March 26 and March 29 were the respective due dates for Round 2 of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) applications.  The National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA) received 867 applications totaling $11B in requests.  There is $2.6B remaining that must be awarded by September 2010.  The BTOP applications centered around three categories:  Comprehensive Community Infrastructure, Sustainable Broadband Adoption and Public Computer Centers.   There were 355 applications for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure which is middle mile construction to anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, hospitals and public safety agencies.   In the second round, the NTIA allocated $2.35 of the $2.6B for these types of projects.

Many Round 1 awardees are now completing a required environmental study while others are patiently waiting for instructions regarding their next required steps.  There were several changes in the application process for Round 2.   These were put in place in an effort to streamline the process for both the NTIA and the applicant.  Chief among these is that instead of requiring detailed information in the application, the agencies will now use a due diligence process.   There have been a number of documents written on the differences between Round 1 and 2.  If you would like to receive a full copy of this analysis please contact Laura Kocher, Communications Specialist at 402-233-7570 or lkocher@adestagroup.com .

Adesta worked with a number of applicants who are requesting BTOP or BIP funding for Round 2.  We continue to monitor these projects as well as those that were awarded in Round 1.