The Connect New Mexico Pilot Program – Wave 4 is administered by the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) within the New Mexico Department of Information Technology. This funding initiative aims to provide broadband infrastructure grants to unserved and underserved communities that have been impacted by declared environmental disasters, including wildfires and floods. The program seeks to enable the deployment of terrestrial broadband networks in these affected regions to restore and enhance connectivity for residents, businesses, farms, and community institutions.

The grant is open for applications starting January 27, 2025, with a closing date of March 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT. The application process requires submission through the Submittable system, and applicants must ensure that their submissions are fully complete and responsive to all required questions and supporting documents. The funding opportunity is detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which provides information on program eligibility, allowable expenditures, key performance requirements, and compliance expectations. Additional evaluation details can be found in the Scoring Guide, which outlines the criteria used to assess applications.

Applicants must complete an extensive 15-section application, which includes details about the proposed project, budget, technology, location data, community impact, and financial sustainability. A total of 10 required attachments must be submitted, including network maps, budget details, letters of community support, and audited financial statements. The program requires applicants to outline their technology strategy, community engagement efforts, and affordability commitments, ensuring that broadband services include a low-cost option for economically disadvantaged individuals.

To be eligible, applicants must be government entities, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, limited liability corporations organized for broadband expansion, or other recognized entities. The project must focus on areas impacted by disasters declared between 2022 and 2024 and be completed by December 31, 2026. Applicants must provide a matching contribution covering at least 25% of the project budget, although waivers may be requested if they can provide compelling justification.

For further inquiries, applicants can reach out to the OBAE team via email at broadband@connect.nm.gov. More resources and program updates can be accessed through the program website. The awarded projects must comply with pricing commitments, network resiliency standards, and financial sustainability plans to ensure long-term service availability for affected communities.