CPF ExteND Line Extension Program

Medium

Round 1 Application Window: April 7 – 5pm CDT on May 9, 2025 

North Dakota WebGrants Portal

 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

The North Dakota Information Technology Department (NDIT) is soliciting applications for the CPF ExteND Line Extension Program. This program aims to efficiently utilize the state's remaining Capital Projects Fund (CPF) allocation by extending existing broadband networks to nearby unserved and underserved locations. The program focuses on connecting eligible locations while facilitating cost-effective and timely deployment of broadband infrastructure.
 

Program Overview

The objectives of this program are to:

  1. Maximize Use of Remaining CPF Funds – Deploy unspent funds from previously awarded CPF projects that were completed under budget.
  2. Connect Eligible Locations – Extend broadband service to unserved and underserved locations listed in the state's pre-identified list of CPF-eligible addresses when they are proximal to an existing network.
  3. Facilitate Timely Completion – Align project timelines with federal guidelines, requiring substantial project completion by December 31, 2026.
     

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with existing broadband infrastructure near CPF-eligible locations.
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity to complete projects by December 31, 2026.
  • Applicants must not have outstanding compliance issues related to previous CPF or other federally funded broadband grants.
     

Eligible Locations

Funded projects must target unserved or underserved locations listed as CPF-eligible by the State of North Dakota:

  • Unserved Locations – Locations lacking broadband service with speeds of at least 25 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload.
  • Underserved Locations – Locations lacking broadband service with speeds of at least 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload.
     

Eligible Projects

Projects funded under this program must:

  • Extend broadband access to CPF-eligible locations using end-to-end fiber infrastructure.
  • Provide minimum service speeds of 100 Mbps symmetrical (or, where fully symmetrical speeds are impracticable due to geography, topography, or excessive cost, at least 100 Mbps download and between 20–100 Mbps upload, scalable to 100 Mbps in the future).
  • Achieve substantial completion by December 31, 2026. (U.S. Department of the Treasury: Projects must reach substantial completion before December 31, 2026. Substantial completion is defined as the date for which the Project can fulfill the primary operations that it was designed to perform, delivering services to end-users. At substantial completion, service operations and management systems infrastructure must be operational. Recipients may request extensions beyond this timeframe to the extent that factors outside of the Recipient’s control have impacted Project delivery timelines. Treasury will approve extension requests on a case-by-case basis.)
     

Funding and Eligible Costs

 

Source of Funds:

Funding will be drawn from remaining CPF funds from completed projects that came in under budget.
 

Eligible Costs:

Reimbursement is available for capital expenses related to last-mile broadband infrastructure deployment, including but not limited to:

  • Network equipment (e.g., fiber, routers, switches).
  • Make-ready work and pole attachment costs.
  • Site preparation and installation expenses.

Funding will be allocated on a rolling basis as CPF projects close and available funds are confirmed.
 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit proposals via the NDIT WebGrants Portal and include:

  1. Project Proposal – A detailed description of the proposed project, including scope, expected costs, and the number of locations to be served.
  2. Financial and Operational Readiness – Documentation demonstrating the applicant’s financial stability and technical ability to complete the project by the required deadline.
     

Selection Process

The program follows a cost-effectiveness-driven selection process to maximize the number of locations covered with the funds available. Applications will be ranked based on cost-effectiveness, considering both the amount requested and the number of locations served. Upon ranking proposals, NDIT may reach out to applicants to explore whether they would be able to accept a partial award by adjusting their project scope or contributing private funds (i.e., a provider match) to maintain their full scope. Due to limited funding, not all applicants will necessarily receive an award in the current round. However, if additional funds become available in the future, applicants that were not awarded will be encouraged to update and resubmit their proposal(s) for consideration in the next funding round.
 

Important Dates

  • Notice of Funding Opportunity Issued: April 2, 2025
  • Application Round 1 Window: April 7, 2025 – May 9, 2025
  • Project Completion Deadline: December 31, 2026
     
Timeline showing we are here at the start of Q2 2025, with application round one highlighted

 

Reporting Requirements

Awardees will be held to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s reporting requirements, which include:

  • Quarterly Project & Expenditure Reports
  • Annual Performance Reports
     

Attachments

The following attachments provide additional details and requirements:

For questions, contact:

North Dakota Information Technology Department
broadband@nd.gov