Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans and Grants (10.855)
Program
10.855 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans and Grants
Federal Agency
RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Authorization
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Title VII, Public Law 104-127, 7 U.S.C 950.
Program Number
10.855
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To encourage and improve the use of telemedicine, telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies to provide educational and medical benefits through distance learning and telemedicine projects to people living in rural areas and to improve rural opportunities.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants; Direct Loans.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Telecommunications, computer networks and related advanced technologies that provide educational and/or medical benefits to students, teachers, medical professionals and rural residents. Grants are limited up to 70 percent of the eligible costs of a project. Cost of money loans may be provided up to 100 percent of the eligible costs. Eligible costs depend on the type of financial assistance being requested; i.e., grant or loan. See 7 CFR Part 1703 for details.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Organizations such as schools, libraries, hospitals, medical centers, or other eligible organizations that will be users of a telecommunications, computer network, or related advanced technology system to provide educational and/or medical benefits to rural residents. The applicant must not be delinquent on any Federal debt.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The people living in rural areas and to improve rural opportunities, particularly in the areas of education, training and medical services.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication form, OMB Standard Form 424, RUS will assist in the preparation of the form. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 (7 CFR 3015). This program is not subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-102.
Application Procedure
Submit application Form 424; non-delinquent on any Federal obligations; consultation with USDA State Director; evidence of legal existence and authority to perform the proposed grant activities; a comprehensive rural telecommunications plan; scope of work plan, executive summary for the project: financial information; a statement of experience; funding commitment from other sources; proposed evaluation methodology; compliance by Federal statutes and regulations (compliance with scoring criteria) and environmental impact; depreciation schedule covering all assets of the project; supplemental information and required additional RUS information.
Award Procedure
RUS selects projects to be funded.
Deadlines
Applications for grant funding must be submitted by March 2, 2001. Applicants will be notified within 15 working days of the receipt of the application. Loan applications may be submitted anytime and loans are approved through out the year.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Applicant may appeal the numerical scoring to the Secretary in writing within 10 days after applicant is notified of the scoring level.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no formula requirements. Grant funding will be provided up to 70 percent of the total project. A 30 percent matching contribution will be required from the applicant. No matching is required for applicants requesting loans.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Advanced monthly or as needed to reimburse disbursements for approved grant purposes. Applicants generally have three years to spend funds. Extensions may be granted.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
SF 269, "Financial Status Report," and project performance activity report required annually.
Audits
An audit report is required for the years in which funds are received.
Records
Grantee will provide evidence that funds are expended for approved purposes.
Program Accomplishments
During fiscal year 2001, 89 projects received funding.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-1232-0-1-452.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $19,257,000; FY 03 est $27,572,007; and FY 04 est $30,000,000. (Loans) FY 02 $6,059,674; FY 03 est $300,000,000; and FY 04 est $300,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Varies and not to exceed amount established by RUS Administrator.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Proposed, 7 CFR 1703D.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4056, South Building, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 202500-1500. Telephone: (202) 720-9554. Use the same number for FTS.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Interactive rural education networks, remote health care units linkups, computer terminals video and audio equipment, and other medical link or distance learning projects.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
