The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has extended the deadline for its “Broadband Expansion and Access” request for proposals to prequalify internet service providers to participate in multiple broadband expansion programs, beginning immediately with the $400 million Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program.
Vendors may now submit proposals via the NC electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) at evp.nc.gov/solicitations until 2 p.m. on Aug. 14. The request for proposals and the accompanying response form are available online.
The CAB program, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, creates a partnership between the division and individual participating counties to foster broadband expansion in North Carolina as part of Governor Roy Cooper’s plan to close the digital divide. Internet service providers awarded a state convenience contract through this process will be eligible to reply to counties’ requests for service expansion in unserved and underserved areas mutually defined by the counties and the division, as well as participate in and receive reimbursement from the upcoming $100 million Broadband Pole Replacement program.
For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the CAB program and Governor Cooper’s plan to close the digital divide in North Carolina, please visit www.ncbroadband.gov.