance of similar ventures in this industry? How strong are the purchase intent levels compared to other
feasibility study quantitative research results?
This analysis will be completed such that Client staff will receive benchmark metrics for the key market
variables on these dimensions:
a. Purchase Intent (research-based)
Uptown will use a minimum of 20 relevant and comparable quantitative surveys within the last 10 years to
graphically depict how the Client’s survey penetration metrics compares to these other markets. The range of
penetration estimates will be provided and the Client will be plotted within that range.
b. Satisfaction Levels (research-based)
In a similar fashion, Uptown will use the same comparable quantitative surveys to graphically depict how the
Client’s survey satisfaction metrics compares to these other markets. The range of penetration estimates will be
provided and the Client will be plotted within that range.
7. Deliverable: Depth Interviews
The objective of the depth interviews is to qualify the current and future capacity needs, unmet needs, issues
with the currently available broadband service/infrastructure, and interest and level of support for the
development and implementation of gigabit speed, high-capacity fiber broadband infrastructure. Some of those
interviewed could be potential customers as a major commercial account, or they could be a person of
importance in the community whose support of this project is desired. The City will be responsible for the
following tasks relative to the depth interviews:
Identifying the participants
Approving the final interview list
Recruit participants and scheduling the interviews
Uptown will complete twenty (20) in-depth face-to-face interviews within the stakeholder segments identified in
the Research Parameters above.
Information gathered will include but not be limited to:
Applications using broadband service
Current use of broadband services and data networks regarding capacity, architecture and redundancy
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Future use of broadband services and data networks regarding capacity, architecture and redundancy
Experience with existing broadband service in the local area and satisfactions/deficiencies with current
service and providers
Desired and/or expected expansion of broadband in the local/regional area
Responsiveness to price decreases/increases or service improvements
Beliefs about how broadband could/should impact future economic development within the
local/regional area
D. Task 4: Feasibility Analysis
Uptown will analyze the financial feasibility of deploying a broadband network in the City and deliver a 15 year
pro forma forecast. As part of the greater financial analysis, Uptown will complete an analysis of the various
business structure options available to the City for providing broadband services by exploring the strategic,
financial, and organizational implications of each. Uptown will evaluate the potential business structure options
with City staff to make sure all appropriate options are being considered and then go about evaluating the
alternatives from both qualitative and quantitative points of view.
This deliverable will include all applicable capital costs, operating expenses, and revenues to operate an FTTP
system as either a wholesaler or retailer. The following specific line-items will be included as required per the
RFP:
Capital investment required (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
Additional assets required (alignment with Asset Inventory)
Potential Services and Partners (aligned with assessment and identifying strategic impact and cash
flows)
Operations & Maintenance (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
Repair
Customer Service
Installation
Marketing
SG&A (personnel, professional services, supplies, etc.)
Financials (Net Income, Balance Sheet & Cash Flow) over ten (15) years
We will use our financial models to evaluate in detail the financial feasibility and outcomes for the business models
being evaluated. Accordingly, the feasibility analysis methodology will allow creation of a market-driven
demand-planning tool that is flexible and allows for mutations of the various strategies depending on certain
variables, rather than a detailed business plan of a single option.
For those models which involve a private operator, Uptown will evaluate the viable wholesale price points that
would need to be charged by the City to sustain financial feasibility. Additionally, we will then evaluate the
expected financial returns for the private operator. The objective would be to evaluate the “intersection” where
financial terms are viable for both parties.
Completion of this task will include an analysis of the following business structure options, and our methodology
will be compliant to the requirements issued in the RFP:
Option 1: Status Quo
Option 2: Policy Change. Implement changes to municipal code, permitting, etc. to encourage
incremental private sector enhancement to broadband infrastructure and future preparedness.
Option 3: Dark Fiber Leasing.
Option 4: Municipality-Owned and Controlled. The City serves as the services retailer. The City
builds/owns/operates its own utility and directly retails the services being provided. It is expected that a
CLEC partner would resell voice service to the City in this scenario if voice service is offered over the
network.
Option 5: Public-Private Partnership(s) The City serves as the services wholesaler in a public/private
partnership model. The City builds and owns the fiber system utility and relies on an exclusive private
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
12
sector partner as the services retailer/provider to the end user. The private provider(s) could be either
existing major incumbents (cable and telco) and/or local and regional ISP’s.
Option 6: Hybrid Public-Private Partnership(s). A hybrid of Options 4 and 5 where the City directly
serves end users as a provider along with private sector provider(s).
Option 7: Open Access. A non-exclusive implementation of the public-private partnership model
NOTE: All 3 of the business structure options will be evaluated across the range of services mix being
considered. Based upon our experience, and as an enhancement to the RFP scope, these service combinations
would be:
Data only
Data and voice
Voice, video and data services.
Uptown will clearly define and identify the potential business structures available to the City represented by the
3 options above and translate them into business models for the broadband network. The following dimensions
will help define and differentiate the available options:
Product strategy ramifications
Organizational staffing and resource requirements
Outsourcing needs and requirements
Operational roles
Customer service ramifications
Uptown has found these issues to be the most compelling when evaluating the business structure for a municipal
broadband venture. Each alternative brings with it certain advantages and disadvantages, which Uptown will
detail in a side-by-side fashion.
1. Deliverable: Financial Analysis of Each Business Structure
Uptown understands that each market presents a unique combination of opportunities and challenges and
Uptown’s financial modeling approach has the flexibility to explore all the possibilities the market presents.
Uptown will use this capability so that City staff will be able to see complete pro forma results for all the
scenarios. This tool allows Uptown’s analyst to present an unlimited number of scenarios simulating multiple
combinations of network architectures, business structures (wholesale/retail), service sets, and pricing
/penetration curves. Uptown can make a change affecting any or all the scenarios and show the results in
minutes, not days.
By modeling the outcome from a purely quantitative perspective, the normal biases and philosophies that lead to
public/private partnership issues in the long-term can be assessed up front. This approach will put the City in the
best position to assess the viability of the business models being considered in their go-forward strategy. With
this approach, Uptown will complete a scenario analysis within its financial models to quantify and present the
City with a back-to-back comparison of each business structure from a financial perspective. The financial
metrics that will be addressed will be:
Working Capital Requirement
Bond Amount
Total Funding Requirement
Total Revenue (Year 15)
Total Expense (Year 15)
Operating Income (Year 15)
Cash Flow with Debt Service (Year 15)
Cumulative Cash Flow (Year 15)
Net Present Value (Year 15)
Return on Investment (Year 15)
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PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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2. Deliverable: Business Structure Recommendation
Based upon the findings of the financial and strategic analysis addressed by Uptown, a specific business
structure recommendation will be made. The recommendation will address the optimal business structure for the
proposed fiber network venture. The final business case pro-forma will be built using the specific assumptions
related to this structure alternative.
Uptown is strictly independent when it comes to advising clients on the issue of business structure. Unlike other
firms that have come down squarely on the side of open access or wholesale, we maintain a neutral position
going into each assignment. We believe that clients should understand the detailed financial outcomes of each
business structure option, and for this reason we provide a complete financial analysis of all potential structures
available to the Client. Our client list includes some of the largest retail and open access system operators in the
municipal broadband market today. This puts us in a position to provide truly unbiased advice on this decision.
3. Deliverable: Revenue Forecast
Uptown will create a revenue forecast based upon the retail or wholesale service that would be offered. The
business case will include penetration and pricing input as derived from the market research for each business
model being considered by the Client. The revenue forecast will account for each business structure option
being considered, and therefore will reflect retail revenues for the City under some business structures and
wholesale revenues under others.
From the service set definition identified in Task 2, the likely revenue stream will be modeled. To accomplish
this, Uptown will identify and quantify the sources of revenue for the network and describe the portfolio of
services the network will offer, either via the City or a Retail Partner(s). Uptown will financially model the
business structure options specified above. Consideration will be given to all three broadband services (video,
Internet and phone) for the residential and commercial segments, as well as high capacity data services for the
higher end commercial market. Revenue will be quantified by line of business and all assumptions will explicitly
be detailed. The revenue model will include revenue projections for the fifteen-year study and include rate
comparisons and sensitivities.
The business case financial projections will cover a full range of the services that the City will/will not provide.
These service combinations will be, but are not limited to the following scenarios:
Data only
Data and voice
Data, voice and video
4. Deliverable: Operating Budget
Uptown will develop a detailed operating budget that covers the many different expenses involved with running
a broadband enterprise. The opex and capital inputs will be identified, and Uptown will review these with Client
staff. The business case will include all appropriate inputs related to cost of goods sold and sales general &
administrative (SG&A) expenses, including but not limited to the following:
Video programming
Internet backbone connection
Telephone interconnection or third party fees for outsourced dial-tone
Incremental staffing and applicable overhead loading
Help desk services
Vendor and vehicle maintenance
Professional services
Right of way fees
Advertising, marketing and sales
Billing and collections
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PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
14
Training
Financing expenses, et al
5. Deliverable: Capital Budget
Uptown will fold the capital budget developed as part of Task1 into this section of the feasibility analysis. Per the
RFP, Uptown acknowledges that the City of Fort Collins requires underground installation of all electric utility and
telecommunications infrastructure. Our basis and methodology for estimating the physical plant construction cost
assumptions used in the financial feasibility analysis is described in detail under the Task 1 scope.
Uptown generally targets a ± 10% level of accuracy for capital budgeting in a typical FTTP feasibility study. In
practice, we have not exceeded this target for any client that has deployed FTTP based on an Uptown feasibility
study. Sallisaw (OK), Wilson (NC), Cedar Falls (IA) and Concord (MA) systems all completed their FTTP build
outs at or below the capital budgets developed by Uptown as part of their respective feasibility studies. Longmont’s
network is 75% underground and with nearly 33% of the system being built, they are within 5% of the cost to
construct per underground passing.
The business case will include the following capital items:
Outside plant construction costs to pass all homes and businesses in the proposed service area
Building additions, renovations or improvements
Fixed equipment capital for all head end systems, vehicles, test equipment and data center platforms
Variable capital per subscriber served including fiber drop, network interface unit, power supply, battery
backup, set top boxes, inside wire and contract labor
Upgrade budget for general network and subscriber level equipment
6. Deliverable: 15-Year Pro Forma Economic Analysis
Uptown will complete, for a fifteen-year period of time, an economic feasibility assessment of providing the
needed communications services over a Client-owned broadband network. Revenue projections will include
market penetration and price sensitivity.
The economic assessment will include at a minimum, all of the following:
Revenue Projections
Operating Expenditures
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)
Capital Expenditures
Peak Funding Requirements
Net Present Value of Cash Flows
Return on Investment (ROI)
Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Annual cash flows
Working Capital Requirements
Uptown’s Full Service Network Business Model (FSN Model) will be used to conduct all financial analysis as
required by the client. The FSN Model was developed by Uptown to evaluate the financial risks and benefits of
offering voice, video and data services to multiple market segments (residential and commercial) over a
broadband network. With over 240 inputs, this tool accounts for all variables that generate revenue, expense,
and capital costs. The model has detailed sections for demand, revenue, expense and capital, including a detailed
staffing section. The FSN Model generates pro forma results for each scenario and Uptown provides side-by-
side comparisons of key outcomes for all scenario runs (see next deliverable).
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
15
While Uptown will bring the power of the existing FSN Model to this project, it is fully expected that it will be
customized to meet the requirements of the Client. One of the primary tenets of Uptown’s business model
philosophy is to remain flexible and allow for easy expansion and modification of the core model.
7. Deliverable: Funding Sourcing
Uptown will work with City staff to identify viable options for financing the recommended fiber network. Every
client has different objectives, borrowing capabilities and varying degrees of latitude (legislatively) when it comes
to paying for such a capital-intensive undertaking. Financing is a critical part of the plan for any broadband
network deployment and we believe that it is best to discuss the proposed approach in detail with the client’s bond
counsel or financial advisors prior to completing the business case. Projects based on financials that are
developed without participation of the appropriate advisors often become bogged down after the decision has been
made to move forward with implementation.
E. Task 5: Strategic, Financial, Operational and Technological Risks and
Opportunities Report
For each of the broadband service models evaluated in the Feasibility Analysis (Task 4), Uptown will complete a
SWOT analysis with a minimum, but not limited to:
Significant strategic risks
Significant financial risks (ex. stranded assets, interest rate volatility, etc.)
Significant operational risks (ex. video resource requirements, co-location opportunities, etc.)
Significant technological risks (ex. fiber obsolescence, coax or DSL breakthrough, microtrenching
opportunities, etc.)
Significant opportunities that could be accepted, encouraged or exploited
Known ways to minimize and mitigate risks
To complete this task, Uptown will conduct a strategic assessment of the competitive structures, likely
marketplace developments, technology developments, and resulting opportunities/risks. A combination of
primary and secondary research and subject matter expert opinions (including our insights as former managers in
both incumbent telco and cable providers) will be sought and incorporated into a summary of the positive and
negative local market competitive environment. Most importantly, Uptown will synthesize the foreseeable
impact – for each business structure evaluated - upon the viability of the City and/or its retail providers in
successfully entering the broadband services market and competing effectively for market share.
Task 6: Broadband Strategic Plan Synopsis and Recommendation Report
Uptown will provide guidance to the City on the financial viability of the fiber system based upon the pro forma
outcomes and financial sensitivity analysis. Uptown will evaluate the goals and strategies of the current
Broadband Strategic Plan and make further recommendations on strategies and/or tactics that would improve the
plan by either reducing costs or decreasing financial risks.
Our analysis and reports will include, at a minimum, the following stated goals of the RFP:
An analysis of the goals stated in the City’s Broadband Strategic Plan. The area of emphasis should be
on assumptions, timelines or expectations that need to be reconsidered or changed.
A multifaceted analysis of the data from Tasks 1-5 that highlights alignment or dissonance with the
City’s Broadband Strategic Plan as follows:
Models evaluated
Risks enumerated
Opportunities identified
Strategic plan alignment (City Plan, Downtown Plan, etc.)
Inventoried asset utilization
Market demand
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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Recommendation outlining a plan of how the City develops a holistic, long-term approach to achieving
the City’s Broadband Strategic Plan.
The primary format for our reports will be a high quality PowerPoint report to present the data, analysis, and
findings of the project, with supplements including applicable spreadsheets, maps, and other formats (e.g. market
research banner tables). Uptown will present the findings of our study to the City staff, the City Council, and
key stakeholders (as requested by the City staff) with our final recommendations based upon the results of the
project.
III. Scope of Services
Uptown consents to fully adhere to the sample Professional Services Agreement that was issued under Exhibit A
to the RFP.
The previous section presents our proposed Project Approach and mirrors the tasks identified in the RFP. A
summary of our compliance to each expected deliverable, along with any proposed modifications is presented in
the table below.
Scope of Services
Deliverable Compliance Statement
Proposed Changes,
Modifications, or
Enhancements
1. City of Fort Collins Asset
Report and Map(s)
Proposed methodology and deliverables
are fully compliant to RFP requirements
Enhancement proposed via
actual sample design of up
to 750 passings
2. Target Broadband
Standard(s) Report
Proposed methodology and deliverables
are fully compliant to RFP requirements
None
3. Broadband Service Market
Demand Report
Proposed methodology and deliverables
are fully compliant to RFP requirements
None
4. Feasibility Analysis Proposed methodology and deliverables
are fully compliant to RFP requirements
Enhancement proposed
via range of service mix
scenarios
5. Strategic, Financial,
Operational and
Technological Risks and
Opportunities Report
Proposed methodology and deliverables
are fully compliant to RFP requirements
None
6. Broadband Strategic Plan
Synopsis and
Recommendation Report
Proposed methodology and deliverables
are fully compliant to RFP requirements None
IV. Project Manager
The Project Manager for this study would be Neil Shaw. Mr. Shaw and Mr. Stockton both have extensive
experience presenting to City Councils, utility boards, elected officials and conducting town hall meetings, and
media interviews. Mr. Shaw is available to attend all City Council presentations and stakeholder events.
Mr. Shaw’s contact information is:
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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V. Project Team Roles & Responsibilities
Detailed information on the qualifications and background on each individual is presented below. The Uptown
team has the full range of resource skills and municipal broadband experience to complete all tasks of this
assignment. Please note that a complete resume for each team member is included in the appendix to this
proposal.
The Uptown team will also include the services of a full service market research firm for completion of the
quantitative surveys. Pioneer is located in Atlanta, Georgia and has served Fortune 500 clients in a wide range of
industries since 1979. Uptown has exclusively used this agency for 25 completed market research projects. This
agency has been conducting market research since 1979 for many Fortune 500 firms. They have extensive
experience within the telecommunications sector with clients including BellSouth, AT&T, MCI, GTE, SBC, and
Verizon.
Our team brings substantial and diversified professional experience to this assignment. Section VIII further
details the firm’s experience relative to all things broadband including community outreach, financial analysis,
technical analysis, market research and analysis, and evaluation of business strategy options.
1. Neil Shaw
Title: Principal, Uptown Services
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Project Responsibilities:
Project Manager
Asset Report & Maps
Financial Feasibility Analysis
Plan Synopsis
Industry Experience: 28 years of experience in telecommunications. He has held senior management positions at
US WEST, TCI, and Jones Lightwave. Uptown Services Principal since 1998.
Experience on similar projects: Neil has completed over 50 feasibility studies and 6 FTTP system
implementations with municipal broadband clients during the last 15 years.
2. Dave Stockton
Title: Principal, Uptown Services
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Project Responsibilities:
Target Broadband Standards Report
Market Demand Report
SWOT Report
Financial Feasibility Analysis
Plan Synopsis
Industry Experience: 29 years of experience in the telecommunications, cable, and high-speed Internet
sectors. He has held senior management positions at Northwestern Bell, US WEST, MediaOne, and
AT&T Broadband.
Experience on similar projects: Dave has completed over 50 feasibility studies and 6 FTTP system
implementations with municipal broadband clients during the last 15 years.
3. Don Thompson
Title: FTTP System Engineer, Uptown Services
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite for LPC implementation project)
Project Responsibilities:
Asset Report & Maps
Sample Designs
Experience on similar projects: Don has served major roles on FTTP projects for Cedar Falls Utilities,
San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, and Longmont Power & Communications
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PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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4. Ryan Scott
Title: FTTP Implementation Specialist, Uptown Services
Location: Boulder, CO
Project Responsibilities:
Asset Report & Maps
Make Ready Analysis
Experience on similar projects: Ryan has completed system design, technical specifications, MDU
outside/inside plant design, and project management tasks for the LPC FTTP project.
5. Michael Hood
Title: Vice President of Research & Design, Pioneer Marketing Research
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Project Responsibilities:
Market Demand Analysis
Quantitative Market Research
Experience on similar projects: Pioneer Marketing Research has conducted 25 market research surveys
in the municipal broadband sector as an Uptown sub-consultant over the last 12 years.
VI. Sustainability
Uptown employs the following practices to minimize its carbon footprint and support sustainability.
Paper-Free Workplace: We are fully electronic in creating and sharing our analysis and work product.
We do not use printed material except for contract signatures (for our contract negotiation assignments)
that are subsequently scanned and printed map sets (for our FTTP design assignments).
Home-Based Work Offices: Because we work out of home-based offices, our travel is limited to
client-site meetings and work tasks within our client communities. This saves substantial commuting
miles and limits vehicle use and carbon emissions.
Temporary Living Arrangements: For appropriate client engagements, Uptown has temporarily
located personnel within the client community to minimize what would otherwise be extensive and
ongoing commuting to the client work site. For design and construction oversight assignments, Uptown
has located a staff resource on-site under yearly rental agreements. For system walk-out assignments,
we have done the same under short-term apartment sub-leasing. These arrangements can save up to 50
flights annually on long term projects.
VII. Project Budget
Per the RFP requirements, the matrix below presents the proposed cost and allocation of resources by task and team
member. If the City desires to exceed the 20 depth interviews proposed, those can be completed at an increments fee
of $350 each (1.75 hours).
Task Resources Hourly
Rate Hours Project Budget
1. Asset Report & Maps
Asset Inventory, Sample
Designs and Capital Budgeting
Analysis
Shaw $200 40 $8,000
Thompson $150 20 $3,000
Scott $100 40 $4,000
Report Shaw $200 10 $2,000
2. Target Broadband Standards
Report Stockton $200 20 $4,000
3. Broadband Service Market
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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Demand Report
Res & Bus Quantitative Survey
Designs, Analysis Stockton $200 20 $4,000
Res & Bus Quantitative Survey
Data Collection, Processing - $20,000
Depth Interviews (20) Stockton $200 30 $6,000
Report Stockton $200 20 $4,000
4. Feasibility Analysis
Pro Forma and Business Model
Analysis
Shaw $200 40 $8,000
Stockton $200 30 $6,000
Report Shaw $200 20 $4,000
5. SWOT Report Stockton $200 30 $6,000
6. Plan Synopsis &
Recommendation
Shaw $200 15 $3,000
Stockton $200 15 $3,000
TOTAL 350 $85,000
In addition to the consulting fees specified above, normal and customary travel expenses will be billed at cost
and are additional to consulting fees. For this project, we estimate total travel expenses of $5,000. Any flights
required will be at economy class. Any rental car expenses will be incurred at mid-size level or below, and any
use of a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the IRS approved mileage rate. Project staff will manage hotel
expenses to reasonable levels by staying typically at a Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express.
VIII. Relevant Experience
Uptown has extensive experience in all functional aspects of municipal broadband consulting, and a complete
listing of our clients is included in the appendix to this proposal. We are presenting our credentials in three sections to
convey our relevant experience as it relates to this project:
Examples of similar feasibility studies we have completed with references
Relevant functional expertise with details on our experience in planning, designing, & implementing
broadband networks
Community engagement experience
A. Examples of Similar Feasibility Study Projects with References
1. Longmont Power & Communications
Contact Tom Roiniotis
Title General Manager
Phone (303) 651-8385
Email tom.roiniotis@ci.longmont.co.us
Period December 20012 – Present
Project
Description
Dec. 2012-May 2013: Completed original business case and feasibility
study. Pro Forma used to issue $45M in bonds to construct last mile
FTTP system.
March 2014 and Ongoing: Completing the full 400 mile FTTP system
outside plant design and construction management.
January 2014: Retained as the implementation consultant or “Owners
Representative” through end of 2015.
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
20
Completion
Timing
Completed on time. An initial business case was completed in 3 months
and a second task of completing quantitative market research completed
in a second phase.
Deliverables Market Analysis/Competitive Assessment
Quantitative Survey
Depth Interviews
Technology Strategy & Sample Designs
Business Strategy & Business Structure Analysis
Service & Market Mix Options
Bandwidth Sourcing Options
Video Sourcing Options & Analysis
Business Structure Options
15 Year Pro Forma Results
Sensitivity Analysis
Funding Requirements & Funding Plan
Final Recommendation
Outcome Approved by City Council and subsequent voter referendum. Proceeded
to deployment.
2. City of Hillsboro, Oregon
Contact Greg Mont
Title Information Services Director
Phone (503) 681-5401
Email Greg.Mont@hillsboro-oregon.gov
Address City of Hillsboro Civic Center
150 E. Main Street
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123-4028
Period March – June 2015
Project
Description
Completed comprehensive FTTP feasibility study including analysis
of business models and service set options.
Completion
Timing
Completed on time. We completed the Feasibility Study in 3 months.
Deliverables Market Analysis/Competitive Assessment
Quantitative Survey
Depth Interviews
Technology Strategy & Sample Designs
Business Strategy & Business Structure Analysis
Service & Market Mix Options
Bandwidth Sourcing Options
Video Sourcing Options & Analysis
Business Structure Options
15 Year Pro Forma Results
Sensitivity Analysis
Funding Requirements & Funding Plan
Final Recommendation
Outcome Uptown recommended the City should not proceed due to marginal
financial viability and sensitivity to Internet penetration
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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3. City of Beverly Hills, California
Contact David Schirmer
Title CIO
Phone (310) 285-2581
Email dschirmer@beverlyhills.org
Period September 2014 - Present
Project
Description
Sept. 2014-May 2015: Completed comprehensive FTTP feasibility
study including analysis of business models and service set options.
Aug. 2015 and Ongoing: Currently completing
Completion
Timing
Completed on time. We completed the Feasibility Study in 3 months.
This was followed by ongoing support to present and review the plan
with their citizen-based technology committee, the City Finance
team, and the City Council.
Deliverables Market Analysis/Competitive Assessment
Quantitative Survey
Depth Interviews
Technology Strategy & Sample Designs
Business Strategy & Business Structure Analysis
Service & Market Mix Options
Bandwidth Sourcing Options
Video Sourcing Options & Analysis
Business Structure Options
15 Year Pro Forma Results
Sensitivity Analysis
Funding Requirements & Funding Plan
Final Recommendation
Outcome Approval by the City Council for Uptown to proceed with additional
analysis including system walk-out, make ready engineering, and
preliminary system design in advance of anticipated City Council
approval of full FTTP implementation.
Funding decision expected December 2015.
B. Relevant Functional Expertise
As described in the RFP, the City is seeking a consulting firm to complete a fiber system feasibility study. As a
consulting firm, we have been engaged by numerous clients at the initial analysis and planning phase to complete
a comprehensive analysis of the available business structure, market conditions, and technology options to
determine the financial viability of investing in a FTTP network. Given our familiarity with projects of this
nature, Uptown has substantial industry experience to apply to this project. Examples of recent project
experience that is directly applicable to the project defined by this RFP are:
1. Broadband Strategic Plans & Feasibility Studies
Uptown has completed over 40 broadband feasibility studies since 1999, which gives us a unique
understanding what it takes to build a first rate study. Uptown’s feasibility studies have been used as the basis
for funding several projects including Spanish Fork Community Network (UT), Alameda Power and Telecom
(CA), Sallisaw Municipal Authority (OK), City of Wilson (NC), Tullahoma Utilities Board (TUB), the City of
Salisbury (NC), and the City of Longmont (CO).
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
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Uptown business case financials have been used as the supporting financial analysis and justification for raising
over $220M in public funding for municipal broadband networks across 10 projects:
Spanish Fork Community Network - $7.5M in bond financing
Alameda Power and Telecom - $33M in debt refinancing
Sallisaw Municipal Authority - $6.9M in original financing
City of Wilson, NC - $28M in original financing
Tullahoma Utilities Board - $18M in original financing
Salisbury, NC - $33M in original financing
Clarksville Department of Electricity - $17.5M in additional financing
Concord Municipal Light Plant - $4.5M town meeting authorization to borrow for smart grid network
Cedar Falls Utilities - $27M in financing for FTTH upgrade of existing system
Cedar Falls Utilities - $873K in grant funding for wireless and FTTH rural broadband expansion
project
City of Longmont, CO - $45M in original financing
2. Broadband Planning & Strategic Assessments
In addition to the projects mentioned above, Uptown has completed a number of client projects with existing
broadband systems who are in need of strategic analysis and business plan support. These clients may be
interested in improving operating performance, expanding into additional services, expanding their system
footprint, or requiring a detailed understanding of long term financing needs and options. In this case, Uptown
brings substantial industry benchmarking data and former operating experience to evaluate the options available
to the client and identify performance areas that can be improved. Some example projects involving business
planning are:
Cedar Falls Utilities: Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into
voice services, deploying wireless services in an adjacent rural service area and upgrading current
system to FTTH.
Riviera Utilities: Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into Internet
and voice services. Also evaluated potential system sale valuation.
Clarksville Department of Electricity: Created a 5-year business plan and identified incremental funding
requirements which were subsequently approved.
Chelan County PUD: Completed financial analysis and benchmarking of operating performance and
recommended operational improvements. Explored a number of financial strategies and identified the
most viable go-forward plan which was subsequently approved.
Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations: Completed financial analysis and product and technical
strategy review of their existing broadband system.
Bristol Virginia Utilities: In progress assisting with a transition from QAM to IP video architecture for
their existing broadband system and assisting with video product strategy.
Columbia Power & Water Systems: Completed a 5 Year Strategic Plan for their existing broadband
system.
3. Experience in Conducting Local Market Analysis
This project will require the broad insight of a consultant team that has conducted substantial market research
and has developed a detailed understanding of the “demand side” of the business model. We bring that
experience to the project. Uptown has completed 24 comprehensive market research studies within the
municipal utility broadband sector since 2003. The total sample size of these studies is 9,400 households or
small businesses. This robust library of research enables us to benchmark survey results and helps ensure that
market demand projections/revenues used in the business case are reasonable.
From these research studies, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of the consumer-side dynamics
that influence the revenue potential of any broadband venture. While specifics will vary by market, the key
themes do not. Our understanding covers the following areas, and covers all three services (Cable TV, Internet
access, and local phone service):
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
23
Incidence of Broadband services, including detailed consumption patterns by each service, from
which provider (market share), and monthly spending.
Satisfaction levels among the incumbent providers for and areas for improvement with existing
broadband services.
Identification and rating of the primary service attributes: Brand, Internet Speed, Bundling/Single Bill,
Price, Customer Service, and Reliability.
Incumbent performance relative to these attributes.
Expected take rates (penetration) for each service at price parity, 10% discount, and 20% discount and
corresponding demand curve.
Preferences for receiving service from the Client, an incumbent, or a new alternative provider
Demographic data of each respondent and type of user
4. Experience with Financial Modeling & Analysis
Uptown’s Full Service Network Business Model (FSN Model) will be used to conduct all financial analysis as
required by the client. The FSN Model was developed by Uptown to evaluate the financial risks and benefits of
offering voice, video and data services to multiple market segments (residential and commercial) over a
broadband network. With over 240 inputs, this tool accounts for all variables that generate revenue, expense,
and capital costs. The model has detailed sections for demand, revenue, expense and capital, including a detailed
staffing section. The FSN Model generates pro forma results for each scenario and Uptown provides side-by-
side comparisons of key outcomes for all scenario runs.
5. Experience in Designing Broadband Networks
Uptown has been developing broadband architectures and designing FTTP networks since 1999. This
experience spans the evolution of FTTP technology from the early days of active Ethernet to the current gigabit
passive optical network (GPON) standards. Neil Shaw has personally designed over 1,000 miles of fiber
networks for municipal and electric utility clients. Design approaches are tailored to the needs of the given client
and application. From backbone middle mile to end user last mile, we have the experience required to address
each client’s unique requirements.
Neil Shaw has completed designs for five FTTP networks and two middle mile fiber backbones networks since
2006. The firm is also in the process of designing the 400 mile FTTP system for the City of Longmont and
FTTP systems for several communities served by San Luis Valley REC. Mileage and passing statistics for
Uptown’s design portfolio are listed next:
100 mile / 7,400 passing FTTP system for Concord Municipal Light Plant
200 mille / 15,000 passing FTTP system for Cedar Falls Utilities
100 mile / 6,500 passing FTTP system for the City of Dover, Ohio
300 mile / 24,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Wilson, NC
300 mile SCADA / FTTP backbone for San Luis Valley REC
100 mile SCADA / middle mile backbone for Delta Montrose Electric Association
400 mile / 39,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Longmont (work in process)
1,000 mile / 7,500 passing FTTP system for San Luis Valley REC (work in process)
6. Experience in Implementing Broadband Networks
Our role in providing implementation support is both broad (across all major functional areas) and deep
(completing detailed tasks as part of the working team). In addition to having the implementation experience the
City would require should it proceed to implement an FTTP system, our implementation experience also
provides us with improved business case and planning skills through our understanding of the actual costs and
budgeting requirements to implement an FTTP system. Our role as consultants on these implementation projects
gives us ‘real world’ insight into the key financial and operating metrics that make for a more realistic feasibility
study.
Uptown has served as the implementation consultant for five FTTP systems. In this capacity we are involved in
all functional areas of the new broadband division and are a key player on the start-up team. We not only advise,
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
24
but also complete functional tasks as a contributing team member while the new organization is still staffing (s
please refer to the table below for specific task details). Uptown was the implementation consultant for the
following FTTP start-ups. These systems are successful and are ‘case study’ systems referenced by the FTTH
Council and Broadband Communities:
Sallisaw, OK (2005)
Morristown, TN (2006)
Pulaski, TN (2007)
Tullahoma, TN (2008)
Wilson, NC (2008)
We are currently the implementation consultant for Longmont, CO, which just became our 6th FTTP
implementation
C. Community Engagement Expertise
As described in the RFP, the City is seeking a consulting firm with proven experience working with public sector
agencies and diverse community stakeholders. Uptown has substantial depth in working with both local
stakeholders and various public sector entities over its 16 years serving municipal clients. Especially within the
scope of our implementations engagements, our clients rely on us to either assist them or take on community/key
stakeholder meetings to leverage both our independent views and expertise.
Our demonstrated qualifications include the following:
City Council presentations: Making presentations of feasibility study results, implementation project
updates, and strategic plans in City Council meetings and associated Q&A.
Community outreach presentations: Making presentations of feasibility study results and strategic
plans at Town Hall meeting forums and associated Q&A.
Development of community outreach informational materials: Assisting in the development of pre-
vote educational materials for referendums and bond funding measures.
Local public sector institutions: Meetings across a full range of local governmental groups as part of
completing feasibility studies as well as implementation projects. These meetings range from input
meetings regarding broadband needs and usage (e.g. depth interviews) to city departmental meetings to
ascertain current city assets and capabilities, needs, funding limitations, legal restrictions, public works
requirements, etc.
State level public sector institutions: Meeting with state level regulators/comptrollers as needed for
financial and regulatory approvals of Feasibility Studies and associated pro formas.
Federal level public sector institutions: Meeting with and participating in review meetings with
federal staff agencies as part of ARRA grant projects (BTOP and BIP).
Formal stakeholder organizations: Both readout and input meetings with local, grassroots committees
that have established either formal or informal project involvement in a feasibility study or
implementation. These committees can be represented only by local citizens or be a more formal joint
task force comprised of both local municipal staff/leadership and citizens (typically representing
education, technology, or local business enterprises).
Prospects and customers: Numerous meetings with local stakeholders, prospects and customers
relative to service and product policies, large business/institution custom quotes and proposals, and
potential local vendor partnership meetings.
Local media: Interviews with both local newspaper and local broadcast network television relative to
both Feasibility Study and implementation engagements.
Expert witness engagements: While not a subset of community outreach, our expert witness work has
enhanced our ability to interact with the above community and stakeholder groups when under pressure.
Our expert witness work has involved very detailed depositions and trial testimony that has sharpened
our skill sets in answering questions and addressing detailed policy questions.
The City of Fort Collins
PROPOSAL FOR BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN - FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
25
IX. Additional Material – Consulting Philosophy
Our mission is to provide our clients with the most accurate and complete assessment of their particular business
situation so that you arrive at the right answer for your specific opportunity. The municipal and utility
broadband sectors are the sole focus of Uptown’s consulting business. We feel this sets us apart from other
consulting firms who are not specialists to these sectors and have a limited understanding of the specific needs
and objectives of municipalities and utilities.
As stated above, our sole focus in completing this or any consulting project would be to represent your best
interests. We are vendor neutral and advocate for our clients to further their interests relative to business
decisions and strategies that protect their financial interest as well as any vendor negotiations and decisions that
involve client resources. We consider ourselves a client advocate or owners agent.
Our approach to broadband planning and feasibility assessment is conservative and practical. This approach has
been shaped by our experience as former managers in large broadband systems, as well as our work with
municipal and electric utility clients that have launched broadband and smart grid systems of their own. As a
substantial investment by the community, we believe that a best-in-class feasibility study or business plan review
has the following characteristics, and these serve as our tenets in completing a study of this nature for clients:
Client involvement is critical at every step of the project so that they understand fully the market needs,
services, technology and financials for the venture being considered.
It is accurate yet conservative in terms of forecasted revenues and market share. Sales and revenue
results must be achievable so that the financial returns materialize on schedule to service bond debt.
Capital funding requirements, including working capital, must be realistic and accurate such that initial
bonding is sufficient to support the project until it can fund itself from current operations.
Financing options and limitations that are specific to client requirements, preferences and debt-load
capabilities must be addressed during the project.
Incremental impacts to existing organizational resources must be identified and funded. The entry into
a competitive and technology-intensive sector requires new human resources functions, skills, and
leadership culture.
Specific vendor capabilities and requirements, partnership terms, and the interoperability of the
numerous involved parties that serve as the ‘components’ of a fully operational broadband system need
to be accounted for in the operational and budgetary assumptions of the business case.
Strategic options relative to business models, pricing, and other strategy decisions are best served
through data-driven financial analysis versus conceptual preferences.
X. Addendum Confirmation
Uptown hereby acknowledges receipt of the ‘Addendum No. 1’ to this RFP issued October 19, 2015.
XI. Appendix
A. Project Team Resumes
B. Uptown Client List
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Uptown Services, Inc. (Denver, CO, 1997 – present)
President and Founder
Responsible for advanced broadband technology practice for consulting firm
focused on municipal and public power sector. Assist clients in all stages of the
product introduction process - from strategy development and business case,
through product development and product launch.
TCI Internet Services, Inc. (Denver, CO, 1996)
Vice President - Commercial Internet Services
Responsible for product development, marketing, distribution and implementation
of commercial Internet services (@Work) provided over TCI’s cable television
infrastructure.
Senior Director - Consumer Internet Services
Responsible for product development, marketing, distribution and implementation
of consumer Internet services (@Home Network) provided over TCI’s cable televi-
sion infrastructure.
Jones International, LTD. (Denver, CO, 1994 – 1996)
Vice President - Marketing & New Business Development (1994-1996)
Responsible for establishing Jones Lightwave, Ltd. (JLW) as a regional network
provider for telephone, video and Internet services. Also responsible for day to
day operation of JLW competitive access networks in Tampa, FL and Atlanta, GA.
Director - New Market Development (1994) Responsible for expanding com-
petitive access provider (CAP) operations into new markets. Also responsible for
all business planning, market development, technical design, and sales functions
on a national level.
U S WEST Communications (Denver, CO, 1987 – 1994)
Account Manager - Strategic Accounts (1993-1994)
Managed national Sears and IBM account relationship. Prepared and presented
large telecommunications contract proposals to Sears and IBM headquarters groups.
Group Manager - New Product Development (1991-1993)
Managed the development and introduction of new products for the interex-
change carrier market including; Calling Card Validation Service, 800 Data Base
Service, and ISDN Access Services. Served on team that redesigned several key
marketing processes in U S WEST.
Group Manager - Enhanced Services Center (1990-1991)
Managed vertically integrated operations department. Responsible for project
management, engineering, installation, system administration, and maintenance
for Voice Messaging Services.
EDUCATION
University of Colorado at Denver (1995)
MBA, Marketing Emphasis
Neil V. Shaw
7234 Cortez Lane
Boulder, CO 80303
303-554-5854 (Office)
nshaw@uptownservices.com
Iowa State University (1986)
BS, Electrical Engineering
CAREER HISTORY
Uptown Services, LLC (Atlanta, GA, 2002 – present)
Principal
Co-owner of a broadband telecommunications consultancy serving municipal and
public power companies.
AT&T Broadband (Norcross, GA, 1999 – 2002)
Vice President of Marketing and Sales
AT&T Broadband was the nation’s largest cable operator serving the digital video,
high-speed Internet and local telephone sectors. Responsible for developing and
executing all marketing and telesales activities within the Atlanta operating region
serving 600,000 subscribers. Directly manage staff of 20 marketing professionals
and an outsourced telesales center with 250 seats. Manage departmental budget
of $10 million. Responsible for annual revenue target exceeding $400 million.
MediaOne, Telenet Operations - Belgium (1996 – 1999)
Director of Consumer Markets
Expatriate assignment in Belgium at Telenet, a joint-venture to provide broadband
telephony and high-speed Internet to 2.2 million homes. Responsible for all mar-
keting activities towards the residential market. Reported to the Chief Operating
Officer. Supervised a staff of 14 and a budget of $4 million.
US WEST, Inc., Strategic Marketing (Denver, CO, 1994 – 1996)
Associate Director
Position responsibilities were to direct market strategy projects and provide con-
sulting for internal clients within the operating divisions on domestic and interna-
tional projects.
US WEST Communications
Group Product Manager - Custom Calling Services (Phoenix, AZ, 1992 – 1994)
Responsible for the largest product group in the division with $250 million in an-
nual revenues. Managed a staff of two and an annual budget of $4 million.
Lead Product Developer - Voice Messaging (Phoenix, AZ, 1985 – 1991)
Lead a 35 member cross-functional team in the development, trial, and commer-
cial launch of US WEST’s residential Voice Messaging product. Responsible for
product design, market research and strategy, product testing, product pricing,
and advertising and promotion development and execution. Staff of four and R&D
fund of $3.5 million and advertising budget of $4 million.
EDUCATION
Arizona State University (1991)
Master of Business Administration
University of Minnesota (1985)
Bachelor of Science, Economics and Statistics
David P. Stockton
150 Sage Run Trail
Duluth, GA 30097
678 580-0257
dstockton@uptownservices.com
Donald H. Thompson
23 Denver Way #3, Longmont, CO 80503 (916)580-4402
Qualification Summary:
I have a BS in Electronic Engineering from Cal Poly and over 35 years of experience developing products and services for
the telecommunications industry, including management and executive positions. I’ve been involved in engineering
throughout my career with experience in business planning, management and working with customers, manufacturing,
accounting, legal and human resources. My skills and experience make me an expert at investigating customer requirements
and developing solutions to meet those requirements.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Uptown Services, LLC.; Denver, Colorado & Sacramento, CA 2/98 to Present
A consulting services company helping businesses in the telecommunications industry develop new products and services.
FTTP System Engineer (2010 to Present)
My specialty has been developing software tools to improve the quality and speed of the fiber optic system engineering
process. This includes tools that utilize Visual Basic, Python, Access, Excel, and ESRI’s ArcMAP GIS system.
In 2014 and 2015 I helped design fiber optic systems for Longmont, CO and the San Luis Valley in Colorado. From 2010
through 2013 I worked on site in Cedar Falls, IA assisting with the implementation of a new Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP)
system. I was responsible for preparation of documentation for the build crews, answering questions and resolving issues
about the system design, and updating the design and documentation to deal with changes in the field (e.g., new
construction). I maintained the system documentation in their computer system and responded to all kinds of requests for
information about the system and the progress of implementation.
Consulting Principal (1998 to 2005)
Another prior major assignment was development of databases, applications, and processes to support the operations of the
North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) that administers the telephone numbering system for the US.
Includes analyzing both the data and the business requirements to troubleshoot problems and develop solutions involving
both automation and people processes. Primarily used Excel, Access, Visual Basic for Applications, and Oracle.
Imagelink Technologies, Inc.; Boulder, Colorado 8/96 to 2/98
Develops, manufactures, and markets a line of PC based videoconferencing products for use over ISDN, fractional T1/E1,
LAN and TCP/IP connections.
Vice President of Engineering and Operations (8/96 to 2/98)
Managed all technical aspects of the company including Strategic Planning, Research & Development, Customer Service,
Manufacturing and MIS. Managed the release of a new generation of products that improved performance, increased
standards compliance, and reduced costs by a factor of three.
Jones Lightwave, Ltd.; Denver, Colorado 6/95 to 8/96
Originally owned and operated fiber optic links that provide large corporations access to long distance carriers bypassing
the local exchange carrier. Recently, developed a strategy and business plan for providing telephony and high speed data
services to homes and businesses over two-way fiber and coax CATV systems.
Vice President of Services Development (6/95 to present)
Part of a small team that developed a strategy and business plan for providing telephony and high speed data services to
homes and businesses over two-way fiber and coax Cable TV systems. Lead responsibility for developing the data services
plan, the network plan, the organizational plan, and the initial implementation project plan. The team produced the new
business plan and several board presentations in record time and set a new company benchmark of quality in a business
plan.
Jones Futurex, Inc.; Rocklin, California 9/83 to 6/95
Develops and manufactures data security products including add-in boards for PCs, systems and application software; and
stand-alone devices. These products protect confidentiality and integrity of data for both communications and applications
subsystems.
Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (7/92 to 6/95)
As General Manager of the Systems Integration Services business unit with profit and loss responsibility. Formed this
business unit after 6 years of success performing engineering services contracts within the engineering department.
Successfully completed more than 12 hardware and software development projects ranging in size from about $5,000 to
Donald H. Thompson Page 2
$1,200,000 and involving from one to fifteen people (direct, indirect, and contract) including project managers, engineers,
tech-writers, and support people. Included evaluating customer needs, developing and selling proposals, negotiating
contracts and changes, project management, managing the relationship with the customer, and collecting payments. Also
included strategic planning, budgeting, and profit/loss management. Developed a reputation with customers of providing
creative, high quality solutions under tight schedule and cost constraints which kept them asking us to do more.
As General Manager of the FAX Security business unit, added through acquisition, from initial concept through the first
year after completion of the acquisition. Included planning and executing the transfer of the unit into the company, re-
staffing key positions, release of new products, and restarting the marketing effort. The first years sales after acquisition
exceeded any previous year. After the first year, the unit was turned over a staff member.
As Chief Technical Officer, continued to provide strategic leadership of the company’s technology development and
implementation including: participation in ANSI; development and maintenance of company software standards; and
development and motivation of the technical personnel.
Director of Engineering (11/85 to 7/92)
As the technical leader of the company, reporting to the president, managed the development of hardware and software
products, user manuals, and engineering documentation. The department also provided technical support to customers,
manufacturing, and sales. The Engineering Department included up to six software engineers, two hardware engineers and a
drafter.
Negotiated technical aspects of various development contracts, both as a buyer and a seller. Discussed requirements with
potential customers, conceived solutions to meet both technical and business needs, then prepared and presented project
proposals. Responsible for budgeting, planning, recruiting, training, and evaluating performance. Established company
policies and procedures for product releases, configuration control, engineering change control and field problem reporting.
Significantly improved project scheduling and product quality. Directly participated in the design of several hardware and
software products.
Represented the company on four American National Standards (ANSI) Committees including being co-chair of a working
group and a primary author of three standards. Invited speaker at three national conferences on data security.
Project Manager (8/84 to 11/85)
Managed the encryption products engineering group of hardware and software engineers. Directed development and release
of the company's first successful security products. Participated in hardware and software design. Responsible for
budgeting, planning, and evaluating performance.
Associate Engineer (9/83 to 8/84)
Led a project to design a specialized computer system to deliver a large database via satellite and Cable TV. Performed the
system design, designed a high speed interface circuit, and participated in the software design. Also provided system design
and market research support for an interactive information retrieval system for the cable TV market.
Halifax Engineering, Sacramento, California 1/82 to 7/83
Performed engineering services under contract to the Air Force at McClellan AFB.
Electronic Engineer (1/82 to 7/83)
Investigated fiber optic communications for existing Air Traffic Control Systems. Designed an interface for a Bit Error
Rate Tester. Evaluated the design of a custom bit slice computer. Designed hardware and software for a micro-controller
based signal detection system. Responsibilities included project budgeting and scheduling.
TRW/Vidar; San Luis Obispo, California & Melbourne, Florida 10/76 to 1/82
Developed and manufactured telephone central office and transmission equipment. Started as a Manufacturing Test
Technician and wound up as a Design Engineer developing hardware and software for a digital Telephone Central Office
Switch and providing support to the manufacturing department building the switch and related equipment.
EDUCATION
BS degree in Electronic Engineering received March 1981
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California
RYAN F. SCOTT
3115 5th Street
Boulder, CO 80304
720.289.3770
HIGHLIGHTS:
Accurate, detailed, self-motivated and organized
Able to perform complex tasks and critical thinking while analyzing problems
Strong written and oral communication
WORK HISTORY:
FTTP System Implementation Specialist Current
Uptown Services, LLC Boulder, CO
Thorough knowledge of fiber optic systems and engineering architecture, broadband
implementation, FTTH/FTTX requirements, and cabling standards
Demonstrated ability employing GIS mapping to design network infrastructure and manage
complex object relationship data while maintaining all engineering design standards
Completed over 75 miles of conduit and fiber design for Longmont Power and Communications
NextLight in Longmont, Colorado
Experience with HOA and commercial client interaction, as well as formalizing access
agreements in order to optimize fiber optic network
Implemented technical specifications on behalf of NextLight for all construction and installation
of conduits, structures, and fiber management
Graphic Designer 04/10 to Current
RS Creative Boulder, CO
Database Archival Specialist 12/12 to 12/13
Chartrounds Edwards, CO
SKILLS:
Resourceful, imaginative, well-versed
Effective at problem solving and empathetic to others
Detail oriented and deadline focused
Proficient inwritten and spoken Spanish
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing
Minors in International Business, Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
Montana State University - Bozeman, MT
SOFTWARE EXPERTISE:
ArcFM Fiber Manager, ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge, After Effects),
Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Mail, Maps)
HONORS & AWARDS:
NCAA Division I varsity ski team member - full tuition scholarship 08/09 – 05/12
• 4th Place, U.S. National Ski Championship 01/12
• Member of US World Cup Ski Team 12/12
Michael Hood, Ph.D.
1075 Bouldervista Way
Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Phone: 770-822-0402
mhood57@bellsouth.net Cell: 678-592-9872
Personal Information
Ph.D. in Sociology, with strong statistical background More than 15 years experience
conducting research and data analysis using SPSS Ten years experience in
Marketing Research Strong analytical problem-solving and technical skills More
than 12 years experience in public speaking and presentation of information to groups of
various size More than 15 years experience with Windows-based computer software
and PC hardware and Seven years of management and leadership experience
Current Position / Experience
Ten years experience as a study director/project manager working with in-house clients
and external customers – both consultants/consulting firms and end-user clients.
Responsibilities: working with data collection (both telephone and mail-out) to produce
a correct data file and coordinate scheduling, building and checking data for quality, data
analysis with SPSS and building crosstabs using WinCross, questionnaire review and
design, and reporting results. I have extensive and advanced experience with Sawtooth
Software’s SSI Web online survey authoring package. Also responsible for maintaining
company web sites, workstations and PC network.
Qualifications
Extensive training and experience in statistical analysis using SPSS
Experienced in research design, questionnaire writing, CBC design and analysis
Experience with all aspects of the research process – design, proposal writing, data
collection, data analysis and report writing
Experience with writing reports that are easy to read and understand
More than nine years experience as marketing research project manager
Experienced in training and supervising field workers
Experience with several PC based software programs, including SPSS, WinCross,
SSI Web from Sawtooth Software (web survey authoring), Sawtooth Software’s
CBC design and analysis tools, MS Office, and Photo editing
Several years experience with Windows-based PC systems and networking
Professional Accomplishments
Conducted surveys on smoking for Ga. DHR in Dawson and Habersham counties.
Conducted consumer research for several companies, including MyClosingSpace.com
and Columbia House Latin Music Club.
Published research articles and presented several other papers at professional
meetings.
Awarded grant to study underage drinking and juvenile delinquency.
Served on the Georgia Sociological Association Committee on Research.
Completed a program evaluation for the State of Florida, Department of Children, Youth
and Families concerning a pilot medical program for medically complex children.
Designed report system for Florida’s Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services
to track the performance of individual county office.
Member of Alpha Kappa Delta honorary fraternity.
Employment History
1997 – Present Research Director, Pioneer Marketing Research (formerly, Data
Research Services, Inc.), Atlanta, GA
1994-1997 Visiting Assistant Professor, Mercer University, Macon, GA
1992-1994 Temporary Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University,
Statesboro, GA
1991-1992 Temporary Instructor, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge,
LA
1988-1989 Program Evaluator for Department of Health and Rehabilitative
Services, State of Florida, Tallahassee, FL
1982-1986 Production planning representative & estimating supervisor,
Moran Colorgraphic (printing), Baton Rouge, LA
Summer, 1980 Crew Leader, Bureau of the Census, Baton Rouge, LA
Academic Credentials
Ph.D. in sociology, Florida State University, 1993
M.A. in sociology, minor in Experimental Statistics, Louisiana State University, Baton
Rouge, LA, 1987
B.A. in psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 1979
References available upon request.
Uptown Services, LLC Client List
The following municipalities or utilities are former or current Uptown clients:
1. Silicon Valley Power – City of Santa Clara, California
2. Traverse City Light & Power, Michigan
3. Concord Municipal Light Plant, Massachusetts
4. Belmont Municipal Light Department, Massachusetts
5. Taunton Municipal Light Plant, Massachusetts
6. City of Palo Alto Utilities, California
7. City of Pasadena, California
8. City of St. George, Utah
9. Spanish Fork City, Utah
10. City of Longmont, Colorado
11. City of Corona, California
12. Fairhope, Alabama
13. Riviera Utilities, Alabama
14. Westfield Gas & Electric Light Department, Massachusetts
15. City of Franklin, Virginia
16. Milton-Freewater, Oregon
17. City of Sallisaw, Oklahoma
18. Alameda Power & Telecom, California
19. City of Hamilton and Butler County, Ohio
20. Los Alamos County, New Mexico
21. City of Valdosta, Georgia
22. City of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
23. Benton PUD, Washington
24. City of Dover, Ohio
25. City of Holland, Michigan
26. Lenoir City, Tennessee
27. City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
28. Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Tennessee
29. Morristown Utility Systems, Tennessee
30. Morrisville Water and Light Department, Vermont
31. City of Chanute, Kansas
32. City of Salisbury, North Carolina
33. City of Wilson, North Carolina
34. Pulaski Electric Services, Tennessee
35. City of Poteau, Oklahoma
36. Tullahoma Utilities Board, Tennessee
37. Russellville Electric Plant Board, Kentucky
38. Cleveland Utilities, Tennessee
39. Trinity Public Utilities District, California
40. Paducah Power Systems, Kentucky
41. The City of Portland, Oregon
42. Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, Tennessee
43. Tennessee Valley Authority
44. Nash County, North Carolina
45. Cedar Falls Utilities, Iowa
46. Fayetteville Public Utilities, Tennessee
47. Jackson Energy Authority, Tennessee
48. Kansas City Board of Public Utilities, Kansas
49. Town of Ludlow, Vermont
50. North Kansas City, Kansas
51. Omaha Public Power District, Nebraska
52. City of Opelika, Alabama
53. Princeton Electric Plant Board, Kentucky
54. City of Provo, Utah
55. City of Tipp City, Ohio
56. Truckee Donner Public Utility District, California
57. Murray Electric System, Kentucky
58. Mayfield Electric & Water Systems, Kentucky
59. Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, Kentucky
60. Lincoln Electric System, Nebraska
61. Hopkinsville Electric System, Kentucky
62. Village of Freeport, New York
63. City of Laurinburg, North Carolina
64. Chicopee Electric Light Department, Massachusetts
65. Glasgow Electric Plant Board, Kentucky
66. Kentucky Municipal Power Agency
67. Farmington Electric Utility System, New Mexico
68. Chelan County Public Utility District, Washington
69. City of Hartsville, South Carolina
70. Iowa Health Systems, Iowa
71. Marblehead Municipal Light District, Massachusetts
72. Shrewsbury Electric and Cable operations, Massachusetts
73. Bristol Virginia Utilities, Virginia
74. Columbia Power & Water System, Tennessee
75. Northeast Oklahoma Rural Electric Cooperative
76. San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative
77. Longmont Power & Communications, Colorado
78. Siloam Springs, Arkansas
79. MI Connect, North Carolina
80. Delta Montrose Electric Association
81. The City of Beverly Hills, California
82. SolStar Network
83. City of Hudson, Ohio
Neil Shaw, Principal
Uptown Services, LLC
7324 Cortez Lane
Boulder, CO 80303
Office: (303) 554-5854
Email: nshaw@uptownservices.com
Sectors included:
Large Businesses
Healthcare service providers
Non-Profit
Institutions
Depth Interviews of 30-45 minutes each1
Sectors included:
Local government and non-profit organizations
1 In person at interviewee location, with phone interview if scheduling conflict
Bristol Virginia Utilities on the video service strategy
We have completed over 40 municipal
broadband feasibility studies
These feasibility studies have been used as the basis to raise over
$220M in funding to build new fiber networks