Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Infrastructure Deployment (3) Program

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Infrastructure Deployment program is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity through the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office. This program is authorized under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated a total of 42.45 billion dollars nationwide to expand broadband access. Michigan has received approximately 1.559 billion dollars from this initiative to support statewide broadband expansion efforts. The program is designed to close the digital divide by ensuring universal connectivity, promoting affordability, and improving access to high speed internet services across underserved and unserved communities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support broadband infrastructure deployment projects that expand service to locations lacking adequate connectivity. Priority is given first to unserved areas, defined as locations without broadband or with extremely limited speeds, followed by underserved areas that do not meet higher performance thresholds. Additional priority is extended to community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and public safety organizations. In addition to infrastructure deployment, funds may also be used for related activities including outreach, education, workforce training, and telehealth or remote learning support. Applicants are required to demonstrate strong organizational capacity, including financial, managerial, operational, and technical capabilities. The program includes a preregistration or prequalification phase designed to collect organizational information prior to submission of project specific applications. This allows applicants to prepare required documentation in advance and focus on project level details when the application window opens. Applicants must submit materials through the designated state system and ensure that all required documentation is complete and properly labeled. The application process involves submission of detailed project information, including network design diagrams certified by a licensed professional engineer, financial documentation, and implementation timelines. Applicants must also provide supporting materials such as audited financial statements, cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans, and environmental compliance certifications. Additional requirements may include letters of credit or performance bonds, as well as documentation related to tribal consent if applicable. The program emphasizes compliance with federal standards and requires detailed planning for project execution and long term sustainability. The evaluation of applications is based on criteria established in the federal Notice of Funding Opportunity and the state approved scoring rubric. Projects are assessed on their ability to meet performance requirements, cost efficiency, and overall impact in expanding broadband access. Selected applicants must demonstrate readiness to complete projects within a defined timeline, typically achieving full network deployment and service initiation within four years of receiving funding. For the 2026 funding round, the request for proposals was published on January 29, 2026, with a submission deadline of August 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be approved shortly after the submission deadline. The total available funding for this round is approximately 71,389,992 dollars. While minimum and maximum award amounts are not explicitly defined, applicants must adhere to program guidelines and matching requirements, which include a 25 percent cost share of the grant amount. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the designated program contact at the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office via email or telephone.

Submit preregistration early and ensure all technical and financial documentation is complete and certified to avoid delays