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NTIA Webinar

NTIA - Internet for All Webinar Series - Applicant Portion of the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program Application

On June 30, 2022, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) hosted the "Internet for All" webinar series, which focused on the applicant portion of the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program Application.

The goal of this webinar was to revisit the middle mile program and outline what can be expected over the next few months, as well as details about the middle mile program and the alloted $1B to reduce the cost of connected underserved and unserved areas.

Recording and slides can be found at: https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/events/latest-events/internet-all-webinar-series-applicant-portion-enabling-middle-mile-broadband 

Upcoming webinars:

7/13/22: Project

8/10/22: Budget

Applications due 9/30 for 5 year deployment 

MMG.zip file consists of:

  • Standard form 424: Application for Federal Assistance - hard copy of form has everything that you will have to type into the electronic application 
    • Register with sam.gov as an applicant - all of the information in section 8 should match your sam.gov registration information
    • Section 8e is not required but is recommended
    • Section 8f is the authorized organizational representative or your grants manager - they will be copied on ALL correspondence so they must be responsive to all emails so make sure they understand the magnitude of this role
    • Section 9 select best type of applicant that fits
    • Section 10: National telecommunications and information administration
    • Section 12: NTIA-MMG-2022 Middle Mile Grant Program
    • Section 17 & 18: Make sure start and end dates align with the project timeline that you discuss later on; also make sure estimated funding aligns with all budget documents in narrative and SF-424C
  • Provide details of the organization’s management & capacity
    • Organizational charts
    • Organizational details narrative
    • Upload resumes 
    • Provide details of entity eligibility
      • Eligible entities: Government, industry, non-profits & other associations OR a partnership of two or more entities 
  • Required documents:
    • Form CD-411: Certification regarding lobbying
    • Standard form-LLL, disclosure of lobbying activities
    • Sam.gov registration

To avoid delays in review of application:

  • Go to page 9 of NOFO and confirm 3B certifications
  • Make sure the application is complete
  • Make sure the funding in field 18 aligns with the budget narrative - start considering categories/subcategories and make sure they align on the different forms
  • Make sure all forms are signed/completed
  • Ensure project name and budget information are consistent across all forms
  • The mission to bring high-speed internet is a once-in-a-generation thing.  This billion dollars - it is our intent to start announcing them by 3/1 and we may come back if there are things you need but the app you submit by September is that one chance.
  • The next round of FAQ updates will be out there shortly.  We want to answer the questions thoughtfully and it’s our hope to continue to release responses around every 3 weeks and we will indicate what responses are new so you don’t have to wonder.  If we aren’t answering your question, keep asking.
  • The AOR will be copied on every single correspondence - if you list someone else on the 424 as a contact, they will also receive the information but initial review begins early October and there is a 7 day window so the AOR should be watching the emails - they will always circle back but everything they ask to be cured must be responded to within that 7 day time frame.  The AOR should be someone who can commit the organization to federal funding - you don’t want it to be a consultant or outside contractor.  
  • It’s in the beginning of the NOFO who is eligible.  It’s open to states, broadband providers, Telco providers, ISPs, nonprofits, economic development groups, tribal developments, etc.  Send an email to middlemile@ntia.gov if you have questions.
  • You have to let state know what you plan to do.  As you’re thinking about where the unserved and underserved are, you need to let the state/territory know.  If you cannot find the state broadband office at https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/states , contact middlemile@ntia.gov to get assistance.
  • You have to commit to prioritize to unserved or underserved with your project
  • Once it’s been committed and obligated you have to request termination of the award - you won’t be penalized for winning through another program.
  • Helpful for states to know where applicants are building middle mile programs for when they build out their own programs later
  • Eligible expenses - specifics are going to be coming out as an FAQ soon - IRUs are an eligible expense but bear in mind the period of performance.  
  • The portal will allow you to do it as multiple projects or as one mega project - when you have multiple projects, you have to continually look over it and make sure your numbers are consistent - take into account all of the factors they’re evaluating to figure out which way to apply 
  • If project falls under $5M, you can still apply and be awarded
  • Parting words: USE THE NOFO, use the templates provided - they are there to help you

Moderated by: Arica Cox

Presented by: Sarah Bleau, Broadband Program Specialist with NTIA

Darren Olson & Ming Qiu, Grants Officers with NIST