Agency: Commerce – National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Description:
A $1.25 billion discretionary grant program to achieve digital equity, inclusion, and adoption for governments, nonprofits, education, workforce development organizations and others.
Grants can cover no more than 90 percent of the cost of any individual project (Secretary can waive this provision).
Bill Section:
60305
New or Existing:
New
Potential Cost:
$1,250,000,000
Timeline:
Until expended.
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On March 2, 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requested comments on the design and implementation of the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Comments are due May 1, 2023: Source
The IIJA requires NTIA to establish the program “not later than 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary begins awarding State Digital Equity Capacity Grants, and not before that date.” States interested in participating in the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program must first apply for State Digital Equity Planning Grants and complete State Digital Equity Plans. On February 15, 2024, Maine became the first state to have an approved Digital Equity plan: Source
TCS Notes:
Up to 2 percent of the amounts made available in each fiscal year shall be for salaries and expenses, administration, and oversight.