Wireless Washtenaw Project Update

The Wireless Washtenaw project team is pleased to report that the Request for Proposal  (RFP) was released on November 29, 2005. Through this RFP, the private sector solution providers will detail their vision for making Wireless Washtenaw a reality. The project team expects a variety of responses from the private sector.

RFP responses are due on January 30, 2006 at 3:00 PM EST. Once received, the project team will begin to evaluate the responses and hold a series of interviews with the top respondents. The project team anticipates selecting a provider by March 2006, with test pilots within the community set for April, May, and June of that year. County-wide deployment will follow in the second half of 2006.

While awaiting the RFP responses, the project team will continue to collaborate with the local units of government on the Master Participation Agreement. This agreement sets the framework for the use of public assets in exchange for wireless service. Municipalities that wish to take part in the project will need to sign this agreement.

This agreement was released to the local units on November 2, 2005. Since then, the local units have been reviewing the document with their legal counsel. The project team is in the process of presenting additional information to the local boards and councils regarding the agreement. 

Also in the works is a new governance structure. Due to the impact of the new Michigan Telecommunications Act, Washtenaw County is required to initiate all contracts with the private sector. In order to incorporate all participants into the decision-making model, the project team is constructing an Advisory Board that will make recommendations to Washtenaw County regarding the Wireless Washtenaw project. More details on this structure will be available in January.

The project team appreciates your interest in Wireless Washtenaw and values your input. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the project's direction, please e-mail the project team at wirelessinfo@ewashtenaw.org.