The initial Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) and programmatic rules have just been released with up to $4 Billion of funding available in this initial round. Applications for this first round are due in just over a month, on August 14, and this interactive live workshop will provide a first look at what applicants need to know in putting together successful broadband grant and loan applications.

Ken Kuchno, Director of the Broadband Division of RUS and Anthony Wilhelm, Deputy Associate Administrator, NTIA Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications will discuss with hosts Drew Clark of BroadbandCensus.com and Marty Stern of K&L Gates details of the releases, timing of applications, and how some of the key issues that had been left open these last few months have been resolved.

The workshop will include special introductory remarks from Grant Seiffert, President of TIA and a live interview with Rich Wonders, VP Strategic Marketing, Alcatel-Lucent on initial reactions to the NOFA from operators and municipal entities.

A second panel of experts on NTIA on RUS funding programs will be available to take your questions live. Confirmed panelists include:

  • John Kneuer, President Kneuer LLC and former NTIA Administrator and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information
  • Gary Bolton, VP Global Marketing, Adtran
  • Maria Browne, Partner, Davis Wright and Tremaine LLP

The program will conclude with a discussion on compliance issues, how the agencies are expected to police waste, fraud and abuse, and what applicants need to pay attention to now to avoid potential issues down the road. Invited guest is Cynthia Schultz, Director of Compliance and Audits, BTOP Program, NTIA

Join hosts Drew Clark of BroadbandCensus.com and Marty Stern of K&L Gates to this follow on program to the highly successful Broadband Stimulus Live Webcast Town Hall earlier in June.