Diane Lowe

The Town Hall provided an overview of the next steps in the BEAD program, including accomplishments since the last meeting and anticipated obstacles. A significant portion was dedicated to technical details regarding the upcoming Request for Applications (RFA) process, subgrantee selection, and application procedures. Discussion covered the conclusion of the challenge process, data packaging for NTI review, and the release of the 'Horizons' newsletter. Constraints facing the office, such as ongoing collaboration regarding volume two proposal and rate regulation for the low-income program, were detailed. The presentation outlined a six-phase grant process: organizational application, project applications, subgrant issuance, reporting and reimbursement, monitoring, and closeout. Tentative timelines for these phases were also discussed.

The meeting provided an office update, including the relocation of the Broadband office to the historic Ferguson house. A key discussion point was the timeline for the Request for Proposal (RFA) process, which is currently awaiting NTIA approval for Volume 2 and challenge process data, with the RFA and DPA release expected shortly after approval. The presentation also detailed the multi-stage timeline for RFA/DPA release, organizational application submissions (45 days post-RFA release), project application submissions (62 business days later), award announcements (within eight months), and project commencement (30 days after award, expected completion within four years). Furthermore, the session featured a discussion with representatives from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) regarding workforce opportunities for returning citizens. Topics covered included NDCS strategic goals, facility locations, re-entry success metrics, educational program goals (GED, college enrollment), and incentives for second-chance employers such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and Federal Bonding Program. The session concluded with a Q&A focusing on employment qualifications, workforce trends, necessary training resources, and potential partnerships, including existing cabling programs.

The town hall meeting focused extensively on the challenge process related to digital equity and broadband deployment. Key discussion points included the approval of the digital equity plan and the publishing of the NOFO. Updates were provided on the $6.5 million digital equity grant funding and the introduction of the new Broadband Grant Manager. Detailed guidance was given on how to submit challenges, stressing the use of the formal email inbox for collaboration and documenting answers on the FAQ page. Specific procedural details covered the portal limitation of 50 challenges per submission, the requirement for official written evidence for challenges (such as contracts or permits), and the process for Plan Service and Enforceable Commitment challenges. The process for handling area challenges, which are triggered by six challenges in a census block group, was explained. Finally, the presentation covered steps to take if a challenge is received, including submitting a rebuttal within 30 days, and the consequence of not rebutting (the challenge likely being upheld). Outside of the challenge process, updates included meetings with the US Census Bureau regarding the 2030 census and hosting the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The technical assistance call addressed significant changes to the NBO subgrantee selection process mandated by a new NTA policy notice. Key discussion points included the streamlining of the project application, reducing it from 37 pages to six by removing NEPA, labor and workforce, and engineering sections. The introduction of technology neutrality means all compliant technology must be scored equally, resulting in the lowest cost winning. The definition of a priority broadband project was updated, requiring 100/20 Mbps speeds and latency under 100 milliseconds with scalability for future needs. The agency is reopening organizational applications and conducting a 'benefit of the bargain' round, meaning preliminary awards from the first round are voided as all BEAD-eligible locations must be mapped. Map adjustments involved removing unlicensed fixed wireless locations, adding defaulted locations, and removing locations no longer qualifying due to FCC fabric updates, leading to a reduced inventory of approximately 15,000 locations. New Designated Project Areas (DPAs) are being structured to be more appealing to providers. The timeline is compressed to meet the September 4th NTIA deadline, with application windows closing in early July, followed by negotiations and public comment periods in August. Scoring criteria prioritize cost heavily (lowest cost wins), with secondary criteria (network speed and deployment date) used only if costs are within 15% of the lowest. Updates to application tables removed certain certification requirements and reason codes, but stressed the need for applicants to clearly indicate technology plans or serviceability status for every location.

The Town Hall meeting, hosted by the Nebraska Broadband Office, provided updates on office staffing, including six current positions filled and three vacant positions, with an emphasis on hiring a Policy Analyst. Key program updates included the full transition of the Digital Equity program to the office and the finalization of the Digital Equity plan, anticipated by February 13th. The discussion covered the status of the BEAD program, noting that Initial Proposal Volume One was verbally approved by NTIA, and Initial Proposal Volume Two is undergoing review with a March 1st deadline for modifications. The upcoming challenge period, tentatively opening on February 15th, was detailed, outlining the challenge process, including evidence requirements (speed tests, billing) and the mechanics of individual versus area challenges (triggered by six or more locations in a census block challenging the same provider with the same issue). It was confirmed that only local/tribal governments, nonprofits, and ISPs can submit challenges directly. Funding priorities currently focus on unserved populations, though recent FCC data improvements mean underserved locations may also be eligible for funding.