Under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, we are bringing fixed wireless broadband to unserved and underserved locations in Alaska from 40 existing towers, and we are buying tower space, compliance support, equipment, and installation services for that work under 2 CFR Part 200, in two rounds. Every round is open to full competition.
How to respond
- Complete the response form. It asks only what applies to you, including the certifications.
- Email your quote or proposal to [email protected] with the subject line <Company name> - BEAD Round 1 response. Tower owners attach a site-by-site rate and term sheet. Consultants attach a qualifications statement and fee schedule.
- We must have both before the due time. The form closes then, and anything that arrives later is not considered.
Round 1
Tower owners
We are seeking space on existing towers and other vertical structures at the 40 project sites. The site list, with the coordinates and required antenna mounting height (RAD height) for each site, is sent on request by email within one business day; every requester receives the same list. A site qualifies only when you have an existing structure at the listed coordinates and the listed RAD height is open for our equipment.
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Price: rent, escalator, and one-time fees, compared as total cost over ten years | 40 |
| Schedule: time from signed lease to notice to proceed, including structural analysis | 20 |
| Past performance on comparable Alaska colocations | 20 |
| Lease terms: initial term, renewal rights, and assignment | 10 |
| Site readiness: ground space, power, access, and structural capacity | 10 |
Compliance consultants
We are seeking a third-party consultant to help us administer the award under 2 CFR Part 200 and the NTIA and Alaska Broadband Office program rules. The engagement runs from 2026 through 2030, subject to annual renewal, and covers procurement, grant financial management, reporting, and Build America, Buy America, environmental, and labor-standards compliance. A firm that audits SPITwSPOTS or intends to bid on BEAD equipment or installation work is not eligible.
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Key personnel: credentials and federal grants experience of the assigned team | 40 |
| Federal broadband program experience and client outcomes | 30 |
| Approach: cadence, deliverables, and fit with a four-year deployment | 20 |
| References | 10 |
Round 2 (date to be posted)
The Round 2 form, pricing sheet, and full scope are posted when the round opens. The outline is given now so that you can prepare.
Equipment vendors and distributors
Equipment for the 40 sites, in three lots that are quoted and awarded separately: Lot 1, last mile (Tarana G2 base nodes; open to Tarana's authorized distributors); Lot 2, middle mile (licensed and E-band microwave link kits, priced per complete link); and Lot 3, site infrastructure (DC power and batteries, enclosures, hybrid fiber and power trunk, switching, and telemetry). Equivalents are accepted in Lots 2 and 3.
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Price: the lot total, delivered to Anchorage | 20 |
| Consolidation and transit: one shipment per site kit (per link kit for Lot 2) to our Anchorage office, and transit time | 20 |
| Kitting and staging by site | 15 |
| Availability across the 2026–2030 deployment | 15 |
| Schedule: lead times and delivery dates | 10 |
| Conformance: items meet the descriptions. For Lot 2, also fit with our existing Aviat network (staff training, the Aviat planning tool, shared spares) and support offered past the deployment. | 10 |
| Past performance on comparable Alaska or remote-site work | 10 |
Installation contractors
Installation of radios, antennas, enclosures, power plant, and hybrid fiber and power trunk at existing tower sites, by licensed Alaska contractors. Sites are reached by road, by air, and in seven cases by ferry. Contracts above $350,000 require a 5 percent bid guarantee and 100 percent performance and payment bonds.
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Price | 30 |
| Qualifications and safety: licenses, crew certifications, OSHA training, safety record | 25 |
| Federal program experience: prevailing wage, certified payroll, labor standards | 15 |
| Past performance on comparable Alaska or remote-site projects | 10 |
| Schedule: mobilization and crew availability | 10 |
| Capacity: insurance, subcontracting plan, and bonding for work above $350,000 | 10 |
Terms
- Award goes to the responsible respondent with the highest total score under the factors above, lot by lot and site by site.
- Every contract, lease, and purchase order includes the federal contract provisions required by 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II.
- This page is not an offer, and awards depend on federal funding. We may reject any or all responses, and respondents bear their own costs.