Part C: Application Information
Part C: Application Information for
Broadband forSeniors
Service Provider
Program Guidelines SuitePage 1 of 14
Part C: Application Information
Preface
These Guidelines provide the framework for the implementation and administration of the Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors Program (the Program).
The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (the Department) has a suite of documents (the Program Guideline Suite) which provide information relating to the Program. They provide the key starting point for parties considering whether to participate in the Program and form the basis for the business relationship between the Department and the funding recipient.
The Program Guidelines Suite consists of three parts:
-Part A:Allowances, Concessions and Services for SeniorsProgram Guidelines
Thisprovides an overview of the Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors Program and the Activities relating to the program.
-Part B: Information for Applicants
This provides information on the Application, Assessment, Selection and Complaints processes; and Financial and Funding Agreement (Kiosk Host Agreement) arrangements.
Thisprovidesspecific information on the Activity, Selection Criteria, Performance Management and Reporting. This part should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions of the Standard Funding Agreement.
The Application Form is separate to the Program Guidelines Suite and must becompleted by applicants applying for funding during a selection process.
The Department reserves the right to amend these documents from time to time by whatever means it may determine in its absolute discretion and will provide reasonable notice of these amendments.
Commonwealth Grant Guidelines
The Commonwealth grants policy framework applies to all departments and agencies (agencies) subject to the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act).
The Commonwealth Grant Guidelines (CGGs) establish the Commonwealth grants policy framework. They contain the key legislative and policy requirements, and explain the better practice principles of grants administration. More information and a copy of the CGGs can be found at
Table of Contents
Preface
1Program Overview
1.1Program Outcome
1.2Objective
2Activity Overview
2.1Broadband for Seniors
2.2Objectives
2.3Aims
2.4Description of services to be provided to senior Australians
2.5Description of goods and services to be provided to Kiosk Hosting Organisations by the Service Provider(s)
2.6Description of services to be provided by Kiosk Hosting Organisations
2.7Eligibility
2.8Target group
2.9Funding for the activity
2.10Eligible and in-eligible activities
2.11Activity links and working with other agencies and services
2.12Specialist requirements (e.g. Legislative requirements)
2.13Information technology
2.14Activity performance and reporting
3Application Process
3.1Overview of the Application Process
3.2Selection Criteria
3.3How to submit an Application
3.4Conflicts of Interest
3.5Questions and Answers during the Application period
3.6Questions after the application period
3.7Application Acknowledgement
3.8Selection Panel
3.9What happens next?
3.10Privacy
4Contact information
5Glossary
1Program Overview
The Australian Government helps to support senior Australians through allowances, concessions and services.
The Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors Program (the Program), delivered through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (the Department) provides payments to eligible seniors and provides grants and funding to organisations that deliver services for senior Australians.
The Program has one annual administered component – Broadband for Seniors.
1.1Program Outcome
The Program aims to provide an adequate standard of living and improved capacity to productively manage resources and life-transitions for senior Australians through the delivery of payments, concessions and information services.
1.2Objective
The Program objective is to make payments and provide services to senior Australians to assist with household expenses, enabling them to maintain their standard of living, and increase access to information and community resources.
2Activity Overview
2.1Broadband for Seniors
Broadband for Seniors is an Australian Government initiative that aims to increase the participation of senior Australians in the digital economy by ensuring they have access to the latest computing technology and training to increase their confidence and skills in using computers and the internet.
Broadband for Seniors aims to build community participation and social inclusion among senior Australians though the provision of volunteering opportunities and free access to, and training in, the use of computers and the internet.
Broadband for Seniors maintains a network of up to 2,000 internet Kiosks in places frequented by senior Australians, such as community centres, retirement villages, libraries and local clubs. These organisations receive computer equipment and support infrastructure to enable them to deliver Broadband for Seniors services.
The Government has committed a total of $25.4 million to Broadband for Seniors since it began in 2008:
- Broadband for Seniors was a part of the Making Ends Meet – Plan for Older Australians, People with Disabilities and Carers package. Making Ends Meet committed $15 million over three years
(2008-09 to 2010-11) to place free internet Kiosks in approximately 2,000 community organisations and other locations that seniors frequently visit. - In the 2011-12 Budget, the Australian Government committed an additional $10.4 million to continue Broadband for Seniors until 30 June 2015.
Broadband for Seniors services are delivered through Broadband for Seniors Kiosk Hosting Organisations and the Department’s nominated Service Provider(s).
Through the Supporting Senior Australians – Keeping Seniors Connected (Keeping Seniors Connected) measure announced in the 2013-14 Budget, a further $9.9 million will be provided over four years to upgrade Broadband for Seniors kiosks. This will ensure senior Australians continue to have access to the latest in information technology and allow them to both remain socially connected over the Internet and access the benefits offered by the National Broadband Network.
Funding of $5 million will be provided to community organisations for education and training appropriately tailored to seniors on cyber security issues and the use of multimedia devices.
2.2Objectives
The Service Provider must work with the Department and Kiosk Hosting Organisations to achieve the following objectives by 30 June 2015:
- improve the skills and confidence of senior Australians in using computers and the internet
- provide free access to training and broadband internet to senior Australians through the Broadband for Seniors Kiosk network
- providetraining and resources to improve senior Australians’ access to, and use of, the internet.
2.3Aims
Broadband for Seniors aims to enhance senior Australians’ capacity to access information and community resources to increase their confidence and skills in using computers and the internet, helping to build their community participation and social inclusion.
The aim of Broadband for Seniorsis to:
- provide senior Australians with access to computers and the internet via free internet Kiosks
- support senior Australians to gain confidence and build skills in using new technology,enabling them to fully participate in the digital economy
- address the issue of senior Australians feeling isolated and ‘left behind’ in a technological age
- build community participation and social inclusion amongst senior Australians
- facilitateaccess to information on the benefits offered by the National Broadband Network (NBN).
2.4Description of services to be provided to senior Australians
Senior Australians are provided with free access to computers, the internet and personalised training at up to 2,000 Broadband for Seniors Kiosks across Australia.
Guidance and ongoing support is provided in a friendly face-to-face environment by Volunteer Tutors either individually or in small groups. Training is tailored to the needs of senior Australians and covers topics such as how to use a computer, send emails, surf the internet, use videoconferencing tools and how to stay safe online. Senior Australians also have access to training materials to enable them to learn at their own pace.
2.5Description of goods and services to be provided to Kiosk Hosting Organisations by the Service Provider(s)
This involves the provision of administrative and operational support to Broadband for Seniors Kiosks to support their operation, enabling them to effectively deliver Broadband for Seniors services to senior Australians.
Service Provider(s) will be funded to provide some or all of the following support services to Kiosk Hosts:
- providing appropriate tools and resources to support the operational and reporting requirements of Broadband for Seniors, including development of instructional materials for Kiosks, Kiosk Host reports and user surveys
- ensuring all Broadband for Seniors Kiosks have broadband connection and are connected to the NBN where possible
- providing information to Kiosk Hosts about the NBN and provide support to facilitate connection
- maintaining and updating the Broadband for Seniors website to ensure:
- WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance
- information is regularly updated and relevant to users
- image and content is easy to navigate and appealing to users
- the website functions effectively
- maintaining a helpline for Volunteer Tutors and Kiosks (including referral service to other IT providers)
- undertaking Police Checks or Working with Vulnerable People Checks for all Volunteer Tutors and Kiosk personnel delivering Broadband for Seniors services to seniors
- for computers purchased through Broadband for Seniorsprior to 30 June 2013,
- provide maintenance and support forone existing Broadband for Seniors computer, including arranging for repairs and replacement parts until 30 June 2015 and
- providing up-to-date internet security/anti-virus software for all existing Broadband for Seniors Kiosk computers until 30 June 2015
- identifying new or replacement Kiosks for locations in need of Kiosks or where Kiosks have exited
- providing a start-up kit for new Kiosks
- providingsupport services and resources to Kiosks that take into account their different needs, including those located in regional/remote areas and those Kiosks providing services to senior Australians who are Indigenous, have disability or are from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Volunteer Management and Support
This involves the delivery of services to support the recruitment and retention of Volunteer Tutors and the provision of resources required to support them in their role. The Service Provider(s) will be funded to provide some or all of the following:
- provide communication and promotion strategies and resources to raise public awareness of Broadband for Seniors and to support Kiosks to undertake local promotions
- develop strategies, including promotional materials, to assist Kiosk Hosts with volunteer recruitment and retention, including volunteer recognition
- provide up-to-date training resources and support tools to equip Volunteer Tutors with the skills and knowledge needed to teach seniors
- make available resources in a range of different formats (e.g. electronic, video/interactive, printed) to reflect different learning styles and all materials/resources should be pilot tested
- provide individual support to Volunteer Tutors on issues impacting on their role through email, telephone, and video-conferencing
- provide support to Volunteer Tutors who are located in rural/remote areas, are Indigenous, have disability or are from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds
- provide support to Volunteer Tutors supporting senior Australianswho are located in rural/remote areas, are Indigenous, have disability or are from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds
- facilitate and maintain a forum to provide learning and technological support forVolunteer Tutors
- develop a monthly newsletter targeting all Broadband for Seniors stakeholders
- develop partnerships with volunteer organisations, peak bodies, not-for-profit organisations and the corporate sector to support the delivery of Broadband for Seniors services and supply of Volunteer Tutors
- provide policy advice to the Department on volunteer management and support issues.
Training for Senior Australians
This involves the development and delivery of training materials, tools and resources to support the learning needs of senior Australians in using new technology and the internet. The Service Provider(s)will be funded to provide training materials that address the basic, advanced,or emerging information technology learning needs of senior Australians. This will include issues of concern to seniors such as internet security, scams and frauds. The Service Provider(s)will:
- provide up-to-date training and learning resources, including tutorials, for use by senior Australians to equip them with the everyday skills required to use the latest technology
- provide resources in a range of different formats (e.g. electronic, video/interactive, printed) to reflect different learning styles and that are:
- pilot-tested before use and
- able to be delivered within the Kiosk by a Volunteer Tutor or undertaken at a Kiosk or at home through a self-paced format
- provide access to existing high quality products
- develop partnerships with peak bodies representing senior Australians and the corporate sector to support the engagement of senior Australians with new technology
- providepolicy advice to the Department on current and emerging learning and training needs of senior Australians including seniors who are located in rural/remote areas, are Indigenous, have disability or are from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
2.6Description of services to be provided by Kiosk Hosting Organisations
Details on services to be provided by Kiosk Host Organisations are in section 2.5 of the Part C Broadband for Seniors Program Guidelines: Kiosk Host Organisations.
2.7Eligibility
The following entity types are eligible to apply for fundingas a Service Provider(s) for this activity:
a)Incorporated Associations (incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have 'Association' or 'Incorporated' or 'Inc' in their legal name)
b)Incorporated Cooperatives (also incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have "Cooperative' in their legal name)
c)Companies (incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 – may be not-for-profit or for-profit proprietary company (limited by shares or by guarantee) or public companies)
d)Aboriginal Corporations (incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006)
e)Organisations established through a specific piece of Commonwealth or State/Territory legislation (many public benevolent institutions, churches, universities, unions etc)
f)Partnerships
g)Trustees on behalf of a Trust
h)An Australian Local Government body and
i)An Unincorporated Association or Organisation.
Unincorporated Associations and Organisations are not eligible for funding under Broadband for Seniors. However, these organisations may be sponsored by an eligible organisation, who can apply on their behalf. The sponsoring organisation must be an organisation that has the necessary legal entity status to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department and to administer the funding on their behalf.
2.8Target group
All senior Australians are eligible to utilise Broadband for Seniors Kioskservices.
The primary target group are those senior Australians with limited or no experience in using computers and the internet or who require training in areas of significant concern to senior Australians, such as internet security, scams and frauds.
The secondary target group are senior Australians who have acquired basic skills, but would like to further their knowledge and confidence in using more advanced computing and internet-based applications such as social networking and videoconferencing.
2.9Funding for the activity
There is maximum funding of $2.6 million in 2013-14 and $2.6 million in 2014-15 for the ongoing delivery of Broadband for Seniors services. Of this, up to $2.1 millionper annum is available for the delivery of Broadband for Seniors through a funded Service Provider(s).
Through Keeping Seniors Connected, an additional $6 million is available in 2013-14 and $2million in 2014-15 for the rollout of new technology and the one-off $2,000training grants (GST exclusive). This funding is availableto up to 2,000 Broadband for Seniors Kiosks.
2.10Eligible and in-eligible activities
Eligible activities – funding may be used for:
- provision of training materials for use at Broadband for Seniors Kiosks
- provision of furniture and equipment for use at Broadband for Seniors Kiosks
- provision of computer hardware and software for use at Broadband for Seniors Kiosks
- travel costs incurred by staff as part of their role in providing support to Kiosk Hosting Organisations and/or Volunteer Tutors
- provision of the Broadband for Seniors Helpline
- provision of a virtual private network and associated costs including, firewalls etc.
- maintaining and updating the Broadband for Seniors website to ensure:WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance, information is up-to-date and relevant to users, image and content is easy to navigate and appealing to users and the website functions effectively
- provision of access to online training materials
- development, and updating, of training materials
- development and distribution of Broadband for Seniors promotional materials for use by Kiosk Hosting Organisations
- provision of Broadband for Seniors communication materials including newsletters and case studies
- management and reporting of Broadband for Seniors data
- coordination, and management, of police checks for Volunteer Tutors
- staff salaries and on-costs which can be directly attributed to the provision of Broadband for Seniors services
- operating and administrative expenses directly related to the delivery of Broadband for Seniors services including postage, telephone, stationery and printing
- travel costs directly associated with providing support to Broadband for Seniors Kiosks
- other activities consistent with the aims of Broadband for Seniors and as agreed with the Department.
Ineligible activities – funding may not be used for:
- costs that are not directly related to Broadband for Seniors service delivery
- overseas travel and other travel costs not directly related to Broadband for Seniors service delivery (excludes travel costs incurred by staff in their role to provide support to Kiosk Hosting Organisations and/or volunteer tutors)
- staff training costs (unless first agreed with the Department)
- capital works
- conference attendance fees
- purchase of vehicles and equipment for use by Service Provider(s)
- payment of rent and other organisation overheads
- retrospective costs, including costs incurred in the preparation of the Application
- legal or other specialist advice relating to Service Provider(s) deliverables
- profits, dividends and like payments to directors and other stakeholders
- costs associated with acquittal of funding.
2.11Activity links and working with other agencies and services