RFI for Broadband Partnerships Services

The City of Chesapeake, Virginia, is seeking information to identify qualified partners capable of leveraging the municipal broadband infrastructure as a regional, carrier-grade communications platform. The agency designed this high-capacity, middle-mile fiber network to support carrier and wholesale transport, dark fiber and conduit leasing, and data center interconnection. The infrastructure also enables enterprise connectivity, future fiber-to-the-premises expansion, and wireless or smart city integration. The scope of work covers utilizing a network that features diverse routing across major corridors, including crossings over water, rail, and critical infrastructure. The system supports dark fiber leasing at scale, with backbone routes following key transportation and utility corridors. Partners must operate within a framework that integrates an interconnection and Point of Presence layer. Only organizations based in the United States are eligible to participate in this partnership opportunity. The agency requires the performance of all associated work to take place offsite. The agency is currently looking for proposals to determine the budget and financial structure of the partnership. Interested parties must submit all questions regarding this request for information no later than June 2, 2026. The agency will evaluate responses based on the ability of partners to maximize the utility of the municipal fiber assets.