Internet for All Monthly Highlights

Now Open: NTIA Native Entity Digital Equity Capacity & Planning Grant Program Application Window

Achieving digital equity is essential for Indian Tribes, Alaskan Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations (collectively referred to as “Native Entities”) to preserve their cultures, share knowledge, and access crucial services. This grant funding opportunity supports Native Entities in promoting the meaningful use of the Internet, empowering communities to leverage digital tools and skills for long-term growth and well-being.

From September 25, 2024, until February 7, 2025, Native Entities can apply to use these Capacity & Planning Grant Program funds to carry out digital equity and inclusion activities consistent with the Digital Equity Act.

Potential applicants can view the kick-off webinar here and continue to check BroadbandUSA throughout the application window for upcoming webinars, application guidance, and technical assistance.

NTIA Receives More Than 700 Applications Seeking Over $6.5 Billion for Digital Equity Projects

NTIA recently announced that it received more than 700 applications requesting more than $6.5 billion in funding to support digital equity projects across the country. That is more than six times the available amount from the first round of the Digital Equity Act’s Competitive Grant Program funding. NTIA is evaluating the applications and will begin making awards on a rolling basis this winter.

NTIA Hosts Inaugural Joint Cohort Summit

For the first time, NTIA brought together the State Broadband Leaders Network (SBLN), Digital Equity Leaders Network (DELN), and Tribal Broadband Leaders Network (TBLN) for a Joint Cohort Summit. Held from September 17th-19th in Portland, Oregon, the Summit gathered 405 in-person and 13 virtual attendees, including 209 from SBLN, 79 from DELN and 40 from TBLN). The event included a mix of individual cohort sessions and joint sessions covering topics such as federal agency coordination, workforce future planning, Tribal grant processes, economic impact and evaluation, innovative approaches to digital equity, and braiding broadband funding. The Summit also included ample opportunities for networking and sharing best practices.

Internet For All Initial Proposal Approvals Continue to Roll In

As of June 1, 2024, NTIA approved the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Initial Proposal Volume Is for all 56 states and territories. Additionally, NTIA has announced Volume II approvals for 55 Eligible Entities as of the publication of this newsletter. Once an Eligible Entity has its Initial Proposal approved, it can request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD Program.  

NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposals on the BEAD Progress Dashboard. NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis on internetforall.gov. 

How do you define your role on the OICG team?
I feel like my role, just like anybody else on the team, is as a pinch hitter. When help is needed, you go, because we all believe in the mission. Everybody who is on the OICG team is committed to the mission of making life equitable for everyone in America. We can fit in wherever we are needed.

What is your career background?
I have spent nearly 20 years of my career in the private sector working for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in various roles including sales, consulting, business development, and project management. Following my time working for ISPs, I came over to the federal government - almost four years ago. Since joining NTIA, I have been continuously impressed by my colleagues. People have this perception of the “federal government” workplace as stuffy and bureaucratic – that’s not my experience. We’re not paper pushers. We get things done. I’m struck by how mission-driven the organization is.

What is your favorite thing about working at NTIA?
I am passionate about my work, and I love having work to do. I am really excited about joining the Digital Equity Team – not only because the group of people are amazing and impress me every single day – but I think we are going to make the world a better place, just like everybody else at OICG. I also enjoy seeing the results of our hard work. Looking ahead, I’m excited to watch Middle Mile grantees begin to complete their projects, meet people and visit the areas where the programs are making an impact, learn about the workforce programs and see people get access to the Internet. I love evangelizing about the programs – I think about the impact we can have on a lot of people.

Describe your first experience with the internet, or a special online memory.
After finishing college and working in France briefly, I moved home and spent time on the assembly line for Ford building the Taurus. At the same time, I was attending school at night to get my Masters in Business Administration (MBA). I decided to specialize in telecommunications because I came from a liberal arts background, and I thought a more technical background would provide a solid foundation for my career. At the time, e-mail and the Internet were novel concepts. As I began learning more, telecommunications developed into a passion of mine, and is where I have spent most of my career.

What is a fun fact about you that most people would be surprised to know? 
I have completed more than 40 marathons. I have run the Chicago Marathon multiple times, but my favorites are the Marine Corps, Boston and New York City Marathons. 

What are you reading right now? 
I have been a book collector my whole life and am now trying to read them all. I am currently reading Catch-22, but I always go back to Ayn Rand books. I have also read The Stranger by Albert Camus several times.

Grants 101 for Native Entities 
This webinar is meant to give applicants who have little to no experience with federal grants administration an introduction to the grants lifecycle and important roles and responsibilities throughout the life cycle of the grant.

• Grants 101 for Native Entities Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 2:00pm ET

• Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Standard Forms Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 3:00pm ET
• Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Registration, Entity Type Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 4:00pm ET
• Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Project Narrative Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 2:00pm ET
• Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Consolidated Budget Form Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 2:00pm ET
• Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Additional Funding & Other Certifications Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 3:00pm ET