Converter box coupon program seeks vendors
Wednesday, January 10th, 2007The federal government, preparing to outsource its converter box coupon program, will later this month begin requesting proposals from companies vying to administer the $1.5 billion project. The program will subsidize consumer purchases of digital-to-analog converter boxes, which will extend the life of conventional analog TVs past the cutover to digital broadcasts in 2009. Two coupons, each worth $40, will be provided to eligible U.S. households that request them.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) plans to award a single contract to a vendor responsible for consumer education and communications, coupon processing, retailer certification and related tasks. Potential vendors should have “expertise from small businesses as well as large businesses,” according to the government’s advance notice. By law, the NTIA may spend no more than $160 million to administer the coupon program.
Consumers will apply for coupons sometime between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, under the federal digital TV act.
The NTIA, a Commerce Department agency, expects to issue a request for vendor proposals “on or about January 26, 2007,” and possibly a draft proposal prior to that date. For further information, call Diane Trice at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (301) 713-0838, ext. 102, or e-mail diane.trice@noaa.gov.
Related:
• How do I get my $40 coupon from the converter box subsidy program?
• Link: NTIA