Broadband Stimulus Funding: Opportunities, Compliance, and Regulatory Issues

With the application window for projects seeking the final round of federal broadband stimulus closing on March 15, applicants are refining their proposals to ensure key technology, finance and compliance criteria are addressed. Government agencies are preparing to review broadband Internet projects vying for $4.8 billion in new federal stimulus funds under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act ("Recovery Act"), which includes two separate funding programs: the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which is generally focused on expanding broadband through middle mile projects, rather than to end users, and the the complementary Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP), which is focused more on providing last mile connectivity in rural areas in particular.

This Webinar will provide in-depth information on the key compliance, regulatory, and financial considerations in applying for broadband stimulus funds and managing the program if the application is successful. Key points will include definitions of the programs, implementing internal structures for compliance, receiving loans versus direct grants, transparency requirements, government payments and potential liabilities. The Webinar will deliver great value to telecom executives who have applied or are considering applying for funding under the BTOP and BIP programs, or those who simply wish to be better informed about this $4.8 billion government stimulus program.

Sponsored by:

Speakers:

C. Joël Van Over
Ms. Van Over has practiced in the Government Contracts area for 25 years. In addition to assisting clients in navigating the myriad federal statutes, regulations, agency directives, and other guidance that apply to government contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other funding vehicles, she has extensive experience in intellectual property and other matters that touch regulated industries. She is also a litigator and a trial attorney with a variety of experience, who has successfully litigated cases on behalf of government contractors and others in state and federal courts as well as in administrative and arbitration fora. Ms. Van Over has been a first chair trial attorney since 1991 and is known for her creativity, tenacity, strategic case planning, thoroughness and complete dedication to her clients' interests.

Glenn S. Richards
Mr. Richards represents voice over internet protocol (VoIP) companies, long distance carriers, competitive local exchange carriers, equipment manufacturers, private network operators, telecommunications trade associations and information service providers in transactional and litigation matters, and before the Federal Communications Commission, state public utility commissions and the International Telecommunication Union. Mr. Richards also negotiates global telecommunications service contracts on behalf of large corporations. Mr. Richards is the author of numerous articles on telecommunications and is a frequent speaker on telecommunications issues such as VoIP, universal service, CALEA, and the local and interexchange markets.

Evan D. Wesser
Mr. Wesser is an associate in the firm's Government Contracts & Disputes team. He assists with the representation of clients in the Government Contracts & Disputes arena on a variety of bid protests, performance disputes, teaming agreements, negotiation, litigation and general business law issues. Mr. Wesser also assists the Intellectual Property group on issues pertaining to licensing and other contracts implicating government contractors. Mr. Wesser served as a law clerk intern to the Hon. Kim C. Hammond, Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida and as an intern with the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition.

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