Program Overview

California Tribes interested in technical assistance to pursue improved communications (for example, voice and broadband) to serve Tribal communities can apply for these grants to develop market studies, feasibility studies and business plans. The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) has funds available to support Tribal broadband needs and increase access. Public Utilities Code section 281(b)(1)(A) authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) Communications Division (CD) Staff to approve applications for these grants for technical assistance on reservations, trust lands, and surrounding areas.

For tribal technical assistance grant program guidelines and rules adopted by the Commission, refer to Decision (D.) 20-08-005.

Funding Goal and Amount Available for Grants

Grants to assist California Tribes in developing market studies, feasibilities studies, and/or business plans, which support Tribes in their pursuit of improved communications were specified in the Commission Decision.

Tribal technical assistance grants shall not exceed $150,000 per Tribe, per fiscal year. The aggregate amount available for awards (to all Tribes) shall not exceed $5,000,000 or until funds are replenished and/or exhausted.

Eligibility

California Tribes with or without federal recognition, that demonstrate Tribal leadership support are eligible for technical assistance grants.

 

Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Cycles

Applications may be submitted at any time. However, CD will consider applications submitted on or before each deadline listed below as a batch and quarterly for processing.

  • October 1
  • January 1
  • April 1
  • July 1 

Deadlines that fall on a holiday or a weekend will be extended to the following business day.

Fact Sheet: 

Application Form Package, Administrative Manual, and Affidavit  

List of Applications Received and Approved 

Tribal Technical Assistance Program Overview Webinar

To assist prospective applicants, Communications Division will host a Tribal Technical Assistance Program Overview webinar on September 8, 2020. See below for details:

Webinar Presentation

September 8, 2020 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Presentation with Audio

 

Additional Information

NEW - Payment Request Process for Tribal Grantees: All grantees must now use the Electronic Claims and Applications Portal (eCAP) to submit payment requests for their CASF grants. Grantees should no longer submit payment requests to the TTA public email. The eCAP is available at: https://ecap.cpuc.ca.gov/s/

Additional information and guides on the TTA program:

Contact Information: General questions about the CASF Tribal Technical Assistance Grant program can be directed to Tribal_Tech_Assist@cpuc.ca.gov.