BEAD Challenge Process FAQ Updated 12:00 p.m. CT, December 11, 2024
Read BEAD Challenge Process Guide
Challenged Location IDs Open For Rebuttal
Note: File might need to be opened with Notepad to see full list
Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program
The BEAD Program will provide $797.4 million to build broadband infrastructure and develop programs to expand high-speed internet access.
BEAD is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the US Department of Commerce. The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) will manage the competitive grant process, subgrantee selection process and awardee monitoring and compliance.
Subgrantee Selection Process
The application window for BEAD was opened on April 21 and closed on May 26.
| Candidate Pool | Open Date | Close Date | Duration |
| Candidate Pool 1 | 4/21/2025 | 5/26/2025 | 5 weeks |
| Candidate Pool 2 | 4/28/2025 | 5/26/2025 | 4 weeks |
| Candidate Pool 3 | 5/5/2025 | 5/26/2025 | 3 weeks |
| Candidate Pool 4 | 5/12/2025 | 5/26/2025 | 2 weeks |
BEAD NET Request for Information
The first Request for Information window closed on Friday, February 21 at 11:59pm. The OBO received robust feedback from the business community about potential ways to serve all Oklahomans most efficiently with 483 RFIs submitted.
On March 31, the office opened a second RFI window for updated NETs only. NTIA updated BEAD eligible locations to account for awarded Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program funding. Original RFIs will still stand unless they are impacted by NTIA's updates. Submitting RFIs will follow the same process as the orginial submission period.
The second RFI window closed on Wednesday, April 9.
KEY:
- final_ok_locations.csv: File containing a list of locations that are eligible as Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs), with their associated NET IDs (Some of these locations are also considered Community Anchor Institutions).
- final_ok_cais.csv: File containing list of locations that are ONLY eligible as Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs), with their associated NET ID.
NOTE: final_ok_locations.csv will include all locations that are unserved or underserved by BSL standards.
- These may include some CAIs. A new column is_cai has been added and marked TRUE for those hybrid locations.
- Another column is_underserved has been added to distinguish between the unserved and underserved.
NETs will be the basis for the BEAD Subgrantee Selection process. The RFI process is the one opportunity for companies to request changes to proposed NETs.
For technical difficulties email okhelpdesk@ready.net.
BEAD Pre-Qualification
Pre-Qualification is now avaiilable for organizations interested in participating in the BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process. It is a requirement before organizations can apply for BEAD funding. Questions will be related to an organization's operational history, finances and personnel, among other topics. An organization will complete the pre-qualification within the BEAD portal. If an organization participated in the BEAD Challenge Process, request access to the portal by emailing okhelpdesk@ready.net. Use the subject line, "OPT-IN" and include associated company name, your name, and your email.
For organizations new to the BEAD program, register for portal access here.
Access the Pre-Qualification Guide here.
Access the Pre-Qualficiation within the BEAD Portal here.
The deadline to submit Pre-Qualification is May 19 at 11:59pm.
For technical difficulties email okhelpdesk@ready.net.
BEAD Subgrantee Selection FAQ
BEAD Subgrantee Selection FAQ Updated 4:15 p.m. CT, May 21, 2025
BEAD Applicant Resources
Tribal Letter of Consent
Tribal Request for Support
Oklahoma BEAD Tribal Request for Support Letter
Below are templates approved by the specific Tribes:
Other Resources
Eligible Entity Requirements
CostQuest Licenses
To access appropriate location data, the Oklahoma Broadband Office is requiring organizations that want to participate in BEAD to acquire a CostQuest license. This will allow an organization to view location data for mapping and planning purposes. To learn more click here.
Tier D License - Entities that participate in Federal Broadband Programs and will file challenges during state led challenges processes or relevant reporting will need a Tier D license. Examples: Recipients, sub-recipients, and prospective recipients of federal broadband funds from Federal Broadband Granting Agencies. Please use this link to request a license.
Tier E License - Entities that seek to participate in the BEAD program challenge processes will need a Tier E license. Examples: Units of local government, non-profits, and FCC Tier 4 organizations. Please use this link to request a license.
In addition, Eligible Entities will need to have an active FCC Registration Number (FRN), Employer Identification Number (EIN) and/or a Unique Entity Identifier through Sam.gov.
Note: Unique Entity Identifiers will be needed at the time of award.
Last Modified on
May 27, 2025
