0220B066

Purpose: The purpose of this grant is to support closing the broadband availability gap and support the development of a five-year action plan.

The proposed project includes the following planning and pre-deployment activities:

- Research and data collection, including initial identification of unserved locations and underserved locations consistent with rules, regulations, and processes the commission has established for making determinations in broadband data maps.
- Providing technical assistance to potential subgrantees, including through workshops and events.
- Training for employees of the broadband program or office of eligible entity or employees or political subdivisions of eligible entity, and related staffing capacity or consulting or contracted support to effectuate goals of the broadband program.
- Establishing, operating, or increasing capacity of a broadband office that oversees broadband programs and broadband deployment in an eligible entity.
- Asset mapping across the eligible entity to catalogue broadband adoption, affordability, equity, access, and deployment activities occurring within the eligible entity.
- Costs associated with meeting the local coordination requirements in Section IV.C.1.C of this NOFO, including capacity building at the local and regional levels or contracted support.
- Reasonable post-NOFO, pre-award expenses <$100,000 relating to preparation of program submissions or adding additional capacity in preparation for the broadband program.

Expected Outcomes: The outcomes of Alaska's proposed project, "Connect North!," are a comprehensive five-year action plan, initial and final proposals, and climate threat assessment, identifying Alaska's broadband access, affordability, equity, and adoption needs. It will serve as a benchmark for adopting strategies, goals, and initial measures for connecting all residents of Alaska with reliable broadband service. Additionally, it will allow Native Alaskans to maintain a traditional cultural lifestyle while fully participating in the global economy, and make it possible for every Alaskan to participate and be competitive in the global community by facilitating access to the full benefits of broadband with improved quality of service and lower costs. More specific outcomes include research that will help inform decisions throughout program delivery and successful achievements of deliverables.

Intended Beneficiaries: The intended beneficiaries are unserved and underserved groups in the state of Alaska, with a focus on rural and unserved populations.

Subrecipient Activities: The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.

Community & Economic Development, Alaska Department Of Commerce

NOT APPLICABLE

11.035 - Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [DOC]

Juneau, Alaska 99811-0803 United States

Single Zip Code

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (NTIA-BEAD-2022)

Infrastructure $5,000,000 (0%) percent this Project Grant was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 11/14/27 to 06/30/32 and the total obligations have increased 20243% from $5,000,000 to $1,017,139,672.