HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-27 City CouncilCity of PaRo A to
Manager’s Repor
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
TITLE:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
JANUARY 27, 2003
DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES
CMR: 127: 03
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 TO THE FIBER TO
THE HOME BUSINESS CASE FOR DEVELOPMENT
CONTRACT WITH UPTOWN SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF
$132,500
RECOMMENDATION
This report recommends that Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the
attached contract amendment with Uptown Services, LLC in the amount of $132,500 to
provide business plan development services for Fiber to the Home (FTTH)
deployment.
DISCUSSION
The Utility Advisory Commission (UAC) has spent several months reviewing the
FTTH Business Case Report with staff and consultant advisers. At the December 4,
2002 meeting the UAC, in a 5-0 vote, passed a motion reconm~ending Council adopt
staff’s request to approve the proposed FTTH Business Plan contract with Uptown
Services, LLC and staff’s plan development process.
Staff is reconm~ending that the contract for Uptown Services be amended to enable
.Uptown to continue the work began with the Business Case Study for the fo!lowing
reasons:
Uptown Services won the original business case contract as the second lowest
proposer (the lowest proposal offered an incomplete set of services). Furthermore
CMR:127:03 Page 1 of 4
Uptown’s proposal was offered at 63% of the fee of the next responsive bidder, and
at 48% of the average fee of the 12 proposal offerings (including the low non-
responsive offering). Based on business case Request For Proposal (RFP) results,
staff believes that it is highly unlikely that a better pricing would be achieved by
instituting an RFP process. In spite of Uptown’s modest pricing, Uptown was
selected by a cormnittee strictly on the quality of its proposal, presentation and
references.
Having completed the business case, Uptown Services is already familiar with the
Palo Alto situation, including the issues of concern to the UAC, the advisory team.
The advisory team consists of; 1 Councilmember, 1 UAC member, 1 Palo Alto
resident, and city staff and meets monthly to review and guide the study. Uptown
has already prepared a model for Palo Alto which staff and advisory members have
studied and have become familiar with. Also, Uptown has made preliminary
contacts with potential regional partners who could be involved with Palo Alto in
the business. A change of consultants would require redevelopment of a modeling
tools, training of Palo Alto staff and advisory bodies regarding the tool, and
redevelopment ofparmering relationships.
Staff and the UAC are pleased with the quality of work, knowledgeability,
professionalism and collaborative work methods of Uptown Services. It is doubtful
that a better work effort and better working relationships could be achieved through
an RFP process selection.
The FTTH project is on a tight time line with key decisions scheduled for the spring of
2003. This schedule ca~mot be met if the RFP process is evoked. Staff’s plan
development process is two-phased in response to the UAC’s request that the business
plan be done in that fashion. The phases are summarized as follows:
Phase 1:
1.Verify the Palo Alto customer survey data from the business case study.
2.Develop alternative architecture cost estimates, e.g. Hybrid Fiber Cost (HFC).
3.Recommend a wholesale or retail business model (Parmering and .branding
strategy).
4. Investigate comparable municipal utility telecom efforts and report.
5. Legal and regulatory review of the selected business model issues.
Staff expects that an interim and final report will be delivered to the UAC, with the
final going to City Council during Phase 1.
CMR: 127:03 Page 2 of 4
Phase 2:
1.Various survey efforts, including a survey of the prospective small business
customers of FTTH, and product and marketing surveys or focus groups.
2.Development of the Business Plan including market strategy:
Target market analysis (define customer segments and needs)
Product planning, including strategy for handling alternative competing
technologies
Acquisition and retention planning, including competitive response
strategies
3.Service delivery strategy, including the development of new processes and the
impact on existing processes.
4.Organization and management strategy including staffing requirements with job
descriptions and skill sets, staffing costs, and organization plan,
Financial strategy, including discussions with City staff to identify and
recommend the appropriate financing method. Also twenty four month "start up"
funding requirements.
6.Legal analysis including the identification of processes, actions, etc. to establish
the legal basis for the operation of the business.
Staff anticipates at least one interim report, with the final report being delivered to the
UAC, with the final going to City Council at the end of Phase 2.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The contract will be in the amount of $!32,500 and the funds are included in the FY
2002-2003 Operating Budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Approval of the Contract Amendment does not constitute a project under California
Environmental Quality Act. Therefore, no Environmental Assessment is required.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
CMR: 127:03 Page 3 of 4
The final report may recommend policy changes related to the Municipal Code and the
City Charter. This project supports the Utilities Strategic Plan Objective 1, "Enhance
customer satisfaction by delivering valued products and services" and Strategy 4 to
"Deliver products and services for competitive markets."
ATTACHMENTS:
A: Amendment 1 to Contract C2141542B" UAC excerpt from December 4, 2002~~~~~_~ ~
PREPARED BY:~
erBla~:e Heitzman, Manag Uti’~s Telecomm
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Director of Utilities
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
CMR: 127:03 Page 4 of 4
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. C2141542
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND
UPTOWN SERVICES, LLC
FOR FIBER TO THE HOME BUSINESS CASE DEVELOPMENT
This Amendment No.!to Contract No. C2141542
-("Contract") is entered into , by and between the
CITY OF PALO _ALTO, a chartered city and a municipa! corporation of
the State of California ("CITY"), and UPTO~N SERVICES, LLC, a
Limited Liability Company in the State of Co!orado, !ocated at 5650
Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Suite 225E, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
("CONSULTanT") . (Taxpayer I.D. Number 84-1559241)
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Contract was entered into between the
parties for CONSULTANT to provide professional consulting services
to CITY related to the fiber to the home business case development;
and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Contract to expand
the CONSULTANT’s scope of work, extend the term and increase the
maximum compensation;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms,
conditions, and provisions of this Amendment, the parties agree:
SECTION I. Paragraph i.I. of Section 1 is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"This Contract will commence on the date of its
execution by CITY, and terminate on June 30, 2004,
unless this Contract is earlier terminated by CITY.
Upon the receipt-of CITY’s notice to proceed,
CONSULTANT wil! commence work on the initial and
subsequent Project tasks in accordance with the
time schedules set forth in Exhibits "A" and "A-I".
Time is of the essence of this Contract. in the
event that the Project is not completed within the
time required through any fault of CONSULTANT,
CITY’s city manager will have the option of
extending the time schedule for any period of time.
This provision wil! not preclude the recovery of
damages for delay caused by CONSULTANT."
SECTION 2. Paragraph 5.1.1. of Section 5 is hereby
amended to read as follows:
030121 sm 0053188
"In consideration of the ful! performance of the
Basic Services, including any authorized
1
reimbursable expenses, CITY will pay CONSULT~-T a
fee not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty One Thousand
Five Hundred Dollars ($251,500). The amount of
compensation will be calculated in accordance with
the rate schedule set forth in Exhibits ~B~ and
"B-!", up to the maximum amount set forth in this
Section. Al! trave! and mea! expenses shall comply
with the City of Pa!o Alto’s Policy and Procedures
for trave! and meal expense reimbursement. By
signing this contract acknowledges receipt of the
City of Palo Alto’s Policy and Procedures for
travel and meal reimbursement. The fees of the
consultants, who have direct contractual
relationships with CONSULTANT, will be approved, in
advance, by CITY. CiTY reserves the right to
refuse payment of such fees, if such prior approval
is not obtained by CONSULTANT."
SECTION 3. Paragraph 5.1.2 of Section 5 is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"The full payment of charges for extra work or
changes, or both, in the execution of the Project
will be made, provided such request for payment is
initiated by CONSULTANT and authorized, in advance
and in writing, by the project manager. Payment
will be made within thirty (30) days of submission
by CONSULTANT of a statement, in triplicate,of
itemized cost covering such work or changes,or
both. Prior to commencing such extra work or
changes, or both, the parties will agree,in
advance and in writing, upon an estimated maximum
cost for such extra work or changes. CONSULTANT
will not be paid for extra work or changes,
including, without limitation, any design work or
change order preparation, which is made necessary
on account of CONSULTANT’s errors, omissions, or
oversights."
SECTION 4. The following exhibits to the Contract are
hereby amended to read as set forth in the attachment(s) to this
Amendment, which are incorporated in full by this reference:
a. Exhibit "A" to the contract is hereby amended to
include Exhibit "A-l" entitled "Additional Scope of Work".
b. Exhibit "B" to the contract is hereby amended to
include Exhibit "B-I" entitled "Amended Rate Schedule".
030121 sm 005315g
2
Jan 23 03 08:38p Meil V. Sha,.J~-~-~uu~ THU 10:37 ~H CITY OF P~ UTILITIES 30329084.73
FFIX NO. 6505664536
p.1
P, 03/26
SECTION 5. Except as herein modified, all other
provisions of the Contract, inciuding any exhibits and subsequent
amendments thereto, shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their, duly
authorized representatives executed this Amendment on the date
first above written.
ATTEST:CITY OF PALO ALTO
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
UPTOWN SERVICES, LLC
Senior Asst. City Attorney
APPROVED:
Assistant City Manager
Director of Administrative
Services
Director of Utilities
Risk Manager Taxpayer Identification No.
84-!5592~1
(Compliance with Corp. Code § 313 is
required if the entity on whose behalf
this contract is sig~ed is a
cor!3, oration. In the alternative, acertified corporate resolution
attesting to the signatory authority
of the individuals si~ning in their
respective capacities is acceptable)
Attachments :
EX!~IBIT "A": SCOPE OF WORK
EXHIBIT "’A-l": ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK
EXHIBIT "B".: ~ATE SCHEDULE
EXHIBIT "B-l": AMENDED RATE SCHEDULE
01123/2003 THU 12:27 [TX/~K NO 8820] ~001
3an 23 03 08:08p Meil V. Sha.,
JAN-23-2003 TNU I0=38 AM OITY OF PA UTILITIES
30329084’73
FAX NO. 6505664536
p.3
P, 05/26
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
(Civil Code § 1i89)
STATE )
)
notary p~blic in and for said Cou!~ty, personally appeared
personally known to me (or proved to me on the- basis of
satisfactory evidence) to ~e the person(s) whose name(s) is/are
subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that
he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized
capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their ~ignature(s) on the
instrument the person(s), or the enUiLy upon behalf~ of which the
person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
of
My COmmission expires 07/10K2006
030121 sm 0053188
01/23/2003 THU 11:57 [TXiRX NO 8818] ~003
Exhibit A: Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WORK FOR FTTH BUSINESS CASE DEVELOPMENT
(NUMBERING COINCIDES WITH RFP)
,Project Location
The project location is considered to be CITY OF PALO ALTO Utilities Engineering Offices at 1007
Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA. At times project activity may be conducted at the CITY OF PALO
ALTO Civic Center at 250 Hamilton, .or other places in Palo Alto. Occasionally, the Consuli~ant wilt
make presentations after work hours at the above locations.
2.4 Consultant Division of Work
The Consultant shall complete-the fol!owing work elements:
2.4.t
2.4.2
Identification of I~ey revenue sources for the FTTH project: Upon being hired
the Consultantwill immediately review the staff report on key revenue sources,
and complete the ]~oltowing tasks:
-2.4.1.1 Review the staff research efforts, and list any deficiencies. Deficiencies are
¯ areas where additional research needs to be done before sound decisions
can be made, The Consultant shall discuss these with staff and the advisory
team (or a sub-committee of the advisory team), and propose a plan to
correct the deficiencies or to-compensate for them.
2.4.1.2 Have knowledge of and integrate into the report, expertise on a national and
regional level regarding the key revenue sources of the telecom industry,
and how they.would apply to a FTTH network. The Consultant shall use this
knowledge to suggest adjustments to the conclusions .of the staff report.
Bring and integrate into the report ideas regarding the timeliness of minor
services and their potential to enhance the revenue stream. These sources
should not s.erve as a determining factor in the build out decision.
2.4.1.3 Assist staff in conducting preliminary investigative meetings with potential
business partners Be a point of contact for arranging meetings with
potential partners. When requested by staff, attend meetings with potential
partners (Consultant shall provide these services on a per diem basis).
2.4.1.4 Expand staff efforts regarding business models for each revenue stream
and their associated costs. Recommenda specific business model for each
service to beprovided over the FTTH network.
2.4.1.5 Within one month of being hired assist staff in presenting the key re~{enue
sources report to the advisory and, if necessary, governing bodies.
Throughout the process, help staff convey accurate information to advisory
and governing bodies, and .in soliciting the appropriate support and
approv.als.
Market Study- Analyze and understand the Palo Alto datadeveloped by staff
and, recognizing differences between the Palo Alto and regional market
places, make necessary adjustments to the Palo Alto projections: The
Consultant shall take information he has about telecom market behavior, the offering
of services in our region and adjust Palo Alto data based on national and regional
data. Once the data has been adjusted, the expert will make projections regarding
Palo Alto’s market penetration and the associated revenue that wil! be generated
over a 3, 5 and 10-year horizon.
2.4.2.1 Review staff proto-type survey instrument and make recommendations
PAGE 1 OF 5
Exhibit A-: Scope of Work
2:4.3
2.4.4
2,4.2.3
2.4.2.4
regarding form and selection of survey sample populations. Focus suwey
effort 6n capturing the unique customer characteristics affecting fiber optic
service in Palo Alto. tf possible, furnish relevant analogous market research
data from elsewhere. "
Upon staff completion of the survey of relevant market segments, the
Consultant shall meet with staff and review their market research. He Will
note any deficiencies, and meet with staff and the advisory team to develop
a plan for. adjusting, for the deficiencies. The expert will develop an
understanding of the~Jifferences between Palo Alto and regionally customer
demographics. Based on this, and his understanding of national and
regional responses to service offerings in the tetecom market, he shall make
a final recommendation regarding the service offerings and the pricing point
of each, being mindful of the need for basic service offerings (e.g. lifeline
rates) in each service category. He shall then.make reasonable adjustments
to the staff projections of market shares and gross revenues. In the process
he will consider the nature of Palo Alto. citizen loyalty, and, the type of
services to be offered, as well as other factors, which migM influence the
outcome. Based on his knowledge of competitor practices in the region, the
Consultant shall further adjust the projections of Palo Alto’s market share
and future.revenues. He shall also make other adjustments, which he
deems appropriate, based on his expertise. He shali also recommend
actions for Palo A!to to take to reduce the impact of competitors and other
factors on its market share.
Based on his expertise in market analysis the Consultant shall construct a
statistical model of the forces affecting the Palo Alto market. Using this
model, the Consultant shall, in the minimum, make. projections for a
reasonable .worst case, best case, and nominal case for_ annual gross
revenues from the Palo Alto FTTH project. These cases shall be projected
for 3, 5 and 10 year horizons. Ehe Consultant shall make his model
available to staff to run their own variationS of cases. Staff ultimately must
have a strong understanding of the market in which the project would be
operating. The Consultant shall make a presentation to staff and the
advisory team regarding his analyze of the Palo Alto market for FTTH
services, in his pr~esentation he will address competitive forces, Palo Alto
strengths and weaknesses, customer loyalty and other issues that he
deems significant.
The expert will assist the staff in presenting the market study and associated
recommendations to advisory and governing bodies (two evening sessions).
Legal and Regulatory Analysis: It is imperative that the consult and his associates
have good knowledge.of the legal and regulatory issues facing Palo Alto in a build
out of the FTTH network.
2.4.3.1 The Consultant should identify all legal and regulatory hurdles that Palo Alto
must ovdrcome to embark on this project. He should estimate the required
resources and costs to manage the these issues..
2.4.3.2 The Consultant should forecast the length of time Palo AJto should
anticipate being delayed by legal and regulatory challenges, and should
recommend critical start dates for these processes.
Technical Feasibility - Identify and describe a system capable of delivering the
services. The Consultant, with the assistance of his Subcontractor’s will make
reasonable estimates of the costs of building and operating various alternative FTTH
networks. Consultant will provide all necessary design and engineering expertise to
PAGE 2 OF 5
Exhibit A: Scope of Work
2.4.5
2.4.6
complete this assignment. Consultant shall meet with the Utilities engineering staff
and discuss his assumptions, methods, and fully describe his analysis in the
development of his costs estimates.
2.4.4.1 Consultant will estimate the Costs and timing of a system wide deployment.
Availability of construction expertise and staffing shall be integrated into
these estimates. Customer interests (geographical segmentation) wil! also
be considered in these forecasts.
2.4.4.2 Consultant shall estimate the costs and staffing (skill set acquisition and
development) requirements needed to operate the FTTH network.
Obsolescence and replacement shall be considered to develop life cycle
costing, and annual cash flow requirements. Where possible, probable
ranges of values shall be used in the analysis.
2.4.4.3 Consultant shall meet with Palo Alto Utilities Engineering staff and fully
describe to their satisfaction: his assumptions, methods of analysis, sources
of data, etc. used in the development of his estimates.
Financial Feasibility: Analyze methods for funding the construction and i~itiai
operation.of the FTTH network, The Consultant shall advise the city regarding the
financial issues and legal implications of raising capital for the FTTH network
building and initial operation.~.
2.4.5.1 The Consultant shall explain the options for financing based on construction
costs, time frame and the cash flow for the buiid out.
2.4.5.2 The Consultant should address issues related to tax exempt financing, if
any..
2.4.5.3 The Consultant should address issues of partnering with non-tax exempt
entities to assist with implementing.the project.
2.4.5.4 The Consultant shall meet with advisory and governing bodies to explain
financing options and associated risk, if any. This information will be
included in the final report presentations.
Development of an integrated FTTH business model. The Consultant shall
assume full responsibility for the integration of all the above information and any
additiohal infoimation that he deems significant into a pro forma income statement
and cash flow statement model of a Palo Alto FTTH business.
2.4.6.1 The model shall becapable of managing uncertainty through probabilistic
modeling.
2.4.6.2 The Consultant shall make recommendations that are supported by the
model. -
2.4.6.3 The Consultant shall identify all sensitive variables in the model and explain
their range of possibilities and how these affect the outcome.
2.4.6.4 The Consultant shall accompany staffto make presentations of results and
recommendations to advisory and governing bodies: The Consultant will
explain sources of risk, and make recommendations for the mitigation of
risk (four presentations). "
2.4.6.5 The Consultant shall train staff in the use of the model and turn the model
over to staff for their use in future scenario modeling.
2.5 Chronological list of deliverables: This listing of deliverables is to be viewed as a
summary from the "Division of Work" sections of this RFP, and includes only the major
milestones of the project with relative time lines. Consultants can use this section to
understand the timeline of the project. Consultants are to use this entire document to
analyze the complexity and detail of the work in preparing their submittals.
2.5.1 Deliverable by staff: Section 2.3.1 (Investigation of key revenue sources for the
PAGE 3 OF 5
Exhibit A:Scope of Work
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
2.5.7
2.5.8
2.5.9
2.5.10
2.5.11
2.5.12
2.5.13
2.5.14
2.5.15
FTTH) work will be completed by staff prior to.the commencement of work by the
Consultant. This work will be delivered to the Consultant in the form of a written
report with a section for each key revenue source.
Deliverable by Consultant: The Consultant shall produce his written review of
the staff report on key revenue sources (as described in section 2.4.1 .I) within
two weeks of its delivery to him.
Consultant deliverable: The Consultant shall have organized introductory
meetings with at least two potential business partners for each key revenue
source within four weeks of the initiation of his contract will the city.
Consultant deliverable: The Consultant shall also meet with the advisory team
and provide a verbal review in accordance with. section 2.4.1.1 and section
2.4.1.2 within seven weeks of the delivery to him of the staff report. At that time
he will also provide an overview of the legal and regulatory issues that Palo Alto
can anticipate facing with respect to engaging in the key businesses.
Sta~ deliverable: All sections within Section 2.3.2.1 (development of protq-type
market survey instruments and test application) will be completed prior to the
selection of the Consultant.
Consultant deliverable: The Consultant shall provide staff with written
recommendations regarding revisions to the survey instrument within two weeks
after the survey instrument has been delivered to him by staff.
Consultant deliverable: Consultant recommendations regarding the selection
of sample populations shall be delivered to staff within three weeks-of the delivery
of staffs draft survey to the Consultant.
Consultant deliverable:. Consultant shall deliver a summary of relevant
analogous market research within 5 weeks of his receipt of the staff draft survey
instrument. "
Staff deliverable: Staff shall complete all portions of sections 2.3.2.2 and 2.3.2.3
(actual market surveys and compilation of statistical data for marketsegments)
within six weeks of receipt of the Consultant’s review as described in section
2.4.1.3.
Consultant deliverable: Within two weeks of the rec6ipt Of the market surveys
and statistical compilation, the Consultant shall submit his written review noting
deficiencies and the potential impact of these.
Consultant deliverable: Within four weeks of the delivery df the market surveys
the Consultant shall provide his adjustments based on competitive forces and his
knowledgeof the business.
Consultant deliverable: Within eight weeks after receiving the market survey
the Consultant shall deliver the statistical business model for projecting future
revenue streams under the influence of key variables, and make his
presentations to staff and the advisory team.
Staff deliverable: Staffwill compile trial cost data and make projections about build
out costs, staffing requirements and timing. Staff will finish within 12 weeks of the
date that upon which the Consultant washired.
Consultant deliverable: Within four weeks of receiving staff’s engineering report
on construction and operation, the Consultant shall note areas of his concern coming
from his knowledge of similar build outs. At the same time he shall deliver his
analysis for financing the build out of the FTTH network.
Consultant deliverable: Within 8 weeks of the completion of the staff
engineering report on costs of a FTTH build out and operation and also the
market survey analysis, the Consultant shall deliver the integrated FTTH financial
model as described in section 2.4.6. With the model he shall deliver his
recommendations regarding the build out.
PAGE 4 OF 5
Exhibit A: Scope of Work
Consultant deliverable: Over the next several months following the delive~ of
~,,= ,,,,~,,u~ ~ude~, the Consultant shall assist staff and the advisory team in
presenting the report and ~ecommendations to upper management, UAC,
Council, and the public. These follow up presentations shall be charged on a per
diem basis as a separate line item in the proposal.
PAGE 5 OF 5
Exhibit "A-I’: Additional Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WO~ J~OR TI-i~ FTTH BUSINESS PLAN
DEVELOPMENT
I. PRO~CT LOCATION
The project location is considered to be Palo Alto Utilities En~neering offices at 1007
Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA. At times project activity may be conducted at the Palo Alto
Civic Center at 250 Hamilton, or other places in, or near, Palo Alto. Occasionally
Uptown shall make presentations after work hours at the above locations.
II. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Uptown shall complete the following work using the process described in Section 1TI of
this document. Any variation from this scope and process shall be approved, in writing
by the City of Palo Alto Project Manager.
Ultimately Uptown shall develop a detailed business plan for the FTTH broadband
business. However Uptown shall first coordinate with the Palo Alto Project Manager
and officials to achieve:
Engineering Analysis: A final decision regarding the general network
architecture to be deployed. Palo Alto Utilities staff and officials have asked
that various FTTH designs be analyzed for costs and suitability of
architecture. Also the alternative deployment of Hybrid Fiber Coax (I~C) is
to be analyzed at the same level.
Partnering and Branding: A final decision regarding partnering and
branding strategies for each service. The business case called for retail video
and Internet offerings from Palo Alto Utilities, with a wholesale telephone
offering from a third party provider(s). Palo Alto staff and officials have
requested and Uptown shall evaluate an alternative ~v.holesale strategy for
Internet and video. Final branding decision shall be agreed upon with Palo
Alto officials prior to commencement of the business planning process.
En,~ineerin~ Analysis Plan
Peregrine Communications (Peregrine) or Palo Alto Project Manager approved
alternative sub-contractor shall provide additional engineering services during the
business planning process. These services shall develop comparative construction
estimates for alternative architectures to the FTTH design completed for the business
case. Final alternatives will be declared by Palo Alto Project Manager prior to the
commencement of the en~neering analysis. Alternatives might include HFC, all fiber
non-PON network and blown fiber solutions.
Partnering and Branding Plan
Through several preliminary discussions with local video, telephone and Lntemet service
providers, Uptown andPaio _Alto staff have laid a substantial foundation in the area of
partnering. Uptown shall continue to develop a detailed partnering strategy based on the
results of follow-on discussions with highly probable partners. This strategy shall also
detail the final branding strategy for the overall business and each individual service.
Uptown shall collaborate with Palo Alto Project Manager and officials to deliver a final
detailed recommendation regarding each service.
Comparative Municipal Telecommunications Analysis
Over 100 municipally owned utilities have entered the telecommunications business by
deploying one or more services like cable television, Intemet access and telephone. Palo
Alto Utilities officials have expressed interest in understanding some of the hi~,ch level
marketing, operations, finance and public policy strate~es and tactics employed their
peers (similar in size, tecbmology deployed or service set). Uptown shall complete a
survey of at least five of Palo Alto Utilities’ peers and provide a brief summary for each,
along with a comparative matrix detailing key issues, costs, pricing, and other
determinate values for all.
Business Plan
In conjunction with Palo Alto staff, Uptown shall develop one business plan for Palo ’Alto
Utilities’ entry into the business of offering video, data and telephone services over a
broadband system. This plan shall contain the following elements:
~larket Strategy
Uptown shall develop a detailed marketing strategy for the proposed business. This
marketing strategy shall contain the details related to target markets, product, design, sales
and marketing tactics and budgeting. These components are as follows:
Target Market Analysis
Uptown shall use the results of Palo Alto’s market research to segment target
markets for the Palo Alto Utilities service offerings. This effort shall define the
opportunities for each segment in the consumer and business markets. Market
segmentation models may be used to help delineate the targets and their primary
characteristics. Each segment shall have unique requirements and this process
shall identify and integrate them into the product-planning phase.
Product Planning
Uptown shall develop detailed product plans for services that meet the gaps
identified in the target market analysis effort. These plans shall address the
standard "Four Ps" (Product, Place, Price, Promotion) for the services which are
to be offered. It is projected that services shall include some form of video,
Intemet and telephone. This task shall further refine the service design to a level
of detail that shall allow detailed and reliable budgeting for the operation. Se~wice
design components shall include features and functionality, capital costs,
2
expenses, pricing, packa~ng and competitive analysis. The risk posed by
alternative technologies to the revenue stream and infrastructure investment shall
also be analyzed in this process.
Acquisition and Retention Strategy
Uptown shall develop a detailed acquisition and retention strategy for the FTTH
broadband business. This strategy shall detail the recommended sales and
marketing tactics that could maximize the effectiveness of Palo Alto Utilities’
acquisition efforts. This section of the business plan shall also provide details
related to retaining subscribers on a going fo~vard basis and detail alternative
sti:ate~es for countering competitive responses such as aggessive price cutting
and bundling of multiple services.
Budget
Uptown shall develop a detailed monthly budget for all product development,
sales and marketing activities of the first two years of operation.
Service Delivety Strategy
Uptown shall develop a detailed service delivery plan for the FTTH broadband network.
This plan shall address all key processes that are required to deliver the services specified
in the product-planning phase. Several City of Palo Alto financial, accounting, utilities
and other processes will be impacted by the addition of telecommuh_ications services and
those process impacts shall be identified. In addition, new processes will need to be
developed to support the broadband service offerings. Uptown shall develop high level
process maps for the following areas: sales, order processing, billing, collections, bill
inquiry, customer service, trouble management, installation and repair.
Organization atld MaJ~agemeitt Strategy
Uptown shall develop a detailed organizationplan for the new telecommunications
operation. The core element of this plan shall be an organizational chart. Job
descriptions shall also be developed for each position in the organization. Wage scales
and potential resource pools shall also be identified.
Filz ai, cial Strategy
Uptown shall develop a detailed financing strategy for the broadband business unit. This
strategy shall outline different financing approaches and provide a detailed monthly view
for the reco~mnended approach. A key deliverable from this task shall be a 24-month
operating budget that the managers ofFTTH caaa use to guide and measure the business
going forward. The results of this effort will also be used to justify investment
(financing) in the venture.
Legal Strategy
Uptown assumes that the City of Palo Alto legal .department wil! be developing a lega! /
regulatory strategy in support of the desired business plan. Uptown and Palo Alto
Utilities shall create a basic outline of the expected business structure and service
offerings that the legal teana can use to frame the study of the legal and regulatory issues
and establish guidelines and strate~es as appropriate. The business plan shall be
developed within the legal limits specified by the legal team.
III. Business Plan Development Process
Uptown shall develop this business plan in coordination with Palo Alto Utilities Project
Manager, officials, and other stakeholders in the broadband venture. This section
outlines the process that shall be used to develop Palo Alto Utilities’ FTTH business plan.
Setting Goals
The first step in developing the business plan shall be to define the goals for the business.
Goals and strateNes shall be developed and quantified for each element of the business
(marketing, service delivery, organizational and financial), such that the ongoing
operation might be measured accordingly. Uptown shall facilitate meetings at which
Palo Alto Utilities staff and other stake holders will develop this critical foundation as
follows:
The Mission Statement
Uptown shal! facilitaie the development of a mission statement. The first step in
developing meaningful goals for the broadband business shall be to develop its
mission - its underlying reason for existence1. A good mission statement will define
the company’s strateNc direction and position in both product and service temas. It
should also clarify the competitive arena in which the company operates. At a
minimum, the mission statement should answer the following questions:
o What business are we in?
°How do we differentiate ourselves from others?
o What makes us unique?
o Where do we plan to do business?
o Why are we in business?
Given the complex nature of the business being proposed, this step will be critical. It
will provide the basis for all goal setting and help bring the diverse group of
stakeholders together with a common view of the business.
Defining Goals, Objectives and Strategies
A goat is a general statement of desired direction and usually relates to improving
something. Goals are generally related to filling some sort of gap identified by
the company and may or may have a specific thne frame attached to their
achievement. An objective is a measurable statement of accomplishment and a
strategy is a method of achieving goals, objectives or both. A strategy usually
includes inputs as well as desired outcomes, a time frame and milestones.
t Any mission statement, goals and objectives developed for the broadband business unit will need to be
consistent with those already in place for PALO ALTO UTILITIES.
4
Uptown shall facilitate the process of setting goals and objectives for each
element of the broadband business. These goals and objectives shall serve as tl£e
basis for developing specific strategies for the marketing, service delivery,
organization and financial operating plans.
3~Iarket Goals
The primary purpose of marketing goals and strategies is to maximize overall sales
and revenue potential. A secondary goal is to acl~eve maximum productivity from
sales, promotion and distribution activities. Uptown shall work with Palo Alto
Utilities to establish goals for the following:
o Sales of specific products and services
Sales to specific customer segments
o Sales by channel distribution
These goals are obviously interrelated, and the process of setting them will require
several iterations.
Service Deliveo~ Goals and Strategies
The primary purpose of service delivery goals and strategies is to minimize service
costs, in order to maximize contribution margins of the company’s services.
However, th~s must be achieved in the context of a strict quality standard ha all areas
of service delivery, in support of the overall marketing goal of maintaining and
expanding demand for the company’s products and services. Uptown shall work with
CPUA Project Manager to establish goals for the following:
o Standard (budgetary) costs for supplied materials, products and services that are
inputs to the service delivery process
Productivity standards for al! significant service delivery activities or processes
Standard unit costs for each service
o Staffratios for each worker group
o Estimate of fixed operating costs
o Service delivery capacity
o Service delivery overhead structure
These goals must match the sales goals set earlier. They will also be critical to the
financing plan and development of a detailed operating budget.
Ot~,anization and ;~lanagement Goals
The primary purpose of organization and management goals and strategies is to put
into place the skilled workforce and organizational environment required to achAeve
the goals of marketing, service delivery and finance. Uptown shall work with Palo
Alto Utilities Project Manager to develop goals and objectives for the following
are as:
Productivity standards for all worker classes
Organizational structure for the broadband business
Mix of skills and composition of the company’s workforce
5
~Supervisor to worker ratios and span of management control
o Development of staff skills
¯,~ump~uun for all personnei
,Growth and expansion of the workforce
These goals and objectives will have an overarching impact on the marketing and
service delivery strategies for the broadband business.
Financial Goals
Financial goals and strategies have two primary purposes. First, they support the
capability of the company to generate profits through its operations (sales and service
delivery). Second, they effectively manage the funds generated throug~ operations
and ensure the continued financial solvency and growth of the business. An effective
financial strategy can supplement operating profits, but the primary purpose of the
financial strategy should be to ensure that the business has the financial resources
required to support its ability to generate operating profits. Uptown shall work with
Palo Alto Utilities Project Manager to develop goals and objectives (based on ratios)
for the following areas:
o Liquidity
o Asset management
°Profitability
o Cash flow
While the broadband business is assumed to be under the overall Palo Alto Utilities
operating umbrella, it is assumed that these goals and objectives will still be measurable
at the FTTH business unit level.
Developin~ Operatin~ Plans
On completion of the goals for each element of the business, Uptown will have the basis
to begin developing the operating plans for each area of the business. Uptown and Palo
Alto Project Manager shall keep the Attorney’s Office appraised of the development of
the business plan process. It is assumed that City ofPalo Affto Attorney’s Office will
develop a legal and regulatory plan in concert with Uptown as described below:
Product, Sales an d Marketiug Plan
Uptown shall develop a detailed sales and revenue plan for the broadband business. This
plan shall be developed in support of the goals, objectives and strategies specified in the
goal setting process. The product, sales and marketing plan shall cover the following
areas:
Detailed descriptions for each service being offered
Mitigation of risk posed by alternative technologies
Monthly and nom-ecurring prices by service type (e.g. phone, video, Jaaternet, etc.)
Channe! strategies by service
o Marketing strategies by service
Alternative strate~es for addressing competitive responses
Debunking strate~es and tactics to address incumbent °°Fear Uncertainty and
~. Mum-_oons ).Doubt" campai~mas (e.a.. " " T _ "
Monthly sales projections for fLrst 24 months
Monthly marketing expenses for first 24 months
This plan shall serve as the roadmap for the development of all FTTH broadband service
offerings. It shall also spell-out the specific marketing strategies and tactics to be used
during the first two years of operation. Uptown’s plan will serve as a guide for product
managers and marketing personnel in the broadband business unit.
Service 1)elive,:v Plan
Uptown shall develop a service delivery plan for the broadband business. This plan shall
be developed in support of the goals, objectives and strate~es specified in the goal
setting process. The service delivery plan shall cover the following areas.
o Mapping of all core processes - sales, order processing, provisioning, installation,
customer service, help desk, repair, billing, collections, network operations and
product development
~Establistm~ent of measurements within each core process
,Development of standards for each process measurement
Process mapping is a critical step in the development of a solid service delivery plan..
Given the number of parties involved in the delivery of any broadband service, it will be
important for Palo Alto Utilities to understand the various interactions and to set
standards for each.
OrgaMzatiotz and Managemettt Plan
Uptown shall develop an organization and management plan for the broadband business.
This plan shall detail the staffing plan along with the management structure of the
business. The plan shall include the following elements:
~Position descriptions for all new job functions in the business
o Staffing requirements for each position
~Organizational and management structure
o Broadband business’ position in the Palo Alto Utilities infrastructure governance
and reporting relationships.
~ Breakdown of overhead costs that flow to new broadband business
Given the highly sensitive nature of these issues, Uptown and Palo Alto Utilities staff
will require the support of appropriate executives from the City’s utility, finance and
human resources departments.
Fi~ a~ cial Platt
Uptown shall develop a detailed financial plan for the broadband business. This plan
shall provide a comprehensive view of the business for the first 24 months of operation.
Latter months shall be aggregated into annual totals. Uptown’s plan shal! include an
income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows. It shall also reflect the
7
financing strategy that shall be developed by Uptown and the City of Palo Alto finance
department.
Final Report
Uptown shall prepare a final report that details the outcomes discussed herein.
IV. DELIVERABLES
Uptown shall provide the following deliverables over the course of the contract.
Business Structure (-Branding) Recommendation
Uptown shall provide a detailed business structure recommendation for each service to be
offered. This recommendation shall include updated business model analysis for each
alternative that was evaluated.
Architecture Analysis and Recommendation
Uptown with its subcontractor, Peregrine or Palo Alto approved alternative, shall provide
a spreadsheet-based analysis of the different architectures that were evaluated. This
analysis shall follow the same format as the analysis provided in the business case
project. Uptown shall complete the appropriate level of business case analysis and
provide a recommendation regarding FTTH vs. HFC:
Municipal Telecommunications Summary
Uptown shall provide a summary report and matrix for analysis of Palo Alto Utilities’
peers in the telecommunications business.
Mission, Goals, Ob,iectives and Strate,~ies
Uptown shall provide a summary report on the mission, goals objectives and strate~es
that have been developed by the broadband team.
Operatin,~ Plans
Uptown shall provide operating plans for the business plan components discussed in this
scope of work.
Financial Plan
Uptown shall provide a detailed spreadsheet based operating budget (income statement,
balance sheet and statement of cash flows) for the first 24 months of operation and
annually for up to 15 years.
V. SCHEDULE
Uptown shall make reasonable effort to complete the business plan in a timely fashion.
However, there are interdependencies with work of Palo Alto staff and there is a
sequence in which the.work must be completed. The following table lists the tasks to be
completed in sequential order:
Task
1.Sig-ned contract for business plan
2.Evaluate architecture alternatives
3.Develop architecture recommendation
(FTTH or HFC)
7.
Develop business structure
recommendation
Legal / regulatory reviexv of business
structure recommendation
Complete municipal
telecommunications analysis
Presentation and approval of
architecture and business structure
recommendations to UAC
(presentation of #6)
8.Set goals for business plan
9.Develop operating and financial plans
10. Presentation of business plan to UAC
Dependencies
None
#1
#2
#1
#4
#1
#3, #5, #6
#7
#8
#9
Resources
CPAU, Uptown
Peregrine,
CPAU, Uptown
CPAU, Uptown
Uptown, CPAU,
business
partners
CPA Legal
Uptown, CPAU
UAC, CPAU,
Uptown
Uptown, CPAU,
UAC
Uptown, CPAU
Uptown, CPAU,
UAC
Duration
Unknown
3 weeks
1 weeks
3 weeks
Unknown
3 weeks
Unknown
4 weeks
10
Weeks
Unknown
As the table shows, a business plan may take up to 17 weeks to complete after a contract
is signed with Uptown. This time frame may be compressed at the discretion of the Palo
Alto Utilities Project Manager by either eliminating elements from the operatilag plans, or
by starting the development of the operating plans prior to finalizing the architecture and
business structure strategies.
9
E~hibit B:Compensation
1.Fees and compensation fnr the sorv~ooS ao~o~4h~d in tSe ~-~---’~-’+ *-
Scope of Work:
Business Case Development Study not to exceed
Engineering Analysis (Per Section 2.4.4) not to exceed
Estimated travel budget, including related to engineering analysis
$51,000
$50,000
Sl 8,000
$119,000. Total for proposed Scope of Work
2. Variable Charges for Unforeseen additional work:
Neil Shaw Uptown
Donald Thompson Uptown
Dr, Futro Peregrine
,,Jim Kline "Peregrine
Douglas Pieri Peregrine
Don Holland Peregrine
$187.50
$187.50
$187.50
$137.50
$137.50
$137.50.
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,100:00
$13-oo.oo
,1,1oo.oo
EXHIBIT "B-I" AMENDED RATE SCHEDULE
A. FIXED CHARGES:
1. Consulting Services
Unless otherwise negotiated be~,een CPAU and Uptown, all consulting costs will be charged as
fixed. Uptown’s fixed fee for the services (Uptown and Peregrine) described in Exhibit "A-1
9"Additional Scope of Work" will not exceed $1__~,500 (excluding expenses). A task-by-task
breakdown is provided next.
Task
Phase I Strategy Development Wrap - Up
o En~neering Analysis and Recommendation
e Municipal Telecommunications Analysis
~,Business Structure Analysis and Recommendation
Phase II Business plan development
Total
Fixed Cost
$13,500
$ 5,OOO
$ 20,000
I$ 85,000
$123,500
2. Travel Expenses
Travel expenses are estimated to be no more than $9,000 for this project. This is for estimation
purposes only and will certainly fluctuate according to the costs of air travel, rental car and hotel
stays in the Palo Alto area and will be in accordance with the City of Palo Alto’s Policy and
Procedures for travel and meal expense reimbursement.
B. VARIABLE CHARGES
Uptown does not plan to bill the City on an hourly basis. However, should work be required over
and above the scope ori~nally identified, hourly mad daily rates for each resource are provided in the
table below.
In dividu al Comp any
Nei! Shaw Uptown
Donald Thompson Uptown
Jim Kl~ne Peregrine
Douglas Pieri Pere~m-ine
Don Ho!land Peregrine
Hourly Rate
$187.50
5187.50
$150.00
$150.00
$150.00
Daily Rate
$1,500
$1,500
$1,200
$1,200
$1,200
030121 sm 0053188
Attachment B
Excerpt from the Utilities Advisory Commission Unapproved
Minutes (page 14) of December 4t", 2002
Utilities Advisory Commission Motion Regarding the Fiber to the Home
Business Plan:
Dawes: I move that the UAC recommend to the City Council to proceed with the
business plan as outlined in the, is this the City Manager’s recommendation here
I don’t know exactly what the name of the item is, but to proceed with the
proposed business plan Fiber to the Home business plan in accordance with item
1 of the agenda.
Bechtel: Mr. Chairman, I think we ought to clarify and say, ’~/Ve are asked City
Council to approve a contract." That’s what we’re being asked to do, not a plan.
Dawes: I agree with Mr. Bechtel and so revised the motion to propose to the City
Council, recommend to the City Council to approve the contract with Uptown
Services, LLC.
Carlson: Commissioner Ferguson, I’m suddenly lost. Go ahead.
Ferquson: Let me, Commissioner Dawes, if you might make a friendly
amendment. If we can simply move that we recommend to Council that they
adopt the staff request?
Dawes: That’s perfectly acceptable.
Bechtel: Second.
Carlson: If you look close, I think what we’re approving here is both a contract
and a process, because we’ve all clearly asked for some really important First
Phase things and I don’t know if I can speak for the rest of the Commission, but
there’s still some skepticism here and we still want to see more detailed results
that this really does pencil out in this very dynamic and competitive environment
before we decide how many pencils we have to buy. So this is a long way from
writing checks with lots of zeros, but it certainly deserves more analysis from
many perspectives. Okay. Motion is made and seconded. All in favor?
All Commissioners: Aye.
Carlson: Any opposed? Okay. We’re going ahead. Thank you very much
gentlemen.