Frequently Asked Questions

The ÉTOUFFÉE Accessible Device Distribution Program aims to address affordability barriers to broadband access by providing accessible digital devices and upgraded Louisiana State Surplus equipment for distribution to eligible public entities. Funding under the 1B eligible use category can be used for laptops, tablets, and desktop computers, which may be loaned to the public or provided in public facilities.

There are no costs to Applicants to participate in the program. This Program will never ask an Applicant for their credit card or bank account information.

The ÉTOUFFÉE Accessible Device Distribution Program is funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and administered by ConnectLA.

Applicants will not receive funds directly; instead, awarded devices and approved equipment will be provided to Subrecipients.

Digital literacy refers to skills needed to use devices, navigate the internet, access online services, use assistive technology, and participate safely and effectively in digital environments.

Applications can be submitted beginning on June 3, 2026. For more information on the Program and what is required to apply, please visit the ConnectLA Program website at etouffee.org.

The application deadline is July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.

Questions related to grant application content or specific inquiries about the Program should be directed to connect@info.la.gov with "ÉTOUFFÉE Accessible Device Distribution Program" listed in the subject line.

No, all applications must be submitted through the online application portal. If you require additional assistance in completing your online application, please contact the Program at (225) 922-4608 or (225) 663-1205 on Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm.

No, Applicants can only submit one application per Applicant.

To be eligible for the program, the Applicant must:

• Be a public-facing institute:
  • Veterans Service Organizations
  • Post-secondary Education Institutions
  • Rural Public Health Agencies and facilities
  • Municipalities
  • State Government Agencies
• Be located in areas where affordability is a known barrier to broadband use
• Facilitate broadband internet access for the public, including State residents with disabilities that preclude them from accessing the internet, and promote digital literacy and skills training
• Ensure their project directly enables work, education, and health monitoring
• Ensure their project is designed to address critical needs identified during, or resulting from, public health emergencies
• Ensure their project is designed to address a critical need for the community to be served by it
• Participate in risk assessment and monitoring processes throughout the lifecycle of the grant

A rural public health agency or facility is an organization that provides healthcare, public health, or related support services to people living in rural areas. Examples may include:

• Rural hospitals and clinics
• Community health centers
• Local health departments
• Tribal health facilities
• Mobile health units
• Behavioral health or substance abuse treatment centers
• Public health outreach and prevention programs

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Desktops
• Technology Equipment

To view the full device catalog, visit the program website.

Yes. Accessories such as headphones, wireless keyboards, and wireless mice will be included based on the organization's selection in the application. To view the full device catalog, inclusive of accessories, visit the program website.

Devices will be delivered to the mailing address listed in the application.

Applicants must request at least 20 devices. There is no maximum set; organizations may request any number of devices based on their organizational need and capacity.
Note: Device awards are subject to availability.

Subrecipients are expected to include access to free digital skills and literacy training as part of the ÉTOUFFÉE Accessible Device Distribution Program. The training approach should align with the overall program design and support effective and meaningful use of devices by end users.

Training does not have to be mandatory. Subrecipients with existing training programs must outline the goals, components, and timeline, as applicable.

Yes. Training may include how to use assistive technologies, accessibility features built into devices, or navigating ADA-compliant websites. All Program offerings, including all training resources, must be accessible and aligned with the Program's accessibility requirements.

The program follows a defined timeline:

• Application Period: June 3, 2026 – July 15, 2026
• Award Notifications: July 24, 2026
• Required Subrecipient Summit: August 2026 (dates TBD)
• Project Completion Deadline: December 31, 2026

All approved projects must be fully implemented by the completion deadline.

• Veterans Service Organizations
• Post-secondary Education Institutions
• Rural Public Health Agencies and facilities
• Municipalities
• State Government Agencies

Yes. Organizations may still be eligible if they can show that their project serves residents in areas where affordability is a known barrier, even if their physical office is elsewhere. The program requires projects to facilitate broadband access for the public and address affordability barriers in the community served.

Applicants must complete all required sections of the application and provide supporting documentation where requested. This may include existing policies, plans, or program materials. If such documentation does not currently exist, Applicants may be required to confirm that they will develop and implement the required policies or plans if awarded.

Applications will be evaluated through a competitive scoring process using a standardized rubric aligned with program requirements. Scoring criteria include project eligibility, program requirements, sustainability and maintenance planning, compliance and monitoring capacity, and community impact. Applications must meet a minimum threshold to be considered for award. Awards are prioritized based on highest scores until devices are fully allocated.

Devices must be used for one or more of the following public-facing activities:

• Free and open device lending programs
• Free and open public computer labs
• Programs supporting workforce development, education, or health monitoring

All uses must be free, publicly accessible, and non-discriminatory.

Affordability is determined using census-based indicators, including median household income, unemployment rate, percentage of households receiving SNAP benefits, and percentage of uninsured individuals within the community served. Applicants must demonstrate that their project primarily serves areas where these indicators reflect barriers to broadband adoption.

Community partners are not required but are encouraged. Applicants should identify any partners supporting project implementation and describe their role, such as outreach, training delivery, or program support. Applicants should also describe how they will promote awareness and engagement within the community.

Yes, Applicants will be able to view the status of their application upon logging into the application portal.

Applicants will be notified through the application portal if their application is approved.

Applicants may appeal certain Program eligibility decisions. Applicants are not allowed to appeal approved Program policies.

Following a formal Program determination, a Notice will be issued on your application within the ÉTOUFFÉE Portal. Applicants will have a period of 7 calendar days following Program Notice to initiate and submit an appeal in writing. Applicants who wish to appeal a determination will be required to complete and submit an appeal request, including a justification for the appeal and uploading any supporting documentation.

The Program will review submitted appeal requests and provide an updated Program determination to the Applicant within the ÉTOUFFÉE Portal.

No. Funding will not be provided to subgrantees. ConnectLA has preselected Apple as the device provider and established a list of eligible devices that Subrecipients may choose from as part of the award.

Yes. Subrecipients must maintain detailed records of all distributed devices, including the number, type, and serial numbers of devices and where they are located. If devices are loaned to end users, Subrecipients must retain signed borrower agreements outlining loan terms and conditions. This information will be reported quarterly to ConnectLA as part of ongoing performance monitoring.

Subrecipients are responsible for maintaining all devices in working order throughout the grant performance period. Each applicant must include a five-year sustainability plan. Subrecipients must also replace lost or damaged units not covered under warranty, ensuring continued public access to functional devices.

No. Devices will be selected from a preapproved list of Apple devices provided through the program. Device types and configurations will be standardized to ensure consistency, accessibility, and alignment with program requirements.

No, Subrecipients may not charge fees, small or otherwise, for lost or damaged devices.

All Subrecipients must comply with federal, state, and ConnectLA program requirements, including the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund terms. Compliance covers record retention and asset tracking. Subrecipients are required to maintain documentation for asset tracking and make records available upon request. Subrecipients are also required to participate in risk assessment and monitoring processes throughout the lifecycle of the grant.

ConnectLA will conduct risk-based monitoring throughout the grant lifecycle. Each Subrecipient will complete a Subrecipient Profile Questionnaire that evaluates management capacity. The resulting risk rating determines the frequency and depth of monitoring. Monitoring includes quarterly desk reviews, data verification, and periodic on-site visits.

Monitoring will include review of performance reports and inventory records; verification of device usage and accessibility compliance; and review of Subrecipient adherence to program terms and conditions. ConnectLA's compliance contractor will assist with ongoing monitoring, following a written Monitoring Plan for each Subrecipient.

Yes. ConnectLA and its federal compliance contractor will provide training, resources, and technical assistance to help Subrecipients meet all reporting and performance requirements. Assistance may include webinars, office hours, and compliance workshops.

If noncompliance is identified, ConnectLA will issue a Corrective Action Notice and work with the Subrecipient to resolve the issue. Persistent or serious noncompliance may result in temporary suspension, reduced award scope, or termination from the program, in accordance with Treasury and state policy.

Subrecipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports. These reports must include the number and type of devices distributed, training participation metrics, accessibility upgrades completed, and program outcomes. ConnectLA will use this data to fulfill Treasury reporting obligations.

At the end of the performance period, Subrecipients must complete a final closeout report confirming that all devices are in eligible use, documentation is complete, and all corrective actions (if any) are resolved. ConnectLA will perform a final compliance review before certifying closeout to Treasury.

A Subrecipient may withdraw but must complete a formal closeout process and comply with all device disposition and reporting requirements.

• Subrecipients must notify ConnectLA in writing with justification and proposed effective date.
• ConnectLA will review the request to determine whether devices must be returned, may be transferred to another eligible Subrecipient, or a partial closeout or termination is required.
• Subrecipients must complete all required closeout documentation, including updated inventory records, final performance and expenditure reports, and reconciliation of any outstanding compliance issues.
• ConnectLA may conduct a final compliance review before releasing the Subrecipient from obligations.

Subrecipients must ensure that devices remain in eligible public use for a minimum of five years and comply with ongoing reporting, monitoring, and maintenance requirements throughout the performance period.