Brady PieperConnecticut is laying the initial groundwork for universal digital equity across the state’s unserved and underserved communities, providing millions to make it happen.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is announcing the prequalification process for the Broadband Deployment, Equity and Access Grant Program (BEAD), which will make $144 million in federal funding available to expand broadband internet access to locations across the state lacking high-speed internet access.
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DEEP will source these grants from Connecticut’s federal BEAD allotment. Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), these grants will advance broadband infrastructure buildout and improve underserved and unserved community access to reliable, high-speed broadband internet service.
Before the main application round begins, DEEP will accept prequalification applications to streamline the grant process for eligible entities and prospective subgrantees. The department intends for this process to fulfill programmatic obligations and necessary requirements prior to the main application round.
“By implementing prequalification, we are streamlining the application process,” DEEP Office of Telecommunications and Broadband Director Kevin Pisacich said in a press release. “The goal is to reduce the burden on applicants who may otherwise need to submit the same information multiple times during the application period if proposing more than one project area.”
Eligible applicants for the prequalification process include municipalities, prospective subgrantees, internet service providers and wireless providers – while fiber technology is preferred, DEEP will likely utilize alternative resources to reach all unserved locations. DEEP will also consider eligible out-of-state entities who are interested in getting involved in the state’s broadband efforts.
The prequalification process will feature several key aspects that ensure applicants meet compliance and initial program requirements:
- Compliance and Certifications – Applicants must prove adherence to certification, licensing, and federal and statutory obligations, such as labor, employment and safety regulations.
- Demonstrated Capabilities – Applicants must show evidence of complex infrastructure project experience with documentation of previous work. As the program has strict deadlines, proposals shouldn’t concern officials in regard to meeting program timelines, standards and performance targets.
- Financial and Organizational Readiness – Applicants must provide necessary financial stability and capability to accomplish broadband expansion and infrastructure projects. This key segment will primarily require applicants to show responsible fund management.
By the end of BEAD project work, DEEP anticipates connecting all existing unserved communities to reliable, high-speed internet service. If any funds remain, the state will use BEAD funding to support access, adoption and equity related projects, such as gigabit connection in community anchor institutions.
DEEP is encouraging eligible entities to apply soon, ensuring providers are ready to take advantage of the Fed’s substantial investment in broadband access. Applications for the prequalification process are due on Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. The BEAD application portal, templates, guidance and other informational resources are also available on DEEP’s program website.
This BEAD announcement marks the second of DEEP’s broadband expansion initiatives in a month. The first initiative, the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program, will deliver $28 million for service providers to expand broadband internet access in more than half of Connecticut’s communities and dozens of distressed municipalities.
Highlighting DEEP’s ongoing commitment to increased broadband access, the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program will make an additional $12.8 million available on a rolling basis for eligible entities to access until program funds are expended. Interested parties can view more ConneCTed Communities program resources here.
“This is a big step forward in the goal of universal internet access for Connecticut. The broadband deployment and digital equity opportunities in this program will work to close the digital divide in our state,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a press release. “We look forward to the participation of all of our broadband service providers, and any other entity that can bring fast, reliable, and affordable broadband to Connecticut.”
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