IV.2: Online Partnership Tools

Launch multiple online information and collaboration tools

Other Information:

Commerce’s NTIA and the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) were appropriated $7.2 billion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to award competitive grants to expand broadband capability. Both Commerce and USDA have embraced the principles of open government and launched multiple online information and collaboration tools. Among these, the BroadbandMatch tool has proven to be a signature initiative. This new online tool facilitates partnerships among prospective applicants to the agencies’ broadband programs. BroadbandMatch – at http://match.broadbandusa.gov – allows potential applicants to identify partners for broadband projects and helps them to combine expertise to create stronger proposals. For example, a broadband infrastructure provider might partner with community institutions, such as universities, hospitals, or libraries, on a proposal to bring high-speed Internet service to their facilities. Any company, nonprofit organization, state or local government, or qualified individual interested in applying for funding under NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program or RUS’ Broadband Initiatives Program can post a profile, including key information about the contribution they can make to a broadband project, and search for other stakeholders whose skills and resources match their needs. Commerce is exploring ways to use the technology and approach developed for the BroadbandMatch site for other Departmental initiatives that seek to connect grantees and better use government resources. One project currently under consideration involves adopting this model for EDA’s Regional Innovation Clusters Program, which seeks to connect established businesses and entrepreneurs to pursue joint projects that will promote regional economic growth.

Stakeholder(s):

• NTIA


• Rural Utilities Service (RUS): Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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