Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program advisory services

The BEAD program is a $42.5 billion federal initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to expand high-speed internet access in underserved and unserved areas across the U.S.

BEAD funding is available to eligible entities, including ISPs, telecom companies, public-private partnerships, nonprofit organizations and government agencies that plan to expand broadband access in qualifying areas.

BEAD recipients must comply with regulations, including BABA, NIST SP 800-53 cybersecurity standards, and federal financial reporting under the Uniform Guidance.

BABA requires that materials and products used in federally funded infrastructure projects are sourced from U.S. manufacturers. BEAD recipients must track and certify sourcing compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Cybersecurity is a core component of BEAD compliance. Applicants must submit detailed cybersecurity plans based on NIST frameworks to demonstrate how they will protect infrastructure, data and users.

RSM’s government practice provides comprehensive BEAD program support services, including program design and planning, administration, risk assessment and management, compliance monitoring, field validation testing, federal reporting, grant management and closeout, and program closeout.