ARPA Funding for Broadband Services to Warner Springs

The County of San Diego is awarding American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to Onward to deploy high-speed internet service to 281 households in the Warner Springs area, with specific work focused along Highway 79 and in the Holcomb Village region. The project is classified under NAICS code 237130, indicating construction of communication line and related structures, and is administered by the County’s Department of Public Works, Environmental Services Unit, with Thomas Duffy serving as the primary point of contact. The initiative is statutorily exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review under Section 21080.51, which applies to linear broadband infrastructure projects within public rights-of-way, eliminating the need for extensive environmental impact studies. While the funding source is confirmed as ARPA, no specific dollar amount or detailed cost breakdown is provided in the available documentation, and no formal contract type, pricing structure, or line-item detailing has been disclosed. The place of performance is clearly defined as San Diego County, California, with no alternate delivery locations or FOB terms specified. The project was approved on August 28, 2025, and publicly posted on August 29, 2025, but no formal start or end dates, delivery schedules, or performance timelines are outlined. Administrative filings must be submitted to the County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk at 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, MS A-33, San Diego, CA 92101, alongside a digital submission through the State Clearinghouse portal CEQAsubmit.opr.ca.gov. No contract clauses, representations, certifications, evaluation factors, or special requirements beyond the CEQA exemption were detailed in the submissions, and while a contracting officer and technical representative are implied, their formal designations are not confirmed. The project is designed as a minor infrastructure improvement to expand broadband access without triggering comprehensive federal or state procurement regulatory obligations.