Broadband Use and Adoption: Project Management & Training Implementation

AVI serves as a community leader representing numerous villages across Alaska. This NTIA-funded initiative aims to establish a holistic broadband use and adoption program throughout rural Alaska directed to AVI’s membership unless already considered served. The program focuses on six core areas: 

1. Basic Digital Literacy 

2. E-commerce 

3. Remote Work Opportunities 

4. Online Skills Training 

5. Cultural and Language Revitalization 

6. Cybersecurity Training 

The program will combine on-site immersive training with on-demand resources to empower individuals and create self-sufficiency capabilities. This $2.5 million investment over three years has the potential to close the digital divide for these communities. 

The contractor(s) will be responsible for managing all aspects of the NTIA grant implementation, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and understanding the unique challenges faced by Alaska Native stakeholders. The scope includes but is not limited to: 

1. Project Management 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive project plan that aligns with the NTIA grant requirements 

• Establish project timelines, milestones, and deliverables 

• Monitor and track project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies 

• Prepare and submit required reports to AVI and NTIA 

• Ensure grant compliance with all federal regulations and requirements 

• Coordinate with AVI staff, contractors, and community stakeholders 

2. Curriculum Development & Training Curation 

• Develop culturally relevant curriculum for the six core focus areas 

• Design training materials suitable for both in-person and online delivery 

• Create assessments to measure skill development and progress 

• Develop a Digital Navigator training program 

• Ensure all curriculum is culturally appropriate and aligned with community needs 

3. Training Implementation & Community Engagement 

• Coordinate and deliver on-site training in rural Alaska communities 

• Implement online training modules and resources 

• Train local Digital Navigators to provide ongoing support 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy that respects tribal governance structures 

• Facilitate community meetings and listening sessions to ensure program alignment with local needs 

• Build relationships with tribal leaders and community stakeholders 

• Create culturally appropriate feedback mechanisms for continuous program improvement 

• Organize annual Digital Navigator summits 

• Ensure community participation and buy-in throughout all phases of the project 

4. Contractor Management 

• Identify, vet, and onboard necessary subcontractors as needed 

• Monitor subcontractor performance and ensure deliverables meet quality standards 

• Coordinate travel logistics for trainers and consultants visiting communities 

• Manage contractor invoicing and payment processes in compliance with grant requirements 

The successful vendor will be responsible for the following deliverables: 

1. Comprehensive project management plan 

2. Monthly progress reports and quarterly financial reports 

3. Community needs assessment reports for each served location 

4. Culturally relevant curriculum for all six core areas 

5. Digital Navigator training program and resources 

6. Training implementation schedule and logistics plan 

7. Baseline and progress assessment tools and reports 

8. Annual impact reports 

9. Final project evaluation and sustainability plan 

Preference will be given to Alaska-based vendors with demonstrated experience in: 

1. Working with Alaska Native tribes and communities 

2. Understanding of rural Alaska’s unique geographic, cultural, and technological challenges 

3. Proven experience with community engagement in rural Alaska, including knowledge of:
        Tribal governance structures and protocols 

        Cultural considerations for effective community engagement 

        Strategies for overcoming communication challenges in remote communities 

        Building trust and maintaining relationships with Alaska Native stakeholders 

4. Digital literacy curriculum development and implementation 

5. Federal grant management, particularly with NTIA or similar federal programs 

6. Project management experience with similar scope and complexity 

7. Experience conducting training in remote environments 

8. Cultural competency and understanding of Alaska Native cultures and traditions 

9. Track record of successful contractor management 

10. Demonstrated ability to navigate the logistical challenges of working in rural Alaska 

Interested vendors must submit a proposal containing: 

1. Company Information

o Legal name, address, and contact information 

o Description of company history, size, and structure 

o Alaska Business License number 

2. Relevant Experience

o Description of experience working with Alaska Native communities 

o Details of similar projects completed 

o Experience with federal grant management 

o Experience with digital literacy training programs 

3. Project Approach

Detailed methodology for fulfilling the scope of work 

Project management approach and tools 

Curriculum development process 

Training delivery methods 

Comprehensive community engagement plan, including:
   Strategies for meaningful tribal consultation 

   Methods for building trust with Alaska Native communities 

   Approach to navigating cultural differences and protocols 

   Techniques for overcoming communication barriers in remote areas 

    Plan for ensuring community ownership of the broadband use and adoption initiative 

Contractor management approach 

4. Key Personnel

Resumes of key staff who will work on the project 

Roles and responsibilities of team members 

Experience of team members with Alaska Native communities 

Cultural competency qualifications 

5. Timeline

Proposed project schedule that aligns with grant requirements 

Key milestones and deliverables 

6. Budget o Detailed budget breakdown by major task areas 

Hourly rates for key personnel 

Travel cost estimates 

Material development costs 

Any other anticipated expenses 

7. References 

Three references from similar projects, preferably with Alaska Native tribes or organizations 

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

1. Alaska-based company with demonstrated experience with Alaska Native communities (20%) 

2. Experience and expertise in community engagement with rural Alaska Native stakeholders (20%) 

3. Qualifications and experience of key personnel (15%) 

4. Project approach and methodology (15%) 

5. Budget reasonableness and cost-effectiveness (10%) 

6. Understanding of rural Alaska’s unique challenges (10%) 

7. Timeline feasibility (5%) 

8. References and past performance (5%) 

Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to lmounts@akvillage.com with the subject line “RFP AVI-TBCP-2025-001: Broadband Use and Adoption ” by 5:00 PM AKDT on June 17, 2025. No late bids will be accepted. 

Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to lmounts@akvillage.com by June 11, 2025. Responses to all questions will be posted on AVI’s website by June 13, 2025. 

RFP Issue Date: June 3, 2025 

Question Submission Deadline: June 11, 2025 @5PM AKST 

Response to Questions Posted: June 13, 2025 @5PM AKST 

Proposal Due Date: June 17, 2025, 5:00 PM AKDT 

Vendor Selection: June 23, 2025 

Project Start Date: June 25, 2025