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Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)
The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) is under the auspices of the National Telecommunications Administration (NTIA). ARRA legislation originally designated $4.7 billion to be dispersed over three rounds of funding in three different grant categories, Broadband Infrastructure, Public Computing Centers, Sustainable Broadband Adoption.
Since then, the NTIA has determined there will be only two total rounds of funding. On January 15, 2010, the Administration released the second and final NOFA. It makes up to $2.6 billion through BTOP and changes the award categories slightly. Now approximately $2.35 billion for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (which replaces the Broadband Infrastructure and adds a requirement for community anchor institution connection and partnerships among providers); at least $150 million for Public Computer Center; and, at least $100 million for Sustainable Broadband adoption. Second round applications are due March 15, 2010 by 5pm EST.
BTOP Round II NOFA - 116 page pdf
Released January 15, 2010, this document contains rules and guidences for the second and final round of funding. Highlights include a "Comprehensive Community" Infrastructure category for projects focusing on middle mile broadband projects and new or substantially upgraded connections to key community anchor institutions, the elimination of the online mapping tool and census block level of detail and granularity, as well as an overall reduction of required information and attachments for the initial application with consideration to the expert review and due diligence portion of the award process.
NTIA Round II Fact Sheet - 1 page pdf
Fact sheet released by the NTIA containing key revisions from Round I criteria.
BTOP Round II NOFA Summary Document from New America Foundation - 18 page pdf
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. Additionally, this paper outlines how this round differs from the first round and how it affects applicants.
Changes, Highlights and Excerpts from the Round II BTOP NOFA Document - 16 page pdf
John Windhausen of the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLBC) prepared this summary of the NOFA. It contains information that will be beneficial from the perspective of an anchor institution.
BTOP NOFA Round II Table of Contents - 5 page pdf
Robert Bocher, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, prepared this Round II table of contents from the NTIA's BTOP Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). It includes all of the bolded headings and is more detailed than the table provided on p. 3-4 of the NOFA. This document is intended to assist the applicant community to better understand the content framework of the NOFA. It is not an official document.
Press Release Detailing First BTOP Awards of First Round - Website
On December 17, 2009, Vice President Joe Biden travelled to Dawsonville, Georgia in a public appearance to kick-off the first set of BTOP and BIP awards of Round 1 funding. More awards are to be made public over the next 75 days.
BTOP and BIP Round 2 Public Comments - Website
On November 16, 2009, the NTIA and RUS issued a Joint Request for Comment to improve the second and final round of ARRA broadband funding to be administered by their BTOP and BIP programs. The website contains links that allow a viewer to read each comment in full.
National Telecommunications & Information (NTIA) Homepage - Website
The latest on the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program from its parent organization, the NTIA.
NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) - 12 page pdf
This document details the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). It includes the purpose of the program, the intended recipients of funds and eligibility guidelines in the language of the ARRA legislation.
Funding for NTIA Broadband Program - 2 page pdf
This document contains a breakdown of funding for NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program as defined or stated in the language of the actual legislation.
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