by The FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) hosted this first in a series of webinars to discuss the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program (ACP Outreach Grant Program) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that was released on Thursday, November 10, 2022.
This webinar provided a detailed overview of the NOFO and how to navigate the application process and the required forms. The webinar also reviewed best practices to help applicants scope a project, prepare a budget, and what to expect after summitting a proposal. This event was free and open to the public and was streamed live at fcc.gov/live. No Registration was required to attend.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a $14.2 billion FCC benefit program that helps ensure that qualifying low-income households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The program, which has served more than 14 million households to date, plays an integral role in helping to bridge the broadband affordability gap, which is an ongoing priority for Congress, the FCC, and across the federal government.
With today’s announcement, the Commission is issuing a NOFO for up to $60 million for the National Competitive Outreach Program (NCOP) and $10 million for the Tribal Competitive Outreach Program (TCOP).
Eligible applicants must submit applications for NCOP and TCOP by January 9, 2023, 11:59 p.m. EST.
The ACP Outreach Grant Program seeks to expand innovative outreach efforts nationwide by strengthening partner networks and empowering them with the resources necessary to increase program awareness an enrollment – with a focus on reaching historically unserved and underserved populations.
There are four complementary grant programs that eligible entities can apply for:
- National Competitive Outreach Program – $60 million (Deadline to apply 1/9/23)
- Tribal Competitive Outreach Program – $10 million (Deadline to apply 1/9/23)
- Your Home, Your Internet Program – $5 million (Separate NOFO/Application)
- ACP Navigator Pilot Program – $5 million (Separate NOFO/Application)
The Commission will release a separate NOFO on November 21, 2022, for the Your Home, Your Internet and ACP Navigator Pilot grant programs.
Agenda for the ACP Outreach Grant Program Webinar (all times Eastern Standard Time):
1:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
Alejandro Roark, Chief , FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
1:10 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. ACP Outreach Grant Program NOFO Overview
Miriam Montgomery, FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
1:55 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. Application Package Overview
Joy Sears, FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
2:40 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Moderated Questions and Answers
Miriam Montgomery and Joy Sears
2:55 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
Alejandro Roark, Chief FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Prior to the live webinar, CGB encouraged the public to read the ACP Outreach Grant Program NOFO and additional reference documents (Frequently Asked Questions, Fact Sheet) available at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-grants. CGB further encouraged the public to e-mail questions in advance or during the event to grantswebinarquestion@fcc.gov
The webinar was webcast with open captioning at www.fcc.gov/live. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to: FCC504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice). Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodation needed. In addition, please include a way for the FCC to contact the requester if more information is needed to fill the request. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to accommodate.