For those who are pursuing federal stimulus funds for broadband expansion—particularly for expanding public computing centers—the General Accounting Office (GAO) has released a Report to Congressional Committees, http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1080.pdf, that provides an interesting assessment of the performance of NTIA and RUS in administering the broadband program so far.

From their conclusion:

Based on the experience in the first funding round and their legacy grant and loan programs, the agencies might have little time to thoroughly review applications to ensure that funded projects meet the objectives of the Recovery Act. Without adequate time to gather lessons learned from the first funding round and to thoroughly review applications, the agencies risk funding projects that might not meet the objectives of the Recovery Act.

This document has been added to the broadband stimulus information at http://www.oplin.org/broadbandgrants.

Also, NTIA is seeking public comment as a follow up to the first round of broadband stimulus funding, http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27359.pdf. Their questions imply that they are looking for ways to streamline the application process. NTIA also seems to be wondering if they should shift more BTOP funds into public computer centers than is required by the Recovery Act, and perhaps target public libraries for these grants.