service which meets the minimum speed requirements described in subparagraph (A)(ii), and (C) is certified by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2). (2) Qualifying broadband project certification program (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall establish a qualifying broadband project certification program to consider and award certifications for qualified investments eligible for credits under this section. (B) Application period (i) In general Each applicant for certification under this paragraph shall submit an application containing such information as the Secretary may require during each annual application period. (ii) Annual application period For purposes of this paragraph, the term annual application period means a 60-day period beginning each calendar year on the date determined by the Secretary. (C) Nomination A project may not be certified under this paragraph unless— (i) the project is nominated by a State or local government in a single, uniform application that is submitted to the Secretary by each State on behalf of projects nominated by the State and by its localities, and (ii) such State or local government provides written assurances within the application under clause (i) that the project satisfies the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1). (D) Certification Not later than 60 days after the end of the annual application period, the Secretary, in consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall award certifications under this section. (e) Definitions For purposes of this section— (1) Eligible property The term eligible property means any property which is a part of a qualifying broadband project. (2) Rural area The term rural area has the meaning given such term under section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (