Overview of BTOP Application Process and Project Prioritization

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Overview of BTOP Application Process and Project
Prioritization

• Edward Reinfurt
• Executive Director
• NYSTAR

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Topics

• Application review process
• Pre-screen process
• State Role
• Prioritizing projects
• Prioritization based on NYS Universal Broadband
  Strategic Roadmap
• Economic Development
• Closing Digital Divide
• State Mapping Initiative
• Broadband Data Improvement Act

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Application Review Process

• The NTIA will prescreen all applications (BIP)
• Timely completion that demonstrates a project can
  be substantially complete within two years and
  finished within three years.
• Broadband service offered that adheres to the
  definition of broadband.
• Technical feasibility with at least a system
  design and project timeline that has been
  certified by a professional engineer.
• Nondiscrimination and Interconnection Obligations
  are met with principles contained that adhere to
  the FCCs Internet Policy Statement.

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Application Review Process (Continued)

• The NTIA will prescreen all applications (BIP)
• Last Mile Coverage Obligation by identifying
  census blocks and supporting documentation.
• BIP projects that have at least 75 percent of
  funded area is a rural area without sufficient
  access.
• BIP projects should have no Overlapping Service
  Areas unless extent of overlap is de minimis.
• BIP projects will be fully funded and ready to
  begin immediately if approved.
• Completion of the environmental checklist and
  certifications needed.
• There is no role for State in ranking of BIP
  Projects.

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Application Review Process

• The NTIA will prescreen all applications (BTOP)
• Timely completion that demonstrates a project can
  be substantially complete within two years and
  finished within three years.
• Broadband service offered that adheres to the
  definition of broadband.
• Technical feasibility with at least a system
  design and project timeline that has been
  certified by a professional engineer.
• Nondiscrimination and Interconnection Obligations
  are met with principles contained that adhere to
  the FCCs Internet Policy Statement.

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Application Review Process(Continued)

• The NTIA will prescreen all applications (BTOP)
• Last Mile Coverage Obligation by identifying
  census blocks and supporting documentation.
• BTOP projects conform with the statutory purposes
  outlined.
• BTOP applicants have a 20 percent match on funds.
• BTOP applicants have supplied a Demonstration
  That Project Could Not Be Implemented but for
  Federal Grant Assistance.
• BTOP projects have a reasonable budget that is
  appropriate for the proposed solutions.
  (Sustainability)
• Completion of the environmental checklist and
  certifications needed.

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NTIAs View of State Role (BTOP)

• The Governors office will receive a list the
  applications under consideration for the BTOP
  Program.
• States may prioritize based on
• Greatest need of the State
• States are strongly encouraged to provide mapping
  and other data to support their recommendations.
• States will have 20 Calendar days to submit their
  recommendations.

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New York State Review Process

• Projects will be reviewed against goals outlined
  in the NYS Universal Broadband Strategic
  Roadmap
• Goal 1 Universal Access to Broadband
• Goal 2 Close the Digital Divide
• Goal 3 Foster Economic Development
• Goal 4 Accelerate use of e-Governement
• Goal 5 Technology Training Programs
• Goal 6 Sustainability and Maintenance

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Target Areas (State Broadband Goals)

• Economic Development
• Supports Regional Industry
• Leverages Regional Assets
• Increases Capacity to Business Centers
• Offers Multiple Benefits
• Expands Service in Manufacturing and Industrial
  Areas
• Decreases Environmental Impact
• Sustainability (Feds should only give us projects
  they deem sustainable)
• Job Growth
• Education and Outreach for Sustained Adoption
• Digital Literacy
• Improves Digital Literacy
• Promotes Literacy Standards
• Provides for an Outreach and Marketing Program
• Provides for Partnerships with Education and
  Not-For-Profit entities

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State Mapping Initiative

• NOFA Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA)
• NTIA expects grant awards to range between 1.9
  million and 3.8 million per state for the
  mapping portion of each project, and up to
  500,000 for the planning portion of each
  project.
• Governor must designate a single eligible entity
  in the state to receive a grant under this
  program.
• Letter signed by Governor, or his authorized
  designee, affirms that the applicant is the
  single eligible entity in the state that has been
  designated by the state to receive a grant under
  this Program.
• What needs to be mapped
• Rural Area(s) Rural Maps will be available at
  
• http//broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/
• Demographic variables outlined in BTOP/RUS NOFA /
  Broadband Data Development Grant
• Unserved
• Underserved
• Facilities of significant interest schools,
  hospitals, ect.
• Other variables from Form 477 from the FCC
• Type of connection, ect.

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Overview of BTOP Application Process and Project
Prioritization

• Edward Reinfurt
• Executive Director
• NYSTAR