The Maine Connectivity Authority ("MCA") is seeking proposals from qualified consultants (“Respondent”) to assist with the facilitation of Environmental and Historic Preservation compliance review in support of MCA in fulfillment of its role as Joint Lead Agency for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (“BEAD”) program. 

The BEAD program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is a federal grant program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build infrastructure where it is needed and increase adoption of high-speed internet.

As Joint Lead Agency, MCA is the primary administering agency for the BEAD program in the State of Maine, and must design a compliance program to support subgrant recipients (Subgrantees) in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation requirements, consistent with BEAD requirements.