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In a mad rush to apply for stimulus funding? Deep breath – and read on
By Charles Berry, Knight Center of Digital Excellence
As the Aug. 14 stimulus application deadline draws near, here are a few to-do items to include on your checklist.
Don’t forget to register by going to http://www.broadbandusa.gov/register.htm. This is a must, and time is running out. At this government registration site, you’ll be able to:
1. Get a DUNS Number for your organization.
2. Ensure your organization has a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). (You should know the taxpayer name associated with these numbers.)
3. Register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). You also must register for a Level 1 eAuthentication ID to enable you to draw the proposed service area for the application.
Monitor BroadbandUSA’s website for FAQs and the latest announcements about funding requirements. You may also ask questions at the workshops hosted by the RUS and NTIA. The vetted answers are the basis of the FAQs.
Broadband - so what? Here’s what
By Doug Adams, Knight Center of Digital Excellence
While President Barack Obama and Congress have made clear how important broadband is to our nation by putting $7.2 billion in stimulus funding behind broadband initiatives, there still seems to be a perception gap among many non-adopter citizens.
In short, there is a lack of understanding of the value broadband connectivity can bring to their lives. The U.S. Telecom Association recently said many citizens aren’t adopting because of “perceived lack of Internet relevance.”
If the perception is that high-speed access is about iTunes and iPods, then public education should become part of public policy as it relates to stimulus funding on broadband networks.
We know it’s routine for students to submit their assignments online, or for job seekers to find and apply for employment. What’s less obvious is that high-speed Internet is the new platform for innovation, collaboration, education, learning and professional development opportunities. Broadband networks are critical to our individual, community, and nation’s progress.
Compliance to play key role in stimulus applications
At Broadband Application Training workshops across the nation, government representatives have stated that compliance monitoring and reporting would play a crucial role in setting a standard of transparency and accountability to funding applicants.
It was made very clear that the government is taking this issue very seriously.
In short, a compliant program will meet the deadlines stated in its application and use money as indicated. During the second review of proposals at the end of September, a separate compliance team will begin checking proposals for compliance issues. Program Officers have already been hired and placed in the field to monitor and provide oversight for specific programs.
What will I need to report?
According to the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance document, recipient reporting required by Section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will answer these questions:
• Who is receiving funding and in what amounts?
• What projects or activities are being funded?
• What is the completion status of these projects and activities?
• What impact have projects and activities had on job creation and retention?
Knight Center launches Stimulus Webcast series
The Knight Center of Digital Excellence has held its first two Stimulus webcasts for Knight communities and program directors, highlighting keys to stimulus success while also breaking down the NTIA and RUS Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The Center’s webcasts have addressed today’s hot stimulus topics – including tips for mining third party research to enhance your “ask” and research and validation methodology for BIP/BTOP serving area selection.
“We’re looking to provide our Knight communities with a competitive edge as the stimulus deadline approaches,” said Knight Center Director of Marketing Doug Adams. “We’re immersed in the process and are able to share significant learnings.”
Adams moderated the 30-minute, well-attended sessions, which also featured presentations by Vice President for Business & Community Intelligence William “Garn” Anderson III and Research Analyst Debra Canale. Lots of questions were posed – and answered – from Knight communities as questions ranged from the potential number of stimulus funding applicants to the best way to find potential partners to create a stronger, more compelling proposal.
Upcoming Knight Center Webcasts
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage when applying for broadband stimulus funding – mark your calendars for the final two Knight Center of Digital Excellence Broadband Stimulus Funding Webcasts.
Sessions will last 30 minutes, though some extra time will be allotted for additional questions. Knight Center Director of Marketing Doug Adams will moderate with Vice President for Business & Community Intelligence William “Garn” Anderson III and Research Analyst Debra Canale presenting key learnings and answering real-time questions.
Knight Center launches new website
The NEW version of the Knight Center of Digital Excellence’s website is live and can be viewed at http://beta.knightcenter.org. The new site will cut over and replace our legacy site on August 14th at 5:00 EDT (after Round 1 of Stimulus applications are due).
In addition to a more dynamic look and feel, Director of Marketing Doug Adams said the new site would offer visitors even more content that will be easier to access and navigate to directly from the homepage. Also, login capabilities will bring users to customized websites specifically tailored to their communities. Visit the new KnightCenter.org!
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Every day the Knight Center of Digital Excellence aggregates broadband stimulus articles and hand-picks the 5-10 most relevant. Subscribe to the latest Broadband/Digital News Developments by emailing subscriptions@knightcenter.org.
