Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Department of Commerce http://www.commerce.gov/

Federal Notice of Funds Availability: http://www.broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/

Phase One Funding Availability: $2.4 Billion

Phase One Joint Application: http://www.broadbandusa.gov

Phase One Application Submissions:  July 14, 2009 8:00 a.m. ET until August 14, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

$4.7 Billion

Funding Ratio: 80% – Federal – 20% – State/Local/Private (non–Federal Funds). Based on financial need, NTIA may grant a waiver.

This is a discretionary competitive program. NTIA will issue an RFP to solicit proposals from public and private entities.

State or political subdivision; non–profit foundations, corporations, institutions, or associations; any other entity, including a broadband service or infrastructure provider the Assistant Secretary finds by rule to be in the public interest.

Flow of Funds: Currently NTIA will grant funding directly to the awardee.

End of Federal Fiscal Year 2010; First round grant RFP will be available no later than June of 2009. Second round will be available no later than December of 2009. Third round will be available no later than June of 2010. All grant awards must be made by the end of fiscal year 2010. Projects must be substantially completed within 2 years of receiving award. 

To date, NTIA has not issued reporting requirements. Comments
to RFI are due April 13, 2009.

CIO/OFT

http://www.cio.ny.gov

Melodie Mayberry-Stewart

melodie.mayberry.stewart@cio.ny.gov 

518-408-2140

Sharon Cates-Williams

sharon.cates-williams@cio.ny.gov

518-473-9450

Program Goals:

·     To provide broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the United States;

·     To provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support for:

o     Schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and universities;

o     Organizations and agencies that provide support to low-income, unemployed, aged, or otherwise vulnerable populations; and facilities located within a state-designated economic zone;

·     To improve the use of broadband service by public safety agencies; and

·     To stimulate the demand for broadband, economic growth, and job creation.

Evaluation Criteria:

·     Increases affordability and broadband subscribership and adoption;

·     Provides the greatest broadband speed possible;

·     Enhances service for health care delivery, education, or children;

·     Results in unjust enrichment as a result of support for non-recurring costs through another Federal program; and

·     Comes from an economically disadvantaged small business concern

Restrictions: Projects funded under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program may not receive funding from the Rural Broadband Grant program of USDA.

Important Dates: Joint Application Available On-line (http://www/broadbandusa.gov )  – July 7, 2009

Application Submissions Due: July 14, 2009 8:00 a.m. ET until August 14, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. ET.