BEAD: Benefit of the Bargain Round

Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Funding Program Background: 

The BEAD program is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and allocates $147 million to Massachusetts. The BEAD program prioritizes broadband serviceable locations that are unserved (below a 25/3 Mpbs threshold) and underserved (below a 100/20 Mbps threshold). The BEAD program will primarily fund infrastructure projects through the Deployment phase which will connect the remaining unserved and underserved locations in Massachusetts. 

Key Application Information: 

• Updated BEAD requirements can be found in the BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice released by NTIA on June 6, 2025. All relevant reference materials and required templates can be found on the BEAD Solicitation webpage. 
• When completing the application, please be sure to carefully read the BEAD Solicitation document and complete each section entirely. Additionally, please ensure that all required files are labeled correctly using the naming convention identified under file uploads and uploaded to the corresponding sections. 
• Please note, you may return to your application at any time to make changes or complete additional sections. Be sure to save your work regularly to avoid losing any progress. Once your application is completed, please review to ensure it is accurate and complete, and then hit the Submit button. Once the application is submitted, you will receive an automated email confirming your submission. 

Timeline: 

• BEAD Deployment Application opens on 7/11/25 and will close on 7/25/25 at 5:00p.m. 

Contact for Questions: 

• If you have any questions about or during the process, please contact MBI using the broadband@masstech.org email. Please include “BEAD B.O.B. Project Application" in the subject line. 

➡️The UEI is the primary key used to identify an entity throughout the federal awarding lifecycle and in SAM gov. The BEAD NOFO requires “each subrecipient must obtain a UEI and provide it to the Eligible Entity.” Entities doing business with the federal government must have an active registration in SAM.gov. Please note that your application will not be accepted unless you have an active SAM.gov registration and, if awarded, no funding can be reimbursed in the future unless the SAM.gov registration is active. If your company does not already have a UEI, please obtain one by visiting sam.gov and registering. (NOTE: The UEI was previously known as a DUNS number.)