Second round of funding. $10.7 million available for equipment distribution and public Wi-Fi.
To address the digital divide and enhance digital equity 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 Equity 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
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.
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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