Notice2023-22800
Notice of Expansion and Proposed Restructuring of the Digital Opportunity Demonstration Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 17, 2023
Issuing agencies
Housing and Urban Development Department
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is committed to advancing digital opportunities in HUD-assisted communities by expanding its ConnectHomeUSA initiative to between 50 and 100 new communities. HUD's ConnectHome pilot program was launched in 2015 to address the "homework gap" for students in grades K-12 living in public and Indian housing. HUD partnered with interested public housing authorities and tribes to join forces with their city and tribal leadership to close this gap in twenty-eight HUD-assisted communities. Through this notice, HUD solicits comment on the expansion and restructuring of its demonstration program (ConnectHomeUSA) that is designed to further the collaborative efforts by government, industry, and nonprofit organizations to accelerate broadband internet adoption and use in HUD-assisted homes.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 199 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 199 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71586-71592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22800]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
[Docket No. FR-6338-N-01]
Notice of Expansion and Proposed Restructuring of the Digital
Opportunity Demonstration Program
AGENCY: Office of Public and Indian Housing, HUD.
ACTION: Notice, with request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is
committed to advancing digital opportunities in HUD-assisted
communities by expanding its ConnectHomeUSA initiative to between 50
and 100 new communities. HUD's ConnectHome pilot program was launched
in 2015 to address the ``homework gap'' for students in grades K-12
living in public and Indian housing. HUD partnered with interested
public housing authorities and tribes to join forces with their city
and tribal leadership to close this gap in twenty-eight HUD-assisted
communities. Through this notice, HUD solicits comment on the expansion
and restructuring of its demonstration program (ConnectHomeUSA) that is
designed to further the collaborative efforts by government, industry,
and nonprofit organizations to accelerate broadband internet adoption
and use in HUD-assisted homes.
DATES: Comment Due Date: December 18, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments responsive
to this Notice to the Office of General Counsel, Regulations Division,
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Room
10276, Washington, DC 20410-0001. All submissions should refer to the
above docket number and title. Submission of public comments may be
carried out by hard copy or electronic submission.
1. Submission of Hard Copy Comments
Comments may be submitted by mail or hand delivery. Each commenter
submitting hard copy comments, by mail or hand delivery, should submit
comments to the address above, addressed to the attention of the
Regulations Division. Due to security measures at all federal agencies,
submission of comments by mail often results in delayed delivery. To
ensure timely receipt of comments, HUD recommends that any comments
submitted by mail be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the
public comment deadline. All hard copy comments received by mail or
hand delivery are a part of the public record and will be posted to
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> without change.
2. Electronic Submission of Comments
Interested persons may submit comments electronically through the
Federal eRulemaking Portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. HUD strongly
encourages commenters to submit comments electronically. Electronic
submission of comments allows the commenter maximum time to prepare and
submit a comment, ensures timely receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to
make comments immediately available to the public. Comments submitted
electronically through the <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> website can be
viewed by other commenters and interested members of the public.
Commenters should follow instructions provided on that site to submit
comments electronically.
Note: To receive consideration as public comments, comments must
be submitted through one of the two methods specified above. Again,
all submissions must refer to the docket number and title of the
Notice.
No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile (FAX) comments are not acceptable.
3. Public Inspection of Comments
All comments submitted to HUD regarding this Notice will be
available, without charge, for public inspection and copying between 8
a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern Time, weekdays at the above address. Due to
security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, an advance
appointment to review the public comments must be scheduled by calling
the Regulations Division at 202-708-3055 (this is not a toll-free
number). HUD welcomes and is prepared to receive calls from individuals
who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as individuals with speech or
communication disabilities. To learn more about how to make an
accessible call, please visit: <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs">https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs</a>.
Copies of all comments submitted are available for inspection and
downloading at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dina Lehmann-Kim, Program Manager,
Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development,
451 7th Street SW, Room 4130, Washington, DC 20024; telephone number
202-402-2430; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#57133e3936791b323f3a3639397a1c3e3a173f223379303821"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fabe93949bd4b69f92979b9494d7b19397ba928f9ed49d958c">[email protected]</span></a>. HUD welcomes and is
prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf or hard of
hearing, as well as individuals with speech or communication
disabilities. To learn more about how to make an accessible call,
please visit: <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs">https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Many low-income communities lack adequate access to broadband
internet, which presents barriers to community members seeking economic
and
[[Page 71587]]
educational opportunities. This is known as the digital divide. In
2015, HUD launched the Digital Opportunity Demonstration \1\ to narrow
the digital divide for students living in HUD-assisted communities by
increasing access to broadband technology. Twenty-eight communities
were selected to participate in the demonstration. Selected communities
received various forms of support which included technical assistance
from HUD headquarters and field office staff as well as from HUD's
former nonprofit partner, EveryoneOn. Communities also had access to
special offers made by private sector stakeholder organizations to
EveryoneOn to support pilot communities' efforts. HUD also produced
monthly newsletters and webinars designed specifically for
participating communities. These provided the latest information on
funding opportunities, research, best practices, and capacity-building
related to digital inclusion. HUD also offered an annual two-day
summit, which allowed communities to share best practices, learn from
researchers or other practitioners in the field, and engage with HUD
staff and staff from other federal agencies as well as private-sector
stakeholders.
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\1\ Advance Notice of Digital Opportunity Demonstration, U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Register Notice
(2015), <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/04/03/2015-07719/advance-notice-of-digital-opportunity-demonstration">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/04/03/2015-07719/advance-notice-of-digital-opportunity-demonstration</a>.
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The demonstration program was rebranded in 2017 as ConnectHomeUSA
(CHUSA) with an expanded goal of onboarding a cumulative total of 100
communities \2\ by 2020.
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\2\ HUD achieved the goal of onboarding 100 total communities in
October 2020. Complete list of communities can be found here:
Communities [verbar] <a href="http://HUD.gov">HUD.gov</a>/U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD).
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Knowledge is a catalyst for upward mobility. Countries and local
communities that cultivate access to global knowledge will thrive in an
increasingly complex and technologically oriented world, while those
that do not will struggle to keep pace. The adoption and use of
broadband technology and associated programming are powerful tools to
increase access to knowledge.
As in 2015, the jobs of tomorrow require robust technology skills.
For example, over 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies require job
seekers to register an account on the companies' online career site
before even applying for an open position.\3\ The digital divide
disproportionately affects certain Americans. Over 43 percent of
households with an annual income of less than $30,000 have no home
broadband connection.\4\ More than 31 percent of American Indian and
Alaska Native, African American, and Hispanic households do not have
home access to high-speed internet.\5\ HUD serves these populations. 83
percent of HUD-assisted households have an annual income of less than
$25,000 per year and 66 percent are African American or Hispanic (46
percent and 20 percent, respectively).\6\
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\3\ <a href="http://Jobvite.com">Jobvite.com</a>, 2021 Fortune 500 Candidate Conversion Audit,
<a href="https://www.jobvite.com/lp/2021-fortune-500-report/">https://www.jobvite.com/lp/2021-fortune-500-report/</a> (accessed 8/4/
2022).
\4\ Vogels, Digital Divide Persists Even as Americans With Lower
Incomes Make Gains In Tech Adoption, Pew Research Center, (2021)
<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/06/22/digital-divide-persists-even-as-americans-with-lower-incomes-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/">https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/06/22/digital-divide-persists-even-as-americans-with-lower-incomes-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/</a> (accessed 8/4/2022).
\5\ Townsend, Disconnected: How the Digital Divide Harms Workers
and What We Can Do About It, The Century Foundation, (2020), <a href="https://tcf.org/content/report/disconnected-digital-divide-harms-workers-can/?session=1">https://tcf.org/content/report/disconnected-digital-divide-harms-workers-can/?session=1</a> (accessed 8/4/2022).
\6\ U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Resident
Characteristics Report, March 01, 2021 through June 30, 2022,
<a href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/systems/pic/50058/rcr">https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/systems/pic/50058/rcr</a> (accessed 8/4/2022).
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Research conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office
highlighted several significant barriers that deter the adoption of
broadband technology by the communities HUD serves.\7\ These barriers
continue to include:
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\7\ U.S. Government Accountability Office, Report to
Congressional Requesters, Broadband: Intended Outcomes and
Effectiveness of Efforts to Address Adoption Barriers Are Unclear,
(2015), <a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-15-473">https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-15-473</a> (accessed 8/4/2022).
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<bullet> Cost: The most commonly-cited barrier to broadband
adoption is the high cost of internet subscriptions and computer
equipment.
<bullet> Perception: Many individuals are concerned that broadband
does not provide sufficient utility to offset its high cost or believe
that broadband is not relevant to their life.
<bullet> Skills: Lack of technology skills often present a barrier
to broadband adoption for older adults and lower-income households.
<bullet> Infrastructure: Tribes and rural communities face the
ongoing problem of lack of available broadband infrastructure. States
with large rural areas tend to have larger digital divides.\8\
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\8\ Frost, Pandemic Highlights Disparities in High-Speed
Internet Service, Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard
University, (2021), <a href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/pandemic-highlights-disparities-high-speed-internet-service">https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/pandemic-highlights-disparities-high-speed-internet-service</a> (accessed 10/14/
2022).
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This opportunity to join CHUSA comes at a time when the federal
government is providing unprecedented levels of funding for broadband
networking and digital equity through various programs including the
Affordable Connectivity Program, the Broadband Equity, Access and
Deployment (BEAD) Program, the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and other
programs.\9\ HUD will assist selected communities connect to these
funding and other opportunities in order to minimize the barriers
listed above, and close the digital divide.
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\9\ <a href="https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/">https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/</a>; <a href="https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program">https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program</a>; <a href="https://www.internetforall.gov/program/digital-equity-act-programs">https://www.internetforall.gov/program/digital-equity-act-programs</a>; <a href="https://www.internetforall.gov/">https://www.internetforall.gov/</a>.
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II. Notice
This Notice seeks to further expand CHUSA and restructure its
program model. The goal of this expansion is to add another 50 to 100
new communities. The program restructuring would adopt a three-tiered
model, as described in this notice. This Notice and proposed
restructuring also responds to Congressional interest \10\ in having
CHUSA reach more HUD-served communities.
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\10\ See FY21 Congressional Appropriations Conference Report:
<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20201221/BILLS-116RCP68-JES-DIVISION-L.pdf">https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20201221/BILLS-116RCP68-JES-DIVISION-L.pdf</a>; and see FY22 Congressional Appropriations Conference
Report: BILLS-117RCP35-JES-DIVISION-L.pdf (<a href="http://house.gov">house.gov</a>).
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HUD's goal is to identify new communities from urban and rural and
Tribal locations with both small and large populations that have the
capacity to effectively narrow the digital divide, including expanding
programs and capabilities over time. HUD seeks communities where state,
local or Tribal leadership has already taken steps to support the goals
of CHUSA, as measured by both the community's participation in other
complementary Federal initiatives such as the Affordable Connectivity
Program \11\ which enhance internet access in communities and by local
broadband plans and strategies for implementation. HUD seeks to partner
with new communities, as well as existing CHUSA communities that wish
to continue their work, and provide technical assistance to these
communities to identify financial, in-kind and other resources to
accomplish the goals of CHUSA. In this vein, HUD encourages applicants
to familiarize themselves with other Federal programs that are funding
broadband, such as the
[[Page 71588]]
Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grant ($42.45 billion) and the
Digital Equity Act grant program ($2.75 billion) by going to this
comprehensive website: <a href="http://www.internetforall.gov">www.internetforall.gov</a>.
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\11\ The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly
subsidy of up to $30 ($75 on qualifying Tribal lands) to cover the
cost of internet service for low-income Americans. For more
information to go: Affordable Connectivity Program [verbar] Federal
Communications Commission (<a href="http://fcc.gov">fcc.gov</a>).
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The number of communities served by CHUSA will depend on the number
of communities that commit to narrowing the digital divide and that
meet certain criteria. Exhibit A below sets forth these proposed
criteria to restructure the program to create optimal conditions to
accelerate the adoption and use of broadband technology and expand this
technology within new and existing communities.
HUD would restructure the program to establish three tiers. Each
tier is intended to be flexible, recognizing the diverse set of
communities being considered for or already participating in CHUSA.
Tier 1 addresses new communities. Tier 2 concerns existing communities,
including those that can assist new communities. Tier 3 are those
communities that complete the criteria of Tier 2 and wish to further
evaluate and refine their existing connectivity solution to ensure it
best meets their community's needs. HUD will not solicit any Tier 3
communities at this stage.
There is no Congressional funding for CHUSA; the program
implementation is contingent upon HUD resources such as staffing and
technical assistance. As this expansion proceeds, HUD will continue to
assess community interest and the availability of HUD staffing
resources to support participation by additional communities. HUD will
also assess the effectiveness of the selection criteria within the
three tiers on an ongoing basis. Such assessment may expand the number
of participating communities, revise the selection criteria, or both to
reflect HUD's experience in implementing CHUSA.
III. Evaluating ConnectHomeUSA
HUD intends to extend the outcomes of CHUSA, with the goal of
increasing the number of participating communities. To this end, HUD
will work with entities across the government, its nonprofit partner,
EducationSuperHighway,\12\ and the research community to rigorously
measure outcomes associated with the work of CHUSA to narrow the
digital divide.\13\ The participating communities are expected to
participate in any efforts designed to identify and share best
practices with other HUD-assisted communities. In addition,
participating communities will be required to measure and report
outputs and outcomes.
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\12\ <a href="https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/">https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/</a>.
\13\ In 2018, HUD conducted a study of the original pilot
program and found that the ConnectHome intervention helped 71% use
the internet for activities they could not previously undertake due
to reliance on a cell phone with limited data (p. 39). See:
ConnectHome Initiative--Full Report (<a href="http://huduser.gov/portal/publications/ConnectHome.html">huduser.gov/portal/publications/ConnectHome.html</a>).
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IV. Solicitation of Public Comments
In accordance with 24 CFR part 10 and section 470 of the Housing
and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (42 U.S.C. 3542), HUD is seeking
comment on this expansion and restructuring of the CHUSA initiative in
this Federal Register notice for 60-days of public comment. The public
comment period provided allows HUD the opportunity to consider comments
and be in a position to commence implementation of the expansion
following the conclusion of the 60-day period. [Note: Do not submit
application documents as public comments. See Section E in Exhibit A
below for CHUSA application instructions.] HUD is also interested in
receiving comments about specific areas. HUD will evaluate responses to
the questions below and may modify the design of the program. If HUD
decides to announce any changes to the program, HUD will provide notice
to the public prior to requesting applications.
1. The Digital Inclusion Stool (See Paragraph A.1 in Exhibit A)
The primary focus of CHUSA addresses the three legs of the digital
inclusion stool. HUD asks Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities to use their
accomplishments in addressing the digital inclusion stool as a platform
for helping residents achieve other outcomes by entering into
agreements with quality-of-life partners. Should HUD ask communities to
focus on other areas such as employment and education?
2. Tiered Model
a. Is the support HUD describes sufficient for each Tier, or should
HUD consider other forms of support? If so, what kind? To answer this
question, HUD recommends reviewing paragraph B.3 in Exhibit A.
b. Should HUD consider other achievements in order for Tier 1
communities to be able to graduate to Tier 2 and for Tier 2 communities
to graduate to Tier 3? To answer this question, HUD recommends
reviewing paragraph C in Exhibit A.
c. The proposed focus of Tier 3 is connectivity; should Tier 3
focus on other elements instead or in addition to connectivity?
3. Required Levels of Engagement (See Section C in Exhibit A)
a. Staffing. During the implementation of both the pilot
ConnectHome and expansion CHUSA programs, HUD found communities with
dedicated staff support were generally more successful. For this
reason, HUD is asking communities to identify a staff person who would
be responsible for leading this work. HUD is interested in
understanding whether this requirement is overly burdensome.
b. Data Collection. HUD is proposing that selected communities
report on a quarterly basis the number of in-home internet connections,
devices, and digital skills trainings residents complete each quarter.
Is this frequency enough, is it burdensome, and what challenges to
collecting this data should HUD be aware of? Should HUD consider other
metrics? Finally, how should HUD share or display the data collected--
should it be available to the public or shared only with participating
communities?
c. Three-year commitment. HUD is asking communities to commit to a
three-year program. Is this period long enough to help communities
realize gains in each area of the digital inclusion stool or should HUD
consider a different time period?
4. Digital Badges (See Paragraph B.5 of Appendix A)
HUD is proposing a variety of digital badges to recognize
programmatic achievements. Some of these badges will be required to
graduate to a higher tier. Are there other ways HUD could recognize
community achievements or other achievements HUD should recognize?
5. Resources
There are new federal funding resources available to address the
three legs of the digital inclusion stool, such as the Affordable
Connectivity Program which covers up to $30 for internet service (and
up to $75 on tribal lands) for qualifying families. There are also
forthcoming Digital Equity Act funds that will provide funding for the
types of activities CHUSA communities undertake. In addition to these
resources as well as access to HUD staff, HUD-provided technical
assistance, and EducationSuperHighway's expertise, HUD is interested in
understanding whether there are other resources that communities would
find useful in order to implement a CHUSA program.
[[Page 71589]]
6. Selection Criteria (See Sections C and D of Appendix A)
Are there other factors HUD should consider when evaluating
applications?
Dominique Blom,
General Deputy Assistant Secretary--Public and Indian Housing.
Exhibit A
Restructuring the ConnectHomeUSA Program
A. Background
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has
long understood the importance of bridging the digital divide. Since
1995, HUD has engaged in various digital inclusion efforts,
including community-based programs such as Neighborhood Networks and
CHUSA. HUD has also updated regulations to assess the need for and
allow the use of HUD funding for broadband-related uses.\14\ These
efforts have helped to ensure HUD-assisted residents' broadband
needs are addressed within the parameters of HUD's existing
authorities and funding.
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\14\ Narrowing the Digital Divide Through Installation of
Broadband Infrastructure in HUD-Funded New Construction and
Substantial Rehabilitation of Multifamily Rental Housing (December
2016); Modernizing HUD's Consolidated Planning Process to Narrow the
Digital Divide and Increase Resilience to Natural Hazards (December
2016); and Use of Public Housing Funding to Support internet
Connectivity for Residents (January 2021).
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HUD is committed to further narrowing the digital divide in HUD-
assisted communities. The further expansion of CHUSA announced in
this Notice builds on best practices and lessons learned from the
100 communities that have joined ConnectHome or CHUSA since 2015.
The expansion also responds to Congressional interest \15\ in seeing
CHUSA grow. With the support of HUD's new nonprofit partner,
EducationSuperHighway (ESH), this expansion will create a new tiered
model to support participating communities' digital inclusion and
digital equity goals.
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\15\ See FY21 Congressional Appropriations Conference Report:
<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20201221/BILLS-116RCP68-JES-DIVISION-L.pdf">https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20201221/BILLS-116RCP68-JES-DIVISION-L.pdf</a>; and see FY22 Congressional Appropriations Conference
Report: BILLS-117RCP35-JES-DIVISION-L.pdf (<a href="http://house.gov">house.gov</a>).
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The opportunity to join CHUSA comes at a time when the federal
government is providing unprecedented levels of funding for
broadband networking and digital equity through various programs
including the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Broadband Equity,
Access and Deployment Program, the Digital Equity Act and other
programs.\16\ HUD will assist selected communities to connect to
these funding opportunities.
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\16\ <a href="https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/">https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/</a>; <a href="https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program">https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program</a>; <a href="https://www.internetforall.gov/program/digital-equity-act-programs">https://www.internetforall.gov/program/digital-equity-act-programs</a>; <a href="https://www.internetforall.gov/">https://www.internetforall.gov/</a>.
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1. Goals of CHUSA
The overarching goal of CHUSA is to assist participating
communities to effectively bridge the digital divide by addressing
the three primary barriers to internet adoption in low-income
communities:
<bullet> High cost or lack of internet service;
<bullet> High cost or lack of computing devices (smart phones
are not considered computing devices for the purposes of CHUSA); and
<bullet> The need for hands-on digital literacy training.
These three elements are commonly referred to as ``the three legs of
the digital inclusion stool.''
Successfully addressing the digital inclusion stool requires
contributions from various organizations--no single organization can
do this work alone. For this reason, the collective impact model
\17\ is the organizing principle around which CHUSA is based. This
principle relies on one organization acting as the conductor, or
leader, that organizes the symphony of partners towards achieving
the agreed-upon goal of narrowing the digital divide in the targeted
community. In the case of CHUSA, the housing entity such as a PHA
usually serves as the lead organization.
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\17\ <a href="https://socialinnovation.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Collective-Impact-Handout.pdf">https://socialinnovation.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Collective-Impact-Handout.pdf</a>.
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During the course of a three-year commitment, Tier 1 communities
establish goals and partnerships that address all three legs of the
digital inclusion stool. Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities continue this
work and use it as a platform for enhancing the economic,
educational, and social well-being of the public and assisted
housing residents in their targeted neighborhoods. Tier 2 and 3
communities will be asked to enter into an agreement with a
``quality-of-life'' partner such as a community college,
apprenticeship program, local employer, or other organization.
B. Scope of Expansion and Timeline for Selection
1. Scope of Expansion
With this Notice, HUD is announcing a 50-100 community expansion
of the CHUSA program. HUD seeks applicants from the Public and
Indian Housing and Multifamily Housing programs from all HUD
regions.
HUD recognizes that some communities may be new to the work of
digital inclusion while others may be ready for a deeper investment,
and still others might fall somewhere in between. For this reason,
HUD has established a three-tiered model that would allow
communities to take an incremental approach to this work. All
communities, except existing CHUSA communities, would apply to join
Tier 1. Existing CHUSA communities are encouraged to apply as Tier 2
communities. If selected, HUD (with support from its nonprofit
partner, ESH) will work with communities to help them reach the
level of engagement, or tier, they are most interested in pursuing.
2. Eligible Applicants
HUD seeks applicants from all ten HUD regions, Public and Indian
Housing, and Multifamily Housing programs (including (but not
limited to) Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance, Section 202,
and Section 811 programs). Applications can be submitted by:
<bullet> Public Housing Agencies or their nonprofit affiliates;
<bullet> Tribes/Tribally Designated Housing Entities; and
<bullet> Multifamily owners and operators.
3. Tiered Model
Closing the digital divide requires many organizations working
together. The new CHUSA program allows communities to build their
capacity and partnerships over time. This approach facilitates the
creation of robust and sustainable digital inclusion programs.
Tier 1 helps communities put in place the key components around
the digital inclusion stool that are necessary for building a
comprehensive digital inclusion program. Tier 2 will support
communities' plans to grow their programs by offering more hands-on
assistance tailored to the individual community's needs from HUD
Headquarters and field staff as well as support from ESH. The areas
of assistance offered could range from connecting to local partners,
assisting with the development of the CHUSA Action Plan and
convenings, providing information about funding opportunities, or
other technical assistance. Tier 3 is reserved for communities that
have met the requirements of Tier 2 and wish to evaluate their
existing connectivity solution, refine it, or develop a customized
connectivity solution that best meets the needs of their targeted
neighborhoods and properties while still providing programs that
address the three legs of the digital inclusion stool and their
quality-of-life goals. With the exception of existing CHUSA
communities, this Notice is asking interested applicants to sign on
as Tier 1 communities. Former or current CHUSA communities are
encouraged to apply to join as Tier 2 communities.
Each tier will have reporting requirements that will allow
communities to demonstrate achievement of specific metrics that
signal progress and will allow communities to eventually graduate to
a higher tier. HUD will award distinct electronic badges for each
metric attained. Communities can use these badges to display on
their websites, social media sites, marketing or other
communications materials, and share with potential funders. See
paragraph 5 below for a description of the badges HUD will award.
a. Tier 1: Basic Engagement Requirements
This introductory level asks participating communities to commit
to closing the digital divide in their communities by:
<bullet> Using existing CHUSA technical assistance tools and
products \18\ to deepen their understanding of digital inclusion;
and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ CHUSA TA products include: The CHUSA Playbook; webinars
tied to Playbook chapters; toolkits, guides and planning documents;
and the annual CHUSA Summits. Note: Tier 1 communities will have
access to in-person summits on a space-available basis, but will
have access to all virtual broadcasting of the summits. <a href="https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/connecthomeusa/">https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/connecthomeusa/</a>.
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[[Page 71590]]
<bullet> Assigning a staff lead to begin establishing the
necessary elements and partnerships to close the digital divide in
their communities (see Section C, ``Application and Criteria for
Participation'' below).
Interested communities can qualify for this tier by submitting a
Letter of Intent indicating their interest in joining the
initiative. See Section C ``Application and Criteria for
Participation'' below for Letter of Intent requirements.
HUD Support
If selected for Tier 1, you will receive:
<bullet> An electronic badge indicating your official
participation in Tier 1. This badge can be used to announce your
participation in this national initiative, posted on your website,
shared with potential funders, and used in other communications
materials;
<bullet> Access to all future CHUSA technical assistance
announcements including invitations to webinars, special events, and
summits (Note: Tiers 2 and 3 will receive priority for in-person
events);
<bullet> Invitations to collaborate on CHUSA events that may be
facilitated by HUD; and
<bullet> Information about and support for connecting to
opportunities funded under the Broadband Equity, Access and
Deployment Program, and the Digital Equity Act.
b. Tier 2: Intermediate Engagement Requirements
Existing CHUSA communities can qualify for this tier by
submitting a Letter of Intent indicating their interest in
continuing participation for an additional three years (See Section
C, ``Application and Criteria for Participation'' below for Letter
of Intent requirements).
HUD Support
If selected for Tier 2, you will receive:
<bullet> All HUD support included in Tier 1;
<bullet> Electronic badges indicating specific accomplishments
(e.g., number of residents trained) which can be used to demonstrate
accomplishments to partners and funders;
<bullet> Access to HUD staff for organizational assistance with
local CHUSA convenings and troubleshooting challenges;
<bullet> Technical assistance from HUD and ESH to help address
connectivity challenges and support for the initial development of a
customized connectivity plan (if applicable);
<bullet> Specific guidance around BEAD and DEA funding
requirements and opportunities;
<bullet> Access to all stakeholder offers that may be limited to
CHUSA communities;
<bullet> Access to CHUSA VISTA positions on a first-come, first-
served basis; and
<bullet> Priority registration for the CHUSA annual summit.
c. Tier 3: Advanced Engagement Requirements
Tier 2 communities that have fulfilled all requirements can move
to Tier 3 by demonstrating an interest in evaluating their existing
connectivity solution, refining it, and/or developing a customized
connectivity solution that would allow for free or very affordable
service for their residents that:
<bullet> Creates innovative and sustainable connectivity
solutions that can serve as replicable models for other affordable
housing providers;
<bullet> Continues to provide digital literacy training and
access to affordable devices; and
<bullet> Creates pathways into apprenticeships and/or employment
in fields requiring digital skills (in collaboration with the
existing quality-of-life partner or other organizations).
HUD Support
If selected for Tier 3, you will receive:
<bullet> All HUD support included in Tier 2;
<bullet> If funds allow, a dedicated HUD staff person to support
your work;
<bullet> Ongoing support from HUD and ESH to provide technical
assistance towards developing and implementing a customized
connectivity solution; and
<bullet> Enhanced HUD collaboration around community-driven
outreach and goals.
4. Changing Tiers
Communities selected to participate in Tier 1 or Tier 2 may
submit a request to move to the next tier at any time during the
three-year term. They must submit a Letter of Intent to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#30735f5e5e555344785f5d55705845541e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f3b09c9d9d969087bb9c9e96b39b8697dd949c85">[email protected]</span></a> that demonstrates they have met the requirements
of their existing tier (see Section C, ``Application and Criteria
for Participation'' below) and are ready to implement the
requirements of the tier they wish to join.
5. Electronic Badges
HUD will award badges to officially recognize communities
participating in this program for key accomplishments. Receipt of
key badges will be necessary to move to the desired tier. As the
program unfolds, additional badges may be created. The types of
badges include:
<bullet> Designation as CHUSA Community:
[cir] Tier 1 ConnectHomeUSA Badge
[cir] Tier 2 ConnectHomeUSA Badge
[cir] Tier 3 ConnectHomeUSA Badge
<bullet> Program Accomplishments:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Training (number
Connectivity Devices (number of residents
(percentage of of devices completing
Badge level target units distributed, % of digital skills
connected) goal) training, % of
goal)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bronze................................................. 25 25 25
Silver................................................. 50 50 50
Gold................................................... 85 85 85
Platinum............................................... 90-100 90-100 90-100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> Program Milestones:
[cir] Baseline Survey Completed
[cir] Convening Held
[ssquf] Bronze (Year 1)
[ssquf] Silver (Year 2)
[ssquf] Gold (Year 3)
[ssquf] Platinum (for Tier 3)
[cir] Action Plan Submitted and Approved
[ssquf] Bronze (Year 1)
[ssquf] Silver (Year 2)
[ssquf] Gold (Year 3)
[ssquf] Platinum (for Tier 3)
[cir] Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with State or City/
Tribal Leadership Finalized
[cir] MOU with Quality-of-Life Partner Finalized
[cir] Data Leader
[cir] Digital Ambassador Program Established
[cir] Digital Inclusion Coalition Established
[cir] Designated Mentor Community (for other CHUSA communities)
6. Number of Communities To Be Selected
HUD will select between 50 and 100 communities to join Tier 1.
Existing CHUSA communities wishing to continue their participation
in the initiative can apply to join as Tier 2 communities.
7. Application Due Date
Letters of Intent are due February 15, 2024. Letters of Intent
must be submitted to the following email address:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c7f74696f7d635d4c4c50555f5d485553524f7c544958125b534a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="084b405d5b495769787864616b697c6167667b48607d6c266f677e">[email protected]</span></a>.
8. Date of Announcement of Selected Communities
HUD will announce selected communities by MAY 15, 2024.
9. Commitment Period
Communities will be expected to commit to participation in CHUSA
for a period of three years.
10. Extension Periods
Participating communities may request to extend their period of
participation beyond three years. For example, communities in Tier 1
that advance to Tier 2 during the course of their first three-year
term, may wish to continue participating for a longer period to
achieve the goals associated with Tier 2.
[[Page 71591]]
Communities wishing to extend their participation should email
their request to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e3a08c8d8d868097ab8c8e86a38b9687cd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cd8ea2a3a3a8aeb985a2a0a88da5b8a9e3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>. HUD staff will work with the
community to determine if an extension is warranted.
C. Application and Criteria for Participation
Applicants interested in either Tier 1 or Tier 2 must submit a
Letter of Intent to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6e5eef3f5e7f9c7d6d6cacfc5c7d2cfc9c8d5e6ced3c288c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d6959e83859789b7a6a6babfb5b7a2bfb9b8a596bea3b2f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>. Interested
applicants should familiarize themselves with the application
requirements and program expectations described below. Tier 2 is
reserved for communities that were part of the ConnectHome pilot
program or the CHUSA program.
Tier 1: Basic Engagement--Application Requirements
Application Requirements
In order to indicate your interest in joining the CHUSA
initiative as a Tier 1 community, you must submit a Letter of Intent
indicating that you will begin working to close the digital divide
in your community. The letter must indicate how you will meet the
required levels of engagement outlined in the paragraph below. The
letter must be submitted to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ccfc4d9dfcdd3edfcfce0e5efedf8e5e3e2ffcce4f9e8a2ebe3fa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9fdcd7caccdec0feefeff3f6fcfeebf6f0f1ecdff7eafbb1f8f0e9">[email protected]</span></a>, must include
a primary point of contact, and must be signed by your Executive
Director or other official authorized to make this commitment.
Required Levels of Engagement
If selected, you will be asked to commit to the following over a
three-year period:
<bullet> Assign a staff member(s) to lead the work (learning
about digital inclusion, sharing findings with key staff, developing
an initial Action Plan. See the Launchpad chapters of the CHUSA
Playbook \19\ and the associated Toolkits \20\);
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/590bfab229687fec92f55513/t/5df26fd4d153a4617e035aad/1576169435094/ConnectHomeUSA+Playbook+2019+1-8_Final.pdf">https://static1.squarespace.com/static/590bfab229687fec92f55513/t/5df26fd4d153a4617e035aad/1576169435094/ConnectHomeUSA+Playbook+2019+1-8_Final.pdf</a>.
\20\ <a href="https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/connecthomeusa/playbook-toolkits-and-guides/">https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/connecthomeusa/playbook-toolkits-and-guides/</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> Indicate which developments you are targeting; please
include the addresses and number of units;
<bullet> Administer a baseline resident survey to understand the
level of need for connectivity, devices, and digital skills training
by the end of the first year of receiving your CHUSA designation;
<bullet> Establish annual internet adoption, device, and
training goals for each of the three years of your participation;
<bullet> Participate in CHUSA-sponsored training events such as
webinars and conferences. (NOTE: Tier 1 communities will be able to
participate in annual in-person CHUSA summits on a space-available
basis but they will be able to participate in any virtual portions);
<bullet> Participate in community of practice forums that may be
established for this Tier; and
<bullet> Submit quarterly reports on the achievement of the
metrics associated with Tier 1 as relevant (see below).
Graduating to Tier 2
At any time during the initial three-year period, if your
community is interested in moving to Tier 2, you will be required to
submit a new Letter of Intent that matches the application
requirements for Tier 2 and demonstrates the accomplishment of the
criteria outlined below:
<bullet> Using your baseline survey results as a guide, describe
annual connectivity, device, and training goals leading to a three-
year goal of connecting 85% of your target population by the end of
three years;
<bullet> Hold a convening of local and national stakeholders and
partners who can assist you in reaching your goals (see CHUSA
Playbook Chapter 4 on Convenings and the associated Convening
Toolkit);
<bullet> Submit to your local HUD ConnectHomeUSA lead a CHUSA
Action Plan outlining your goals (see the Action Plan template \21\
and Playbook Launchpad Chapters 1-5) and receive HUD approval;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\21\ <a href="https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/6723/connecthomeusa-action-plan-toolkit/">https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/6723/connecthomeusa-action-plan-toolkit/</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> Enter into a formal partnership agreement with your
state or municipal leadership and a quality-of-life partner; and
<bullet> Commit to submitting quarterly reporting on the number
of connections, devices, and digital literacy training completions.
Tier 1 Badges Required for Graduating to Tier 2
<bullet> Baseline Survey Completed
<bullet> Convening Held
<bullet> Action Plan Submitted and Approved
<bullet> MOU with City/Tribal Leadership Finalized
<bullet> MOU with Quality-of-Life Partner Finalized
Tier 2: Intermediate Engagement
With this Notice, HUD is asking existing CHUSA communities (or
previous pilot communities) to formally opt into this expansion by
submitting a Letter of Intent that addresses the elements outlined
in the ``Application Requirements'' paragraph below. CHUSA
communities accepted into Tier 2 will also be expected to meet the
requirement specified in the ``Required Levels of Engagement''
paragraph below.
Tier 2 requires active engagement by three entities: the housing
provider, state or municipal leadership, and a quality-of-life
partner. The three entities must commit to working together to close
the digital divide and leverage connectivity gains to help residents
make progress in other socio-economic areas.
Application Requirements
CHUSA communities interested in continuing their participation
in this initiative must submit a Letter of Intent that:
<bullet> Identifies key staff person(s) responsible for carrying
out your CHUSA program;
<bullet> Quantifies your connectivity, device, and training
achievements to date. This will serve as a baseline against which to
measure your future progress;
<bullet> Indicates the targeted developments for this phase of
your participation and the number of units;
<bullet> Commits to administering another baseline survey in the
first six months to inform your ongoing connectivity, device,
training, and other goals;
<bullet> Describes your vision and goals (including for
connectivity, devices, and training) for this phase of your
participation (Note: goals may be updated after results are obtained
from the baseline survey) and how this work will be supported by
your organization's leadership;
<bullet> Identifies a state or municipal or tribal partner
agency and contact; and
<bullet> Identifies a quality-of-life partner and contact.
Required Levels of Engagement
If selected, you will be asked to commit to the following over a
three-year period:
<bullet> Assign a staff person(s) responsible for carrying out
your CHUSA program;
<bullet> Administer a baseline resident survey within the first
six months to understand the level of community need for
connectivity, devices, digital literacy training; and other areas of
interest (e.g., workforce development and apprenticeships, etc.).
The results will be used to refine the goals you outlined in your
application;
<bullet> Host a local convening (may be virtual) of current and
potential CHUSA stakeholders to form partnerships. The convening
must be completed no later than six months after being selected (see
ConnectHomeUSA Playbook Chapter 4);
<bullet> Submit an Action Plan (See template on HUD Exchange,
Playbook Launchpad chapters 1-5, and the accompanying Launchpad
Toolkit) targeting the identified needs from the baseline survey to
HUD CHUSA staff no later than 3 months after your convening;
<bullet> Establish annual internet adoption, device, and
training goals for each of the three years of your participation;
<bullet> Your connectivity goal should lead to 85% connectivity
of your target community by the end of the three years;
<bullet> Enter into an agreement with a third-party partner to
bring employment, education, or other related opportunity to the
targeted community by the end of the first year;
<bullet> Use HUD or ESH-indicated reporting tool to track
progress on a quarterly basis (see Tier 2 Badges paragraph below);
<bullet> Participate in monthly regional HUD calls and/or other
community of practice forums that may be established;
<bullet> Participate in the annual CHUSA Summits (either
virtually or in-person).
Tier 2 Badges
Using data you submit during the course of your participation in
Tier 2, you will be eligible to receive badges for achievements
related to connectivity, devices, training as well as badges that
recognize project milestones.
<bullet> By the end of year 1, we will expect the following badges
to be earned:
[cir] Bronze badges for all three legs of the digital inclusion
stool
[cir] Baseline Survey Completed
[cir] Convening Held (Bronze)
[cir] Y1 Action Plan Submitted and Approved
[cir] MOU with City/Tribal Leadership Finalized
[cir] MOU with Quality-of-Life Partner Finalized
[[Page 71592]]
<bullet> By the end of year 2, we will expect the following badges
to be earned:
[cir] Silver badges for all three legs of the digital inclusion
stool
[cir] Y2 Action Plan Submitted and Approved (Silver badge)
[cir] Convening Held--Silver (Optional but encouraged)
<bullet> By the end of year 3, we will expect the following badges
to be earned:
[cir] Gold badges for all three legs of the digital inclusion
stool
[cir] Y3 Action Plan Submitted and Approved (Silver badge)
[cir] Convening Held--Gold (Optional but encouraged)
Graduating to Tier 3
Tier 2 communities that have made significant strides in
connecting residents to in-unit internet service, devices and
training (attainment of silver badges in two of these areas will be
required as a minimum) and that wish to deepen their digital
inclusion work by evaluating their existing connectivity solution,
refining it, and/or developing a customized connectivity solution
that best meets the needs of their targeted communities may contact
their HUD CHUSA staff to join Tier 3.
Tier 3: Advanced Engagement
HUD and ESH staff will work closely with these communities to
help them assess their current connectivity solution, refine and/or
create customized connectivity solutions, address challenges, and
identify outside resources to support the work. These communities
will be required to continue to report and to develop an Annual
Action Plan for the duration of their participation (between 1-3
years).
D. Selection Criteria
Tier 1: Basic Engagement
HUD is looking for comprehensive and detailed responses to the
criteria outlined under Section C, ``Application and Criteria for
Participation'' for this tier. Letters of Intent should clearly
demonstrate a strong interest in narrowing the digital divide in the
target communities.
Tier 2: Intermediate Engagement
HUD is looking for comprehensive and detailed responses to the
criteria outlined under ``Application and Criteria for
Participation'' for this tier. Letters of Intent should clearly
demonstrate a strong commitment to narrowing the digital divide in
your target communities and demonstrate strong partnerships with
state, local or Tribal government and a quality-of-life partner.
Letters of Intent should clearly describe how the applicant's
organization will support the work and how this work can complement
the organization's other self-sufficiency efforts or programs.
Tier 3: Advanced Engagement
No applications for this Tier are being accepted at this time.
Tier 2 communities that demonstrate significant progress in each
area of the digital inclusion stool (silver-level badges will be
required for at least two of the three legs of the stool) as well as
ongoing commitment to this work through the active engagement of
staff and regular reporting, will be able to move to this tier and
benefit from the tailored assistance aligned with this tier.
E. CHUSA Application Instructions
Eligible entities interested in applying to join this expansion
of CHUSA should send a Letter of Intent to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#62212a3731233d0312120e0b0103160b0d0c11220a17064c050d14"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2162697472607e4051514d48424055484e4f52614954450f464e57">[email protected]</span></a>. This Letter of Intent serves as an
application to participate in the CHUSA expansion detailed in this
notice. See Section C, ``Application and Criteria for
Participation'' for details regarding the Letter of Intent.
Applications will be accepted by HUD beginning 61 days after the
publication of this notice in the Federal Register. All applications
must be submitted by February 15, 2024. Any application submitted
after this deadline will not be accepted.
[FR Doc. 2023-22800 Filed 10-16-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 17, 2023.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.