Fiber and Broadband Coordination Utilizing Dig Once

CDOT Pull Box Lid
Crew Installing Conduit
Fiber Optic Marker

Overview

The Dig Once program is a collaborative initiative by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) designed to coordinate efforts with interested partners seeking to participate in the potential joint planning and deployment of broadband infrastructure projects. By alerting broadband providers and other interested entities when upcoming state-funded projects offer the opportunity to install conduit, fiber, or similar infrastructure, CDOT reduces deployment barriers, minimizes repeated excavation, and optimizes investment in Colorado’s digital future.  

This program operates in compliance with state law CO Rev Stat § 38-5.5-109 and the federal 2018 MOBILE NOW Act (Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act).

Stay Informed

Partners have two primary methods for monitoring upcoming Dig Once opportunities and announcements.

Broadband Open Trench Notification List

Please visit the Broadband Open Trench Notification List page to view the current list. To receive direct updates and official notifications, entities must subscribe to our mailing list:

  • Step 1: Email [email protected].
  • Step 2: Use the subject line: Dig Once Notification Subscription.
  • Step 3: You will receive a reply containing a mandatory registration form.
  • Step 4: Complete and submit the form to finalize your enrollment in the notification system.

Important: If the registration form does not appear in your inbox immediately, please check your spam or junk folder.

Interactive Dig Once Dashboard

For real-time monitoring and geographic visualization of opportunities, partners may access the Dig Once Dashboard. This platform provides a centralized view of active announcements.

Participation Guidelines

For entities seeking to participate in a listed Dig Once opportunity:

  • Step 1: Navigate to the Fiber Leases & Right of Way (ROW) Use page.
  • Step 2: Review and follow the instructions provided under CDOT’s Public-Private Initiatives Program (PPI).
  • Step 3: When submitting an unsolicited proposal, please explicitly state that the proposal is related to a Dig Once project and include the specific Dig Once project name.

The Fiber Leases & Right of Way (ROW) Use page serves as the primary resource for detailed information regarding fee structures, the permit process, and PPI program requirements.

The Importance of Master Agreements (MSA/IGA)

Efficiency is critical when coordinating with time-sensitive state construction schedules. CDOT strongly encourages all partners to have a Master Service Agreement (MSA) or Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) executed well in advance of project opportunities.

Establishing a new master agreement is a comprehensive legal process that can take over two years, often exceeding the window for active construction participation. Having a master agreement already in place allows for the rapid execution of project-specific agreements.

Agreement Execution Timelines

Here are the estimated execution times based on the status of a MSA: 

  • Without Existing Master Agreement: 13–26 Months
  • With Existing Master Agreement: 6-8 Weeks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Partners

Below is a list of FAQ's: 

  • Does CDOT’s Dig Once program apply to all utilities?
    •  No. The Dig Once program is specifically designed for and applies exclusively to broadband infrastructure projects. 
  • What are the fees, shared savings, and overall cost effectiveness of participating in the Dig Once program?
    • Financial and logistical factors are highly project-dependent. For specific details on the fee structure and the Public-Private Initiatives (PPI) process, please visit the Fiber Leases & Right of Way (ROW) Use page. 
  • Is participation guaranteed if I apply for a Dig Once opportunity? 
    • The program is designed to facilitate collaboration and coordination; however, it does not constitute a guarantee of involvement in any specific state-funded project.
  • Do I need a main agreement in place before submitting an unsolicited proposal?
    • While not strictly prohibited, CDOT strongly encourages having a main agreement (MSA/IGA) established beforehand. Because new agreements require 13 to 26 months to execute, the timeline often conflicts with the immediate needs of state-funded projects. An existing master agreement reduces this timeline to just 2 to 4 months. 
  • How much time in advance does CDOT notify Partners of state-funded Dig Once opportunities?
    • CDOT typically notifies partners of Dig Once opportunities approximately one year or more prior to the project’s official Advertisement Date.

Support and Contact Information

For technical support, program inquiries, or specific concerns, please contact our team:

Please include all relevant project details and questions in the body of your email to ensure a thorough response.

Legal Disclaimer 

Disclaimer: The announcement of Dig Once opportunities by the Colorado Department of Transportation on this website is solely intended to facilitate collaboration with the Colorado Department of Transportation and does not constitute an offer, promise, or guarantee of involvement and/or participation in any specific project, program or initiative. Any future involvement and/or participation in the Colorado Department of Transportation projects will be subject to separate express agreements, eligibility requirements, and selection processes at the sole discretion of the Colorado Department of Transportation. CDOT shall not be liable for any inadvertent omission of any announcement or publication of a Dig Once opportunity, nor for any clerical, administrative, or typographical errors in any posted project information, including but not limited to errors or omissions relating to project location, scope, timing, or other details.