ARPA Community Wi-Fi Project

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) will implement a program for the deployment or expansion of Public Wi-Fi in New Mexico Communities.

​​$5,993,281.34 is available from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) - Capital Projects Fund (CPF). Through partnerships with state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other public bodies, OBAE will implement public Wi-Fi projects targeting communities with poor levels of connectivity and digital inclusion and provide them with sustainable, place-based solutions that improve infrastructure necessary for participation in work, education, and health monitoring.
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The program is a direct implementation program. OBAE will enter into intergovernmental agreements with eligible public entities who will complete public Wi-Fi projects. Funds are paid following the submission and approval of a Request for Reimbursement (RfR).

Who May Apply?

  • Municipal, county, and regional governments   
  • State agencies ​
Applicant-developed submissions include:
Applicant-developed submissions include:
  • Describe how the project invests in capital assets designed to directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.   
  • Explain how the project addresses a critical need resulting from, made apparent by, or exacerbated by the COVID19 public health emergency.   
  • Demonstrate how the project addresses a critical need in the community to be served.   
  • Describe how the applicant will incorporate participation of and engagement with communities with critical needs to shape project implementation and operations.   
  • Provide evidence of community support, which may include:  
    • Letters of support  
    • References  
  • Documentation describing specific needs and anticipated benefits for the impacted community  
  • Provide a Statement on Organization & Experience, including:  
    • ​Organizational background  
    • Project team organizational chart  
    • Project team personnel  
  • Provide documentation showing clear proof of tribal consent (if applicable) for each Tribal government authority whose land is involved.  
  • Confirm that the project will be substantially complete by December 31, 2026.  Expenses incurred after December 31, 2026 will not be eligible for reimbursement. ​

How to Apply

Project plans must be submitted through the portal on Submittable.
​Click on the APPLY NOW button below.

OBAE templates include:
Scope of Work Template (SOW), Budget Template, and Project Schedule Template are necessary to complete the application process.

​Mandatory Templates are provided below: 
  1. Scope of Work (SOW): NM Community Wi-Fi  SOW Template PDF
  2. Project Timeline: NM Community Wi-Fi Project Schedule Template XLS 
  3. Project Budget: NM Community Wi-Fi Budget Template XLS

Timeline

OBAE funding for the Community Wi-Fi Digital Connectivity Technology Project expires on December 31, 2026. Projects will be selected based on urgency of the identified issue, and the ability of the entity to execute the project quickly to satisfy the issue.
Project Phases
Dates
OBAE publishes program documentation and application materials
June 17, 2026
OBAE accepts and reviews proposals
June 17-July 15, 2026
OBAE approves proposals
July 15, 2026
OBAE  executes agreements for selected proposals
July 15-31, 2026
Projects are implemented
August 1-December 31, 2026

Eligibility

Projects requiring the purchase and/or installation of devices and equipment to facilitate community members public access to broadband wireless internet are eligible under the Capital Projects Fund Program.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Projects to Receive Funding
Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Projects to Receive Funding
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  • The Project must be located within the State of New Mexico.
  • The Project must deploy Wi-Fi access that is made available for public use within a publicly accessible facility.
  • The Project must be designed to deliver broadband service with a minimum performance of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
  • The Project must invest in capital assets that directly enable work, education, and health-monitoring activities, consistent with CPF statutory purpose.
  • The Project must address a critical need that resulted from, was made apparent by, or was exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • Must show funding to operate and maintain the equipment and community access for at least five years from completion of project.
  • Grantees must comply with all applicable procurement and administrative requirements in 2 CFR 200.318–200.327.
  • Applicants must use all required templates issued by the State of New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE). Applications are not considered complete unless all required templates are submitted.
  • The maximum award amount is $2,000,000 per project. No non-federal match is required.
  • Only expenses incurred before the end of Period of Performance, 12/31/2026 are eligible for reimbursement.​

Project selection

OBAE will solicit eligible entities to submit proposals. OBAE funding for the Community Wi-Fi Digital Connectivity Technology Project expires on December 31, 2026. Projects will be selected based on urgency of the identified issue, and the ability of the entity to execute the project quickly to satisfy the issue.

Use of funds

Eligible expenses:
Allowable costs are determined in accordance with the cost principles identified in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E. Federal funds committed to an award may only be used to cover allowable costs incurred during the period of performance and for allowable closeout costs incurred during the grant closeout process. Cost sharing is not a requirement for the use of these funds.
Eligible Expenses include:
A non-exhaustive list of Eligible Expenses includes:
  • Direct costs related to preparing the application or project plan.
  • Data gathering, feasibility studies, community engagement, public feedback processes, digital equity assessments and planning, needs assessment.
  • Equipment to facilitate broadband internet access is eligible for funding under the Capital Projects Fund program where accessibility has been identified as a barrier to adoption and use. Permitted equipment includes equipment installed as part of public wi-fi infrastructure (e.g., access points, repeaters, routers).
  • Personnel costs, including salaries and fringe benefits for staff and consultants required for the implementation of the Project; and
  • Costs associated with the collection, monitoring, and reporting of data as required under the terms of this Agreement.


INeligible EXPENSES INCLUDE:
The following non-exhaustive list of expenditures are not eligible uses of the Grant:
  • Acquisition of spectrum licenses.
  • Operations and maintenance costs.
  • Short-term operating leases.
  • Payment of interest or principal on outstanding debt instruments, or other debt service costs.
  • Fees or issuance costs associated with the issuance of new debt.
  • Satisfaction of any obligation arising under or pursuant to a settlement agreement, judgment, consent decree, or judicially confirmed debt restructuring plan in a judicial, administrative, or regulatory proceeding.
  • To support or oppose collective bargaining, except that this does not affect the ability to use funds to comply with 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4.
  • Any expense for which Grantee receives other federal or state funding or reimbursement.
  • Expenditures related to land buildings, structures, improvements, or equipment not directly used to support the deployment of a broadband network.


Reimbursement

  • Funds are paid following the submission and approval of the Reimbursement Request Form through [email protected].
  • ​Only expenses incurred before the end of Period of Performance, 12/31/2026, are eligible for reimbursement.
  • Final reimbursement must be submitted by March 31, 2027.

Cybersecurity

  • The entity must have a cybersecurity risk management plan in place or that is ready to be operationalized upon providing service from the Project described in the Scope of Work.
  • The Plan must align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework and the applicable standards and controls set forth in Executive Order 14028 and specify the security and privacy controls being implemented.

Reporting requirements

Quarterly Progress Reports:
Quarterly Progress Reports:
  • Due 20 days after each calendar quarter. Reports must include:
  • Financials: project spending, grant funds received, matching funds used (not required).
  • Project progress: milestones for design, procurement of equipment, installation, testing, and service launch.
Close Out Report:
Close Out Report:
  • Due 90 days after project completion, termination, or final grant expenditure. Reports must include:
  • Financials: total expenditures, grant funds received, matching funds, and explanation of spending vs. budget.
  • Address(es) from where devices were installed or other location information as appropriate
    • Device type (Select all that apply)
    • Laptops
    • Desktop Computers
    • Tablets
    • Public Wi-Fi Equipment
    • Other
  • For each selected device type, provide: (Planned/Actual)
    • Total number of devices purchased
    • Total expenditure
  • Total number of individuals using community wi-fi (Planned/Actual)
  • A brief narrative explaining the number and types of digital literacy trainings and other support services provided to enable use of the wireless network, including the number of individuals who attend or make use of the trainings and support services (Proposed/Actual)
  • Measuring of the project’s effectiveness and impact through data collection, such as surveys?
  • Wireless coverage area.
Annual Post-Completion Updates (5 years):
Annual Post-Completion Updates (5 years):
  • Due each January 31 for five years after substantial completion. Reports must include:
  • Number of users of the community Wi-Fi.
  • Digital literacy: outcomes of literacy or adoption initiatives.
  • Network performance: speed and latency results.
    • Maximum speeds and explanation of any variations.
    • Including speeds during peak usage.

Key documents

CONTACT

Andy Exell
ARPA-CPF Coordinator
Phone: 505-490-2818
[email protected]
​​CONTACT: [email protected]
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