1. General Information
2. Before you start
3. Filling out the application

General Information

The NTIA has released $50 million of a $200 million earmark in the Recovery Act for expanding computer center capacity under their Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This is the first of three rounds of funding releases; applications for this first $50 million round of funds are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on August 14, 2009.

The BTOP Public Computer Center (PCC) category is a good place for public libraries to get funds for expanding their public access computing resources, particularly by purchasing new computers. BTOP PCC funds can be used for:

1. acquiring broadband-related equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, and digital network technology for broadband services. This includes public access computers as well as:
   • computer software, such as word processors;
   • computer peripherals, such as mice and printers; and
   • computer maintenance and troubleshooting programs, such as systems guarding against computer viruses.

   Network equipment is generally provided by OPLIN to main libraries, but you might need something for branch locations.

2. developing and providing training, education, support and awareness programs or web-based resources. Job training programs and job-related instruction are eligible under this project category. Expenses associated with computer training workshops, digital literacy programs and web-based resources are also considered eligible costs, as is reasonable compensation for qualified instructors for these types of programs.


3. facilitating access to broadband services, including, but not limited to, making public computer centers accessible to people with disabilities.


4. undertaking such other projects and activities as NTIA finds to be consistent with the purposes for which the program is established. Presumably technical support for the equipment purchased under this grant could be included, but would have to be kept separate from any other library technical support costs.

Ohio public libraries are encouraged to submit applications in conjunction with the "Connect Ohio Community Technology Centers Program" application. This program would provide statewide public awareness campaigns, curriculum, trainers and trainer training, as well as some program oversight. Libraries can receive training and public awareness support for their applications by partnering with this statewide initiative, making their application stronger. The following information assumes that the library will take advantage of this partnership opportunity.

Before you start

You will need:

• your Employer Identification Number (EIN)


• a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number for your library. If your library does not have a DUNS number, you can obtain one at no cost by calling the DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or via http://www.dunandbradstreet.com.


• a Central Contractor Registration (CCR) number (also known as a CAGE number). If your library does not have a current CCR (CAGE) number, you must register in the CCR system available at http://www.ccr.gov/StartRegistration.aspx. Allow AT LEAST 10 days for this process!


• a source for 20% matching funds (either cash and/or in-kind) for the project. The source(s) may be state, local, philanthropic organizations, economic development funds, and financial assistance programs. In-kind contributions which are shared-use with other library activities not directly related to this project will not be eligible unless you can clearly demonstrate the portion that will directly relate to the project. If you decide to request a waiver of the match, you will need to submit complete financial documentation, including assets, liabilities, operating expenses and revenues, and any other documents that would demonstrate financial need, such as denial of funding from a public or private lending institution.


• documentation demonstrating the need for the project. At the least you should have statistics showing the number of people who use (or want to use) your current public access computers, relating that to the number of available computers. Other useful data about broadband in your community can be found by going to http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/county_profiles/ and clicking on your county. Pay particular attention to the Census Block Level Broadband Data and the County Technology Assessment found there. Use the Interactive Map there to identify the census blocks you will be serving.


• a description of the type(s) of computers you intend to buy and the workstation software that will be installed on each.


• a detailed technology plan associated with your public computing center project. The plan should outline the major types of equipment and technology you will use and explain how you will maintain a reliable, secure, and user-friendly system.


• the resumes of library staff who will have significant management responsibilities or other responsibilities vital to the success of the project.


• a library organization chart that shows how the project team fits into the organization.


• a legal opinion, probably from your County Prosecutor, that verifies that you can enter into the grant. There is a "Legal Opinion" form in the application package that can be used for this.


• detailed organization financial statements for the last two years. A standard annual Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows based on generally accepted accounting principles are preferable.


• a plan describing how the project will be sustained without federal grant assistance after the funding period has ended (2 years).


• the BTOP Grant Guidelines from http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/files/BTOP%20Grant%20Guidelines%20v1%200%20(July%2010).pdf


• the Public Computer Centers Application package from http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/download_app.htm

Filling out the application

The following remarks refeence the BTOP Grant Guidelines you downloaded, providing specific information for filling out some of the application questions. THESE REMARKS MAY BE EXPANDED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, so please check them again before you submit your application. The layout of the guidelines will differ somewhat from the layout of the online application form, but we'll follow the guidelines format because it is clearer. Start on page 61 of the guidelines.

Question 1-D: Eligible Entities

Check "Political subdivision of a State, including Local or County Government"

Questions 2a.: Project Title; and 2b.: Project Description

In order to associate your application with the statewide Connect Ohio application, your project title should be "Ohio Community Technology Centers Program: <your library name>" and your narrative should mention that the project is one component of the "Connect Ohio Community Technology Centers Program." For your reference, here is the text of Connect Ohio's Project Description:

Connect Ohio's Community Technology Center Program will enable increased capacity of community technology centers. The program will provide a statewide central registration portal, standardized curriculum, public awareness, trainer training and substitute resources, technology support resources and administrative oversight. This program will relieve the burden of administrative tasks from the community technology centers creating efficiency and enabling them to keep their focus on serving their constituents.

Question 8: Project Purpose

As you address the bullet points of this question, keep the following in mind:

• The "significance of the problem" is the need for public computing capacity to provide all citizens with the ability to access the Internet for job information and e-government resources.
• Regarding the five BTOP statutory purposes, your proposal addresses the third: "Provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support to community anchor institutions, job‐creating strategic facilities, and vulnerable populations."

Question 10: Enhanced Services for Health Care Delivery, Education, and Children

In addition to any health- or children-related uses of the equipment you request, be sure to mention that education in computer software will be provided through the "Connect Ohio Community Technology Centers Program."

Question 19: Outreach

Describe your local users, but explain that public awareness will be handled on a statewide level and refer to the "Connect Ohio Community Technology Centers Program" application.

Question 22: Training and Education Programs

Explain that you are going to be partnering with the "Connect Ohio Community Technology Centers Program" to provide a standardized, statewide training curriculum.

Question 27: Key Partners

Here is where you will explain the partnership with the "Connect Ohio Community Technology Centers Program." Connect Ohio is a non-profit, public-private partnership, working with technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities to accelerate technology in Ohio and close the digital divide. The program is the result of a partnership between the State of Ohio and Connected Nation, a national non- profit organization that specializes in increasing technology access and literacy. Connect Ohio has partnered with Ohio Library Council, the Ohio Public Library Information Network, State Library of Ohio, and the Ohio Board of Regents to start developing a standardized Community Technology Center Program. This program would include a statewide central registration portal, public awareness campaigns, technology support, curriculum, trainers and trainer training, as well as program oversight and limited assistance with facilities and equipment. It is the goal of this program to alleviate the administrative burdens thereby enabling increased capacity to community technology centers. Your library is one of many Ohio public libraries that will provide a stable, sustainable location for delivering this program.

Question 40: Buy American Requirement

You are not seeking a waiver but will be using the limited waiver granted by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Commerce for "Broadband Customer Premises Equipment and End-User Devices."