This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a vetting process for organizations applying to receive high-cost universal service program funding for rural broadband deployment. Applicants would need to demonstrate they have the technical, financial, and operational capabilities to build and operate broadband networks, along with a solid business plan before receiving any funding. The FCC must complete its rulemaking process within 180 days of the law's enactment and would evaluate applications against established technical standards and the applicant's track record with previous broadband funding programs. The bill also sets minimum penalties of $9,000 per violation for applicants who fail to meet their commitments before receiving authorization, with base forfeitures of at least 30 percent of awarded funds unless the FCC determines lower penalties are appropriate. This legislation aims to protect rural broadband funding by preventing awards to applicants unlikely to successfully complete their projects.