Connect the Ready is a competitive grants program that will encourage proactive partnerships and collaborative efforts to design, fund, and build broadband infrastructure projects in eligible areas.
The program will optimize broadband deployment to unserved locations and encourage projects that will expand universal broadband service throughout communities. In addition to proactive identification of eligible project areas, MCA will collaborate with applicants on the scope of projects and readiness of project partners.
For support at any time, please contact the Maine Connectivity Authority Team at info@maineconnectivity.org or 207-370-7439.
Application Resources
Please review the information below prior to applying for Connect the Ready Grants. The following resources are provided for your reference and use, but should be considered in DRAFT format and not final unless noted otherwise.
- Program Guidance Document: Detailed technical and financial guidance about the program, application and compliance processes (last updated June 2023)
- Program FAQs: A dynamic resource that is updated regularly with feedback from stakeholders
- Applicant Workbook: The template workbook that will be completed as part of the application
- Weighted Cost Benefit Estimator: This tool is meant to be used to estimate the relative impact on your project's weighted cost benefit. It is not in any way meant to represent the competitiveness of your potential project in relation to other applications, or replace the actual review process the Maine Connectivity will conduct after applications are received.
- Template Agreement: This contract template will be customized for each project, and signed by MCA, as well as ISP and community partners.
- Template MOU: This MOU can be used by ISP and community partners to outline the relationship between the two entities.
- Reduced Financial Commitment List: Areas that qualify for a reduced financial commitment for community-owned projects
- VETRO Mapping Platform Instructions: Step-by-step outline of how to create a network design using the VETRO platform
- VETRO Mapping Public Data Viewer: A public view of the data that will be available in the VETRO platform to applicants
Key Dates
- June 30: Final Guidance Documentation released
- July 14: Additional application information, templates, and how-to guide released
- August 8: Application Opens
- August 10: Applicant Information Session #1 : Register here
- TBD: Applicant Information Session #2
- September 14: Application Closes at 11:59 pm EDT
- November 17: Awards Announced
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are ready public & private partners: internet service providers, or broadband utility districts, and other governmental or tribal entities that have chosen ISP partners, and projects occur in partnership with communities that are ready to be connected with the chosen solution as the proposed project. MCA will encourage communities to partner with private entities and will require private applicants to gain the support of their proposed communities. Applicants must submit a formal expression of support from the leadership of the affected communities, and a memorandum of understanding between the parties will be required as a condition of the award prior to receipt of grant funds.
Partnerships on proposed projects that involve locally-funded infrastructure will include an operations agreement that covers maintenance, future connections, and upgrades. This agreement can be submitted as part of the application or as a condition of the award prior to receipt of grant funds.
Applicants must identify a point of contact for digital equity planning in the affected communities. Involved ISPs must meet eligibility requirements, including completion of annual required data filings.
Funding Available
MCA will allocate $20 million from the ARPA Capital Projects Fund for these grants.
Connect the Ready Grant Program
Connect the Ready is a competitive grants program that will encourage proactive partnerships and collaborative efforts to design, fund, and build broadband infrastructure projects in eligible areas.
The program will optimize broadband deployment to unserved locations and encourage projects that will expand universal broadband service throughout communities. In addition to proactive identification of eligible project areas, MCA will collaborate with applicants on the scope of projects and readiness of project partners.
For support at any time, please contact the Maine Connectivity Authority Team at info@maineconnectivity.org or 207-370-7439.
Application Resources
Please review the information below prior to applying for Connect the Ready Grants. The following resources are provided for your reference and use, but should be considered in DRAFT format and not final unless noted otherwise.
- Program Guidance Document: Detailed technical and financial guidance about the program, application and compliance processes (last updated June 2023)
- Program FAQs: A dynamic resource that is updated regularly with feedback from stakeholders
- Applicant Workbook: The template workbook that will be completed as part of the application
- Weighted Cost Benefit Estimator: This tool is meant to be used to estimate the relative impact on your project's weighted cost benefit. It is not in any way meant to represent the competitiveness of your potential project in relation to other applications, or replace the actual review process the Maine Connectivity will conduct after applications are received.
- Template Agreement: This contract template will be customized for each project, and signed by MCA, as well as ISP and community partners.
- Template MOU: This MOU can be used by ISP and community partners to outline the relationship between the two entities.
- Reduced Financial Commitment List: Areas that qualify for a reduced financial commitment for community-owned projects
- VETRO Mapping Platform Instructions: Step-by-step outline of how to create a network design using the VETRO platform
- VETRO Mapping Public Data Viewer: A public view of the data that will be available in the VETRO platform to applicants
Key Dates
- June 30: Final Guidance Documentation released
- July 14: Additional application information, templates, and how-to guide released
- August 8: Application Opens
- August 10: Applicant Information Session #1 : Register here
- TBD: Applicant Information Session #2
- September 14: Application Closes at 11:59 pm EDT
- November 17: Awards Announced
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are ready public & private partners: internet service providers, or broadband utility districts, and other governmental or tribal entities that have chosen ISP partners, and projects occur in partnership with communities that are ready to be connected with the chosen solution as the proposed project. MCA will encourage communities to partner with private entities and will require private applicants to gain the support of their proposed communities. Applicants must submit a formal expression of support from the leadership of the affected communities, and a memorandum of understanding between the parties will be required as a condition of the award prior to receipt of grant funds.
Partnerships on proposed projects that involve locally-funded infrastructure will include an operations agreement that covers maintenance, future connections, and upgrades. This agreement can be submitted as part of the application or as a condition of the award prior to receipt of grant funds.
Applicants must identify a point of contact for digital equity planning in the affected communities. Involved ISPs must meet eligibility requirements, including completion of annual required data filings.
Funding Available
MCA will allocate $20 million from the ARPA Capital Projects Fund for these grants.