Resources for NJ BEAD Applicants

Now Accepting Applications


Prequalification
 

Prequalification is the first step in OBC's subgrant process, and only those who successfully prequalify will be considered for an award. The prequalification window was open from April 14 to July 3, 2025. OBC is currently reviewing prequalification submissions on a rolling basis. OBC will notify applicants after the review has been completed or if it requires more materials to complete its review. Applicants may prepare and submit applications before receiving notification of the outcome of prequalification. 

Application 

The application window is now open, following NTIA's approval of New Jersey’s IP Correction Request. The application submission window will close on 12pm ET on July 25, 2025. Resources are available on this webpage.

Instructions, FAQs, Webinars

Eligibility Data

New Jersey’s list of eligible Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) was finalized in May 2025, incorporating NTIA-approved post-challenge results, updates from FCC Fabric Version 6, and enforceable commitments (including the New Jersey Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity (NJBIDE) Pilot Program). There were no changes due to non-subsidized service. As these updates already align with NTIA’s Policy Notice requirements, no further changes to the BSLs list are necessary. Pursuant to NTIA’s BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, OBC has reviewed and made modifications to its Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) list in June 2025.

The FCC reclassified a total of 4,034 BSLs and 178 CAIs from “unserved” or “underserved” in Fabric V4 to “served” Fabric V6. This information is now included in the locations_for_served_info_request file. OBC will collect evidence from associated providers demonstrating that they now provide service to these locations. After a satisfactory review of this evidence, OBC will exclude these locations from grant awards. Accordingly, applicants must be prepared to remove these locations from their projects if required by OBC.

How to Request a NTIA Fabric License 

Review the NTIA Fabric Licensing FAQ to learn about the licensing process and determine the appropriate tier license for your organization. 

Tier D

Entities that participate in any federal broadband programs, including entities with reporting requirement or entities that plan to participate in the BEAD sub-granting process, should request a Tier D License. Internet service providers, for example, should request a Tier D license. Licensees will be similar to those with an FCC Fabric Tier 2 license.  

Use this guide for requesting an NTIA Tier D to assist in completing the application process. 

Request Tier D License

If you have any questions, CostQuest can be reached directly by emailing IFAsupport@costquest.com.

To apply for an NJ BEAD administered grant, applicants must submit all their required documents to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) External Access Portal (e-Filing). This portal is also referred to as Infoshare.

Please refer to this BPU e-Filing System Walkthrough for step-by-step instructions on how to properly submit your documents. Applicants must reference the docket number TO25020078 and mark all documents as confidential before submitting, as explained in this walkthrough.

Portal Login