A couple dozen people still show up for the weekly Office of Broadband Development Office Hours where they review what’s happening with BEAD and answer questions. The questions are getting pretty detailed. It’s a sign that folks have been working on applications. Also – because I’m not mired in the applications, I’ve done my best to keep up with the questions but I may miss some nuances.
High level remarks:
- OBD has been answering various questions
- NTIA has a new permitting and environmental tool
- The Minnesota BEAD Contractor Directory (4/2/2025) is NOW available. The directory will be updated weekly.
- Next week is last Office Hours for Round 1 is next week.
Questions:
What about overlapping applications? How do you decide who gets which locations?
The goal is to just award the overlap to one provider – but allow for the “losing” provider to work on the rest of their locations.
What’s the source for the GIS to tell us where tribal lands exist?
Not sure that’s spelled out.
Total footage and mileage are mentioned in the grants – do you want a total? Or can we be broad?
We want to see drops. We understand estimation but want a baseline understanding.
Do we need to say when drops are aerial/underground?
Not at this time. It’s helpful but we understand these are preliminary.
What about PE stamps – do we need them at the time of application?
The contract process would be too late.
In section 7 – We’re not sure how many contractors will be needed. Do you have a recommended answer?
Just indicate that you are unsure.
On letter of credit – is waiver required for 10 percent?
No
Related to large projects – how should we handle the maps? They could get very zoomed out.
Any distinct geographic area or shape is helpful. But that should be OK.
Regarding submission of Non-Serviceable locations that should be coded as non-serviceable type… Should they be added to Section 11 (Other Uploads) only and not include them in the location count in Section 1 of the app?
That would be great – if you recognize that there are areas that are not serviceable.
We put in subscriber info – and sometimes we get pop-ups that don’t make sense, such as a property ID
Need to determine that and will report back.
What is the most current date of the application guide?
Today (April 8)
What has changed in this version?
Question 21 – letter of credit. Added options and info on waivers
Should the non-serviceable locations be included in the list in section 1? Or disregard them since they are not actually serviceable? We wouldn’t want to commit to serving non-serviceable locations, but also don’t want to leave eligible locations in the project area, being left out.
We would expect them to have a 1 in the green eligible field OR they are locations that only you know. So don’t include them there. Tell us of those locations and we’ll work on removing them.
If there is a CAI (Community Anchor Institution) missing from the available locations what is the appropriate step?
If location is not already on map – we can’t add it. If it’s on the map but not designated, just mark it as you would others.
In 21 – struggling to understand – a letter of commitment is what folks are using not the ILOC. Do we need commitment or actual ILOC?
We just need you saying you have it.
From the Chat:
Resources and portal access are available on the OBD BEAD webpage include the BEAD Application Guide
ArcGIS Pro Permitting and Environmental Information Tool (APPEIT) Overview and User Instructions
The MN BEAD Contractor Directory is available and will continue to be updated weekly. To be added to the directory, complete and submit the Minnesota BEAD Contractor Directory Form.
NTIA’s BEAD Letter of Credit Waiver policy
Please continue to submit BEAD FAQs through the online form, available here: https://forms.office.com/g/jE9EC1Zzpv
NEW, Application Information Session, 11b, Tuesday May 6, register here
BEAD office hours for the second round, 11b, of subgrantee selection: Tuesday May 13 11am, register here and Tuesday May 20, 11am, register here