In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress appropriates funds for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (ÂBTOPÂ), which includes competitive grants to (1) expand public computer centers capacity projects to unserved/underserved populations to include the benefits of boadband access; and (2) increase home adoption of broadband service.
The rapid disbursement of the funds available under this program is important because of the short time frames imposed by the Recovery Act and to address the economic crisis facing the country. A commitment to transparency in the award process and rigorous reporting requirements will help ensure accountability.
PL:
Pub.L. 111 - 5 123
Name of Law: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The proposed increases are due to: 1) inclusion of Environmental Questionnaire and Checklist that should have been part of the original submission; 2) allow existing service providers to submit information regarding their service offerings which is critical to the DOC/USDA ability to determine whether Broadband Infrastructure applications meet the programs' definitions of unserved or underserved for purposes of awards.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.