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
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.
Internet service providers looking to inform the OBO on how Network Expansion Terroritories (NETs) should be constructed can now access the Request for Information portal.
This process will allow companies to download data of proposed NETs across the state, along with associated locations and CAIs, and resubmit templates with proposed changes.
NETs will be the basis for the BEAD Subgrantee Selection process. The RFI process will be the one opportunity for companies to request changes to proposed NETs. OBO wants to receive feedback from the business community about potential ways to serve all Oklahomans most efficiently.
The deadline to submit RFIs is February 14 at 11:59pm.
BEAD Network Expansion Territories (NET) Primer
Note: A tutorial video is available within the RFI portal.
For technical questions about a submission in the RFI portal, please email okhelpdesk@ready.net. For programmatic quetions related to the RFI process or BEAD, please email BEAD@broadband.ok.gov.
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 BEAD Portal here.
Organizations will have through April to complete Pre-Qualification. An exact date for the submission deadline will be announced once the Subgrantee Selection process begins.
BEAD Subgrantee Selection FAQ Updated 12:30 p.m. CT, February 7, 2025
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.
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
The office hosted live events on September 12, 13, 23 & 27 for entities interested in participating in the BEAD Challenge Process.
These events, offered online and in person, explained the challenge process and its significance to the BEAD program.
Attendees watched a demo on how to use the challenge portal. The demo was recorded for those unable to attend.
Eligible Entities include:
Event Information
Thursday, September 12, 1:00 p.m.: Virtual Teams call. RSVP and access call using this link: https://tinyurl.com/3txm3fsp
Friday, September 13, 1:30 p.m.: Apache Casino Hotel, 2315 East Gore Boulevard, Lawton. RSVP and access call using this link: https://tinyurl.com/387awt8t
Monday, September 23, 1:00 p.m.: Choctaw Community Center, 1201 W Liberty Rd, Atoka. RSVP and access call using this link: https://tinyurl.com/42jwsp8x
Friday, September 27, 1:00 p.m.: Enid Public Library, 120 West Maine Street. RSVP and access call using this link: https://tinyurl.com/mr39bsxj
Initial Proposal Volume I has been approved by NTIA.
In compliance with federal guidance, the BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I focuses on existing funding, unserved and underserved locations, community anchor institutions, and a challenge process.
View Initial Proposal Volume I
Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) play a critical role in delivering internet access and relaying information to residents. CAIs include, libraries, community centers, and other public entities that assist Oklahomans with critical high-speed internet required in our everyday lives.
View Oklahoma's Community Anchor Institutions
Click here to learn more about BEAD.
Initial Proposal Volume II has been approved by NTIA.
It focuses on how Oklahoma will deploy broadband across the state. It covers the subgrantee selection process, affordability plans, workforce readiness, and much more.
View the document here.
The state's Five Year Action Plan has been approved by NTIA.