This project seeks to:

• expand Paraguay’s rural internet connectivity,
• build institutional capacity to deliver secure access to information and communications technologies (ICTs), and
• strengthen digital literacy.

Objectives

• Ideal projects will focus on one or more of the following objectives:
  • Objective 1: Enhance infrastructure planning and deployment.  Support the expansion of rural internet access in centers with a lower population density through procurement and installation of secure equipment and servicing of reliable connectivity solutions, in line with international standards, and in support of the Government of Paraguay’s 5G development efforts.
  • Objective 2: Strengthen institutional systems and public-private coordination.  Work in partnership with the Government of Paraguay and local stakeholders to implement a sustainable model of safe connectivity and training, such as promoting a public-private cybersecurity task force, identifying opportunities for capacity-strengthening programs for government officials, supporting digital literacy initiatives, and cybersecurity training centers.
  • Objective 3: Promote safe and secure digital connectivity. Develop and expand digital literacy and safe internet usage training programs, such as cybersecurity awareness, data privacy and protection, and secure online transactions for rural populations of varied demographics.

Funding Information

• Award Ceiling: $6,000,000
• Award Floor: $5,919,000

Expected Results

• By the end of the project, grantees should demonstrate that the project has expanded the number of rural internet access points to the required number, strengthened Paraguayan institutions, and increased digital literacy among internet users through the following:
  • Objective 1:  Enhanced Infrastructure Support
    • Develop and conclude a workplan with MITIC and CONATEL to prioritize and select locations of internet access point sites, which may include sites such as family health units (Unidad de Salud Familiar, ‘USF’) and public spaces (Internet Gratuito en Espacios Públicos, ‘IGEP’).
    • The workplan would also determine technology types (e.g., satellite, fiber optic), equipment needs, subscription services, operating spectrums, and other technical details, as applicable, and confirm alignment with national connectivity plans, in consultation with U.S. Embassy Asuncion.
    • Prioritize internet supplies and equipment purchases in accordance with its own procurement regulations and property standards, which must conform to 2 CFR § 200, as applicable to the organization and deployment of internet access points through licensed operators at up to 3,600 sites across Paraguay by September 2026, in alignment with Paraguayan government priorities.
    • Within the project duration provide an option up to 5 years of internet service coverage, prioritizing deployment and initial year of service.
  • Objective 2:  Institutional Systems Strengthened
    • Design and deliver training and technical assistance for public institutions on how to manage and sustain digital connectivity efforts post-award. Develop an institutionalization plan with MITIC to take on monitoring, management, and maintenance of the internet access points post-award, including a plan to source spare parts and sustainment services over the determined period of years within the workplan established with MITIC and CONATEL.
    • Strengthen systems for sustainability by supporting planning, monitoring, and public accountability mechanisms of public institutions in charge of monitoring, managing, and maintaining the internet access points post-award.
  • Objective 3:  Increased Digital Literacy 
    • Develop and deliver training programs focused on basic digital skills, internet safety, and the use of digital tools.  Identify the criteria for choosing the local communities and local stakeholders to receive this training.  Deliver the trainings to at least 50 rural communities by June 2027.  Utilize local educators to conduct training sessions.
    • 200 community-based training of trainers (ToT) for scalable outreach. Leverage existing educational institutions and resources to conduct the training.
    • At least 100,000 individuals reached through public campaigns on digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and digital rights by September 2027.   Use various media (radio, social media, community events) to promote the importance of digital literacy.  Collaborate with local media and community leaders to disseminate information.
    • Provide training and resources to communities receiving internet access points to ensure the internet is accessible to them.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Entities: Applicants who are eligible to apply are U.S. non-profit/ NGOs having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, overseas-based NGOs,  or an equivalent/similar status under Paraguayan law or regulation or under another jurisdiction but with a presence in Paraguay, such as NGOs institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs) and other qualified organizations that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time; NGOs based in Paraguay are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism.  It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360176