Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program
Overview
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Learn more about CostQuest licensing
NTIA has released a limited general applicability nonavailability waiver of the Buy America Domestic Content Procurement Preference as applied to recipients of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
Click below to learn more about the waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
BEAD State Broadband Office Resource Index
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Final Proposal Resources
BEAD Final Proposal Guidance and Templates
BEAD Final Proposal Funding Request Templates
Initial Proposal Resources
BEAD Challenge Process Data Submission - Data Quality, File Formats, and Common Issues
BEAD Challenge Process Policy Notice
BEAD Model Challenge Process
These CSV templates are intended to support Eligible Entities in implementing the challenge results submission data format requirements, as outlined in the Policy Notice:
BEAD Initial Proposal Guidance Volumes I and II
BEAD Initial Proposal Funding Request
Tracked Changes and Comments Received
NTIA sought feedback from the public from April 25, 2023, to May 5, 2023, on a BEAD Challenge Process Policy Notice to provide Eligible Entities with additional guidance on how to design and conduct their BEAD challenge process and a Model BEAD Challenge Process.
Comments and versions with tracked changes against the draft versions are provided below.
NEPA Resources
NEPA for BEAD
BEAD NEPA OBLIGATIONS are detailed in Section 13 Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Review on page 7
Smart Start - How to Plan and Prepare for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance for BEAD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) NEPA for BEAD Addendum
Evaluating FirstNet PEIS Statement Sections for States/Territories
General NEPA Guidance and Tools
Guidance on NTIA National Environmental Policy Act Compliance
Best Management Practices (BMP) and Mitigation Measures
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Program Comment for Federal Communications Projects
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Consultation Process Fact Sheet
Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 Consultations Fact Sheet
Wetland Regulatory Authority Fact Sheet
NEPA Review: Categorical Exclusions Fact Sheet
NEPA Review: Environmental Assessments Fact Sheet
NEPA: Environmental and Historic Preservation Compliance Webinar
Download Slide DeckPermitting and Environmental
Information Application
NBAM Training Series: NTIA Permitting and Environmental Information Application
Technical Assistance
Find information, technical assistance, and documentation to help manage your award.
Funding Recipients
See all of the announced award recipients, the award totals, and locations for this grant program.
Program Archive
Need documents from past stages of the program? Visit the program archive for past FAQs, program documentation, and assistance sessions.
Press Releases
Keep up with all of the latest news, events, and updates for this program. Visit the News and Updates page.
Blogs and Events
Need documents from past stages of the program? Visit the program archive for past FAQs, program documentation, and assistance sessions.
News and Updates
Workforce Development Strategies by Minority Serving Institutions
As states begin to implement the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, NTIA and states are working to ensure that there is a skilled and ready workforce to address forthcoming construction needs for high-speed Internet deployment. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are getting ready for this demand by developing apprenticeship and training programs to equip students with the skills they need to access higher and better paying jobs that will also support critical Internet infrastructure.
Important Ideas to Streamline Broadband Permitting and Support Internet for All Deployments
By Jill Springer, Senior Advisor, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, NTIA
High-speed Internet service connects and builds communities, accelerates economic progress, and enhances public service capabilities. Installing broadband infrastructure can be complex due to permitting processes and regulations that may influence the availability of public rights-of-way, poles, conduits, ducts, and other necessary facilities.