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Introducing New Blog Series: How to Become “Shovel-Ready” for Broadband Funding Opportunities

By Adam Quinlan

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven home the need for expanded high speed internet access that offers Americans reliable access to remote work, distance learning, telehealth, and many other applications. In response to the pandemic, Congress has poured billions of dollars into economic stimulus and relief programs, including those that support end-user broadband costs and fund the deployment of new infrastructure.

In early 2021, we expect to see final rules for several infrastructure programs, including:

• $1 Billion Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
• $3.2 Billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
• $300 Million Rural Broadband Infrastructure Program
• $285 Million to connect Minority Serving Institutions.

These new programs are in addition to existing federal programs like the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service ReConnect and Community Connect programs, the FCC’s E-Rate program, and so-called “rip and replace” funding to extract certain Chinese electronics from American telecommunication networks.

BECOMING “SHOVEL-READY”

All these programs favor local and regional projects that are “shovel-ready” – but what does that really mean? Practically speaking, submitting an application that is “shovel-ready” requires that an applicant address three fundamental steps:

1. Assess Eligibility and Scope
   The project and applicant team must satisfy program eligibility, performance, and governance requirements.
    
2. Demonstrate Capabilities
   The project team must demonstrate the technical, financial, and organizational capabilities to deliver the project at low risk to the funding authority.
    
3. Present Detailed Proposal
   The application must present the project’s scope, cost, and schedule in detail to demonstrate that the program can be completed within the parameters of the funding program.

In this ongoing blog series, we will break down each of these steps. Our goal is to arm applicants with a better understanding of the actions they need to take during each phase, to ensure they can properly evaluate funding programs, design programs that make effective use of public subsidies, and ensure long-term success and sustainability.

HOW TILSON CAN HELP

Tilson’s broadband consulting team can lead you through the full broadband implementation lifecycle and provide best-in-class consulting from start to finish, tailored to meet and exceed your project goals and maximize the value your community derives from its network investment. 

Learn more: https://tilsontech.com/state-broadband-consulting.

Or contact us about your specific broadband deployment needs.

Adam Quinlan

Adam Quinlan serves as Manager of Broadband Consulting at Tilson, leading a team of experienced consultants to plan, design, build, and maintain viable and cost-effective broadband solutions. Adam joined Tilson in 2016, with a strong technical background and leadership experience as a managing partner of a small law firm focused on the intersection of law and technology. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, a Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law, and is a licensed member of the Maine and Massachusetts Bar.