Iowa Code r. 129-22.4 - Applications for grant funds
(1)
Application process. Following the issuance of a NOFA by the
office, communications service providers may apply to the office for grant
funds for the installation of broadband infrastructure that facilitates
broadband service in targeted service areas at or above the download and upload
speeds specified in Iowa Code section 8B.11. Applications shall be made and
submitted in accordance with the terms of these rules and the NOFA.
(2)
Contents of application.
In addition to any other questions or requirements established by the NOFA, an
application shall, at a minimum, include:
a.
The communications service provider's legal and business name(s) and
address(es);
b. The name, address,
telephone number, and email address of the person authorized by the
communications service provider to respond to inquiries regarding the
application;
c. The broadband block
number(s) as provided on the statewide map referenced in rule 129-20.4 (8B,427)
for the targeted service area(s) forming the basis of the application/project
(i.e., the targeted service area(s) in which the proposed installation of
broadband infrastructure will facilitate broadband service at or above the
download and upload speeds specified in Iowa Code section 8B.11;
d. Attestation that the broadband
infrastructure installed will facilitate broadband service at or above the
download and upload speeds specified in Iowa Code section 8B.11;
e. Unless a specific cost allocation
methodology is identified or required by the office as set forth in the NOFA,
the specific methods or formulas the communications service provider will
utilize in allocating the costs of and for broadband infrastructure for which
reimbursement may be sought in proportion to such infrastructure's actual
facilitation of broadband service at or above the download and upload speeds
specified in Iowa Code section 8B.11 in the targeted service areas forming the
basis of the project;
f. An
anticipated project completion date in accordance with paragraph
22.6(3)"b." An applicant's anticipated project completion date
may be used to determine whether a grantee's failure to complete a project in a
timely manner warrants a finding of noncompliance for purposes of subparagraph
22.6(4)"b"(2).
(3)
Deadlines. The office
will only consider applications received on or before the applicable deadline
as stated in the NOFA, unless the office, in its sole discretion, establishes a
different deadline for the submission of applications. The office may establish
a different deadline for all applicants, but will not change the deadline for
or at the request of any individual applicant.
(4)
Confidentiality of contents of
applications. The office's release of public records is governed by
129-Chapter 2 and Iowa Code chapter 22. Applicants or other persons or parties
submitting information to the office are encouraged to familiarize themselves
with 129-Chapter 2 and Iowa Code chapter 22 before submitting applications or
other information to the office. The office will copy and produce public
records upon request as required to comply with Iowa Code chapter 22 and will
treat all information submitted by applicants or other persons or parties as
public, nonconfidential records unless an applicant or other person or party
requests that specific parts of the evidence or information submitted be
treated as confidential at the time of the submission to the office.
a. In addition to any other administrative
requirements established by the NOFA, an applicant or other person or party
requesting confidential treatment of portions of an application or other
information submitted to the office must:
(1)
Fully complete and submit to the office Form 22 as provided by the
office.
(2) Identify the request in
the NOFA, or if other information is submitted to the office, identify the
request in the transmittal email or cover letter for the written
correspondence.
(3) Conspicuously
mark the outside of any submission as containing confidential
information.
(4) Mark each page
upon which confidential evidence or information appears.
(5) Submit a public copy from which claimed
confidential evidence and information has been excised. Confidential
information must be excised in such a way as to allow the public to determine
the general nature of the information removed and to retain as much of the
otherwise public evidence and information as possible.
b. Form 22 will not be considered fully
complete unless, for each request for confidential treatment, the applicant or
other person or party:
(1) Enumerates the
specific grounds in Iowa Code chapter 22 or other applicable law that support
treatment of the specific information as confidential.
(2) Justifies why the specific information
should be maintained in confidence.
(3) Explains why disclosure of the specific
information would not be in the best interest of the public.
(4) Sets forth the name, address, telephone
number, and email address of the individual authorized by the applicant or
other person or party submitting such information to respond to inquiries from
the office concerning the confidential status of such information.
c. Failure to request that
information be treated as confidential as specified herein shall relieve the
office and state personnel from any responsibility for maintaining the
information in confidence. Applicants or other persons or parties may not
request confidential treatment with respect to information specifically
identified by the office in the NOFA as being subject to public disclosure.
Blanket requests to maintain an entire application or all information otherwise
submitted to the office as confidential will be categorically
rejected.
(5)
Limited exception for broadband infrastructure installed outside of
targeted service areas. Rescinded IAB 8/14/19, effective
9/18/19.
Notes
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