Memorandum
Date: September 17, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Benjamin Rickelman, Deputy County Administrative Officer
Subject: Consideration and Discussion of a Letter of Support for the Golden State Connect Authority Application for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
Executive Summary:
The Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) is a Joint Powers Authority of the Rural County Representatives of California, which Lake County is a member. The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program (Grant Program) is a competitive federal funding opportunity with a typical award range of $5 - $12 million and a four-year term. GSCA’s application is for $12 million. The focus of the Grant Program is funding equipment, activities, and construction that would expand digital access and training towards covered populations. Included in GSCA’s application would be funding for each of GSCA’s member counties. Funding could go towards the purchase and placement of hardware and software necessary to establish access to digital tools.
The County of Lake is also preparing an application for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program with its broadband consultants. This consortium will include Tribal Nations based in Lake County, the County Library, and Mendocino College. This application will make clear that its planned spending would not overlap with the GSCA submittal.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☒ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Provide a Letter of Support for the Golden State Connect Authority’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Application