Technical Assistance Program 

CobbFendley is assisting Texas State Broadband Development Office (BDO) as their consultant to manage and facilitate the Technical Assistance Program to provide resources to communities across the State that need help addressing their local digital divide. Our services for this contract include:

• Community Demographic Analysis // We research and analyze community demographics to identify and engage diverse stakeholders, including historically underrepresented groups.
• Stakeholder Engagement // We identify and engage community groups, public and private stakeholders, broadband providers, and ISPs to support broadband expansion efforts. These strategies include town halls, multilingual surveys, and targeted advertisements.
• Communications Strategy // CobbFendley develops comprehensive communication strategies tailored to community demographics, providing for inclusive and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Broadband Asset Identification // Our team identifies, records, and maps existing broadband-related assets within communities. We provide detailed asset data in specified formats for strategic planning.
• Broadband Needs Assessment // We utilize asset mapping data and other relevant information to conduct thorough gap analyses, identifying underserved areas and community needs related to broadband expansion.
• Regulatory Assessment // CobbFendley evaluates  community ordinances and policies to provide a streamlined processes for ROW access and permit issuance, facilitating efficient broadband project implementation.
• P3 Opportunities // Our team Identifies and analyzes multiple P3 opportunities, assessing potential cost savings and risks to the community. We leverage the strengths of both public and private entities to optimize broadband service delivery.
• Local Workforce Enhancement // We facilitate collaboration with community colleges, trade schools, and local organizations to develop workforce strategies that prioritize hiring and training local residents, creating fair-wage job opportunities.
• Digital Equity Initiatives // CobbFendley identifies gaps in digital access and skills, developing strategies to leverage DEA funds to enhance digital literacy and technology access. Our plans include funding programs and expanding access to devices and training.
• Preliminary Network Designs // We review preliminary broadband network designs considering current service levels, scalability, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness. Each design includes route suggestions, cost estimates, and pros and cons analysis.
• Cost and Legal Analysis //  Our team facilitates  the implementation of the ideal network design in a cost-effective manner, considering all necessary permits and legal implications. We also provide comprehensive risk analysis to mitigate potential issues.
• Benchmarking // CobbFendley conducts a comparative analysis of broadband networks in other communities to inform and enhance our network design assessments, providing for the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions.