Source: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/legacy/otiahome/ptfp/attachments/FFO_Notice_04.htm
Timestamp: 2014-03-10 10:24:58
Document Index: 383907904

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2301', '§2301', '§393', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', 'art 2', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301', '§2301']

Federal Funding Opportunity, FY 2004 Grant Cycle
The Federal Register Notice of Availability of Funds which summarizes the FY 2004 grant round was published on February 11, 2004. February 9, 2004	EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Federal Agency Name: National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA),
Department of Commerce Funding Opportunity Title: Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.550. Public
Telecommunications Facilities Program
Program Authority: 47 U.S.C. 390-393, 397
Dates: Completed applications must be received at the Public Telecommunications Facilities
Program office no later than 6:00 p.m., EST, on Wednesday, March 31, 2004. Federal Funding Opportunity: The Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP)
assists, through matching grants, in the planning and construction of public telecommunications
facilities in order to: extend delivery of services to as many citizens as possible by the most cost-effective
means, including use of broadcast and non-broadcast technologies; increase public telecommunications services and facilities available to, operated by,
and controlled by minorities and women; strengthen the capability of existing public TV and radio stations to provide public
telecommunications services to the public.
Amount to be Awarded: $19.75 million; approximately 100 awards
Eligible Applicants: Public broadcast stations, non-profit organizations organized for
educational or cultural purposes, state and local governments and Indian tribes
FY 2004 Grant Cycle
PTFP Rules
NTIA Areas of Interest for the FY 2004 Grant Round
Radio signal expansion
Radio station conversion to digital transmission
Television Broadcasting and Digital Conversion
Discontinuation of multi-year funding
Remaining digital conversion requirements and deadlines
FY 2004 procedures for Broadcast Other (digital television conversion)
Subpriorities for digital conversion projects
Equipment eligible for digital television conversion projects and equipment
Effective date for expenditure of local matching funds for digital television
Funding levels for television projects
Use of Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) matching funds
Coordination with CPB's Digital Distribution Fund
PTFP Mailing and Delivery Address for Applications
Payment of Federal Funds
Reports Submitted to PTFP
Reports Submitted to the Office of Acquisition Management
NTIA Policies on Procedural Matters
Department of Commerce Procedural Matters
This section describes funding available under the Public Telecommunications Facilities
Program, pursuant to Rules which were published on November 8, 1996 (61 FR 57966). Copies
of the 1996 Rules (15 CFR Part 2301) are posted on the NTIA Internet site at
www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/ptfp/Rules/1996rules.html and NTIA will make printed copies available to
This section is divided into four parts. The first part provides an overview of the projects
eligible for PTFP funding. The remaining three parts provide specific information about NTIA's
emphasis for funding opportunities during the FY 2004 grant cycle. The four parts in this section
3. Television Broadcasting and Digital Conversion	4. Nonbroadcast (Distance Learning) Projects
An applicant may file an application with the Agency for a planning or construction grant. Each application shall be identified as a broadcast or nonbroadcast project and must fall within at
least one of the following categories which are summarized here and are fully described in
§2301.4 of the PTFP Rules: Special Applications (Nonbroadcast/Distance Learning). NTIA possesses the
discretionary authority to recommend awarding grants to eligible nonbroadcast applicants
whose proposals are unique or innovative and which address demonstrated and substantial
community needs (e.g., service to the blind or deaf and nonbroadcast projects offering educational or instructional services).
Broadcast Applications. The Broadcast Priorities are set forth in order of priority for
Priority 1 Provision of public telecommunications facilities for first radio and
television signals to a geographic area. Within this category, NTIA establishes three subcategories:
Priority 1A. Projects that include local origination capacity. Priority 1B. Projects that do not include local origination capacity. Priority 1C. Projects that provide first nationally distributed programming. This
subcategory includes projects that provide satellite downlink facilities to noncommercial radio
and television stations that would bring nationally distributed programming to a geographic area
for the first time. Priority 2 Replacement of basic equipment of existing essential broadcast stations. The term "essential stations" refers to existing broadcast stations that provide either the only
public telecommunications signal or the only locally originated public telecommunications signal
to a geographical area. Priority 3 Establishment of a first local origination capacity in a geographical area. Projects in this category include the planning or construction of facilities to bring the first local
origination capacity to an area already receiving public telecommunications services from distant
sources through translators, repeaters, or cable systems. Priority 4 Improvement of public broadcasting services: Projects eligible for consideration under this category are intended to improve the delivery of public broadcasting services to a
geographic area. Within this category, NTIA establishes two subcategories:
Priority 4A. This subcategory includes the four following types of projects:
Applications to replace urgently needed equipment from public broadcasting stations that
do not meet the Priority 2 criteria because they do not provide either the only public
telecommunications signal or the only locally originated public telecommunications signal to a
geographic area. The establishment of public broadcasting facilities to serve a geographic area already
receiving public telecommunications services. The acquisition of satellite downlinks for public radio stations in areas already served by
one or more full-service public radio stations. The acquisition of the necessary items of equipment to bring the inventory of an already-operating station to the basic level of equipment requirements established by PTFP. Priority 4B. The improvement and non-urgent replacement of equipment at any public
broadcasting station. Priority 5 Augmentation of Existing Broadcast Stations. Projects in this category
would equip an existing station beyond a basic capacity to broadcast programming from distant
sources and to originate local programming. Within this category, NTIA establishes two subcategories:
Priority 5A. Projects to equip auxiliary studios at remote locations, or to provide mobile
origination facilities. Priority 5B. Projects to augment production capacity beyond basic level in order to
provide programming or related materials for other than local distribution. Broadcast Other cases (Digital Conversion). NTIA possesses the discretionary authority to recommend awarding grants to eligible broadcast applicants whose proposals are so unique
or innovative that they do not clearly fall within the five Priorities listed in this section. Innovative projects submitted under this category must address demonstrated and substantial
community needs or must address issues related to the conversion of public broadcasting
facilities to advanced digital technologies.
Please note that for the FY 2004 grant round, NTIA has established three subpriorities under
the Broadcast Other category. These subpriorities are discussed in the sections on Radio
Broadcasting and Television Broadcasting below.
NTIA will take great care to ensure that its funding of radio applications follows the directive
of 47 U.S.C. §393(c) that "a substantial amount" of each year's PTFP funds should be awarded
to public radio. For the FY 2004 grant round, the eligibility and priority of radio projects,
eligibility of radio equipment, and the presumption of 50% funding for radio equipment
replacement applications remain as they were in the FY 2003 grant round. In response to recent changes in technology and in the Federal regulatory environment, NTIA
is providing guidance on three issues of interest to potential radio applicants. Applicants
proposing projects involving radio signal expansion, conversion to digital transmission, and
Internet streaming should read the appropriate sections below. Radio signal expansion
NTIA's highest priority is activation of public broadcasting facilities to provide a public
broadcasting signal to unserved audiences. NTIA is prepared to fund new radio station projects
as warranted by reviewers' evaluations and PTFP's financial resources. Activation of new radio
stations has been delayed in recent years as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
placed a "freeze" on new applications while it considers a large number of mutually exclusive
NTIA anticipates receiving many applications for station activation projects when the FCC
begins to accept new applications, resolves mutually exclusive applications, or issues
authorizations for non-mutually exclusive applications. In anticipation of increased interest in
these types of applications, we are hereby providing the following guidance to potential
NTIA's first priority for radio projects remains activations to provide the first public radio
signal to an area. These projects are divided into two subgroups, Priority 1A and Priority 1B.
First Signal Activations with Local Origination: Priority 1A. As in the past, Priority 1A
status will be given to first public radio signal projects that will originate a local public radio
service to a geographic area. A Priority 1A application must include local offices and studios
which are fully staffed for station management and program production.
NTIA has long recognized that new fully-staffed Priority 1A projects are usually submitted
by organizations that are beginning to build community support. Priority 1A projects usually
also incur significant project costs which are ineligible for Federal support, such as studio
building acquisition/renovation and start-up staff costs. Because these projects are NTIA's
highest priority, PTFP will continue to fund Priority 1A applications with a presumption of a
75% Federal share, the maximum amount permitted by law.
First Signal Activations without Local Origination: Priority 1B. Priority 1B status will
continue to be given to first public radio signal projects which are repeaters or translators of other
public radio facilities. Projects that will serve significant additional listeners with a first public
radio signal through increases in tower height and/or power upgrades may be classified as
Priority 1B or Priority 2 (equipment replacement) and are discussed in the section on power
increase projects, below.
In recent years, most applications for expansion of service have shifted from fully-staffed
stations to requests for Priority 1B repeaters and translators. Given the limited availability of
Federal funds and the increasing number of applications for new repeater/translator stations,
PTFP will now evaluate Priority 1B applications to determine whether or not 75% Federal
funding is justified. In general, NTIA will continue its present presumption of 75% Federal funding for Priority
1B applications which construct the applicant's first broadcast facility in a community. An application seeking to upgrade a translator to a repeater will normally be funded by NTIA at a 50%
Federal share. These applicants should be able to draw on the financial resources of the
community served by the applicant's existing program service. Since the broadcaster would be
building upon existing infrastructure, it also would incur reduced ineligible start-up costs. Applicants for these types of Priority 1B projects may seek a higher Federal percentage by submitting justification for the increased amount, which will be evaluated by PTFP and the peer
reviewers. Power increase projects. Sometimes a project to replace a station's transmitter or antenna
results in an increase in coverage to a new, but relatively small, unserved audience. PTFP
usually treats these applications with incidental coverage increases as Priority 2 applications if
the equipment replacement meets the Priority 2 criteria. If an applicant requests a Priority 1B
consideration of such an application, the applicant should provide documentation of a significant
increase in the population that will receive a first public radio signal. PTFP will evaluate the
Priority of such requests on a case-by-case basis. Since the applicant already has a facility in the
community, these projects, if accepted as Priority 1B, will normally be funded by NTIA at a 50%
Federal share. Applicants for these types of Priority 1B projects may seek a higher Federal
percentage by submitting justification for the increased amount, which will be evaluated by PTFP
and the peer reviewers.
Second (additional) Station Activations: Priority 4A. An application to provide an
additional public radio signal to an area already served by public radio will continue to be placed
in Priority 4A. The project must demonstrate that it addresses underserved needs in a way that
significantly differentiates its services from what is already available in the proposed coverage
area (see §2301.4(b)(ii)(b) of the PTFP Final Rules). In order to extend its resources to assist in signal expansion projects, NTIA will usually fund
Priority 4A additional signal projects at no more than a 50% Federal share. This is due both to
the lower priority and the reduced ineligible costs of Priority 4A repeater/translator projects
which build upon existing infrastructure. Applicants for Priority 4A expansion projects,
including those for new fully-staffed facilities, may seek a higher Federal percentage by submitting justification for the increased amount, which will be evaluated by PTFP and the peer
If a project to construct a second station (or other additional stations in a community) results
in coverage to a new, but relatively small, unserved audience and the applicant requests Priority
1B consideration of its application, the applicant should provide documentation of a significant
Priority of such requests on a case-by-case basis. Important information for all station activation applicants: Coverage Maps. An applicant proposing to construct a Priority 1A, 1B or Priority 4A
station activation should provide documentation, including maps or tables, of the number and
geographical location of persons who would receive a first public radio signal as well as the
number and location of persons already covered by another public radio station who would
receive added service as a result of the proposed project (see §2301.4(b)(1)(v) of the PTFP Final
Rules). Digital Transmission Equipment. An applicant proposing to construct a Priority 1A,
1B or Priority 4A station activation should address whether it requests funds to equip the new
facility with digital broadcast capability. As noted below in the discussion regarding digital
conversion, NTIA anticipates that it will fund digital-upgradable transmitters as the usual
equipment for new facilities. Grant recipients will be able to add-at their own expense- in-band,
on-channel (IBOC) exciters and additional power output modules as needed to PTFP-funded
digital-upgradable transmitters.(1) Applicants requesting full IBOC digital transmitters as part of
their activation project must include documentation of the station's digital plan demonstrating its
programming readiness to begin digital broadcasting upon receipt of PTFP funding. An
application for IBOC transmission equipment also must directly address in its technical exhibits
the type of analog/digital signal combining proposed. The applicant should include its plans, if
any, to utilize Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel when authorized by
the FCC. NTIA reminds potential applicants that licensing fees, including licensing fees related
to the use of IBOC technology, are not eligible for PTFP funds.
Deferred Applications. NTIA will permit those applicants whose applications for
activation projects were originally submitted in FY 2002 or FY 2003, and were negotiated by
PTFP, but were deferred in FY 2002 and FY 2003 from funding because of the lack of FCC
authorizations, to submit FY 2004 applications requesting the same Federal percentage as their
NTIA encourages the use of digital technologies for public radio facilities. For several years,
NTIA has funded projects for digital STLs and digital audio production equipment which will
assist public radio stations as they prepare for conversion to digital technologies. These digital
projects are funded as equipment replacement, improvement, or augmentation projects with the
presumption of a 50% Federal share unless a showing of extraordinary need for a higher
percentage has been made pursuant to §2301.6(b)(ii) of the PTFP Rules. NTIA will continue to
support digital non-transmission equipment for radio equipment replacement projects. Digital conversion projects. As noted, on October 10, 2002, the FCC approved digital
transmission for radio stations, although it has not yet published regulations for such stations.
Unlike the digital conversion of television stations, the FCC has not established a deadline for
the conversion of radio stations. In addition, there is the question of when receivers will be
generally available for purchase by the public. These factors raise the issue of whether projects
whose primary purpose is to begin digital radio broadcasts present compelling urgency for
funding in the FY 2004 grant round. For FY 2004, NTIA will accept applications for digital transmission equipment for public
radio facilities to convert to digital broadcasting. PTFP has included a list of eligible digital equipment on its Internet site and in its printed materials. This list includes transmission and
STL equipment. Applicants for digital conversion projects must include documentation of the
station's digital conversion plan demonstrating its programming readiness to begin digital
broadcasting upon receipt of PTFP funding. The applicant should include its plans, if any, to
utilize Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel when authorized by the
FCC. Digital conversion applications must directly address in their technical exhibits the type of
analog/digital signal combining proposed. PTFP will place radio applications requesting funds to convert to digital broadcasting in the
Broadcast Other category. In order to process applications for digital conversion in an orderly
manner and to provide guidance to potential applicants for the FY 2004 Grant Round, NTIA will
divide the Broadcast Other category into three Subpriorities. Digital television projects will be
placed into Subpriorities A and B because the FCC has mandated television's digital conversion
and has established a series of deadlines that television stations must meet. Digital radio
conversion projects will be placed in the new Subpriority C. Subpriority C. Radio Digital Conversion. NTIA will assign the following applications
for conversion of public broadcasting facilities to advanced digital technologies at the third
subpriority level within the Broadcast Other category. These applications will receive equal
consideration as subpriority C. - An application to convert radio transmission facilities to digital technologies. In order to be
highly competitive, an application must document its plans to utilize Program Associated Data or
the Supplemental Audio Channel, when authorized by the FCC.
- An application to convert production equipment to digital technologies for a station already
broadcasting in digital or a station proposing to broadcast in digital. In order to be highly
competitive, an application must document its plans to utilize Program Associated Data or the
Supplemental Audio Channel, when authorized by the FCC.
NTIA notes that in the past it has been able to fund applications each year in most if not all of
the five traditional broadcast Priorities and anticipates that it will be able to fund applications in
FY 2004 in most if not all of the Subpriorities in the Broadcast Other category. The presumption
of funding for radio projects in the Broadcast Other category is a 50% Federal share. NTIA has
not set aside a specific amount for funding radio digital conversion projects. Funding of radio
digital conversion projects will depend on the quality of applications received and the availability
of funds. Digital replacement transmitters. Regarding FY 2004 applications for replacement
equipment, NTIA anticipates that it will fund digital-upgradable transmitters as the usual
replacement for analog transmitters at the power level required to achieve the licensed analog
ERP, if justified as urgent replacement of radio transmission equipment. Transmitter
replacement applications will be placed in Priority 2 or Priority 4A, as appropriate, depending on
whether the applicant provides the only public radio signal to an area (see §§2301.4(b)(2) and
(4)). Grant recipients will be able to add an IBOC exciter and additional power output modules
as needed to PTFP-funded digital-upgradable transmitters. The cost for the IBOC exciter and
additional power output modules above the amount initially approved for the replacement
transmitter will be the responsibility of the grantee for FY 2004 awards. NTIA reminds potential
applicants that licensing fees, including licensing fees related to the use of IBOC technology, are
not eligible for PTFP funds.
NTIA may also directly fund fully compliant IBOC digital transmitters as replacement
equipment, when fully justified by the application. Applicants requesting full IBOC digital
transmitters as part of equipment replacement projects must include documentation of the
broadcasting upon receipt of PTFP funding. Included should be its plans, if any, to utilize
Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel when authorized by the FCC. The
request for a digital transmitter, in itself, is not sufficient justification to replace an otherwise
adequate analog or composite STL. The need for the replacement of the STL should be
supported by technical documentation addressing the program channel and interface
requirements of the digital transmitter. Digital conversion applications must directly address in
its technical exhibits the type of analog/digital signal combining proposed. Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant funds. NTIA is aware that the Corporation for
Public Broadcasting (CPB) has a grant program focused on projects to convert public radio
stations to digital broadcasting. In order to facilitate application processing by both CPB and
PTFP, applicants for PTFP funds should clearly identify in their application whether they have
applied to CPB for funding and list the equipment requested from CPB. The submission of an
application to CPB will have no effect on NTIA's evaluation of the PTFP application. NTIA will
coordinate grant awards with CPB to ensure that no equipment is funded for the same applicant
by both grant programs.
Given the limited availability of funds, NTIA has emphasized support of basic equipment
required for a public broadcast station to serve its local audience (see the Final Rules, §2301.4,
passim). NTIA continues to receive more activation and replacement applications than it can
fund in any cycle. NTIA has received a few applications for equipment to provide Internet
streaming. The applications have not been favorably evaluated by the outside peer reviewers or
the national advisory panels. NTIA has determined that streaming on the Internet goes beyond the provision of a basic
local public broadcasting service. Until Internet streaming becomes a basic part of a station's
service to its own community, therefore, NTIA will place any applications it receives for
streaming equipment in Priority 5B (see §2301.4(b)(5)(ii) of the PTFP Final Rules). Priority 5B
relates to equipment required for the production of "programming for regional and national use."
Over the past four years, NTIA has awarded most of its television funds for projects to
convert public television stations to digital broadcasting. The FCC's adoption of the Fifth Report
and Order in April 1997 required that all public television stations begin the broadcast of a
digital signal by May 1, 2003. In FY 2000, NTIA instituted several new policies regarding
applications for projects to convert public television stations to digital transmission capability. NTIA continued those policies during the FY 2001, FY 2002 and FY 2003 grant cycles. During
these four grant cycles, PTFP was able to assist in the digital conversion of over 200 public
television stations by funding projects which contained almost 100 tower-related projects, 190
digital transmitters, over 200 antennas, as well as STLs, intercity microwave relays, encoders,
video servers, satellite interconnect, test and monitoring equipment. For FY 2003, NTIA
awarded $30.9 million in funds to 79 projects which assisted 116 public television stations in the
conversion to digital technologies, and also awarded $3.1 million for eleven urgent television
equipment replacement projects. The awards ranged from $42,344 to $1,790,935.	In FY 2004, PTFP policies will change to reflect the progress made by public television
stations in constructing transmission facilities required to meet the FCC's mandate to begin
digital broadcasting. In addition to eliminating multi-year funding for digital conversion
projects, PTFP will focus on funding equipment needed to meet remaining FCC requirements
and deadlines. Related changes in application procedures and priorities are explained below.
Discontinuation of multi-year funding Before discussing the policies in effect for FY 2004, we wish to clarify our reason for not
continuing the policy on multi-year funding which was in effect during the FY 2000-2003 period. NTIA instituted multi-year funding for digital conversion of transmission equipment because we
recognized that the conversion of such facilities could not be accomplished by many licensees in
the one- to two-year project period which is typical of PTFP awards. Multi-year projects were
designed to help applicants which had to convert multiple broadcast transmitters. It also assisted
single station licensees who needed additional time to raise funds and rebuild their transmission
facility. During the period FY 2000-2003, PTFP awarded multi-year grants to 47 licensees to
assist in the digital conversion of 152 stations. The FCC's deadline for beginning digital
broadcasts was May 2003. This first phase of digital conversion is almost complete, as virtually
every public television station either has begun digital broadcasting or has funded its conversion
and has facilities under construction.(2) There does not appear to be a need for multi-year funding of digital power upgrade or master
control projects. The upgrade of low power transmission facilities can be accomplished within
the usual one-to-two year PTFP project period. Indeed, the FCC's tentative deadline set at June
2006 to complete these upgrades and the projected cessation of analog broadcasting in December
2006 means that stations must complete these digital upgrade projects within the next two years. We note that PTFP received no multi-year applications in FY 2003. Remaining digital conversion requirements and deadlines
NTIA recognizes one of the greatest challenges facing America's public television stations is
completing the conversion of its broadcast facilities to digital technologies. In addition to the
installation of digital transmission equipment, over 350 stations must overcome other technical
and financial challenges in order to complete conversion to digital broadcasting. The FCC has
established a series of deadlines in its transition plan for digital conversion of television
broadcasting in the United States. The deadlines include a number of items, such as replication
of analog service, simulcast requirements, digital channel selections and, finally, cessation of
analog broadcasting.
NTIA has considered how best to distribute digital conversion funds to public television
stations through the PTFP. One of NTIA's goals during the FY 2004 Grant Round is to ensure
that PTFP's administrative procedures as well as its funds can support public television's needs
in meeting the FCC's deadlines. Another of NTIA's goals is to maintain an acceptable balance
between equipment replacement projects and digital television conversion projects. While the May 1, 2003, deadline has passed, NTIA believes that considerable work remains
to complete the digital conversion of America's public television system. NTIA recognizes that
a substantial number of digital public television stations were constructed with lower-power
facilities that were intended to meet the FCC's initial digital broadcast requirement.(3) Many
people who live within the standard coverage area of the station's analog signal (which the FCC
refers to as Grade B coverage), particularly residents of rural areas, cannot receive the station's
lower power digital signal. The FCC has tentatively concluded that digital public television
stations will have until July 1, 2006, to replicate their analog Grade B coverage or to maximize
their facilities.(4) Stations that do not increase their power by the FCC's final deadline will lose
digital television service protection for the uncovered area. The FCC's tentative deadline of July
1, 2006, is only six months prior to the December 31, 2006, end date of the digital transition.(5)
The transmission facilities of those public television stations constructed at lower power must
be upgraded to ensure that people viewing analog public television today will be able to receive
public television from digital facilities in the future. Many public television stations will want to
begin this transmission upgrade so their full-power digital facilities can be completed by the
FCC's tentative July 2006 deadline.
NTIA also recognizes that conversion of transmission equipment to digital technology, while
important, is only part in the conversion of a public television station to digital broadcasting. We
believe that most stations have an immediate need to convert their basic master control support
infrastructure to store, distribute and broadcast digital signals. In the longer term, many stations
will also need to convert their production equipment to digital technologies so they can originate
local programming at a technical level that is compatible and comparable in quality with
productions available from national sources or other local stations.
For the FY 2004 grant cycle, NTIA is revising its funding of digital television equipment to
emphasize 1) projects for power increases of lower-power digital facilities, and 2) increased
digital conversion of master control equipment. FY 2004 procedures for Broadcast Other (digital television conversion applications)
NTIA intends to remain responsive to the equipment replacement needs of public television
stations. NTIA's balancing of equipment replacement and digital conversion applications is
discussed in the following sections. In order to assist public broadcasting licensees in converting to digital technologies, NTIA is
modifying its application procedures in the following areas. Sections (1), (2), and (6) are
different from the FY 2003 grant cycle.
Subpriorities for digital conversion projects. In order to process applications for
digital conversion in an orderly manner and to provide guidance to potential applicants for the
FY 2004 Grant Round, NTIA will divide the Broadcast Other category into three Subpriorities. Digital television projects will be placed into Subpriorities A and B because the FCC has
mandated television's digital conversion and has established a series of deadlines that television
stations must meet. (Digital radio conversion projects will be placed in the new Subpriority C.)
NTIA notes that in the past it has been able to fund applications each year in most if not all of the
five traditional broadcast Priorities and anticipates that it will be able to do the same in FY 2004. The two Subpriorities for television digital conversion projects are:	Subpriority A. Television Digital Transmission Equipment. NTIA will assign the
following applications for conversion of public broadcasting facilities to advanced digital
technologies at the first subpriority level within the Broadcast Other category. These
applications are intended to assist public television stations in meeting FCC-imposed deadlines
regarding transmission power. These projects are in the highest subpriority in order to ensure
digital public television signals to the largest number of United States residents. These
applications will receive equal consideration as subpriority A.
- An application to convert the analog transmission facilities of a public television station to
- An application to increase the power of a digital public television station which was initially
constructed at a lower power in order to meet the FCC's May 2003 requirement. The stations
funded should replicate the station's comparable analog Grade B coverage, unless otherwise
- An application to "maximize" the power of a digital public television station in order to
increase population coverage. The applications funded will be expected to document significant
population increase beyond the station's comparable analog Grade B coverage.
Subpriority B. Television Digital Master Control and Production Equipment. NTIA will
assign the following applications for conversion of public broadcasting facilities to advanced
digital technologies at the second subpriority level within the Broadcast Other category. Conversion of a public television station's master control and production equipment is the next
step in the transformation of public television. These applications will receive equal
consideration as subpriority B. - An application to convert basic master control equipment to digital technologies. In order
to be highly competitive, we expect applicants to address how the master control equipment will
support multi-channel digital broadcasting.
- An application to convert production equipment to digital technologies. In order to be
highly competitive, we expect applicants to address how the equipment will be used to produce
programming that is widely distributed on a regional or national basis or that will be used for the
creation of both local and national High Definition programming.
replacement. For FY 2004, NTIA will support the equipment necessary for a public television
station to comply with the FCC's digital conversion deadlines. This includes equipment required
for digital broadcast of programs produced locally in analog format as well as the broadcast of
digital programming received from national sources. NTIA is posting on its Internet site a listing
of equipment (the Digital TV List) which is eligible for PTFP digital television conversion
funding. Printed copies of this list are also available from PTFP at the address shown in the
Address to Request Application Package section of this document. This list is similar to
equipment lists PTFP used during last year's Grant Round. The Digital TV List includes
transmission equipment (transmitters, antennas, STLs, towers, etc.) as well as distribution
equipment located in a station's master control (routing switchers, video servers, PSIP
generators, digital encoders, etc.). For FY 2004, the list has been expanded to include additional
equipment to be located in a station's master control. NTIA believes that many stations must replace obsolete equipment in order to complete their
digital conversion projects and address multi-channel distribution. NTIA is continuing its
revised policies to permit the replacement of obsolete equipment as part of digital conversion
projects. If the digital conversion application includes the urgent replacement of an existing item
of equipment, the application will be considered as a Broadcast Other, rather than as replacement
under Priorities 2 or 4. If the purpose of an application is just for replacement of urgently needed equipment, even
though the equipment is drawn from the Digital TV List, the application will be classified as a
Priority 2 or 4, as appropriate.
Any application which includes equipment replacement as a justification for the urgency
criterion should submit documentation of downtime or other evidence in support of the urgency
evaluation criterion as contained in §2301.17 of the PTFP Final Rules. The need to replace
current equipment in order to maintain existing services will, in many cases, strengthen the
urgency criterion of a digital conversion application.
Because of the requirement that all public television stations begin digital broadcasts, all
public television applications, whether submitted for Priority 2, Priority 4 or the Broadcast Other
category, should include the station's comprehensive plan for digital conversion and explain
how the requested equipment is consistent with that plan. Failure to provide detailed information
on the applicant's proposed or existing digital conversion plan will place a television application
at a competitive disadvantage during the evaluation of the technical qualification criterion as
described in 15 CFR §2301.17 of the PTFP Rules.
Enhanced Interconnection and Optimization Project. NTIA calls applicants' attention to
the fact that equipment related to PBS's Enhanced Interconnection and Optimization Project
(EIOP) is not included on the Digital TV List. The EIOP project is still under development and,
according to the EIOP timetable, the first EIOP-equipped station is not intended to be operational
until July 2004. NTIA is following the EIOP project with interest, but believes that it is
premature to fund any EIOP equipment at this stage of development. Production Equipment. NTIA notes that while a television station must use digital
transmission and distribution equipment to begin digital broadcasting, digital production
equipment is not required to meet the FCC's 2006 deadline. As the deadline approaches, NTIA
has reluctantly concluded that, with the funds available to it in FY 2004, it cannot fund television
production equipment at the same level as it has prior to the institution of the digital conversion
policies of FY 2000. Television production equipment, however, will continue to be eligible for PTFP funding for
urgent equipment replacement under Priority 2 and Priority 4, as appropriate. For the FY 2004
Grant Round, however, NTIA will fund television production equipment replacement
applications only for those projects that present a "clear and compelling" case for the urgency of
such replacement. Digital conversion of a public television station's production equipment will improve the
station's ability to provide public service to its community. NTIA will now accept digital
television production equipment as part of conversion projects and will place these applications
in Subpriority B of the Broadcast Other category. In order to be highly competitive, we expect
applicants to address how the equipment will be used to produce programming that is widely
distributed on a regional or national basis or that will be used for the creation of High Definition
Analog Transmission Equipment. While analog television broadcasting is currently
scheduled to end in December 2006, NTIA recognizes that some stations are currently operating
with failing analog transmitters.(6) NTIA is reluctant to make major investments in analog
transmission equipment at this time, but will fund analog transmitter replacements in "clear and
compelling" situations where replacement is necessary to maintain public television service. In
order to be highly competitive, we expect applicants for replacement of analog transmission
equipment to thoroughly document the urgent need for replacement and the status of available
replacement parts. Applicants should also discuss the usage of the analog equipment after the
transition to digital is complete, thereby strengthening the protection of the Federal investment in
the transmitter (e.g., whether a frequency change for digital is contemplated, thereby permitting
the reuse of the analog transmitter on the digital channel).
When making the final selection of awards under the procedures of §2301.17, NTIA will take
care to ensure that there is an acceptable balance between projects awarded for equipment
replacement projects and those awarded for digital conversion projects. Further, NTIA will
consider as part of this balance those stations in the Broadcast Other category (1) which request
digital conversion projects and (2) which also include elements of equipment replacement. NTIA will not fund applications in the Broadcast Other category requesting digital conversion to
the exclusion of those Broadcast Other applications which include documentation supporting
equipment replacement as part of their urgency justification. Effective date for expenditure of local matching funds for digital television
conversion projects. Within the limitations of Federal regulations, NTIA supports efforts
undertaken by public television stations which bring the benefits of digital television
broadcasting to their communities as quickly as possible.
At the beginning of NTIA's digital television conversion initiative in FY 2000, NTIA
announced (64 FR 72225-72234) that it would permit applicants to include equipment purchased
with non-federal funds after July 1, 1999, in a PTFP application for digital television conversion
projects. This date was selected to coincide with the beginning of the 2000 fiscal year used by
In the FY 2003 Notice of Closing Date (67 FR 64298-64306), NTIA indicated that it
anticipated that July 1, 1999, will be the effective date in the FY 2004 and FY 2005 Grant
Rounds for the expenditure of non-federal funds for projects in the Broadcast Other category. For the FY 2004 grant round, we will accept equipment purchased with non-federal funds after
July 1, 1999, in a PTFP application for Broadcast Other projects. We expect to use this date for
the FY 2005 grant cycle as well.
Funding levels for television projects. In order to ensure that sufficient Federal funds
are available to support the conversion of the nation's public television stations, NTIA is
continuing its recent policy regarding the presumed Federal funding level for television
equipment. The presumption of a 40% Federal share will extend to all television projects for
digital conversion or to replace or upgrade equipment. Because of the emphasis NTIA places on
the extension of broadcast services to unserved areas, however, NTIA has retained the 75% level
of Federal funding applications proposing new television facilities in Priority 1 (§2301.4(b)(1)).
As already noted, NTIA recognizes that many small stations, primarily in rural areas, will be
unable to raise even a 50% local share of the funds required for their PTFP projects. NTIA has
long permitted stations to request more than the standard level of Federal support upon a
showing of "extraordinary need" per §2301.6(b)(ii) of the PTFP Rules. NTIA will permit
applicants to qualify for hardship funding and receive up to a 67% Federal share of their project
costs. An applicant can qualify for up to a 67% Federal funding by certifying that it is unable to
match at least 60% of the eligible project costs, and either (a) by providing documentation that its
average annual cash revenue for the previous four years is $2 million or less, or (b) by providing
documentation that the eligible project costs are greater than the applicant's average annual cash
revenue for the previous four years.
In addition, NTIA will continue to permit any applicant to provide justification that it has an
"extraordinary need" for Federal funding up to the legal limit of 75% of eligible project costs.
In order to gather additional funds to award to stations which qualify under the hardship
criteria, NTIA encourages financially able applicants for digital television conversion projects to
request a smaller share of Federal funds than the standard 40%. NTIA will add three additional
points to the application evaluations from the independent review panels for applicants in the
Broadcast Other category who request no more than 25% Federal funding. This provision will
give extra credit to applications already highly rated and, based on NTIA's previous experience,
this extra credit is often sufficient to move highly rated applications into the range for funding.
When making the final selection of awards, however, NTIA will take care to ensure that there
is an acceptable balance between projects awarded to stations requesting a 25% Federal share and
those requesting a higher Federal share. NTIA will not fund applications requesting a 25%
Federal share to the exclusion of applications meeting the hardship criteria or to the exclusion of
those requesting the standard 40% Federal share.
Use of CPB matching funds.Under the PTFP Rules, NTIA has limited the use of CPB
funds for the non-federal share of PTFP projects to circumstances of "clear and compelling need"
(15 CFR §2301.6(c)(2)). NTIA recognizes that it will be difficult for many public television
stations to raise the funds required to meet the FCC's digital broadcasting deadline. Therefore,
NTIA continues its past policy that applicants may submit justification under this section for the
use of CPB funds as part of their local match. Any request for the use of CPB funds must be
accompanied by a statement regarding any limitations that CPB has placed on the expenditure of
those funds. Coordination with CPB's Digital Distribution Fund. NTIA is aware that the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting has a grant program focused on projects to convert public
television stations to digital broadcasting. In order to facilitate the application processing by both
PTFP and CPB, applicants for PTFP funds should clearly identify in their application whether
they have applied to CPB for funding and list the equipment requested from CPB. The
submission of an application to CPB will have no effect on NTIA's evaluation of the PTFP
application. NTIA will coordinate grant awards with CPB to ensure that no equipment is funded
for the same applicant by both grant programs.
Distance Learning and Nonbroadcast Projects Since 1979, NTIA has funded nonbroadcast distance learning projects through the Special
Applications category as established in §2301.4(a) of the PTFP Rules. NTIA encourages
applications for innovative or unique distance learning projects which address demonstrated and
substantial community needs. For fiscal year 2003, NTIA awarded $1.4 million in funds to
eleven grants for distance learning projects. The awards ranged from $42,000 to $304,872.
The growth of digital technologies provides new opportunities for distance learning projects
using both broadcast and nonbroadcast facilities. NTIA encourages applicants to consider the
use of digital technologies in proposing unique or innovative distance learning projects for
funding in FY 2004. Examples of innovative digital applications include projects (1) which use
broadband technologies for distance learning, (2) which distribute educational or informational
programming via Direct Broadcast Satellite technologies, (3) which provide multi-media content
using the digital television transmission infrastructure and delivered through a method that is not
a typical broadcast channel, or (4) which incorporate video, voice, graphics and data capabilities
for online distance learning services. NTIA also encourages applicants to consider broadcast
projects which use the multi-channel capacity of digital television to provide innovative distance
learning projects. All distance learning applications must address substantial and demonstrated needs of the
communities being served. NTIA is particularly interested in distance learning projects which
benefit traditionally underserved audiences, such as projects serving minorities, people living in
rural communities, or those living in disadvantaged areas where distance learning services will
provide significant educational opportunities.
NTIA recognizes that, due to the multi-channel capability of digital television, distance
learning components may well be a part of a digital conversion application. NTIA will,
therefore, consider such distance learning proposals under the subpriorities established in the
section related to Television Broadcasting and Digital Conversion. If NTIA determines that a
broadcast distance learning project is not part of a digital conversion application, NTIA will
evaluate the application pursuant to §§2301.4(b)(6) and 2301.17. The November 22, 1991, PTFP Policy Statement (56 FR 59168 (1991)) mentioned in the
Application Forms and Regulations section discussed a number of issues of particular relevance
to applicants proposing nonbroadcast educational and instructional projects and potential
improvement of nonbroadcast facilities. These policies remain in effect and will be available to
all PTFP applicants as part of the Guidelines for preparing FY 2004 PTFP applications.
NTIA funding assistance is in the form of Grants. Issuance of grants is subject to the
availability of FY 2004 funds. Congress has passed an appropriation of $19.75 million for the
PTFP. In awarding grants, NTIA will strive to maintain an appropriate balance between
traditional grants and those to stations converting to digital broadcasting. The amount of any grants awarded by NTIA will vary, depending on the approved project. For FY 2003, NTIA awarded $40.3 million in funds to 169 projects, including 68 radio awards,
90 television awards and 11 nonbroadcast awards. The radio awards ranged from $7,979 to
$244,442. The television awards ranged from $42,344 to $1,790,935. The nonbroadcast awards
ranged from $42,000 to $304,872.
Grants are customarily awarded with a start date of October 1. Construction Grant award periods customarily range from one to two years. Planning Grant
award periods customarily are for one year. These customary project periods may be varied
based on the specific circumstances of an individual proposal.
To apply for and receive a PTFP Construction or Planning Grant, an applicant must be: (a) a
public or noncommercial educational broadcast station; (b) a noncommercial
telecommunications entity; (c) a system of public telecommunications entities; (d) a non-profit
foundation, corporation, institution, or association organized primarily for educational or cultural
purposes; or (e) a state, local, or Indian tribal government (or agency thereof), or a political or
special purpose subdivision of a state. Non-profit organizations that have never received a PTFP grant must supply (1) Certified
copy of their Articles of Incorporation, (2) By-laws, and (3) IRS 501(c)(3) letter. An
organization that is a government agency/entity, Indian Tribe, or non-profit organization that has
received a prior PTFP grant does not have to submit further documentation of eligibility, unless
An applicant whose proposal requires an authorization from the FCC before it can be
constructed must be eligible to receive such authorization. No award will be made until the FCC
notifies NTIA that the necessary authorization has been or will be granted.
If an applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements, the application will be rejected and
returned without further consideration. An applicant may request a preliminary determination of
eligibility any time prior to the Closing Date.
All PTFP grantees are required to provide local matching funds. No part of a grantee's
matching share of the eligible project costs may be met with funds paid by the Federal
government, except where the use of such funds to meet a Federal matching requirement is
specifically and expressly authorized by the relevant Federal statute. Funds supplied to an
applicant by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) may be used as a match only upon a
clear and compelling showing of need.
First Radio or TV signal in a
community with local origination 75%
Applicant's second Radio or TV facility in a community; (e.g., Upgrade of translator to
repeater; Power/coverage upgrades) 50%
50% Digital Television conversion projects
40%-- also
67% and 25%
All other Television projects
All other Radio and Nonbroadcast projects
Any applicant can provide justification requesting up to 75% for a Construction project or up
to 100% for a Planning project.
A PTFP Construction Grant may not, by statute, exceed 75% of the amount determined by
NTIA to be the reasonable and necessary cost of the project. NTIA has set specific Federal
percentages for various types of projects, as follows:
NTIA provides the same Federal funding share for radio and television Priority 1 signal
expansion applications. The funding limitations for Priority 1A and 1B signal expansion
applications were discussed in detail in the earlier section regarding Radio Broadcasting signal
expansion. In summary, the funding presumption for Priority 1A radio and television
applications is a 75% Federal share of eligible project costs. The funding presumption for
Priority 1B radio and television applications is either a 75% Federal share or a 50% Federal share
as explained in the earlier section.
The general presumption for funding all other radio and nonbroadcast applications is a 50%
Federal share and for funding most television applications is a 40% Federal share of eligible
project costs. As discussed in Section II above, NTIA has also established provisions for funding
digital television conversion projects at a 25% Federal share and at a 67% Federal share, as well
as a 40% Federal share of eligible project costs.
Any applicant can provide additional justification for additional funding up to the statutory
limit. The justification will be evaluated by the peer review panel and PTFP.
The Agency may provide up to 100% of the funds necessary for the planning of a public
telecommunications construction project. The general presumption for projects to plan for a
public telecommunications construction project is, however, a 75% Federal funding of eligible
project costs. A showing of extraordinary need will be taken into consideration as part of the
normal application evaluation process for Planning Grants of up to 100% of the total eligible
The total project costs of Construction Grants do not normally include the value of
eligible apparatus owned or acquired by the applicant prior to the Closing Date. Inclusion of
equipment purchased prior to the Closing Date will be considered on a case-by-case basis only
when clear and compelling justifications are provided to NTIA. Please note, as discussed in the
first section of this document regarding television applications, that NTIA will accept equipment
in applications for television projects in the Broadcast Other category which was purchased with
non-Federal funds after July 1, 1999. Obligating funds -- either in whole or in part -- for
equipment before the Closing Date is considered ownership or acquisition of equipment. In like
manner, accepting title to donated equipment prior to the Closing Date is considered ownership
or acquisition of equipment.
If donated equipment is to be used as part of the local match, the application should
include a certified appraisal from a qualified, independent engineer as to the age, fair market
value, and remaining useful life of the donated items. In addition, the applicant must include a
letter from the donor confirming the donation.
No funds from the Federal share of the total project cost may be obligated until the Grant
Award Period start date. If an applicant or recipient obligates anticipated Federal Award funds
before the start date, the Department may refuse to offer the award or, if the award has already
been granted, disallow those costs of the grant. After the Closing Date, the applicant may, at its
own risk, obligate non-Federal matching funds for the acquisition of proposed equipment.
Each PTFP application that is filed in a timely manner, is materially complete, and
proposes an eligible project is evaluated by the six criteria described in Section V, below. The
first two criteria are qualifying criteria. They are "Applicant Qualifications" and "Financial
Qualifications." Applications meeting the minimum qualifications on these criteria are
considered for further review. There is no limit on the number of applications an applicant may submit in any one grant
Applications not funded in one grant round are deferred by NTIA and must be resubmitted
pursuant to §2301.9 of the PTFP Rules in order to be considered in a subsequent grant round. PTFP will retain unsuccessful FY 2004 applications through the Closing Date of the FY 2005
grant cycle. Unsuccessful applications not reactivated by the Closing Date of the next grant cycle
Application Forms, PTFP Final Rules, Closing Date notification and
application guidelines materials may be obtained electronically via the Internet at
ntia.doc.gov/ptfp. The entire application may be downloaded from the Internet and several forms
can be prepared electronically. To obtain a printed application package either (1) write to
NTIA/PTFP, Room H-4625, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20230; or (2) send an email to ptfp@ntia.doc.gov; or (3) telephone (202) 482-5802; or (4) fax a request to (202) 482-2156.
All applicants must use the official PTFP Application Form for the FY 2004 grant cycle. This form expires on October 31, 2006. Each page of the official Application Form has the
expiration date printed at the bottom and no previous versions of the form may be used. To
apply for a PTFP grant, an applicant must file an original and five copies of a complete
application in paper form. As noted above, the Application Form is available on the Internet and,
upon request, will be provided in printed form. PTFP does not accept pre-applications. Applicants can complete many parts of the PTFP application on the Internet using the On-Line Fillable Form found on the PTFP website. This form requires no special software. Applicants will be able to save, edit and print their forms. The software will complete all math
additions, transfer and place correct figures in appropriate locations, provide help for each
question, and check for common errors. The form must be printed and submitted with
original signatures. PTFP does not accept facsimile or email applications. A complete application includes the following items:
Part I of the Application Form, which provides general information about the
applicant, the type of project submitted, estimated project cost, public broadcasting
affiliations (if any), and FCC authorizations required for the project (if any). Page 1 of
the form is a certification. The original application must contain an original signature
from an authorized representative of the applicant organization.
Universal Identifier. All applicants (nonprofit, state, local government, universities,
and tribal organizations) are now required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants. See
the October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66177), and April 8, 2003 (68 FR 17000), Federal
Register notices for additional information. Organizations can receive a DUNS number
at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line 1-866-705-5711
or via the Internet (www.dnb.com).
Part II of the Application Form, "Budget Information -- Construction Grant
Applicants." (Not required for Planning Grants.)
Part III of the Application Form, "Eligible Equipment." A listing of equipment and
costs requested for a Construction Grant. (Not required for Planning Grants.)
Part IV of the Application Form, "Budget Information -- Planning Grant
Applicants." Budget detail of requested costs for a Planning Grant. (Not required for
Construction Grants.)
Part V, "Program Narrative," is required from all applicants. It should address the
six evaluation criteria described below in Section V. There is a five-page limitation on
responses to the first five criteria. (If more discussion of any point is necessary,
applicants can supply additional information in an optional exhibit, cross-referenced
from the Narrative.) The Narrative should be printed on only one side of the page, have
one-inch margins all around, and be in 12-point Arial or its actual
equivalent in size. A suggested outline for preparing the Narrative is included in the
online and printed versions of the application materials.
Exhibit A, "Financial Certification," is required from all applicants. An original
signature from an authorized representative is required. An attachment is required to
explain in detail how the applicant will raise the funds necessary to match the requested
Federal funds; to pay any project costs ineligible for Federal funding, but required to
complete the project; and, if a Construction Grant, how the applicant will have the
funds necessary to maintain and operate the facilities once the project is completed. The attachment should be printed on only one side of the page, have one-inch margins
all around, and be in 12-point Arial or its actual equivalent in size.
Exhibit B, "Inventory," is required only from Construction Grant applicants. It is an
inventory of the equipment owned by the applicant that corresponds to the equipment
requested in the application, or is closely associated with the requested equipment. It
should include equipment owned or on order as of the application date and also
equipment authorized by any prior PTFP award but not yet ordered.	Exhibit C, "Equipment Justification," is required only from Construction Grant
applicants. It is a Narrative explaining the need for the specific equipment requested. Applicants for equipment replacement, improvement, or augmentation projects should
thoroughly document the need and urgency of the equipment requested. They are
encouraged to submit the following types of documentation to support the urgency of
equipment replacement: copies of maintenance logs, letters documenting the
unavailability of parts, independent engineers' evaluations, photographs. This
Narrative should be printed on only one side of the page, have one-inch margins all
around, and be in 12-point Arial or its actual equivalent in size. (Applicants should note that age alone is insufficient justification for replacing
Exhibit D, "Five-Year Equipment Plan," is required from all Construction Grant
applicants. The statute authorizing PTFP requires applicants to submit "a 5-year plan
outlining the applicant's projected facilities requirements and the projected costs of
such facilities requirements." PTFP does not specify the format to be used. This
information should be printed on only one side of the page, have one-inch margins all
around, and be in 12-point Arial or its actual equivalent in size.
Exhibit E, "Maps/Documentation of Coverage," is required only with applications
proposing construction of new broadcast or distance learning facilities; or applicants
claiming to be a sole-service station qualifying for Priority 2, but which have significant
signal overlap with other stations in the coverage area. These applications should
provide maps of the facility's coverage area and documentation of the number of people
receiving service. In the case of broadcast applications, information should be provided
regarding the number of people receiving "first service" or "sole service" and "added
service" for those already receiving a public broadcasting signal from another station. In the case of distance learning applications, information should be provided regarding
the number of people to be served by the project.
Exhibit F, "Letters of Support," is requested from applicants seeking funds to
activate a new public radio or television station or distance learning facility. Letters
should document community support for and interest in the services the new facility
would provide. Letters should also be submitted from any partner mentioned in the
application whose support is critical to the success of the project (e.g., landlord at
proposed tower site, partners in new programming initiatives).
Exhibits G through Z -- Optional. These are for an applicant to use to submit
materials PTFP has not requested but that the applicant believes support its application. NTIA notes that a year's worth of program guides or press clippings usually adds
nothing but weight and bulk to an application. Applicants should NOT submit
recordings of any kind -- tapes, cassettes, DVD's, CD's, MD's, etc.; any received will
Standard Form 424B, "Assurances -- Non-Construction Programs." This form is
required from all applicants, in spite of the reference to "non-construction" programs,
and must have an original signature on the second page.(7) For the convenience of
applicants, a copy of SF 424B is included with the PTFP Application Form. Applicants
should put the completed form in Exhibit AA of their applications.
Department of Commerce Form CD-511, "Certifications Regarding Debarment,
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and
Lobbying." This form is required from all applicants and must have an original
signature on the second page. (Applicants should note that there is a space at the top of
the second page to fill in "Place of Performance"; the form is not complete if this is left
blank.) For the convenience of applicants, a copy of the CD-511 is included with the
PTFP Application Form. Applicants should put the completed form in Exhibit AA of
Standard Form LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities." This form is required
from all applicants that employ lobbyists in an effort to obtain a grant. For the
convenience of applicants, a copy of the form is included with the PTFP Application
Form. If required, the completed form should be put in Exhibit AA of the application.
State Single Point of Contact. PTFP applications are subject to Executive Order
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," if the state in which the
applicant is located participates in the process. Usually submission to the State Single
Point of Contact (SPOC) needs to be only the first two pages of the Application Form,
but applicants should contact their own SPOC offices to find out about and comply with
its requirements. Photocopies of signed and dated transmittal letters to the SPOC go in
Exhibit BB. The PTFP Internet site has a link to the Office of Management and
Budget's home page which has the names and addresses of the SPOC offices. Applicants may directly access the OMB Internet site at
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html). Print copies of the SPOC list are
also available from PTFP.
Eligibility Documents. Non-profit organizations that have never received a PTFP
grant must supply (1) Certified copy of their Articles of Incorporation, (2) By-laws, and
(3) IRS 501(c)(3) letter in Exhibit CC. An organization that is a government
agency/entity, Indian Tribe, or non-profit organization that has received a prior PTFP
grant does not have to submit further documentation of eligibility, unless requested.
Distribution Agreements. These are required only from Construction Grant applicants
who rely on someone else's facilities to distribute programming that the applicant
produces. Copies of Distribution Agreements are usually required from cable access
channels, radio/TV reading services produced by non-licensee organizations, users of
satellite transponder time, and production houses that do not operate stations. They are
placed in Exhibit DD. (Public broadcasting entities do not need to submit agreements
with PBS, NPR, PRI, etc.)
Department of Commerce Form CD-346 -- "Applicant for Funding Assistance." One complete set of CD-346 forms must be submitted by an applicant that is a private,
non-profit corporation (e.g., community licensee, private college, etc.). The form
requests information from key individuals in the applicant organization: (1) each
officer (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, etc.); (2) executive director or
general manager; (3) chief financial officer, business manager; and (4) project director. CD-346 forms do not have to be filed by organizations that are part of state or local
governments, including state or city universities and colleges, nor by Indian tribal
governments. Although not a PTFP form, a copy of CD-346 is supplied as part of the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Documents. These are required of all
Construction Grant applicants whose projects require new FCC authorization. No grant
will be awarded for a project requiring FCC authorization for construction until
confirmation is received by NTIA/PTFP from the FCC that the necessary authorization
has been or will be issued. In order for PTFP to evaluate the need for the equipment
requested, copies of the following FCC applications (or equivalent engineering data)
and licenses relevant to the project must be submitted with the PTFP application. This
includes applications for permits, construction permits, and licenses already received
Construction of a broadcast station or translator.
Microwave facilities.
ITFS authorizations.
SCA authorizations.
Studio-to-transmitter links (STLs).
Remote pick-up units.
Satellite uplinks.
After an application has completed the review process described in the next section, Section
V, Application Review Information, applicants selected for negotiation may be requested to
revise and resubmit Parts I-V of the application.	Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall
any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject
to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), unless that collection displays a
currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The PTFP application form has been cleared under OMB control no. 0660-0003.	Submission Dates and Times
Applications for all projects are due in the PTFP Office by 6:00 p.m., EST, Wednesday,
March 31, 2004. This is the Closing Date. NTIA does not accept a postmark as proof of
meeting the PTFP deadline. NTIA does not accept fax or email application submissions, or
weekend deliveries. Applicants must ensure that the carrier they use guarantees delivery of the
application by the Closing Date. Applicants should note that all material sent via the U. S. Postal
Service (including "Overnight" or "Express Mail") is subject to delivery delays of up to two
weeks due to mail security procedures at the Department of Commerce. If an application is received after the Closing Date due to (1) carrier error, when the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the Closing Date and Time, (2) significant weather delays or natural disasters, or (3) delays due to national security issues, NTIA will, upon receipt of proper documentation, consider the application as having been received by the deadline. NTIA will not accept applications posted on the Closing Date or later and received after the deadline. Applicants submitting applications by hand delivery are notified that all packages must be
cleared by the Department of Commerce security office. Entrance to the Department of
Commerce Building for security clearance is through entrance #10 on the 15th Street side of the
As soon as possible after the Closing Date all applicants are sent notices that their
submissions have been received and giving the file number assigned to each application by
Applications not received by the deadline will be returned to the applicant. NTIA will also
return any application that is substantially incomplete, or when it finds that either the applicant or
the project is ineligible for funding. Applicants will be informed of the reason for the return of
PTFP applications are subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," if the state in which the applicant organization is located participates in the
process. Usually submission to the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) needs to be only the
first two pages of the Application Form, but applicants should contact their own SPOC offices to
find out about and comply with its requirements. The PTFP Internet site has a link to the Office
of Management and Budget's home page which has the names and addresses of the SPOC
offices. Applicants may directly access the OMB Internet site at
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html). Printed copies of the SPOC list are
available from PTFP.
These grants fund only equipment plus installation costs when installation must be performed
by contractors. Eligible equipment for the FY 2004 Grant Round includes the apparatus
necessary for the production, interconnection, captioning, broadcast, or other distribution of
programming, including but not limited to studio equipment; audio and video storage,
processing, and switching equipment; terminal equipment; towers; antennas; transmitters; remote
control equipment; transmission line; translators; microwave equipment; mobile equipment;
satellite communications equipment; instructional television fixed service equipment; subsidiary
communications authorization transmitting and receiving equipment; cable television equipment;
and optical fiber communications equipment. No buildings are eligible for funding except for
small shelters for transmission equipment
A complete listing of equipment eligible for funding during the FY 2004 Grant Round is
posted on the NTIA Internet site and printed copies are available from PTFP. The PTFP website
gives sample equipment lists for all types of projects to indicate the quantities and quality level
the program supports and it also lists eligible and ineligible equipment. Printed copies of the lists
are available on request. NTIA generally does not fund salary expenses, including staff
installation costs, and pre-application legal and engineering fees. Planning Grants
Salaries are eligible expenses for all Planning Grant applications, but should be fully
described and justified within the application. Planning Grants may be expended to lease office
equipment, furniture, and space; purchase expendable supplies; and contract with outside
consultants. Planning Grant applications cannot include the cost of constructing or operating a
Audit Costs Audits must be performed in accordance with audit requirements contained in Office of
Management and Budget Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations, revised June 30, 1997. OMB Circular A-133 requires that non-profit
organizations, government agencies, Indian tribes, and educational institutions expending
$500,000 or more in Federal funds during a one-year period conduct a single audit in accordance
with guidelines outlined in the circular. Other audits may be conducted by the Office of the
Inspector General. Most PTFP grant recipients are divisions of state and local governments or
are public broadcasting facilities, all of which routinely conduct annual audits. NTIA will,
therefore, fund audit costs only in exceptional circumstances.
Indirect Costs Indirect costs for construction applications are not supported by this program. The total
dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in a planning application under this program must
not exceed the indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to
the proposed effective date of the award.
Room H-4625
Hand-deliveries of applications must be made through Room 1874, located at entrance #10
on 15th Street, NW.
PTFP does not accept facsimile or electronic submissions, but does provide an On-Line
Fillable Form at its Internet site, www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp. Further information on the On-Line
Fillable Form is contained in part 2 of this section, Content and Form of Application Submission.
Each application that is timely received, is materially complete, and proposes an eligible
project will be considered under the evaluation criteria described here. The first two criteria --
Applicant Qualifications and Financial Qualifications -- are qualifying criteria; applications
meeting the minimum qualifications on these criteria will be considered for further review. The
remaining four criteria are weighted in the evaluation as follows: Project Objectives and Urgency
are given the most weight in the evaluation, Technical/Planning Qualifications and Special
Consideration are given less weight and are listed in descending order.
Applicant Qualifications. Demonstration that the applicant has or will have the ability to
complete the project, including having sufficient qualified personnel to operate and maintain the
facility, and to provide services of professional quality.
Financial Qualifications. Demonstration of the applicant's ability to provide non-Federal funds required for the project, including funds for the local match and funds to cover any
ineligible costs required for completion of the project; and to ensure long-term financial support
for the continued operation of the facility during the Federal interest period.	Project Objectives. The degree to which the application demonstrates that the proposed
project fulfills the objectives and specific requirements of one or more of the categories set forth
in Section I; documents the applicant's ability to implement the proposed project; and, if
applicable, adequately justifies the need for Federal funds in excess of the percentages set out
above, at Section III, 2.
Urgency. Justification of funding the proposed project during the current grant cycle, or,
if appropriate, that the condition of existing equipment justifies its prompt replacement.
(a). Technical Qualifications (construction applicants only). Documentation that the
eligible equipment requested is necessary to achieve the objectives of the project; that the
proposed costs reflect the most efficient use of Federal funds in achieving project objectives; that
the equipment requested meets current industry performance standards (and FCC standards, if
appropriate); and that an evaluation of alternative technologies has been completed that justifies
the selection of the requested technology (where alternative technologies are possible).
(b). Planning Qualifications (planning applicants only). Demonstration of the
feasibility of the proposed planning process and timetable for achieving the purpose of the
project; that costs proposed reflect the most efficient use of Federal funds; that the applicant has
sufficient qualified staff or consultants to complete the project with professional results; and that
an evaluation of alternative technologies will be incorporated into the plan, as appropriate.
Special Consideration. For this criterion, applicants should demonstrate that their
project will achieve significant diversity in the ownership of, operation of, and participation in
public telecommunications facilities. Applicants may demonstrate how their project will better
serve the characteristics, values, and attitudes of diverse listeners by promoting the development
of more effective programming strategies, conducting station outreach projects, through audience
development efforts, and through the participation of minorities and women on the Board of
Directors, and in other policy making positions.
The Agency provides applicants with guidance in both the online and printed application
materials on meeting each of the evaluation criteria.
An applicant's proposed cost sharing is not one of the evaluation criteria which determines
whether a grant is awarded. If the proposed cost sharing is above the funding levels discussed in
Section III, the justification provided for the cost sharing is evaluated to determine the level of
Federal participation in any eventual award.
Each application is evaluated by a review panel comprised of at least three senior
broadcasting or distance learning executives whose own organizations do not have an application
before NTIA/PTFP. Their evaluations are based upon the above-cited evaluation criteria. In
addition, National Advisory Panels of representatives of national public broadcasting
organizations make recommendations on each broadcast application under consideration. State
telecommunications organizations and State Single Point of Contact offices, per E.O. 12372, also
may provide recommendations on applications under consideration.
PTFP places a summary of applications received on the Internet. Listing an application
merely acknowledges receipt of an application to compete for funding with other applications. This listing does not preclude subsequent return of the application or disapproval of the
application, nor does it assure that the application will be funded. The listing will also include a
request for comments on the applications from any interested party. Applicants must make a
copy of their application available for public inspection during normal business hours. Any
opposing public comments must contain a certification that a copy of the comments has been
delivered to the applicant. Public comment and replies from the applicant are considered during
the evaluation of the application.
The PTFP program staff prepares summary recommendations for the PTFP Director. These
recommendations incorporate the review panels' evaluations and recommendations; technical
assessments by engineers; and input from the National Advisory Panels, state Single Point of
Contact offices, and state telecommunications agencies. Staff recommendations also consider
project impact, the cost/benefit of a project, and whether the review panels consistently applied
the evaluation criteria. The PTFP Director considers the summary recommendations prepared by
program staff, recommends the funding order of the applications, and presents recommendations
to the Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications, for
review and approval of the recommended slate. The Director's recommendations and the
Associate Administrator's review and approval take into account the following selection factors:
(a) The program staff recommendations, including the review panels' evaluations..
(b) The type of projects and broadcast priorities set forth at §2301.4 (see Section I).
(c) Whether the application is for broadcast or a non-broadcast project.
(d) Whether the applicant has any current NTIA grants.
(e) The geographic distribution of the proposed grant awards.
Upon approval by the Associate Administrator, the Director's recommendations are
presented to the Selecting Official, the NTIA Administrator. The Administrator makes final
award selections taking into consideration the Director's recommendations and the degree to
which the slate of applications, taken as a whole, satisfies the program's stated purposes.
Prior to award, applications may be negotiated between PTFP staff and the applicant to
resolve any differences between the original request and what NTIA is willing to consider
funding. Some applications may be dropped from the slate due to lack of FCC authorization, an
applicant's inability to make adequate assurances or certifications, or other reasons. Negotiation
of an application does not ensure that a final award will be made. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
PTFP grant awards are usually announced toward the end of September with a starting date
of October 1.
Successful applicants are sent a standard Department of Commerce Grant Award package,
Form CD-450, containing all of the terms and conditions of the award. The CD-450 signed by
the grants officer is the authorizing document and is sent to the applicant's designated project
contact via overnight delivery service. Planning Grant awards include the final approved budget,
and Construction Grant awards list the equipment approved for acquisition with grant funds. Two copies of the CD-450 must be signed and returned to the Department of Commerce Grants
Office within 30 days.
Unsuccessful applicants are notified by a letter from the PTFP Director. Unsuccessful applications are designated "deferred" and may be re-activated in the next grant round. A given application can be considered in a maximum of three grant rounds. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
General Conditions During the Grant Award Period and the 10-year Federal interest period, the grantee must:
Continue to be an eligible organization; Obtain and continue to hold any necessary FCC authorization(s);
Use the Federal funds for which the grant was made for the equipment and other
expenditures specified in the award document, except that the grantee may substitute other items
where necessary or desirable to carry out the purpose of the project if approved in advance in
writing by the Department;
Use the facilities, and any monies generated through the use of the facilities, primarily for
the provision of public telecommunications services and ensure that any use of the facilities for
other than public telecommunications purposes does not interfere with the provision of the public
telecommunications services for which the grant was made;
Not make its facilities available to any person for the broadcast or other transmission
intended to be received directly by the public of any advertisement, unless such broadcast or
transmission is expressly and specifically permitted by law or authorized by the FCC;
State when advertising for bids for the purchase of equipment that the Federal
government has an interest in facilities purchased with Federal funds under this program that
begins with the purchase of the facilities and continues for ten years after the completion of the
Not use nor allow the use of the Federally funded equipment for purposes the essential
thrust of which are sectarian for the useful life of the equipment even when this extends beyond
the ten-year Federal interest period.
As a general matter, the Department expects grantees to expend local matching funds at a rate
at least equal to the ratio of the local match to the Federal grant as stipulated in the grant award. The Department will not make any payment under an award, unless and until the recipient
complies with all relevant requirements. Additionally:
The Department will not make any payment until it receives confirmation that the FCC
has granted any necessary authorization;
The Department may not make any payment under an award unless and until all special
award conditions stated in the award documents that condition the release of Federal funds are
An agreement to share ownership of the grant equipment (e.g., a joint venture for a
tower) must be approved by the Department before any funds for the project will be released. Protection of Equipment
To ensure that the Federal investment in the facilities funded under the Act will continue
to be used to provide public telecommunications services to the public during the Federal interest
period, NTIA may require a grantee to execute and record a document establishing that the
Federal government has a priority lien on any facilities purchased with funds under the Act
during the period of continuing Federal interest, and file a certified copy of the recorded lien with
the Administrator ninety days after the grant award is received.
Grantees must maintain protection against common hazards through adequate insurance
coverage or other equivalent undertakings, except that, to the extent the applicant follows a
different policy of protection with respect to its other property, the applicant may extend such
policy to apparatus acquired and installed under the project. The grantee shall purchase flood
insurance (in communities where such insurance is available) if the facilities will be constructed
in an area that has been identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having
Grantees may not dispose of or encumber their title or other interest in the equipment
acquired under a PTFP grant during the Federal interest period. Grantees must demonstrate that they have obtained appropriate title or lease satisfactory
to protect the Federal interest to the site or sites on which apparatus in the project will be
operated. The grantee must have the right to occupy, construct, maintain, operate, inspect, and
remove the project equipment without impediment to ensure the continuity of operation of the
facility; and nothing must prevent the Federal government from entering the property and
reclaiming or securing PTFP-funded apparatus.
The following required reports may be submitted to PTFP via the Internet through the PTFP
On-Line Reporting and Tracking System (PORTS) or via the submission of two paper copies.
Construction Schedule or Planning Timetable. Within thirty calendar days of the award
date grantees must submit a construction schedule or a revised planning timetable. Quarterly Performance Reports. During the Grant Award Period, grantees must submit
performance reports on a calendar year quarterly basis for the periods ending March 31, June 30,
September 30, and December 31, or any portions thereof. The reports contain a comparison of
actual accomplishments during the reporting period with the goals and dates established in the
Construction Schedule for that reporting period. Construction projects must also include a list
of equipment purchased during the reporting period compared with the equipment authorized.
Planning Draft Final Report. Planning Grant recipients must submit a draft of the Final
Report on their projects forty-five days before the end of the Grant Award Period for review for
consistency with the goals and objectives, activities, and budget of the project.
Close-out documents. Full close-out documentation must be submitted within ninety
days following project completion or the expiration of the Grant Award Period, whichever comes
Construction Grants. Documentation for construction grants consists of a certification of
completion of the project, certification that the grantee has the necessary FCC licenses or site
right required for the project, certification of insurance coverage for the funded equipment, an
accurate final inventory of equipment purchased, and lien forms establishing the Federal
government's priority reversionary interest in all equipment purchased.
Planning Grants. Documentation for planning grants consists of a certification of
completion of the project, the Final Report, and a report of project expenditures. The Final
Report consists of the following:
An executive summary, including results and conclusions;
Complete list of actual project expenditures that conforms and compares to the approved
Detailed discussion of the planning process followed;
Detailed discussion of the results and conclusions, including justification and support for
the conclusions reached; and The following appendices:
Copies of all studies or reports developed as part of the planning process;
Lists of all meetings held as part of the planning process, including an agenda and the
names and titles of those who took part in each meeting; and
Copies of all any engineering studies and FCC applications generated by the project.
Annual Status Reports. Organizations that have received Construction Grants from the
Public Telecommunications Facilities Program are required to submit an Annual Status Report
for every grant project that is in the Federal interest period. By statute, this is the 10-year period
during which the Federal government retains a reversionary interest in all equipment purchased
under the project. The Federal interest period commences with the project completion date, as
established by NTIA/PTFP. Annual Status Reports are due on or before April 1 in each of the
ten years of a grant's Federal interest period.
Financial Status Reports (form SF-269) must be submitted for the six-month periods
ending March 31 and September 30, or any portion thereof whether there is any financial activity
or not. The reports are due no later than April 30 and October 31, respectively. A final Financial
Status Report must be submitted within ninety days after the expiration of the Grant Award
Period. Completed reports are submitted to the Grants Office in the Department of Commerce,
not to NTIA/PTFP.
PTFP Program Officers are prepared to give technical assistance to potential applicants
before the Closing Date, within available resources. They may be contacted by telephone at
(202) 482-5802, by fax at (202) 482-2156, or by mail at the address given in Section IV (PTFP
mailing and delivery address for applications), above. PTFP's email address is
ptfp@ntia.doc.gov.
The program officers, their email addresses, and their areas of responsibility are listed below:
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada,
Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
Robert Sestili rsestili@ntia.doc.gov
American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Marianas
Protectorate; Distance Learning and Non-Broadcast projects
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin
swarriner@ntia.doc.gov
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North
Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Virgin Islands, West Virginia
Director. Charles Mellone
Chief Engineer. Equipment questions from all applicants.
cweiss@ntia.doc.gov
Contact for electronic access problems.
VIII.	Other Information	NTIA Policies on Procedural Matters
Based upon NTIA's experience during the PTFP 2003 Grant Round, NTIA has determined
that it is in the best interest of NTIA and applicants to continue recent policies regarding three
procedural matters. The following policies are applicable only to the FY 2004 PTFP Grant
Round and resulting awards. Applications Resulting From Catastrophic Damage or Emergency Situations.
Section 2301.10 provides for submission of applications resulting from catastrophic damage
or emergency situations. NTIA would like to clarify its implementation of this provision. For FY
2004 PTFP applicants, when an eligible broadcast applicant suffers catastrophic damage to the
basic equipment essential to its continued operation as a result of a natural or manmade disaster,
or as the result of significant equipment failure, and is in dire need of assistance in funding
replacement of the damaged equipment, it may file an emergency application for PTFP funding
at any time. NTIA limits this request to equipment essential to a station's continued operation
such as transmitters, towers, antennas, STLs or similar equipment which, if the equipment failed,
would result in a complete loss of service to the community.
When submitting an emergency application, the applicant should describe the circumstances
that prompt the request and should provide appropriate supporting documentation. NTIA
requires that applicants claiming significant failure of equipment will document the
circumstances of the equipment failure and demonstrate that the equipment has been maintained
in accordance with standard broadcast engineering practices.
NTIA will grant an award only if it determines that (1) the emergency satisfies this policy,
and (2) the applicant either carried adequate insurance or had acceptable self-insurance coverage.
Applications filed and accepted for emergency applications must contain all of the
information required by the Agency application materials and must be submitted in the number
of copies specified by the Agency. NTIA will evaluate the application according to the evaluation criteria set forth in
§2301.17(b). The PTFP Director takes into account program staff evaluations (including the
outside reviewers) the availability of funds, the type of project and broadcast priorities set forth at
§2301.4(b), and whether the applicant has any current NTIA grants. The Director presents
recommendations to the Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA)
Associate Administrator for review and approval. Upon approval by the OTIA Associate
Administrator, the Director's recommendation will be presented to the Selecting Official, the
NTIA Administrator. The NTIA Administrator makes final award selections taking into
consideration the Director's recommendation and the degree to which the application fulfills the
requirements for an emergency award and satisfies the program's stated purposes set forth at
§2301.1(a) and (c). Service of Applications
FY 2004 PTFP applicants are not required to submit copies of their PTFP applications to the
FCC, nor are they required to submit copies of the FCC transmittal cover letters as part of their
PTFP applications. NTIA routinely notifies the FCC of projects submitted for funding which
require FCC authorizations. FY 2004 PTFP applicants for distance learning projects are not required to notify every state
telecommunications agency in a potential service area. Many distance learning applications
propose projects which are nationwide in nature. NTIA, therefore, believes that the requirement
to provide a summary copy of the application in every state telecommunications agency in a
potential service area is unduly burdensome to applicants. NTIA, however, does expect that
distance learning applicants will notify the state telecommunications agencies in the states in
which they are located. FCC Authorizations
For the FY 2004 PTFP Grant Round, applicants may submit applications to the FCC after the
closing date, but do so at their own risk. Applicants are urged to submit their FCC applications
with as much time before the PTFP closing date as possible. No grant will be awarded for a
project requiring FCC authorization until confirmation has been received by NTIA from the FCC
that the necessary authorization will be issued. For FY 2004 PTFP applications, since there is no potential for terrestrial interference with
Ku-band satellite uplinks, applicants may submit applications to the FCC for Ku-band satellite
uplinks after a PTFP award is made. Grant recipients for Ku-band satellite uplinks will be
required to document receipt of FCC authorizations to operate the uplink prior to the release of
Federal funds. For FY 2004 PTFP applications, NTIA may accept FCC authorizations that are in the name
of an organization other than the PTFP applicant in certain circumstances. Applicants requiring
the use of FCC authorizations issued to another organization should discuss in the application
Program Narrative why the FCC authorization must be in the other organization's name. NTIA
believes that such circumstances will be rare and, in its experience, are usually limited to
authorizations such as those for microwave interconnections or satellite uplinks. As noted above, for FY 2004 PTFP applications, NTIA does not require that the FCC
applications be filed by the closing date. While NTIA is permitting submission of FCC
applications after the Closing Date, applicants are reminded that they must continue to provide
copies of FCC applications, as they were filed or will be filed, or equivalent engineering data, in
the PTFP application so NTIA can properly evaluate the equipment request. These include
applications for permits, construction permits and licenses already received for (1) construction
of broadcast station, (including a digital broadcasting facility) or translator, (2) microwave
facilities, (3) ITFS authorizations, (4) SCA authorizations, and (5) requests for extensions of
For those applicants whose projects require authorization by the FCC, information about
FCC filing procedures can be found on the Internet at: www.fcc.gov.
Department of Commerce Procedural Matters The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification of Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR
49917), as amended by the Federal Register notice published on October 30, 2002 (67 FR
66109), is applicable to this solicitation.
1. In its First Report and Order, MM Docket 95-325, adopted October 10, 2002, the FCC
selected the hybrid AM and FM IBOC systems tested by the National Radio Systems Committee
as de facto standards for interim digital operation. 2. We note that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting conducted a second Digital
Universal Service Fund grant round in 2003 to provide a final opportunity for funding digital
transmission equipment to any public television station which still needed financial assistance for
its conversion.
3. For example, the FCC permits noncommercial digital television stations to provide a
41 dbu noise-limited signal over their city of license until December 31, 2005, after which they
must provide a 48 dbu signal. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting established a special
grant program, the Digital Universal Service Fund, which supported the construction of 49 lower
power stations. 4. Stations had to file an FCC application by May 1, 2000, if they intended to "maximize"
their coverage area, i.e., to increase the power of their digital signal beyond that which would
only replicate their analog Grade B coverage.
5. The FCC originally proposed that digital public television stations must replicate their
Grade B coverage area (or maximize their coverage) by December 31, 2005. The FCC's Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking, (MB Docket 03-15, released January 27, 2003), "propose[s] to set new replication and maximization protection dates close to the end of transition:...[for]
noncommercial DTV licensees- July 1, 2006." (Paragraph 33)
6. NTIA is also aware that the FCC, in its January 15, 2003, Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, included a ten-page discussion and requested comments on how it should interpret
Section 309(j)(14)(B) of the Communications Act regarding extensions of the December 31,
2006, deadline.
7. Another Standard Form, 424A "Assurances for Construction Programs," is used for
projects to construct highways, airports, etc.