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## Slide 1 BEAD Webinar Presented by: Somere Webber ## Slide 2 Agenda What is BEAD? Subgrantee Eligibility Funding mechanism and performance-based disbursement Allowable and non-allowable uses of funds Work plan and budget Compliance, transparency, and audit requirements Proposals ## Slide 3 What is BEAD? Broadband Access Equity and Deployment Funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Its primary purpose is to expand high-speed internet access across the United States, particularly in underserved and unserved communities. USVI Eligible Uses • User training with respect to cybersecurity, privacy, and other digital safety matters. • Remote learning or telehealth services/facilities. • Digital literacy/upskilling (from beginner-level to advanced). • Computer science, coding and cybersecurity education programs. • Implementation of Eligible Entity digital equity plans (to supplement, but not to duplicate or supplant, Planning Grant funds received by the Eligible Entity in connection with the Digital Equity Act of 2021). • Broadband sign-up assistance and programs that provide technology support. • Multi-lingual outreach to support adoption and digital literacy. • Prisoner education to promote pre-release digital literacy, job skills, online job acquisition skills, etc. • Digital navigators. • Direct subsidies for use towards broadband subscription, where the Eligible Entity shows the subsidies will improve affordability for the end user population (and to supplement, but not to duplicate or supplant, the subsidies provided by the Affordable Connectivity Program). • Costs associated with stakeholder engagement, including travel, capacity-building, or contract support. • Other allowable costs necessary to carrying out programmatic activities of an award, not to include ineligible costs described below in Section V.H.2 of BEAD NOFO. ## Slide 4 Subgrantee Eligibility ## Slide 5 Subgrantee Eligibility Active SAM.GOV registration Active GVI vendor number Be in good standing with the GVI. Qualified Personnel Financial Capacity ## Slide 6 Allowable Use of Funds • Personnel Costs: Instructors, program managers, support staff • Training Materials: Curriculum design, training platforms, simulations • Facilities & Equipment: Broadband-specific tools, classroom rentals, connectivity tech • Marketing & Outreach: Campaigns to reach underserved communities • Program Evaluation: Data collection, analysis, and report development ## Slide 7 Non-Allowable Uses of Funds Ineligible Uses: Administrative overhead not directly tied to training Lobbying and political activities Non-broadband related workforce training Construction or land purchases Office supplies or expenses not used in training Examples: Buying office furniture Hosting unrelated events General organization operations not tied to the program ## Slide 8 Proposals All proposals must include a comprehensive work plan detailing: Program Design: Target audience, learning objectives, format Implementation Timeline: Activities from launch to wrap-up Key Milestones: Curriculum development, recruitment, training delivery, evaluation Expected Outcomes: Certifications, employment stats, skill growth Evaluation Framework: Metrics to measure success and participant outcomes ## Slide 9 Proposal Submission Submit via the OMB portal: [omb.vi.gov] 1. Completed application form 2. Detailed work plan 3. Budget proposal with cost breakdown 4. Timeline for program delivery 5. Organizational capacity and past performance 6. Letters of support (if applicable) 7. Supporting docs: ## Slide 10 Proposal Submission Submit via the OMB portal: [omb.vi.gov] Supporting docs: Business License GVI Vendor Number Certificate of Good Standing SAM Registration Cash Flow Statement Organizational Chart Staff Resumes ## Slide 11 Scoring Summary: Category Maximum Points Technical Merit (45 points possible) Project purpose 15 Project Impact and Reach 15 Project feasibility 15 Qualifications and Expertise (20 points possible) Technical and operational capability 10 Financial and managerial capacity 10 Local Coordination (10 points possible) Proof of community engagement in proposed service area 5 Letter(s) of support 5 Project Budget (15 points possible) Cost Efficiency 10 Budget Transparency 5 Other (10 points possible) Minority Business Enterprise, Woman Business Enterprise, or Labor Surplus Area Firm 5 Sustainability 5 Total 100 ## Slide 12 Required Reporting ComponentsPerformance and Financial Each quarterly report must include: • Activities conducted & milestones achieved • Demographics of program participants • Partner organizations and their contributions • Resources used (curriculum, tools, materials) • Outcomes: certifications, workshops, job placements • Marketing efforts and engagement results • Support services provided (counseling, mentorship) • Budget updates with detailed expense spreadsheet • Lessons learned and improvement areas • SF-425, invoices and checks (Financial) ## Slide 13 Funding mechanism and performance-based Reimbursement Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis Performance-based disbursements tied to progress milestones to encourages accountability and measurable outcomes. Key Milestone Examples: Program initiation Number of individuals enrolled and trained Certifications awarded Job or apprenticeship placements ## Slide 14 Reimbursement Process Must follow a mutually agreed-upon work plan with milestones. All required reports must be submitted. Completed SF-270 Invoices, copy of checks and supporting documents Reimbursement requests should be submitted to Bead@omb.vi.gov ## Slide 15 Transparency & Accountability Quarterly reporting to VIBO Expense documentation and audit-ready records Ethics office contact info must be publicly available for reporting fraud Subgrantees must: Prevent waste and abuse Use funds to further BEAD’s mission Provide access to data for federal reporting (2 C.F.R. § 200.337) ## Slide 16 Transparency & Accountability Single Audit Requirement Required if $750,000+ in federal assistance is expended Audit has two parts: Financial Statements – Internal control & fiscal documentation Programmatic Evaluation – Effectiveness of program implementation For-profit and foreign entities are exempt unless specifically required