The document discusses the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) which allocated $4.7 billion through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand broadband access across the United States. It outlines the funding amounts for different project categories in Round 1 and Round 2 of BTOP. The document also provides details for Montana libraries interested in applying for a BTOP Public Computer Center grant, including requirements for the application, potential partners, challenges and benefits of participation.

1. Montana Libraries and BTOP Suzanne Reymer Montana State Library January 2010

2. What is BTOP? Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Administered by Dept. of Commerce NTIA (National Telecommunications & Information Administration Part of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

3. BTOP Funding $4.7 billion Public Computing Centers (PCC) – at least $200 million Sustainable Broadband Adoption (SBA) – at least $250 million Broadband Mapping and National Plan – up to $350 million Infrastructure – no set amount, presumably majority of funding

4. Round One NOFA issued on July 1, 2009 Applications due August 14, 2009 Up to $1.6 billion available Infrastructure – up to $1.2 billion PCC – up to $50 million SBA – up to $150 million Reserve - $200 million

5. Round One Requests Total - 2,200 applications requesting $27.6 billion Infrastructure – 1490 apps requesting $23.2 billion SBA – 320+ apps requesting nearly $2.5 billion PCC – 360+ apps requesting more than $1.9 billion

6. Round Two Second and final round NOFA issued on January 15, 2010 Applications accepted from February 16, 2010 – March 15, 2010 All awards announced by September 30, 2010

7. Round Two Funding $2.6 billion total available Infrastructure - $2.35 billion PCC – at least $150 million SBA – at least $100 million

8. MSL BTOP Billings workshop – July 17, 2009 ALA OITP webinars Survey Gates Foundation – Opportunity Online Broadband Program Gates Foundation partners CSMG consultants Matching funds

9. PCC Only Application Able to focus more on application within highly competitive category Not dependent on numerous telcos for application and implementation

10. Options for Infrastructure & Training Partner with service provider on Infrastructure grant application Consultants will contact PCC applicant service providers about increased bandwidth needs ALA OITP is considering multi-state BTOP application with training component

11. Computing with a Purpose Education Employment Economic development Enhanced service for: Health care delivery Children Vulnerable populations

12. Potential Partners Job services Educational institutions Medical libraries Small business development Family services Senior centers Other local partners?

13. Technology to Deliver Services Enhanced learning centers Possibly determined by designated purpose What do we need to assist with job search skills, education, etc.?

14. Immediate Information Requirements Agreement to participate by 1/28/10 Include branches? Potential partners Current needs in your community – what are people using your PCs for? What are they asking for assistance with? Vulnerable populations served Future needs?

15. Application – DATA DATA DATA Prompt responses! Current hours/proposed hours Current broadband workstations/proposed broadband workstations Current broadband connection speed/proposed broadband connection speed

16. More Application Data Service area data Number persons served currently and under proposed target Population demographics Outreach strategies Training and education programs Technology strategy Organizational readiness

17. PCC Awardees Reporting Requirements Number of work stations available to the public Total hours per week pcc is open Speed of broadband connection Primary uses of pcc Average number users/day Total hours/week training Number & cost of broadband equipment deployed

18. Challenges to Participation Insufficient bandwidth Uncooperative service providers Inability to sustain increased bandwidth Lack of timely data

19. Benefits Improved service to community Role for library in economic development New and improved partnerships

20. Timeline Agreement to participate Information on current bandwidth and usage Consultants will contact your service providers RE: bandwidth needs Develop partnerships Plan PCC equipment and structure Application

21. Questions?

22. Resources ALA http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/advocacy/knowstimulus/index.cfm Broadband USA http://broadbandusa.gov/