Think you have what it takes? The NTIA program is recruiting “volunteers to serve as panelists to evaluate grant proposals for the $4.7 billion BTOP.” Before you quit your job and march down to the Department of Commerce to sign up, understand “there will be no direct reimbursement for your time and expertise.” Also, make sure you “agree to comply with Department of Commerce policies on conflict of interest and confidentiality.”
You must also have “significant expertise and experience” in at least one of the following areas:
- the design, funding, construction, and operation of broadband networks or public computer centers;
- broadband-related outreach, training, or education;
- innovative programs to increase the demand for broadband services
Interested? Full text of the invitation below:
July 6, 2009
Call for Reviewers
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Help America Advance its National Objective of Broadband Access for All The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is soliciting volunteers to serve as panelists to evaluate grant proposals for the $4.7 billion Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), an important part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NTIA is accepting applications for its first round of BTOP grants from July 14, 2009 until August 14, 2009, and will conduct panel reviews through at least the end of September, 2009. As a reviewer, your evaluations will be an important factor considered by NTIA in determining whether to award grant funding. To be considered as a reviewer you must have significant expertise and experience in at least one of the following areas:
- the design, funding, construction, and operation of broadband networks or public computer centers;
- broadband-related outreach, training, or education; and
- innovative programs to increase the demand for broadband services.
In addition you must agree to comply with Department of Commerce policies on conflict of interest and confidentiality.
We are committed to ensuring that reviewers come from diverse backgrounds and areas of the United States. Please feel free to circulate this “Call for Reviewers” to other individuals or organizations that may be sources of qualified reviewers. To apply to be a panel reviewer for BTOP, please email a resume containing the information below to BTOPReviewers@ntia.doc.gov:
- Name
- Residence (city and state)
- Email/phone number
- Employer
- Position/Title
- Years and types of experience and positions in fields related to BTOP activities NTIA will examine and approve reviewer applications on a first-come, first-served basis
Approved reviewers will be contacted to schedule participation in a webinar orientation session and teleconference panel reviews. Although there will be no direct reimbursement for your time and expertise, you may be assured that you will be making a significant contribution to enhancing broadband services throughout the United States. We appreciate the valuable contribution you will be making to the success of BTOP and look forward to working with you as a reviewer.
If you have questions, please send them by email to: BTOPReviewers@ntia.doc.gov.
For additional information, please see http://www.broadbandusa.gov/
I hear that Bernie Madoff may have some time on his hands. He'd be a great fit for a program like this – he likes things that invove $ billions. 🙂
There are always lines of people outside the missions and food kitchens in DC. Hand them each an application and have them grade it while they wait in line. Drop a stack off at the prisons and county jails also.
Volunteers are going to grade and have a say in who gets 4.7 BILLION dollars to build broadband networks??? Almost sounds like the proposals might be somewhat technical wouldn't you think? You have got to be kidding me. They are giving away 4.7 BILLION of our tax payers dollars and this is the best way to do it?