Tailoring the Application of the Uniform Guidance to the BEAD Program

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) on December 26, 2013, which consolidated eight existing Federal circulars into a single guidance document. The Uniform Guidance streamlined and eased administrative burdens across the Federal Government in the administration of Federal financial assistance programs, thus increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal awards, while also strengthening oversight over Federal funds to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Various stakeholders have requested the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to consider exemptions of certain provisions of the Uniform Guidance from application to grants and subgrants awarded under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. NTIA seeks public comment on the issues raised by stakeholders and other questions relating to the relationship between the Uniform Guidance and the BEAD Program. Comments due by 5 pm on August 4, 2023.