Federal Broadband Stimulus Funding Application Overviews Released

For Immediate Release:

January 16, 2010 

Federal Broadband Stimulus Funding Application Overviews Released.  

Synopses Include Application Requirements, Critical Details, and Changes from Round I

Washington, D.C. On January 15, 2010 the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative (OTI) published initial guides for the final round Notice of Funding Availabilities (NOFAs) from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).  These summaries distill the critical details from the NOFAs that will be needed by communities and organizations as they develop strategies for applying for support from this funding round. OTI's guides provide an overview of the RUS and NTIA NOFAs as well as outline key changes from the first round and how these changes will affect applicants.

"The broadband stimulus resources we crafted for the first funding round were incredible helpful for applicants," explained James Losey, Program Associate with the Open Technology Initiative. "During the final round of broadband stimulus funding, we want to help ensure that every applicant has a clear understanding of the NOFA's requirements and can focus their energy on crafting their applications starting immediately."

"By recognizing the needs of Native Americans and enabling more participation from community organizations, this final round of broadband stimulus funding NOFA's show a step forward by NTIA and RUS in response to the public's round I concerns."  Dan Meredith, Staff Technologist for the Open Technology Initiative.

"Competition for the remaining $4.8 billion in federal broadband stimulus funding will be fierce," stated Sascha Meinrath, Director of the Open Technology Initiative.  "With only 60 days until the March 15th due date, OTI's guides will provide a leg up for readers and help applicants to jumpstart their work."

In addition to these initial resources, over the next week, the Open Technology Initiative will be publish both a strategy memo for applicants as well as in-depth application guides for each of the main application categories. Please visit: http://www.newamerica.net/broadbandstimulus for links to OTI resources on the BIP and BTOP funding opportunities and additional information.

NTIA BTOP NOFA Changes, Requirements, and Critical Details are available at: http://newamerica.net/publications/resources/2010/changes_requirements_and_critical_details_final_broadband_stimulus_oppor

RUS BIP NOFA Changes, Requirements, and Critical Details are available at: http://newamerica.net/publications/resources/2010/changes_requirements_and_critical_details_final_broadband_stimulus_oppo_0

Please contact Kate Brown with press inquiries at 202-596-3365 or brown@newamerica.net.

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