17 Jun Funding Alert! Broadband Infrastructure Program Grants
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Is your state agency working to improve and expand local broadband infrastructure? The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently opened applications for its Broadband Infrastructure Program. This program awards grants to eligible covered partnerships (see below) on a competitive basis, with the overall goal to deploy fixed broadband service in eligible areas in which broadband is not available to all households or businesses.
Who is eligible to apply?
A “covered partnership” involves a formal collaboration between a state (or one or more political subdivisions of a state) and a provider of fixed broadband service. A partnership may include more than one broadband service provider, and providers may participate in more than one covered partnership. NTIA also encourages municipalities, nonprofits, or cooperatives that own/operate broadband networks to participate as part of such a partnership.
What do these projects look like?
The service provided through a broadband infrastructure project must have download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second (mbps), upload speeds of at least 3 mbps, and a latency sufficient to support real-time, interactive applications. Eligible expenses under the Broadband Infrastructure Program include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Construction, improvement, and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment required for providing qualifying broadband service;
- Long-term leases of necessary facilities;
- Engineering, design, permitting, and other work related to environmental, historical, or cultural reviews;
- Personnel costs for necessary staff and consultants; and
- Pre-application expenses (limit of $50,000), such as the costs of preparing an application.
For a complete list of eligible and ineligible costs, see the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO, available for download here), pages 23-25.
Broadband Infrastructure Program grants will range from $5,000,000 to $30,000,000 with up to a one-year project period, with a total of $288 million in funding available. There is no cost share/match requirement for this program, but note that NTIA will favorably consider applications proposing a nonfederal match of at least 10% of the total project costs. Applications are due August 17, 2021.
What makes a project a good fit?
NTIA will prioritize proposed Broadband Infrastructure Program projects that address the following objectives (in order of importance). NTIA seeks projects that provide broadband service:
- To the greatest number of households in an eligible area;
- To rural areas;
- Through the most cost-effective means; and
- With a download speed of at least 100 mbps and an upload speed of at least 20 mbps.
In addition to the above priorities, NTIA seeks projects that will be able to evolve, sustain, and scale for future advanced services. For example, the use of “future-proof” infrastructure, such as fiber, will allow the funded broadband infrastructure to better adapt to emerging technologies.
What if I am ready to apply?
To move your application forward, take the following action steps ASAP:
- Read through the Department of Commerce’s press release and the complete NOFO, available for download here. (click on the “Related Documents” tab).
- Mark your calendar to watch upcoming informational sessions in NTIA’s webinar series – Session 4a on July 14 and Session 4b on July 15.
- Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and that you have agov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://sam.gov/content/status-tracker.
What if I need help with this application?
Contact Assel Grant Services today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.
What if I am not ready to apply this year?
Check out other broadband infrastructure-related opportunities! NTIA’s website provides resources regarding other upcoming grant programs, initiatives, and resources such as a national broadband availability map, as well as examples of previously funded projects.
How do I learn more about federal grant opportunities?
AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series in 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.
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Competency #1: Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs
Skill 1.2: Identify major trends in public funding and public policy
Skill 1.6: Identify fundable programs and projects for specific organization
Skill 1.7: Determine best matches between funders and specific programs