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Broadband, Equity, Access and 
Deployment (BEAD) Grant: 
Community Digital 
Competency Initiative 
Notice of Funding Opportunity 
Publication Date: 03/28/2025 
Deadline for Submissions: 04/28/2025 
 
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Table of Contents 
1. 
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 3 
2. 
Scope of Work ...................................................................................................................... 3 
2.1. 
Project Objectives ........................................................................................................ 3 
2.2. 
Project Outcomes ........................................................................................................ 4 
2.3. 
Eligible Program Examples ............................................................................................ 5 
3. 
Funding Mechanism and Disbursements ............................................................................... 6 
3.1. 
Funding Availability ....................................................................................................... 6 
3.2. 
Funding Disbursement ................................................................................................. 6 
3.3. 
Allowable Use of Funds ................................................................................................ 6 
Non-allowable uses of funds .................................................................................................... 7 
4. 
Work Plan ............................................................................................................................. 8 
5. 
Key Requirements and Transparency ..................................................................................... 8 
5.1. 
Eligibility ...................................................................................................................... 8 
5.2. 
Compliance ................................................................................................................. 9 
5.3. 
Transparency and Accountability .................................................................................. 9 
5.4. 
Reporting ................................................................................................................... 10 
5.5. 
Single Audit Requirement ............................................................................................ 10 
5.6  
Funding Availability and Limitation of Liability .............................................................. 11 
6. 
Proposal Submission .......................................................................................................... 11 
6.1. 
Questions & Answers .................................................................................................. 12 
6.2. 
Submission Deadline .................................................................................................. 13 
7. 
Proposal Evaluation and Selection Process ......................................................................... 13 
7.1. 
Selection Timeline ...................................................................................................... 16 
8. 
Timeline: Important Dates & Deadlines ................................................................................ 16 
9. 
Appendix 1 – Work Plan and Budget ..................................................................................... 17 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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1. Introduction 
The Virgin Islands Broadband Office (VIBO), a division of the Office of Management and Budget, The Virgin 
Islands Broadband Office (VIBO) is pleased to announce the availability of funding under the Broadband 
Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Grant Program to support the Community Digital Competency 
Initiative. This initiative seeks to drive digital inclusion across the Virgin Islands by enhancing digital literacy, 
fostering technical skills, and promoting innovation. At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of 
Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) and Multi-Purpose Computing Facilities (MPCFs) that will serve as 
community hubs, offering a wide range of access points as well as technology-based educational and 
training programs. 
The overarching goal of the Community Digital Competency Initiative is to bridge the digital divide in the 
Virgin Islands by equipping individuals with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving 
digital world. The program is designed to create opportunities for education, career development, and 
health services, while fostering economic growth and technological innovation in the Virgin Islands. 
By supporting the establishment and operation of CAIs and MPCFs, this initiative will directly enhance 
access to state-of-the-art digital tools, technology infrastructure, and educational resources. MPCFs and 
CAI’s will function as centralized hubs where local communities can access various programs and services, 
contributing to both individual empowerment and broader regional growth. These community facilities will 
offer a platform for youth, adults, and entrepreneurs to develop skills, engage in advanced training, and 
explore new digital opportunities that will have lasting impacts on the territory’s social and economic fabric. 
VIBO also seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing incentives like free or discounted internet access 
to participants upon successful course completion. 
 
2. Scope of Work 
The Community Digital Competency Initiative, funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and 
Deployment (BEAD) grant, aims to enhance digital literacy and improve digital inclusion within communities 
in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The initiative will offer targeted training, resources, and incentives to help 
residents develop essential digital skills, gain access to digital tools, and ultimately become more 
connected and competitive in the digital economy. 
2.1. Project Objectives 
The objectives of the Community Digital Competency Initiative are to enhance digital literacy and promote 
digital inclusion across underserved communities in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The initiative aims to 
equip residents with essential digital skills, enabling them to effectively use digital tools for everyday tasks 
such as online communication, education, employment, and accessing government services. This initiative 
also aims to provide residents with the access necessary to utilize the learned digital skills.  
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The key objectives for this initiative include: 
1.
Enhance Digital Literacy: Increase digital literacy among diverse groups, including seniors,
low-income households, and underrepresented communities, enabling them to engage
confidently with digital tools and platforms.
2.
Equip Participants with Essential Digital Skills: Provide participants with the knowledge
and skills necessary to safely and effectively navigate digital tools, applications, and online
platforms for various personal, educational, and professional uses.
3.
Improve Access to Technology: Offer internet access and affordable devices to
individuals and families in need as incentives for successfully completing digital literacy
training, bridging the technology gap for underserved populations.
4.
Provide Sustainable and Scalable Programs:
Ensure that the training programs are adaptable to emerging broadband technologies and scalable
to meet growing demand in the broadband sector. The initiative should build a foundation for long-
term workforce development that can evolve as the broadband industry grows.
5.
Ensure Long-Term Digital Competency: Provide continued resources and support for
participants to enhance their digital skills over time, ensuring that they remain adaptable to
evolving technology and digital opportunities.
2.2. Project Outcomes 
The program will significantly enhance digital literacy across diverse demographics, including seniors, low-
income households, and underrepresented communities, empowering participants with the skills necessary 
to safely and effectively navigate digital tools, applications, and online platforms. As a result, participants 
will be better equipped to access essential services, engage in online education, and improve their 
employability. By providing internet access and affordable devices as incentives for successful training 
completion, the program will ensure that individuals and families in need are connected to digital 
opportunities. In addition, through fostering strong local partnerships and promoting ongoing support for 
digital skill development, the program will cultivate a sustainable model of community engagement, 
ensuring continued access to resources and fostering long-term digital competency within the community. 
This comprehensive approach will ultimately bridge the digital divide, creating a more inclusive and digitally 
capable population. 
The expected outcomes of the initiative include: 
Increased Digital Literacy: Enhanced digital skills among diverse demographics, including seniors, low-
income households, and underrepresented communities, enabling them to confidently use digital tools and
navigate online platforms.
Improved Online Safety and Navigation: Participants gain the ability to safely and effectively navigate
digital environments, including managing online security and utilizing digital tools for communication,
education, and work.
 
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  Expanded Access to Technology: Individuals and families in need receive internet access and 
affordable devices as incentives for completing the training, improving their ability to connect with online 
resources and opportunities. 
  Stronger Community Engagement: Active involvement from local organizations, fostering ongoing 
partnerships to support digital skill development, ensuring the sustainability of digital literacy programs 
within communities. 
  Long-term Skill Development: Continuous support and resources are provided to ensure that 
participants have access to further digital learning opportunities, promoting lifelong digital competence and 
adaptation to evolving technology. 
 Increased Digital Inclusion: Broader participation in digital services, including government programs, 
healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, particularly among underserved groups. 
 Sustained Program Growth: Local partnerships and community leaders are equipped to continue 
offering digital skills training, ensuring that digital competency initiatives are embedded in the community for 
future generations. 
2.3. Eligible Program Examples 
Examples of programs include but are not limited to the following: 
 
 Digital Literacy Training for Seniors: Programs designed to teach senior citizens how to use 
smartphones, tablets, and computers for communication, online banking, healthcare portals, and 
social engagement. 
 Basic Computer and Internet Skills Courses: Training programs focused on teaching low-
income households and underrepresented communities essential digital skills, such as creating 
and managing emails, using search engines, and navigating websites. 
 Digital Safety and Security Workshops: Courses that educate participants on how to protect 
themselves online, including understanding privacy settings, avoiding scams, and practicing safe 
internet browsing. 
 Online Job Search and Resume Building Programs: Training that helps individuals in low-
income communities improve their employability by teaching how to use job search platforms, 
create digital resumes, and apply for jobs online. 
 Tech for Kids and Youth: Programs targeting youth in underrepresented communities, offering 
digital skills workshops that focus on coding, creating digital content, or using technology for 
educational purposes. 
 Workshops on Online Health Services: Programs that help individuals, especially seniors, 
navigate telemedicine platforms, use online healthcare resources, and schedule virtual doctor 
appointments. 
 Community-based Digital Mentorship Programs: Local community centers and organizations 
offering one-on-one or group mentorship for digital skills development, ensuring continued learning 
and local support. 
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
Local Digital Resource Hubs: Establishment of community-based tech centers where individuals
can access devices, receive training on digital tools, and get support for using digital applications.

Government Services Access Training: Programs that help participants learn how to access and
navigate online government services, such as applying for public assistance, filing taxes, or
accessing social security benefits.
These programs help achieve the initiative's goals of increasing digital literacy, ensuring access to 
technology, and fostering long-term digital competency in underserved communities. 
3. Funding Mechanism and Disbursements
The BEAD Grant Digital Competency Initiative program will utilize a competitive funding mechanism to 
support state and local entities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, community anchor 
institutions and private organizations in their efforts to improve digital literacy. Disbursements will be made 
based on the successful submission of project proposals that align with the program’s goals. Fundings will 
follow a performance-based disbursement tied to measurable milestones such as the initiation of the 
program, number of individuals trained etc. This approach ensures accountability and encourages 
continuous progress toward meeting the workforce demands of broadband expansion. 
3.1. Funding Availability 
VIBO will provide funding to selected applicants to support the development and the 
implementation of selected programs. The final award amount will be capped at $500,000.00 per 
award. Applications will be evaluated based on the scale and scope of the proposed project, as 
well as the quality of the application. 
3.2. Funding Disbursement 
Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis in accordance with a mutually agreed-upon work plan. 
The disbursement process will occur after the completion of approved milestones, which may include: 

Initial setup and curriculum development (Due within 90 days of award)

Program launch and participant recruitment

Ongoing program delivery

Completion of evaluations and final reports
Recipients will be required to submit periodic reports that detail progress toward project milestones, and 
funding will be released based on the satisfactory completion of each milestone. 
3.3. Allowable Use of Funds 
Allowable uses of funds under the BEAD Grant Digital Competency Initiative Program include various non-
deployment uses of funds to support digital inclusion and digital equity development. These include digital 
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literacy training programs, cybersecurity education, and workforce development initiatives to assist 
individuals. BEAD funding supports digital equity initiatives, including multilingual outreach efforts, digital 
navigation services, and training for incarcerated individuals to improve digital skills before reentry into 
society. These initiatives aim to ensure that individuals, especially in underserved communities, have the 
necessary skills and resources to fully participate in the digital economy. Funds may be used for the 
following purposes: 

Personnel Costs: Salaries and wages for qualified staff responsible for developing and delivering
the training programs.

Digital Literacy Training: Funding can be used for programs that help individuals gain digital skills,
such as understanding how to use the internet, software, and devices safely and effectively.

Equipment and Technology: The purchase of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices
that support digital literacy programs, as well as internet access devices like hotspots.

Curriculum Development: Funds may be used to create or improve educational materials and
training resources focused on digital skills, cybersecurity, and other important aspects of digital
literacy.

Outreach and Marketing: Funding can support outreach efforts to ensure underserved communities
are aware of and able to take advantage of digital literacy training and broadband adoption programs.

Program Administration: Reasonable administrative costs associated with running digital literacy
programs, including personnel, facilities, and related resources.

Partnerships: Collaboration with educational institutions, non-profits, local governments, and
community organizations to implement digital literacy initiatives.

Evaluation and Assessment: The use of funds to assess the effectiveness of digital competency
programs, including gathering data on participation, skill acquisition, and broadband adoption.
Non-allowable uses of funds 
Non-allowable uses of funds under the BEAD Grant Community Digital Competency include any 
expenditure not directly related to the development, delivery of program objectives identified in this 
NOFO. Funds may not be used for general administrative costs, including overhead or office supplies 
unrelated to training activities. Additionally, funds cannot be used for non-broadband related workforce 
development initiatives or activities that do not directly contribute to the expansion of broadband and 
digital literacy. Funding cannot be used for the purchase of land or construction of permanent facilities. 
Other examples include: 

Administrative costs unrelated to program delivery

Lobbying or advocacy expenses

Non-educational or non-program-related expenses
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4. Work Plan
Applicants are required to submit a work plan as part of their application. A work plan is a detailed 
document or framework that outlines the tasks, activities, goals, and timelines required to complete a 
specific project or initiative. It serves as a roadmap for how the project will be executed and helps guide the 
team in managing resources, monitoring progress, and achieving objectives effectively. 
Applicants must submit a detailed work plan that includes the following: 

Program Design: A description of the training and exploration programs, including the target
audience, content, format, and intended outcomes.

Implementation Timeline: A timeline outlining each phase of the project, from initial planning
through to program completion.

Key Milestones: Clear milestones to track the progress of the project, including training
development, participant recruitment, program delivery, and final evaluation.

Expected Outcomes: Detailed, measurable outcomes that align with the project’s objectives and
deliverables.

Evaluation Framework: A comprehensive evaluation plan that assesses both the short-term and
long-term effectiveness of the program, including participant success rates, job placement, and
impact on broadband access.
A well-prepared work plan helps ensure that all team members understand their roles, keeps the project on 
track, and ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to meet deadlines and goals. 
5. Key Requirements and Transparency
The BEAD Grant Digital Competency Initiative Program requires recipients to ensure that funds are used 
efficiently and transparently to achieve the program’s goals. Key requirements include strict adherence to 
established project timelines, clear reporting on training milestones, and the documentation of all 
expenses related to the use of grant funds. Recipients must implement measures to ensure equitable 
access to training programs, especially for underserved and underrepresented communities. 
Transparency will be maintained through regular reporting to funding agencies, including detailed financial 
and program progress updates, which will be made publicly available as required. Additionally, recipients 
must adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including those related to non-discrimination 
and financial accountability, to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose.
5.1. Eligibility 
Proposals will be accepted from: 
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
Educational institutions (including vocational schools, community colleges, and universities)

Workforce development agencies

Government Agencies

Non-profit organizations with a focus on broadband or workforce development

Private sector entities with expertise in broadband technologies or training program delivery
5.2. Compliance 
All activities funded under this initiative must comply with federal, territorial, and local regulations, including all 
applicable guidelines and requirements set forth in the BEAD program. This includes adherence to 
nondiscrimination policies, environmental protections, and relevant labor laws. All subrecipients are required 
to adhere to the Department of Commerce Terms and Conditions outline in the IIJA, BEAD NOFO, 2 CFR 
200. 
5.3. Transparency and Accountability 
The Infrastructure Act contains robust reporting requirements for Eligible Entities and subgrantees, and 
requires NTIA, the Commission, and other agencies to coordinate to make information regarding federal 
broadband funding, low-cost plans, and other aspects of the BEAD Program readily available to and 
understandable by the public. NTIA will fully fulfill its obligations possible. Recipients of U.S. Department of 
Commerce and NTIA grants also should be cognizant of the access to records requirements set forth at 2 
C.F.R. § 200.337.
Recipients of funding must maintain transparency and accountability in their use of funds. All financial 
records and expenditures must be publicly reported on a quarterly basis. This will include details on how 
funds are being used, progress toward milestones, and key program outcomes. 
Subgrantees play a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of the BEAD Program, with a 
responsibility to uphold transparency, accountability, and oversight. Their efforts are essential to achieve, 
among other objectives: 
1.
Minimizing opportunities for waste, fraud, and abuse.
2.
Ensuring that grant recipients use funds to further the Program's goals, in compliance with the
Infrastructure Act, 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), the terms and conditions of the award, and relevant laws.
3.
Providing the public with the ability to understand and monitor the grants and subgrants issued
under the Program.
Subgrantees are also required to: 
1.
Meet the reporting requirements outlined in Section I.E of the BEAD NOFO.
2.
Adhere to the obligations outlined in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and the Department of Commerce Financial
Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions.
 
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3. Set up and publicly share contact details (telephone numbers and email addresses) for their 
internal ethics office or a comparable entity to report any incidents of waste, fraud, or abuse related 
to the Program. Subgrantees must provide copies of materials used for this purpose if requested 
by the Federal Program Officer. 
5.4. Reporting  
Subgrantees must submit quarterly reports, to monitor the effectiveness of the funds used. Each report 
should detail the types of projects and activities funded by the subgrant, along with the duration of the 
subgrant. The report should include: 
Summary of Activities Conducted: An outline of key activities carried out during the reporting period, as 
described in the project's scope. 
Number of Participants Engaged and Demographics: Data on the number of individuals who 
participated in programs, trainings, or events, including their engagement status (completed or in progress). 
List of Supporting Organizations: Identification of any community groups, industry partners, or 
educational institutions that supported the efforts, detailing their roles and contributions. 
Resources and Materials Utilized: A description of any curriculum, training materials, equipment, or 
resources developed or used in the program. 
Outcomes Achieved: Key achievements, such as certifications awarded, workshops held, or other 
milestones met during the reporting period. 
Employment and Placement Outcomes: The number of participants who secured employment, 
apprenticeships, or internships in the broadband industry, along with their employers' names. 
Outreach and Marketing Efforts: A summary of promotional campaigns, including the channels used 
(e.g., social media, community events, partnerships), and relevant engagement metrics. 
Technical Support and Participant Services Provided: A description of services like mentorship, 
counseling, and technical assistance provided to participants, along with impact metrics. 
Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned: Insights gained during the reporting period, such as 
successful engagement strategies, relationship management with industry partners, or improvements in 
delivery methods. 
Budget Update: Recipients will be required to keep detailed records of their expenditures and provide 
access to these records for audits or evaluations by VIBO or other authorized entities. The report should 
include an excel spreadsheet with an itemized account of expenses incurred during the reporting period 
and the overall project duration. 
5.5. Single Audit Requirement   
Single Audits are required from all recipients who expend $750,000.00 or more in aggregate federal 
financial assistance within their fiscal year. 
• Single Audits are comprised of two main sections:  
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1.
Financial Statements: Audit of a recipient’s financial statements, policies, documentation, and
system of internal controls
2.
Programmatic Compliance Evaluation: Test of a recipient’s compliance with the requirements of
their federal awards which often assesses the effectiveness of award spending and evaluate
performance progress
Note: 2 CFR updates published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024 are not applicable to the BEAD 
grant. 
For-profit organizations and foreign entities are NOT subject to Single Audits unless required due to unique 
circumstances. The agreement with the for-profit subrecipient must describe applicable compliance 
requirements and the for-profit subrecipient's compliance responsibility. Methods to ensure compliance for 
Federal awards made to for-profit subrecipients may include pre-award audits, monitoring during the 
agreement, and post-award audits." 2 CFR 200.501 (h). 
5.6  Funding Availability and Limitation of Liability 
Funding for the Program is contingent upon the continued availability of appropriations. Publication of 
this NOFO does not oblige NTIA, NIST or the Department of Commerce to award any specific project 
or other eligible activity or to obligate any available funds. NTIA will recommend for funding only 
projects and other eligible activities that are deemed likely to achieve the BEAD Program goals and 
for which funds are available 
6. Proposal Submission
Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically to the Virgin Islands Broadband Office 
(VIBO) through the designated submission portal at https://omb.vi.gov/bead/.. The submission should 
include: 
1.
A completed application form (available on the submission portal)
2.
A detailed work plan as outlined above
3.
A budget proposal, including a breakdown of projected costs
4.
A timeline for project delivery
5.
Evidence of organizational capacity and relevant past performance
6.
Letters of support from local employers, community organizations, or other stakeholders (if
applicable)
7.
Supporting Documentation to include Business Licenses, GVI Vendor Number, Certificate of
Good Standing, SAM Registration, Cash Flow Statement, Org Chart, Resume of Proposed
Program Personnel.
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Potential subgrantees must submit their responses to the Vibo.vi.gov website as a single PDF file, with a 
maximum size of 10 MB.  
If a potential subgrantee decides to amend their submitted proposal, they must submit the entire revised 
proposal, labeled as “Amended Proposal,” before the submission deadline. The VIBO will treat amended 
proposals as replacements for all previous submissions. 
6.1. Questions & Answers 
Any questions regarding this NOFO or the evaluation process must be submitted in writing via email to 
bead@omb.vi.gov , with the subject line “Q&A NOFO Digital Competency.” Telephone inquiries will not 
be accepted. Answers to questions will be posted on the VIBO website at 
https://www.omb.vi.gov. Questions must be submitted by April 10, 2025, at 4:30 PM, and answers will 
be provided by April 11, 2024, at 4:30 PM. The OMB reserves the right to extend this deadline 
depending on the volume and timing of questions. 
Expression of Interest 
The VIBO encourages potential Proponents to express their interest in this program by emailing 
bead@omb.vi.gov by April 13, 2025, at 4:30 PM. The email should include the following details: 
Name of the Proponent Entity 
Name of the Point of Contact, including email and phone number 
Subject line: “Digital Competency NOFO | Interest from [Proponent Entity Name]” 
Please note, submitting an Expression of Interest does not obligate the Proponent to submit a proposal. 
Webinar 
The VIBO will host a Webinar to present the program and answer questions from interested entities on 
April 10, 2025. A link to the Webinar will be posted on the VIBO website https://www.Vibo.vi.gov/ and 
sent to organizations that have expressed interest as outlined in the previous section. Answers to 
questions raised during the Webinar will be included in the Q&A document, which will be published on 
April 13, 2025, to ensure transparency and equal access to information. 
Allowed and Prohibited Communications 
Only questions and requests for clarifications related to this NOFO, as per the Questions and 
Answers section, will be accepted. Communications from prospective subgrantees with VIBO officials, 
OMB, other government entities, the Government of the Virgin Islands, or any associated parties 
regarding this NOFO or its selection process are prohibited during the submission and selection 
phases. Non-compliance with this rule may result in the disqualification of applications. Verbal 
inquiries or emails sent to unlisted addresses will not be considered by the VIBO. 
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6.2. Submission Deadline 
Proposals must be submitted by April 28, 2025.. Late submissions will not be considered. All submissions 
must be made through the official VIBO portal. 
7. Proposal Evaluation and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on a set of established criteria to ensure that only high- quality 
projects receive BEAD funding. The evaluation will consider the following factors: 
Total Points: 100 
Technical Merit (45 points possible) 
•
Project purpose (15 points): Reviewers will consider the extent to which potential subgrantees
propose a project that aligns with one or more of the program’s objectives. Reviewers will
consider how proposed projects will prioritize the needs of the community and the project 
outcomes of the proposed program, especially those projects that align with the goals of the 
Vision 2040 plan. 
•
Project Impact and Reach (15 points): Applications will receive full points for this section if a
proposed project can demonstrate specific needs in a service area that VIBO has identified as
low-income and/or unserved. The locations will be identified on a service area map that will 
be published on the BEAD website. Prospective subgrantees will need to provide 
comprehensive community statistics that reflect the potential need in the community for the 
proposed program, including but not limited to the estimated number of households or 
residents that may benefit from the program, the demographics of the impacted community 
(social, education, age, financial, and any covered populations as identified in the Digital 
Equity Act. Subgrantees will need to provide context as to how and why they selected their 
proposed project area. 
•
Project feasibility (15 points): Potential subgrantees will be scored on the comprehensiveness
and appropriateness of the project, including the clarity and level of detail of the proposed project
plan. Reviewers will assess the extent to which proposed programs stimulate the adoption of 
broadband for telehealth, distance learning, telework and entrepreneurship, economic growth, 
and job creation. Reviewers will also consider the reasonableness of the program timeline and 
the likeliness of program success. 
• 
Qualifications and Expertise (20 points possible) 

Technical and operational capability (10 points): Potential subgrantees will need to, at
minimum, demonstrate capability of operating the proposed program with appropriately skilled
staffing with high technical understanding of proposed digital literacy activities.

Financial and managerial capacity (10 points): Potential subgrantees will need to show proof of
financial good standing and must demonstrate a substantial workforce able to fulfill the needs
of the proposed program in a timely manner.
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Local Coordination (10 points possible) 
Proof of community engagement in proposed service area (5 points): Potential subgrantees will
need to provide record that they engaged the community for which they are submitting a proposal
to serve, documenting that they considered the needs of the community when developing their
proposal. Potential subgrantees who do not provide proof of engagement will receive no points in
the category.
Letter(s) of support (5 points): Potential subgrantees are requested to submit at least one letter
of support from collaborating organizations (e.g., CAI where proposed services will be
implemented). All collaborating organizations are encouraged to submit a letter of support in the
application package submitted by the potential subgrantee for full points. Potential subgrantees
who do not submit any letter(s) of support will receive no points in this category.
Project Budget (15 points possible) 
Cost Efficiency (10 points): When assessing points for cost efficiency of the budget, there shall be
a maximum number of points awarded to the lowest priced bidder. The points allocated to higher-
priced bidders should be equal to the lowest bidder’s price multiplied by the maximum points
available for price, divided by the higher proposal price. In instances where projects are vastly
different in scope, points will be awarded to potential subgrantees that address the needs of
impacted community and/or service areas.
Budget Transparency (5 points): the lowest score will be given to proposals that are deemed to
have vague or unclear budget allocations, lacking sufficient detail or justification for expenses. A
moderate scoring will be used to reflect a clear budget with reasonable line items and justifications
for most expenditures. The maximum score is awarded for a detailed and transparent budget,
where every major expenditure is clearly documented with well-supported justifications,
demonstrating a strong level of planning and financial transparency.
Other (10 points possible) – The VIBO will assess an additional 10 points to projects that are similar in 
scope to determine which will be funded to avoid duplicative initiatives. 
•
Minority Business Enterprise, Woman Business Enterprise, or Labor Surplus Area Firm (5
points): Full points will be awarded to any potential subgrantee meeting one of these
designations.
•
Sustainability (5 points): Potential subgrantees will need to provide a project sustainability
plan after the end of the BEAD funding term (June 2032). Points will be awarded based on a
succinct plan for project continuity passed 2032, and how the funded program will be
maintained financially and operationally.
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Scoring Summary: 
Category 
Maximum Points 
Technical Merit (45 points possible) 
Project purpose 
15 
Project Impact and Reach 
15 
Project feasibility 
15 
Qualifications and Expertise (20 points possible) 
Technical and operational capability 
10 
Financial and managerial capacity 
10 
Local Coordination (10 points possible) 
Proof of community engagement in proposed service area 
5 
Letter(s) of support 
5 
Project Budget (15 points possible) 
Cost Efficiency 
10 
Budget Transparency 
5 
Other (10 points possible) 
Minority Business Enterprise, Woman Business Enterprise, or Labor Surplus Area Firm 
5 
Sustainability 
5 
Total 
100 
In the event the review team identifies two or more competing proposals with the same or similar project scopes, 
five additional points will be awarded to the applicant that demonstrates how the project will adopt environmentally 
friendly approaches like energy efficient technology and practices and utilization of renewable energy sources 
wherever possible. Should such criteria apply, the reasonableness of the budget criteria identified above will be 
utilized in scoring as the determining factor. 
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Reviewers will score all submitted proposals that make it through the initial vetting phase and risk 
assessment using the scoring template above. The VIBO will select the potential subgrantees who average the 
highest score and do not overlap project locations. The broadband office will approve and fund proposals from the 
highest score on down until all available funds are expended. Safeguards will be implemented to ensure diversity 
and inclusion of all goals and communities/geographic regions of the territory benefit. 
The evaluation committee may request additional clarifications or interviews with applicants following the initial 
review of proposals. 
7.1. Selection Timeline 

Proposal Submission Deadline: April 28, 2025

Evaluation Period: April 28 - May 9, 2025

Award Notification May 10 – May 16, 2025

Project Start Date: October 1, 2025
For further information or clarification, please contact the Virgin Islands Broadband Office at 
bead@omb.vi.gov .
8. Timeline: Important Dates & Deadlines

Publication of NOFO: March 28, 2025

Questions & Answers Submission Deadline: April 10, 2025

Proposal Submission Deadline: April 28, 2025

Submission of VIBO Responses to Questions: April 11, 2025

Evaluation Period: April 28 - May 9, 2025

Award Notification: May 10 – May 16, 2025

Project Start Date: October 1, 2025

Project Duration: 2025-2032
This expanded NOFO provides detailed guidance on the objectives, requirements, and timelines for 
applicants, ensuring a structured and transparent process for those seeking funding.
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9. Appendix 1 – Work Plan and Budget
Registration number of the organization (EIN) 
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov 
Address of principal offices
Name of the point of contact
Email of the point of contact 
Phone of the point of contact 
Name of the legal representative
Position of legal representative 
Legal status of legal representative
City of residence of legal representative 
Email of the legal representative 
Phone of the legal representative
Please indicate which program(s) you are applying for : 
Overall approach 
Please describe your organization and explain what is your overall plan / approach to be able to 
deliver on the goals of the program.   
Program Design and Innovation
1. Detail your organization’s experience in training / education and workforce development, including
examples of specific projects / programs developed or implemented.
2. Explain how your program will be accessible to various student groups, including underrepresented
populations. Highlight any wrap-around services you will provide (e.g., counseling, mentorship, or job
placement assistance). Please describe the eligibility criteria that will be applied to evaluate students to
be accepted in your program(s).
3. Describe your specific approach to targeting and engaging women in your program.
4. Explain any innovative solutions or methods your program will use to capture the attention and interest
of students and promote careers in the broadband sector. Please explain why that approach is
innovative.
Joint Development 
1. Describe how your program has been developed with input from industry professionals and/or key
stakeholders to ensure that the program addresses the needs in the Virgin Islands.
2. Explain any partnerships you have with employers, training providers, or industry associations that will
support the development and implementation of the program.
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3. Describe the commitment of your organization's leadership to the program, as well as their
engagement in its development and implementation
Cost- Efficacy and Efficiency
Detail your plan for scaling the program in the future. 
Sustainability and Affordability
1. Explain your plans to ensure your program(s) will be free or low-cost.
2. Provide a plan for how your program(s) will remain sustainable after this funding period.
3. Describe how your program(s) will incorporate paid work experience opportunities for participants (if
applicable)
Proposed Program Budget and Total Outcomes – please fill out and provide detail via attachment 
Instructions: The below table provides an example on a manner in which you can submit the Program 
Budget requirement. Proposed subgrantees can submit their Proposed Budget in the format and way they 
deem more appropriate. However, the Proposed Budget should have clear information, including a split per 
year, per program applying for, and a proposed disbursement schedule for each.   Please include the total 
expected program cost and requested funding by fiscal year (Federal Fiscal Year begins on October 1 and 
ends on September 30 of the following year). 
Overall Program Cost: 
Year 1 
Year 2 
Year 3 
Year 4 
Year 5 
Total 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
Item Name
Cost Per Unit
Quantity
Total
Note/Explanation
Curriculum & 
Training
E.g., cost of
training session for
(XX participants)
$50,000 
4 
$200,000 
E.g., cost of
staffing and
deploying trainers
Community 
Outreach 
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Program 
Management 
# dedicated 
resources 
E.g.,
compensation for
planned staff
hired
Equipment and 
Materials
Certification
Please provide below a certification and signature that all the information provided, including appendixes 
and attachments, is true and accurate.