In the report, is some interesting information and a rough timeline of dates for project milestones.
Over 1600 groups and individuals have filed comments concerning the use of the Broadband Stimulus funds, and a summary of these will be available at or soon after the posting of the first NOFA.
NTIA has reported that it anticipates meeting the following milestones:
Publish Notice of Funds Availability - June 2009*
Initial Proposal Processing and Review Sept – Dec. 2009
Initial Grant Awards Made - Dec. 2009
Second Solicitation for Proposals Oct – Dec 2009
Third Solicitation for Proposals April – June 2010
All Awards to Be Made - September 2010
There is no explanation of the asterisk on the one NTIA date.
RUS, meanwhile, has reported that it anticipates meeting the following milestones:
Publish a NOFA for first round funding -- June 2009
Initial Awards -- by end of FY 2009 or first quarter of FY 2010 (OMB summary includes both dates at different points)
Additional NOFAs to follow with awards anticipated in the 2nd-4th quarters of FY 2010.
These dates are tracking to previous published expectations. What did not happen this week was the unveiling of a Rural Broadband Plan as required by the 2008 Farm Act.
The communication this week is further proof that both NTIA and RUS are a bit overwhelmed with assembling a coherent, fair and effective process for the awarding of grants. For those expecting to apply and be awarded grants or loans - the waiting game continues.
[ add comment ] ( 129 views ) | permalink |
( 3.1 / 40 )
Archives