7200AA24CA00012
Cooperative Agreement
Overview
Grant Description
The purpose of this agreement between USAID and Vernonburg Group LLC (Vernonburg), together and in consultation with industry and interagency partners, is to establish and deploy the Connect One Billion entity for small to mid-sized Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This new entity is being designed to strategically combine technical assistance and grants, concessional funding, and growth capital to holistically support ISPs throughout their growth, bringing one billion new individuals under coverage of secure broadband connectivity.
Up to USD$250M is being targeted for Connect One Billion to directly support 50 ISPs with investment capital and technical assistance ranging from USD$100K to USD$8M through a sustainable investment model.
USAID funding for this agreement will be used to cover operational expenses, legal and setup costs, and to develop innovative financing products and technical assistance for the Connect One Billion entity that will be deployed in a sustainable manner for a period of 5-10 years beyond establishment.
USAID funding will be disbursed as milestone payments commensurate with completion of key accomplishments in the establishment of, fundraising for, and deployment of Connect One Billion.
This new entity is being designed to strategically combine technical assistance and grants, concessional funding, and growth capital to holistically support ISPs throughout their growth, bringing one billion new individuals under coverage of secure broadband connectivity.
Up to USD$250M is being targeted for Connect One Billion to directly support 50 ISPs with investment capital and technical assistance ranging from USD$100K to USD$8M through a sustainable investment model.
USAID funding for this agreement will be used to cover operational expenses, legal and setup costs, and to develop innovative financing products and technical assistance for the Connect One Billion entity that will be deployed in a sustainable manner for a period of 5-10 years beyond establishment.
USAID funding will be disbursed as milestone payments commensurate with completion of key accomplishments in the establishment of, fundraising for, and deployment of Connect One Billion.
Awardee
Funding Goals
NOT APPLICABLE
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding Agency
Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Georgia
Geographic Scope
Foreign
Related Opportunity
Analysis Notes
Termination This cooperative agreement was reported as terminated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in July 2025. See All
Vernonburg Group was awarded
Connect One Billion: ISP Support in LMICs
Cooperative Agreement 7200AA24CA00012
worth $5,000,000
from Bureau for Management in October 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Georgia.
The grant
has a duration of 5 years and
was awarded through assistance program 98.001 USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs Overseas.
The Cooperative Agreement was awarded through grant opportunity Private Sector Collaboration Pathway (PSCP) Annual Program Statement (APS).
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 9/30/24
Period of Performance
10/1/24
Start Date
9/30/29
End Date
Funding Split
$5.0M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$5.0M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
7200AA24CA00012
SAI Number
7200AA24CA00012-00
Award ID URI
SAI NOT AVAILABLE
Awardee Classifications
Nonprofit With 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other Than An Institution Of Higher Education)
Awarding Office
720LAB USAID LAB
Funding Office
72000M USAID M
Awardee UEI
DWBMDHP3K721
Awardee CAGE
933J4
Performance District
Not Applicable
Modified: 9/30/24