Wages, training and required equipment of a resident(s) who can act as a liaison between the tenants, service providers and housing operator staff throughout the construction and installation of the Retrofit Program network. The coordinator/navigator would work with the housing operators and residents to communicate the construction schedule and navigate and direct resident concerns to respective housing operator staff to support the service providers with the construction process. Coordinators or Digital Navigators may also help residents with technical needs regarding digital or online tools.

Example Digital Navigation/Tenant Coordination Activities: 

• Identify needs: Assess residents' needs related to installation/ broadband access
• Connect residents to services: Link residents to community resources and services
• Coordinate services: Support successful construction and installation of networks by coordinating between ISP and residents
• Develop programs: Plan and implement activities, events, and programs
• Educate residents: Teach residents about new service
• Build community: Encourage resident interaction and leadership through events or joint learning sessions

Application Requirements: Applicants should provide a job description for this role, an estimate of hours of work and work schedule. The description should include a clear set of objectives and a list of tasks the coordinator will manage.

Support activities aimed at building tenants’ digital skills. Eligible activities include the development and/or delivery of digital literacy training curricula and partnerships with service providers offering instruction. Services may be tailored for specific populations such as seniors, people with disabilities or other groups that may face unique challenges in adopting and using broadband technology, including providing appropriate accommodations.

Housing operators may use grant funds to purchase equipment, wiring not being improved under the core Retrofit Program, furniture, facility improvements and devices to support broadband adoption in common areas. Operators should anticipate the need for support with device installation, software setup and other associated one-time implementation needs. Funds under the RANGE program may not be used for ongoing operating expenses or internet service.

Example Public Space Improvements

• Establishment of a computer lab or other multi-use facility that would encourage broadband adoption with publicly accessible computers and equipment
• Installation of specialized privacy spaces for activities such as, but not limited to, telehealth, educational activities or job interviews
• Other types of equipment to be used in publicly available spaces that encourage broadband adoption

Application requirements: Within the program narrative, applicants should include a scope of work detailing a schedule and plan for installation. Applicants should include a clear narrative on how the space is used or will be used once updated and how the space will support the adoption of broadband infrastructure improvements made under the Retrofit Program grant. The application should also clearly describe how the improvements will augment residents' access and livability and promote greater digital participation. All requested materials should include a clear justification for the items. 

Housing operators may offer residents fully subsidized new or used internet-connected devices that can be distributed to tenants required to effectively utilize broadband access facilitated under the Retrofit Program grant for education, workforce development or telehealth. 

Example of Device Distribution:

• New or refurbished internet-connected devices that will facilitate broadband adoption and increase participation in telehealth, education, or workforce development activities.

In addition to distributing devices, operators should demonstrate a clear process for device distribution and host an event for residents to obtain devices. 

Operators should create a budget that includes the cost per device and number of anticipated devices by type to be distributed. The operator should also include a procedure or process for tracking equipment purchases and ensuring the equipment is in operation.

Application requirements: Within the program narrative applicants should include a scope of work specifying a clear process for tracking equipment distributions, a clear process for onboarding and familiarizing residents with equipment once it has been distributed, and, at minimum, a process for supporting WiFi access.