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

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

 

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.

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