The Effective Engagement Scale: Measuring How States and Tribes Are Collaborating in the BEAD Program

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes the single largest investment in broadband deployment in the history of the United States. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program allocates $42.5 billion to states to build out broadband infrastructure to every unserved and underserved location in their territories. BEAD also vests the states with the responsibility to engage directly with Tribal Nations within their territory. Tribal Nations have historically engaged with the United States in a government-to-government relationship, but the BEAD program requires states to demonstrate how they are working to assess and address the connectivity needs in Indian Country.

In this report, Sharayah Lane examines how states worked with Tribal Nations through a review of their BEAD plans. By analyzing states’ outreach, planning, and coordination activities, Lane developed the Effective Engagement Scale that locates states on a spectrum from simple notification (Level 1) to meaningful collaboration (Level 4).

1. Notification: Outreach to a Tribal Nation to provide program information. The formal process with a Tribal Nation typically includes a “Dear Tribal Leader” letter and does not require a response from the Tribal government.
2. Consultation: A mechanism for gathering feedback that includes a better understanding of the needs of Tribal Nations. This information is then used when outlining future plans.
3. Representation: A Tribal Nation is present in dialogue, and its feedback is systemically incorporated into any future decision-making processes.
4. Collaboration: Ongoing consultation and representation by all Tribal Nations in the state’s award process and subsequent program supports.