Texas has released its Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Texas Match Assistance Program (TMAP).
Eligible projects under the NOFA must aim to deploy internet service to all unserved or underserved broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) in the project area. Proposals may also include additional BSLs totaling 20% of the project locations. BSLs that are subject to existing state or federal commitments to deploy qualifying locations may not be included.
Applicants must take the proper steps, using the Served Locations Template in the application portal, to identify additional BSLs that are not unserved or underserved. Applicants must also provide a written justification of why these locations must be included. Funding in some instances may not be awarded to these locations.
The NOFA includes special requirements for emerging low earth orbit (LEO) providers. The document says that they must offer access to broadband service to each BSL they serve for ten years from the date broadband is available to every location covered by the project.
Points will be awarded in four categories by the Texas BEAD NOFA. The primary criteria (168 points possible) are:
- Minimal BEAD outlay: Up to 80 points
- Affordability: Up to 54 points
- Fair labor practices: Up to 34 points
The secondary criteria, required for all applicants (19 points), are:
- Sustainability: Up to 10 points
- Speed to deployment: Up to 3 points
- Project readiness: Up to 3 points
- Performance on existing enforceable commitments: Up to 2 points
- Broadband data submission: Up to 1 point
The secondary criteria that are only required for selection among non-priority broadband projects (up to 12 points) are:
- Speeds and latency: Up to 8 points
- Useful life of subgrantee technology: Up to 4 points
A final category labeled “additional prioritization factors” (up to 25 points), the criteria for which are:
- Unique applicant project area: Up to 20 points
- Local and Tribal coordination: Up to 5 points
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) provided a comprehensive set of dates. Today, May 15, was the released date for the NOFA and the first day to submit questions regarding NOFA/Application.
Other important dates:
- May 29: Deadline for submitting questions regarding NOFA/application
- June 12: Estimated publication of clarification responses
- June 12: Application Round 1: First day to submit applications
- August 1: Application Round 1: Last day to submit applications
- August 24: Application Round 1: Last day to submit best and final offer (BAFO)
- August 25: Application Round 2: First day to submit applications
- October 14: Application Round 2: Last day to submit applications
- November 14: Application Round 2: Last day to submit BAFO
- November 17: Launch of application challenge period and special process for still non-proposed locations
- December 18: Close of application challenge period
- February 20, 2026: Deadline for receiving the amended application from applicants affected by BDO decision on application challenge
- February 23, 2026: End of evaluations
- April 15, 2026: Anticipated issuance of notice of awards following NTIA approval
The dates after November 11 are subject to change based on the date the BDO publishes information regarding applications received.
The NTIA approved Texas Initial Proposal for the BEAD program last November. That marked a milestone: All 56 states, territories and the District of Columbia had received the preliminary go-ahead on their projects.
The Texas NOFA comes as the BEAD process awaits clarification from the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is reconsidering the project in light of the incoming administration’s priorities.Additional information about Texas broadband, including state funding resources, grants made, BEAD coverage, state-specific coverage, and more can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
