Unpacking Approved BEAD Volume 2s: Idaho

NTIA recently approved Idaho’s Initial Proposal Volume 2. The ACLP compared the final version with the version submitted by the state to NTIA last fall. A redlined comparison is available here. The following changes were evident:

Subgrantee Selection Process

Scoring - Affordability

The state removed the scoring option based on the “rate for the highest speed threshold plan listed by the FCC in the Commission’s Urban Rate Survey as the standard rate to score applications’ highest speed threshold plan.” Now, however, the state will award points using a sliding scale for the price of symmetrical gig service, with max points going to offerings below $70/month.

Scoring - Fair Labor Practices

The state removed one of the options for scoring in this category and will award points across 6 sub-categories, most of which focus on past compliance with relevant labor laws.

Scoring - Speed to Deployment

The state adopted option 1, which awards points on a sliding scale, with max points going to projects completed in less than 2 years.

Eligible Entity Implementation Activities

The state remove mention of wishing to use BEAD funds for workforce development activities. Because the state projects its BEAD allocation to be insufficient to cover all un/underserved BSL, the state will now focus available funds solely on deployment.

Low-Cost Option

The state previously proposed pegging the low-cost option price to the FCC URS. However, in its final plan, the state has adopted a $30/month target price for the option. It will allow subgrantees to seek a waive to increase that price to no more than $70/month.