Diverse Reviewers Sought for Broadband Stimulus Grants

The federal government is looking for reviewers to help ensure stimulus money earmarked for broadband projects goes to the right places. $7.2 billion was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to boost broadband growth in underserved areas. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a division of the Department of Commerce, is overseeing grants from organizations and communities seeking funds from the stimulus package.

The call for reviewers is to help ensure an ethnically and geographically diverse pool of people can look at the programs, and is a great opportunity for experts of color to propose programs that can reduce the digital divide.

According to the program’s website, reviewers must have experience in one of the following areas:
1) design, funding, construction, and operation of broadband networks or public computer centers;
2) broadband-related outreach, training, or education;
3) innovative programs to increase the demand for broadband services.

To apply, submit a resume and conflict of interest forms via email to btopreviewers@ntia.doc.gov AND send signed copies via smail mail to:
BTOP Reviewers
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
HCHB, Room 4812
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230

No deadline for reviewer applications is currently listed.