Broadband 2.0

The BTOP “Quarterly Program Status Report” to Congress released August 17th provides the following schedule for the application/awards process:

Assuming that the NTIA has enough reviewers, the next step in the First Round is an initial review with results announced NO EARLIER than September 14th.  Reviewer’s scores will then be averaged and the most qualified applications will move on for further consideration; both into the “due diligence phase by NTIA” and the “States’ review” period. The NTIA will then, if needed, request applicants to submit additional information.

During the “States’ Review” period [20 days], the Governor’s office of each state will receive a list of the applications under consideration and the states are then permitted to prioritize recommended projects and explain why the selected proposals meet the greatest needs of the state.  Finally, NTIA staff will review and analyze supplemental information, consider the recommendations made by each state and assign a rating to applications.

Once all the reviews and ratings have been completed, the NTIA’s current goal is to announce the Round 1 awards in November, issue a second NOFA before the end of 2009 and a third in the spring of 2010.

While waiting for this timetable, here is how you can prepare for your “due diligence” in Round 1 and begin preparing for Rounds 2 and 3:

• Organize your research files so that you’re ready for any application challenges by the agencies or incumbents. In the rushed last days before the applications were to be submitted, sorting and organizing source files and resources was not a priority. It should be now.  Also, prepare and initiate your contract selection process if you have not already selected your sub-contractors.  Also, prepare any necessary paper-work (permits, etc.) you will need to demonstrate your readiness to begin upon award.  Any extra information to assist the agency in is “due diligence” effort.
• Consider your best Round Two opportunities. The consensus is that there will be a much more urban focus on Round Two and possibly on governmental “anchors.”
• Evaluate the lessons learned from Round One and rethink your Round One applications in anticipation of challenges or changes that may need to be made if you didn’t get an award.
• If needed, line up your GIS/Mapping consultants/resources
• Follow your state’s efforts in both reviewing Round One and in preparing for Round Two.  Insist on involvement at every level.