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State Alternative Plan Program
As described in the Act, after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an opt-out state shall apply to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for a grant for the right to enter into a spectrum capacity lease agreement with FirstNet and may apply for RAN construction grant funding.
First, a state must submit its alternative plan for the construction, maintenance, operation, and improvements of its RAN to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and meet specific interoperability criteria established by the FCC.
Second, if the FCC approves the state alternative plan, that state must make five separate technical and financial demonstrations to NTIA.
The state must demonstrate: 1) that it has the technical capabilities to operate and the funding to support its RAN; 2) that it has the ability to maintain ongoing interoperability with the NPSBN; 3) that it has the ability to complete the project within specified comparable timelines specific to the state; 4) the cost-effectiveness of the state alternative plan submitted to the FCC; and, 5) comparable security, coverage, and quality of service to that of the NPSBN.
Third, assuming the state has successfully made such demonstrations to NTIA, the state then must enter into a spectrum capacity lease with FirstNet, which will be required for operation of the state RAN.
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Program Accomplishments
Not Applicable.
Uses and Use Restrictions
NTIA?s grant of the authority to enter into a spectrum capacity lease with FirstNet does not confer access to spectrum for an opt-out state to implement its RAN, nor does it guarantee the execution of a spectrum lease agreement with FirstNet.
Grant funds will be limited to categories of costs, such as equipment, construction, installation, contractual, and other associated costs related to construction of the state?s RAN as detailed in the state alternative plan approved by the FCC.
Grant funds may not be used for ongoing RAN maintenance, operation (inclusive of all recurring costs), and improvement costs.
Discretionary funds are available for the costs described above.
100% of the discretionary funds will be used for these purposes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants for Lease Authority or a RAN Construction Grant will be those states, territories and the District of Columbia whose alternative state plan was approved by the FCC pursuant to the Act.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Beneficiaries of the grants are state, local and tribal governments that employ public safety officials, including police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical professionals and others, as well as the general public, who will receive improved communications capabilities from the deployment of State RANs that connect to the nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network.
Credentials/Documentation
No Credentials or documentation are required. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is required.
An environmental impact statement is required for this program.
An environmental impact assessment is required for this program.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, 'Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.' An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. The designee must apply for grant funding through the Grants.gov online system when the application window opens.
Award Procedures
Each application will be reviewed by NTIA for adherence to eligibility criteria and programmatic guidelines. If a submission does not meet the requirements, the applicant will be notified of the deficiency. Upon approval of the application, grants will be awarded to the respective opt-out states, however, grant funds may not be available for draw down until state has signed a spectrum lease with FirstNet. Grantees can draw down and expend funds through the Department of Treasury's Automated Standard for Application for Payment (ASAP) system.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Authorization
The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 , Public Law 112-96, 47 U.S.C 1401.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
90 to 150 days.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Not Applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula. This program has no matching requirements. This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The initial period of performance is not to exceed three years. A no cost extension may be considered based on demonstrated need. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Payment and Reporting System payments are generally within 90 days. Payments under the award will be made using the Department of Treasury's Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Program reports are not applicable.
No cash reports are required.
Progress reports, including associated project milestones are to be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award, and are due on a quarterly basis.
The NTIA Assistant Secretary, or its designate, may establish additional reporting and information requirements for any recipient of an award.
Financial reports are to be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award, and are due on a quarterly basis.
This program is subject to performance monitoring include site visits as needed.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, non-Federal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503. In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503
Records
Grant recipients must retain records for three years after award closeout.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-4358-0-3-376.
Obigations
(Project Grants) FY 16 $0; FY 17 est $0; and FY 18 Estimate Not Available - The total available for awards is still to be determined but estimated to be $5.5 billion.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
NTIA will publish maximum amount available to each state in the NOFO based on state by state analysis of expected RAN construction cost. Individual state and territory awards are estimated to range from $1 million - $450 million.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
The program regulations, application forms, and guidelines required of applicants can be found at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/sapp
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Carolyn Dunn 1401 Constitution Avenue., NW, Rm 7324, Washington, District of Columbia 20230 Email: cdunn@ntia.doc.gov Phone: 202-482-4103
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
In determining whether to approve an application, in whole or in part, and the amount of the grant, the NTIA Assistant Secretary, or its designate, will consider the project?s conformance with the program purposes and funding criteria set forth in the legislation and the Federal Funding Opportunity.
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