September 2009 Reporting Requirements Guidance The Department of Commerce has released specific guidance on estimating jobs for the Section 1512 recipient reporting requirements. The guidance is available at: http://recovery.commerce.gov/JobCreationGuidance
Economic Development Grants The Commerce Department released guidelines for $150 million in competitive grants, of which $50 million is set aside for economic adjustment assistance, under the Economic Development Assistance Program. The guidelines can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov/PDF/FY09 ARRA FFO FINAL.pdf.
Community Development Competitive Grants The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, announced an ongoing competitive grant solicitation to promote the competitiveness of regions and increase higher-skill, higher-wage jobs in regions that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss as a result of corporate restructuring. Funding priorities include leveraged partnerships under the Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative and BRAC-affected communities transitioning from a military to civilian economy: http://www.eda.gov/PDF/FY09ARRAFFOFINAL.pdf
Bond Programs The Treasury Department released "how-to" guidance on the stimulus law's new taxable Build America Bond and Recovery Zone Economic Development Bond programs, as well as allocations for the qualified zone academy bond and qualified school construction bond tax-credit programs. This information can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/taxexemptbond/article/0,,id=206034,00.html.
November 16, 2009: GAO Reports on Needed Action to Improve Implementation of Commerce and USDA Broadband Programs The Government Accountability Office released a report on the scheduling, staffing, and data challenges facing NTIA and RUS in implementing their broadband technology programs. The full report is available here: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1080.pdf
November 16, 2009: Commerce and USDA Release Joint Request for Information on Broadband Programs The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), along with USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), issued a joint request for information seeking public comment on certain issues relating to the implementation of the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Additional details are available at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27359.pdf
October 5, 2009, First NTIA Grants Announced The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it awarded the first four grants under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to fund activities in California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont. For more information, see: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_MappingAwards_091005.html
August 27, 2009: Funding Applications The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) have received almost 2,200 applications requesting nearly $28 billion in funding for proposed broadband projects reaching all 50 states and territories and the District of Columbia. This is the first round of ARRA funding aimed at expanding broadband access and adoption to help bridge the technological divide and create jobs building Internet infrastructure, with $4 billion available through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations. For more information, see: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/08/0409.xml
August 7, 2090: Notice Clarifying Info Collection Requirements The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), at the Department of Commerce, released a notice clarifying the information collection requirements for the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (Broadband Mapping Program), originally put forth in a July 1, 2009, Notice of Funds Availability. The notice can be found at: http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/broadband_mapping.htm
States have until August 14, 2009, to submit applications for the Broadband Mapping Program.
July 23, 2009: Broadband FAQs The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) posted answers on their website to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and RUS' Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). Topics addressed include applying for funds, eligibility and matching, and the review and award process. Additional questions can be submitted directly to NTIA by e-mail at btop@ntia.doc.gov or by phone at (202) 482-2048, as the FAQ section will be updated. To view the FAQs section, go to: http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BIP-BTOP_FAQ.pdf
July 1, 2009: Notice of Funds Availability the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) at the Department of Agriculture jointly issued a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) and solicitation of applications for the broadband initiatives under ARRA - NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). Funded at $4.7 billion, BTOP provides competitive grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, to enhance broadband capacity at public computer centers, and to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. Applications will be accepted between July 14 - August 14, 2009. More information is available at: http://www.broadbandusa.gov
July 1, 2009: Funding Availability for State Broadband Data Grant Program The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. NTIA will provide competitive grants for projects that collect state-level broadband mapping data, develop state-level broadband maps, aid in the development and maintenance of a national map, and fund statewide initiatives directed at broadband planning. NTIA expects to make $240 million in ARRA funding available through this NOFA. A 20% non-federal match will be required.
June 24, 2009: Limited Waiver of ARRA Buy American Requirements NTIA released notice that the secretary of Commerce has granted a limited waiver of the Buy American Requirements of ARRA for certain equipment that will be used for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Additional information about the limited waiver can be found at: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2009/FR_BuyAmericanWaiver_090626.09.pdf
April 3, 2009: Commerce Inspector General Issues Recovery Act Flash Report on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program ARRA authorized the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to implement the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program-a $4.7 billion one-time competitive matching grants program to expand broadband services to unserved and underserved areas, improve broadband access for public safety agencies, stimulate the economy and create jobs. The report describes these lessons learned and is the first in a series of timely advisory reports the Commerce OIG intends to issue on NTIA's administration of the Broadband Technology Opportunities program. http://www.recovery.gov/?q=node/316
April 2, 2009: DOC Creates Website for NTIA Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program and DTV Converter Box Program The TV Converter Box Coupon Program was established with $650 million in ARRA funds to allow NTIA to issue coupons to all households currently on the waiting list, to start mailing coupons via first class mail and to ensure vulnerable populations are prepared for the transition from analog-to-digital television transmission. http://www.recovery.gov/?q=node/315
