In addition to the suggested actions listed in § 2804.10, before you file your application you should:

(a) Schedule a preliminary application review meeting with the appropriate personnel in the BLM field office having jurisdiction over the lands you seek to use. Preliminary application review meetings help you to plan your project, coordinate with the BLM, and ensure a smooth permitting process. During the preliminary application review meeting, the BLM can:

(1) Identify potential constraints;

(2) Determine whether the lands are located inside a communications site management plan area;

(3) Tentatively schedule the processing of your proposed application; and

(4) Inform you of your financial obligations, such as processing and monitoring costs and rents.

(b) Request a copy of the most recent communications site management plan for that site if one is available.

(c) Ensure you have all other necessary licenses, authorizations, or permits required for the operation of your facility.

(a) You must file your application on a hard copy of Standard Form 299, available from any BLM office or electronically at http://www.blm.gov, and fill in the required information as completely as possible. The application must include the applicant's original signature or meet the BLM standards for electronic commerce. Your complete application must include the following:

(1) All necessary information under § 2804.12 of this chapter;

(2) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) call sign, or license, for all licensed uses;

(3) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) shapefiles, or equivalent format;

(4) Draft engineering/construction drawings of your proposed facility;

(5) Technical data related to your project; and

(6) Draft communications use plan of development.

(b) The BLM may at any time during the application process request additional information relevant to the permitting of your proposal. You must submit this information before the BLM will continue processing your application.

You must file an application for communications uses using Standard Form 299.

The BLM will process your communications uses application in accordance with the provisions in § 2804.25. The BLM will notify you in writing with an offer of an authorization or a denial of your application within 270 days of receiving a duly filed application.

In addition to the considerations listed in § 2804.26, the BLM may deny your application under this part if:

(a) The proposed use would interfere with previously authorized uses of public lands, including rights-of-way for communications uses;

(b) The proposed use presents a public health or safety issue; or

(c) The proposed use is not in conformance with the applicable resource management plan or communications site management plan.

The BLM will prioritize your application in a manner that assists in meeting the needs of underserved, rural, and Tribal communities and first responders to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure throughout the United States.