State info session explains connected‑devices grant: eligibility, device rules and deadlines

Calland Shubert, program presenter with the Department of Early Education and Care, summarized an online capital grant to expand access to internet‑connected devices for education, workforce development and health care access. The program requires applicants to demonstrate how device deployment will support at least one of the three priority areas and to provide a public‑use plan showing how devices will be made available free to the public.

Shubert described the fund as a capital project and provided an approximate funding breakdown: “我们称 它 为 C 和 O 这 个 互 联 在 线 计 画 大 概 是 2、3 0 8 万 美 元 的 资 本 项 目 基 金 资 源……其 中 的 2 0 46 万 美 元 用 于 购 置 联 网 设 备 对 2 6 2 万 美 元 由 于 配 套 设 备.” The presenter said award notifications are expected in late November or early December 2025 and emphasized that applicants who submit after the stated deadlines may not receive timely technical assistance.

Eligibility and deployment: The session listed eligible lead applicants as municipal or state entities, tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic foundations, education and health‑care service providers, workforce centers and libraries. Projects must make equipment available to the public without charge during stated public access hours; programs that require membership fees or restrict access can affect eligibility. Awardees will receive ownership of equipment but must ensure public‑service use and may not resell, transfer or dispose of equipment without prior approval.

Equipment and support: Staff listed device types the program will purchase, naming Dell notebooks, Google Chromebooks/tablets, touch‑screen laptops and two tiers of all‑in‑one desktop/terminal systems (a standard and an enhanced model for higher‑skill training). Assistive software for accessibility and applications for users with speech/vision needs were cited. The presenter said warranty terms include a three‑year accidental‑damage warranty for notebooks and tablets and typically a one‑year hardware warranty for certain devices. Optional accessory packages that applicants may request include charging carts, printers, interactive whiteboards and telehealth monitoring kits.

Application process and size: The application narrative must cover five elements: scope/timeline, device quantities and types, project fit, public‑use/deployment plan, and evaluation/metrics. Required documentation includes a W‑9 (taxpayer identification), a UEI and (if available) SAM registration. Staff said applicants may save drafts in the online portal and contact the help center for assistance. Two application pathways were described: (1) a lead organization that applies for an aggregated set of devices (lead applicant can request up to 500 devices and list affiliates for distribution) and (2) independent site applications for single sites. The minimum packaged request noted in the session is 30 devices.

Scoring and bonus points: The review is scored to 100 points with up to 20 bonus points for factors such as serving high‑need populations, integrating digital‑skills training or supporting ACP/subsidy enrollment, and commitments to device refurbishment, repair or recycling. Review criteria include project impact, feasibility and readiness, community engagement, device effectiveness and monitoring and evaluation plans.

Compliance, reporting and timelines: Staff said awardees must maintain serial‑number records, submit periodic usage reports during the nine‑month deployment period and file a final impact report after the project conclusion. Devices must remain in public‑service use through Dec. 31, 2026, unless the program grants prior approval to change that status. The presenter referenced federal funding compliance including CFR guidance (CFR 200) and the program’s financial policies (CPF guidance) as constraints on device pricing and allowable uses.

Questions from participants focused on loaner‑program management (tracking and the program’s right to reclaim devices rarely), whether devices include built‑in cellular/Wi‑Fi (they do not by default), and how consortium or joint applications would work (lead applicant model recommended for multi‑site distribution). Staff reiterated the final application deadline stated during the session: 2025‑11‑07, with award notifications anticipated in late November or early December 2025.

The presentation recording, translated captions and two follow‑up Q&A sessions will be posted; staff provided an email contact for technical assistance and offered help coordinating consortium (lead applicant) proposals.