Second round of funding. $10.7 million available for equipment distribution and public Wi-Fi.
To address the digital divide and enhance digital opportunities across the state, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) announced an application will open for the Capitol Project Fund Digital Connectivity Technology (DCT) Equipment and Public Wi-Fi Enablement Program. This initiative is a crucial step in implementing the recently published Kansas Digital Opportunity Plan, designed to tackle the challenges of broadband accessibility, affordability, and device availability.
“It’s not enough to expand high-speed internet across Kansas – we must also show Kansans of all ages and backgrounds how to make the internet a useful tool in their everyday lives. These funds will provide the devices and skills training to help every Kansan benefit from our investments to make high-speed internet available in their local communities.”
Governor Laura Kelly
Program Information
Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology
If you are interested in applying for these funds, please review the guidelines in full. There are different guidelines available for each program. You can find a full table of contents for available topics below.
User Guides
Please also refer to the FAQs below. There is updated information from the webinar.
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to promoting transparency in its initiatives aimed at addressing the digital divide and enhancing digital opportunity across the state. With the introduction of the Capitol Project Fund Digital Connectivity Technology (DCT) Equipment and Public Wi-Fi Enablement Program (known to KOBD as ADOPT), KOBD endeavors to bridge the gap in broadband accessibility, affordability, and device availability as outlined in the Kansas Digital Opportunity Plan.
KOBD has initiated a public comment period for Advancing Digital Opportunity to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. This process is integral to KOBD’s efforts to optimize investment, uphold fiscal responsibility, and ensure transparency in Kansas. The public comment period was open February 14, 2024, at 5:00 PM CT until March 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT. All ADOPT Public Project Proposals and associated Public Proposed Service Area Maps (contained within zip files with .KMZ map(s)) are available for public review and commentary during this period. This transparent public comment mechanism facilitates feedback from the public, internet service providers, and stakeholders interested in digital opportunity projects.
Please note that all comments collected during the public comment period will be posted as part of public disclosure, except for information containing specific infrastructure assets deemed “proprietary.” For inquiries regarding the public comment process, please contact KOBD at [email protected].
| Organization | Proposed Location | Grant Request Amount | Proprosed Project | Map Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation | Jackson | $550,401.00 | Project File | Map |
| Blue Valley Technologies, Inc. | Marshall | $36,429.00 | Project File | Map |
| Emporia | Lyon | $144,271.96 | Project File | Map |
| Vernon Multipurpose Center, Incorporated | Wyandotte | $1,000,000.00 | Project File | Map |
| Nex-Tech | Norton | $40,708.00 | Project File | Map |
| City of Pratt | Pratt | $21,737.88 | Project File | Map |
| Omni Circle Group | Shawnee | $1,000,000.00 | Project File | Map |
| Organization | Proposed Location | Grant Request Amount | Proprosed Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSU_PrimRural | Atchison Haskell Kearny Osborne Doniphan Sumner Marion Russell Rush Harvey Republic Dickinson Gove Ellsworth Ottawa | $484,146.00 | Project File |
| KSU_SecondRural | Haskell Kearny Atchison Osborne Doniphan Sumner Marion Russell Rush Harvey Republic Dickinson Gove Ellsworth Ottawa | $484,252.00 | Project File |
| KSU_SpecialRural | Haskell Kearny Atchison Osborne Doniphan Sumner Marion Russell Rush Harvey Republic Dickinson Gove Ellsworth Ottawa | $482,688.00 | Project File |
| SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging | Barber Clark Comanche Edwards Ford Finney Grant Gray Greeley Hamilton Hodgeman Haskell Kiowa Kearny Lane Meade Morton Ness Pawnee Pratt Scott Seward Stanton Stevens Wichita | $291,000.00 | Project File |
| Tri-Agency Intervention DBA: Liberal Area Coalition for Families | Stevens Seward | $500,000.00 | Project File |
| Arkansas City Public Library | Cowley | $108,517.00 | Project File |
| Independence Community College Library | Montgomery Elk Wilson Chautauqua | $148,192.72 | Project File |
| Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation | Ford Finney Sedgwick Seward | $95,179.63 | Project File |
| Urban League of Kansas Inc | Sedgwick | $324,750.00 | Project File |
| Omni Circle Group | Shawnee | $497,247.00 | Project File |
| Haskell Indian Nations University | Douglas | $325,000.00 | Project File |
| EmberHope | Harvey | $250,000.00 | Project File |
| Maxsip Tel LLC | All Counties | $485,000.00 | Project File |
| KC Digital Drive | Johnson Leavenworth Miami Wyandotte | $500,000.00 | Project File |
| Russell Unified School District 407 | Russell | $402,610.14 | Project File |
| SnapIT Solutions LLC | All Counties | $436,500.00 | Project File |
| TerraCom, INC | All Counties | $485,000.00 | Project File |
Grant Timeline
The application window will be open for eight (8) weeks. Applicant interviews for selected applications will follow public comment and applicant response windows, which will be followed by Kansas Department of Commerce leadership grant selection and award announcements. Program timelines are provided below for reference.
KOBD reserves the right to request additional information regarding applications throughout the application process review period.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
Note: Eligible nonprofit organizations must have their own 501 C (3) tax status (or be a part of or chapter of a national organization that is a 501 C (3) nonprofit organization).
Subrecipients implementing the free public Wi-Fi service will be required to provide free public Wi-Fi services within the proposed service area that directly enables work, education, and health monitoring for at least five years from the completion of the Project. Subrecipients implementing the equipment distribution
solution will be required to directly enable work, education, and health monitoring activities over the useful life of the asset.
Program Overview – Equipment Distribution
The Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) 2.0 program has been established by KOBD to award Capital Project Fund (CPF) grant dollars to eligible entities to make devices available to individuals who do not subscribe to broadband connectivity due to lack of devices and equipment. For qualifying individuals, the program makes devices such as computers, laptops, and tablets available through a no-cost, short or long-term loan programs administered by eligible entities. The primary objective of this program is to award funding to eligible entities to distribute no-cost devices and equipment (computers, laptops and tablets) to critical need individuals who lack devices and equipment. Eligible entities (i.e. subrecipients) will retain ownership of the devices throughout the project period. Key program information is as follows:
See “Common Program Attributes” section for program requirements applicable to both the Public Wi-Fi
and Equipment Distribution sub-programs.
Program Overview – Public Wi-Fi
The objective of the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) 2.0 program administered through the KOBD is to provide access to free high-quality, reliable public Wi-Fi based broadband in Kansas. Public Wi-Fi applications will be accepted with priority given to applications that address unserved and economically distressed areas which have a compelling need for free Wi-Fi based broadband services that bridge critical access gaps to support quality of life considerations. Applicants are expected to engage community leaders and stakeholders in the development of projects that
will benefit Kansas citizens and communities. Key information for the program is as follows: “Public Wi-Fi” is defined as Wi-Fi solutions that are capable of delivering qualifying broadband speeds serving a specific geographic area with user end points connecting directly to the public Wi-Fi infrastructure
See “Common Program Attributes” for program requirements applicable to both the Public Wi-Fi and Equipment Distribution sub-programs.
See “Common Program Attributes” for program requirements applicable to both the Public Wi-Fi and Equipment Distribution sub-programs.
FAQs – Updated 1/30/2025 (PDF for download)
Q. Are schools allowed to apply for this program?
A. Yes, schools are allowed to apply for this program. Eligible applicants can be found on page 35 of program guidelines.
Q. Are hotspots to connect the devices an allowable expense? (please note this is updated from the webinar response)
A. No, hotspots are not an allowed expense and are considered an ineligible cost. Permitted equipment within the ADOPT Public Wi-Fi program includes equipment installed as part of a public wi-fi infrastructure solution such as access points, repeaters, routers, and associated infrastructure.
Q. Are salaries for digital skills trainers an eligible expense?
A. Yes, salaries for digital skills trainers are an eligible expense. Subrecipients must provide hourly allocation documentation for salaried trainers as needed.
Q. What happens if a device is checked out and is not returned by the recipient?
A. If a device is checked out and not returned by an end user, subrecipients need to make sure they are:
Q: Is the project period start date 12/1 or 12/11? Are expenses incurred prior to the award date but after the project period start date eligible for reimbursement?
A: Project period start date is 12/1/2024 and ends 9/30/2026. Expenses incurred after 12/1/2024, and prior to award date, are eligible for reimbursement if a grant award is made. Expenses are subject to approval once submitted for review. The application window opens on 12/11/2025 and closes on 2/5/2025.
Q. Are camps allowed to apply?
A. Yes, if they fall under the eligible applicant definitions. See page 35, “Eligible Applicants” section of the ADOPT 2.0 Program Guidelines for further applicant eligibility information.
Q. Is marketing to promote the free Wi-Fi an eligible expense?
A. Marketing to promote the free Wi-Fi service is not an eligible expense. However, public outreach is considered an acceptable expense.
Q. Are State Departments such as Parks/Department of Health eligible for the project funds?
A. Yes, State Departments such as Parks/Department of Health would fall under “other levels or units of government. See page 35, “Eligible Applicants” section of the ADOPT 2.0 Program Guidelines for further applicant eligibility information.
Q. How are you considering BEAD applications vs. applications for this program since they’re both for unserved/underserved areas? For the same geographic area.
A. ADOPT Public Wi-Fi applications are meant to enable free Wi-Fi based internet in public spaces and would not be enabling any specific BEAD eligible location(s) within qualifying broadband speeds. BEAD is intended to serve individual locations (broadband serviceable locations/BSLs) and this program intends to serve public spaces within communities and not to any specific BSL.
Q. Will the specific scoring criteria and point system be available online or made public so that we are aware how many points are available for each criteria?
A. The weighted scoring criteria is available within the program guidelines. Specific points are not available, however, percentages per scoring category are documented.
Q. On the geo-tracking requirement for device lending – how will this tracking information be used?
A. This requirement has been removed from the guidelines.
Q. Is dark fiber an allowable cost if was the source of public Wi-Fi in parks?
A. Fiber infrastructure capital outlays that enable or directly connect to the Wi-Fi infrastructure are an eligible expense. Monthly recurring charges to lease and / or operate fiber infrastructure enabling the public Wi-Fi service are ineligible expenses.
Q. How are you weighing geo-tracking requirements vs privacy concerns, and what is the geotracking expectation?
A. This requirement has been removed from the guidelines.
Q. If you aren’t a distressed county on the definitions list. And on the FCC tool, if that area is blue instead of white – is that ineligible area then?
A: All public spaces are eligible and qualify for the public Wi-Fi solutions, regardless of being in a distressed county or not. However, distressed county implementations are preferred. Regarding the FCC Broadband Data Collection Tool and public Wi-Fi eligibility areas, the purpose of the grant is to facilitate free public Wi-Fi broadband access to unserved public areas with demonstrated need. For the purposes of the ADOPT Public Wi-Fi program, an unserved area is defined as a geographic space that does not support free Wi-Fi service providing at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds in public spaces (i.e. – such as a town square, city park, state campground, county fairgrounds, etc.). See page 19, “Eligible Locations and Solutions Eligibility” of the ADOPT Public Wi-Fi Program Guidelines for additional details.
Q: Do you have to be an internet supplier?
A: Eligible applicants do not have to be a current internet supplier to provide free public Wi-Fi services. Eligibility requirements can be found on page 35 of the program guidelines.
Q: Reviewing the public wi-fi application user guide unserved areas, my understanding is that you are not eligible to apply if you are in an area that is served, is that correct?
A: The purpose of the grant is to facilitate free public Wi-Fi broadband access to unserved public areas with demonstrated need. For the purposes of the ADOPT Public Wi-Fi program, an unserved area is defined as a geographic space that does not support free Wi-Fi service providing at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds in public spaces (i.e. – such as a town square, city park, state campground, county fairgrounds, etc.) and is not related to unserved locations such as a broadband serviceable location (BSL). See page 19, “Eligible Locations and Solutions Eligibility” of the ADOPT Public Wi-Fi Program Guidelines for additional details.
1/2/2025
Q: What is the intent of the amendment from ADOPT 1.0?
A: These are indeed amendments to ADOPT Round 1 program guidelines. The intent behind each bullet item is below:
Q: How long subgrantees are required to provide free public wifi upon award?
A: The duration to provide free public Wi-Fi services can be found on page 36 of the ADOPT 2.0 Program Guidelines, at the bottom of the Eligible Applicants section. The program guidelines state “Subrecipients implementing the free public Wi-Fi service will be required to provide free public Wi-Fi services within the proposed service area that directly enables work, education, and health monitoring for at least five years from the completion of the Project.”
1/10/2025
Q: From a KOBD perspective, are grant applications for Public Wi-Fi buildings to be contiguous for a single application?
A: One application can contain public Wi-Fi infrastructure. Buildings do not need to be contiguous to be included in the application.
Q: A successful public Wi-Fi project will be supported by ADOPT funds for 5 years, right? Please confirm.
A: Yes, the applicant, upon award of the grant, will be required to operate the public Wi-Fi network for at least five (5) years starting from the time the public Wi-Fi network build is complete per the program guidelines. Additionally, the program guidelines state on page 20 “The Wi-Fi infrastructure investment is intended to support a free public wi-fi service for the duration of the federal interest period (December 31, 2034) as applicable to infrastructure equipment per US Treasury SLFRF and CPF Supplementary Broadband Guidance, dated May 17, 2023.”. Please note that public Wi-Fi grant funds can only be used to build the network. Operational costs to run and keep the network in service are ineligible and will need to be paid for by the applicant for the duration of the service.
Q: Is there any specific guideline as to the status of the Wi-Fi (in terms of technology maintenance, etc.) when ADOPT funds run out? Would the provider and community have to commit to sustaining Wi-Fi availability beyond the funding cycle/term?
A: Only costs to build and install the network are paid for by the grant, less the applicant and co-investment match. By accepting the grant award, the applicant and community are agreeing to operate the public Wi-Fi service at their own expense for at least a period of five (5) years upon network build completion, but at least through December 31, 2034, as mentioned on page 20 of the ADOPT 2.0 program guidelines. Operational expenses to operate the public Wi-Fi grant are ineligible program costs and would need to be funded by the applicant or associated partners as defined in the application. The ADOPT 2.0 program is not a drawn-down program whereby subrecipients can request reimbursement of operational expenses after the public Wi-Fi infrastructure has been built.
1/15/2025
Q: Would purchasing streaming video technology and other equipment to expand a footprint to rural areas in western KS for post-secondary education efforts qualify us to pursue this ADOPT 2.0 grant?
A: Very specific information on the equipment is needed to determine eligibility. However, if the equipment isn’t a laptop, desktop, or tablet, it won’t be an eligible expense.
Q: Applicants are required to match 2% of the total project cost, and in-kind match can only include up to 75% of an applicant’s match. Could you confirm the following hypothetical breakdown for our records as we prepare this match documentation:
A: This hypothetical breakdown is correct.
Q: Does the 75% In-Kind Contribution limit also apply to the 1% co-investment match? Is a co-investor also able to use In-Kind Contributions, or are they limited to hard dollar contributions for the co-investment?
A: No, the 75% In-Kind Contribution does not apply to the 1% co-investment match. The co-investment match must be hard dollar contributions.
Q: Finally, our project team, is looking at partnering with one of the research centers that is outside of their department. We were wondering if these research centers would be eligible to serve as a co-investor.
A: If the research centers are separate entities from the applicant’s organization, have separate budgets, have different leadership*, and act independently of each other, the research centers would be treated as co-investors. * – Different leadership would be defined as heads of organizations and board members, if applicable. We understand that these organizations may fit into the overall leadership hierarchy, but the leadership hierarchy will not play a role in determining co-investment decisions. If this is not the case, then we need a better understanding of the relationships between the research centers and the department before rendering a final opinion.
1/23/2025
Q: We would like to ask if the specific technology and equipment that we have identified below -would in fact be or not be considered as part of the ADOPT grant program funding?
A: The Equipment Distribution Program will seek subrecipients to procure, distribute, manage, maintain and technically support internet-connected devices targeted to Kansans in need. All device distribution projects will be required to enable work, education, and health monitoring to ensure that they meet the critical needs of the community/individuals to be served. Projects must meet all of the following criteria:
As described, the Macbook Pro is being placed in service with your organization as the end user. Given that this is a program where the subrecipient procures and then distributes all devices to end users meeting the criteria in items #1 through #3 above, the Macbook Pro and it’s intended use is outside of the program scope.
Additionally, since the RODEcaster Video equipment is designed for the purposes of creating multicamera and multimicrophone productions, these are also outside the scope of the program as the equipment is not being distributed to end users and does not support items #1 through #3 above. Further, program guidelines state that eligible devices for subrecipient programs are tablets, laptops and desktop computers. Video and audio production devices do not qualify for the program.
1/30/2025
Q: We have an AmeriCorp Connection Corps Digital Navigator in Cowley County at this time. WPL is the host site. We’d like to continue with them for another year – the cost to us is $10,000. Can this be added as a grant expense or even an in-kind or co-investment funds as we have received community financial support through our local Community Foundation for our 1st year and potentially could for our 2nd year?
A: This can be added to the grant expense. However, it must be prorated to ensure included costs are through the end of the program period.
Q: In our budget, there is an annual software subscription fee. Can the subscription fee be budgeted for the 5 years of the estimated lifespan of the technologies, or must it be applied only during the actual grant timeline ending on September 30, 2026?
A: The annual subscription fee can only be applied during the actual grant timeline (through September 2026 which is the end of the program period). The expense must be pro-rated for the duration of the grant period.
Q: There is a place to attach a 990, but as a local government entity, we don’t file a 990. It says the field is required, so I’m afraid that once I submit the application it will kick back with an error.
A: The field is no longer a required field and will not cause an application to kick back with an error. Organizations should only upload a 990 if it applies to them.
Q: For the Annual Income Statement, is a Profit/Loss report from our QuickBooks acceptable?
A: Yes, the profit/loss report from your QuickBooks program is acceptable. KOBD prefers an audited version of the annual income statement if it is available.
Key Definitions
Adoption Efforts
Adoption goes beyond access to high-speed internet and speaks to the ability of individuals and communities to harness access for quality-of-life implications. These efforts may include digital literacy training, low-income assistance programs (for equipment and/or broadband service), partnerships with co-working or entrepreneurship organizations, awareness or marketing campaigns, service provision to community anchor institutions and/or additional programing, along with other programs designed to meet the needs of the local community.
Applicant Match
At the time of application submission, the applicant must demonstrate available cash reserves in an account(s) of the applicant equal to at least the required amount specified in the sliding scale match table. Matching funds must be used solely for the Project and shall not include any financial assistance from federal sources unless there is a federal statutory exception specifically authorizing the federal financial assistance to be considered as such. An applicant must provide evidence of its ability to comply with this requirement in its application (www.ecfr.gov).
Broadband
Broadband (or high-speed internet) access allows users to access the internet and internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through “dial-up” services. Broadband speeds vary significantly depending on the technology and level of service ordered. For additional information, visit the source of this information: Getting Broadband Q&A | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov).
Budget and Financial Requirements
Includes an explanation of costs that correspond with the information included in the project budget spreadsheet. The information should also explain the necessity and basis for costs and reflects only allowable costs consistent with project scope. Content must include the last year of organizations tax returns and / or 990s.
Co-Investment
Any funds provided by sources other than the applicant such as local, county, and eligible state programs or other contributors.
Community Anchor Institution
Community anchor institution means 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, unemployed, and the aged (www.usac.org).
Community Support (Narrative)
Community partners associated with the project planning, promotion, adoption – description of each party’s commitment and role in the project. Include any involvement by Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) including municipalities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, libraries, public safety, businesses, non-profits, and or other community stakeholders.
Reporting Information
To report suspected fraud, waste or abuse contact the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations.
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