The BEAD Program Application Period One deadline has been extended to Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) maintains a robust list of Frequently Asked Questions which are updated regularly. We encourage those interested in applying to check back often for new information.
Additionally, please note the following important program updates:
- Option to designate Broadband Serviceable Areas (BSAs) as non-separable in a multi-BSA project.
Applicants that have a project area with multiple BSAs have the option to designate which of those BSAs are non-separable for the project to remain viable. Non-separable BSAs are defined as BSAs critical to an applicant’s proposed project, and if removed by PBDA during deconfliction, then the proposed project is no longer viable and should not be considered any further by PBDA.
An applicant has the option to designate non-separable BSAs by utilizing version two of the template provided to answer application question 30 on Proposed Project BSAs. For a multi-BSA project, list the critical non-separable BSAs in column F.
- The Engineer Certification Affidavit, Proposed Project BSAs, and Proposed Project BSL templates have been revised, and a new template for Final Project CAIs are available.
If you already started an application utilizing the prevision version of the templates, please download and use these updated documents: BEAD Fillable Templates Library
- Recent Guidance from NTIA on Alternative Technologies
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently released guidance on use of alternative technologies as it relates to the BEAD program. That information can be reviewed at: NTIA BEAD Alternative Broadband Technology Policy Notice
- Prevailing Wage Requirements for Broadband Projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry recently provided additional clarity for prevailing wage requirements, as it relates to all awarded broadband projects. If you have additional questions or need further clarity, please reach out to the Department at 1.800.932.0665 or by email at pwquestions@pa.gov.
Please note, to ensure fairness and consistency for all BEAD applicants, the PBDA is unable to accommodate individual meetings while the program is open for applications. PBDA encourages applicants to send any questions to the BEAD Resource Account.