Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Subgrants in Maine

bead@maineconnectivity.org

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program subgrantee selection is a two-step process. During phase one, Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) will evaluate prospective applicants on their readiness to manage a BEAD-funded project in the state.

Phase 1: Prospective Applicant Pre-Qualification Evaluation (September 18 - October 18, 2024):

• Prospective applicants will submit organizational-level information (technical, financial, operational, and managerial capacity) that demonstrates their ability to meet the requirements of the BEAD program.
• Applicants will also be presented with a map of draft Project Service Areas (PSAs) and asked to indicate which they intend to apply for.

Phase 2: BEAD Project Application (Fall/Winter 2024)

• Prospective Applicants approved in Phase 1 will be invited to submit project applications for BEAD funding.
• Applicants will provide project-level information, including a bid for specific Project Service Areas (PSAs).

The Pre-Qualification Evaluation will allow MCA to identify the pool of eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications set forth by the BEAD NOFO and additional MCA requirements, then work proactively with those applicants to ensure their BEAD Project Applications will meet eligibility requirements.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the technical, financial, operational, and managerial capacity to implement a BEAD project.

This is a pre-selection process.

A link to the online application is available on the program website.

Within 30 days following the close of the Pre-Qualification Evaluation, MCA will notify prospective applicants of their pre-qualification status and ability to proceed into the project application period.

Technical assistance:

• Guided support module
• Pre-qualification guidance