Friday, October 1, 2010

As of September 30, 2010, all Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) applicants that are receiving an award have been notified. All other applicants will soon receive additional information from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) concerning their applications.

We encourage all applicants that did not receive a BIP award to consider applying for funds under RUS' Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, Community Connect Grant Program, and the Telecommunications Infrastructure Program. Information on these programs can be found at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/index.htm.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

RUS has issued additional guidance for BIP awardees concerning the keeping of certified payroll documentation, as necessary to comply with the Davis-Bacon Act requirements of the Recovery Act. All BIP award recipients must maintain in its files the original Davis-Bacon Act payroll records it prepares for itself, as well as those prepared by subrecipients, contractors, and subcontractors. The recipient is not required to submit any of the payroll documents to RUS unless RUS makes a request for such records. The payroll records must be maintained so as to be easily accessed by RUS and by other duly authorized officials.

In the coming weeks RUS will be posting additional guidance on this site for complying with the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act.

Friday, September 17, 2010

RUS has posted the sample grant agreement for the BIP Technical Assistance Grant Program in the Information Library.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

RUS has now posted a Satellite, Rural Library and Technical Assistance Application Directory due to the numerous requests that RUS received for this information. This directory provides a listing of the Satellite, Technical Assistance and Rural Library applications RUS received under the Second Round NOFA.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

RUS has sent additional Second Review letters to a limited number of Last Mile applicants requesting supplemental information to address specific and limited adjustments to their Round 2 BIP Infrastructure applications. These letters are not an indication of an intent to award, nor are they an indication of an award denial.  RUS will post another notice on this website if additional Second Review letters are sent in the future.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

RUS has sent Second Review letters to a limited number of Middle Mile applicants requesting supplemental information to address specific and limited adjustments in their NOFA II applications. These letters are not an indication of an intent to award, nor are they an indication of an award denial. If RUS proposes to send additional Second Review letters in the future, notice will be published on this website.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

To assist RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) applicants during the final application days for the Satellite, Rural Library Broadband, and Technical Assistance Grant Programs, the Broadband USA Help Desk is announcing extended support hours. The Help Desk will be open Saturday June 5, and Sunday June 6, 2010 between the hours of 9am until 7pm EDT and on the deadline day of Tuesday June 8, 2010 from 7am until 9pm EDT. For any assistance with BIP or this website, please contact the Broadband USA Help Desk by phone at 1-877-508-8364 or by email at BroadbandUSA@usda.gov.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

RUS has posted an updated version of the Round 2 Application Directory. This directory provides a listing of the BIP Infrastructure applications received under NOFA 2, as well as a listing of the organizations which filed Public Notice Responses to Round 2 BIP Infrastructure applications.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

RUS has published a notice in the Federal Register, extending the 30-day Public Notice Filing period, as well as the application deadline for the Satellite, Rural Library Broadband, and Technical Assistance Grant Programs. For more details on the extensions, please see the Federal Register Notice (May 24, 2010).

Monday, May 24, 2010

Due to the additional emergency maintenance which was conducted this past weekend, RUS is again extending the Public Notice Filing period. The new deadline for existing service providers to file a response to any Public Notice Filing will be Tuesday, May 25th at 12:00pm (noon) CDT.

Monday, May 17, 2010

NTIA to accept additional proposals for Broadband projects to improve Public Safety communications .

Monday, May 17, 2010

Commerce Announces Recovery Act Investments to Expand Broadband Internet Access in Several States. Completes Round One of Recovery Act Broadband Funding.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Next week, RUS will be hosting webinars for the recently announced Satellite, Rural Library Broadband, and Technical Assistance Grant Programs. Please see the following flyers for more information: Satellite | Rural Library Broadband | Technical Assistance

Friday, May 7, 2010

RUS has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) notice in the Federal Register today for its Satellite, Rural Library Broadband, and Technical Assistance grants | Click here for more information.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

The navigation on this home page has changed. BTOP and BIP have re-configured the content on this portal to reflect the separation of the two programs. If you experience any difficulty locating items on the website, please contact the BIP help desk at 1-877-508-8364 or the BTOP help desk at 202-482-2048.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

RUS has posted a list of Project Summaries for all 68 Round 1 BIP awards announced through the following USDA Press Releases: December 17, 2009 | January 25, 2010 | February 17, 2010 | March 4, 2010 | March 23, 2010 | March 30, 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010

RUS has posted Public Notice Filings of the proposed funded service area(s) of each Round 2 BIP Infrastructure application. You are now able to view these filings by going to the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool. For more information about the Public Notice Filings, please click on the "Public Notice" menu option.

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has posted an Application Directory of BIP Infrastructure applications received under NOFA 2. Under NOFA 2, RUS received a total of 776 applications requesting nearly $11.2 billion. Within the next week, RUS will be posting Public Notice Filings (PNFs) for these applications. A separate notice will be posted at www.broadbandusa.gov when these PNFs will be available for comment by existing Internet Service Providers.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

NTIA announces the opening of the Proposed Funded Service Area comment period for Round 2 Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (CCI) applications.

Monday, April 12, 2010

NTIA has posted the template for responses by Service Providers on the new BTOP website.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

NTIA just launched a new broadband programs website.  This site will be the best source of current information about NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the State Broadband & Development Grant Program (Broadband Mapping).

Monday, April 5, 2010

NTIA has posted in the online searchable database the executive summaries of BTOP applications received in the second funding round.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Application Period for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) BIP Infrastructure program ended on Monday, March 29, 2010, at 10:00pm EDT.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

The Application Period for BTOP's Comprehensive Community Infrastructure grant program ended on March 26, 2010, at 10:00 EDT. 

Thursday, March 25, 2010

RUS is posting two letters addressed to Administrator Jonathan Adelstein commenting on the BIP Round 2 NOFA, as well as the Administrator's responses to those letters. As RUS receives additional letters in reply to the Administrator's Open Letter, RUS will post these letters and the Administrator's responses to the BroadbandUSA website.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

NTIA and RUS have posted Top Ten Broadband Application Helpful Tips.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

NTIA has posted its latest version of Round 2 FAQs for BTOP.

Monday, March 22, 2010

REMINDER: Applicants for BIP Infrastructure projects will have until
10 p.m. EDT, March 29th to file their applications with RUS.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Press Release: Secretary Locke and Senator Landrieu Announce Recovery Act Investment in Louisiana to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Economic Opportunities: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, joined by Senator Mary Landrieu, announced an $80 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare in Louisiana. The Louisiana Broadband Alliance, a collaboration among six state agencies, plans to deploy more than 900 miles of fiber-optic network to expand broadband Internet service in some of the most economically distressed regions of Louisiana.

Tuesday, March 11, 2010

RUS has posted its terms and conditions for accepting a grant award under BIP, as well as the BIP Contracting and Advance Procedures Guide to the Information Library.

Tuesday, March 11, 2010

Middle Mile BIP Applicants Only: RUS has provided further clarification concerning a "recognizable community" as referenced in the BIP Round 2 NOFA and Application Guide. A recognizable community does not have to be an incorporated place found in American Fact Finder. Furthermore, Middle Mile applicants with interconnection points that do not terminate in any recognizable community, the nearest census designated place should be used. 

Tuesday, March 10, 2010

REMINDER: Applications for BTOP's Public Computer Centers (PCC) and Sustainable Broadband Adoption (SBA) programs are due at 5 p.m. EDT on March 15, 2010. NTIA expects a high volume of applications during this round of funding, and strongly recommends that applicants do not wait until the last minute to submit their applications.

The Broadband USA Help Desk is extending support hours beginning March 8, 2010 and running through the entire application period until March 29, 2010. The Help Desk will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 - 10:00 EDT and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 6:00 EDT. The extended hours are being implemented to support applicants' early submission of applications. Please visit www.BroadbandUSA.gov for more information or call 1 (877) 508-8364.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

RUS has posted its latest version of the BIP Round 2 Application Guide.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

NTIA has posted guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the tax implications of BTOP grants.

Monday, March 8, 2010

NTIA and RUS will grant a limited extension of time to file infrastructure applications in the second funding round. Specifically, applicants for BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects will have until 5p.m. EDT, March 26th to file their applications to NTIA. Applicants for BIP infrastructure projects will have until 10 p.m. EDT, March 29th to file their applications to RUS. | RUS Federal Register Notice

Applications in NTIA's two other project categories - Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption - remain due at 5p.m. EDT, on March 15th.

In addition to the limited extension, the Broadband USA Help Desk is extending support hours beginning March 8, 2010 and running through the entire application period until March 29, 2010. The extended hours are being implemented to support applicants' early submission of applications. To view the Help Desk Hours, select Contact Us.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Press Release: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Rural Broadband Projects to Bring Economic Opportunity to Communities in 18 States and Territories: Projects Will Improve Communication Infrastructure Across Rural America.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

NTIA and RUS will grant a limited extension of time to file infrastructure applications in the second funding round. Specifically, applicants for BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects will have until March 26th to file their applications to NTIA. Applicants for BIP infrastructure projects will have until March 29th to file their applications to RUS. Applications in NTIA's two other project categories - Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption - remain due on March 15th.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

NTIA has posted updated information regarding Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Sustainable Broadband Adoption, Public Computer Centers, and Middle Mile Infrastructure Round 1 applications. NTIA has also added information regarding BTOP Round 1 Last Mile Infrastructure applications that are still pending.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Department Announces Recovery Act Investment in Washington State to Expand Broadband Internet Adoption and Economic Opportunities: Secretary Locke announced a $84 million Recovery Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare in Washington state. The grant will bring high-speed Internet access to more than 100 community anchor institutions. l BTOP project information

Press Release: Commerce Department Announces Recovery Act Investments to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth: Secretary Locke today announced 23 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to increase broadband access and adoption in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. l BTOP project information

Press Release: Commerce Department Announces Recovery Act Investment in Nevada's Clark County to Expand Broadband Internet Adoption and Opportunities:  Secretary Locke announced a $4.7 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) investment to help bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in Clark County, Nevada. l BTOP project information

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Both RUS and NTIA have posted the latest version of their separate Round 2 FAQs for BIP and BTOP.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

BIP Infrastructure Applicants Only: Within the electronic application system, RUS has increased the size limit of the required Executive Summary to 20,000 characters.

Monday, March 1, 2010

RUS has posted its latest version of Round 2 FAQs for BIP.

Monday, March 1, 2010

An Open Letter from Rural Utilities Service Administrator Jonathan Adelstein.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Announces Recovery Act Investment in California to Expand Broadband Internet Adoption and Economic Opportunities:  NTIA announced a $7.25 million Recovery Act investment to bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in vulnerable and low-income communities in California.

Press Release: Secretary Locke Announces Recovery Act Investment in New Mexico and Texas to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth | BTOP project information

Thursday, February 25, 2010

RUS has posted a list of Project Summaries for the 33 Round 1 BIP awards announced to date through the following USDA Press Releases: December 2009 | January 2010 | February 2010

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NTIA has posted information regarding Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Sustainable Broadband Adoption, Public Computer Centers, and Middle Mile Infrastructure Round 1 applications that have been awarded or are still pending.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Announces Recovery Act Investment in Utah to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth: NTIA today announced an $13.4 million Recovery Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education across the state of Utah.

Press Release: Commerce Announces Recovery Act Investment in Illinois to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth:  NTIA today announced an $11.9 million Recovery Act investment to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve education and health care in DeKalb County and portions of LaSalle County, Illinois.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Press Release: Sec. Locke Announces Recovery Act Investments to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Spur Economic Growth:  Secretary Gary Locke today announced 10 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments to increase broadband access and adoption in California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Both RUS and NTIA have posted the latest version of their separate Round 2 FAQs for BIP and BTOP.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Awards Recovery Act Broadband Expansion Grants Totaling More than $20 Million for Virginia: Two Recovery Act grants will expand broadband Internet infrastructure in southern Virginia. | Project information

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

As of 8AM EST, NTIA and RUS are now accepting applications under the second and final round of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). Click on the Apply link to the left to learn more about how to apply for funding during Round 2.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

NTIA has posted it's Grants Guidance for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (CCI), Sustainable Broadband Adoption (SBA), and Public Computer Center (PCC) applications.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

RUS and NTIA have posted Easygrants Round 2 FAQ's on the FAQ page.  Please note that the Easygrants system is not yet available for the submission of Round 2 BIP or BTOP applications. This FAQ is being made available to assist applicants in assembling application materials prior to the opening of the application window on February 16, 2010.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

RUS and NTIA have made archived video of the Portland, OR and Denver, CO workshop sessions available for viewing on the Workshops page.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $5.9 Million Investment to Increase Broadband Access in South Carolina:  Recovery Act grant will expand public computer centers and labs in state's largest higher education system. | Project Information

Press Release: Commerce Awards $1.2 Million Recovery Act Grant to Expand Broadband Internet Access in Rhode Island: Recovery Act grant will expand broadband Internet access at Rhode Island's 71 public libraries across the state. | Project Information.

Monday, February 1, 2010

RUS has posted its BIP Application Guide, including links to Attachment Templates necessary to submit an application through the Easygrants system. 
Please note that the Easygrants system is not yet available for the submission of Round 2 BIP applications.  These materials are being made available to assist applicants in assembling application materials prior to the opening of the application window on February 16, 2010.

In addition, RUS has posted its Workshop presentations as well as an updated set of FAQs for Round 2 of BIP.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Press Release: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $310 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Rural Broadband Projects.  Funds will expand Broadband Infrastructure and Access in over 11 states.

Friday, January 22, 2010

NTIA and RUS will be webcasting two of their technical assistance workshops for any potential applicants who cannot make it in person. RUS will stream its Broadband Initiatives Program live from Portland, OR on Tuesday, January 26, starting at 9:00 am PST (12 noon EST); NTIA will stream its Broadband Technology Opportunities Program live from Denver, CO on Friday, January 29, starting at 9:00 am MST (11 am EST). Both webcasts will be archived and available for reference 3-5 days after streaming.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Awards Recovery Act Broadband Expansion Grants Totaling $63 Million.  Funds will expand Broadband Infrastructure and Access in Massachusetts, Michigan and North Carolina  | Project Information

Friday, January 15, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Department's NTIA and USDA's RUS Announce Availability of $4.8 Billion in Recovery Act Funding To Bring Broadband To More Americans.  NTIA and RUS have released separate Notices of Funding Availability for the second and final round of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP).  RUS Round 2 NOFA;  NTIA Round 2 NOFA;  BTOP Fact Sheet

Please click here to find information about the second series of public workshops connected to the application process for the second round of broadband grants and loans under the Recovery Act.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Press Release: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $7.5 Million Investment to Increase Broadband Access in Los Angeles: Funding to upgrade and expand computer centers in most vulnerable communities.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Press Release: NTIA Awards 5 Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning: NTIA announced that it has awarded 5 grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, and the U.S. Virgin Islands under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Press Release: NTIA Awards 15 Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning: NTIA announced that it has awarded 15 grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

White House Press Release: Vice President Biden Kicks Off $7.2 Billion Recovery Act Broadband Program Joined by Governor Perdue, Vice President Announces an Initial $183 Million in Awards to Expand Broadband Access in Seventeen States. | BTOP Project Information

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

RUS has updated the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool to include a Public Notice Filing (PNF) that was not previously published for the broadband infrastructure application submitted by Inter Mountain Cable, Inc. This PNF will be available for public comment for 30 days from the date of posting.

Friday, December 4, 2009

NTIA has updated the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool and Searchable Database to include additional applications. Click here for a list of applications which were posted to the Searchable Database on December 4, 2009. This page also includes a list of Public Notice Filings (PNFs) for several applications with valid Mapping Tool reference numbers which were not previously published. You are now able to view these filings by going to the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool. For more information about the Public Notice Filings, please click on the "Public Notice" menu option. Public Notice Responses can be submitted for these particular infrastructure applications for 30 days after the date they are posted.

Monday, November 30, 2009

The Request for Information (RFI) comments for Round 2 funding are now available.

Monday, November 30, 2009

NTIA Awards Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning: NTIA announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

Tuesday November 24, 2009

On November 10th, RUS and NTIA posted summaries of comments filed by existing service providers in response to BTOP and BIP infrastructure applicants' Public Notice filings of proposed funded service area(s). You can view these summaries by going to the Application Database.

Tuesday November 10, 2009

Press Release: NTIA and RUS Streamline Programs to Bring Broadband, Jobs to More Americans: Agencies Plan to Consolidate Final Two Funding Rounds, Seek Comment on Program Enhancements.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Federal Register Notice: Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Joint Request for Information: RUS and NTIA released a joint Request for Information (RFI) seeking comment on further implementation of the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Comments must be received by November 30, 2009. The input the agencies expect to receive from this process is intended to inform the second round of funding.

Friday, November 6, 2009

NTIA Awards Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning: NTIA announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Press Release:  NTIA Awards Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning in Arkansas, the District of Columbia, and New York: NTIA today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Arkansas, the District of Columbia, and New York under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

RUS and NTIA have updated the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool and Searchable Database to include applications received in paper format.  Click here for a list of paper infrastructure applications which were posted to the Searchable Database on October 20, 2009. This page also includes a list of Public Notice Filings (PNFs) created on that same date for paper infrastructure applications with valid Mapping Tool reference numbers, as well as for several Easygrants applications with valid Mapping Tool reference numbers which were not previously published. You are now able to view these filings by going to the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool. For more information about the Public Notice Filings, please click on the "Public Notice" menu option.  Public Notice Responses can be submitted for these particular infrastructure applications for 30 days after the date they are posted.

Monday, October 5, 2009

NTIA Announces First State Broadband Mapping Grants:
NTIA today announced that it has 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. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning.

Monday, September 28, 2009

RUS and NTIA have posted Public Notice filings of the proposed funded service area(s) of each BIP and BTOP Infrastructure application. You are now able to view these filings by going to the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool. For more information about the Public Notice Filings, please click on the "Public Notice" menu option.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

RUS and NTIA have posted Public Notice Fillings of the proposed funded service area(s) of each BIP and BTOP Infrastructure application. You can view these filings by going to the BroadbandUSA Mapping Tool. For more information about the Public Notice Filings, please click on the "Public Notice" menu option.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

RUS and NTIA have posted a searchable database of all applications received during the first funding round. Click here to search the applications received.

Monday, August 17, 2009

It has come to our attention that some users are having problems where their browser stops working and hangs while using the system. We are working to identify and resolve this issue. The current workaround is to use a different browser such as Firefox. If you are having difficulty getting to screens in the system and/or uploading documents, please try to use a different browser. Please notify the Helpdesk whether or not the workaround solved the problem so we can pass on the information to other users in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience. 

Please submit your application as soon as possible.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Update on BIP/BTOP Application Process

Thank you for your interest in participating in the BIP/BTOP programs. Due to the high volume of applicants submitting proposals, you may have experienced delays or technical problems. We have determined that one major source of delay is the generation of PDFs, both while uploading and when reviewing applications mid-work. NTIA and RUS are taking corrective action to improve the application process.

  We have extended the application closing deadline for BIP and BTOP until 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 20, 2009, for any electronic applications pending as of 5 p.m. ET on August 14, 2009.

  We have extended the operating hours for our helpdesk and added weekend service. Help is now available from 9 AM to 6 PM ET this weekend and 9 AM to 8 PM ET during the work week leading up to August 20. Please call (888) 861-5509 or email Helpdesk@broadbandusa.gov

  We are enhancing our system's technical capacity to speed up the generation of PDF documents as well as reduce the upload time for attachments. We have more than doubled the server capacity to handle the spike in traffic, and are currently improving the processing power of our application to reduce system latency.

  We are monitoring system performance and will increase capacity as necessary. We are also adding clarifying messages throughout the step-by-step application process to help applicants navigate the process successfully.
 

We can also use your help in making the system run more efficiently. When you upload a file, the system converts the file to PDF format for storage. This is causing a system bottleneck in an effort to convert the high volume of files we are receiving. That is the reason you often cannot view the file immediately after upload. The upload worked but the file is in the conversion queue. The number of files in the conversion queue will impact how long it takes before your file is converted. There are steps applicants can take to help speed your application processing and ensure all applications are filed by the deadline. These are steps applicants can take to speed the process.

  Decrease Generation of PDFs. To the extent possible, applicants should avoid generating PDFs while still working through the application. Please generate PDFs only once you have finished your application or when it is absolutely necessary. This will reduce lag time.

  Convert Files to PDF Yourself. To the extent possible, applicants should convert all files to PDF on their own before uploading. This will reduce latency and ease strain on the application system. If you do not have software that allows conversion to pdf, there are plenty of free products available for download or online use. Just search for 'free pdf conversion'.

 Refrain from Multiple Submissions of Attachments. When uploading attachments, applicants should avoid clicking the 'upload' button more than once. This will not expedite your upload.

  Submit Applications During Non-Business Hours. To the extent possible, applicants should submit application materials during non-business hours (after 8 pm EST, and on weekends).

  Submit Applications Early. Applicants should submit their application as soon as practicable rather than waiting until Thursday, August 20.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

UPDATE:

The application closing deadline for the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) is extended until 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 20, 2009, for any electronic applications pending as of
5 p.m. ET on August 14, 2009. There are no changes to the filing instructions for paper applications.

For more information see Federal Register Notice: Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Extension of Application Closing Deadline for Pending Electronic Applications.

The Notice is being provided for informational purposes only. If there is any difference between this document and the Notice officially published in the Federal Register, the Federal Register Notice is controlling.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Added:

Loan/Grant and Security Agreement (Draft) for the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP).

Friday, July 31, 2009

Added:

  USDA states that there will be no change in definition of remote in the first NOFA

  Updated Frequently Asked Questions for BIP and BTOP

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Added:

Department of Commerce American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Award Terms

Monday, July 27, 2009

Added:

   Form CD-450, U.S. Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Award

   Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions