A structure is disclosed for connecting an electrically-connectable metal stiffener (402) to a ground connection within a flexible substrate (102), the stiffener comprising nickel-gold plated stainless steel. In one embodiment the stiffener is secured to the flexible substrate by a non- conducting adhesive (110) which includes an opening over a ground connection, the adhesive opening being filled by a conductive epoxy (302). A sequence for applying the disclosed materials discloses a method for attaching the stiffening structure to the flexible substrate.