Applicants must submit a program narrative that includes a clear scope of work, a schedule for device deployment and a justification for the number and type of devices applied for. The narrative should describe how devices will be used to support education, workforce development and health care access, and how those services are currently delivered or will be enhanced through this initiative.  

Applicants should describe how devices will be made accessible to the public, either through onsite use or a lending model, and how this aligns with the needs of the communities they serve. The application must also include a strategy for measuring usage and outcomes and outline a plan for ongoing support and device management 

Applicants requesting ancillary equipment must include, within a separate program narrative, a clear description of how the requested equipment—such as remote patient monitoring kits, assistive technology, Wi-Fi access points, printers or user-facing furniture—will support the capital investment of devices.  

Applicants may only apply for ancillary equipment if they apply for devices under the Main Device Program. 

The narrative should describe how this equipment will be integrated into existing services or access points, such as public health facilities, training programs, libraries or workforce centers. Applicants should explain how the equipment will enhance digital participation, accessibility, and service delivery, especially for underserved populations. Applications must also include a description of the organizational capacity to manage and maintain the equipment, along with a justification for each item requested from the approved list. 

To participate in the Connected & Online, eligible organizations must be physically located in Massachusetts and have the ability to make devices available to the public via onsite use or free lending programs.  

Eligible organizations must be one of the following:  

• Municipality or municipal entity/authority
• State agency
• Nonprofit Organization, including community-based organizations  
• Philanthropic Foundations  
• Educational Providers  
• Healthcare Providers  
• Community Action Agencies  
• Career Centers  
• Libraries  
• Other eligible organizations

Eligible organizations may apply for 30-500 of the following devices, peripherals and ancillary equipment: 

• Laptops, tablets, desktops
  • Comes pre‑installed with productivity & security software (one‑time license
• Standard peripherals (mice, keyboards, webcams, docking stations)
• Supportive equipment:  
  • Remote Patient Monitoring kits  
  • Assistive‑technology hardware/software for individuals with accessibility needs
  • Wi‑Fi Access Points
  • Routers
  • Printers/scanners for public labs 

Any organization awarded devices and/or equipment through the Connected & Online Program must agree to the following:  

• Public Benefit & Use Certification: Organizations must use all equipment and devices received through the program to support public access to education, workforce development or health care services in a manner consistent with the goals of the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). Devices received through this program must be publicly available via onsite use or a free lending model.
• Deployment & Use Timeline: Organizations receiving devices through the program must agree to deploy devices within three months of contract execution, unless otherwise approved in writing by MBI. Unused equipment or delays in deployment must be shared with MBI immediately. MBI reserves the right to reclaim devices not deployed according to the scope of work.  
• Ownership & Transfer Restrictions: Organizations awarded equipment and/or devices agree to maintain ownership through Wednesday, December 31, 2026. During this time, devices and/or equipment may not be resold, transferred or disposed of without written approval from MBI. Maintenance and support plans must be put in place to ensure functionality and public access throughout the life cycle of the program.
• Federal Compliance: Those receiving devices and/or equipment agree to comply with relevant provisions of the Treasury Capital Projects Fund guidance. Device awardees must retain proof of purchase, deployment logs and service records as required for monitoring and federal reporting.
• Reporting Requirements: Organizations receiving devices and/or equipment must agree to participate in all reporting and evaluation activities required by MBI and the U.S. Treasury, including but not limited to:
  • Quarterly Inventory Narrative – detailing devices in circulation, basic usage counts and any lost or retired units.
  • Program Impact Report – at the end of the program, applicants will submit a program impact report highlighting community impact, challenges and notable success examples submitted by Wednesday, December 31, 2026.
  • Close‑Out Package – at project completion, an Asset Disposition Log documenting any devices refurbished, donated or responsibly recycled. 

MBI will score applications for completeness, impact, feasibility, engagement, effectiveness and monitoring. Device applications will be evaluated across five categories totaling 100 points. A minimum score of 50 points (excluding bonus points) is required for award consideration. An additional 20 bonus points may be awarded for projects serving priority populations or offering added community benefits. The maximum score that can be awarded is 120.  

For purposes of this program, MBI is defining priority populations as households at or below 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for household size or income at or below 65% of Area Median Income (AMI). 

• Project Impact (20 points)
• Feasibility and Readiness (20 points)
• Community Engagement and Public Accessibility (20 points)
• Equipment Effectiveness and Program Alignment (20 points)
• Monitoring and Evaluation (20 points) 

• Applicants may earn bonus points based on community impact and responsible equipment use. 

Connected & Online Device Program – Scoring Rubric

This optional section is for applicants requesting additional equipment (e.g., remote patient monitoring kits, assistive technology). Priority is given to organizations serving populations with complex needs, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community health centers and disability-serving organizations. This is in recognition of the critical role these entities play in reaching high-need populations.