The ConnectALL Deployment Program in New York has released their Request for Applications (RFA) for priority, reliable, and alternative technology solutions for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
The RFA seeks proposals for about $644 million in funding. It is based on the New York Volume II BEAD Proposal, which was approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The RFAs are due May 5.
According to the New York Volume II BEAD Proposal, the state’s scoring phase will have three elements: A grant area determination process that will ensure subgrantees apply in appropriate geographic areas; receipt of applications during which applicants will submit their proposed projects; and a negotiation phase, in which the ConnectAll office will engage with applicants to reach final project boundaries and costs.
The Volume II Proposal offers scoring criteria for priority and “other last-mile broadband deployment projects.” The categories and point breakdown are the same for both with a single exception: The third criterion in the priority broad projects — “connecting community anchor institutions” — is changed to “speed of network and other technical capabilities” in the “other last-mile broadband deployment projects” roadmap. The number of points (14) remains the same.
Primary criteria:
- Minimal BEAD program outlay: 30 points
- Affordability: 15 points
- Fair labor practices: 30 points
Secondary criteria:
- Speed to deployment: 1 point
- Local and Tribal coordination: 10 points
- Connecting community anchor institutions/speed of network and other technical capabilities: 14 points
The New York deadlines are largely tentative and depend on action by the NTIA, which is managing the BEAD process nationally. There also are possible changes due to the transition in presidential administrations since the program started.
In January, Telecompetitor spoke with Joshua Breitbart, Senior Vice President of New York’s Empire State Development. He discussed the ConnectALL Initiative, which is a combination of five programs:
- A Digital Equity Program to support internet adoption so New Yorkers can “participate in our society, democracy, and economy”
- The ConnectALL Deployment Program, for broadband expansion to the state’s unserved and underserved locations
- Regional and Local Assistance to help local leaders make deployment or digital equity plans
- A Municipal Infrastructure Program for towns, nonprofit organizations, utilities, and other entities to deploy broadband infrastructure
- The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program, which retrofits affordable housing with high-speed broadband
Additional information about New York broadband, including state funding resources, BEAD news, awards made, state-specific coverage, and more can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
