Notice of Funding Opportunity: Middle Mile Grant Program

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant (MMG) Program. The MMG Program provides funding for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure. The purpose of the grant program is to expand and extend middle mile infrastructure to reduce the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the internet backbone. To apply for the MMG Program, an entity must be a State, political subdivision of a State, Tribal government, technology company, electric utility, utility cooperative, public utility district, telecommunications company, telecommunications cooperative, nonprofit foundation, nonprofit corporation, nonprofit institution, nonprofit association, regional planning council, Native entity, economic development authority, or any partnership of two (2) or more of these entities.

NTIA will make up to $980,000,000 available for federal assistance under the MMG Program ($1,000,000,000 minus two percent set aside to cover NTIA’s administrative costs). NTIA expects to make awards under this program within the following funding range: $5,000,000 to $100,000,000. The period of performance for grants issued pursuant to this program ends five years from the date on which the grant funds are made available to the eligible entity. Complete applications must be received by NTIA through the Application Portal no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on September 30, 2022. NTIA expects to complete its review, selection of successful applicants, and award processing by February 16, 2023. NTIA expects that the start date for awards under this NOFO will be no earlier than March 1, 2023.