BPD launches subgrants for BEAD infrastructure projects

CNMI Broadband Policy and Development said it’s now transitioning to the exciting sub-grant selection process for infrastructure projects after completed 10 milestones for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program.

“We are currently drafting our subgrant application packet and we’ve got to launch the process in October,” said BPD outreach coordinator Krissa Deleon Guerrero during last Wednesday’s Saipan Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting at Saipan World Resort’s Taga Hall.

Guerrero added that public notice was issued to inform everyone and one-on-one sessions will be offered to clarify requirements. She also said that the application process will be open for 45 days.

According to Guerrero, the bid aims to provide high-quality broadband access to every corner of CNMI.

“Our goal is to ensure that the subgrant selection is transparent and fair to bring high-quality broadband access to every corner of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota,” said Guerrero.

A panel will review the submitted application based on feasibility and the applicant’s capacity to deliver. The project has a four-year completion timeline for awarded applicants.

Guerrero also announced the launch of the governor’s broadband weekend, which aims to train residents to build a high-speed fiber network across CNMI.

Over $3 million of the $80-million BEAD funding will support the program, management, training materials, and living stipends for training. The goal is to develop a skilled local workforce and deploy underground fiber to over 10,000 homes and businesses.

Guerrero mentioned that they launched a six-month training program in October, providing up to 300 trainees and will collaborate with Northern Marianas College, Northern Marianas Technical Institure, Island Training Solutions, and the Department of Labor to develop a curriculum that includes hands-on training and classroom instruction. The goal is to equip local residents with the necessary skills for active participation in community development.

Meanwhile, BPD equity outreach specialist De Faustina Camacho discussed the Digital Equity Act Programs and highlighted that the National Telecommunication and Information Administration offered three key digital grant programs—State Digital Equity Planning Grant with $60 million, Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program with $1.44 billion, and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program with $1.25 billion.

Camacho reported that the planning grant was listed to the CNMI in May 2023, while the State Capacity Grant program application was submitted in July 2024 and is currently awaiting approval and expects results by the end of this year.

According to Camacho, the BPD was established in April 2023 and the Digital Equity Planning grant was awarded the following month in May 2023.

She added that throughout the following months, they have developed the five-year plan which was approved by NTIA in July 2024, while a notice of funding opportunity was issued in August 2024 for the Competitive Grant Program.

Camacho explained the purpose of the competitive grant program, which is to support the efforts to achieve digital equity, promote regional inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption of broadband among covered populations. She added the importance of the program eligibility extensions beyond state private offices to various entities including state agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations.