How to Get a Grant (Part 2A) from the NTIA for broadband projects

8/14/2019 How to Get a Grant (Part 2A) from the NTIA for broadband projects

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NTIA: BTOP

Introduction

This is the second part of the MuniWireless How to Get a Grant Guide. The first part, published in July 2009, covered Round 1 ofbroadband stimulus funding by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Rural Utilities Service(RUS). NTIA runs the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and RUS runs the Broadband Initiatives Program(BIP). They are the agencies designated by Congress to give out money for broadband projects targeted at underserved andunserved areas in the United States.

The NTIA and RUS have changed the rules for Round 2. Because many people found the Round 1 rules burdensome, and theagencies themselves could not cope with the volume of applications, they decided to streamline the Round 2 application processand raise barriers to reduce the number of applicants.

This guide contains a summary of the new rules for the NTIAs BTOP Round 2, with a few commentaries.If you are serious about turning in an application,you must read the official rules, which you can download fromwww.broadbandusa.gov. The official rules are written in a bureaucratic language that sounds strange to most people, whichmakes them difficult to read. The NTIAs Notice of Funds Availability or NOFA (in plain English, rules you have to follow to getmoney from them) runs to 116 pages (in its double-spaced US Letter format). In the race for bureaucratic excess, the RUScame up short, clocking in with only 68 pages.

Since this is a typical Federal government production, it is brimming with acronyms. Hence, I start with a Guide to Acronyms.

Guide to Acronyms

NTIA: National Telecommunications and Information Administration

RUS: Rural Utilities Service

BTOP: Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

BIP: Broadband Initiatives Program

NOFA: Notice of Funds Availability

CCI: Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (Middle Mile)

PCC: Public Computer Centers

SBA: Sustainable Broadband Adoption

OTIA: Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications

Money mattersIn Round 2, the NTIA has divided up $2.6 billion among three types of projects:

$2.35 billion for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (Middle Mile projects)

$150 million for Public Computer Centers

$100 million for Sustainable Broadband Adoption

How to Get a Grant Guide Part 2 (A): NTIA/BTOP

30 JANUARY 2010 MUNIWIRELESS.COM -- HOW TO GET A GRANT GUIDE FROM THE NTIA AND RUS: PART 2 2
http://www.broadbandusa.gov/http://www.broadbandusa.gov/http://www.broadbandusa.gov/


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Changes to the BTOP Rules

Separate applications for BTOP and BIP: In Round 1, applicants were forced to file one application for both. In Round 2,

applicants must choose between BTOP and BIP.

Urban areas actually have a chance of winning grants for middle mile projects.

Three categories of BTOP eligible projects:

Comprehensive Community Infrastructure or Middle Mile: projects that provide new or upgraded connections tocommunity anchor institutions, especially community colleges.

Public Computer Centers: projects that improve broadband capacity at places that allow the public to use computers.These include public libraries and community colleges.

Sustainable Broadband Adoption: projects that promote broadband demand and provide training, equipment or supportto people who, despite the dazzling array of cool applications and gadgets (latest of which is the Apple iPad), need to bedragged kicking and screaming into (Al Gores) Information Superhighway. Projects that turn these people into Internet

fanatics stand a very good chance of getting money.

Come up with matching (cash) funds: the minimum is 20 percent of the projects costs. If you can raise 30 percent or more,you get priority.

Easier to get to the due diligence review stage: you have to meet only three criteria -- (a) be an eligible entity, (b) complete theapplication and show that you have outside funding. If you pass, yo get to the due diligence review.

To reduce the paperwork burden in the initial stage, NTIA removed the technical feasibility and budget reasonableness tests.These factors will be considered during the due diligence review.

NTIA will use 2 instead of 3 reviewers to speed up the review process.

Eliminated proposed funded service area mapping tool and changed service area delineations from Census Blocks to CensusTracts and Block Groups.

Reduced the number of attachments you need to submit with your application.

You must file electronically: https://www.applyonline.broadbandusa.gov

Deadlines

Application period: 16 February 2010, 8:00 (EST) - 15 March 2010, 17:00 (EST)

Date of awards: NTIA plans to start announcing grant winners in June 2010. Allow for delays. They need to award all the moneyby 30 September 2010.


https://www.applyonline.broadbandusa.gov/https://www.applyonline.broadbandusa.gov/https://www.applyonline.broadbandusa.gov/https://www.applyonline.broadbandusa.gov/


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Comprehensive Community Infrastructure Projects

NTIAs Round 2 focuses on comprehensive communities infrastructure: community anchor institution + Middle Mile Project. A

Middle Mile Project means those components of a CCI project that provide broadband service from one or more centralized

facilities, i.e. a central office, cable headend, wireless switching station) to an Internet point of presence. Applications for Middle

Mile projects that fulfill all of the following criteria have the greatest chance of receiving a grant. The criteria are listed below in

order of importance:

(1) offers new or substantially upgraded service to community anchor institutions (schools, libraries, medical and healthcare

providers, public safety entities, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, and other community support

organizations and agencies that provide outreach, access, equipment and support services to facilitate greater use of

broadband service by vulnerable populations, including low-income, the unemployed, and the aged) .

(2) Creates private-public partnership among government, for-profit, non-profit entities and other community stakeholders that

need broadband.

(3) Creates economic growth in depressed areas.

(4) Serves community colleges that need broadband service or better broadband.

(5) Serves public safety entities that need broadband service or better broadband.

(6) Includes Last Mile infrastructure component in unserved or underserved areas or commitments from Last Mile broadband

service providers that they will use the Middle Mile infrastructure.

(7) Comes up with 30 percent or more of the projects cost from other (non-federal) sources.

Rationale for the CCI policy: by having more Middle Mile infrastructure throughout the US, local Internet service providers will

have more choice and lower prices for leasing broadband wholesale from the Middle Mile owner, thereby (hopefully) passing on

the cost savings to their residential and business customers. This is very important for local businesses in unserved and

underserved areas. A robust Middle Mile also allows municipal, county and state government agencies to have better broadband

service, enabling them to become more efficient and responsive. Therefore, when you write your grant application you need toshow how your project will stimulate job creation and economic progress. Be as specific as possible. Show how local

businesses, which are at disadvantage compared to their competitors in areas with better broadband, can now compete,

prosper and hire people.

IMPORTANT: If you are already an RUS loan or grant recipient, or i f your application includes a Last Mile service area that is at

least 75 percent rural, you should apply to BIP for funding.

Public Computer Centers (PCC)

Your application must bring broadband service or expand/improve broadband at a public computer center. These include

community colleges and public libraries. The target users of these centers can be the general public or what NTIA calls

vulnerable populations (odd term, but it essentially means low-income, unemployed, aged, people with disabilities, children,

minorities). These centers can provide job training and educational assistance.




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Sustainable Broadband Adoption (SBA)

This program is designed to fund innovative projects to promote broadband demand among vulnerable populations (see loose

definition above). The goal is to get these people to use computers and the Internet more often than they already do. The

thinking behind this is if they are all online all the time, its easier for them to find information, find jobs, educate themselves, etc.

Application Review

(1) During the initial review, the NTIA checks to see if you meet the eligibilityrequirements. Are you one of the Eligible Entities as

defined in the NOFA? Did you fully complete the application? Are you providing matching funds from non-federal sources?

(2) For PCC and SBA, two expert reviewers will score your application; for CCI, staff will prioritize applications based whether the

applications meet all or some of the 7 criteria laid out above in the Community Comprehensive Infrastructure section. So you

get 1st priority if you meet 1-7; 2nd priority if you meet 1-6 and so on; last priority if you meet only the 1st criterion.

(3) State and Tribal consultation: NTIA will ask each State, via its Governor, to provide input on the geographic areas to which

NTIA should give priority. Tribal entities can also comment on applications. However, neither states nor tribal entities have any

veto power.

Due Diligence Review

If you get through the first stage described above, NTIA will ask you to submit more information including justifications for the

project costs, technical feasibility, etc.You have to show that the project cannot be implemented during the grant period

without federal help.

Selection of grant winnersThe BTOP director will present a list of recommended grant awards to the OTIA Administrator. If he or she approves an

application, it goes to the Assistant Secretary for the final approval.

Tips to make your application stand out

(1) Come up with 30 percent or more matching funds (although the statute requires 20 percent of matching funds), preferably in

cash.

(2) Show that but for federal funding, the project cannot be implemented.

(3) Your Middle Mile project must support broadband service that has an advertised speed of at least 768 Kbps downstream and

200 Kbps upstream to end users.

(4) If you are creating a Last Mile infrastructure as part of a CCI project in a rural area, the additional costs of the Last Mile

(providing broadband to residential and non-community anchor customers) cannot exceed 20 percent of the total eligible cost

of your project.




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(5) Show that the project will be substantially completed within 2 years from the start date of the grant award and finished within

3 years.

(6) CCI applicants must meet the net neutrality rules (Nondiscrimination and Interconnection Obligations).

(7) A CCI application that includes a Last Mile component must identify the Last Mile service area. NTIA assumes you will cover

the entire service area but if you cant, you need to get a waiver and tell them in great detail why providing service to the entire

area is too burdensome.

(8) When preparing your CCI application, be aware that incumbent broadband service providers can tell the NTIA that there is

existing adequate broadband service in your proposed service area. The incumbents have to provider details on how many

households are served, price of broadband, speeds, etc.). The NTIA uses this information to prioritize applications. Make sure

you collect data on whos got what kind of broadband in your service area to rebut the incumbents claim that theres

adequate broadband.

(9) For PCC projects: show you are serving vulnerable populations and improving their access to education, employment, health

care service, etc. If you are a city that has a lot of people who have lost jobs in manufacturing (auto, textiles, etc.), show how

your public computer centers integrate job retraining programs.

(10) For SBA projects, include reputable market research and surveys that show your project has a very high chance of getting

people to use computers and subscribe to broadband services for a long period of time.

(11) Follow carefully what the NTIA considers to be eligible and ineligible costs for CCI, PCC and SBA projects.

(12) Write your application paying close attention to the points system that NTIA assigns to various aspects of a project. The

points system is laid out in the NOFA.

(13) For CCI applicants deploying fiber connectivity to community anchor institutions: its not enough to bring 100 Mbps to

students sitting at their desks in community colleges. NTIA is looking for community impact: you need to show that this fiber

capacity benefits people outside the college, especially local businesses. Contact local ISPs and other people who are willing

to lease capacity from your network and deliver Internet access to residents, businesses and local government offices.

(14) Municipalities and counties applying for a CCI grant: enter into partnerships with colleges and other anchor institutions in

your region; contact local ISPs and get their support; make sure you mention how the CCI meets the needs of your public

safety departments - detail the new applications that the police and fire departments will now be able to use with the

improved broadband service and how this will benefit the community.




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Commentaries on BTOP and BIP, tips on how to prepare an application

Here are a few commentaries from Craig Settles, a frequent contributor to MuniWireless.com.

Handicapping NOFA2The good news is that the new NOFA rules are out. The bad news, if you have Attention Deficit Disorder, is that there are two ofthem and each one seems as long as the first NOFA rules. But at least there are welcome changes. Heres an overview and a

look at who does well as a result of these.First, I think its wise to let each group have its own rules. Many of the frustration people have had with the NOFA, Round 1 stemfrom the rules being a quick blending of procedures from agencies with two different purposes and ways of doing business. Thatled to the rules contradicting each other in places, or otherwise breeding confusion.

In terms of focus, NTIA is addressing middle mile primarily and this makes sense because it gives NTIA a bigger bang for theirbuck, allowing them to bring broadband to large geographical areas through each award. Rather than spend time reviewing 30proposals for $1 million each, better to review one proposal for $30 million. Theres less administrative hassle on the backendwhere NTIA has to manage each funded project to completion.

RUS, mercifully, has eliminated the remote, non-remote qualifications combined with different (and confusing) grant versus loanoptions that have driven people absolutely crazy. Now its a straight up 75/25 grant-to-loan ratio for all projects. The finaldefinition of rural is what it was pre-stimulus at RUS in terms of population size and proximity to big cities.

The other thing thats good for RUS is their focus on last mile projects. Though its still a pain to address a lot of individualcommunities on the proposal review side, at least RUS has 400 field offices. So, unlike NTIAs smaller staff in just a couple oflocations, RUS has people spread across the U.S. who can make providing oversight of the awardees a more manageableprocess.

For communities, RUS last-mile focus could become a negative for those places that want to band together for a countywide orother large-scale network. You cant create a uniform last-mile umbrella over several dozen towns without some serious backhaulaction, and backhaul=middle mile if you want to be nit-picky about definitions. Some of you had better ask for clarification todetermine how you word a proposal so as to not get bounced by RUS. Maybe you can call yours a hybrid wired-wirelessnetwork in which the fiber does double duty as last and middle mile.

The one thing I question is RUS intent to make money available for satellite broadband projects. Even though it is to cover areasstill left unserved after all the original money is awarded, satellite has a poor reputation (based on experience) for cost/speed.Considering that RUS has way more applicants than money available, shouldnt that money budgeted for satellite be madeavailable to cover projects with better cost/speed deliverables?

After reading these points, see my post on possibleaction steps to take in response to NOFA 2.Whos looking good with these new rules in place

1. NOFA 2 for NTIA clearly enshrines net neutrality AND open access on all networks built. Big win for communities.2. A bit worrisome is that the same is not in RUS NOFA. Could be RUS history of dealing with local telcos opposed to

the idea, or maybe they think last mile networks arent good vehicles for multiple providers. The umps are heading tothe review booth on this one.

3. NTIAs NOFA 2 sticks with the pitiful baseline to define broadband speed (768 Kbps down, 200 Kbps up). Give RUS ahand. Theyve set the minimum bar at 5 Mbps combined, so your up and down in whatever combination of speedsneed to equal 5Mbps. And since RUS is focusing almost entirely on last mile projects, thats huge for consumers. Sothe home team batted .500 here.

4. Public Private Partnerships are highly valued AND prioritized by NTIA. Grand slam to win the big game for communitybroadband supporters! I dont see the same level of enthusiasm in RUS NOFA. Back to the review booth.

5. Cities catch a break!Since NTIA is removing the requirement that infrastructure projects must be located in unserved orunderserved areas, cities can play. The key to winning, though, comes from how you state your case (see my otherpost). Un- and underserved communities still have priority. Not the biggest win, but cities are at least in the game thisround more than they were in the last one.

6. Broadband access is still defined in terms of whether or not a household readily can subscribe to that service uponrequest. We pretty much lost that round. Subscribe to and actually get are a world apart in many places. The only


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way to beat that issue down is to have documentation for all the times constituents and business asked for service andgot some silly excuse for why theyre being ignored.

7. Incumbent challenges are still a reality of broadband stimulus life. However, they have to provide7 types of data,including speeds, prices and numbers of subscribers and the details of their challenge will be made public. Applicantscan defend themselves, so bring numbers and other data to due diligence to trump challenges. Score a couple of runsfor the home team, but they give up a couple too. However, I dont think too many will lose the game here.

8. Round 1 winners can go back to the pot to get more money to connect libraries and write economic developmentstrategy plans. May not end up being a ton of money, but its better than a sharp stick in the eye (an optometrist told

me that one).Actually, this falls under the Little Things That Mean a Lot banner. So well score a couple of RBIs forthis.

Overall, I think community broadband supporters won some needed improvements and have a stronger position from which towork. We didnt lose any ground, but we still have some rules that best should have fallen by the wayside. When the FCCreforms the Universal Service Fund, they can learn a lot from all of this for when they establish rules for distributing that money.

One major concern was how much easier it would be to complete and submit an application with new rules to streamline theprocess. It appears this process will be much faster because a lot of the information that was a major pain to compile and file isnow requiredonly if you get called for the due diligence process.This is good because you have almost no time to make thedeadline of March 15.You can put off some of that work until you file your application, though not as much as you might think onthe first read.From a timing standpoint, some of you need to think long and hard over the next few days about what you want to do. The

deadline for your proposal is less than 60 days away. If you dont have a solid broadband plan, have identified potential partnersin these past few months and people willing to work 24/7 for a month from February on, ask yourself how badly do we reallywant that money, and be brutally honest in your assessment of your ability to run the gauntlet.

Those of you in the middle of Round 1 who havent been called in for due diligence? You may want to consider packing it in andlooking at NOFA 2. Since the rules and requirements have been streamlined in some important areas, you may not be looking atthat much work to prepare a new application. Besides, your original proposals still on the table and you could get that last-minute call.

Taking Action on the New NOFARulesWelcome to NOFA 2 and the 60-day march through hell (for some) to $4 billion. After the sudden delivery of the preliminary set ofNOFA rules, I made the comment that it is good that the agencies are going their separate ways. Trying to keep the NTIA/RUSmarriage together for the sake of the kids didnt make sense.

Then I looked at draft of the NOFA for NTIA and RUS. Thats nearly 200 pages! My brain glazed over. No wonder they waited untilFriday before a 3-day weekend! Then at midnight, I got an e-mail from the New America Foundation with incredibly thoroughsummaries of NOFA 2 highlighting changes from NOFA 1 and other valuable details condensed into 85% fewer pages. Read thesummaries before the actual NOFAs.

For my part, since New America breaks down what NOFA 2 is all about, Im giving you some tips on what to do about theserules so you can get a good proposal across the finish line. Theres barely two months to the March 15 deadline for yourproposal, so Im not prettying this post up. This trains leaving the station. You can complain to the Feds conductors later aboutwhatever injustices you spot.

You should pull up New Americas BTOPand BIPsummaries because Im going to track my comments along side of theirs asbest as I can.

Because policy peeps and broadband advocates wont stop fidgeting until they know how NOFA 2 affects their favorite causes,heres a synopsis so I can get to the action recs.

Suggested plan prep -BTOP NOFA1. NTIAs focusing heavily on middle mile projects that touch communities major institutions. That means its time to

partner you butts off. And call the Gates Foundation.2. Cities can play in NOFA 2, but heres the trick. You dont have to prove you have unserved and underserved by criteria

of less than 50% having those ticky-tack minimum speeds. But because un- and underserved have priority, you have topush heavy on the fact that your communities are un- and underserved by criteria that really matter to NTIAs statedgoals for these grants.


http://gigaom.com/2009/10/17/gates-foundation-proposal-linchpin-to-national-broadband-strategy/http://broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP%20NOFA%201-15-10%20with%20disclaimer.pdfhttp://broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP%20NOFA%201-15-10%20with%20disclaimer.pdfhttp://roisforyou.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/handicapping-nofa-2/http://www.newamerica.net/broadbandstimulushttp://www.newamerica.net/broadbandstimulushttp://www.pcworld.com/article/187034/us_agencies_announce_new_broadband_funding_round.htmlhttp://roisforyou.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/the-new-nofa-rules-how-you-should-deal/http://gigaom.com/2009/10/17/gates-foundation-proposal-linchpin-to-national-broadband-strategy/http://gigaom.com/2009/10/17/gates-foundation-proposal-linchpin-to-national-broadband-strategy/http://broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP%20NOFA%201-15-10%20with%20disclaimer.pdfhttp://broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP%20NOFA%201-15-10%20with%20disclaimer.pdfhttp://roisforyou.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/handicapping-nofa-2/http://roisforyou.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/handicapping-nofa-2/http://www.newamerica.net/sites/newamerica.net/files/profiles/attachments/BIP_NOFA2_OTI_Summary.pdfhttp://www.newamerica.net/sites/newamerica.net/files/profiles/attachments/BIP_NOFA2_OTI_Summary.pdfhttp://www.newamerica.net/sites/newamerica.net/files/profiles/attachments/BTOP_NOFA2_OTI_Summary.pdfhttp://www.newamerica.net/sites/newamerica.net/files/profiles/attachments/BTOP_NOFA2_OTI_Summary.pdfhttp://www.newamerica.net/broadbandstimulushttp://www.newamerica.net/broadbandstimulushttp://www.newamerica.net/broadbandstimulushttp://www.newamerica.net/broadbandstimulushttp://www.pcworld.com/article/187034/us_agencies_announce_new_broadband_funding_round.htmlhttp://www.pcworld.com/article/187034/us_agencies_announce_new_broadband_funding_round.htmlhttp://roisforyou.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/the-new-nofa-rules-how-you-should-deal/http://roisforyou.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/the-new-nofa-rules-how-you-should-deal/


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3. Youve been freed from the shackles of providing data at the census block level. This probably knocks 10% off of yourpain-time Misery Index. Nevertheless, you cannot underestimate the value of mapping! People with wireless projects inmind, you can recalibrate your brain now when you consider how to shape your proposed coverage area.

4. The Twitterverse suffered a minor aneurism as people saw that NTIA is giving extra points to those coming up with 30%matching funds. Chill. The minimum required is still 20%. But if you still want to have that blood pressure spike, goahead. Then turn to this type ofeconomic development fundraising effort.

5. You dont have to prove conclusively with extensive spreadsheets your financial sustainability model at the time yousubmit your app. But you still have to do it! And its probably not going to do you any good to show some wild

projections for profitability in you initial proposal, and then show a starkly different picture in the due diligence session.6. Theres only going to be two reviewers in the first phase of evaluation, not three like last time. Youd better write some

darn good, no-b.s. prosethat clearly makes your case. Without that tie-breaker reviewer, you could be hosed if theresa hung jury. (Think- Im an NTIA executive reviewer, 100 apps in my In Box, 25 of which the reviewers cant conclude ifthe app is a good one or not. Thats 25 fewer apps Ill review.)

7. You have fewer attachments required in NOFA 2. You win! You and a gezillion others still have to file electronically.Beware the Ides of March!

8. Incumbents can still challenge your application, and you should expect them to. However, for NTIA they only have 15days to challenge, they have to defend by disclosing 7 categories of information and you get to defend yourself duringdue diligence. On March 16 start collecting primary data from constituents on who doesnt have what.

9. You get bonus points (figurative or actual) if you bring last-mile broadband to economically distressed areas. Big Cities,listen up! Most of you have economic development zones. Center your proposals on those. Everybody, listen up! Wantto come up with 30% matching? Make the middle mile portion 70% of the project, get several providers to agree tobuild last mile to the extent it equals at least 10% of total project cost. You were going come up with 20% anyway.

Forget asking for a waiver for the 20%, it only lowers your priority in the pack.10. A bunch of criteria have been eliminated or clarified, though you get bonus consideration if you have them. Thinkjudiciously about which ones you chose to ignore.

11. Take note of the 7 criteria starting on the bottom of page 5 of New Americas summary, particularly you larger cities withpolice and fire departments. If you tackle the un- and underserved issue effectively, you should be able to meet some ofthese 7 criteria.

12. If you havent kissed up to the Governors office or your state legislatures since the holidays, pucker up, peeps. Theystill have a role to play. Besides your desire for an endorsement of your application, you dont want them to evoke theappropriate use of taxpayer dollars clause against you (NOFA pg 83). A lot of governors are running for re-election thisyear, so it could be debatable whether you can rely on them to play an active role that plays favorites with someapplications over others on the Recommended list.

Other Excellent ResourcesBTOP: Changes, Requirements and Critical Details for Final Broadband Stimulus Round (New America Foundation)

Baller Herbst Analysis of Key Changes for Round Two (January 18, 2010) (Baller Herbst Group)

Federal Government Resources

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Notice of Funds Availability - Fact Sheet


http://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP_NOFA_Fact_Sheet012210.pdfhttp://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP_NOFA_Fact_Sheet012210.pdfhttp://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/FedRegNOFA_R2_NTIA.pdfhttp://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/FedRegNOFA_R2_NTIA.pdfhttp://www.baller.com/pdfs/BallerHerbst_NOFAS_Round2_1-18-10.pdfhttp://www.baller.com/pdfs/BallerHerbst_NOFAS_Round2_1-18-10.pdfhttp://www.newamerica.net/node/26393http://www.newamerica.net/node/26393http://www.newamerica.net/node/26393http://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP_NOFA_Fact_Sheet012210.pdfhttp://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/BTOP_NOFA_Fact_Sheet012210.pdfhttp://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/FedRegNOFA_R2_NTIA.pdfhttp://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/FedRegNOFA_R2_NTIA.pdfhttp://www.baller.com/pdfs/BallerHerbst_NOFAS_Round2_1-18-10.pdfhttp://www.baller.com/pdfs/BallerHerbst_NOFAS_Round2_1-18-10.pdfhttp://www.newamerica.net/node/26393http://www.newamerica.net/node/26393http://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/broadband-stimulus/topics/broadband-stimulus/articles/64506-broadband-stimulus-goal-what-heck-we-doing-here.htmhttp://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/broadband-stimulus/topics/broadband-stimulus/articles/64506-broadband-stimulus-goal-what-heck-we-doing-here.htmhttp://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/broadband-stimulus/topics/broadband-stimulus/articles/64506-broadband-stimulus-goal-what-heck-we-doing-here.htmhttp://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/broadband-stimulus/topics/broadband-stimulus/articles/64506-broadband-stimulus-goal-what-heck-we-doing-here.htmhttp://www.dailyyonder.com/broadband-funding-yes-your-backyard/2010/01/13/2539http://www.dailyyonder.com/broadband-funding-yes-your-backyard/2010/01/13/2539http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/broadband-mapping-grant-can-help-communities-refine-their-strategy/2009-12-13http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/broadband-mapping-grant-can-help-communities-refine-their-strategy/2009-12-13


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Directory of Vendors and Partners

I would like to thank the following companies for sponsoring this guide. Some are listed in the online Muniwireless Vendor

Directory with a Company Profile Page. The vendors mentioned in this directory are looking to provide equipment, software and

services to people who are embarking on BIP and BTOP projects.

AllCITY WIRELESS

Easy, super smart WiDirect Solution from AllCity lets wireless operators fully manage any type of network. Both Wi-Fiand Point-to-Multipoint Fixed Wireless networks benefit from the network management that WiDirect provides:

billing, provisioning, reporting, monitoring and user management. With WiDirect, all you need is to add radios.

Everything else - from captive portals to ad delivery - is built in. RUS Approved.

http://allcity-wireless.com/

ALVARION

Alvarion (NASDAQ: ALVR) is the largest WiMAX pure-player with the most extensive WiMAX customer base and

over 250 commercial deployments around the globe. Committed to growing the WiMAX market, the company offerssolutions for a wide range of frequency bands supporting a variety of business cases. Alvarion equipment is used in

many rural and urban wireless network projects around the world.

Company Profile page:

http://www.muniwireless.com/resources-page/vendor-directory/company-profile-alvarion

AZALEA NETWORKS

Azalea Networks, headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, is the first company to deliver a truly scalable andintelligent wireless broadband mesh infrastructure through the combination of Layer-3 wireless routing technology

and a multi-radio system. Azaleas family of mesh and point-to-multipoint routers provide 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi access, 5

GHz for backhaul connectivity, and 4.9 GHz for public safety use in North America.


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/07/company-profile-azalea-networks/
http://allcity-wireless.com/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/07/company-profile-azalea-networks/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/07/company-profile-azalea-networks/http://www.muniwireless.com/resources-page/vendor-directory/company-profile-alvarionhttp://www.muniwireless.com/resources-page/vendor-directory/company-profile-alvarionhttp://allcity-wireless.com/http://allcity-wireless.com/


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BRIDGEWAVE COMMUNICATIONS

Founded in 1999, BridgeWave Communications, Inc. is the leading supplier of wireless gigabit connectivity

solutions. BridgeWaves point-to-point wireless bridges are widely deployed in mainstream enterprise and service

provider network applications and are poised to play a key role in the migration to 4G mobile network backhaul.


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/05/21/company-profile-bridgewave-communications/

FIRETIDE

Firetide is the leading provider of multi-service mesh networks for industrial and municipal applications. Firetide

provides a secure, high performance wireless mesh infrastructure and access solution for video surveillance, Internet

access, public safety networks, and temporary networks wherever rapid deployment, mobility, and ease of

installation are required. Designed for seamless indoor and outdoor operation, Firetide mesh networks securely

handle concurrent video, voice, and data applications, making it ideal for large scale municipal and enterprise

networks.

JOHNSON CONTROLS

Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and

travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, JCI creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable

world through products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million

commercial buildings. JCI specializes in helping local government entities around the country develop, fund and

implement sustainable practices. JCI helps to show communities how to fund projects out of the savings they

generate.


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/21/company-profile-johnson-controls/

MESHDYNAMICS

True MESH for the 21st century! MeshDynamics products are designed for applications that require low latency and

high bandwidth: wireless video surveillance, military deployments, sporting events, mines and industrial sites,citywide networks, hotzones, and more. MeshDynamics third generation technology uses two backhaul radios and

dynamic channel interference avoidance so performance does not degrade over multiple hops, even as mesh

networks scale.

Company Profile Page:http://www.muniwireless.com/2008/01/01/company-profile-mesh-dynamics/


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/21/company-profile-johnson-controls/NOVARUMhttp://www.muniwireless.com/2009/05/21/company-profile-bridgewave-communications/http://www.muniwireless.com/2008/01/01/company-profile-mesh-dynamics/http://www.muniwireless.com/2008/01/01/company-profile-mesh-dynamics/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/21/company-profile-johnson-controls/NOVARUMhttp://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/21/company-profile-johnson-controls/NOVARUMhttp://www.muniwireless.com/2009/05/21/company-profile-bridgewave-communications/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/05/21/company-profile-bridgewave-communications/


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NOVARUM

Novarum provides strategic consulting and analysis for the wireless broadband data industry. Its focus is on the key

technologies of Wi-Fi, WiMAX and 3G cellular data. Novarums analysis and reports cut through the confusion of this

overlapping range of broadband, IP-based, licensed and unlicensed wireless data technologies. Novarum offers a

unique insider perspective from pioneers in the wireless networking industry who have practical experience bringingwireless products to market. It provides guidance through the maze of technologies, standards, markets, regulatory

and business issues that characterize the wireless industry. Novarum offers consulting services to private and public

entities applying for, deploying and managing broadband projects funded by the NTIA and RUS.


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/18/company-profile-novarum/

PEPWAVEPepwave is a leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing specialized wireless broadband devices and

solutions. Pepwaves products have been deployed by service providers, small and medium businesses, and

municipalities around the world. Pepwave was established to focus on new product development initiatives and

continues to bring innovation to the marketplace. Pepwaves products are used in many municipal wireless

broadband networks to extend and enhance the range of wireless signals.


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/20/company-profile-pepwave/

PROXIM WIRELESS

Proxim Wireless (OTCQX: PRXM) is the only vendor that provides complete end-to-end wireless networks

including WiMAX, unlicensed point-to-multipoint, wireless backhaul, indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi mesh and WLAN

technology -- ideal for rural broadband stimulus deployments that require a combination of performance and

affordability to ensure the fiscally responsible delivery of high-performance broadband. For more information on

Proxim's solutions and the options available to you for receiving government funding for your network, download

Proxim's FREE Rural Broadband Information Kit and Government Grant Resource Guide.

Company Profile page:http://www.muniwireless.com/2010/01/04/company-profile-proxim-wireless/


http://www.muniwireless.com/2010/01/04/company-profile-proxim-wireless/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/20/company-profile-pepwave/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/18/company-profile-novarum/http://www.muniwireless.com/2010/01/04/company-profile-proxim-wireless/http://www.muniwireless.com/2010/01/04/company-profile-proxim-wireless/http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102960196499&s=14370&e=001Ryv5EleOdh14Qx5oCnpQApGoG15FDW1x-QpX68FBmmaTh69Vb-pUr0X0qa0WF-hFaWEvJEgLqS73s-Td1GAW--MbqaW8iwQUnDHt37D5FnOWErmNw_qrgwYU_fDzqgkTiRUyQWN8tE1VMKAk3KvqoVAw5y9z6Yw-2zn3leDWfFKq_XUl5k52judAIr6N9IUwEgd2O0NKiFo9QoV2vm_RZUvjYh1_FtsDF4HnIeqGwfvixRSkco1Rd6QJL1pv9PlxbhUdoVWR0sPYNj_3tJEcZ8ezEXvYfi2iEtVjlugKg83J675ziAOyvvmpTgPXU2-yPJdUW8DSKf-sfPOqhwBjyE_0AqylQyVqahvDNNgeoJmAUr89GzFXoqtsE-6QUAQ29YWaU9OojJafxiq_5EVJ-g==http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102960196499&s=14370&e=001Ryv5EleOdh14Qx5oCnpQApGoG15FDW1x-QpX68FBmmaTh69Vb-pUr0X0qa0WF-hFaWEvJEgLqS73s-Td1GAW--MbqaW8iwQUnDHt37D5FnOWErmNw_qrgwYU_fDzqgkTiRUyQWN8tE1VMKAk3KvqoVAw5y9z6Yw-2zn3leDWfFKq_XUl5k52judAIr6N9IUwEgd2O0NKiFo9QoV2vm_RZUvjYh1_FtsDF4HnIeqGwfvixRSkco1Rd6QJL1pv9PlxbhUdoVWR0sPYNj_3tJEcZ8ezEXvYfi2iEtVjlugKg83J675ziAOyvvmpTgPXU2-yPJdUW8DSKf-sfPOqhwBjyE_0AqylQyVqahvDNNgeoJmAUr89GzFXoqtsE-6QUAQ29YWaU9OojJafxiq_5EVJ-g==http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/20/company-profile-pepwave/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/20/company-profile-pepwave/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/18/company-profile-novarum/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/04/18/company-profile-novarum/


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STRIX SYSTEMS

Strix Systems is a worldwide leader in Wireless Mesh Networking with patented mesh algorithms and Layer 2

switching architecture that delivers the lowest latency, fastest roaming, and highest multi-hop throughput available.

Strixs Access/One products provides the broadband mobility and reach to support voice, video, and data

applications. Strix Systems offers one-stop-solution by offering its expertise in applying for the grants and

technology expertise in deploying large-scale networks. Our team of domain experts have put together resources

that would enable you to obtain information about these programs.

Please visit our website to request the Kit: http://www.strixsystems.com/federal-broadband-kit.aspx.

TROPOS NETWORKS

Tropos Networks is the worldwide market leader in wireless broadband IP networks used to build greener, safer,

smarter communities. Tropos solutions are used as a regional communication network foundation for deploying one

or many high-value applications that cost effectively increase mobile worker and operational efficiencies while

reducing operating costs. Tropos delivers the highest levels of reliability, scalability and security in the industry and

has an installed base of more that 750 customers in over 30 countries.


http://www.muniwireless.com/resources-page/vendor-directory/company-profile-tropos-networks/

VECIMA NETWORKS

Vecima Networks (TSX:VCM) designs and manufactures products for fixed and nomadic wireless broadband

content delivery from 600 MHz to 5.8 GHz. Applications include data access, voice over IP, cellular backhaul, video

backhaul, smart grid/SCADA , smart meters/AMI, site monitoring, public safety and security/video surveillance.

Vecimas wireless architecture is composed of high capacity base stations, subscriber stations and sophisticated

network management tools that have been deployed around the world.


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/12/14/company-profile-vecima-networks/


http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/12/14/company-profile-vecima-networks/http://www.muniwireless.com/2009/12/14/company-profile-vecima-networks/http://www.muniwireless.com/resources-page/vendor-directory/company-profile-tropos-networks/http://www.muniwireless.com/resources-page/vendor-directory/company-profile-tropos-networks/http://www.strixsystems.com/federal-broadband-kit.aspxhttp://www.strixsystems.com/federal-broadband-kit.aspx


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Directory of Consultants

The consultants listed below provide services to public and private entities that are applying for funding under BIP and BTOP.

CRAIG SETTLES (SUCCESSFUL.COM)

Successful.com and lead consultant Craig Settles offer three services for organizations seeking to deploy

broadband services successfully through grants and other funding sources.

Business plan/grant proposal review makes sure you've crossed the NOFA t's and dotted the i's.

Broadband Success Partnership offers you funding, financial services and strategic planning.

On-site Workshops assist you in Round 2 funding.

Go to: http://www.successful.com/services/munibb.html

BROOKS CONSULTING LLC

Brooks Consulting LLC is a wired and wireless Internet Protocol (IP) consulting firm based in the metro Washington

DC area. Our philosophy for designing, deploying, and operating IP networks is simplicity. We advocate IP network

simplicity to our clients to enable them to service their portfolio, optimize their network, and reduce CAPEX/OPEX

costs associating with the IP network life cycle. We specialize in the design and deployment of WiMAX IP Core and

backhaul networks. We also have experience in evaluating WiMAX network components and integrating these

elements into the IP Core. Need technical help in the NTIA/RUS grants process? Brooks Consulting LLC can help.

We can build a wireless ISP from the ground up using Tier 1 ISP best practices that maximize scalability in

processes, systems, and infrastructure.

Go to: http://brooksconsulting-llc.com

PROJECT SAFETY BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER

ProjectSafety is a St. Petersburg, Florida-based technology and business non-profit organization focused on the

deployment and future proof testing of municipal (and community) wireless broadband networks. Its unique

broadband wireless Community Network Integration (CNI) model addresses both technology requirements and

business needs in offering a single network solution for both the public and private sectors. Larry Karisny, director of

ProjectSafety, has extensive experience in municipal broadband deployments.

Contact: Larry Karisny, 727-735-8258 ([email protected])


mailto:[email protected]://brooksconsulting-llc.com/http://www.successful.com/services/munibb.htmlhttp://www.successful.com/services/munibb.htmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://brooksconsulting-llc.com/http://brooksconsulting-llc.com/http://www.successful.com/services/munibb.htmlhttp://www.successful.com/services/munibb.html


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GET MORE FROM MUNIWIRELESS.COM

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enterprise and government applications. Established in 2003 by Esmeralda Vos Yu as a blog,MuniWireless has become a niche publishing company that, in addition to the website, produces

conferences, seminars, webinars, video and research reports, and offers consulting services.

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How to Get a Grant (Part 2A) from the NTIA for broadband projects

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