Here’s the latest from the NTIA…

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal guidance documents to assist eligible states, territories, and the District of Columbia (“Eligible Entities”) in better understanding the BEAD program requirements set forth in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Additional information resources are available here: Technical Assistance | BroadbandUSA (ntia.gov).

In Minnesota, the Initial Proposal will apply to the Federal BEAD funding distributed through the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development’s broadband grant programs.

The BEAD Program provides Eligible Entities the opportunity to receive federal grant funding to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs.

This Initial Proposal Guidance document aims to assist Eligible Entities to complete their Initial Proposals by providing specific guidance, examples, and additional resources necessary to fulfill each Initial Proposal Requirement according to the requirements set by the Assistant Secretary in the BEAD NOFO.

The Initial Proposal Guidance document has been made publicly available to provide partners and stakeholders information on BEAD Initial Proposal requirements and to provide partners and stakeholders with insights on where their contributions could be most impactful on the content of the Initial Proposal.

Minnesota Office of Broadband Development: deed.broadband@state.mn.us

NTIA BEAD Federal Program Officer, Minnesota: TKarst@NTIA.gov

The Initial Proposal is the “first draft” of an Eligible Entity’s Final Proposal for BEAD grant funding, and, among other things, should explain how States and Territories will ensure that every resident has access to a reliable, affordable, and high-speed broadband connection, drawing on all funding available to accomplish this goal, including but not limited to BEAD Program funds.

Throughout its local coordination and outreach activities, the Eligible Entity must involve a diverse set of stakeholders in the development of its Initial Proposal. Prior to submission to NTIA, the Initial Proposal must be made available for public comment, and the Initial Proposal must incorporate local coordination feedback for the Assistant Secretary’s review.

The public comment period is intended to promote transparency by gathering feedback from stakeholders. Eligible Entities must conduct outreach and engagement activities to encourage broad awareness and participation during the public comment period, particularly among Tribal Governments, local community organizations, unions and worker organizations, and other underrepresented groups.

Minnesota received their formal notice of their BEAD allocation of $651,839,368.20 on June 30, 2023. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Minnesota has 180 days from the date of this formal notice to submit their Initial Proposal describing how they propose to run their grant programs. Minnesota can begin submitting their Initial Proposals starting July 1, 2023.