In this issue
- BEAD Round 2: New NTIA Guidance
- BEAD Round 1: Contract Updates
- NEPA Process Updates
- Public Works Board Emergency Broadband Funding Available
- WSBO Staff to Attend IACC Conference in October
Review the September Office Hours recording and get highlights
Our next Office Hours meeting is on Oct. 14. Register for the next Office Hours
The WSBO held Office Hours on Sept. 9.
All previous Office Hours recordings and Broadband Bulletins are available in the “Additional Resources” section on our BEAD page.
Public Records Notice: Meeting registration information, such as name and email address, is a public record and may be subject to disclosure, pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW: PUBLIC RECORDS ACT.
BEAD Round 2: New NTIA Guidance Released
On Sept. 3 NTIA released long‑awaited guidance on how states may use remaining BEAD funds. Washington has about $400 million remaining from Round 1, and NTIA has now confirmed that a portion of that funding may be used to support unserved homes and small businesses that were not included in our initial round.
Key things we know now:
- NTIA will provide Washington with a list of eligible unserved locations – but we have not received the list yet!
- Round 2 supports only unserved locations; unlike Round 1, underserved areas will not be included.
- Early internal analysis suggests the list may include approximately 19,000 unserved locations.
- Most of these will likely come from map updates; some will come from federal program defaults (RDOF, ARPA CPF) and brand‑new structures.
- Locations intentionally removed from BEAD Round 1 (including those without tribal consent) will not appear in Round 2.
- State match funding assistance provided by the legislature for Round 1 has been nearly fully expended. WSBO is exploring whether additional support may be possible.
- WSBO cannot add locations; the upcoming challenge process will only allow the removal of locations already served.
Funding Estimate
NTIA’s formula is straightforward: Number of eligible locations × average BEAD Round 1 cost per location.
With roughly 19,000 projected locations and an average Round 1 cost of $4,200 per location, WSBO currently estimates about $80 million may be available in this round. This estimate may change once NTIA provides the official list.
Timeline Overview Several stages include firm federal “shock clocks.” Once we have the list of locations from NTIA, WSBO will have roughly 90 days to administer a challenge process and another 90 days to run a bidding process. We expect the challenge process to occur this fall and the bidding to take place in the spring.
BEAD Roud 1 Contract Update
The contract deadline for Round 1 awards remains Oct. 8.
WSBO has now signed nine contracts, covering 53 project areas, with the following providers: Broadlinc, Concept Communications (wireless awards), Declaration Network Group, Hood Canal Communications, Kitsap PUD, Lummi Nation, Makah Tribe, TCEDD, and Spokane Tribe.
If any BEAD 1 providers do not sign their awards, affected locations will be rebid through a process unrelated to BEAD Round 2.
NEPA Process Update
WSBO has updated its BEAD Handbook to provide clearer details on the NEPA review process, Environmental Screening and Permitting Tracking Tool (ESAPTT), and expected timelines. WSBO is learning quickly with help from early subgrantees now entering review.
Public Works Board Emergency Broadband Funding Available
The Emergency Broadband Funding Program focuses on activities that repair, replace, rehabilitate, improve and/or reconstruct critical broadband infrastructure that have been made necessary by a natural disaster or damaged by unforeseen events. Priority is given to projects that replace the provider's existing infrastructure that was damaged by the unforeseen event. The Board does not provide funding to a new provider proposing to replace existing infrastructure impacted by the emergency unless the existing provider has declined to continue providing service in the area and will not rebuild its damaged infrastructure.
Applications are accepted continuously until loan funds are expended. Apply for Emergency Broadband funding program on ZoomGrants.
WSBO Staff to Attend IACC Conference in October
WSBO staff will be at the upcoming Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council’s (IACC) Conference to provide technical assistance and answer questions. The conference runs Oct. 20-22 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. It is designed to foster collaboration among tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, funding organizations, and technical assistance providers.
Links and resources
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