Is NTIA Collecting the Right Info from Broadband Mapping Awardees?

The Department of Commerce is inviting public comment on whether a) the proposed collection of information from state broadband mapping awardees is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration requires quarterly reports of awardees on 1) Achievement of project goals, objectives, and milestones (e.g., collection of a "substantially complete data set"; completion of data review or quality control process) as set forth by the applicant in their application timeline; 2) expenditure of grant funds and how much of the award remains; 3) amount of non-federal cash or in-kind investment that is being added to complete the project; and 4) whether the awardee is on schedule to provide broadband-related data in accordance with the mapping project timeline.

Comments should be filed on or before October 12, 2010.