NTIA_NEGP_NOFO_2026.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

NATIVE ENTITIES GRANT PROGRAM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A. Federal Awarding Agency Name National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce

B. Funding Opportunity Title Native Entities Grant Program

C. Announcement Type Initial

D. Funding Opportunity Number

2026-NTIA-NEGP

E. Assistance Listing (CFDA Number) 11.036

F. Key Dates Complete applications from Eligible Entities must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on September 17, 2026. Applications submitted by postal mail or courier service must be postmarked or show clear evidence of mailing by the same date and time. Application materials are available at https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov.

G. Application Submission Requirements Complete application packages may be submitted through one of the following methods: (i) Online submission through www.grants.gov; (ii) Electronic mail to: broadbandgrants@ntia.gov;

or (iii) Postal mail or courier. NTIA strongly encourages applicants to submit applications through www.grants.gov. Partial or duplicate applications using multiple methods of transmission will not be accepted.

Complete digitally submitted applications from Eligible Entities must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on September 17, 2026. Applications submitted by postal mail or courier service must be postmarked or show clear evidence of mailing by the same date and time and sent to the following address: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 4878, Attn: Douglas Kinkoph, Associate Administrator, Washington, DC 20230.

See Section IV.A of this NOFO for detailed information concerning application submission requirements.

Eligible Entities may only submit a single application for funding pursuant to this program. The Eligible Entity’s single application must include the total amount of funding being requested and https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:broadbandgrants@ntia.gov https://www.grants.gov/ must account for all projects that will utilize the requested funding. See Section III.A of this NOFO for additional information on the single application requirement.

H. Funding Opportunity Description NTIA is soliciting applications for the Native Entities Grant Program (“Program”), authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Division F, Title III, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1209 (November 15, 2021) (codified at 47 U.S.C. §1701, 1721, et seq.) (the “Digital Equity Act of 2021” or “Act”). The Act authorizes two programs that set aside funds for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations (collectively “Native Entities”): 1 the “State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program” 2 and the “Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.” 3 To reduce administrative burden and cost, NTIA is releasing the funds for both programs through a single application process. See Section I.A of this NOFO for the full description of this program.

I. Funding Instrument Grant.

J. Eligibility The following entities are eligible to receive grants under the Native Entities Grant Program:

1. An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization (“Native Entity”); or

2. A partnership between Eligible Entities (“Consortium”).

See Section III of this NOFO for additional information concerning the eligibility requirements for this program.

K. Anticipated Amounts Congress appropriated a total of $2,690,000,000 in funding for the combined State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Under 47 U.S.C. § 1723(i)(2) and 1724(j)(2), the Assistant Secretary must reserve not less than five (5) percent and exactly five (5) percent, respectively, for Native Entities to carry out eligible program activities.

Accordingly, NTIA has set aside no less than $250,000,000 for Native Entities, which is made available through this NOFO.

Grant awards will be made on a competitive basis under the criteria outlined in Section V of this NOFO and will depend upon the number of applicants and the size of the proposals submitted.

NTIA expects to make individual Native Entities Grant Program awards to Eligible Entities within a range of $500,000 and $2,500,000. This funding range is not a required minimum or maximum, but Eligible Entities requesting award amounts outside that range must explain why their application falls below or above this range and must provide a compelling justification for the variance in their project size.

1 47 U.S.C. §1723(i) and 47 U.S.C. §1724(j).

2 47 U.S.C. §1723.

3 47 U.S.C. §1724.

L. Cost Sharing/Matching An Eligible Entity must contribute at least ten (10) percent matching funds as part of its application. However, an Eligible Entity may include in its application a petition to the Assistant Secretary to waive some or all of the required 10% match. Per 47 U.S.C. §1724(e)(2), the Eligible Entity’s petition should document the financial need for a partial or full waiver of the cost match requirement. The inclusion of matching funds as part of an application beyond the required 10% will not be considered during Merit Review but is a selection factor during the OICG Associate Administrator Review and the Assistant Secretary Final Selection. See Section III.B of this NOFO for more information pertaining to the cost sharing requirements for this program.

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

Table of Contents

A. Federal Awarding Agency Name B. Funding Opportunity Title C. Announcement Type D. Funding Opportunity Number E. Assistance Listing (CFDA Number) F. Key Dates G. Application Submission Requirements H. Funding Opportunity Description I. Funding Instrument J. Eligibility K. Anticipated Amounts L. Cost Sharing/Matching

I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Overview of the Native Entities Grant Program B. Definitions

II. Award Information A. Funding Availability B. Period of Performance C. Award Amount D. Type of Funding Instrument

III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Sharing or Matching

IV. Application and Submission Information A. Content and Form of Applications B. Funding Restrictions C. Certifications Regarding Debarment and Suspension D. System for Award Management (SAM) E. Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Commons Registration F. Grants.gov Registration G. Submission Dates and Times H. Material Representations and Public Disclosure of Applications I. Amendments

V. Application Review Information A. Overview B. Initial Eligibility and Administrative Review C. Merit Review D. Programmatic Review E. OICG Associate Administrator Review F. Assistant Secretary Final Selection G. Federal Awarding Agency Review of Risk Posed by Applicant H. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

VI. Award Administration Information A. Federal Award Notices B. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants C. Retention of Unsuccessful Applications D. De-obligation or Termination of Grant E. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F. Reporting G. Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters H. Audit Requirements I. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 J. Public Database

VII. Agency Contacts A. Please direct programmatic inquiries to:

B. Please direct grant management inquiries to:

C. Please direct media inquiries to:

VIII. Other Information A. Transparency B. Protected and Proprietary Information C. Funding Availability and Limitation of Liability D. Third Party Beneficiaries E. Waiver Authority F. Paperwork Reduction Act G. Transparency, Accountability, and Oversight Required H. Unauthorized Use of Funds

Appendix A: Certifications Regarding Debarment and Suspension Appendix B: Assurances required under 47 U.S.C. §1724(f)

I. Funding Opportunity Description The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) issues this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for funds set aside for grants to Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations under the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program and the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to allow those tribes, entities, and organizations to carry out the activities of the Program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Division F, Title III, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1209 (November 15, 2021) (codified at 47 U.S.C. §1701, et seq.)(“Infrastructure Act” or “IIJA”). 4

A. Overview of the Native Entities Grant Program NTIA issues this NOFO to describe the requirements under which it will award grants under the Native Entities set asides authorized by 47 U.S.C. §1723(i)(2) and §1724(j)(2) (“Native Entities Grant Program,” or “Program”). These set-aside programs authorize grant awards to Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations (“Native Entities”) to carry out the purposes of the program and promote the adoption of broadband within their communities.

Congress has tasked NTIA with overseeing multiple large-scale broadband grant programs, including the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, with the goal of ensuring universal broadband availability. Just as NTIA reoriented the Broadband Equity Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) Program to deliver the “Benefit of the Bargain,” NTIA is focused on maximizing the impact of the Native Entity set-aside funding by streamlining program requirements, reducing unnecessary burdens, and ensuring the program works in concert with BEAD. As detailed in Section V, Native Entities Grant Program (“NEGP”) applications that support BEAD deployments will be weighted more heavily than NEGP applicants that do not.

NTIA is focused on a strong stewardship of taxpayer dollars—demanding efficiency, accountability, and measurable results. This approach will help ensure NEGP funding delivers sustainable connectivity for Tribal and Native communities.

NTIA encourages efficient, cost-effective proposals that advance statutory objectives, deliver measurable outcomes, and enhance internet connectivity and use for Native Entities. NTIA seeks applications that complement, rather than duplicate, other federally funded broadband initiatives.

To maximize the reach and effectiveness of federal dollars, NTIA will prioritize proposals that align with the BEAD Program infrastructure investments and advance the technologically neutral approach in line with the principles of the BEAD “Benefit of the Bargain” framework. 5 Aligning NEGP activities with BEAD-supported deployment further promotes broadband availability and innovation and ensures that taxpayers are getting the best value from their investments.

This program will complement broadband deployment efforts and expand broadband access to unserved communities. Projects funded under this program should advance innovation, protect the interests of children, and deliver measurable improvements in broadband adoption and use.

Specifically, the proposed programs must support at least one of the following activities: 6

4 47 U.S.C. §1724(j)(2) and 47 U.S.C. §1723(i)(2).

5 See Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program: BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice available at https://www.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/bead-restructuring-policy-notice.pdf 6 47 U.S.C. § 1724 (d)(2) identifies the authorized uses of funds under the Competitive Grant Program and are consistent with the activities allowed under the Native Entity set-aside established through the State Capacity Grant https://www.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/bead-restructuring-policy-notice.pdf https://www.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/bead-restructuring-policy-notice.pdf

1. Develop and implement use and adoption of broadband activities;

2. Facilitate educational and employment opportunities through broadband;

3. Implement training programs that cover basic, advanced, and applied skills or other workforce development programs

4. Make available equipment, instrumentation, networking capability hardware and software or digital network technology for broadband services at low or no cost (including broadband service subsidies);

5. Construct, upgrade, expand, or operate new or existing public access computing centers through community anchor institutions;

6. To undertake any other project or activity that the Assistant Secretary finds to be consistent with the purposes for which the Program is established. 7

Applications will be evaluated based on statutory criteria, measurable impact and outcomes, geographic distribution, sustainability, enhancement of other broadband programs, and avoidance of duplication with other federal funding sources. The full details of the selection process are outlined in Section V of this NOFO.

B. Definitions

1. Adoption of broadband: the process by which an individual obtains daily access to the internet –

a. at a speed, quality, and capacity --

• that is necessary for the individual to accomplish common tasks; and

• such that the access qualifies as an advanced telecommunications capability;

b. with the digital skills necessary for the individual to participate online; and

c. on a --

• personal device; and

• secure and convenient network. 8

2. Alaska Native Entity: a tribally controlled entity in Alaska whose purpose or mission is to represent or advance the interests of one or more native Alaskan communities.

This will include, but will not be limited to, subsidiary organizations of an Indian Tribe; entities that receive federal funding due to their status as an Indian or Native organization; and the Alaska Native Regional Nonprofit Organizations created to administer social, education and health services for Alaska Native people in their region.

3. Assistant Secretary: the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.

4. Commission: Federal Communications Commission.

5. Community Anchor Institution: a public school, a public or multi-family housing authority, a library, a medical or healthcare provider, a community college or other institution of higher education, a State or Territory library agency, and any other nonprofit or governmental community support organization. NTIA will narrowly interpret the term “community support organization” consistent with BEAD. 9

Program. See 47 U.S.C. § 1723(a)(1)(A) and 47 U.S.C. § 1724(a)(1).

7 47 U.S.C. §1724(d)(2)(A).

8 See 47 U.S.C. § 1721(1).

9 See 47 U.S.C. § 1721(6)

6. Consortium: a partnership between Eligible Entities. 10

7. Eligible Entity: one of the following:

• An Indian Tribe;

• An Alaska Native entity;

• A Native Hawaiian organization; or

• A partnership between eligible entities.

8. Indian Tribe: any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community (i.e., Tribal Organizations), including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq., which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

9. Native Entity: the term “Native Entity” or “Native Entities” refers to Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations as referenced in 47 U.S.C.

§1723(i)(2) and §1724(j)(2).

10. Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO): an organization that is registered with the U.S.

Department of the Interior’s Office of Native Hawaiian Relations and Hawaiian Homes Commission Act Beneficiary Associations and Homestead Associations, as defined under 43 C.F.R. §§ 47.10 and 48.6, or is the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

11. Rural Area: any area other than a city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants.

12. Tribal Land: (A) any land located within the boundaries of— (i) an Indian reservation, pueblo, or rancheria; or (ii) a former reservation within Oklahoma; (B) any land not located within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, pueblo, or rancheria, the title to which is held— (i) in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian Tribe or an individual Indian; (ii) by an Indian Tribe or an individual Indian, subject to restriction against alienation under laws of the United States; or (iii) by a dependent Indian community; (C) any land located within a region established pursuant to section 7(a) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C.

§1606(a)); (D) Hawaiian Home Lands, as defined in section 801 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.

§4221); or (E) those areas or communities designated by the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior that are near, adjacent, or contiguous to reservations where financial assistance and social service programs are provided to Indians because of their status as Indians.

13. Tribal Organization: the recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities: provided, that in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian tribe, the approval of each such Indian tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.

10 47 U.S.C. §1724(b)(7).

II. Award Information A. Funding Availability

Congress appropriated $1,440,000,000 to fund grants under the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and $1,250,000,000 to fund grants under the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Under 47 U.S.C. §1723(i)(2) and 1724(j)(2), the Assistant Secretary must reserve not less than five (5) percent and exactly five (5) percent, respectively, for Native Entities to carry out eligible program activities. Accordingly, NTIA has reserved no less than $250,000,000 for grant awards to Native Entities. Any Native Entities set-aside funds not awarded will be made available to Native Entities through future NOFO(s). See Section V of this NOFO for additional information on award selection for Native Entities.

B. Period of Performance Recipients must expend the grant amounts within four (4) years after the date on which the entity is awarded the grant. 11 Recipients may continue to measure and evaluate the activities supported with the grant amounts for a period of one (1) year after the initial four (4) year Period of Performance.

C. Award Amount Awards will be made on a competitive basis under the criteria outlined in Section V of this NOFO and will depend upon the number of applicants and the size of the proposals submitted.

NTIA expects to make individual awards to Eligible Entities within a range of $500,000 and $2,500,000. This funding range is not a required minimum or maximum, but Eligible Entities requesting award amounts outside that range must explain why their application falls below or above this range and must provide a compelling justification for that variance.

Consortium applications are also permitted. Additional funding level justification is not required for Consortium applications for projects that do not exceed $2,500,000 per Consortium member.

D. Type of Funding Instrument The funding instrument for awards made to Eligible Entities pursuant to this NOFO will be a grant, although NTIA and the NIST Grants Officer reserve the right to issue cooperative agreements or contracts to such entities in accordance with 47 U.S.C. §1723(i)(2) and §1724(j)(2).

III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants

The following entities are eligible to apply for grants under this Program:

1. An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization.

2. A partnership between Eligible Entities (Consortium).

Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations that appear on one of the following lists prior to the closing of the application window, or that meet the criteria set forth below, satisfy the definition of an Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization for purposes of this NOFO:

11 The four-year period begins on the first day of the period of performance identified in the grant agreement.

• U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible to Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, 91 Fed. Reg. 4102 (Jan. 30, 2026), available at:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/30/2026-01899/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of;

• Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Index of Regional Native Corporations, available at: https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/paad/17b-easements/search/;

• U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, Native Hawaiian Organization Notification List, available at: https://www.doi.gov/hawaiian/nhol;

• U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, Homestead & Beneficiary Associations List, available at: https://www.doi.gov/hawaiian/homestead-beneficiary-associations-list; and

• The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Note, the Eligible Entity should take care to ensure they are either applying as a single entity, or as part of a single consortium application. Eligible Entities may only be part of one application regardless of type. In an instance where one Eligible Entity is a subsidiary of another, this shall not affect the subsidiary’s eligibility to submit its own application, so long as it includes the requisite authorizing documentation. If NTIA determines that an Eligible Entity is participating in multiple applications, this may significantly delay NTIA’s review of such applications and may result in NTIA removing that entity from consideration for funding for both their individual application and any Consortium applications to which they are a party.

A Native Entity making an application for Native Entities Grant Program funds, whether on its own behalf, as an Authorized Representative of a Consortium, or as a participant in a Consortium, must submit a Tribal Government Resolution or equivalent formal authorization from the governing body of the Native Entity providing express authority to apply for Native Entities Grant Funds or to participate as a member in a Consortium that is submitting an application for grant funds.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching An Eligible Entity must contribute at least ten (10) percent matching funds as part of its application. However, an Eligible Entity may include in its application a petition to the Assistant Secretary to waive some or all of the required 10% match. Per 47 U.S.C. §174(e)(2), the Eligible Entity’s petition should document the financial need for a partial or full waiver of the cost match requirement. The inclusion of matching funds as part of an application beyond the required 10% will not be considered during Merit Review but is a selection factor during the OICG Associate Administrator Review and the Assistant Secretary Final Selection.

Matching funds may be in the form of either cash or in-kind contributions consistent with the requirements outlined in 2 C.F.R. 200.306. In-kind contributions, which include third-party in-kind contributions, are non-cash donations of property, goods, or services, which benefit a federally assisted project, and which may count toward satisfying the non-federal matching https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/30/2026-01899/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/30/2026-01899/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/paad/17b-easements/search/ https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/paad/17b-easements/search/ https://www.doi.gov/hawaiian/nhol https://www.doi.gov/hawaiian/homestead-beneficiary-associations-list https://www.doi.gov/hawaiian/homestead-beneficiary-associations-list requirement of a project’s total budgeted costs when such contributions meet certain criteria. 12 In-kind contributions must be allowable and allocable project expenses.

The rules governing allowable in-kind contributions encompass a wide range of properties and services. NTIA encourages applicants to thoroughly consider potential sources of in-kind contributions, which, depending on the particular property or service and the applicable federal cost principles, could include employee or volunteer services; equipment; supplies; indirect costs; computer hardware and software; and use of facilities. It is important to note that federal funds may not be used as non-federal match, except as expressly provided by federal statute. 13

IV. Application and Submission Information Application forms and instructions will be made available on the BroadbandUSA website:

https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov. Applicants must follow the instructions set forth in this NOFO and are encouraged to submit their applications early. NTIA recommends that applicants participate in application technical assistance webinars and review the program and application guidance that will be posted on NTIA’s BroadbandUSA website.

NTIA strongly encourages applicants to submit applications through www.grants.gov.

Applications submitted by email or paper are discouraged but will be accepted. Facsimile submissions will not be accepted. Applicants without Internet access may request a copy of the application materials by contacting the NTIA representative identified in Section VII. With respect to electronic methods for providing information about funding opportunities or accepting applicants’ submissions of information, NTIA is responsible for compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Act of 1998.

A. Content and Form of Applications Applications for grants under the Native Entities Grant Program must be complete, must adhere to the instructions provided in this NOFO, and must be submitted in English in the format required. NTIA will not consider applications that fail to comply with these requirements or that are untimely submitted. Any Eligible Entity applying for a Grant must submit an application that includes the information listed below. All proposed projects submitted should be comprehensive and not reliant on future funding or a future adjacent project.

1. Standard Forms and Documentation Required for Native Entities Grant Program Applicants

a. A Project Narrative. The Project Narrative must provide a description of the overall goals of the grant proposal and the portfolio of activities the grant award would support (hereinafter, the “Project”) and how the Project will promote the goals of this Program. The Project Narrative must include the following information.

i. An Executive Summary (not to exceed 1,000 words). The executive summary should include: (1) An overview of the goals of the Project; (2) A high-level description of the major activities; (3) A description of the Project’s objectives; (4) A description of the Project’s locations (e.g. geographic scope

12 2 C.F.R. §200.306.

13 2 C.F.R. §200.306(b)(5).

https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov./ https://www.grants.gov/ and impacted areas) and intended beneficiaries; and (5) A description of the Project timeline on which funds will be expended.

Please note, NTIA may use all or a portion of the Executive Summary as part of a press release issued by NTIA, or for other public information and outreach purposes. Applicants are advised not to include business trade secrets or other confidential commercial or financial information as part of the Executive Summary. See 15 C.F.R. §4.9(b) concerning the designation of business information by the applicant.

ii. Status as an Eligible Entity (not to exceed 250 words). A description demonstrating that applicant(s) are in the category of Eligible Entities.

iii. Demonstrated Need (not to exceed 500 words). A description of the specific problems that the proposed Project will address, supported by evidence that demonstrates unmet demand or identifiable barriers to broadband use and adoption, beyond demographics alone. This includes:

• Supporting data that demonstrates a need for these services (e.g.

qualitative and quantitative evidence of barriers such as price, income, and adoption data, digital skills gaps, lack of device access, and remoteness and/or rurality of the community to be served by the Project). Potential data sources can include American Community Survey data, Tribal Surveys, market research, and/or other use and adoption data.

• The total number of intended beneficiaries, including, as applicable, the number of individuals, the number of households, and other supporting demographic data.

• The percentage of total households in the proposed Project service area at or below 150% of the poverty line (based on HHS Poverty Guidelines) and a description of how the total household percentage was calculated, including data source(s) and any other relevant factors. If the census tract-level poverty data does not accurately represent the poverty level of the specific geographic area or population being served, applicants should explain the discrepancy and provide supplemental data sources.

iv. Funded Activities (not to exceed 1,000 words). A description of the specific projects and activities to be funded by the grant and the proposed measurable objectives. This includes:

• How the proposed Project will address barriers and cause measurable improvements to broadband use and adoption and the measurable objectives to be achieved.

• How the proposed Project will address barriers and cause measurable improvements in one or more of the following areas and the measurable objectives to be achieved:

o Economic and Workforce Development Goals, Plans, and Outcomes;

o Educational Outcomes;

o Health Outcomes;

o Social & Civic Engagement;

o Delivery of Other Essential Services. 14

• How the applicant will collect data and information to track the program outcomes, including frequency and scope. Outcomes and performance measures can include metrics, data collection methods and analysis, and evaluation methods (e.g., case studies, focus groups, surveys).

• Whether the proposed activities can create long-term benefits that persist beyond the Period of Performance, independently of this funding.

• (If applicable) For Projects proposing to offer affordable broadband programs for Native communities, a clear price comparison of the proposed service solution to the price of comparable available service.

• (If applicable) For Projects intended to facilitate workforce development, a description of how the Project will contribute to employment opportunities within the proposed service area. Plans should be tied to demonstrated employer and market demand and may include on-the-job training, industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, or other hands-on, technical skill-building approaches tied to measurable employment outcomes, using the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) as a model. Applicants should describe how hiring and workforce practices will be implemented consistent with applicable Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) ordinances or equivalent Tribal requirements, where applicable.

v. Project Plan (not to exceed 5 pages). Applicants must describe all major activities and timelines for implementation, including:

• Key Project milestones, including anticipated outputs of each activity or

Project;

• Start and end dates for each major Project activity;

• A description of how the Project’s progress will be tracked and how risks to the Project’s implementation strategy and timeline will be mitigated.

vi. Implementation Team (not to exceed 500 words). Provide a description of the Eligible Entity applying for funds, and the qualifications and experience of key personnel responsible for implementing the proposed Project. Include a description of the implementation team and its experience with the programmatic/technical aspects of project management, including past successes and a demonstrated ability to manage large federal grant awards

14 See 47 U.S.C. § 1723(c)(1)(C)i-v effectively. As applicable, include Consortium members and their role in implementation.

vii. Alignment with Existing Programs (not to exceed 500 words). Describe coordination done with the State Broadband Office(s) for the state(s) in which the applicant is located. Describe alignment with the state’s BEAD implementation plan and whether the applicant provided a Tribal Resolution permitting BEAD deployment on Tribal Land. Identify whether the Project will support BEAD-funded Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs).

viii. Environmental and Historical Preservation (If Applicable). For Projects including construction and/or ground disturbing activities, include site and aerial photographs (e.g., Google Maps images). Describe how the applicant intends to comply with the environmental and historic preservation and cultural requirements applicable to an award received under the NEGP (including, but not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act) and, if applicable, a copy of any environmental and historic preservation review documentation that has been prepared in connection with obtaining permits or approvals from State, Tribal, local, or other federal entities.

ix. Justification for Funding Variance (If Applicable, not to exceed 250 words). If an Eligible Entity seeks funding outside of the $500,000 to $2,500,000 award range, the applicant must explain why their application falls below or above this range and must provide a compelling justification for deviating from this range.

x. Other Funding Sources (not to exceed 500 words). A detailed certification of the source and amount of other Federal, State, or outside funding sources the entity receives, or has applied for, that fund the activities or projects to which the application relates, including, but not limited to, any funding requests through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, the Capital Projects Fund, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, or any other federal broadband grant program. Further, a certification that there will not be duplicative funding upon award of funds pursuant to this NOFO or any other pending grant application. Additionally, outline how the proposed Project will complement, leverage, or avoid duplication with other publicly funded efforts.

b. Project Information Form. Applicants must complete all applicable fields, identifying information relevant to the Project, the service area, and the proposed beneficiaries.

c. Funded and Unfunded Entity Form. Applicants must complete all applicable fields, identifying all organizations involved in the activities proposed in the application, including any that would receive Federal funding if awarded.

d. A Consolidated Budget Form. All budget information in the Consolidated Budget Form must support the dollar amounts identified in the Eligible Entity’s SF-424, demonstrate that the project or activity meets the eligible use requirements in this NOFO, and reflect only allowable costs that are consistent with the Project(s)’ scope. Allowable costs are determined in accordance with the cost principles identified in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, including Subpart E.

The budget must account for the recipient’s administrative costs, capped by statute at 10% of the grant amount, and program evaluation costs, capped at 10% of the grant amount. For this purpose, the 10% limitation on administrative costs includes the combined total of indirect and direct administrative costs charged to the award. If indirect costs are included in the proposed budget, the applicant must either provide a copy of their approved negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or include a statement that they are electing to charge the de minimis rate, in accordance with 2 C.F.R. §200.414.

The applicant must clearly describe in the budget narrative how it applied or calculated its administrative costs and demonstrate that its combined direct and indirect administrative costs are both at or under the 10% limit. The applicant’s administrative costs must also be consistent with their Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or the de minimis rate, as applicable.

e. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with a Cognizant Federal Agency.

If indirect costs are included in the proposed budget, the applicant must provide a copy of its Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) (or provisional rate). The NICRA must be used if an applicant receives more than $35,000,000 in federal funding during its fiscal year or has an existing NICRA (per 2 CFR 200 Appendix VII). An applicant can charge the 15% de minimis rate, in accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200.414, if it does not have an existing NICRA. The administrative cap applies to the administrative indirect costs charged to the award.

f. Resumes of Key Personnel. One-page resumes of no more than five key personnel from the applicant may be included. Any information beyond one page for each resume and any additional resumes submitted will not be considered.

g. A Tribal Government Resolution or equivalent formal authorization from the governing body of the Eligible Entity (or all Eligible Entities, in the case of a consortium). The resolution should provide certification of express authority for an Eligible Entity (or lead applicant, in the case of a consortium) to file an application for Native Entities Grant Program Funds on behalf of the Eligible Entity.

h. A BEAD Tribal Resolution, approving deployment of BEAD services on the applicant’s land consistent with the State Broadband Office’s Final Proposal under the BEAD program (if the Eligible Entity provided consent to BEAD deployment).

i. Required Certifications:

• A certification that all beneficiaries of the proposed activities and interventions are members of a Native Entity.

• A certification that the applicant is not seeking funding for a Project or program that is duplicative of previously awarded Federal or State funding. If NTIA identifies a Project or program that is duplicative of prior funding, NTIA may decline funding for those portions of the Project that are duplicative. Applicants have an affirmative obligation to disclose duplicative funding for the same Project or program whether received before or after the award of a grant under this Program.

• A certification that the grant will not result in the unjust enrichment of the applicant or subrecipient.

• A certification that the applicant, if using Native Entities Grant Program funds for an “infrastructure project” (as defined in 2 C.F.R. 184.3), will abide by the requirements of the Build America, Buy America Act (Pub. L. NO. 117-58, §§70901-52) and by the regulations promulgated thereunder at 2 C.F.R. part 184, if applicable.

• By signing and submitting an application for funding pursuant to the NEGP, the applicant is making the certifications outlined in Appendix A Certifications Regarding Debarment and Suspension (see Line 21 on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance).

• A signed copy of the assurances that are set forth in Appendix B to this

NOFO.

• An assurance that the entity shall follow such additional procedures as the Assistant Secretary may require to ensure that grant funds are used and accounted for in an appropriate manner.

j. The following standard federal financial assistance forms and documentation:

• Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424, Item 12, should list the Funding Opportunity number as “2026-

NTIA-NEGP”

• Standard Form 424 – B: Assurances for Non-Construction Programs

• CD-511 Certification Regarding Lobbying o Applicants should enter “2026-NTIA-NEGP” in the Award Number field.

• Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities o For applicants that do not have any lobbying activities to disclose, the form should be completed as “not applicable.”

B. Funding Restrictions

1. Allowable Uses of Native Entities Grant Program Funds

Grant recipients may only use federal award funds to pay for allowable costs under the Native Entities Grant Program. Allowable costs are determined in accordance with the cost principles identified in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, including Subpart E of such regulations and the IIJA. In addition, costs must be reasonable, necessary, allocable, and allowable for the proposed project and conform to generally accepted accounting principles. Grant funds may be used to cover only eligible costs incurred by the recipient during the period of performance, allowable costs incurred by the recipient during the grant closeout process, and limited pre-application award expenses as outlined below.

Applicants must comply with the requirements set forth in 47 U.S.C. §§ 1721-1726 and this NOFO. An Eligible Entity to which a grant is awarded must use the grant funds to support one

(1) or more of the following activities: 15

1. To develop and implement broadband use and adoption activities.

2. To facilitate the adoption of broadband to provide educational and employment opportunities.

3. To implement training programs that cover basic, advanced, and applied skills or other workforce development programs.

4. To make available equipment, instrumentation, networking capability hardware and software, or digital network technology for broadband services at low or no cost (including broadband service subsidies).

5. To construct, upgrade, expand, or operate new or existing public access computing centers through community anchor institutions. Note, this does not include activities that are duplicative of or otherwise covered by other federal or state funding for broadband infrastructure.

6. To undertake any other project or activity that the Assistant Secretary finds to be consistent with the purposes for which the Program is established.

Pre-Award Costs. Reasonable pre-award expenses in an amount not to exceed 5% of award costs, up to a maximum $50,000 may be recoverable under 2 C.F.R. §200.458. Pre-application expenses, which include expenses related to preparing an application, may be reimbursed if they are incurred after the publication date of this NOFO and prior to the date of issuance of the grant award from NTIA. These costs should be clearly identified in the proposed project budget and must be approved by NTIA and the Grants Officer in writing to be considered allowable. Pre-award costs are incurred at the sole risk of the applicant and will not be reimbursed by NTIA if the proposed project does not receive an award pursuant to this Program.

2. Evaluation Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 1724(d)(2)(B), a recipient may use no more than 10 percent of the total award for measurement and evaluation activities. Recipients must submit evaluation information in accordance with the reporting requirements in Section VI.F, using the form provided by NTIA, no later than 15 months after the award date and annually thereafter.

Recipients are required to assess program impact and collect and report data using standard measures. This may include data from Census sources, participant surveys, and program records.

Recipients must collect baseline data at the start of the program and follow up each year for four years. Recipients must use standardized methods, maintain supporting documentation, and collect data in a way that allows NTIA to validate reported results.

See Section VI.F of this NOFO for additional information on reporting obligations.

15 47 U.S.C. § 1724(d)(2) identifies the authorized uses of funds under the Competitive Grant Program, which are also consistent with the activities allowed under the Native Entity set-aside established through the State Capacity Grant Program. See 47 U.S.C. § 1723(a)(1)(A) and 47 U.S.C. § 1724(a)(1).

3. Limitations on Uses of Native Entities Grant Funds

a. 10 Percent Cap on Evaluation

A recipient shall use no more than 10 percent of the grant amount to measure and evaluate the activities supported with the grant amounts.

b. 10 Percent Cap on Administrative Costs A recipient shall use no more than 10 percent of the grant amount for administrative costs in carrying out any of the activities described in Section IV.B.1 of this NOFO. The 10% limitation on administrative costs includes the combined total of indirect and direct administrative costs charged to the award.

c. Additional funding restrictions on specific activities In order to ensure effective use of funds, the following funding restrictions apply to specific types of programs/activities (Note, all recipients will additionally be subject to the Transparency, Accountability, and Oversight requirements described in Section VIII.G to, among other things, minimize the opportunity for waste, fraud, and abuse):

i. Device Distribution Programs:

• Consistent with the prohibition on profit and fees in Section IV.B.3.e, a financial markup on devices is prohibited.

• Beneficiaries may not receive a device unless they complete a training program (i.e., live sessions, self-paced modules, or hybrid approaches) resulting in a certificate (i.e., Learn to Earn program).

• Beneficiaries may not receive a device through a device distribution program unless they are U.S. citizens aged 18 or older.

• Eligible Entities may not distribute smartphones (i.e., mobile phones).

• Eligible Entities must have systems and procedures in place for inventory security, distribution, tracking (periodic verification of possession), and data protection.

• Eligibility for devices must be based on sufficiently demonstrated need.

• Eligible Entities may not distribute more than one device per household unless there is demonstrated additional need.

• Eligible Entities must maintain records on any device distribution program demonstrating that all grant program requirements governing distribution are met.

ii. Remote Learning Programs:

• NTIA discourages applications for remote learning programs targeted toward individuals under the age of 18. Applications proposing remote learning programs for individuals under the age of 18 will be subject to additional scrutiny and must contain safeguards to address the pedagogical and developmental impacts of remote or screen-based instruction on children.

iii. Broadband Subsidy Programs:

• Eligible Entities may not pre-pay for services that extend beyond the

Period of Performance end date.

• Subsidies may not be paid to the beneficiary and must be paid directly to the service provider.

• The subsidized service must meet or exceed minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

• Eligible Entities may not exceed one subscription per household unless there is sufficiently demonstrated additional need.

• Service subsidies may not be duplicative of FCC Lifeline services.

• Subsidy programs shall not take place unless they are paired with digital skills training programs and/or a cost contribution is made by the beneficiaries themselves.

• Eligible Entities must establish mechanisms to periodically verify usage with participating providers.

• Subsidy eligibility is limited to income-qualified households verified through federal means-tested programs or other approved income verification methods. Subsidies are reimbursed annually upon documentation confirming compliance with program requirements, including qualifying service speeds.

• Eligible Entities must maintain records on any broadband subsidy program demonstrating that all grant program requirements governing subsidies are met.

d. Prohibition on Supplanting Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §1723(h) and 47 U.S.C. §1724(i), a grant or subgrant awarded under the Program shall supplement, not supplant, other federal or State funds that have been made available to carry out activities described in this NOFO. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program funds, including funds used for non-deployment expenditures, as well as the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, are subject to separate financial assistance award terms and conditions and must not be supplanted by Program funding.

e. Prohibition on Profit or Fees A profit, fee, or other incremental charge above actual cost is not an allowable cost under this program.

f. Prohibition on General Research Projects must be limited to serving Native Entities and may not include general research projects or academic studies.

4. Subrecipient An Eligible Entity may enter a contract with a subrecipient, including a non-Tribal entity, as part of its use of grant funds under this program. An Eligible Entity that enters a contract (or subaward) with a subrecipient for use of grant funds received under this program shall:

a. before entering into the contract, after a reasonable investigation, make a determination that the subrecipient:

i. is capable of carrying out the project for which grant funds will be provided in a competent manner in compliance with all applicable laws;

ii. has the financial capacity to meet the obligations of the project and the requirements of the NEGP; and

iii. has the technical and operational capability to carry out the project; and

b. stipulate in the contract reasonable provisions for recovery of funds for nonperformance.

Additionally, Eligible Entities should ensure that they check the exclusion list available in SAM at https://www.sam.gov prior to awarding any NEGP funds to a subgrantee. Applicants are reminded that, pursuant to 2 C.F.R. §200.331, a federal award recipient must make case-by-case determinations whether each agreement it enters into for the disbursement of federal program funds casts the party receiving the funds in the role of a subrecipient or a contractor.