Overview
The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) Program, funded by the IIJA, is a $42.45 billion federal grant program that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build infrastructure. In June 2023, NTIA announced allocation amounts for all 56 states and territories. States and territories can use their allocated funds for these eligible uses:
- Planning for the deployment of high-speed internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training
- Deploying or upgrading internet infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas, or improving service to community anchor institutions
- Installing internet and Wi-Fi service in multi-unit residential buildings
- Internet access, adoption and use programs
- Workforce readiness programs to meet the needs of the infrastructure programs
- Other activities that increase meaningful use of constructed infrastructure, at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary
BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice Released
NTIA has issued a Policy Notice instituting reforms to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Explore more about your state/territory's BEAD progress, including Draft Plans/Proposals, Challenge Process, and Subgrantee Selection Portals
Learn More About CostQuest Licensing
BEAD Program Buy America Waiver Released
NTIA has issued a limited general applicability nonavailability waiver of the Buy America Domestic Content Procurement Preference for BEAD Program recipients.
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Final Proposal Resources
BEAD Final Proposal Guidance and 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
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.
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
Streamlined Environmental Review & Permitting for Broadband: A Roadmap
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) NEPA for BEAD Addendum
Environmental Screening and Permitting Tracking Tool (ESAPTT) Overview
NEPA for BEAD: Milestone Schedule & NEPA Timeline
NEPA for BEAD: Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Evaluation Sample Memo & Recommendations
Tiered Environmental Assessment (EA) Template and Resources
Evaluating FirstNet PEIS Statement Sections for States/Territories
Smart Start - How to Plan and Prepare for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance for BEAD
NEPA Resources: General NEPA Guidance and Tools
NTIA's Guide to Streamlined Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance for Broadband Deployments
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
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.