WSBO opens the Benefit of the Bargain application round for $1.2 billion in BEAD funding
Applications are due by July 23
The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) opened its Benefit of the Bargain Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding application today, with applications due by July 23.
The BEAD program is open to cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utilities, public utility districts, and local and tribal governments.
To meet new federal requirements, this funding availability will include all areas that received a preliminary award in the first and second rounds. The new requirements required us to rescind the preliminary awards. Previous applicants can reapply by using their application from earlier rounds or updating it before submission.
Projects must serve areas identified and approved through the BEAD process. Commerce posted BEAD construction project area maps that detail unserved and underserved locations across the state eligible for BEAD funding. View project area maps.
For returning applicants, please be aware that a significant number of project areas have changed due to the requirement of the Restructuring Policy Notice. It will be necessary to verify Broadband Serviceable Locations for each project area for which you are applying.
How to apply
Applicants must access the Zoom Grants Portal for the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity and to apply. The Benefit of the Bargain round closes July 23, allowing for a 21-day application period. WSBO staff will continue hosting webinars to provide applicants with technical support throughout the process.
- Today: 3:30 p.m. Pacific Wednesday, July 2
- 3:30 p.m. Pacific Wednesday, July 16
The Benefit of the Bargain round comes after WSBO has completed two previous application rounds. Both Round 1 and Round 2 saw massive interest. Following WSBO's review of the Benefit of the Bargain round, if any project areas without a qualified application remain, a future round for direct negotiation will be held to ensure all project areas have an applicant.
After completing all application BEAD rounds, WSBO will create a package of potential awardees and send it to the federal government for final approval. The state proposal deadline is Sept. 4. Once final approval is received from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), WSBO will formally announce awards and fund BEAD projects statewide. The new guidance sets a 90-day deadline for the NTIA to complete its review.
About BEAD
The BEAD program aims to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, tribal nations, communities, internet providers and other stakeholders to increase high-speed internet adoption. The federal program provides over $42 billion for infrastructure planning and implementation nationwide. Learn more about Commerce’s BEAD work on our Internet for All page. Washington received $1.2 billion of the total available for states. There is no federal freeze on BEAD funding, and we continue to work closely with our state and federal partners on this work.
|
