Changes, Requirements and Critical Details: Final Broadband Stimulus Opportunity for BTOP

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), more commonly known as the Stimulus Act, allocated $7.2 billion for broadband projects. Administrated by the US Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), the first round of funding was announced through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in July 2009.

On January 15, 2010 NTIA announced the second and final round of broadband stimulus funding. This NOFA makes up to $2.6 Billion through BTOP, including, approximately $2.35 billion for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure; at least $150 million for Public Computer Center; and, at least $100 million for Sustainable Broadband adoption.

This paper distills the critical details of the January 15, 2010 NOFA communities and organizations need in order to develop strategies for applying for this final round. Additional, this paper outlines how this round differs from the first round and how it affects applicants.

The full paper can be downloaded as a PDF on the right.