MCQ GROUP LLC

CONSULTING - MANAGEMENT
100 LILAC STREET
METAIRJE, LOUISIANA 70005
TELEPHONE: (504) 836-5070
FACSIMILE: (504) 836-507 9

Louisiana Public Service Commission

Of?ce of Executive Secretary

Attn: Brandon M. Frey

Via By Hand Delivery

Office of Executive Counsel

Attn: H. Bowman

Via Email: gov

602 N. Fifth Street, 12th Floor (Galvez Building) (70802)
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9154

June 30, 2020

Re: RFP 20~10
Docket No. R-35568
In Re: Analysis of viability and potential development of rate
schedules for inclusion of 5G cellular telephone/broadband
equipment onto existing infrastructure of all electric
distribution poles.

Dear Secretary Frey:

Group, LLC and its principal consultants, Scott W. McQuaig
and Rick Deinint, are pleased to respond to the Louisiana Public Service
Commission REP referenced hereinabove to assist the Commission and Staff
regarding the issues relating to the referenced docket. Pursuant to this
Proposal we look forward to assisting the Commission?s Staff and the
respective Commissioners in a review and analysis of the viability, potential
development and implementation of rate schedules for inclusion] attachment
of 5G cellular telephone/ broadband equipment onto existing infrastructure of
all electric utility distribution poles, together with all related issues and
work.

Our Proposal accordingly includes the following anticipated work
plan and/ or summary of required activities:

Scope of Representation

Pursuant to the above referenced RFP, our firm will assist
Commission Staff in reviewing and analyzing 5G cellular
telephone/broadband equipment and the potential of including or attaching
this equipment on existing infrastructure of all electric utility distribution
poles. Our firm will also assist Commission Staff in potentially developing
and implementing recommended rate schedules and/or rental rates for
attachment of 5G cellular telephone/broadband equipment onto existing
infrastructure of electric utility distribution poles. Anticipated scope of
representation includes review and analysis of the Commission?s current
Pole Attachment Order; drafting of data requests and review of responses
thereto; review and analysis of electric utility pole attachment rental rates
and for pole attachment contracts; planning and participation in technical
conferences as required; participation in meetings with Staff,
Commissioners, electric utilities, and 5G providers; preparation of
recommendations to the Commission, including exhibits; preparation of
proposed rules, or amendments to existing rules; and, assistance to Staff in
the drafting of applicable motions, briefing sheets, Orders of the
Commission, and related documents. In addition, our ?rm will be available
for meetings and telephone conferences with Staff and Commissioners, as
well as attendance as needed at Commission Business and Executive
sessrons.

Analvsis of Issues/Anticipated Scope of Work

Our preliminary analysis of the regulatory, industry and governmental issues
under which the referenced proposal will be conducted in order to properly
achieve the goals of the Commission, suggest consideration of numerous
efforts not specifically addressed in the RFP but which must be considered
within the broader scope of work contained therein.

The manner by which these more specific issues are to be addressed is
accordingly included in the following phases of our proposed scope of work.

Phase One: Conduct analysis of current wireless technology including
infrastructure requirements in both urban and rural areas to identify barriers
to investment and deployment of next generation wireless small cell
(densification of LTE technology) and 5G millimeter wave cellular and
broadband services. Detailed analysis to include; identification of physical
equipment and associated attachment type; pole mount, strand mount, etc,

site selection criteria and methodology, ?ber connectivity requirements and
commercial power requirements. Develop and prepare Data Requests and
meet with Staff counsel to determine procedural schedule and action plan for
the docket. Estimated time: 3?4 months. Estimated fees during this phase to
be determined. Costs: $3,500.00 for travel and administrative costs such as
postage, documentation, copies, etc.

Phase Two: Meet with Staff counsel, ?nalize and issue Data Requests,
issue agendas and coordinate technical conferences. Review of interventions
and other correspondence by interested parties. Meet with industry
representative as required. Research and investigation regarding rate
structures and infrastructure utilization in other states; Investigation of RF
safety, aesthetic and other community concerns/issues, evaluation of current
pole attachment rules established by the Commission and review of current
FCC pole attachment orders including 2018 FCC Small Cell Order (Dockets
17-79 and 17?84). Assess impact of FCC Small Cell Order with respect to
Louisiana local governments and review of recent broadband legislation
(SB10) and other anticipated actions at the Louisiana Legislature. Estimated
time: 3~4 months. Estimated fees during this phase to be determined. Costs:
$3,000 for travel and administrative costs such as postage, documentation,
copies, etc.

Phase Three: Meet with Staff counsel and evaluate responses to data
requests. Provide cost analysis including current pole attachment rate
structure and additional costs incurred by infrastructure and/or pole owner
including access safety, make ready, loading, spacing, etc. Meet with Staff
counsel to develop ?nal Staff Recommendations and Report, any supporting
exhibits; assist Staff in preparation of Recommendations and Report to the
Commission; confer with Commissioners on findings contained in the Staff
Report and basis for Staff Recommendations; prepare for and attend Open
Session for consideration of Staff? 3 Recommendations and Report; assist
Staff in preparation of Final Order. Estimated time 2-4 months. Estimated
fees during this phase to be determined. Costs: $3,000 for travel and
administrative costs such as postage, copies, etc.

Experience/Minimum Requirements
Our firm and all its members thereof meet and exceed the minimum

requirements set forth in the referenced including, but not limited to
having a working knowledge of Louisiana Public Service Commission?s

rulemaking and jurisdictional issues; applicable Commission regulations;
full understanding and ability to analyze and achieve the goals and needs of
the Commission as stated in the referenced RFP and the Commission?s
telecommunications related Orders.

Our firm and its members have extensive experience in the
representation of various parties regarding the subject matter, policies and
procedures in question in the above referenced Request for Proposal. The
undersigned, together with principal consultant Rick Demint, are currently
authorized and approved to serve as outside contract consultants to assist and
represent the Commission in such matters.

In addition, members of our ?rm have substantial experience in the
presentation of direct testimony, reports and recommendations; assistance in
developing cross examination of adverse witnesses; and, in the analysis of
comments and exceptions to proposed recommendations. Our principal
consultants have substantial experience in complex cases, as well as
signi?cant previous employment resulting in extensive competence in
related regulatory matters.

Finally, we are thoroughly knowledgeable regarding the
Commission?s 2014 Pole Attachment Order; have extensive experience
related to FCC Telecommunications and Broadband issues including CAF,
CAFII, RDOF, Low Income Broadband Programs, CMRS Regulations, and
Small Wireless Facilities (Small Cell); and, associates of our ?rm assigned
to this project include team members with 35 plus years experience in
various aspects of the telecommunications industry

Con?ict of Interest

We are aware of no current or past representation which could result
in a conflict of interest, and no member of this ?rm currently represents any
interested clients or af?liated parties before the Commission.

Period of Representation

The time period of representation estimated by the Commission to
complete the scope of representation requested in the referenced RFP is 8?12
months. Our ?rm understands that this is merely an estimate of the required
period of representation. However, we likewise appreciate the interest of the

Commission in achieving the anticipated goals of the RFP in an expedient
and timely manner. Accordingly, we hereby represent to the Commission
that the scope of representation and/or work plan set forth hereinabove is
anticipated to comply with whatever period of representation is required.

Estimate of Fees and Costs:

All billing will be submitted pursuant to the requirements of the
November 10, 2014 General Order of the Commission, and will be issued in
strict accordance with the guidelines of the Commission. It is anticipated
that the scope of representation and work plan set forth hereinabove will
require a maximum total of fees not to exceed $119,000 at an hourly rate of
$225.00 per hour. It is fuither anticipated that costs and/or expenses incurred
in connection with these efforts will not exceed $9,500.00. Accordingly, the
total proposed budget for the services of this firm as outside contract
consultants consists of the following respective fees and costs:

Maximum Fees: $119,000.00
Costs/Expenses 9500.00
Total Fees and Costs/Expenses $128,500.00

In the event you or any member of the Staff needs any additional
information or clarification of the contents of this Proposal, please do not
hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the above?referenced
Request for Proposal and look forward to being of service to the

Commission and Staff.

Respectfully Submitted,

Scott W. McQuaig