The Missouri Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a competitive grant initiative designed to support the expansion of broadband services to unserved and underserved areas in Missouri. The program also funds broadband deployment to Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs), such as schools, hospitals, and libraries. The program is part of the broader federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative and is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The primary goal of the Missouri BEAD Program is to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that communities lacking high-speed internet have access to affordable and reliable broadband services. The program encourages applications from various types of entities, including local governments, nonprofits, public-private partnerships, and utility cooperatives, to deploy broadband infrastructure efficiently and sustainably. The funding is intended to enhance digital connectivity and improve economic opportunities for residents, businesses, and essential institutions across the state.

Funding under this program is available through competitive grants, with a total award ceiling of $300,000,000 for subrecipients in Round 1. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government entities (such as municipal governments and subdivisions), rural electric cooperatives, telephone cooperatives, public-private partnerships with Missouri-registered private or nonprofit partners, private companies, public utility districts, and other public or private utilities. The program prioritizes broadband expansion in areas with the highest need, as determined through data-driven mapping and application processes.

To apply, potential subrecipients must first complete the BEAD Pre-Qualification Application, which consolidates general, non-scored application requirements. This step ensures applicants meet baseline eligibility before submitting the BEAD Scoring Application, which is used to evaluate and rank project proposals. The pre-qualification application consists of four sections: entity information, capability assessment, public funding received, and compliance certifications. Only approved applicants will be permitted to move forward with the scoring application.

The Missouri Office of Broadband Development (OBD) has released several key documents and templates to guide applicants through the process, including cybersecurity risk management plans, debarment and suspension forms, E-Verify compliance statements, and supply chain risk management plans. OBD has also extended the deadline for prospective applicants to submit project areas for competitive funding consideration. The final approved versions of Missouri’s Initial Proposal Volumes I and II, which outline eligibility criteria and project selection methods, are available for reference.

Round 1 of the BEAD Program will officially open for applications on December 5, 2024, with a submission deadline of February 20, 2025. The grant process is not rolling, meaning applicants must meet this deadline to be considered for funding. Public input and coordination with local governments are encouraged to ensure alignment with state broadband goals. Further guidance, including application instructions and submission templates, is accessible through the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s online portal.