Sole Source Broadband Technical Assistance and Consulting

Background
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is issuing a sole source contract to Krasan Consulting Services for technical assistance in support of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This program aims to connect approximately 175,000 households in Illinois with quality and affordable broadband technology. The Office of Broadband requires external expertise to meet federal requirements as they do not possess the necessary skills in-house.

Work Details
Krasan Consulting Services will provide technical expertise and advisory services in broadband deployment, which includes: conducting financial modeling, evaluating business plans for proposed broadband deployments, and assessing the qualifications of entities looking to deploy broadband services in Illinois. Specific activities include:

- Reviewing entity and project qualifications across hundreds of applications.
- Conducting re-reviews following application revisions.
- Associated training and practice reviews.
- Committee meetings to discuss feedback.
- Drafting applicant-facing due diligence materials.
- Conducting financial analysis.
- Creating a standard process for budget due diligence.
- Participating in negotiation meetings with applicants.
- Attending office hours to advise applicants on technical elements of their applications.

Period of Performance
The contract is set to begin on August 11, 2025, and will end on July 31, 2026. There are no potential renewals.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed in Illinois as part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.

Bidder Requirements
This contract is a sole source award due to the unique qualifications of Krasan Consulting Services. No other vendor has the specific experience required for financial and technical review of Illinois-based broadband deployment proposals through the Connect Illinois Program. The vendor has been providing these services for over four years and possesses essential knowledge of the local landscape.