Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation

Established a grants program to assist eligible state, county and municipal public safety entities (incumbents) in relocating their currently active communication operations from frequencies 758.00 to 769.00 MHz and 788.00 to 799.00 MHz ("Band 14") to other frequency assignments allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As described in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) holds a single, nationwide FCC license to utilize Band 14 spectrum frequencies for the purposes of developing, building and operating the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). A number of incumbents around the nation continue to operate narrowband systems on the FirstNet-licensed Band 14 frequencies under previously issued FCC authorization. They must relocate their communications operations from Band 14 to ensure unencumbered (clear - free of interference) spectrum which is necessary for successful NPSBN development, deployment and operations.

State, county and municipal government public safety entities (and agencies thereof) that are currently FCC-licensed and operating on Band 14 for the express purposes of public safety communications as of the posting date of the federal funding opportunity for this grant program.

Only state, county and municipal government public safety entities who were Band 14 incumbents who were in need of financial assistance in relocating communications operations to other FCC-allocated spectrum assignments received funding through this program. Applicants submitted documentation showing current, active use of Band 14 frequencies.

Applicants were required to submit evidence of Band 14 incumbency by providing a copy of their current FCC license along with a certified copy of their current agency-approved public safety communications system frequency plan depicting assigned Band 14 frequencies.

Funding under the Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Program was awarded to select incumbents - state, county and municipal public safety entities who possess a current FCC Public Safety 700MHz license and have demonstrated current, active utilization of the Band 14 spectrum frequencies in their public safety communication operations. Funding was awarded to incumbents for the purposes of retuning, reprogramming, procuring equipment in certain cases and modifying affected FCC licenses as needed to clear the Band 14 spectrum while being able to continue their communications operations on other FCC-allocated frequency assignments. The incumbent was required to be actively using the Band 14 spectrum as of the publishing of this grant program on Grants.gov and agreed to relocate from Band 14 within the required period of performance.

The grant period of performance was for one year (12 months) between August 2, 2016 to July 31, 2017. A no cost extension was provided to four grantees based on demonstrated need with the final period of performance for one grantee ending on August 31, 2018. Payment and Reporting System payments are generally within 90 days. Payments under the award will be made using the Department of Treasury's Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system.

Pre-application coordination was required. Environmental impact information was not required for this program. This program was eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant consulted the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State selected the program for review.

Each application was reviewed by FirstNet for adherence to eligibility criteria and programmatic guidelines.

If a submission did not meet the requirements, the applicant was notified of the deficiency. Upon approval of the application, grants were awarded to the respective state, county and municipal government public safety entity. Grantees drew down and expended funds through the Automated Standard for Application for Payment (ASAP) system.

Within 60 days, May 16, 2016