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Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans – 2024

Digital opportunity is critical for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services. As access to affordable broadband becomes a reality through various state and federal programs, the necessary digital literacy and skill sets need to be enhanced to ensure Kansans can fully utilize the soon-to-be enabled affordable broadband internet access. 

Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) - Image of four diverse young adults looking at a computer screen.

Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) Program to enhance digital literacy and digital skill sets for Kansans.  A total of $4.75 million will be awarded to applications that best advance digital skills within Kansas.  This second round of applications for this program will enable Kansans to obtain the digital literacy and associated skills necessary to live, learn, work, play and compete equitably in a technology-driven society.  

“It’s not enough to expand high-speed internet across Kansas – we must also show Kansans of all ages and backgrounds how to make the internet a useful tool in their everyday lives. These funds will provide the devices and skills training to help every Kansan benefit from our investments to make high-speed internet available in their local communities.”   

Governor Laura Kelly

Program Overview

Executive Summary + Program Guidelines

Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans 2.0 (DOCK)

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) under the Kansas Department of Commerce was established to help ensure all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, play, learn and compete in a global economy by improving universal access to quality, reliable and affordable broadband.  Complementing the efforts surrounding improving universal access to all Kansans, the KOBD recently published the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan that supports Kansans and associated communities in developing the technology capacity needed for full participation in our society and economy.  In order to achieve the vision and goals for digital equity, key measurable objectives were established to guide KOBD’s efforts to close the digital equity gap in Kansas. These include: 

  • Improved availability of broadband across Kansas
  • Increased access to and adoption of affordable broadband service
  • Focusing on the growth of digital skills, education, and knowledge
  • Increased awareness of and proficiency in dealing with online privacy and cyber security issues
  • Expanding access to affordable devices with accommodating technical support
  • Promoting the online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services

The Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) program aims to elevate digital literacy and skills training in Kansas, prioritizing covered populations in economically distressed areas. With a total funding of $1.9 million, individual awards may reach $250,000. Successful applications will require a 2% minimum match. The initiative spans from September 12, 2024, to July 31, 2026, and is funded by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

Application Resources

October 8 Guidelines Webinar

To support additional applications for DOCK round 2, please review a technical assistance webinar. It covers the following:

  • Understanding funding priorities
  • Crafting compelling narratives
  • Budget development
  • Strengthening evaluation plans
  • Engaging partners
  • Looking forward
Program Summary

The objective of the Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) 2.0 Program administered through the KOBD is to enhance digital literacy and skills training in Kansas.  DOCK 2.0 Program applications will be accepted with priority given to applications that serve the covered population in economically distressed areas.  Applicants are expected to engage community leaders and stakeholders in the development of projects that will benefit Kansas citizens and communities. Key information for the program is as follows:  

  • Total program funding available: Up to $1.9 million in grant awards  
  • Maximum individual award:  $250,000 
  • Minimum applicant match: 2% of total project cost 
  • Minimum co-investment amount:  1% of total project cost 
  • Solicitation date: September 12, 2024 
  • Application window:  Ten (10) weeks 
  • Potential award date:  After February 27, 2025 
  • Project period:  September 12, 2024, through July 31, 2026  
  • Funding source:  Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)  
  • KOBD reserves the right to distribute funds geographically to ensure Kansans can equally benefit from the program 
  • Governing Compliance Reference:  Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) applies to this program, including the Cost Principles and Single Audit Act requirements.  Additionally, 2 CFR 200.471 and 2 CFR 200.216 identify specific telecommunications and video surveillance costs that are unallowable 
  • Investments in equipment must be carried out in ways that comply with applicable federal laws, including Public Law 115-232, Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2019.  It contains prohibitions on the use of grant funds to procure or obtain certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment provided or produced by designated entities, including certain entities owned or controlled by the People’s Republic of China.  The grantee will be required to certify that it shall not provide or procure to the State of Kansas or any agency thereof any covered telecommunications equipment either in whole or in part of any product or during the commission of any service 
Grant Timelines

DOCK 2.0 Program Timeline

Specific DOCK 2.0 Program Timeline Milestones: 

  • September 12, 2024: Application Window Opens (10 weeks)
  • October 8, 2024: Grant Webinar
  • November 18, 2024: Application Window Closes (5pm CST) 
  • November 21, 2024: Public Comment Window Opens (1 week) 
  • November 27, 2024: Public Comment Window Closes (5pm CST) 
  • December 4, 2024: Applicant Response to Public Comment Window Opens (1 week) 
  • December 10, 2024: Applicant Response to Public Comment Window Closes 
  • January 9, 2025, through February 13, 2025: Applicant Interviews and Final Applicant Deliberations (5 weeks) 
  • February 14, 2025, through February 27, 2025: Award Recommendations to Kansas Leadership 
  • February 28, 2025:  Awards announcement 
  • Program period ends:  July 31, 2026 

KOBD reserves the right to modify the program timeline after the program guidelines are posted as well as request additional information regarding applications throughout the application review period. 

Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must have a demonstrated history in the planning and delivery of digital literacy and skills development training capabilities at no charge to targeted populations.  Required capabilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Skills assessment and training 
  • Curriculum development 
  • Content creation and delivery 
  • Monitoring program outcomes 

Eligible applicants include:  

  • Non-profit organizations 
  • Political subdivisions or entities of political subdivisions  
  • Counties 
  • Municipalities 
  • For-profit businesses and organizations, including broadband service providers 
  • Tribal Governments 
  • Libraries  
  • School districts 
  • Museums  
  • Higher education institutions 
  • Co-operatives 
  • Electric Utilities 

The applicant must be an established organization that has been operating for a minimum of one (1) year in the State of Kansas as of October 8, 2024. 

Eligible Solutions

Eligible Solutions

Eligible digital literacy and skills development solutions include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Digital literacy and skills assessment 
  • Digital literacy and skills development curriculum design 
  • Content creation and delivery 
  • Monitoring program outcomes 
  • Promoting collaboration between digital equity organizations to expand offerings that could fund opportunities to pilot new collaborations from cohort support 
  • Enabling established digital literacy and skill development partners to continue to build their footprint until digital equity services are offered statewide 
  • Funding train-the-trainer programs for organizations that are rapidly expanding their digital navigation systems and building a cadre of certified and qualified trainers (Navigators) capable of providing: 
    • Basic device support  
    • Guidance for online public services 
    • Information on navigating the internet  
    • Training for commonly used software
  • Identifying, supporting, and promoting programs that build basic and advanced digital skills for high-demand workforce careers including technology-forward programs in higher education institutions, technology skills programs  
  • Expanding technology-centric “Career Cluster” for K-12 students, paying particular attention to areas with historic underinvestment 
  • Aligning existing efforts on cybersecurity with the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), the universities, community colleges, the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR), and others to ensure there is a continued evolution of and learning about cybersecurity issues, including providing funding to increase cybersecurity awareness and facility awareness for covered populations  
Eligible Solutions and Ineligible Program Costs

Eligible Program Costs  

Eligible project expenses are expenses related to directly enabling digital literacy and skills training and include, but are not limited to, items such as: 

  • Costs associated with completing the grant or Application and Grant Plan 
  • Pre-project development costs and uses, including data-gathering, feasibility studies, community engagement and public feedback processes, equity assessments and planning, and needs assessments 
  • Personnel costs, including salaries and fringe benefits for staff and consultants required for directly carrying out the project (such as project managers, program directors, subject matter experts, equity consultants, and grant administrators) 
  • Cost of long-term leases (for terms greater than one year) of facilities required to provide digital literacy and skills training 
  • Ancillary costs necessary to improve digital literacy 
  • Costs associated with monitoring and reporting on Projects in compliance with Treasury requirements, including award closeout costs 
  • Costs associated with collecting and measuring performance data and conducting activities needed to establish and maintain a performance management and evaluation regime related to Projects funded by the Capital Projects Fund program 
  • Computer equipment, accessories and software supporting digital literacy and skills development 
  • Digital literacy and skills assessment, training, and curriculum design 
  • Program creation 
  • Content creation and delivery 
  • Program support costs not to exceed 10% of the total subrecipient award (those costs tied directly to the delivery of a particular project or service undertaken by the subrecipient to achieve an outcome intended by the funding program) 

Computer equipment, accessories and software may be purchased to augment current digital literacy and skills development capabilities.  However, computer equipment, accessories and software may not exceed 30% of the submitted budget as the DOCK 2.0 Program is not intended to become an equipment distribution program.  All equipment, accessory and software plans and associated purchases must be approved by KOBD prior to orders being placed.  Subrecipients will own and maintain the computer equipment, accessories, and software. 

Subrecipients must have an effective asset management plan and/or system that must include, but is not limited to, the following: 

  • The ability to inventory all devices that are part of the project contained in a readily accessible database.  Each device entry must at minimum contain the make and model, an associated serial number, date of purchase, date of warranty expiration, and estimated life of use (or replacement date) 
  • The ability to tag all devices with property tags or install asset management software on the device. Each tag should contain a unique identifier to track the device in the inventory 
  • A surveillance capability to track the location of all devices 

Grant expenses must be incurred, and funds expended during the project period per the official grant agreement.  Funds may be used for costs incurred after September 12, 2024, subject to approval.  All funds must be expended by July 31, 2026.     

Ineligible Program Costs  

Ineligible costs include, but are not limited to: 

  • Operating expenses such as utility costs 
  • Short-term operating leases (for terms less than one (1) year) 
  • Payment of interest or principal on outstanding debt instruments or other debt service costs  
  • Fees or issuance costs associated with the issuance of new debt 
  • Satisfaction of any obligation arising under or pursuant to a settlement agreement, judgment, consent decree, or judicially confirmed debt restructuring plan in a judicial, administrative, or regulatory proceeding 
  • To support or oppose collective bargaining.  This does not affect the ability to use funds to comply with 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4 
  • Capital costs to enable broadband services via telecommunications electronics, Wi-Fi equipment, fiber or cable assets 
Key Definitions

Adoption Efforts  
Adoption goes beyond access to high-speed internet and speaks to the ability of individuals and communities to harness access for quality-of-life implications.  These efforts may include digital literacy training, low-income assistance programs (for equipment and/or broadband service), partnerships with co-working or entrepreneurship organizations, awareness or marketing campaigns, service provision to community anchor institutions, and/or additional programming, along with other programs designed to meet the needs of the local community. 

Applicant Match 
The funds that the applicant is contributing to the project is represented as a percent of total project costs.  The minimum applicant match is 2% for the DOCK 2.0 program.  At the time of application submission, the applicant must demonstrate available cash reserves in an account(s) of the applicant equal to at least the minimum applicant match.  Matching funds must be used solely for the Project and shall not include any financial assistance from federal sources unless there is a federal statutory exception specifically authorizing the federal financial assistance to be considered as such.  An applicant must provide evidence of its ability to comply with this requirement in its application (www.ecfr.gov). 

Broadband  
Broadband (or high-speed internet) access allows users to access the internet and internet-related services at much higher speeds than those available through “dial-up” services.  Broadband speeds vary significantly depending on the technology and level of service ordered.  For additional information, visit the source of this information: Getting Broadband Q&A | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)

Budget and Financial Requirements  
An explanation of costs that corresponds with the information included in the project budget spreadsheet.  The information should also explain the necessity and basis for costs and reflect only allowable costs consistent with the project scope.  Content must include the last (1) year of the organization’s tax returns and/or 990s if the organization is a non-profit entity.  

Career Cluster 
 A collection of jobs with shared characteristics and efforts, such as industry and objective.  There are 16 career clusters defined by the National Career Clusters Framework, which is a framework used by many schools and state agencies.  Additional career cluster information can be found at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/career-clusters.htm) and the Advance CTE  (https://careertech.org/what-we-do/career-clusters/) websites. 

Co-Investment  
Committed funds to the project provided by an individual(s) or organization(s) within the benefitted community, other than the applicant.   

Community Anchor Institution 
Community Anchor Institutions are schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety entities, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, and other community support organizations and agencies that provide outreach, access, equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations, including low-income, unemployed, and the aged (www.usac.org). 

Community Support (Narrative) 
Community partners associated with the project planning, promotion, and adoption includes the description of each party’s commitment and role in the project.  It also includes any involvement by Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) including municipalities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, libraries, public safety, businesses, non-profits, and or other community stakeholders. 

Covered Populations  
Covered populations:  Identify if covered populations will benefit from the proposed project.  Covered populations include low-income individuals, aging individuals; incarcerated individuals active in reentry, second chance or related programs, other than those incarcerated in a Federal correctional facility; veterans; individuals with disabilities; individuals with a language barrier, including individuals who – (i) are English learners; and (ii) have low levels of literacy; individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group; tribal nations, and individuals who primarily reside in a rural area. 

Digital Equity 
A condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. 

Digital Literacy 
The ability to leverage current technologies, such as smartphones and laptops, and Internet access to perform research, create content and interact with the world. 

Digital Navigator 
Trusted guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices. Digital navigation services include ongoing assistance with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support. 

Digital Skills 
Any skills related to operating digital devices (mobile phone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc.) or taking advantage of digital resources. 

Economically Distressed Community  
KOBD will consider an area economically distressed if either the 2022 per capita BEA PCPI or PCMI metric is below the 80% threshold.  The Kansas counties meeting this definition are in the table below: 

Table 2:  Economically Distressed Counties in Kansas 
Allen Elk Leavenworth Rice 
Anderson Ellsworth Lincoln Riley 
Atchison Finney Linn Rooks 
Barber Ford Lyon Rush 
Barton Franklin Marion Russell 
Bourbon Geary Marshall Saline 
Brown Graham Montgomery Scott 
Chase Grant Morris Seward 
Chautauqua Greenwood Morton Sherman 
Cherokee Hamilton Neosho Stafford 
Clark Harper Norton Stevens 
Clay Harvey Osage Sumner 
Cloud Haskell Osborne Washington 
Comanche Jackson Ottawa Wilson 
Cowley Jewell Pawnee Woodson 
Crawford Kearny Pratt Wyandotte 
Dickinson Kingman Rawlins  
Doniphan Kiowa Reno  
Edwards Labette Republic  

The counties listed above can also be found at the Stats America website via http://www.statsameri-ca.org/distress/distress.aspx.   

Eligible Broadband Infrastructure Program Applicants 
Applicants that are authorized to provide broadband services in the proposed area.  Eligible applicants include:  

  • Political subdivisions or entities of political subdivisions  
  • Tribal Governments 
  • Corporations  
  • Limited liability companies  
  • Co-operatives  
  • Electric Utilities 
  • Partnerships or other business entities  
  • Non-profit organizations 
  • Those authorized to provide broadband services in the proposed service area 

KBOR 
Kansas Board of Regents. 

Letters of Commitment / Support  
Explicit commitments and roles of committed partners and letters of support.  

Partnership 
A formal relationship between two or more parties that enter into an agreement for the sake of advancing broadband enablement or digital equity.  

Project 
An applicant’s proposal. 

Project Justification 
Narrative to justify the need for a project and relevant data indicators to support the effort.  Narrative must include:  

  • Evidence to make a compelling case for the project relative to the proposed services and covered populations 
  • Description of how project addresses critical need(s) of communities to be served  

Project Milestones 
A project planning tool that is used to mark a point in a project schedule.  Project milestones can note the start and finish of a project, mark the completion of a major phase of work or anything that’s worth highlighting in a project, such as the production of project deliverables.  Milestones help project teams coordinate their efforts by helping everybody understand the objectives of the project and the action steps that must be taken to achieve them. 

Project Plan  
A project plan includes information on each stage of the project, covers the entire project period, and aligns with the proposed budget.  The plan contents include an executive summary, narrative overview, goals, proposed target critical need communities, partners, stakeholders, intended impact, digital literacy training, short and long-term benefit to the covered populations within communities.  

Scalability
The capacity to change the size or scale of the program to achieve substantially higher impact with minimal to no investment. 

Service Partners 
Organizational partners that provide key services that assist in implementing project deliverables for the overall program.  

Veterans 
A person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. 

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CONTACT

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CONTACT

Kimberlyn Jones, Digital Opportunity Program Manager

785-289-3345

[email protected]

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