(a) The office has the powers and authorities necessary to implement this chapter, including, but not limited to, the authority to enter into contracts with one or more entities to acquire goods and services and to take actions it deems necessary and appropriate for the development, acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of a statewide open-access middle-mile broadband network, including the creation of rural exchange points.

(b) (1) The office shall retain a third-party administrator to manage the development, acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of a statewide open-access middle-mile broadband network, including the creation of rural exchange points.

(2) The third-party administrator retained by the office shall be a California based nonprofit entity with demonstrated experience serving public libraries, elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education with broadband connectivity.

(c) Contracts entered into by the office are exempt from Section 10295 of, and Article 4 (commencing with Section 10335) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 2 of, the Public Contract Code.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 112, Sec. 3. (SB 156) Effective July 20, 2021.)