Program
Resources
Applications Due
Funding Source
Maximum Award
Award Details
NTIA expects to make awards under this program within the following funding ranges:
- $500,000 to $2,500,000 for Broadband Use and Adoption Projects proposed by a single applicant:
- $1,000,000 to $25,000,000 for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects proposed by a single applicant
Eligible Federally Recognized Tribes may receive up to $500,000 each through the equitable distribution allocation if they have not previously received a TBCP award, with consortium applicants eligible to receive up to $500,000 per participating eligible Tribal Government on their behalf.
Eligibility
Tribal Governments, Tribal Colleges or Universities, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community, including Native Hawaiian Education Programs, Tribal organizations and Alaskan Native Corporation.
Eligible Activities
Grant funds available under this program may be used for the following purposes:
- Broadband infrastructure deployment projects, including support for the establishment of carrier-neutral submarine cable landing stations;
- Affordable broadband programs, including:
- Providing free or reduced-cost broadband service; and
- Preventing disconnection of existing broadband service;
- Distance learning;
- Telehealth;
- Use and adoption efforts; and
- Broadband adoption activities
Duration
Notable Requirements
An Eligible Entity applying for TBCP funds, whether on its own behalf, as an Authorized Representative of a Consortium, or as a participant of a Consortium, must submit a Tribal Government Resolution or equivalent formal authorization from the Eligible Entity providing express authority to apply for TBCP funds or to participate as a member in a Consortium that is submitting an application for grant funds.
Each Eligible Entity applying for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project funds is required to submit a Resolution of Consent from each Tribal Government and/or from the Tribal Council of the appropriate governing body upon whose Tribal Lands the broadband infrastructure will be deployed.
Preferences
Evaluation Criteria for Broadband Use and Adoption Projects: Project Purpose and Need (35 points), Performance Measures and Sustainability (15 points), Strength of Project Implementation Plan and Budget (25 points), and Strength of Applicant’s Organizational Capability (25 points) for 100 total possible points.
Evaluation Criteria for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects: Project Purpose and Need (20 points), Project Cost-Efficiency and Design (30 points), Strength of Project Implementation Plan and Budget (25 points), and Strength of the Applicant’s Organizational Capability (25 points) for 100 total possible points.
NTIA encourages applicants to submit efficient, cost-effective proposals that advance statutory objectives, deliver measurable outcomes, and that address problems and challenges to broadband affordability and adoption in an evidence-based manner. NTIA seeks applications that complement, rather than duplicate, other federally funded broadband initiatives. To maximize the reach and effectiveness of federal dollars, NTIA will prioritize proposals that align with Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment (BEAD) Program infrastructure investments and advance the technologically neutral approach in line with the principles of the BEAD “Benefit of the Bargain” framework.
How to Apply
All application forms and instructions can be found on the BroadbandUSA website.