BEAD Prequalification (Providers)
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program provides $1.53 billion from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to North Carolina to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs. As required by the BEAD program, we developed and submitted the BEAD five-year action plan, BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I (approved by the NTIA in April 2024), and the Initial Proposal Volume II (approved by NTIA in September 2024). These outline North Carolina’s plans for use and implementation of these funds.
We are offering broadband providers the opportunity to prequalify for the BEAD Subgrantee Selection phase, which will be launched in this summer. Prequalification is intended to streamline the application process and ensure applicants meet the program’s minimum and mandatory requirements.
While prequalification is not mandatory, we strongly encourage broadband providers to prequalify so they can focus their efforts on project-related applications when that process launches this summer. Providers must complete the qualification process during either the prequalification phase or the project application phase before they can be considered for project applications that may result in project funding.
Prequalification Window:
Many broadband providers already submitted materials during the prequalification window earlier this year. We are reopening the prequalification window now to encourage additional participation. The deadline to submit applications/information to prequalify is 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
BEAD Program Prequalification Guidance
The following guidance will aid potential applicants in providing the required responses and documentation needed to prequalify. It also assists potential applicants in gathering the necessary information at an organizational level to assess their financial, technical, managerial, operational, and other capabilities, as outlined in the BEAD Notice of Funding (NOFO) and North Carolina's BEAD Initial Proposal. By submitting this information during the prequalification process, potential applicants can focus their efforts on project-related details once the project application window opens.