--- title: BEAD & E-ACAM Cybersecurity Compliance | BorderHawk description: BorderHawk helps telecom carriers and co-ops meet BEAD and E-ACAM cybersecurity attestation requirements with NIST CSF-aligned risk plans. --- [Skip to content](https://www.borderhawk.com/bead-and-e-acam-consulting#main-content) [![BorderHawk Logo in White.](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BorderHawk%20Logos%20and%20Images/BorderHawk%20Logo%20in%20White..png?width=3050&height=975&name=BorderHawk%20Logo%20in%20White..png) ![BorderHawk LLC Logo Transparent Background](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BorderHawk%20Logos%20and%20Images/BorderHawk%20LLC%20Logo%20Transparent%20Background.png?width=3050&height=975&name=BorderHawk%20LLC%20Logo%20Transparent%20Background.png)](https://www.borderhawk.com?hsLang=en) [Contact Us](https://www.borderhawk.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.borderhawk.com) - Solutions - [Cybersecurity Consulting](https://www.borderhawk.com/cybersecurity-consulting) - [Assessments](https://www.borderhawk.com/risk-assessments) - [Overwatch](https://www.borderhawk.com/overwatch-framework) - [M365/Endpoint Review](https://www.borderhawk.com/microsoft-cloud-and-endpoint-review) - [IR/BCDR Program Development](https://www.borderhawk.com/ir-bcdr-program-development) - Requirements - [CMMC](https://www.borderhawk.com/cmmc-consulting) - [BEAD / E-ACAM](https://www.borderhawk.com/bead-and-e-acam-consulting) - [HIPAA](https://www.borderhawk.com/hipaa-consulting) - [SOC](https://www.borderhawk.com/soc-2-consulting) - [PCI-DSS](https://www.borderhawk.com/pci-dss-consulting) - [About Us](https://www.borderhawk.com/about-us) - (470) 945-1979 ## **BEAD and E-ACAM Cybersecurity Compliance Consulting** #### Meet Your BEAD and E-ACAM Cybersecurity and Risk Management Compliance Requirements We work with telecommunications companies and co-ops nationwide to safeguard CPNI and ensure adherence to the grant requirements in BEAD and E-ACAM. Our information risk and cybersecurity services align your internal processes and leadership's expectations to get you ready for future FCC regulatory mandates. [![Talk to an Expert](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/22562447/interactive-192914496395.png)](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJIjlN%2F607yV6wLnnKAjncjizDY5RZmKEU6J0lI1kQMdkozXQXaRc8MJbzuHviGZ%2BvdorkVs90i%2FduTBOFxuUiGLLxlt4pHd1CBFsARYwA1CLnWDDRQ9KSqBvTOC4L09eHoomq%2BuGCGNbgTHg1hrkyL1MvQU31eRVgQBUbTKL44WXo%2BlaoP9IffYmcuBoU9siQLumDBIrl%2BPhx6bRADZnoqPjVqoT%2FvxLzCT95I3EikRfhNfdLDE1HDDJPos1RLfcwRZ54MUQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192914496395&portalId=22562447&hsLang=en) ### BEAD and E-ACAM Requirements The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) programs are two major federal initiatives aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across the United States. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and administered by the NTIA and FCC respectively, these programs allocate billions of dollars to support broadband infrastructure in underserved and rural areas. As part of this investment, both programs include strict cybersecurity and compliance requirements to ensure that taxpayer-funded networks are secure, resilient, and aligned with national standards. Entities that must comply with BEAD and E-ACAM requirements include state broadband offices (for BEAD) and telecommunications carriers (for E-ACAM) that receive federal funding to deploy or maintain broadband networks. These organizations are responsible for not only building infrastructure but also implementing robust cybersecurity and supply chain risk management practices. Compliance is mandatory for funding eligibility, and failure to meet requirements - such as submitting certified cybersecurity plans - can result in withheld payments or disqualification from the programs. ### BEAD The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is a federal initiative created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), BEAD allocates over $42 billion to states and territories to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved communities. The program aims to close the digital divide by ensuring that every American has access to reliable, affordable internet service. Recent reforms to BEAD have emphasized a technology-neutral approach, reduced regulatory burdens, and prioritized cost-effective deployment strategies to maximize the impact of federal investment. ### E-ACAM The Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) is a funding mechanism managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provides financial support to rate-of-return carriers that agree to meet specific broadband deployment obligations in rural and high-cost areas. E-ACAM offers a predictable funding model in exchange for commitments to expand and maintain broadband service to locations that might otherwise be economically unfeasible to serve. The program includes strict compliance requirements, including cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans, to ensure that supported networks are secure, resilient, and aligned with federal standards. ### Protecting Systems While these programs do not directly protect personal data like HIPAA or CMMC frameworks, they do require recipients to safeguard critical infrastructure and operational data. This includes protecting network configurations, system access credentials, and any sensitive information related to broadband deployment. The emphasis is on securing the systems and supply chains that support broadband delivery, ensuring that networks funded by BEAD and E-ACAM are not vulnerable to cyber threats or foreign interference. ![Network Equipment](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Rebuild%20Photos%202025/Network%20Equipment.png?width=1417&height=853&name=Network%20Equipment.png) ### What Are You Attesting To A key compliance element for both the BEAD and E-ACAM programs is the attestation requirement, which ensures that recipients of federal broadband funding have robust cybersecurity and supply chain risk management (SCRM) plans in place. For BEAD, prospective subgrantees must formally attest that they have a cybersecurity risk management plan that is either operational or ready to be operationalized upon service delivery. This plan must be submitted to the state or territory administering the funds before any allocation is made and must be updated periodically or when significant changes occur. Similarly, under E-ACAM, telecommunications carriers must submit certified cybersecurity and SCRM plans to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). If a carrier fails to submit or certify its plan by the required deadline, it faces a 25% reduction in monthly support payments until compliance is achieved.   The attestation is not a mere formality - it confirms that the organization's cybersecurity plan aligns with federal standards, specifically the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and Executive Order 14028. The plan must detail the security and privacy controls being implemented, demonstrate readiness to protect critical infrastructure, and reflect a commitment to continuous improvement. It must also incorporate guidance from NIST SP 800-161 and NISTIR 8276 for managing supply chain risks. These attestations serve as a formal declaration of compliance and accountability, ensuring that only organizations with credible, standards-based cybersecurity strategies are entrusted with building and maintaining federally funded broadband networks. ### NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) Both BEAD and E-ACAM require alignment with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), a widely adopted set of guidelines for managing cybersecurity risk. The CSF provides a flexible structure based on six core functions - Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover - and is designed to help organizations of all sizes improve their cybersecurity posture. E-ACAM recipients must specifically reference the latest version of the NIST CSF in their cybersecurity plans, ensuring that their practices reflect current best practices and federal expectations. ### Other NIST Frameworks In addition to the CSF, E-ACAM recipients must also incorporate guidance from NIST SP 800-161 and NISTIR 8276, which focus on supply chain risk management. These documents outline key practices for identifying and mitigating risks associated with third-party vendors, hardware, and software components. This requirement reflects growing concern over supply chain vulnerabilities and ensures that broadband networks are built with secure, vetted technologies. ### Risk Assessments Both BEAD and E-ACAM emphasize the importance of risk assessments as a foundational element of cybersecurity planning. Recipients must regularly evaluate their systems for vulnerabilities, assess the likelihood and impact of potential threats, and implement mitigation strategies accordingly. These assessments must be updated whenever there are significant changes to the organization's risk profile and are critical for maintaining compliance, securing infrastructure, and protecting the integrity of federally funded broadband projects. ### How We Can Help You   ### Community The BorderHawk Community, composed of security and compliance professional, offers strategic value to leadership and risk management teams. Within the community, leaders gain access to real-time insights on emerging threats, regulatory updates, and proven mitigation strategies - shared by BorderHawk experts and peers who face similar challenges. This collective intelligence accelerates decision-making, enhances incident response readiness, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. For compliance officers and CISOs, the ability to benchmark practices, validate interpretations of complex regulations, and source solutions to nuanced problems reduces isolation and increases confidence in their programs. Ultimately, the BorderHawk community strengthens organizational resilience and ensures that security and compliance efforts are both proactive and aligned with industry best practices. ![Community Engagement](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Rebuild%20Photos%202025/Community%20Engagement.png?width=1149&height=790&name=Community%20Engagement.png) ![Risk Assessment](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Rebuild%20Photos%202025/Risk%20Assessment.png?width=1413&height=853&name=Risk%20Assessment.png)   ### Risk Assessment Risk assessments are essential for any organization aiming to maintain strong security and compliance postures. They provide a structured approach to identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating potential threats, and understanding the impact of security incidents on sensitive information. By regularly conducting risk assessments, organizations can prioritize resources effectively, implement targeted safeguards, and demonstrate due diligence in meeting their regulatory, contractual, and internal requirements. Risk assessments not only reduce the likelihood of data breaches and compliance violations, but also build trust with patients, partners, and regulators by showing a proactive commitment to protecting sensitive information. In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, risk assessments are not just a regulatory checkbox - they are a strategic necessity. ### Overwatch Compliance Framework A detailed compliance framework is critical for organization to navigate the complex landscape of regulatory and contractual mandates. Such a framework provides a structured, repeatable approach to managing policies, processes, incident response, and security controls - ensuring that every aspect of compliance is addressed systematically.  The rigor the Overwatch Framework brings helps eliminate gaps, reduce human error, and align internal practices with external expectations. Moreover, a well-documented framework enhances accountability, simplifies audits, and enables faster adaptation to regulatory changes. The Overwatch Framework transforms compliance from a reactive obligation into a proactive, strategic asset that supports operational excellence and builds stakeholder trust. ![Overwatch-just-logo](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Overwatch-just-logo.png?width=300&height=300&name=Overwatch-just-logo.png) [![Q4 Special](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/22562447/interactive-192964813673.png)](https://www.borderhawk.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJH4eebN2N2XM7pF%2FcMX31zskz%2BmxfYnViDIh07d81PW4%2FLC0aMmo7aSMAwaDv68%2FO4wq1al7%2BOS6f2vBPKcXWou19FH1PkMErL%2BwTwFbvR5UmNSaeWIKSl8JloYr1%2BtlMTBimFvmCMkhRX2%2FMLBh1Tz8EAspw3QA12tv474iTS3XyIcGj%2Fzs8IUbHR6bZpsuW2L14bavRDMmYyDw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192964813673&portalId=22562447&hsLang=en)   ### FAQs - #### What cybersecurity requirements come with BEAD funding?  BEAD subgrantees must develop and maintain cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, addressing network resilience, deployment requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations tied to the funding. - #### What is E-ACAM and how does it relate to BEAD?  Enhanced A-CAM (E-ACAM) is a separate FCC universal service subsidy for rate-of-return carriers that carries its own cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plan requirement, submitted to and certified with USAC — similar in spirit to BEAD's requirements but administered separately. - #### When did E-ACAM cybersecurity plan requirements take effect?  Enhanced A-CAM recipients were required to implement operational cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans and certify compliance to USAC by early January 2024, with updated plans required whenever a substantive modification occurs. - #### Do our cybersecurity plans need to follow a specific framework?  Yes — both BEAD and E-ACAM cybersecurity plans are expected to reflect the latest version of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, rather than an internally developed or ad hoc approach. - #### What happens if we don't submit or update our required cybersecurity plan?  Non-compliance can affect funding — for example, Enhanced A-CAM support can be withheld until a carrier comes into compliance, and BEAD subgrantee funding is likewise conditioned on meeting cybersecurity obligations. - #### Who typically needs BorderHawk's help with BEAD/E-ACAM compliance?  Primarily telecom carriers, broadband co-ops, and other subgrantees or subsidy recipients that need to build, document, and certify a cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plan for the first time or update an existing one. - #### What counts as a "substantive modification" that requires resubmitting our plan?  A substantive modification generally includes meaningful changes to your risk mitigation strategies — such as implementing a new encryption protocol or otherwise materially changing how the plan addresses identified risks — and must be submitted within 30 days of the change. - #### How is this different from general cybersecurity consulting?  BEAD/E-ACAM engagements are built specifically around the certification and submission requirements of those funding programs, rather than a general-purpose security program — though the underlying NIST CSF work overlaps significantly with BorderHawk's broader consulting. - #### Can BorderHawk help with the supply chain risk management portion, not just cybersecurity? Yes — supply chain risk management is a required companion to the cybersecurity plan under both BEAD and E-ACAM, and BorderHawk addresses both together rather than treating them as separate deliverables. - #### What's the first step if we've received BEAD or E-ACAM funding and haven't started on cybersecurity requirements yet?  The first step is a gap assessment against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to identify what's already in place, followed by building the required plan and preparing it for submission and certification to USAC or the relevant administering body. ##### Who We Are Who We Are - [Home](https://www.borderhawk.com) - [About Us](https://www.borderhawk.com/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.borderhawk.com/contact-us) ##### What We Do What We Do - [Consulting](https://www.borderhawk.com/cybersecurity-consulting) - [Assessments](https://www.borderhawk.com/risk-assessments) - [Program Development](https://www.borderhawk.com/overwatch-framework) - [M365 Review](https://www.borderhawk.com/microsoft-cloud-and-endpoint-review) ##### Why Do We Do It Why Do We Do It - [BEAD/E-ACAM](https://www.borderhawk.com/bead-and-e-acam-consulting) - [CMMC](https://www.borderhawk.com/cmmc-consulting) - [HIPAA](https://www.borderhawk.com/hipaa-consulting) - [SOC](https://www.borderhawk.com/soc-2-consulting) - [PCI-DSS](https://www.borderhawk.com/pci-dss-consulting) [![BorderHawk Logo in White.](https://www.borderhawk.com/hubfs/BorderHawk%20Logos%20and%20Images/BorderHawk%20Logo%20in%20White..png)](https://www.borderhawk.com?hsLang=en) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.borderhawk.com/privacy-policy) - [Community Terms of Use](https://www.borderhawk.com/community-terms-of-use) © 2026 BorderHawk, LLC ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Cartersville", "addressRegion" : "GA" }, "areaServed" : "US", "description" : "BorderHawk delivers tailored cybersecurity compliance, risk assessments, and Overwatch consulting for critical infrastructure, defense, healthcare, and enterprise sectors.", "logo" : "https://www.borderhawk.com/hubfs/BorderHawk%20Logos%20and%20Images/BorderHawk%20Logo%20in%20White..png", "name" : "BorderHawk, LLC", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/borderhawk-llc" ], "telephone" : "+1-470-945-1979", "url" : "https://www.borderhawk.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Service", "areaServed" : "US", "audience" : { "@type" : "Audience", "audienceType" : "Critical infrastructure organizations (Communications, Defense Industrial Base, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Transportation, Manufacturing, Local Government, Data Centers, Law Practices)" }, "description" : "Developing a cybersecurity program requires more than the technology used to manage the business. 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