Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Program
Electronic Claims and Applications Portal (eCAP) for Payment RequestsNEW
All grantees must now use the Electronic Claims and Applications Portal (eCAP) to submit payment requests for their CASF grants. The eCAP is available at: https://ecap.cpuc.ca.gov/s/. See the "Additional Information" section below.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
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
- Tribal Assistance Administrative Manual (updated October 2023)
- Grant Application Package
- Submit 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:
September 8, 2020 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
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/.
- eCAP Help - FAQs: Provides helpful videos and FAQs on how to use eCAP.
- eCAP Help Video - Introduction to eCAP: Recording of a support session on eCAP with question/answer session.
- Completion Report Form: Grantees must complete this form as part of their payment request.
Additional information and guides on the TTA program:
- TTA FAQs Document
- Overview for TTA Applicants
- Payee Data Record Form (STD 204) - for grant acceptance
Contact Information: General questions about the CASF Tribal Technical Assistance Grant program can be directed to Tribal_Tech_Assist@cpuc.ca.gov.