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Martin County EDC reports single RFP response for broadband incentive; Cloudwyze has not defined project scope
Summary
Martin County’s October 2020 broadband incentive RFP drew a single bid from Cloudwyze; EDC President Jason Semple told commissioners Cloudwyze has not yet defined scope or financing and the county’s 60-day window to contract expires Jan. 19, 2021, prompting a possible work session.
Jason Semple, president of the Martin County Economic Development Corporation, told the Board of Commissioners Jan. 13 that an incentive-based RFP issued in October 2020 to attract internet-service providers to unserved parts of the county yielded only one response: Cloudwyze.
Semple said Cloudwyze had not defined the scope of work or secured financing needed to proceed and that under the RFP terms the county had a 60-day window to enter into a contract, a period that would expire Jan. 19, 2021. He recommended a possible work session so commissioners and staff could explore additional options and support mechanisms to expand broadband access in rural areas.
Commissioners discussed challenges of attracting private providers to low-density rural markets, noting existing but unused fiber infrastructure in parts of the county and the complexity of a financially viable buildout. Commissioner Joe R. Ayers and others said expanding broadband access would be especially important for students and economic development. The board agreed to consider further work sessions to examine options.
No contract or financial commitment was reported at the meeting; the county’s next steps include possible negotiation with Cloudwyze, reissuing an RFP if needed, or convening staff and commissioners in a work session to explore alternative approaches.
