<div>Iowa released both volumes of its Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment initial proposal for public comment on November 15.It was part of a wave of states and territories that began seeking public comment on their drafts in recent weeks. All 56 <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2023/11/all-states-and-territories-have-released-bead-proposals-for-public-comment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">have now done so</a>.Volume oneThe state <a href="https://comment.iowa.gov/Notice/Details/IowaBEADInitialProposal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">is planning to</a> adopt the NTIA’s model challenge process to accept and adjudicate claims of incorrect broadband data.Iowa is electing to accept speed tests as evidence in those challenges, provided they meet certain methodological requirements. The state is also making use of two optional challenge types the NTIA laid out: area and MDU challenges.An area challenge is initiated if six or more locations in a census block group challenge the same technology from the same provider with sufficient evidence. The provider is then required to show evidence they provide the reported service to every location in the census block group, or the entire area will be opened up to BEAD funds.An MDU, or multiple dwelling unit, challenge is triggered when three units or 10 percent of the total units in an apartment building challenge a provider’s service. It again flips the burden of proof, requiring providers to prove they give the reported service for the entire building, not just units that submit challenges.Volume twoThe state’s broadband office said in <a href="https://comment.iowa.gov/Notice/Details/IowaBEADInitialProposal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">its volume two</a> that consumers consistently complained at listening sessions about unaffordable internet. States with left over BEAD funds will be able to issue non-deployment to address adoption and affordability, but Iowa does not expect to have any of its $415 million BEAD allocation left over after funding infrastructure.Iowa will have the chance to fund those efforts through the Digital Equity Act, <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2023/11/federal-officials-agree-infrastructure-alone-will-not-close-the-digital-divide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a sister program</a> to BEAD that makes $2.75 billion available to address gaps in broadband adoption in low-income and minority communities. The first batch of implementation grants are set to be available in 2024.The state is also planning to make use of the NTIA’s updated financing requirements, allowing grant applicants to use performance bonds and reimbursement milestones instead of the original letter of credit.Like most other states, Iowa will be setting its high-cost threshold, the price point at which the broadband office can consider funding technologies other than fiber, after looking over the grant applications it receives. The state is planning a single round of funding.</div>

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Iowa's BEAD IP, Volumes One and Two

<div>Here's the announcement: ﻿<action-text-attachment sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSIwZ2lkOi8vanVtcHN0YXJ0LWFwcC9FbWJlZC83MTg3ODg_ZXhwaXJlc19pbgY7AFRJIgxwdXJwb3NlBjsAVEkiD2F0dGFjaGFibGUGOwBUSSIPZXhwaXJlc19hdAY7AFQw--658d5965587e95a4eecc677aaab76f62a291e6bc" content-type="embed"></action-text-attachment>﻿ <a href="mailto:Gloria.Vanrees@iowa.gov"> </a> </div><blockquote>The  Department of Management’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is pleased to announce the application acceptance window for the Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) is open.</blockquote><div> </div><blockquote>The ITQ application process allows communities to propose areas across the State of Iowa that should be prioritized by the OCIO in the next Empower Rural Iowa broadband grant opportunity. Areas identified by communities through the ITQ process will become Broadband Intervention Zones. “We believe the ITQ application process is a first of its kind in the country and unique to Iowa,” said State of Iowa Chief Information Officer Matt Behrens. “The ITQ lets Iowans tell stakeholders and decision makers where they want to see broadband build out occur.” Providers who apply for Empower Rural Iowa grant funds to construct service within these Broadband Intervention Zones may be eligible to receive enhanced incentives and/or higher prioritization for funding.</blockquote><div> </div><blockquote>Instructions for the ITQ are available <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDIuNzI1Njc0MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL29jaW8uaW93YS5nb3YvaW52aXRhdGlvbi1xdWFsaWZ5LTAwMT91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.ZkUrLDk517h5MZ96MtDAzZ1yh6ha1jsM1XueSqCFkR8/s/2889792094/br/155448275109-l">here</a>, including videos, guides, and templates to assist communities who wish to submit an application. Community representatives may also e-mail <a href="mailto:ociogrants@iowa.gov">ociogrants@iowa.gov</a> for assistance. To subscribe to email updates, go to <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMDIuNzI1Njc0MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL29jaW8uaW93YS5nb3YvYnJvYWRiYW5kP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.UtQz5bo3y1gjRlVNwI6A1KpozYKgyrSanUrq9HmV_84/s/2889792094/br/155448275109-l">https://ocio.iowa.gov/broadband</a> and click the “Subscribe to Broadband Grant Updates” button at the top of the page. </blockquote>

Iowa's CIO: Application window (March 1-31) open for Iowa communities to ID broadband areas of need 

Matt Behrens

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Jake Neenan

Sarah Lai Stirland

Iowa State Broadband Office

Iowa Broadband Grant Award Status

Iowa Broadband Audit

Iowa Broadband Director

About Office of the Chief Information Officer

Iowa Broadband Articles

Iowa's BEAD IP, Volumes One and Two

Iowa's CIO: Application window (March 1-31) open for Iowa communities to ID broadband areas of need

Iowa Broadband Investment Maps

Iowa Map of Ready Strength Rank

Iowa Yield on Cost Maps

Iowa Pricing & Competition Map

Iowa Map of Business Establishments in Underserved Areas

Iowa Small Business Establishments Map

Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) Coverage Map

Iowa Map of Anchor Institutions

Iowa Provider Coverage Maps

Map of Iowa Broadband Serviceable Locations

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