Primary Department: Universal Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Sindhu Menon, Executive Director & Chief Information Officer
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Amendment
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Universal Services for approval of a closeout agreement between Harris County and the Federal Communications Commission for the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program due to a lack of Congressional funding.
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Background and Discussion:
In 2023, Harris County was awarded two grants by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase outreach and assist constituents with the sign-up and enrollment process to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), including the National Pilot Program (NPP). Due to lack of Congressional funding, the last fully funded month for the benefit was April 2024. The FCC requests formal closeout of all grants.
Expected Impact:
Closeout of the ACP grants in accordance with federal and County guidance will ensure Harris County remains in good standing with the FCC for future funding opportunities. Universal Services has continued the Digital Navigator Program with County funding, shifting our focus from benefit sign-ups to low-cost internet plan guidance and technical training.
Alternative Options:
Due to a lack of Congressional funding, the FCC has requested formal closeout of all grants.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Connect our community with safe, reliable, equitably distributed, and well-maintained infrastructure.
County Strategic Plan Objective: K: Provide workers with training and other supports (e.g. child care) to participate fully in the local economy.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): Choose an item.
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): H5: Improve broadband reliability and expand wireless access points.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): Choose an item.
Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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November 30, 2021 |
154 |
Passed |
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June 6, 2023 |
184 |
Passed |
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July 18, 2023 |
400 |
Passed |
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June 4, 2024 |
218 |
Passed |
Location:
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Choose an item.
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Service Name |
Aldine Pilot Project |
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Recurring Expenses |
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Existing Budget |
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Total Existing Budget |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form) |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
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Total Funding Sources |
$ |
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Grants - Proposed Budget (For Grants Items only) |
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No. of Grant Years |
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Local Match Source - Existing Budget: Choose an item. |
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Local Match Source - Additional Budget Request: Choose an item. |
$ |
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$ |
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Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total) |
$ |
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$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
- |
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Total Personnel |
- |
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Anticipated Court Date: 3/27/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Abby Runnels, Universal Services Grant Specialist
Attachments (if applicable): ACP Final Closeout Notice and Court Order