Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

Background
NTIA issues this NOFO to describe the requirements under which it will award grants for the Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program, authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division N, Title IX, Section 902, Public Law 116-260. The purpose of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program is to provide federal funding to eligible recipients in anchor communities for the purchase of broadband internet access service or any eligible equipment, or to hire and train information technology personnel; to facilitate educational instruction and learning, including through remote instruction; to operate a minority business enterprise (MBE); or to operate a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

Grant Details
NTIA will directly address the lack of broadband access, connectivity, adoption and equity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), and in their surrounding anchor communities. The Act authorizes new federal funding for the Assistant Secretary to make grants to eligible recipients in anchor communities for various purposes. NTIA seeks to expand educational instruction and remote learning opportunities, spur economic development, create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship by building the digital capacity of the eligible institutions and furthering broadband access, adoption, and digital skills within those institutions and in their surrounding anchor communities.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible recipients include historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), Minority-serving institutions (MSIs), or a consortium led by these institutions that includes a minority business enterprise (MBE) or a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Additionally, an eligible recipient must be in an 'anchor community,' defined as having an estimated median annual household income of not more than 250% of the poverty line.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for grants issued pursuant to this program is two years unless extended in writing by the Grants Officer.

Grant Value
NTIA will make up to $268,000,000 available for federal assistance under the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program. NTIA expects to make awards within the funding range of $500,000 to $3,000,000.

Place of Performance
Anchor communities are defined as areas not more than 15 miles from HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs with an estimated median annual household income of not more than 250% of the poverty line.