The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program is a $268 million grant program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the purchase of broadband internet access service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel.
NTIA is continuing to review the more than 170 applications received during the application window, which closed on Dec. 1, 2021. The Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program will announce additional awards on a rolling basis as they go through NTIA's review process.
CMC Awardee Resources
CMC Reporting Templates/Samples
- Reporting Instructions and Guidance
- Baseline Report Template
- Baseline Report Sample
- Baseline Report Walkthrough Video
- Performance Technical Report Template
- Performance Technical Report Sample
- Performance Technical Report Walkthrough Video
- Annual Report Template
- Annual Report Sample
- Annual Certification (Appendix A of CMC NOFO)
Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Resources
Categorical Exclusion Questionnaire: Answers questions related to environmental considerations for determining the applicability of a categorical exclusion.
Fact sheets:
NTIA is proposing a public interest general applicability waiver of Section 70914 (Buy America Preference) of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials, with the exception of fiber optic glass and fiber optic cables, used in infrastructure projects funded through CMC awards. This proposed waiver would be in effect for a six-month adjustment period beginning on the date of its issuance. NTIA seeks public and industry comment from all interested parties on this proposed waiver, as well as any other issue or concern presented by the Notice. Please submit comments to CMC@ntia.gov by October 3, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
CMC News:
- December 16, 2022 Press Release: Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $18.5 Million in Internet for All Grants to Five Minority-Serving Colleges and Universities
- October 5, 2022 Press Release: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $10.6 Million in Internet for All Grants to Five Minority-Serving Colleges and Universities
- July 22, 2022 Press Release: Biden Administration Announces More Than $10 Million in Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet to Minority-Serving Colleges and Universities
- June 15, 2021 Press Release Announcing the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program and Final Rule
- August 3, 2021 Press Release Announcing the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program and NOFO Release
CMC Pre-Award and Review Process Information
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program Final Rule (PDF)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) - Amended 11-9-2021
Call for Reviewers – NTIA’s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 07-01-2021
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 08-17-2021
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 09-27-2021
- Human Subjects Research Guidance 11-15-2021
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 12-02-2021
Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program - Anchor Community Eligibility Dashboard
The CMC Anchor Community Dashboard is for informational purposes only and is intended solely to assist potential applicants in better understanding the CMC Pilot Program and the requirements set forth in the Final Rule for this program. The Dashboard does not and is not intended to supersede, modify, or otherwise alter applicable statutory or regulatory requirements, or the specific requirements set forth in the Final Rule and Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). In all cases, statutory and regulatory mandates, and the requirements set forth in the Final Rule and NOFO, shall prevail over any inconsistencies contained in the Dashboard.
CMC & Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives Webinars
Upcoming webinar(s):
Internet for All: How Minority Serving Institutions Can Help Shape State Broadband and Digital Equity Plans and Initiatives
Thursday, January 19, 2023 - 11:00 AM
Please join the NTIA Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI) on January 19th to learn how to be involved in NTIA initiatives to further broadband access and digital equity in your communities. The Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI) works with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs); and their educational and community partners to promote broadband connectivity, digital opportunities and inclusive innovation in historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.
This webinar will provide an overview of the
- NTIA Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI)
- NTIA Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
- NTIA Digital Equity (DE) Programs
We will provide guidance on how you and your stakeholders can become involved in these initiatives and directly participate in state, local and regional planning efforts around broadband and digital equity.
Speakers:
- Kevin Hughes, Acting Director, Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives, NTIA
- Evan Feinman, Director of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment BEAD Program, NTIA
- Michell Morton, Digital Equity Advisor, Internet for All, NTIA