On August 23 and 24, staff from NTIA’s BroadbandUSA program held webinars to provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions related to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), as the application deadline approaches. The TBCP intends to make $980 million in awards to Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Entities for broadband deployment as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion.

The webinar was moderated by Margaret Gutierrez, National Tribal Government Liaison with the First Responder Network Authority, and presenters included:

• Vanesscia Cresci - Broadband Program Specialist, NTIA
• Crystal Hottowe - Broadband Program Specialist, NTIA
• Nick Courtney - Broadband Program Specialist, NTIA
• Adam Geisler - National Tribal Government Liaison, First Responder Network Authority
• Gabe Montoya- Broadband Program Specialist, NTIA

Presenters provided answers to the “Top 10” questions received from prospective applicants to date, pointing applicants toward the required federal forms as well as programmatic and budget documents. The NTIA team also covered technical issues applicants may encounter while submitting applications, specifics regarding the Standard Form 424 Family, and the Grants.gov process. Finally, staff proceeded to answer additional questions from audience members regarding these topics, along with evaluation criteria and eligible use of funds.

Reminder of important dates and timelines:

• Applications submitted through grants.gov or by electronic mail must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. PDT on September 1, 2021, and applications submitted by postal mail or courier service must be postmarked or show evidence of mailing no later than 11:59 p.m. PDT on September 1, 2021.
• Eligible applicants who may be impacted by extenuating circumstances are encouraged to apply with as much information as possible by the deadline of September 1, 2021. The deadline to submit a TBCP application will not be extended. NTIA has a mandate to cure applications and will work with applicants who have submitted by the posted deadline.
• Eligible entities are required to complete their projects within one year of their receipt of grant funds. However, for infrastructure projects, the Assistant Secretary may extend the award period if the entity provides certification of need.

Additionally, more information about the TBCP, including answers to frequently asked questions and requirements for grant applications, can be found on the program’s page on BroadbandUSA’s website. Also, please visit the website for:

• Video, slides, and transcript for this webinar, Tribal Broadband Connectivity Webinar, Sessions 6a and 6b;
• BroadbandUSA’s Tribal Nations page, housing resources relevant to Tribal governments and other eligible TBCP applicants;
• More information on upcoming webinar sessions; and
• More information about all three of NTIA’s grant programs, including Notices of Funding Opportunity and Frequently Asked Questions, as it becomes available.

Prospective applicants can reach out to Adam Geisler (adam.geisler@firstnet.gov) for programmatic inquiries and Nicola Bell (Nicola.Bell@noaa.gov) for grant management inquiries.