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NE Capacity & Planning Grant Program Get Ready One-Pager

Overview:

This document was created to support applicants in applying for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program: Native Entities (2024), hereto referred to as the NE Capacity & Planning Grant Program. The NOFO establishes a competitive process to make both State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program funds and State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program funds available to Native Entities to carry out digital equity and inclusion activities consistent with the Digital Equity Act.

Document Content:

  • The availability and affordability of access to broadband technology,
  • Online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services, ​
  • Digital literacy,​
  • Awareness of online privacy and cybersecurity, and
  • The availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices.

Funding for Native Entities will be determined through a competitive process. This document can help clarify specific requirements and point to other publicly-available resources.

Who can apply?​

NTIA uses the term “Native Entities,” which includes Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations. However, please check the NOFO to make sure that your organization satisfies one of the following definitions of a Native Entity:​

When can you apply?

The application window will open September 25, 2024 and close on February 7, 2025.

Native Entities are encouraged to apply via the NTIA Grants Portal as described here. Applications will also be accepted via email or by mail.

What can potential applicants do right now?

Set Up Your Accounts​

You MUST have an active SAM.gov and UEI to apply electronically via the NTIA Grants Portal (NGP). These items can take weeks or months to set up, so get started as soon as possible.​

  • Create or verify an Active SAM.gov Registration and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. ​
  • Register for Access to Application Portal. You will NOT be able to access the application portal without this.​
  • Decide early who needs access. Make sure members of your grant team have the right level of access. ​
  • Make sure usernames and passwords for all relevant accounts (e.g., SAM.gov, NGP, etc.) are accessible and current to avoid last-minute issues.​​ ​

Get Organized

In order to have time to prepare, review, and submit your application ahead of the due date, you need to get organized and plan ahead. ​

  • Prepare early: Make sure your team is in place and ready to get started on your application as soon as the application window opens.​
  • Submit early: Aim to submit the application ahead of the due date to avoid last-minute technical issues and to demonstrate professionalism and preparedness. Plan ahead! DO NOT wait until hours before the application deadline to submit your applications. ​
  • Late applications will not be accepted.​
  • Get to know the federal forms needed to apply: SF-424, SF-LLL, CD-511.​

Build Consortia

Consortia can enhance an application by providing diverse expertise, increasing credibility, and extending a project’s reach. Consider:​

  • Leveraging Expertise for Covered Populations: Leveraging the expertise of those partners with a proven track record of serving Covered Populations can help strengthen the project’s ability to effectively reach and serve those groups. ​
  • Collaborating on Proposal Development: Work together with partners to develop a strong, cohesive proposal. Leverage each partner’s strengths in drafting sections, gathering data, and providing insights.

Questions? Email DigitalEquity, or contact Grantee Support: Grants.gov provides 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and via email.

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Fact Sheet