First Round of Subgrantee Selection for BEAD Program Opens December 5, 2024

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The first round of subgrantee selection for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in Missouri opens tomorrow, December 5. In preparation for the launch of BEAD Round 1, the Office of Broadband Development (OBD) has published Round 1 grant guidelines interpreting and applying elements of Missouri’s approved Initial Proposal for BEAD funding. Applicants should review these guidelines carefully before submitting applications for BEAD funding.

Key Dates for BEAD Round 1

July 3, 2024 – February 5, 2025
BEAD Pre-Qualification Application 

December 5, 2024 – February 20, 2025
BEAD Scoring Round 1

February 21, 2025 – March 23, 2025
BEAD Scoring Round 1 Sub-round

February 21, 2025 – April 21, 2025
Best and Final Offer (BAFO) Periods

April 22, 2025 (estimated)
Round 1 Determinations

Resources and Assistance

In addition to the grant guidelines, applicants may wish to reference:

Further technical support documents and opportunities for live technical assistance will be offered throughout the application window, beginning with BEAD Round 1 application office hours on Wednesday, December 18, at 3 p.m.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact us at broadband@ded.mo.gov or 573-526-1028.

Learn more: https://ded.mo.gov/office-broadband-development/connecting-all-missourians

Kansas State University Launches Digital Literacy Program

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Manhattan—September 23, 2024—Kansas State University is establishing a program to improve broadband access for thousands of Kansans, helping them navigate the digital economy more safely and successfully.

The Digital Ambassador program is currently being piloted in the West Plains Extension District — Scott and Finney counties — the Central Kansas Extension District — Ottawa and Saline counties — and the River Valley Extension District — Republic, Washington, Cloud and Clay counties. Read more…

MO DED: Request for Public Input on BEAD Reimbursement Process

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DED is requesting public feedback on options for the reimbursement process for the upcoming Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The BEAD program will invest $1.7 billion to address infrastructure barriers for unserved and underserved locations throughout Missouri.

The public input survey, linked below, covers multiple aspects of the reimbursement process that will be used throughout the BEAD program’s lifetime. You may provide input through the survey until 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Take the survey: https://moexperience.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_26t09YDfmGUaqcC

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact us at broadband@ded.mo.gov or 573-526-1028.