Broadband Office Name: Utah Broadband Center (UBC)
BEAD Award Amount: $317.4 M
Utah Broadband Director: Rebecca Dilg
Website: https://www.connectingutah.com/
Utah BEAD Program Tracker
| State | IP Vol 1 Approval | IP Vol 2 Approval | Challenge Process Submission Closed | Submitted Challenge Results to NTIA | Challenge Process Results Approved by NTIA | 1-Year Subgrantee Selection Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Yes | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Utah BEAD Program Information
Key Updates
Utah has received approval for their Initial Proposal Volume 1 and is currently awaiting NTIA approval for their Initial Proposal Volume 2.
The state has closed the State BEAD Challenge Submission portal and is now in the rebuttal phase of the State Challenge Process, which will be open through July 9, 2024.
For more information and to view lists of submitted challenges available for rebuttal, please visit the State Challenge Process Info.
Utah BEAD Program Plans & Maps
Utah BEAD Program Initial Proposal Volume 2: Overview
*Information is subject to change. Utah is awaiting official approval of Initial Proposal Volume 2 from the NTIA.
BEAD Long-Term Objectives
Goal 1: Expand Broadband Access:
- Extend broadband coverage to unserved and underserved areas in Utah to provide access to employment, health care, education, social networks, and other resources.
Goal 2: Address Obstacles and Barriers:
- Identify and mitigate obstacles and barriers that prevent broadband expansion and adoption.
Goal 3: Expedite Grant Process:
- Support Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in navigating federal funding requirements to expedite the grant process.
Goal 4: Maximize Funding Use:
- Ensure the most effective use of funding to provide maximum value to unserved and underserved communities.
Goal 5: Facilitate Broadband Deployment to Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs):
- Support the deployment of broadband infrastructure to CAIs.
Goal 6: Strengthen Utah’s Economy:
- Enhance economic growth by supporting new and existing business opportunities through improved broadband access.
Utah BEAD Program Project Area Design
In Utah, project areas for the BEAD program are being designed based on Census Block Groups (CBGs). This approach ensures that the project areas are well-defined and aligned with existing geographic and demographic data, facilitating efficient and effective broadband deployment.
Utah BEAD Program Extremely High Cost Threshold
The Utah Broadband Center (UBC) has outlined the process for setting the Extremely High Cost Per Location Threshold (EHC):
- Preliminary Threshold:
- UBC may consider releasing a preliminary threshold prior to opening applications to guide applicants in preparing their proposals.
- Final Threshold Setting:
- The EHC will not be set until subgrantee applications have been received.
- The final threshold will be based on an analysis of the funding requirements for the actual subgrant proposals received.
- Regional Variations:
- Due to significant differences in geographic features (terrain, ground composition, etc.) across Utah, UBC may elect to set different EHCs for various regions within the state.
BEAD Deployment Subgrantee Selection
Utah is asking for the following preregistration evidence from subgrantees and compliance with: Financial capability, managerial capability, operational capability, technical capability, ownership info, public funding info, compliance with laws, cybersecurity/supply chain compliance, and BABA/EHP/NEPA/NHPA compliance.
Primary Scoring Criteria for Priority Broadband Projects
- 50 pts – Minimal BEAD Outlay
- 15 pts – Affordability
- 10 pts – Fair Labor Practices
Secondary Scoring Criteria
- 8 pts – Speed to Deployment
- 7 pts – Local Coordination
- 3 pts – Workforce Development and Job Quality
- 6 pts – Community Impact
- 1 pt – Open Access
Secondary Scoring Criteria for Other Last-Mile Projects
- 4 pts – Speed to Deployment
- 7 pts – Local Coordination
- 6 pts – Workforce Development and Job Quality
- 7 pts – Community Impact
- 1 pt – Open Access
BEAD Non-Deployment Subgrantee Selection
UBC does not currently anticipate sub-granting BEAD funds for non-deployment activities. However, if funds remain after addressing deployment needs, UBC may support non-deployment initiatives as outlined in the BEAD NOFO. The focus areas for these potential initiatives include:
- Cybersecurity Training:
- Programs aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness and skills among residents and businesses.
- Digital Literacy:
- Initiatives to improve digital literacy, ensuring that all residents can effectively use and benefit from broadband services.
- Broadband Adoption Programs:
- Efforts to increase broadband adoption, particularly in underserved communities, through education and support programs.
BEAD Eligible Entity Implementation
The Utah Broadband Center (UBC) plans to directly implement the following key activities and initiatives without issuing subgrants:
- Project Management and Technical Guidance:
- Provide project management and technical guidance to support broadband deployment initiatives.
- Program Policies, Processes, and Procedures Development:
- Develop and establish program policies, processes, and procedures to ensure effective program management.
- Ongoing Stakeholder Engagement:
- Continuously engage with stakeholders to gather input, provide updates, and foster collaboration.
- Grant Application Process:
- Manage the entire grant application process, from submission to review.
- Grant Portal Development:
- Develop and maintain a grant portal for streamlined application submission and management.
- Grant Review Process:
- Conduct thorough reviews of grant applications to ensure they meet program criteria.
- Grant Agreement and Contracting:
- Handle grant agreement and contracting procedures to formalize partnerships with subgrantees.
- Reporting, Monitoring, and Compliance:
- Implement robust reporting, monitoring, and compliance mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Grant Disbursement and Financial Management:
- Manage the disbursement of grant funds and oversee financial management to ensure proper use of resources.
- Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:
- Evaluate program performance and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance effectiveness.
- Program Closeout:
- Manage the program closeout process to ensure all objectives are met and documentation is completed.
- Supporting Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs:
- Design and implement job training and apprenticeship programs to develop the workforce needed for broadband deployment and maintenance.
- Alignment with Digital Equity Program:
- Ensure that all initiatives are aligned and coordinated with the Digital Equity Program to promote inclusive access to digital resources.
BEAD Local, Tribe, and Regional Broadband Planning Process
Tribal Planning Process:
- Tribal Consultation: All tribes were invited to a tribal consultation in January 2023.
- Governor’s Native American Summit: UBC made a presentation at this event to engage with tribal leaders.
- Individual Consultations: Each tribe was invited for individual consultations and to participate in the Utah Broadband Confluence.
Local Broadband Planning Grants:
- Grants Awarded: UBC has administered local broadband planning grants, awarding funds to local organizations and tribes to develop local and/or regional broadband plans.
- Monthly Calls: UBC hosts monthly calls with planning grant subgrantees to provide support and updates.
Workshops and Outreach:
- County Workshops: Conducted workshops in all 29 counties to gather input and share information.
- Statewide Outreach: Engaged in statewide outreach through email, social media, and press releases.
- Connecting Utah Website: The website has been viewed 11,178 times as of November 2023, serving as a key information hub.
- Informational Video and PSA: Produced an informational video and public service announcement to raise awareness.
- Local Broadband Plans: Awarded $650,000 to 15 counties to develop their local broadband plans.
Events and Communication:
- Internet for All: Utah Broadband Confluence: Organized to bring together stakeholders and discuss broadband initiatives.
- Quarterly Broadband Alliance Meetings: Held to maintain ongoing communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Newsletter and More: Regular newsletters and other communication tools are used to keep the community informed.
BEAD Labor Standards & Protection
UBC requires all BEAD subgrantees to submit the following information:
A record of past compliance with federal/employment laws:
- Must address info on deployment projects within the last 3 years.
- Certification form from an Officer/Director level employee of past compliance.
- Written confirmation that subgrantee has disclosed any violations from contractors within the last 3 years.
- Discussion of workforce plan
Plans for ensuring compliance with federal/employment laws:
- How subgrantee will ensure compliance in its labor/employment practices.
- Info on applicable wage scales, wage, and overtime practices for each class of employee expected to be involved in physical construction of the network.
- How subgrantee will ensure implementation of workplace safety committees.
- Comply with the Prevailing Wages Act.
- Other items as outlined in the BEAD NOFO.
BEAD Minority Business Enterprises / Women’s Business Enterprises / Labor Surplus Area Firms Inclusion
UBC has developed a comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure effective communication, inclusivity, and support for broadband expansion efforts. This strategy includes the following key components:
- Networking and Directory Maintenance:
- Maintain and update a directory of relevant stakeholders, businesses, and organizations to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
- Proactive Outreach:
- Conduct targeted communication efforts to reach key stakeholders.
- Utilize established networks to disseminate information and gather input.
- Involve veteran-owned businesses and provide them with support and guidance.
- Inclusive Bidding Process:
- Ensure that the bidding process for broadband projects is inclusive, encouraging participation from diverse businesses and organizations.
- Consultation and Expertise Leverage:
- Leverage consultation and expertise from industry experts and stakeholders to inform and improve broadband initiatives.
- Subgrantee Support:
- Provide ongoing support to subgrantees, including guidance on program requirements and assistance with application processes.
Additionally, UBC certifies it will take the necessary affirmative steps as outlined in the BEAD NOFO to promote inclusivity and diversity in all broadband initiatives.
BEAD Cost & Barrier Reduction
1. Promoting the use of existing infrastructure.
2. Promoting and adapting dig-once policies.
3. Streamlining permitting processes.
4. Streamlining cost-effective access to poles, conduits, and easements.
5. Streamlining rights of way, including the imposition of reasonable access requirements.
BEAD Low-Cost Broadband Service Option
Narrative Requirements for Applicants:
- Activities to Increase Adoption Awareness:
- Applicants must describe any planned activities aimed at increasing awareness of broadband adoption.
- Resources for Adoption Efforts:
- Applicants must describe the resources they will contribute to support adoption efforts.
- Participation in Subsidy Programs:
- Applicants must provide supporting documentation demonstrating their organization’s participation in subsidy programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Minimum Standards for Low-Cost Broadband Service Option:
Each low-cost broadband service option must meet the following criteria:
- Speed:
- Provide consistent speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps.
- Latency:
- Ensure latency is no more than 100 milliseconds.
- Data Caps and Throttling:
- No data caps or usage-based throttling are allowed.
- Upgrade Options:
- Allow eligible subscribers to upgrade to a new low-cost plan at no cost if one becomes available.
- Access to ACP:
- Ensure access to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help subsidize the cost for eligible households.
BEAD Middle-Class Affordability
UBC has outlined a comprehensive strategy to ensure effective broadband deployment and affordability across the state. Key components of this strategy include:
- Subgrantee Selection Scoring Criteria:
- Open Access in Unserved Communities: Prioritize BEAD subgrantees that offer open access in communities where no less than 80% of the Unserved and Underserved Priority Funding Area (UPFA) is unserved.
- Incentivized Service Plan: Implement scoring criteria that incentivize subgrantees to offer affordable and inclusive service plans.
- Affordability and Price Tiers:
- Middle-Class Affordability: Encourage subgrantees to provide consistent middle-class affordability price tiers across all service areas within Utah.
- Pricing Standards:
- 1 Gbps Service: Ensure that the total package cost for 1 Gbps service is $70 per month or less, inclusive of all taxes, fees, and charges billed to the customer.
- 100/20 Mbps Service: Ensure that the total package cost for 100/20 Mbps service is:
- $30 per month or less in urban areas.
- $60 per month or less in rural areas.
- Both prices are inclusive of all taxes, fees, and charges billed to the customer.