The Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program, the first state-funded competitive broadband grant initiative in Kansas, focuses on expanding broadband infrastructure to bring high-quality internet service to Kansas homes, businesses, and communities. The importance of this effort became especially clear in 2020, as the demands of remote learning and work, telehealth services, online business, e-government, and everyday quality of life highlighted the urgent need for reliable broadband across the state.
The Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG 6.0) Program will invest $16.3 million in FY 2027 to help bridge the digital divide in Kansas. Individual awards of up to $2 million will be made to projects that expand access to high-quality, reliable broadband, with priority given to unserved areas, economically distressed communities, and locations of compelling need. Applicants are encouraged to work with community leaders and stakeholders to develop strategic and scalable projects that close critical access gaps, enhance quality of life, and strengthen the economic vitality of Kansas communities.
The KOBD will provide a collaborative partnership and overall support for BAG 6.0 Program Grantees by offering technical support related to reporting and compliance requirements, and supporting the applicable federal guidelines as listed in the following paragraphs.
In addition to periodic Grantee meetings, KOBD will streamline reporting by providing baseline reporting templates and clear expectations for grantees participating in the program. The monthly reporting includes the following:
KOBD acknowledges that changes in the overall implementation plan may be required once a project begins due to terrain challenges, equipment discontinuations, permitting delays or unforeseen circumstances. Material project changes must be disclosed to KOBD immediately and reported on the monthly report, prior to implementation. Examples of material changes include, but are not limited to, the following:
Upon receipt of material project change notification information, KOBD will review the potential project changes. The changes must be approved by KOBD prior to awardee implementing changes. Changes to the implementation plan without advanced KOBD notification and approval may result in a reduced budget and/or clawback actions. If there is any doubt to materiality of the potential project changes, awardees must engage KOBD to determine materiality. Failure to engage KOBD to determine materiality prior to change implementations may also result in a reduced budget and / or clawback actions. Expenditures incurred without prior approval of KOBD may be deemed unallowable and will not be reimbursed.
Closeout reporting will be required within 45 days of project completion. Project completion and submission of the closeout report are required prior to the final payment. Closeout reporting includes, but not limited to, the following:
Grantee shall create, maintain, and preserve sufficient records to demonstrate their compliance with the requirements of this program. The grantee shall provide all required records to KOBD promptly upon written request. KOBD requests may include, but not be limited to, the following:
The KOBD will require providers to support building and securing telecommunications networks through adherence to applicable federal guidelines:
Investments in Capital Projects must be carried out in ways that comply with applicable federal laws, including the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Among other requirements contained in 2 CFR Part 200, implements certain provisions of the NDAA. It contains prohibitions on the use of grant funds to procure or obtain certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment provided or produced by designated entities, including certain entities owned or controlled by the People’s Republic of China. In addition, 2 CFR 200.471 provides that certain telecommunications and video surveillance costs associated with 2 CFR 200.216 are unallowable.
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will have a public comment period related to the Broadband Acceleration Grant 6.0 submissions. In efforts to optimize broadband investment in Kansas, promote fiscally responsible practices, and ensure transparency, KOBD will seek public comment relative to projects requesting funding through the Broadband Acceleration Grant 6.0.
The comment period will open on June 15, 2026, and close on June 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. central.
Each Broadband Acceleration Grant 6.0 Public Project Proposal and Public Proposed Service Area Map (zip file with .KMZ map(s)) will be available for public consumption and comment. This public comment process is intended to allow the public, internet service providers, and interested stakeholders to provide feedback, support, or express concern to KOBD relative to each project seeking investment in broadband infrastructure projects. All comments collected during the public comment period will be posted as part of public disclosure, except for evidence with specific infrastructure assets deemed “proprietary.”
Questions about the public comment may be directed to KOBD at [email protected].
Questions regarding the application process will be accepted from the start of the application window, April 27, 2026, to the end of the application window on June 12, 2026, via email to KOBD: [email protected]. KOBD will review all submitted questions and provide a written response as appropriate. Answers will be posted to the KOBD webpage on a weekly basis with a final posting occurring on June 9, 2026. Questions received on June 10, 2026, may or may not be posted publicly prior to the application window closing.
The following Potentially Eligible Locations list contains potentially eligible broadband serviceable locations (BSLs). The applicant is responsible for determining whether the location is a legitimate location.
Second Thursdays of the month
10:30 a.m. central
via Microsoft Teams
Contact KOBD Public Affairs Manager Ben Stanton with questions: [email protected]
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