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The BEAD Pre-Qualification Evaluation is NOW OPEN!

On September 18, MCA opened the first phase of the BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process: the Pre-Qualification Evaluation. The Subgrantee Selection Process is the process through which MCA will evaluate and select prospective applicants and determine how BEAD funding will be distributed to specific Project Service Areas. Learn more here.

High-speed Broadband for Maine

The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is committed to expanding access to reliable, high-speed and affordable internet service statewide.

MCA has three primary goals:

Expand effective, accessible connectivity in every part of the state;
Support the creation of secure, affordable, reliable, competitive, sustainable and forward-looking internet infrastructure that can meet future needs; and
Ensure that all residents, businesses and institutions in Maine be able to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational and other opportunities available through connectivity services.

Focusing on projects, places and people, the MCA is advancing digital equity for all Mainers. Established in 2021, MCA is a quasi-governmental agency charged with achieving universal access to affordable high-speed broadband in Maine.

The BEAD Pre-Qualification Evaluation is NOW OPEN!

The Subgrantee Selection Process (SSP) is a two-step process through which MCA will evaluate and select prospective applicants and determine how BEAD funding will be distributed to specific Project Service Areas. During phase one, the Pre-Qualification Evaluation, MCA will evaluate prospective applicants on their readiness to manage a BEAD-funded project in Maine. The Pre-Qualification Evaluation application is open on MCA's Grant Portal through October 18, 2024.

MCA is also hosting office hours weekly throughout the application window on Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm. Register for office hours.

Phase 1: Prospective Applicant Pre-Qualification Evaluation

(September 18 - October 18, 2024)

Prospective applicants will submit organizational-level information (technical, financial, operational and managerial capacity) that demonstrates their ability to meet the requirements of the BEAD program.
Applicants will also be presented with a map of draft Project Service Areas (PSAs) and asked to indicate which they intend to apply for. Learn more about PSAs on the BEAD page.

View Pre-Qualification Guidance Materials

Enter MCA's Grant Portal

SSP Module on MCA's Resource Exchange

MCA has released a new module on our Resource Exchange focused on the BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process including information about the application portal and requirements, a deeper dive into PSAs, and resources to support with the application process.

Enter the Module

Visualizing MCA's Mission

The Maine Connectivity Authority’s Broadband Intelligence Platform presents important data about internet access and service in Maine. The interactive map below includes information about broadband service availability and funding awards.

For a list of service providers at a specific address, click here to access the FCC's map.

Use this tool on a mobile device

Service Classification Map: Based on June 30, 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection. Accessible maps are available upon request by emailing info@maineconnectivity.org.

Recent & Upcoming Meetings

The Maine Connectivity Authority Board of Directors meetings are open to the public in a virtual format. Meetings serve as an opportunity to learn about MCA's strategy and activities as well as funding and partnership opportunities. Click here to view recordings of previous meetings.

November 15, 2024

MCA Board Meeting