Applying committees and the counties they represent will be selected to participate in TAP based on criteria that measures the digital divide at the county level. Some of these criteria include whether a location is considered served by the FCC’s definition. Although this is not the only metric by which counties will be evaluated, it will ultimately make an impact on which counties are selected to participate. At this time, it is not possible to determine the extent to which a county’s “coverage” may impact or preclude its ability to participate in TAP; however, any county in need of technical assistance with broadband planning and consulting services is encouraged to apply to the program.

Gap Analysis and Community Needs Identification is a preliminary step in the planning process that involves organizing community stakeholders and assets to locate gaps in accessibility, as well as identifying potential underlying barriers to bridging these gaps. Digital Opportunity Strategy and Needs Identification uses information gathered by a gap analysis to go further in providing strategies for closing the identifiable gaps within a community by shedding light on local, actionable items and opportunities.

Any entity that seeks to provide additional local technical assistance from TAP on behalf of a county is encouraged to participate in the program; however, should any interested party want to participate in TAP, they must do so through their membership on a local Broadband Planning Committee (BPC) that has been certified with the BDO. Should a committee not exist, a school and/or COG are great examples of local resources that may be used to spearhead the formation of a certifiable BPC. For more information about BPCs, or how to certify them, please see Broadband Planning Committees (PDF).

It depends on the local goals identified by the BPC and its county’s stakeholders. Participating counties will have the opportunity to identify individual needs based on local interests, including the provision of workforce development strategies. A county receiving workforce development services from TAP that expresses an interest may seek to utilize this service by identifying opportunities within the local school systems, including through CTE courses.

BPCs should aim to include in its membership a variety of community stakeholders that reflect the local interests and make-up of the county they aim to serve. The BDO encourages committees to include all parties willing to participate in local committees or the planning process; however, the ability to participate in local committees and what that process entails is not under the direction of the BDO. The BDO encourages all willing participants to seek out and engage with local committee leaders and committee members to identify the necessary steps for committee participation. Alternatively, any entity that is seeking local technical assistance from TAP on behalf of a county may do so by spearheading the formation and certification of a BPC with the BDO. Committees serving the same county will be put in contact with one another to better facilitate local collaboration among committees. For more information about BPCs, please see Broadband Planning Committees (PDF).

Only the committee leaders of certified BPCs may apply to TAP. There are, however, no employment restrictions or mandates placed on who may or may not be a committee leader of a BPC. Likewise, there are no restrictions on the number of committees that interested participants can lead, nor are there restrictions on the number of counties that leader can apply on behalf of.

There are numerous examples of successful partnerships in the Texas broadband space in addition to a variety of P3 models to choose from based on a county’s unique circumstances. It is difficult to highlight any one successful P3 model, as what succeeds in one community may not succeed elsewhere. Additional information on P3s is available at BroadbandForTexas.com, including preliminary topics to consider and resources for pursuing P3 planning and research.