Overview
This page provides useful resources that ReConnect applicants can use to gain a better understanding of the program requirements. The page will be updated regularly to include educational materials, relevant forms and documents, and other learning opportunities.
Key Resources
- Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA): The FOA, published on October 25, 2021, outlines the rules and eligibility requires for the third round of ReConnect program funding.
- ReConnect Program Fact Sheet (PDF, 599KB): This document provides information about key aspects of the ReConnect Program including who may apply, what is an eligible area, how funding may be used, where to find technical assistance, and more. The ReConnect Program Fact Sheet is also available in Español (PDF, 1.6 MB).
- ReConnect Regulation: On February 26, 2021, RUS published the ReConnect Regulation in the Federal Register and on Regulations.gov. The ReConnect Program Regulation codifies policies and procedures for the ReConnect Program, and sets forth the general policies, eligibility requirements, types and terms of loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations and program requirements.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): The following FAQ documents will be updated regularly to include answer to questions submitted by interested ReConnect Program applications during webinars, regional workshops, and via the Contact Us Form on the ReConnect website:
- Frequently Asked Questions – ReConnect Program (PDF, 756 KB)
- Application General FAQ Document – ReConnect Program (PDF, 405 KB)
- Eligibility FAQ Document – ReConnect Program (PDF, 259 KB)
- Evaluation Criteria and Scoring FAQ Document – ReConnect Program (PDF, 251 KB)
- Certifications FAQ Document – ReConnect Program (PDF, 182 KB)
- Required Documents FAQ – ReConnect Program (PDF, 163 KB)
FOA Webinar Recording
On November 18, 2021, RUS staff hosted a live webinar to provide an overview of the ReConnect Program FOA announced on October 25, 2021.
ReConnect FOA Webinar Slide Deck (PDF, 2.4 MB)
Application and Award Forms
This section provides a list of the application forms and legal documents that ReConnect applicants and awardees may need as part of the application or award process. Not every form is relevant to each funding category. These documents are initial versions and may be modified at a later date. Click on the name of each form to view more details, or to download a copy.
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APPLICATION MATERIALS |
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New! Application Guide (PDF, 187 KB) |
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ARR Resolution Instructions and Samples (PDF, 286 KB) |
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Depreciation Rates (PDF, 170 KB) |
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Environmental Questionnaire - NHPA Section 106 (PDF, 222 KB) |
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Environmental Questionnaire – Project (PDF, 546 KB) |
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Environmental Questionnaire – Site and Route (PDF, 365 KB) |
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Legal Opinion (DOCX, 20.3 KB) |
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Network Design Certification (PDF, 115 KB) |
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AWARD MATERIALS |
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Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit (DOC, 40 KB) |
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ReConnect Program Legal Agreements (ZIP, 612 KB) |
Additional Resources
- Rural Development Reporting and Compliance User Guide (PDF, 6.1 MB): The purpose of this guide is to provide instructions for using the Reporting & Compliance (R&C) system. The R&C system streamlines the reporting process for entities receiving financial assistance from the RUS.
- Rural Development Public Notice Filings Portal User Guide (PDF, 1019 KB): The Public Notice Filings (PNF) Guide describes how to use the ReConnect Program PNF tool and submit a Public Notice Response (PNR).