How To Build Your Best BEAD Funding Application

Understanding the decision-making process for allocating Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding can be the difference between award success and failure. State broadband offices have specific eligibility requirements for each opportunity. It's crucial to understand these requirements and develop strategies to maximize your application's points. Besides speed levels, there will be financial feasibility and technical capability thresholds to meet, along with standards for infrastructure resiliency.

Here are a few ways to help you increase your chances of securing a slice of the funding pie:

• Emphasize workforce development. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has directed states to prioritize BEAD applications from operators committed to advancing equitable workforce development and job quality objectives. This includes setting diversity and inclusion goals, establishing training and recruitment best practices, and enforcing workplace standards.

• Leverage external expertise. Partner with experienced individuals or organizations well-versed in the broadband industry to guide you through eligibility and funding applications.

• Guarantee speed. Concentrate on unserved locations lacking service of at least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream, or underserved locations lacking service of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream. Ensure your network can scale to deliver symmetrical speeds of 100 Mbps or faster.

• Service unfunded areas. BEAD funds will not duplicate funding for locations previously funded by other state or federal programs (i.e. RDOF, ReConnect, ARPA).

• Think about match requirements. BEAD requires applicants to provide a 25% match, including in-kind matches, and requires the match to be spent before authorizing grant funds.

• Secure financing. BEAD requires applicants to prove they have the financial capacity to build, deploy, and operate high-speed networks by providing a Letter of Credit (LOC), performance bond, or other proof of adequate funds.

• Consider BABA. The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act stipulates that a minimum of 55 percent of components of any device purchased with BEAD funds must be sourced in the U.S. (with some exceptions).
  

• Build strong community ties. A local government endorsement will go a long way to strengthen your application position in these highly competitive grant programs. They can speak to the goals of the local community and how your intentions are well aligned to raise the quality of life of its members.

When compiling your funding application, be sure to address the factors that matter most to decision-makers. Demonstrating your approach will have the biggest impact on local communities and will further reinforce your financial, technical, and workforce credentials.

To begin working on your best BEAD funding application, schedule a funding consult with our team-or learn more by downloading our eBook, "The Ultimate Guide to Broadband Funding."

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