NTIA Looking for BTOP Grant Application Reviewers

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is reaching out for assistance with an important effort – the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), a $4.5B broadband grant program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that seeks to bring universal broadband access to all Americans finally, while creating jobs and stimulating the economy.

NTIA is seeking experienced professionals who can review BTOP grant applications. BTOP is adopting a peer-review model that NSF and FEMA have used successfully in previous grant programs.

NTIA needs reviewers with relevant expertise, from diverse backgrounds, regions and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Expertise in broadband deployment and infrastructure
• Experience with personal computers, software and local area networks
• Experience in community technology and digital inclusion programs
• Experience reviewing grant applications from nonprofit and public agencies,
• Expertise in Education, Health Care, Disability Access, Economic and Workforce Development, Libraries, Human and Social Services and/or Affordable Housing
• Experience with outreach to targeted vulnerable populations, including: Children / Youth, Senior Citizens, Disabled, Low Income Communities of Color, Native Americans, Immigrant Communities, Non English Speaking.
• Understanding of how broadband access enables communities to fully participate in the 21st century economy.

NTIA is seeking reviewers from diverse backgrounds and areas of the country.  Would you or a staff member participate as a peer reviewer?  Would you be willing to post this information to your website, send to individuals on your mailing list, list serves, newsletters, e-blasts, etc.?   Reviewers will participate remotely and will not be required to attend any in-person meetings. A 90-minute training session/webinar will be provided for reviewers and repeated several times to allow for scheduling flexibility.  Participants will review no more than 10 applications, each requiring 60 to 90 minutes, and participate in a 2-hour wrap-up conference call. 

If you would like to serve your country by becoming a BTOP reviewer, please send a resume and the conflict of interest form) (PDF) in an email to btopreviewers@ntia.doc.gov or FAX to BTOP Reviewers at 202-501-8009.  Please send a signed paper copy as well by U.S. Mail to

BTOP Reviewers
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
HCHB, Room 4812
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230

If you would like additional information you can call (888) 861-5509 or e-mail BTOPreviewer@ntia.doc.gov for further information.