Narrative outline
Native Entities Grant Program. One section per scoring criterion, in the notice's order, so reviewers find each answer where they expect it. Fill in every [[NEEDS: …]] with your own facts.
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Narrative limit: 5 pages. Suggested pages follow each section's share of the points. 100 points in total. Source: the official notice, NTIA_Amended_NEGP_NOFO_2026.pdf.
Project Purpose and Need · 35 points · about 2 pages
See page 24 of the notice for what reviewers look for.
- Project Need · 20 points: Reviewers will assess whether there is baseline data demonstrating unmet demand or identifiable barriers to broadband use and adoption, including but not limited to: • The percentage of individuals in need of services within the proposed service area. • The number of households in need of broadband service subsidies for both first time connections and ongoing service. • A description of the geographic scope and impacted areas. • Other data demonstrating the level of need of the individuals to be served (i.e. poverty rates, unemployment rates, etc.).
- Project Purpose · 15 points: Reviewers will assess whether the proposed activities address the unmet demand or identifiable barriers to broadband use and adoption. o Reviewers will assess the extent to which the Project improves the access to, and use of, broadband services to impact one or more of the following: • Economic and Workforce Development Goals, Plans, and Outcomes; • Educational Outcomes; • Health Outcomes; • Social & Civic Engagement; • Delivery of Other Essential Services;16
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Performance Measures and Sustainability · 15 points · about 1 page
What reviewers look for (notice p. 25):
Reviewers will assess the effectiveness of the applicant’s performance metrics for measuring success of the Project against proposed objective and consider how the applicant will collect data and information to track the identified program outcomes, including frequency and scope. • Reviewers will consider if the applicant has a plan for sustaining the benefits of the program.
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Strength of Project Implementation Plan and Budget · 25 points · about 1 page
What reviewers look for (notice p. 25):
Reviewers will assess the overall soundness of the proposed project plan and milestones and whether the proposed activities and timelines can be conducted within the period of performance. • Reviewers will assess if the proposed Project, including specific activities to be conducted, is achievable and consistent with the allowable programmatic activities. 16 See 47 U.S.C. § 1723(c)(1)(C)i-v. • Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant has established clear measurable objectives that are achievable within the Period of Performance. • Reviewers will assess if the proposed Project budget can achieve Project goals within the period of performance, and that costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. • Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant has included measures to track progress and mitigate risks to the Project’s implementation strategy and timeline.
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Strength of Applicant’s Organizational Capability · 25 points · about 1 page
What reviewers look for (notice p. 26):
Reviewers will assess the strength of the applicant’s organizational capability to implement the proposed Project including the programmatic and technical experience of the implementation team. • Reviewers will assess whether the applicant has the breadth and depth of experience, as an organization or through partnerships, that demonstrates the experience necessary to effectively complete the proposed Projects. • Reviewers will assess the applicant’s ability to manage large federal grant awards effectively, either based on demonstrated management of past projects, or based on an explanation and description in the applicant’s application materials indicating their capacity to do so. • Reviewers will assess the applicant’s ability to manage large programmatic initiatives, either based on the applicant’s past success and relevant experience, or based on an explanation in the applicant’s…
[[NEEDS: your answer to this criterion, with facts and numbers from your organization]]
Draft written? Score it against these criteria and check each section's length. Want to see how others did it? Sample proposals agencies have posted.
Built from the official notice's scoring section. Section names, order and page limits come from the notice.