Digital Connectivity Technology Program

The Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP) is administered by the Oregon Broadband Office through the Oregon Business Development Department and is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund. This program was established to address the critical need for internet-enabled computing devices and public Wi-Fi infrastructure, especially in communities where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. The program supports the purchase and installation of eligible devices and equipment, including laptops, tablets, desktop computers, routers, mesh Wi-Fi systems, modems, and other public Wi-Fi infrastructure components. DCTP is designed to serve public-facing entities such as libraries, schools, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, workforce training centers, community health centers, and other Community Anchor Institutions. These organizations must be located in areas where affordability limits access to broadband services and must provide direct services to the public. The program seeks to facilitate increased digital inclusion by enabling these institutions to offer access to internet-enabled devices and public internet connections, either through lending programs or onsite facilities. Projects must remain operational and provide educational, employment, and health-monitoring support for a minimum of five years. Applications for the 2026 funding cycle opened on February 27, 2026, and will close on March 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Technical assistance webinars were scheduled between March 5 and March 10, 2026, with final responses to applicant questions posted by March 12. Applicants are required to submit completed applications using the forms and materials specified in the Request for Grant Applications (RFGA). Eligible applicants must demonstrate compliance with program rules and provide documentation as outlined in the RFGA, including a proposed budget, project description, and eligibility confirmations. A total of $6.8 million is available under this round of DCTP funding, with individual grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Grant awards will be determined through a competitive review process carried out by a review committee composed of department staff and potentially other state agency representatives. Evaluations are based on established criteria such as project alignment with program objectives, applicant eligibility, budget appropriateness, and expected impact. The Oregon Business Development Department retains discretion in final award decisions and may offer reduced amounts from the requested funding. Notifications of intent to award are expected around March 30, 2026, followed by the negotiation and execution of financing contracts with successful applicants. Award recipients will enter into a Financing Contract outlining the project scope, budget, performance standards, reporting requirements, and disbursement procedures. All projects must be completed within the remaining ARPA funding period, ending December 2026. Grant recipients are required to maintain ownership of funded equipment and devices for at least five years and are prohibited from imposing usage fees on the public. Disbursement of funds is contingent upon compliance with reporting and documentation obligations. Quarterly activity and expenditure reports, as well as annual performance reports detailing distributed equipment and usage, are mandatory. The program prioritizes transparency and compliance with both federal and state regulatory frameworks. Ineligible costs include pre-award expenses, indirect administrative costs, personnel expenses, subscription services, and training. Projects that do not align with the defined purpose of increasing digital access through equipment and device provision will not be considered. Questions regarding the DCTP may be directed to Leina Gonzalez-Baird, the Digital Equity Program Coordinator, at 971-707-8159.

Project must serve public for 5 years; equipment use must be free; detailed reporting required.