Commerce is initiating this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit Federally Recognized Tribes from those qualified and interested in grant funding to increase digital equity for all by providing digital navigator services, devices, and subscriptions.
These services must include but are not limited to, one-on-one assistance for people with limited access to services, including individuals seeking work, students seeking digital technical support, families supporting students, English language learners, Medicaid clients, people experiencing poverty, and seniors.
Federally Recognized Tribes will work with Commerce to eliminate barriers and provide a path forward in equitable digital inclusion through increased access to supporting services such as Telehealth, employment, education, and training.
This work is tied to $4.85 million in funding allocated by the Washington State Legislature in the 2025 state budget to promote digital navigator services, devices, and subscriptions: The state budget appropriation for fiscal year 2025 is provided solely for the department to provide grants to entities that provide digital navigator services, devices, and subscriptions.
These services must include but are not limited to, one-on-one assistance for people with limited access to services, including individuals seeking work, students seeking digital technical support, families supporting students, English language learners, Medicaid clients, people experiencing poverty, and seniors.
Of the amounts provided from the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2025, at least $3 million must be provided to Tribes. Commerce intends to award multiple contracts to provide the services described in this NOFO.
Deadline
Proposals are due on 5 p.m. PT, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.
Register for the Pre-proposal Conference set for 3 p.m. PT on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.