Supporting States
Envisioning an Equitable, Inclusive Connected America
In 2023, OICG prioritized its on-the-ground and local approaches to entities receiving federal broadband funding by building on its previous work in 2022 and setting the foundations of the BIL and CAA programs in the states.
Recognizing the benefit of closely partnering with states, territories, and local communities to understand their specific needs,
OICG employs state and territory Federal Program Officers (FPOs), who support the implementation and post award of the BEAD and Digital Equity programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the territories.
NTIA also employs other teams of FPOs to assist in the implementation and post-award of its other CAA and BIL grant programs, including specific digital equity, infrastructure, and other programmatic FPOs. In recognition of the unique and separate needs of Tribal governments, OICG employs Tribal-specific FPOs, of which the majority are enrolled Tribal Citizens. These FPOs assist Tribal entities with OICG-specific funding and topics through engagements such as Tribal Consultations and dedicated technical assistance to support Tribes’ navigation of these programs.
FPOs across all grant programs serve as liaisons between NTIA, states, territories, Tribes, and awardees. They also work to encourage community engagement and serve as subject matter experts and points of contact between local stakeholders and NTIA. In addition, they monitor grant awards in their jurisdiction, create relationships, and act as a conduit to the federal government for OICG grant programs.
NTIA organized and hosted two FPO Broadband Academies in 2023 to provide state and territory FPOs with consistent and universal quality training, which ensured they provide the best assistance to applicants and grant recipients.
“BIL authorized $65 billion in broadband initiatives”
The training gave state and territory FPOs the tools and resources needed to continue building relationships with state and local stakeholders and advance the Agency’s effort for an on-the-ground approach to the Internet for All programs. NTIA hosted the February Academy in conjunction with the State Broadband Leaders Network (SBLN) Winter Summit in Washington, D.C. The August Academy took place as a stand-alone event in Washington, D.C. focused on interactive exercises, tabletop training, and preparation for BEAD Initial Proposal and Digital Equity Plan submissions. These events provided an opportunity for state and territory FPOs physically located in the states and territories, as well as NTIA staff and OICG leadership in Washington, D.C., to interact with each other, creating a cohesive team environment and establishing a common understanding of the Agency, program rules, and its approach to its broadband programs.
OICG’s partnership with all 56 states and territories, as well as its other grantees, provides the opportunity for entities receiving federal broadband funding to tailor the foundations of the grant programs they need to bring affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service to their communities. OICG’s targeted resources and individualized oversight are laying the foundations necessary in achieving Internet for All.