Connected and Online Program is sponsored by Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Massachusetts Broadband Institute. Distributes internet-connected devices to eligible organizations across Massachusetts to close the digital device gap.

Connected & Online Program | MBI Connected & Online Program Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Distribution of 27,000 Internet-Enabled Devices Across Massachusetts Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches $23 Million Device Distribution Program to Address Digital Divide Technical Assistance Webinar Approved Device Information and Specifications Dell Chromebook 3120 Laptop and 2-in-1 datasheet Dell Latitude 3140 Laptop datasheet Dell Pro - 14 Laptops datasheet Dell Pro 24 Plus Video Conferencing Monitor datasheet Dell Pro Micro Desktop datasheet Dell Pro Slim Desktop datasheet Dell Wired Headset datasheet HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dn-dw Printer datasheet The Connected & Online Program, launched in 2025, is an initiative that will distribute over 32,000 internet-enabled devices, along with assistive technology and supportive equipment, to eligible organizations across Massachusetts.

The goal of the program is to expand access to education, workforce training and telehealth by establishing public device lending programs and on-site device stations, especially in Gateway Cities and rural communities. Devices will be fully loaded with software, selected accessories and warranties at no cost to awardees. Funding is provided by the U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CPF).

The program channels a combined $28. 5 million in Capital Projects Fund resources, $25. 3 million for fleets of internet connected devices and $2.

8 million for supporting equipment, into a statewide effort to close Massachusetts’ device gap. Under the leadership of the Executive Office of Economic Development (the federal recipient) and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech (the implementing subrecipient), the program will procure and deploy over 35,000 laptops, tablets, desktops and ancillary equipment over a 12-month period.

Apply Now Round 1 Awardees View FAQ View Program Flyer Per U.S. Treasury CPF guidelines, the Connected & Online Program will only fund projects that enable public access to device that expand access work, education and health monitoring. Therefore, all proposed projects must demonstrate how they will enable individuals to access across all three of these domains.

Applications that only support one or two of these areas will be deemed ineligible. Workforce Development : Equipped career hubs or public spaces allow for jobseekers to build skills that support them in crafting résumés, complete online training, apply for jobs and pursue remote work.

Education : Supply libraries, schools and learning centers with devices that strengthen participation of individuals to complete virtual coursework, homework help, adult education and digital literacy training for the public. Health Monitoring & Access : Provide devices for telehealth visits, patient portal navigation, accessing health information and supporting remote patient monitoring programs.

"Health monitoring" is defined as enabling a public user to expand their access to telehealth needs (e.g., conduct a doctor’s appointment or complete medical paperwork). Round 1 of Connected & Online was completed in the fall of 2025. Updated application dates and deadlines for Round 2 can be found below.

Activity Date Round 2 Application Open Monday, March 9 Round 2 Application Closes Sunday, Apr. 5 at 11:59 p. m.

Round 2 Award Notification Early May Round 2 Device Delivery July Those interested in applying to the Connected & Online Program should submit an application by Sunday, April 5 at 11:59 p. m. One application per organization is allowed.

Applicants must request a minimum of 30 devices. During Round 2, there will not be an opportunity to make corrections to applications once submitted Applicants will be scored based solely on their submitted application. MBI reserves the right to ask clarifying questions under exceptional circumstances.

Eligible applications will apply through MBI's application via Submittable. Organizations may only submit one application. If devices are requested for multiple sites, this must be indicated in the application with a separate scope of work for each site.

Application Structure: Main vs. Ancillary Main Device Program : This is the core application. All applicants must apply to this to receive laptops, tablets, desktops and standard peripherals. Ancillary Equipment Add-On : This is an optional section within the main application for requesting additional equipment (e.g., Wi-Fi routers, assistive tech, RPM kits).

You cannot apply for ancillary equipment only. Main Device Program Application Requirements Applicants must submit a program narrative that includes: A clear scope of work and schedule for device deployment. A justification for the number and type of devices requested.

A description of how devices will be used to support work, education and health monitoring . A description of how devices will be made publicly accessible (onsite vs. lending model). An explanation of how the equipment will enhance digital participation for underserved populations.

A description of the organization’s capacity to manage and maintain the equipment. A strategy for measuring usage and outcomes and a plan for ongoing support. Ancillary Equipment Application Requirements If requesting ancillary equipment, the narrative must also include: A clear description of how the requested equipment will support the capital investment of devices.

How this equipment will be integrated into existing services or access points. An explanation of how the equipment will enhance digital participation, accessibility and service delivery especially for underserved populations. A justification for each item requested.

Eligible organizations must be physically located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, lack debarment status, comply with all programmatic requirements and may be one of the following entity types: Municipality or municipal entity/authority Nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations Philanthropic foundations Community action agencies Other eligible organizations that can make devices publicly available through on site use or a lending program at no cost and comply with all programmatic requirements.

Eligible projects must provide devices to the public to expand access to work, education and health monitoring. Devices must be made available to the public free of charge via on-site technology labs or through a lending model. Internal staff use is not permissible as a primary activity; however, staff-assisted training or support for public users is allowed.

Each organization may request a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 500 devices under each round. MBI reserves the right to adjust allocations based on responses. Eligible Equipment & Software MBI will procure and provide the following equipment.

No direct funds will be provided to organizations to purchase their own devices.

Device and Ancillary Equipment List Core Devices : Laptops, tablets, desktops Standard Peripherals : Mice, keyboards, monitors, webcams, docking stations Ancillary Equipment (must be requested with core devices): Remote patient monitoring (RPM) kits Wi-Fi access points and routers Assistive-technology hardware/software Printers/scanners for public computer labs Audio visual equipment (SMART boards, projectors) Pre-installed Software : Laptops and desktops will come pre-installed with Microsoft Office and antivirus software.

Awardees may install additional software as needed. Laptops, Tablets & Chromebooks : Include a three-year Dell warranty covering accidental damage and hardware issues. Desktops : Include a two-year Dell Limited Hardware Warranty with Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis.

Assistive Technology Software : Organizations working with clients who have assistive technology needs JAWS, New England Low Vision and TD Snap are available as add-ons. Deep Freeze will also be provided to ensure system stability by instantly restoring a default configuration upon reboot. MBI has contracted with device vendors and will purchase devices based on actual requests from awarded applications.

Upon award, MBI will have the equipment shipped directly to the recipient organization. Upon delivery, awardees will confirm every serial-numbered device within the order before placing the devices in circulation and provide MBI with an activation form, certifying that they received the devices and that all serial numbers match the order form. No direct funds will be provided to organizations.

As part of the awardee's contract, organizations will agree to the following terms of the program: Public Benefit & Use Certification : All equipment will be used to support public access to education, workforce development and health care services and will not be used for internal-only administrative purposes. Deployment & Use Timeline : Devices will be deployed within three months of contract execution.

Ownership & Transfer Restrictions : The awardee will retain ownership and is responsible for managing the fleet of all devices through the program's lifecycle ending Wednesday, December 31, 2026 . This does not preclude the lending of devices to individuals. Following the program's completion, the grantee must retain ownership for at least five years, until Wednesday, December 31, 2031 .

Devices may not be resold or transferred without written approval from MBI. Federal Compliance & Reporting : The awardee will comply with all Treasury Capital Projects Fund guidance and participate in all reporting activities, including: Quarterly Inventory Narrative : Detailing devices in circulation, usage counts and lost/retired units. Program Impact Report : Highlighting community impact, submitted by Wednesday, December 31, 2026.

Close-Out Package : An Asset Disposition Log documenting any devices refurbished, donated or responsibly recycled. Application Evaluation Framework Prerequisite for Scoring : Before scoring, applications will be reviewed for completeness.

Any application that does not demonstrate how the project will enable public access across all three required domains work, education, and health monitoring will be deemed ineligible and will not be scored. Main Application Score : Evaluated across five categories totaling 100 points. A minimum score of 50 points (excluding bonus points) is required for award consideration.

Bonus Points : Up to 20 bonus points may be awarded. Maximum Score : 120 points. Ancillary Score : The Ancillary Equipment request is scored separately out of a maximum of 50 points.

Scoring Criteria & Bonus Points – Main Application Scoring Criteria (max 100 points) Project Impact (20 points) Feasibility and Readiness (20 points) Community Engagement and Public Accessibility (20 points) Equipment Effectiveness and Program Alignment (20 points) Monitoring and Evaluation (20 points) Bonus Points (max 20 points) Project is located in a Gateway City or state-designated rural community (+5) Serves ≥ 75% Treasury-defined impacted households (+5) Integrates digital skills training or Lifeline/ACP enrollment support (+5) Commits to refurbish, donate or responsibly recycle displaced devices (+5) Scoring Criteria & Bonus Points – Ancillary Equipment Scoring Criteria (max 40 points) Public access or integration readiness (10 points) Organizational experience (10 points) Operational readiness (10 points) Empowerment-centered implementation (10 points) Bonus Points (max 10 points) Project is led by or directly serves an FQHC, CHC or Disability-Service Organization requesting assistive or remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology (+10) Scoring Criteria (max 100 points) Connected & Online Device Program – Scoring Rubric Main Device Rubric (120 Points) (0 PTS) 1.

Project Impact The project will enable access to devices that support education, workforce, and telehealth programs . Benefits are clearly defined and tailored to high-need populations. The project will enable access to devices that support education, workforce and telehealth programs , but response lacks information and/or only articulates clearly benefits or relevance to high-needs populations.

This project will enable access to devices that support education, workforce and telehealth programs , but response lacks specific information or clarity regarding benefits and relevance to high needs populations. The project will enable access to devices that support education, workforce and telehealth programs , but response does not define project benefits or relevance to high need populations. 2.

Feasibility & Readiness Applicant presents a clear implementation and sustainability plan for ongoing operations with timeline, partnerships and staff capacity. Project is feasible with minor gaps in readiness. Feasibility is unclear or relies on unconfirmed partnerships.

Project is not feasible as presented. 3. Community Engagement & Public Accessibility Strong public outreach, with detailed plans for reaching underserved communities and ensuring public access to devices.

Minimal outreach described; public accessibility is addressed but minimal. Weak engagement or unclear if the project is accessible to the public. No evidence of engagement or public accessibility.

4. Equipment Effectiveness & Program Alignment Equipment request is clear, justified, and maximizes community impact while fulfilling program goals. Equipment request is somewhat aligned with project goals.

Equipment request is vague or misaligned with stated outcomes. Equipment request is unjustified. 5.

Monitoring & Evaluation Strong measurement framework with clear outputs and outcomes linked to digital inclusion goals. Some metrics described; long-term outcomes are unclear. Monitoring is limited or lacks structure.

No evaluation or measurement plan described Bonus Points (max 20 points) BONUS CATEGORY (Max 20 points) Project is located in a Gateway City or State-designated rural community +5 Serves ≥ 75% Treasury-defined impacted households +5 Integrates digital skills training or Lifeline/ACP enrollment support +5 Commits to refurbish, donate or responsibly recycle displaced/upgraded devices +5 Total Possible Score: 100 Points + 20 Bonus points Ancillary Equipment Rubric (Max 50 Points) (0 PTS) 1.

Public Access or Integration Readiness Equipment clearly complements device use and promotes digital access. Partial alignment with device integration goals. No demonstrated connection.

2. Organizational Experience Applicant has a strong track record in relevant sectors (workforce, education, health). Moderate experience.

No relevant experience. 3. Operational Readiness Strong staffing, infrastructure and deployment plan in place.

Some elements of readiness are addressed. No plan or capacity detailed. 4.

Empowerment-Centered Implementation Equipment use directly reduces barriers for underserved groups (e.g., disabled, LEP, rural, elderly). Some barrier reduction focus mentioned. No barrier reduction focus mentioned.

BONUS CATEGORY (Max 10 points) POINTS Priority Bonus (e.g., FQHC, CHC, Disability-Service Org requesting assistive or RPM tech) +10 Get Massachusetts Broadband & Digital Equity news from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in your inbox. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

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