The Huntington Park City Council approved a professional services agreement to retain Entrust for project management and consulting for the city’s broadband infrastructure deployment, city staff said.

Staff described the contract as a competitively selected award not to exceed $1,457,472. Entrust will provide comprehensive project management across permitting, construction, regulatory compliance and reporting and will coordinate CPUC requirements and regional infrastructure integration. The staff report said the contract is fully funded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) federal funding account grant and does not use city general funds.

"Entrust was selected through a competitive RFP process, and they currently manage the broadband initiative for Southeast LA Council of Governments, which gives them familiarity with regional stakeholders and grant compliance protocols," staff told the council.

Council members moved and seconded the item, then approved it by roll call with all members present voting yes. The city clerk recorded yes votes from Council members Macias, Martis, Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez and Mayor Maria Flores.

Staff said Entrust’s scope includes coordination with CPUC requirements, permitting and construction oversight and integration with local and regional infrastructure plans. The action authorizes contract award within the approved funding amount and directs staff to proceed under the terms of the competitive selection process.

The contract approval positions the city to use state-administered federal broadband funds to advance an expansion of high-speed internet service aimed at underserved residents and businesses, staff said.

No changes to the city’s budgeted general fund were reported for this item; staff noted the funding comes from the CPUC grant account and is dedicated to the broadband project.