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TIF BOARD TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT GR4-NT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARlES Request for Proposal Number: LB 4 Request for Proposals The Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board (TIF Board) announces the availability of approximately 529 million in non-competitive grants to address the needs of Texas public libraries with inadequate Internet connectivity. Eligible applicants are libraries, recognized by the Texas State Library, that have little or no Internet connectivity (dial-up or direct) and do not currently have an active TIF Board grant (LB2 or LB3). All libraries are encouraged to investigate other existing TIF Board grant programs to see if there are additional opportunities for funding. Program Detail TIF Board applicants may select from a configuration list (see Appendix A) in order to enhance existing public Internet access or provide distance learning facilities for the public. Applicants should note that the TIF Board limits the number of workstations that may be purchased with TIF Board funds in order to encourage applicants to focus on implementing an extensive inside-the-walls infrastructure. Applicants are limited to purchasing no more than 10 ,...'orkstations per library in Program A and 30 workstations per library in Program B. This includes any combination of new desktop workstations, laptops, anellor upgrades not to exceed the limit for the program in which the library is eligible. Applicants may fund network connectivity for more than 30 \vorkstations. Workstations purchased with TIF Board funds may not be used for administrative purposes. Of the \vorkstations purchased, up to 20% of the workstations purchased may be designated for library operations that foster direct public support (Reference desk, Circulation desk, ArielfILL, etc.). This library initiative consists of two programs; a library cannot apply for both Program A and Program B. Program A Eligible applicants are public libraries that have limited or no Internet access for the general public. The purpose of this program is to allow small to medium-sized public libraries with either no existing Internet connectivity, or only dial-up analog or ISDN connectivity, to enhance base-level Internet connections by funding the items listed lelow. Libraries that have a LAN, an automated library catalog, and the resources to sustain dedicated Iccess (T-l or greater speed) may apply for Program B. Program A grants will not exceed S30,000. Program A grantees cannot purchase more than 10 workstations with TIF Board funds. A basic connectivity and/or enhancement package may include: 1. Monthly telecommunications costs for the demonstration of the project.l This includes ISP costs. Internet connectivity hardware, such as modems, ISDN or xDSL connection equipment, DSU/CSU, routers, hubs, switches, wireless connectivity hardware, appropriate installation costs (to be included in the purchase price of the equipment), etc. 3. Multifunction PC servers ") [ "Demonstration of [he projec[" means that TIFB will not pay for telecommunications costs until the project is ready to go on-line. TIFB foresees that the first three months of the project will be used to bid and acquire the necessary equipment. Teiecommunications costs should not begin until the necessary equipment is configured and installed. TIFB will only pay for new applicable costs initiated during the grant period. !