The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the BEAD Initial Proposal Progress Dashboard. The goal is to monitor progress and help eligible entities implement the huge $42.45 billion program.
The number of milestones reached by each of the 56 states and territories will be updated weekly. Initially, NTIA says that Louisiana, Virginia, Delaware, Kansas, and Vermont are furthest along in the process. Louisiana is the frontrunner and is now able to commence its challenge process.
The dashboard will chart eligible entities’ progress toward submitting their Initial Proposals, which contain critical plans on how they would spend monies allocated to them. Entities were officially notified of their allocation on June 30. Initial Proposals are due 180 days later, which is December 27. Once an initial proposal is accepted, the state or territory can request at least 20% of its allocated funds.
The initial proposal consists of two volumes.
The dashboard tracks progress using six milestones. The milestones for Volume 1 and Volume 2 are the same: Share a pre-submission draft with the NTIA for guidance and feedback; release the volume for public comment and submit the volume for NTIA approval..
The NTIA – which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce – urges eligible parties to submit volume 1 for approval as soon as possible. When it is approved and volume 2 submitted, a state or territory can begin the challenge process.
Other highlights from the first version of the dashboard include:
- 44 states and territories have shared Volume 1 with NTIA for guidance and feedback
- 19 states and territories have also shared Volume 2 with NTIA for guidance and feedback
- 31 states and territories have released Volume 1 for public comment
- Nine states and territories have also released Volume 2 for public comment
Earlier this month, Google Fiber offered several recommendations for broadband offices to prepare their Five-Year Action Plans and Initial and Final Proposals.
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