Additional funds totaling $15,452,302.00 from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (“Coronavirus Relief Funds”) has been authorized for the allocation and expenditure of residual funds to address the increased need for internet connectivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Broadband Infrastructure Projects receiving funding must be completed by December 1, 2021.
Applications must provide a demonstrable nexus to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a nexus to furthering telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote services. This grant round is based on renewed Targeted Service Area determinations published to an updated version of the Statewide Broadband Availability Map on Oct. 28, 2020 at: https://ocio.iowa.gov/broadband-availability-map-version-3. These determinations and this map identify the geographic areas in the State of Iowa in which grant funds under this program are available.
The OCIO is seeking Proposals from Responsible Applicants to provide or incentivize expansion of a minimum of 25/3 Broadband to Targeted Service Areas in the State of Iowa. Provided there is a demonstrable nexus to the COVID 19 pandemic, including a nexus to furthering telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote services, Applicant’s proposals may accomplish this by reducing or eliminating Targeted Service Areas through the installation of Broadband Infrastructure that Facilitates Broadband service at speeds equal to at least 25/3 Broadband, 50/5 Broadband, or speeds equal to or greater than 100/100 Broadband. The total amount of Coronavirus Relief Funds sought under this NOFA may not exceed:
- Projects that will result in the installation of Broadband infrastructure that will Facilitate Broadband service at or above 100/100 Broadband, seventy-five percent (75 percent), of the actual or originally estimated, whichever is less, Total Project Costs.
- Projects that will result in the installation of Broadband infrastructure that will Facilitate Broadband service at speeds less than 100/100 Broadband but greater than or equal to 50/5 Broadband, fifty percent 50 percent) of the actual or originally estimated, whichever is less, Total Project Costs.
- Projects that will result in the installation of Broadband infrastructure that will Facilitate Broadband service at speeds less than 50/5 Broadband, but greater than or equal to 25/3 Broadband, thirty-five percent (35 percent) of the actual or originally estimated, whichever is less, Total Project Costs
Additional information is available at: https://ocio.iowa.gov/empower-rural-iowa-broadband-grant-program-notice-funding-availability-005