Creates a stronger vetting process for companies that want to receive new high‑cost Universal Service Fund support to build broadband networks. Applicants must submit detailed plans that prove they have the technical, financial, and operational capacity to deliver.

It directs the FCC to start a rulemaking within 180 days to set the vetting rules, define evaluation criteria, and require minimum penalties when a winning applicant defaults before authorization. The aim is to ensure only capable providers win awards and to reduce project failures and delays in hard‑to‑serve areas.