The Washington State Department of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the second round of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This opportunity is part of the “Internet for All in Washington” initiative and is funded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The state has been allocated nearly $1.2 billion to expand broadband access throughout Washington, with the goal of achieving universal broadband access for every household and business by 2028. The initiative also aims to promote equitable economic development and build future-proof infrastructure.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on the implementation of the state’s NTIA-approved BEAD Initial Proposal Volume II, which outlines the subgrantee selection process. The current funding round is open for 60 days, from March 18, 2025, to May 16, 2025. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on May 16, 2025. Following the submission period, the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) will review applications between May 19 and June 8, 2025. Awards will be made after NTIA approves the state's final proposal, which is anticipated around August or September 2025. The state has requested that NTIA extend the final proposal deadline to July 31, 2025.
Eligible applicants include units of local government (such as ports and public utility districts), federally recognized tribes, nonprofit organizations, nonprofit cooperatives, public-private partnerships, private companies, and public or private utilities. The funding specifically supports broadband construction and deployment efforts aimed at addressing unserved and underserved areas.
The second round of funding will select subgrantees through a competitive process. The third round, if necessary, will involve direct negotiations by the WSBO Director for project areas left unclaimed in earlier rounds. Those participating in the third round will still be required to submit a full application.
To apply, applicants must use the ZoomGrants platform linked on the WSBO website. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact Crystal Schoelkopf at the Washington State Broadband Office via email at Crystal.Schoelkopf@Commerce.wa.gov.
