Program Questions:
ConnectALL – Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP)

Q_14683

Are you applying to ConnectALL's Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP)?
  • Threshold
  • Yes
  • Yes/No
    • The mission of Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. To support broadband access for communities across the state, Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Office (“CAO”) has issued this Request for Applications (“RFA”) for the Municipal Infrastructure Program (“MIP”). 
    • Through this RFA, CAO intends to support the development of open-access and predominantly publicly controlled last mile fiber broadband infrastructure that will directly connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions to reliable high-speed internet service, using funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (“CPF”). The objective of this RFA is to improve broadband access in communities across the state facing connectivity challenges due to the lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. 

Q_14684

Do you acknowledge that the project(s) you are proposing for grant funding will meet the minimum project requirements as stated in the RFA and any subsequently published updates?
  • Threshold
  • Yes
  • Yes/No

Q_14739

Do you have commitment from one or more ISPs to operate on the proposed network for open-access infrastructure?
  • Threshold
  • Yes
  • Yes/No

Q_14428

Has your business ever violated applicable regulations, labor laws, prevailing wage requirements, or labor standards?
  • Threshold
  • Yes
  • Yes/No

Q_14740

Provide a summary of the following key points of the project [Not to exceed two pages]:

- List of applicants and any eligible partners
- List of the proposed project areas with a percentage of unserved and underserved locations
- Total miles of proposed new fiber construction
- Brief overview of the proposed project approach
- Proposed infrastructure ownership model
- Approach for sharing the newly built infrastructure as open-access or reserved for exclusive use
- Total project budget with the amount requested from MIP grant funds

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_Project-Summary_MM.DD.YY"

Please note that the accepted file type for this question is PDF. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Project Summary
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_14686

Upload the Applicant’s most recent financial statements prepared in accordance with standard accounting procedures of the Applicant and all principals of the organization. Eligible Private Applicants should provide three years of audited financial statements.

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_Finances_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file type for this question is PDF. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Financial Capability
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_14687

Please provide two case studies of relevant past work done by the Applicant or team, with preference to work conducted in New York State. Include reference to adhering to relevant state and federal regulations.

Case studies shall be brief and include the following for each:
• Number of addresses served
• Number of businesses subcontracted
• Route miles constructed, and costs incurred by category (e.g., make-ready, permitting, engineering/design, labor, construction)
• Description of the technology deployed and why it was the appropriate choice for the project
• Service level commitment offered
• Advertised download speed in megabits per second
• Advertised upload speed in megabits per second
• Monthly, non-promotional price for each service offered over the funded infrastructure
• Specifications of signal latency and service reliability parameters
• Descriptions of any delays or changes made to project timeline

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_Experiences_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file type for this question is PDF. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Experience and Relevant Qualifications
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_14688

Please provide a project management plan with timelines clearly identifying the time to first connections and the time to project completion.

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_Deployment-Timelines_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file types for this question are PDF and XLSX. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Deployment Timelines
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_14765

Please provide the following information by filling out all four tabs of the MIP RFA Templates file (link to download below).

1. Project budget with a breakdown of costs using the “MIP Budget Templates” tab

2. Services and products that will be offered to the end-users, and pricing of those by completing the “MIP Service Tiers and Pricing” tab:
a) Include description of service tiers, speeds, and pricing, inclusive of all taxes and fees.
b) Indicate price, upload speed, and download speed for a product at or below $30 per month, if such a price point is planned
c) Include description, including service speeds and means of delivery, of any free service tiers or free introductory periods, if available

3. Details on the intent to hire additional employees if the Applicant is selected to be a Grantee by filling out the “MIP Workforce Development” tab

4. A list of locations the project will serve by filling out the “MIP Location Data” tab. Provide all available location data such as FCC Location ID, address, and latitude/longitude for each location
a) Indicate which locations are Unserved, Underserved or Served
b) Business, Residential or Mixed
c) Community Anchor Institutions


Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_MIP-RFA-Filled-Templates_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file type for this question is XLSX. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.

Please use the link below to download the templates file.

  • MIP RFA Templates
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_14689

Please provide a complete or close to complete network design and architecture, including:

• Network elements (both active and passive)
• Connectivity to the internet backbone
• Delivery to each served address with the required throughput and capacity
• Engineering decisions required to achieve service speeds and latency, such as:
• Backhaul connectivity
• Head end deployment
• Core network electronics
• Fiber capacity and strand counts on each segment of the network
• Maximum line speed at the premises
• Oversubscription ratio
• Split ratios
• Splice points
• Drop installation
• In-unit termination specification
• CPE or router model and capabilities (including Wi-Fi interface)

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_Network-Design_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file type for this question is PDF. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Network Design
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_14690

Please provide Maps and address lists indicating the fiber routes and accompanying infrastructure (e.g., poles and huts) that the MIP grants would fund. Include a list of publicly controlled assets the project may use to support deployment. Include a .kmz or shapefile of the proposed routing with clearly defined layers for the various types of infrastructure and any other information relevant to the design, including:

• Fiber routes and segment types (backbone, distribution, etc.)
• Installation method (direction bore, micro-trenching, etc.)

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_Maps-Addresses_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file types for this question are kmz, kml, shp, and shx. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Maps and Addresses
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_14691

For an open-access infrastructure, please provide Letters of Commitment to operate on the network from one or more ISP, indicating details of the ISP’s planned technology approach and demonstration of a currently functional network meeting CAO requirements elsewhere. Other supporting documentation may include letters of endorsement from ISP(s) currently operating on infrastructure built by the applicant elsewhere, and documentation from an operator using infrastructure built by the Applicant to host ISPs that meet CAO’s service requirements.

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_ISP-LOC_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file type for this question is PDF. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • ISP Letters Of Commitment
  • Attachment
  • Yes
  • Attachment

Q_15016

Attach letter(s) of commitment, if available, from partner organization(s) that demonstrate(s) Applicant’s current engagement, or future intent to engage, with partner(s) through advising on curriculum or program design, providing program funding, interviewing talent, hiring talent, building an apprenticeship or other program, or upskilling existing workers. Letters can be from labor unions, workforce development organizations, state and local workforce boards, educational institutions, community-based organizations, or others relevant organizations.

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_WorkforceLOCs_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file type for this question is PDF. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Workforce Development
  • Attachment
  • No
  • Attachment

Q_15018

Provide any additional document(s) to strengthen your application (e.g. letters of endorsement from the proposed area municipality).

Name your file using the following naming convention: “ApplicantName_AdditionalDocs_MM.DD.YY”

Please note that the accepted file types for this question are PDF and ZIP. If you have an issue with uploading any files, please reach out to cfa-programs@ny.gov and MIP@esd.ny.gov.
  • Additional Document(s)
  • Attachment
  • No
  • Attachment

Q_15017

Do you acknowledge that the project(s) you are proposing for grant funding will meet the minimum project requirements as stated in the RFA and any subsequently published updates?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Yes/No

Q_14429

Name of the Primary Applicant Organization
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14430

Applicant Street Address
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14431

Applicant City
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14432

Applicant State
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • State Dropdown

Q_14433

Applicant ZIP Code (please use ZIP+4 if known)
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Zip Code

  • To look up a zip code, click HERE.

Q_14434

Applicant organization website
  • Standard Question
  • No
  • URL

Q_14435

Is the applicant "Doing Business As" (DBA)?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Yes/No
    1. If Yes is selected then Q_14436 will be displayed

Q_14436

What is the applicant's DBA name?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14437

Primary Contact First Name
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14438

Primary Contact Last Name
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14439

Primary Contact Title
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14440

Primary Contact Telephone
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Phone

Q_14441

Primary Contact Email Address
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Email

Q_14736

What is the type of entity for the lead applicant?
  • Standard Question
  • No
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Eligible Public Applicant, Eligible Private Partner Applicant
    1. If Eligible Private Partner Applicant is selected then Q_14694 will be displayed
    2. If Eligible Public Applicant is selected then Q_14693 will be displayed

  • Eligible Public Applicants, fitting one or more of the following descriptions, may submit applications. Eligible Public Applicants must propose to own the planned infrastructure, in whole or in partnership. 

    • Public Entities: Municipalities, cities, counties, towns, villages, Tribal Nations, state and local authorities, entities established pursuant to Section 99-y of the NYS General Municipal Law, not-for-profit entities with authorization from public entities; and regional planning boards formed under the provisions of NYS General Municipal Law. 
    • Municipal Utilities: Local government entities, including those established by a municipality as nonprofits, which provide essential services such as electricity, telecommunications, water, sewer, and gas services over municipally owned infrastructure. 
    • Utility Cooperatives: Regulated, nonprofit entities that deliver electricity to their constituent members. 

    Eligible Private Partner Applicants, fitting one or more of the following descriptions, may submit applications with letters of endorsement from an Eligible Public Applicant. Eligible Private Partner Applicants can have an ownership structure that may be in the form of public-private partnership, private or shareholder ownership, nongovernmental nonprofit, non-utility cooperative, or community trust. 

    • Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Entities providing internet services to consumers, not limited to providers of cable television or telephone services. 
    • Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Entities operating networks and providing service to residents and businesses by using existing internet infrastructure or partnering with construction entities to build networks.  
    • Broadband Infrastructure Builders: Entities that construct and/or deploy open-access broadband infrastructure assets. 
    • Broadband Infrastructure Owners: Entities that own, operate, or hold last mile or middle mile fiber infrastructure.        

Q_14693

Please specify the Public entity type for the lead Applicant:
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Multi Choice
  • Municipality, City, County, Town, Village, Tribal Nation, State and local authority, Entity established pursuant to Section 99-y of the NYS General Municipal Law, Not-for-profit entity with authorization from public entities, Regional planning board formed under the provisions of NYS General Municipal Law, Municipal Utility, Utility Cooperative

  • Eligible Public Applicants, fitting one or more of the following descriptions, may submit applications. Eligible Public Applicants must propose to own the planned infrastructure, in whole or in partnership.

    • Public Entities: Municipalities, cities, counties, towns, villages, Tribal Nations, state and local authorities, entities established pursuant to Section 99-y of the NYS General Municipal Law, not-for-profit entities with authorization from public entities; and regional planning boards formed under the provisions of NYS General Municipal Law.
    • Municipal Utilities: Local government entities, including those established by a municipality as nonprofits, which provide essential services such as electricity, telecommunications, water, sewer, and gas services over municipally owned infrastructure.
    • Utility Cooperatives: Regulated, nonprofit entities that deliver electricity to their constituent members.

Q_14694

Please specify the Private Partner entity type for the lead Applicant:
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Multi Choice
  • Internet Service Providers (ISP), Managed Service Providers (MSP), Broadband Infrastructure Builder, Broadband Infrastructure Owner

  • Eligible Private Partner Applicants, fitting one or more of the following descriptions, may submit applications with letters of endorsement from an Eligible Public Applicant. Eligible Private Partner Applicants can have an ownership structure that may be in the form of public-private partnership, private or shareholder ownership, nongovernmental nonprofit, non-utility cooperative, or community trust. 

    • Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Entities providing internet services to consumers, not limited to providers of cable television or telephone services. 
    • Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Entities operating networks and providing service to residents and businesses by using existing internet infrastructure or partnering with construction entities to build networks.  
    • Broadband Infrastructure Builders: Entities that construct and/or deploy open-access broadband infrastructure assets. 
    • Broadband Infrastructure Owners: Entities that own, operate, or hold last mile or middle mile fiber infrastructure.        

Q_14443

Select an applicant ID type from the list below that you normally use to identify your organization on application forms.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Multi Choice
  • Charity Reg #, Duns Number, Federal Tax ID Number, NYS Unemployment Insurance Tax Number,NYS Vendor Identification Number (SFS),Employee Identification Number (EIN),Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

  • Applicants will be required to provide the specified ID number upon request by the funding agencies.

Q_14444

Based on your selection from the previous question, enter the associated ID number.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14445

If you are a business, have you been certified as a New York State Minority or Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Yes, No, N/A

Q_14695

What is the expected infrastructure ownership structure?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Public, Public-Private Partnership, Private

Q_14696

Based on your selection from the previous question, please specify the entity or entities and entity type that will ultimately own the proposed infrastructure.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14446

Please indicate if this application is submitted by a partnership or joint venture.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Yes/No
    1. If Yes is selected then these questions will be displayed:
      - Q_14447
      - Q_14448
      - Q_14449
      - Q_14450
      - Q_14451
      - Q_14452
      - Q_14453
      - Q_14454
      - Q_14455
      - Q_14456
      - Q_14582

Q_14447

Please indicate the legal name(s) of any other organization(s) who are partners to this application or party to a joint venture.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14448

Partner Organization Street Address
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14449

Partner Organization City
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14450

Partner Organization State
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • State Dropdown

Q_14451

Partner Organization ZIP (please use +4 if known)
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

  • To look up a zip code, click HERE.

Q_14452

Partner Organization Primary Contact First Name
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14453

Partner Organization Primary Contact Last Name
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14454

Partner Organization Primary Contact Telephone Number (please include area code)
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Phone

Q_14455

Partner Organization Primary Contact Email Address
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Email

Q_14582

Is there a third organization (including the Applicant) party to the partnership or joint venture?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Yes/No
    1. If Yes is selected then these questions will be displayed:
      - Q_14583
      - Q_14584
      - Q_14585
      - Q_14586
      - Q_14587
      - Q_14588
      - Q_14589
      - Q_14590

Q_14583

Third Partner Organization Street Address
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14584

Third Partner Organization City
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14585

Third Partner Organization State
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • State Dropdown

Q_14586

Third Partner Organization ZIP (please use +4 if known)
  • Standard Question
  • No
  • Short Answer

  • To look up a zip code, click HERE.

Q_14587

Third Partner Organization Primary Contact First Name
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14588

Third Partner Organization Primary Contact Last Name
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14589

Third Partner Organization Primary Contact Telephone Number (please include area code)
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Phone

Q_14590

Third Partner Organization Primary Partner Email Address
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Email

Q_14456

Applicants that represent joint ventures or partnerships, please specify the roles and services provided through each party to the joint venture or partnership as well as how the partnership or joint venture is managed.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 3000

Q_14766

Please provide brief description of the operating model, specifying whether and how the infrastructure will be used by one or more internet service providers and what will be required of those ISPs.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14697

How many years has the Primary Applicant’s organization been operating in New York?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Dropdown
  • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150

Q_14458

Briefly describe the history of the Applicant or team as well as ownership and legal structure.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 1000

Q_14459

Briefly describe the Applicant’s experience in broadband deployment in New York.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 1500

Q_14698

How does the Applicant or team plan to staff for the project?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Dropdown
  • Applicant or team already have the skilled resources required to staff the project, Applicant or team have a defined staffing plan to ramp up the resources for the project, Applicant or team have some concerns staffing for the project, Applicant or team have not defined the staffing plans yet

Q_14764

Does the primary applicant have experience in broadband deployment – planning, project managing, delivering and/or operating broadband infrastructure?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Successful broadband deployment in New York, Successful broadband deployment in other States, Experience in other forms of infrastructure such as power water wastewater roads or other, No experience in any infrastructure deployment
    1. If Experience in other forms of infrastructure such as power water wastewater roads or other is selected then these questions will be displayed:
      - Q_14748
      - Q_14761

Q_14748

Briefly describe the experience the primary applicant has in other forms of infrastructure deployment.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14761

Explain who the primary applicant will partner with or prepared to contract with that has broadband experience?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14751

For aerial construction of the proposed broadband deployment, what is the applicant teams’ ability to mitigate cost and timeline risks as it relates to pole make-ready and licensing?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Total pole ownership and/or control, Partial pole ownership and/or control, Single third-party pole ownership, Joint third-party pole ownership, None of the above

Q_14467

Describe prior experience coordinating with permitting authorities, utility pole owners, and existing utilities.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 1500

Q_14700

For underground construction of the proposed broadband deployment, what is the applicant teams’ ability to mitigate cost and timeline risks as it relates to pathway to receive expedited permitting for right-of-way (ROW)?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • No underground work anticipated, Can easily get permits and ROW, Potential easement requirements, Significant easement requirements

Q_14468

Do you have experience managing state or federal grants or loans for broadband deployment?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Yes/No
    1. If Yes is selected then these questions will be displayed:
      - Q_14469
      - Q_14470

Q_14469

Have any of your grants or loans for broadband deployment been suspended, paused, or rescinded at any time due to lack of performance or compliance with program rules or applicable law?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Yes/No

Q_14470

Briefly outline the Applicant’s background in overseeing state or federal grants or loans for broadband deployment. If applicable, explain the circumstances that led to any grants or loans that faced suspension, pause, or rescission due to performance issues or non-compliance with program regulations or relevant laws.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 2500

Q_14473

Describe past record of responding to information requests to share data with the NYS Department of Public Service concerning broadband mapping initiatives, including the length of time taken to furnish the requested information.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14701

Describe your current or past participation in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or other public subsidy programs.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14702

Is the applicant team local to the proposed broadband deployment region in the New York State?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Yes, No

Q_14703

Describe the broadband infrastructure project and the specific geography and locations it would service (the Project Area(s))?
  • Approach and Scope of Services
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 2000

Q_14704

What are the wealth and income demographics for the proposed Project Area(s)?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Predominantly low-income non-investment area, Predominantly mid-income mixed investment area, Predominantly high-income with existing ISP(s)

Q_14705

Provide a list of the existing Internet Service Provider(s) in the Project Area(s) along with their advertised range of speed (download and upload) in Mbps and any other services offered.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14706

Describe any patterns of non-investment or past challenges preventing Internet Service Provider(s) to provider services in the Project Area(s).
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14742

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations in the following table (Unserved):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14743

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations in the following table (Underserved Locations):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14744

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations in the following table (Served Locations):
  • For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations (unserved, underserved, & served locations).

    Note: Total is auto-populated after saving & moving to next page.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14745

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations in the following table (Residential Locations):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14746

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations in the following table (Business Locations):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14747

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations in the following table (Community Anchor Institutions):
  • For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the numbers of broadband serviceable locations (residential, business, & community anchor institutions).

    Note: Total is auto-populated after saving & moving to next page.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14749

How many total miles of new fiber construction is proposed for the Project Area(s) (Aerial Fiber Construction):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14750

How many total miles of new fiber construction is proposed for the Project Area(s) (Underground Fiber Construction):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14752

How many total miles of new fiber construction is proposed for the Project Area(s) (Drop Fiber (Aerial & Underground) For the Last-Mile):
  • For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the total miles of new fiber construction being proposed (aerial fiber construction, underground fiber construction, & drop fiber (aerial and underground) for the last-mile).

    Note: Total is auto-populated after saving & moving to next page.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14754

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the financial details below (MIP Grant Requested):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Money

Q_14756

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the financial details below (Available or Earmarked Public Funds):
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Money

Q_14757

For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the financial details below (Available Private Funds):
  • For the proposed Project Area(s), please provide the financial details (MIP grant requested, available or earmarked public funds, & available private funds). The "Total" should represent the Total Project Cost.

    Note: Total is auto-populated after saving & moving to next page.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Money

Q_14707

Briefly provide the information about the available or earmarked public funds and/or the available private funds.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14708

Describe Applicant or teams’ access to capital to address any potential debt or operating revenue shortfalls.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14709

Describe the methodology and any assumptions made to determine the cost estimates.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14710

What is the projected take-rate % in the first five years of broadband service?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14711

What is the take-rate % to break-even the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) expenses?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14712

Describe efforts that will be made by the Applicant or team to keep costs reasonable and competitive.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14753

Please describe the revenue sharing model between the Applicant and partner(s), including but not limited to the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14713

For any proposed public-private partnership, what is the minimum duration in years of shared public ownership?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14714

For any proposed acquisitions as a part of the project (e.g. fiber leases), describe the age and remaining useful life of the infrastructure.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14715

Within how many months of the project kick-off are the first connections expected?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14716

Within how many months of the project kick-off will the project complete?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14717

Describe the work that has been done to date in developing the project and explain why this grant is necessary to advance the Applicant’s project to implementation.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14718

How does the Applicant plan to share the newly built network infrastructure?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Open-access network with transparent pricing and unbiased availability for multiple ISP(s), Exclusively reserved for public entity use, Private use with potential Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) for public entity, Exclusive private use

Q_14719

Describe the identified risks for the proposed project and plans to mitigate those (if identified).
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14720

Is the network design of the proposed Project Area(s) complete or close to complete? Please ensure to upload the network design in whatever stage it is at in the Documents tab.
  • Network Design
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Shovel-ready project design, Close to complete network design, Very preliminary network design, Network design not started yet

Q_14755

Is the proposed network design completely fiber?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Yes, No
    1. If No is selected then these questions will be displayed:
      - Q_14758
      - Q_14759

Q_14758

What percentage of the network is another medium (non-fiber)?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Integer

Q_14759

Please specify what non-fiber medium is proposed and provide justification and explain what engineering decisions or other factors led to the decision to have any non-fiber portion in the network design.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14721

Are there any interconnection plans with the existing publicly controlled middle mile and/or last mile infrastructure assets?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Contiguous with public infrastructure, Connects to a publicly accessible Point-Of-Presence or Data Center, Private Infrastructure without public interconnection plans

Q_14722

Describe whether any existing infrastructure would or has been integrated into the design.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14723

Describe performance metrics of your proposed network, including the speeds, latency, average outage, network uptime, and existence of data caps or throttling.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14760

In addition to completing the Service Tiers and Pricing template under the Documents tab of this application, please also describe the service speeds and means of delivery of any free service tiers or free introductory periods available to end-users. Specify if such options will be generally available without ACP utilization or will require additional qualification.
  • Service Quality
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 1500

Q_14724

Describe plans to market the service to customers and plans to work with customers to enroll.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 2000

Q_14480

Specify the type and daily operating hours for all types of customer service provided for broadband subscribers including phone, email, SMS, and/or in person customer assistance (if provided). How is customer support provided outside of regular working hours and on weekends?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 3000

Q_14481

What aspects of the customer service experience are automated and which are provided through live customer support?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 1 - 3000

Q_14482

What is the scope of any subcontractors providing customer support?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 3000

Q_14725

Describe how Applicant will ensure long-term, high-quality connectivity and support for residents, including a proposed Service-Level Agreement.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 2000

Q_14484

How will the Applicant adhere to net neutrality principles, including commitments to no blocking, no throttling, no unreasonable discrimination in the transmittal of lawful internet traffic, and no paid prioritization?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 1000

Q_14485

What measures and strategies will the Applicant take to safeguard the privacy and cybersecurity of residents and other end-users?
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 1500

Q_14726

Describe Applicant or teams’ outreach targets, including any plans to engage the community with any non-English-speaking residents.
  • Digital Equity Impact, Workforce Development and Diversity Practices
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14727

Describe Applicant or teams’ prior experiences adopting community support programs and the outcomes of such programs.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14728

Describe any plans to provide devices, skills and safety trainings, or provide other support to the community.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14729

Describe any accessibility plans to the community residents with disabilities.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14730

Describe the projected economic development and job creation impacts from the proposed project.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14731

Describe Applicant or teams’ current practices aligning with NYS “good job” definitions and safety standards by committing to appropriate policies and investments to recruit, train, hire, retrain, and upskill a diverse workforce, particularly local workers and/or workers from historically disadvantaged communities, into good jobs that pay the prevailing wage.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14496

Describe current and planned future workforce training, certification, and licensure (e.g., in-house training, safety training, industry-recognized certifications, and offer of vocational training, apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, or other “earn and learn” opportunities) that are part of the Applicant’s workforce development strategies.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 2000

Q_14732

Explain current and planned future efforts to diversify the talent pipeline by engaging underrepresented and/or underserved individuals, including any statewide, regional, or local partnerships in place to support recruitment and hiring.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 2000

Q_14486

Describe the Applicant’s current employee engagement strategy as it relates to ensuring good jobs for the Applicant’s employees. Include an overview of compensation and benefits, job security, working conditions, worker engagement, and the organizational culture.
  • Workforce Development
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • 0 - 3000

Q_14733

Describe the interest of one or more eligible partners and vendors to support the project. Detail any specific commitments that have been made.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Long Answer
  • any

Q_14734

Please specify the level of commitment from the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to operate on the proposed network build. For open-access network, the Applicant must have commitment from one or more ISPs to operate on the network.
  • Standard Question
  • Yes
  • Single Choice Radio Button
  • Committed one or more ISPs for last-mile, Identified but uncommitted ISPs, ISPs not identified yet

Q_1038

By entering your name in the box below, you certify that you are authorized on behalf of the applicant and its governing body to submit this application. You further certify that all of the information contained in this Application and in all statements, data and supporting documents which have been made or furnished for the purpose of receiving assistance for the project described in this application, are true, correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief. You acknowledge that offering a written instrument knowing that the written instrument contains a false statement or false information, with the intent to defraud the State or any political subdivision, public authority or public benefit corporation of the State, with the knowledge or belief that it will be filed with or recorded by the State or any political subdivision, public authority or public benefit corporation of the State, constitutes a crime under New York State Law.
  • Certification
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_14767

By entering your name in the box below, you the Applicant acknowledges the following:

-Applicant will meet all Project Requirements and Applicant Requirements per the RFA.
-Application is not receiving funding from other federal or state sources for the same activities proposed for MIP funding.
-Applicant will provide additional cost estimates, if requested, for Properties in the portfolio agreed upon with CAO, including total grant amount requested and matching funds.
-Application will work with all appropriate agencies to obtain all required right of way approvals.
-Application will obtain all required permits and private easement approvals.
-Application will coordinate project deployment with all utilities.
-Application will obtain any necessary subcontractors.
-Application will provide on-site construction inspections to ensure proper design and execution.
-Application will coordinate and resolve third-party or private claims.
-Application will repair any and all damage to private and government property.
-Application will at all times, maintain an adequate staff of experienced and qualified employees for efficient performance.
-Application will at all times, furnish or perform any services in a safe, proper, and professional manner.
-Application will comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
-Application must submit a performance report to the State that includes the following key performance indicators, if selected to be a Grantee:
• Project milestones and percentage of project/site completion, including construction milestones, quantity of fiber deployed, problems/issues encountered, and actions taken to resolve construction issues
• Description of changes, challenges, or risks to project timeline, including environmental compliance and permitting challenges
• Detailed reporting of actual construction costs, as compared to approved construction costs
• Speed and latency test data at the address level for all locations served in the project area--including maximum download speed offered, maximum download speed delivered, maximum upload speed offered, maximum upload speed delivered, and latency.
• Maps and associated data for all locations served, including all buildings/sites where service was installed.
• Compliance with Prevailing Wage requirements, as determined during negotiations
• Implementation progress of Digital Equity, Workforce Development, and Diversity Practices plans
• Other reporting as required by grantor agencies or as mutually agreed upon by the Applicant and State.
• Subscription information including the number of paying subscribers enrolled in the service, the number of low-income subscribers enrolled in ACP, and the number of subscribers enrolled in a low-cost service plan
• Information about customers' Internet access prior to enrolling in the service including whether or not the customer had a previous fixed Internet subscription and the speed of that previous subscription
-Applicant acknowledges receipt of and compliance with addenda to this RFA.
  • Certification
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_2365

By entering your name in the box below, you are acknowledging that ESD’s Contractor & Supplier Diversity policy will apply to this project. You are further acknowledging that you are aware of ESD’s agency-wide Minority and Women Business Enterprise (‘MWBE’) utilization goal of 30%. Please note that each project will be assigned an individual contract-specific goal, which may be higher or lower than 30%. Furthermore, you understand that, should this project receive a funding award, the Applicant shall be required to use good faith efforts to achieve the prescribed MWBE goals assigned to this project and failure to attain MWBE goal could result in grant amount being reduced.
  • Certification
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_4182

By entering your name in the box below, you certify and agree that you are aware that your award will be reduced in proportion to the reduction of jobs and/or total project costs. Furthermore, you understand that, should this project receive a funding award, the Applicant will maintain such records and take such actions necessary to demonstrate such compliance throughout the completion of the project.
  • Certification
  • Yes
  • Short Answer

Q_7341

By entering your name in the box below, you certify, under penalty of perjury, that the information given herein is true and correct in all respects for the company or organization applying for funding (the "Company"), presently and for the past five years: -the Company is not a party to any litigation or any litigation is not pending or anticipated that could have an adverse material effect on the company's financial condition;

-the Company does not have any contingent liabilities that could have a material effect on its solvency;

-the Company, its affiliates or any member of its management or any other concern with which such members of management have been officers or directors, have never been involved in bankruptcy, creditor's rights, or receivership proceedings or sought protection from creditors;

-the Company is not delinquent on any of its state, federal or local tax obligations;

-No principal, officer of the Company, owner or majority stockholder of any firm or corporation, or member of the management has been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, indicted, granted immunity, convicted of a crime or subject to a judgment, or the subject of an investigation, whether open or closed, by any government entity for a civil or criminal violation for: (i) any business-related activity including, but not limited to, fraud, coercion, extortion, bribe or bribe receiving, giving or accepting unlawful gratuities, immigration or tax fraud, racketeering, mail fraud, wire fraud, price fixing or collusive bidding; or (ii) any crime, whether or not business related, where the underlying conduct relates to truthfulness, including but not limited to, the filing of false documents or false sworn statements, perjury or larceny;

-the Company or any of the Company's affiliates, principal owners or Officers has not received a violation of State Labor Law deemed "willful";

-the Company or any of its affiliates has never been cited for a violation of State, Federal, or local laws or regulations with respect to labor practices, hazardous wastes, environmental pollution or other operating practices;

-there are not any outstanding judgments or liens pending against the Company other than liens in the normal course of business.

-the Company or any of its affiliates, principal owners or officers the company has not been the subject of any judgments, injunctions, or liens including, but not limited to, judgments based on taxes owed, fines and penalties assessed by any governmental agency, or elected official against the Company.

- the Company or any of its affiliates, principal owners or officers the company has not been investigated by any governmental agency, including, but not limited to, federal, state and local regulatory agencies

-the Company or any of its affiliates, principal owners or officers the company has not been debarred from entering into any government contract; been found non-responsible on any government contract; been declared in default ore terminated for cause on any government contract; been determined to be ineligible to bid or propose on any contract; been suspended from bidding on any government contract; received an overall unsatisfactory performance rating from any government agency on any contract; agree to a voluntary exclusion from bidding or contracting on a government contract.

- the Company or any of its affiliates, principal owners or officers the company has not failed to file any of the required forms with any government entity regulating the Company. By entering your name in the box below, you agree to allow the Department of Taxation to share the Company tax information with ESD. By entering your name in the box below, you agree to allow the Department of Labor to share tax and employer information with ESD. Note: If any of the statements above are not true, in addition to entering your name, also include an explanation in the box below, indicating which issue you are addressing.
  • Certification
  • Yes
  • Short Answer