The NTIA seeks public input so the agency can tailor its guidance for the BEAD program. The help would include enabling certain entities to make a profit on builds, according to Broadband Breakfast.
Introduced in 2013 by the Office of Management and Budget, the “uniform guidance” is a comprehensive set of guidelines intended to assist agencies in effectively managing federal funding for non-federal entities. It outlines the proper use of these funds by recipients.
Now, certain recipients are only permitted to use program income to cover direct business expenses and are not allowed to retain it as profit. According to NTIA, several stakeholders have requested the agency to consider exemptions, such as allowing entities including non-profits, to generate profits from the investments. They assert that would foster competition and encourage broader participation in the program, especially in unserved and underserved areas where a lack of ROI has been a major barrier to infrastructure build outs.
The uniform guidance has been applied to several NTIA programs such as the Broadband Infrastructure Program, Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and the Middle Mile Grants Program “without significant oppositions,” according to NTIA. However, the agency says the BEAD program differs from prior federal broadband funding programs and requires “unprecedented effort” to maximize provider participation.
Earlier in March, the Treasury Department announced new proposed guidance allowing recipients of the Capital Projects Fund and the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to deviate from the Uniform Guidance due to cost concerns, notes Broadband Breakfast.
Comments to NTIA are due to [Docket Number NTIA– 2023–0007] by 5 p.m. ET on or before August 4. Submit comments electronically to: http://www.regulations.gov.
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