Low-Power Television and Translator Upgrade Program
The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation's economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels.
Program Accomplishments
Not Applicable.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Provides reimbursement toward the cost of equipment to upgrade low-power television stations from analog to digital broadcasting.
The program will provide reimbursement for equipment to upgrade low-power stations in eligible rural communities from analog to digital.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Specialized group (e.g.
health professionals, students, veterans): Communications
Beneficiary Eligibility
Anyone/general public; Rural
Credentials/Documentation
All applicants must supply proof of eligibility. Applicants must certify proof of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. Applicants must provide assurances required under Program Rules and Regulations. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. The application forms as furnished by the Federal Agency/LPTV and approved by OMB must be used for this program. The Application Kit can be retrieved from the web-site at www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv. By the deadlines, applicants must file a completed application form and required certifications. Applications postmarked or received after the deadline will be held until the next grant round.
Award Procedures
Applications are reviewed for completeness and verified with FCC data. Priority compensation shall be given to eligible low-power television stations in which the license is held by a non-profit corporation or eligible low-power television stations that serve rural areas of fewer than 10,000 viewers.
Deadlines
May 12, 2009 to Jul 13, 2009: The Priority Round Closing Date. After August 10, 2009, applications for the next grant round must be received at NTIA by 5 p.m., Eastern Time, the first business day of each subsequent month as long as funds are available (Closing Dates). Applications received after any of the monthly Closing Dates will be held until the next grant round.
Authorization
Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C.309(j)(8)(E) as amended, Public Law 109-171 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Title III - Digital Television Transition and Public Safety, February 8, 2006.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 60 to 90 days. The Program will conduct a grant round for those applicants that qualify for priority reimbursement, then will conduct grant rounds on a continuing basis until all funds are awarded.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Not Applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.This program has no matching requirements. This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Payments are generally within 90 days. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: No information provided.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Audits
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-133. Audits may be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award and Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions.
Records
Grant recipient must retain records for three years.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-5396-0-2-376.
Obigations
(Project Grants) FY 08 $0; FY 09 est $41,370,000; FY 10 est $0
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$6,000-$20,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Available from www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Mr. William Cooperman Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications/NTIA
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room 4812
, Washington 20230 Email: lptv@ntia.doc.gov Phone: 202 482-5802
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Priority reimbursement shall be given to eligible low-power television stations in which the license is held by a non-profit corporation and eligible low-power television stations that serve rural areas of fewer than 10,000 viewers.
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