Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-25-6-BB-0321 for the CVIN, dba Vast Networks State Route 299 Middle-Mile Broadband Network Project

CVIN LLC, operating as Vast Networks, is undertaking a middle-mile broadband infrastructure project along State Route 299 in Modoc County, California, at post mile 0.778 near Adin, under Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-25-6-BB-0321. The project involves the directional drilling of approximately 80 linear feet of 5-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE) encasement with a minimum 48-inch depth of cover, containing two 1.5-inch HDPE conduits pre-filled with fiber optic cable, all installed within Caltrans’ right-of-way. This effort supports California’s statewide open-access middle-mile broadband network mandated by Senate Bill 156, aiming to bridge the digital divide by connecting unserved and underserved communities to a third-party last-mile network that will deliver high-speed internet to homes, businesses, and critical institutions. The project qualifies for a statutory exemption from environmental review under Public Resources Code Section 21080.51, which allows expedited approval for broadband infrastructure projects within state highway corridors. Caltrans District 2 in Redding is the approving agency, with David DeMar serving as the primary point of contact. The permitting process requires the submission of a certified exemption finding and confirmation of Notice of Exemption filing with the Office of Planning and Research. No federal contract clauses, pricing details, payment terms, or standard procurement elements such as evaluation factors, contracting types, or socioeconomic certifications were identified, indicating this is a state-administered encroachment permit rather than a federal procurement. There are no specified performance timelines, FOB terms, invoicing methods, or detailed quality standards beyond the prescribed installation depth and material requirements, emphasizing compliance with the exemption framework and Caltrans infrastructure guidelines over traditional contract administration metrics.