NTIA Opens $980M for Second Round of Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Eligible applicants: tribes, tribal universities, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native Corporations. Applications are due January 23, 2024.
Opportunity: Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (the program is now open to applications)
Overview and Eligible Uses: NTIA has already approved approximately $2 billion for applications from the first TBCP NOFO. This second NOFO outlines how NTIA will handle the remaining TBCP funds. The TBCP grants offer funds for the following eligible purposes:
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment projects: the TBCP invites proposals to deploy broadband infrastructure on Tribal Lands, which may include constructing middle mile or last mile networks and interconnection. Projects can involve deploying new broadband infrastructure, replacing outdated infrastructure, or upgrading/extending existing infrastructure, utilizing cable, fiber, wireless, fixed wireless, satellite (existing and operational), or a combination of technologies.
Broadband Use and Adoption projects: TBCP invites proposals for addressing the digital divide on Tribal Lands, focusing on digital equity planning, training, and providing technical support for Tribal institutions. Applicants can seek funding for various initiatives, including broadband education and access for Native American-serving anchor institutions, affordable broadband programs for Native American communities, enhancing access to broadband services for telehealth, remote learning, digital inclusion, and workforce development. Additionally, projects can aim to stimulate broadband adoption for different purposes, conduct digital inclusion efforts, build digital skills and workforce capacity, and conduct data evaluation to assess the effectiveness of digital inclusion and broadband adoption programs funded by the grant.
Amount: NTIA will provide around $980M for the second round of the TBCP. Funding for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects proposed by a single applicant will range from $1M to $50M, and for Broadband Use and Adoption Projects, it will range from $100K to $2.5M.
Award Type: Competitive grant
Eligible Applicants: Tribal Governments, Tribal Colleges or Universities, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community (including Native Hawaiian Education Programs), Tribal organizations, and Alaska Native Corporations.
*Consortium applications are encouraged, but applicants must be careful to apply either as a single entity or as part of a single consortium application. Each applicant may only be part of one application, regardless of the type. T
**Eligible Entities that have previously received TBCP grant funding can also apply for additional funding through this NOFO.
Key Dates: Applications are due on January 23, 2024.
Key Links:
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