NTIA_TBCP3_NOFO.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

TRIBAL BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

B. Funding Opportunity Title Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

C. Announcement Type Initial

D. Funding Opportunity Number

2026-NTIA-TBCP

E. Assistance Listing (CFDA Number) 11.029

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 Address Complete application packages may be submitted through one of the following methods: (i) online submission through www.grants.gov; (ii) electronic mail to: TBCP3@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.

https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:TBCP3@ntia.gov

The Eligible Entity’s single application must include the total amount of funding being requested and 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 funds remaining under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division N, Title IX, Section 905(c), Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182 (Dec. 27, 2020) (Act), as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Division F, Title II, Section 60201, Public Law 117- 58, 135 Stat. 429 (Nov. 15, 2021) (IIJA) (codified at 47 U.S.C. §1705). TBCP provides funding for grants to Eligible Entities to expand access to and adoption of: (i) broadband service on Tribal Land; or (ii) programs that promote remote learning, telework, or telehealth resources. 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 TBCP:

1. a Tribal Government;

2. a Tribal College or University;

3. the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian

Community, including Native Hawaiian Education Programs;

4. a Tribal organization;

5. or an Alaska Native Corporation.

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

K. Anticipated Amounts NTIA will make up to $540,000,000 available in this NOFO for federal assistance under the TBCP.1 Section 905(c)(3)(A) of the Act directs NTIA to make available not less than 3 percent of the amounts appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the benefit of Native Hawaiians. NTIA allocated not less than $30,000,000 to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) on behalf of the Native Hawaiian community in the June 3, 2021, TBCP NOFO, and an additional $60,000,000 to DHHL in the January 22, 2024, TBCP NOFO. NTIA has accounted for amounts awarded to DHHL during the first two TBCP NOFOs and subtracted those from the combined $90,000,000 total. Accordingly, this third NOFO makes $6,526.15 available to DHHL for eligible activities.

To ensure an equitable distribution of TBCP funds as required by 47 U.S.C. §1705(c)(3)(A), NTIA will allocate up to $500,000 to each of the Federally Recognized Tribes delineated by the

1 This figure reflects the amount remaining from the funding appropriated for the TBCP, including the additional funding appropriated through IIJA’s Tribal Connectivity Technical Amendments, minus the two percent of that sum allocated for administrative purposes pursuant to section 905(c)(3)(B) of the Act.

Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs in accordance with Section III.A of this NOFO.2 The $500,000 allocation is not a funding cap for Federally Recognized Tribes but rather is intended to ensure that program funding is equitably distributed by NTIA to all Eligible Entities, including Federally Recognized Tribes. Equitable distributions of up to $500,000 will be awarded only to Tribal Governments that have not previously received a TBCP award (which includes equitable distribution awards) in the previous rounds of funding from TBCP. For Consortium or regional applications that include Tribal Governments, equitable distribution amounts of up to $500,000 per participating Tribal Government (that has not previously received a TBCP award) within the Consortium would be awarded to the Consortium’s lead applicant on behalf of the eligible participating Tribal Governments.

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.

Under the statutory structure of TBCP, Eligible Entities may seek grant funds for either Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects3 or Broadband Use and Adoption Projects.4 Under this NOFO, Eligible Entities may apply for either Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects or Broadband Use and Adoption Projects, but not both.

NTIA expects to make awards under this program within the following funding ranges:

• Broadband Use and Adoption Projects proposed by a single applicant:

o $500,000 to $2,500,000.

• Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects proposed by a single applicant:

o $1,000,000 to $25,000,000.

These funding ranges are not required minimums or maximums, but Eligible Entities requesting funding for projects outside of these ranges must provide a reasonable explanation for the variance in their project size. Additional funding level justification is not required for Consortium applications for Broadband Use and Adoption projects that do not exceed $2,500,000 per Consortium member or for Consortium applications for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment projects that do not exceed $25,000,000 per Consortium member.

L. Cost Sharing/Matching The Act does not contain a cost sharing or matching funds requirement. The inclusion of matching funds as part of an application will not be considered during Merit Review but is a selection factor during the OICG Associate Administrator Review and the Assistant Secretary Final Selection. However, NTIA will not require an Eligible Entity applying for a grant under TBCP to provide a non-federal cost contribution. See Section III.B of this NOFO for more information pertaining to cost sharing for this program.

2 See 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, 88 Fed. Reg. 2112 (Jan. 12, 2023), available at:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-12/pdf/2023-00504.pdf 3 47 U.S.C. §1705(c)(5)(A).

4 47 U.S.C. §1705(c)(5)(B-F).

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-12/pdf/2023-00504.pdf

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

Table of Contents

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Overview of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity 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 C. Other

IV. Application and Submission Information A. Content and Form of Applications B. Funding Restrictions C. Certifications Regarding Debarment and Suspension D. System for Award (SAM) Management 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 Applicants H. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

VI. Federal 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

VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) VIII. Other Information

A. Protected and Proprietary Information B. Funding Availability and Limitation of Liability C. Third Party Beneficiaries D. Waiver Authority E. Paperwork Reduction Act F. Transparency, Accountability, And Oversight Required G. Access to Records H. U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General I. Enforcement J. Unauthorized Use of Funds

Appendix A: Certifications Regarding Debarment and Suspension Appendix B: Excessive Cost Thresholds

I. Funding Opportunity Description

NTIA issues this NOFO to describe the requirements under which it will award grants for the remaining funds under the TBCP, authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division N, Title IX, Section 905(c), Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182 (Dec. 27, 2020) (Act), as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2021, Division F, Title II, Section 60201, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (Nov. 15, 2021) (IIJA) (codified at 47 U.S.C. §1705).

A. Overview of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

Consultation and coordination with Tribal Governments have continued to play a central role in the administration of the TBCP, reflecting the unique government-to-government relationship that exists between Federally Recognized Tribes and the United States. NTIA conducted Tribal consultations on January 13, 2026, and January 20, 2026, to solicit input from Tribal leaders on the administration of the TBCP. This NOFO reflects these consultations and outlines how NTIA will award the remaining TBCP funds.

The TBCP makes grants available to Eligible Entities, which include Tribal Governments, Tribal Colleges or Universities, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community, including Native Hawaiian Education Programs, Tribal organizations and Alaskan Native Corporations. As outlined by statute, these grants may be used for the deployment and adoption of broadband service on Tribal Land and for programs that promote the use of broadband to access “remote learning, telework, or telehealth resources.”5 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 remaining TBCP funding by streamlining program requirements, reducing unnecessary burdens, and ensuring the program works in concert with BEAD. As detailed in Section V, TBCP applicants that support BEAD deployments will be weighted more heavily than TBCP 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 TBCP funding delivers sustainable connectivity for Tribal and Native communities.

Accordingly, NTIA encourages applicants to submit efficient, cost-effective proposals that advance statutory objectives, deliver measurable outcomes, and that address problems and challenges to broadband affordability and adoption in an evidence-based manner. 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 BEAD Program-funded infrastructure investments and advance the technologically neutral approach in line with the principles of the BEAD “Benefit of the Bargain” framework.6 Aligning TBCP activities with BEAD-supported deployment further promotes broadband availability and innovation, and ensures taxpayers receive the best value from their investments.

5 47 U.S.C. §1705(c)(1)(B).

6 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

Pursuant to 47 USC 1705(c)(5), Grant funds available under this program may be used for the following purposes:

a. Broadband infrastructure deployment projects, including support for the establishment of carrier-neutral submarine cable landing stations;

b. Affordable broadband programs, including—

i. Providing free or reduced-cost broadband service;

ii. and preventing disconnection of existing broadband service;

c. distance learning;

d. telehealth;

e. use and adoption efforts; and

f. broadband adoption activities.

Applications will be evaluated based on statutory criteria, cost-effectiveness, measurable impact, geographic distribution, sustainability, and avoidance of duplication with other federal funding sources. Additionally, applications proposing broadband infrastructure deployment projects will be evaluated to determine whether the proposed costs are excessive using the cost per Broadband Serviceable Location in Appendix B as a benchmark.

The full details of the selection process are outlined in Section V of this NOFO.

B. Definitions The following definitions, including certain definitions set forth in section 905(a) of the Act, are applicable to the TBCP:

1. Assistant Secretary— means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.

2. Broadband or Broadband Service—has the meaning given the term “broadband Internet access service” in 47 C.F.R. §8.1(b), or any successor regulation.

3. Commission—means the Federal Communications Commission.

4. Commitment of Funds—recipients have 18 months to commit the funds received through a TBCP award, which means they have set aside funds in anticipation of expending them on eligible project activities. Recipients may meet this requirement through proof of procurement or the approved project budget.

5. Community Anchor Institutions—means schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety entities, public housing authorities, institutes of higher education, and other community support organizations that provide outreach, access, equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband service by the entire population and local governments. NTIA will narrowly interpret the term “community support organization” consistent with BEAD.

6. Consortium—means a coalition of Eligible Entities, the participation of which is authorized by the governing body of each such Eligible Entity (the governing body of the Tribal Government if the entity is a subsidiary of a Tribe), as memorialized by a current resolution of consent or similar decree, authorizing the Consortium, on behalf of each Eligible Entity participant, to apply for and receive TBCP grant funding pursuant to this NOFO as a single entity (i.e., the consortium) based upon a single application encompassing the shared project proposal.

7. Department—means the U.S. Department of Commerce.

8. Eligible Entity or Eligible Entities— means—

• a Tribal Government;

• a Tribal College or University;

• the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian

Community, including Native Hawaiian Education Programs;

• a Tribal organization; or

• a Native Corporation.

9. Enforceable Buildout Commitment—means, in the context of the definition of Unserved set forth in Section I.B.19 of this NOFO, a legally binding agreement in which the Tribe provides a limited waiver of sovereign immunity in a Tribal Government Resolution and in the contract vehicle, between the Tribal Government of the Tribal Lands in the proposed service area, or its authorized agent, and a service provider committing to deliver “Qualifying Broadband Service” to Unserved households on those Tribal Lands.

10. Native Corporation—has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).

11. Native Hawaiian—has the meaning given the term in section 801 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4221).

12. Qualifying Broadband Service—means broadband service with— (i) a download speed of not less than 25 megabits per second; (ii) an upload speed of not less than 3 megabits per second; and (iii) a latency sufficient to support real time, interactive applications. For purposes of this program, NTIA will interpret eligible service area for purposes of this program to mean the Eligible Entities’ proposed service area, consistent with the definition of Tribal Land in Section I.B.17. NTIA will interpret latency to mean 95 percent or more of all peak period measurements of network round trip latency (i.e., the total round-trip latency between the customer premises and the closest designated Internet core peering interconnection point) are at or below 100 milliseconds.7

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

14. State—means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

7 These standards are consistent with the manner in which other federal support programs apply these terms. See Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Funding Opportunity Announcement and Solicitation of Application for Second Round of the Reconnect Program, 84 Fed. Reg. 67913, 67918 (Dec. 12, 2019); In the Matter of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, Connect America Fund, 85 Fed. Reg. 13773, 13778 (Feb. 7, 2020). See also, Connect America Fund, Order, 34 FCC Rcd 6509, 6527-28 (July 6, 2018) (Performance Measures Order); Connect America Fund, Order on Reconsideration, 34 FCC Rcd 10109 (Oct. 31, 2019) (Performance Measures Reconsideration Order).

15. Tribal Consortium—means a coalition of Eligible Entities, the participation of which is authorized by the governing body of each such Eligible Entity (the governing body of the Tribal Government if the entity is a subsidiary of a Tribe), as memorialized by a current resolution of consent or similar decree, authorizing the Tribal Consortium, on behalf of each Eligible Entity participant, to apply for and receive TBCP grant funding pursuant to this NOFO as a single entity (i.e., the Consortium) based upon a single application encompassing the shared project proposal.

16. Tribal Government—means the governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually recognized (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of the date of enactment of this Act pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. §5131).8

17. Tribal Land—means— (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.

18. Tribal Organization—is defined in 25 U.S.C. §5304(l) and means 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.

19. Unserved—with respect to a household, means— (A) the household lacks access to Qualifying Broadband Service; and (B) no broadband provider has been selected to receive, or is otherwise receiving, Federal or State funding subject to enforceable build out commitments to deploy Qualifying Broadband Service in the specific area where the household is located by dates certain, even if such service is not yet

8 See 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, 88 Fed. Reg. 2112 (Jan. 12, 2023), available at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-12/pdf/2023-00504.pdf.

available, provided that the Federal or State agency providing the funding has not deemed the service provider to be in default of its buildout obligations under the applicable Federal or State program.

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability NTIA will make up to $540,000,000 available for federal assistance under this round of the TBCP, which will be allocated to Eligible Entities as described in Section I.B.8 of this NOFO.

B. Period of Performance As established in section 905(c)(4)(B) of the Act, as amended, Eligible Entities that receive an award under this NOFO must expend those funds no later than four years from the receipt of those grant funds. Furthermore, Section 905(c)(4)(A)(i) of the Act, as amended by IIJA in section 60201(1)(B)(i)(I), requires a Commitment of Funds by an Eligible Entity, in accordance with its approved application, not later than 18 months after receiving an allocation of funds pursuant to a specific grant award. Any grant funds not committed by an Eligible Entity by this deadline will be made available to other Eligible Entities for the purposes provided in this subsection pursuant to section 905(c)(4)(A)(ii) of the Act, as amended in IIJA section 60201(1)(B)(i)(II).

1. Extensions for Broadband Use and Adoption Projects. The Assistant Secretary may, for good cause, extend the award period for broadband use and adoption projects based on a detailed showing by the Eligible Entity of the need for an extension pursuant to section 905(c)(4)(B)(iii) of the Act, as amended by IIJA.

2. Extensions for Infrastructure Projects. The Assistant Secretary may extend the period required for the expenditure of funds under the TBCP for an Eligible Entity that proposes to use the grant funds for construction of broadband infrastructure if the Eligible Entity certifies that:

a. the Eligible Entity has a plan for use of the grant funds;

b. the construction project is underway; or

c. extenuating circumstances require an extension of time to allow the project to be completed.

3. Petition for Extension. An Eligible Entity may submit a request for an extension to the four-year award period with its application or not later than ninety (90) calendar days before the end of the award period.

4. Treatment of Unallocated Funds. In accordance with section 905(e)(2)(F) of the Act, if an Eligible Entity does not submit an application by the deadline established under this NOFO, or the Assistant Secretary does not approve an application submitted by an Eligible Entity under this NOFO, the Assistant Secretary will make the amounts allocated for the Eligible Entity available to other Eligible Entities on an equitable basis through the publication of a subsequent notice.

C. Award Amount In accordance with section 905(c)(3)(A) of the Act, NTIA will make the amounts appropriated under the TBCP available to Eligible Entities on an equitable basis. As such, NTIA will allocate up to $500,000 to each of the Federally Recognized Tribes delineated by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (including those listed parenthetically).9 The $500,000 allocation is not a funding cap for Federally Recognized Tribes but rather is intended to ensure that program funding is equitably distributed by NTIA to all Eligible Entities. Equitable distributions of up to $500,000 will be awarded only to Tribal Governments that have not previously received a TBCP award (which includes equitable distribution awards) in the first two rounds of TBCP funding. For Consortium or regional applications that include Tribal Governments, equitable distribution amounts of up to $500,000 per participating Tribal Government (that have not previously received a TBCP award) within the Consortium would be awarded to the Consortium’s lead applicant on behalf of the eligible participating Tribal Governments. Lead Consortium applicants that previously received TBCP funding may apply with a Consortium composed of new Tribes that did not receive funding in the first two rounds of TBCP awards.

NTIA allocated not less than $30,000,000 to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) on behalf of the Native Hawaiian community in the June 3, 2021, TBCP NOFO, and an additional $60,000,000 to DHHL in the January 22, 2024, TBCP NOFO. NTIA has accounted for amounts awarded to DHHL during the first two TBCP NOFOs and subtracted those from the combined $90,000,000 total. Accordingly, this third NOFO makes $6,526.15 available to DHHL for eligible activities.

Eligible Entities, including but not limited to, DHHL and Federally Recognized Tribes, must submit a single application by the application deadline to be eligible for program funding. The TBCP is not a formula or block grant program and an application for funding must be submitted in a timely manner by an Eligible Entity to receive funding consideration from NTIA. See Section III.A of this NOFO for more information on the single application requirement.

NTIA expects to make awards under this program within the following funding ranges:

• Broadband Use and Adoption Projects proposed by a single applicant:

o $500,000 to $2,500,000

• Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects proposed by a single applicant:

o $1,000,000 to $25,000,000

These funding ranges are not required minimums and maximums, but eligible entities requesting funding for projects outside of these ranges must provide a reasonable explanation for the variance in their project size.

Consortium applications are also permitted. Additional funding level justification is not required for Consortium applications for Broadband Use and Adoption projects that do not exceed $2,500,000 per Consortium member or for Consortium applications for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment projects that do not exceed $25,000,000 per Consortium member.

In addition, pursuant to section 905(c)(4)(B)(iii) of the Act, NTIA retains discretion to make supplemental awards (i.e., provide additional funding beyond the initial award) to an Eligible

9 See 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, 88 Fed. Reg. 2112 (Jan. 12, 2023), available at:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-12/pdf/2023-00504.pdf.

Entity to the extent that another Eligible Entity does not expend some or all of its grant funds during the other Eligible Entity’s period of performance.

D. Type of Funding Instrument The funding instrument for awards made pursuant to the NOFO will be a grant.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants Section 905(a)(8) of the Act defines the entities eligible to apply for a TBCP grant. Specifically, Eligible Entities include: (i) a Tribal Government; (ii) a Tribal College or University; (iii) the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community, including Native Hawaiian Education Programs; (iv) a Tribal organization; or (v) an Alaska Native Corporation. Eligible Entities that previously received TBCP grant funding may apply for additional grant funding pursuant to this NOFO.

Consortium applications are also permitted. 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. This requirement is consistent with Section 905(e)(2)(C) of the Act that limits an Eligible Entity to one single application submission for TBCP funding. An Eligible Entity may apply for either a use and adoption project or an infrastructure deployment project, but not both. Therefore, a single application means either a use and adoption project proposal or a infrastructure project proposal.

Eligible Entities are strongly encouraged to coordinate with one another to prevent duplicative or overlapping applications. If there are duplicative or overlapping applications, each Eligible Entity may be given an opportunity to cure by working together to resolve any potential duplications or overlaps. Deference will be given towards Tribal Governments on their own Tribal Lands. In an instance where one Eligible Entity is a subsidiary of another (e.g., a Tribal Government and a subsidiary Tribal College or University), this shall not affect the subsidiary’s eligibility to submit its own application, so long as it includes the requisite Tribal Government Resolution.

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.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching The Act does not contain a cost sharing or matching funds requirement. The inclusion of matching funds as part of an application will not be considered during Merit Review but is a selection factor during the OICG Associate Administrator Review and the Assistant Secretary Final Selection. NTIA will not require an Eligible Entity applying for a grant under the TBCP to provide a non-federal cost contribution.

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 requirement of a project’s total budgeted costs when such contributions meet certain criteria.10 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.11

C. Other

1. Tribal Consent and Authorization for all TBCP Applications

An Eligible Entity making an application for TBCP funds, whether on its own behalf, as an Authorized Representative of a Consortium, or as a participant of a Consortium, must submit a Tribal Government Resolution or equivalent formal authorization from the Eligible Entity providing express authority to apply for TBCP funds or to participate as a member in a Consortium that is submitting an application for grant funds.

2. Authorizing Documentation for Infrastructure Deployment Applications Each Eligible Entity applying for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Project funds is required to submit a Resolution of Consent from each Tribal Government and/or from the Tribal Council of the appropriate governing body upon whose Tribal Lands the broadband infrastructure will be deployed. Consortium applications submitted without resolutions from each Tribe named in the application will be considered incomplete.

• For Tribal Organizations and Tribal Colleges, even when the Tribal Government is a founding member, a Resolution of Consent from the Tribal Government must still be obtained.

• For Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects on Tribal Lands in Hawaii, consent must be obtained from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

• For Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects on Tribal Lands in Alaska, the applicant must notify all Tribal Governments within their proposed service area.

Any Tribal Government located in a proposed service area may choose to define the area for which it will require a Resolution of Consent. The area defined by the Tribal Government must include their local presence and Tribal Member Households and be submitted to NTIA. The Tribal Government may use information submitted in other proceedings, such as the FCC 2.5 GHz Tribal Priority Window. If there is overlap between more than one Tribal Governments’ definition of their area, the overlapping Tribal Governments will be given an opportunity to cure by working together to resolve this overlap.

10 2 C.F.R. §200.306.

11 2 C.F.R. §200.306(b)(5).

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 below 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 VI. 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 this NOFO 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.

As noted above, Eligible Entities may either apply for Use and Adoption funding or for Infrastructure Deployment funding, but not both. Accordingly, the application requirements are divided into three sections. Section 1 sets out the information that must be submitted with all applications. Section 2 sets out the information to be provided for Use and Adoption projects, and Section 3 sets out the requirements for Infrastructure Deployment projects.

1. Forms and Documentation Required from ALL Applicants for a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Grant

a. 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-TBCP"

• CD-511 Certification Regarding Lobbying o Applicants should enter “2026-NTIA-TBCP” 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. Project Information Form. Applicants must complete all applicable fields, identifying information relevant to the project, the service area, and the proposed beneficiaries.

https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

c. Funded and Unfunded Entity Form. Applicant(s) 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 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 TBCP funds on behalf of the Eligible Entity.

e. The 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).

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. 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 administrative indirect costs charged to the award.

h. Certifications Regarding Debarment and Suspension (applies to primary recipients and to subrecipients). By signing and submitting an application for funding pursuant to the TBCP, the applicant is making the certifications outlined in Appendix A to this NOFO (see Line 21 on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance).

2. Required Forms and Documentation Specific to Broadband Use and Adoption Applications

a. Standard Form 424-B. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs

b. 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 in this Section 2, 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 major activities; (3) A description of the Project’s objectives; (4) A description of the Project’s locations (e.g. geographic scope 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, as defined in Section 905(a)(8) of the Act.

iii. Demonstrated Need (not to exceed 500 words). A description of the specific problems 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.12

• 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.)

• The extent to which and 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.

• Federally Recognized Tribes that did not receive a TBCP award in the first or second round should include a description of the activities that they would perform if they were only to receive an equitable distribution allocation of up to $500,000.

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

12 See 47 U.S.C. § 1723(c)(1)(C)i-v programmatic/technical aspects of project management, including past successes and a demonstrated ability to manage large federal grant awards effectively. As applicable, include Consortium members and their role in implementation.

vii. Alignment with Existing Programs (not to exceed 500 words). Describe coordination with State’s Broadband Office, including 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 TBCP (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 disclosure 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.

c. A Consolidated Budget Form – Use and Adoption. 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 2% of the grant amount. For this purpose, the 2% limitation on administrative costs includes the combined total of direct administrative costs and indirect 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 2% limit. The applicant’s administrative costs must also be consistent with their Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or the de minimis rate, as applicable.

3. Required Forms and Documentation for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects

a. Standard Form 424-D. Assurances for Construction Programs.

b. A Project Narrative. The Project Narrative must provide a description of the overall goals of the grant…