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The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is exploring the possibility of entering into a public-private partnership (P3) with a developer to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a fiber optic broadband network. 

The Commission is undertaking a two-stage procurement process to deliver the project. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to receive Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from interested parties. The Commission will evaluate the SOQs received in response to the RFQ and will select, according to criteria generally outlined in the RFQ, the short-listed proposers, who alone shall be eligible to receive and respond to the RFP.

The deadline for submitting proposals is August, 31. Further information about the RFQ is available here.

In May, 2016, Pennsylvania’s Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board approved the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s proposal to pursue a P3 agreement with a private entity to install a fiber optic network within its right-of-way. The network will accommodate the Commission’s existing and future data communication needs and will allow the private entity to generate revenue from third party broadband customers. The network will provide connectivity for the Commission’s cashless tolling system, administrative buildings, tolling systems, intelligent transportation systems, and connected and automated vehicle applications.

The fiber optic network is envisioned to span the majority of the PTC system. The broadband network will consist of fiber optic cables, conduits, junction boxes, splice enclosures, and related appurtenances, all of which will be separately designated for the use of the PTC and the developer. Following construction of the fiber optic infrastructure, PTC will operate and monitor its fiber optic network and the developer will be responsible for limited maintenance.

The P3 option is being utilized because it is expected to result in cost savings to the Commission as a result of the private sector’s ability to generate revenue from the project by marketing communications services to third parties.