As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the U.S. Congress has appropriated $4.7 billion for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) to establish and expand broadband services to unserved and underserved areas of the country and improve access to broadband by public safety agencies.

Included in this appropriation is at least $200 million to upgrade technology and capacity at public computing centers, such as community colleges and public libraries. Comments are being sought related to:

• the definitions to be adopted;
• the role of the states in the grants process;
• the relationship of BTOP to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loan and grant program and other Recovery Act programs;
• the grant selection criteria, the role of for-profit providers as potential grant recipients, and other topics.

See http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2009/FR_BTOP_RFI_090312.html.

Among the purposes of the Grant Program: Section 6001 of the Recovery Act establishes five purposes for the BTOP grant program…

(3) (A) Schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, community colleges, and other institutions of higher education, and other community support organizations and entities to facilitate greater use of broadband service by or through these organizations…

Respond to:

a. Should a certain percentage of grant funds be apportioned to each category? (see above URL for other categories)
b. Should applicants be encouraged to address more than one purpose?
c. How should the BTOP leverage or respond to the other broadband- related portions of the Recovery Act, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants and loans program as well as the portions of the Recovery Act that address smart grids, health information technology, education, and transportation infrastructure?

6. Grants for Expanding Public Computer Center Capacity: The Recovery Act directs that not less than $200,000,000 of the BTOP shall be awarded for grants that expand public computer center capacity, including at community colleges and public libraries.

Respond to:

a. What selection criteria should be applied to ensure the success of this aspect of the program?
b. What additional institutions other than community colleges and public libraries should be considered as eligible recipients under this program?

If you or your library would like to participate in this process, written comments regarding the program may be filed through April 13, 2009 at mailto:[email protected].