State Broadband Office update
Infrastructure Acceleration Grant NOFO update
We’d like to provide an update on the timeline for the Infrastructure Acceleration Grant (IAG) 2022 / ARPA - Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). While we originally targeted the NOFO for mid-June, we are pausing the release. Without having exact dates available, we anticipate the NOFO will be published in the fall, with award announcements expected in the first quarter of 2023.
What we’re doing now
The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) plans to use the time between now and the NOFO release in the fall to receive critical stakeholder engagement on a set of policy and procedure questions that are critical to the work we’re all doing.
Within the next few weeks, WSBO will send a list of questions for your consideration; we’d like to receive your written comments to inform how we move forward. Using your input, WSBO will create draft recommendations for each issue that we will then invite you to discuss with us in a roundtable event early this fall.
From the roundtable, we will develop final outcomes, including policy recommendations and/or process changes. We intend to have this step completed by mid-October, in time for integration into the upcoming NOFO.
This schedule is not yet finalized, however, we’ll send calendar holds and additional information as available. We believe using this time to get stakeholder feedback and to create collaborative outcomes will strengthen this NOFO process and create even greater transparency around our work.
How we’re communicating
Our goal is to be as communicative as possible about timelines and our stakeholder engagement process. With this message to potential applicants and partners, we’re hoping to have reached the majority of parties who will want this update. Please let us know if you believe we’ve missed communicating with a segment of our intended audience.
We appreciate your patience.
 Matching Grants available for federal broadband infrastructure financing opportunities
There is approximately $25 million set aside for Matching Grant applications. This is an open cycle on a first come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
There is a maximum $5 million dollars or 25% available of the federal grant amount sought, whichever is less.
Eligible projects: Entities eligible to apply for federal broadband infrastructure funding include, but not limited to:
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
- USDA ReConnect
- Economic Development Administration
Awards for matching funds are contingent upon the applicant successfully securing the federal grant award sought.
WSBO Matching Grants for federal funding applications can be submitted anytime, until funds are exhausted.
Eligible applicants are:
- Units of local government, including but not limited to ports and public utility districts;
- Federally recognized Tribes;
- Nonprofit organizations;
- Nonprofit cooperative organizations; and
- Public-private partnerships.
Apply for WSBO Matching funds via ZoomGrants
Middle Mile funding opportunity
The Washington State Broadband Office would like to ensure our partners and stakeholders are aware of the current NTIA funding opportunity to support middle mile projects. WSBO is able to provide the required support to applicants; please contact tammy.mastro@commerce.wa.gov to make your request.
Application resources
Several additional resources can be located by searching online for "middle mile broadband funding."
Internet for All – Investment and Jobs Act
The Broadband Office has submitted a letter of intent and applications to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The submissions include:
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Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD)
The letter of intent was submitted to NTIA on June 29. The next step is to submit a planning application to NITA on Aug. 15, including a state plan on increasing equitable access to broadband service for the next five years.
The focus is on advancing the objectives of the BEAD Program, ensuring all residents of the state have access to reliable, affordable and high-speed internet.
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Application for the Digital Equity Planning grant
On July 11, WSBO submitted the required narrative and budget to NTIA to apply for the State Digital Equity Planning grant. If the application is approved, it will provide $1.076 million to Washington for the development of a digital equity plan. This is an important step toward determining barriers for digital access for all communities throughout the state. Importantly, it will help identify the specific measures that will be taken to address these barriers. The funding is expected to be received in fall 2022.
In developing the Washington State Digital Equity Plan, the State Broadband Office will include the following key elements:
- An identification of barriers to digital equity faced by populations throughout the state.
- Measurable objectives for documenting and promoting among each covered population located in the state, including:
- Availability, affordability and access to fixed and wireless broadband technology;
- Online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services;
- Digital literacy;
- Awareness of, and the use of, measures to secure online privacy, and cybersecurity with respect to, an individual;
- Availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices.
- An assessment of how the measurable objectives will impact and interact with Washington’s:
- Economic and workforce development goals, plans, and outcomes;
- Educational and health outcomes;
- Civic and social engagement; and
- Delivery of other essential services.
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