October 17 at 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
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October 19 at 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
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The Digital Equity Act (DEA), which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, appropriated $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs to promote digital equity and inclusion. These three programs are: (1) the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program (SDEPG); (2) the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program; and (3) the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. On behalf of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, which administers these programs, we are initiating additional Tribal Consultations for the DEA Programs. These consultations will provide NTIA with valuable feedback to inform future Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for Tribal participation in the DEA Programs.

The SDEPG is a $60 million formula grant program for States, Territories, and Eligible Tribal Entities to develop digital equity plans. The State Digital Equity Capacity Program is a $1.44 billion grant program for States, Territories and Eligible Tribal Entities to fund implementation of their digital equity plans. The Digital Equity Competitive Program is a $1.25 billion competitive grant program for eligible entities to implement digital equity projects. The DEA requires that NTIA set aside 5% (five percent) of these grant funds for Eligible Tribal Entities.

Note: Following the Dear Tribal Leader Letter sent on July 24, 2023, NTIA intends to utilize these consultations to offer additional information around the adjusted timeline and approach for the SDEPG and State Digital Equity Capacity Program, as they pertain to Eligible Tribal Entities.

To seek your input regarding its Digital Equity Act Programs, NTIA invites you and/or a Tribal representative to participate in the virtual National Tribal Consultation to provide your advice and insights as NTIA staff work through the critical issues related to these programs.