Opportunity Information: Apply for 2026 NTIA TBCP
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to distribute remaining program funds authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and later expanded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), codified at 47 U.S.C. 1705. The purpose of this round is to continue closing broadband gaps in Tribal communities by supporting both broadband infrastructure and practical adoption efforts that help people actually use high-quality internet service for essential day-to-day needs.
At its core, the program funds projects that either expand access to broadband service on Tribal Land or strengthen adoption and use through programs tied to remote learning, telework, and telehealth. That means applicants may propose buildout and deployment activities that extend service where it is unavailable or inadequate, and they may also propose non-deployment initiatives that help community members benefit from connectivity through education, workforce participation, and healthcare access delivered online. The opportunity is structured to recognize that connectivity is not only about laying fiber or installing towers; it is also about ensuring residents, students, workers, and patients can reliably use connected services in ways that improve outcomes.
Eligibility is limited to specific Tribal and Native entities defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Eligible applicants include Tribal Governments; Tribal Colleges or Universities; the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands applying on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community (including Native Hawaiian Education Programs); Tribal organizations; and Alaska Native Corporations. Applicants are directed to Section III of the NOFO for the detailed eligibility rules and any additional documentation requirements tied to each entity type.
Key administrative details from the listing indicate this is a grant (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) under a discretionary opportunity category, with an activity category labeled as Science and Technology and other Research and Development and a CFDA number of 11.029. The opportunity is associated with the U.S. Department of Commerce and references DOC NIST ERA in the agency field in the source data. The funding opportunity number is listed as "2026 NTIA TBCP," with an original closing date of September 17, 2026, and a creation date of June 17, 2026. The listing anticipates roughly 150 awards, while an award ceiling amount is not specified in the provided source data.
Overall, TBCP is aimed at enabling Tribal and Native communities to improve broadband availability and meaningful use, with projects expected to support community priorities such as education access, economic participation through remote work, and improved healthcare delivery through telehealth, all while focusing benefits on Tribal Lands and the populations served by eligible entities.Apply for 2026 NTIA TBCP
- The DOC NIST ERA in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.029.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-17.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 150 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) FAQs
What is the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP)?
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) is a discretionary federal grant program run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This round is intended to distribute remaining program funds authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and later expanded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), codified at 47 U.S.C. 1705.
What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to continue closing broadband gaps in Tribal communities by supporting (1) broadband infrastructure projects that expand access to service on Tribal Land and (2) practical broadband adoption efforts that help people use high-quality internet service for essential day-to-day needs.
Who runs this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
What kinds of projects does TBCP fund?
TBCP funds projects that either expand access to broadband service on Tribal Land or strengthen adoption and use through programs tied to remote learning, telework, and telehealth. In practice, that can include buildout and deployment activities as well as non-deployment initiatives designed to help community members benefit from connectivity.
Does this program only fund infrastructure like fiber or towers?
No. The opportunity is structured to recognize that connectivity is not only about deploying infrastructure. It also supports adoption and meaningful use efforts so residents, students, workers, and patients can reliably use connected services in ways that improve outcomes.
Are both deployment and non-deployment activities eligible?
Based on the opportunity description, yes. Applicants may propose broadband buildout and deployment to extend service where it is unavailable or inadequate, and they may also propose non-deployment initiatives that support remote learning, telework, and telehealth adoption and use.
What are examples of the "adoption" outcomes this program is trying to support?
The program emphasizes practical adoption and use tied to essential needs, including education access (remote learning), economic participation and workforce engagement (telework), and healthcare access (telehealth).
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to specific Tribal and Native entities defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The listing identifies eligible applicants as:
- Tribal Governments
- Tribal Colleges or Universities
- The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands applying on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community (including Native Hawaiian Education Programs)
- Tribal organizations
- Alaska Native Corporations
Where can applicants find the detailed eligibility rules?
Applicants are directed to Section III of the NOFO for detailed eligibility requirements and any additional documentation requirements tied to each eligible entity type.
Is this a formula grant or a competitive/discretionary grant?
This is identified as a discretionary federal grant opportunity.
What is the funding instrument type?
The funding instrument type is a Grant.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The listing provides a CFDA number of 11.029.
What is the activity category for the opportunity?
The activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is listed as "2026 NTIA TBCP."
What is the application deadline?
The original closing date shown in the listing is September 17, 2026.
When was this opportunity created?
The listing shows a creation date of June 17, 2026.
How many awards are expected?
The listing anticipates roughly 150 awards.
Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
An award ceiling amount is not specified in the provided source data.
What is the legal authority for the program?
The program funds are authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and later expanded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The program is codified at 47 U.S.C. 1705.
What geographic or community focus does the program prioritize?
The program is aimed at improving broadband availability and meaningful use in Tribal and Native communities, with benefits focused on Tribal Lands and the populations served by eligible entities.
What does the program mean by closing "broadband gaps"?
Within the context provided, closing broadband gaps includes extending broadband service to places where it is unavailable or inadequate, and pairing connectivity with adoption and use activities so community members can effectively use high-quality internet service for daily needs.
Which federal department is this opportunity associated with?
The opportunity is associated with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
What agency reference is shown in the listing data?
The source data references "DOC NIST ERA" in the agency field, while also describing the program as run by NTIA.
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