Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Links: Sam.gov listing; USDA program page
To establish distance learning or telemedicine networks in rural areas.
Average award: $476,000 in FY2021
Number of awards: 110 in FY2021
Cost share/matching required: Yes
Most recent deadline: July 8, 2022
Expected Award Cycle: Annual
Historically, applications have been available in the spring (April 29, 2022) with a summer deadline for submission (July 8, 2022).
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. DLT supports the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. These grants are intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope.
The award range was $50,000 to $1,000,000 with a FY2021 average of $476,000. The program allows for loans, grants, and a combination loan and grant for eligible organizations. Applicants have three years to spend the funds. One extension may be granted. Grant applicants must demonstrate matching contributions, in cash or in kind (new or non-depreciated items), of at least 15% of the requested amount.
Eligibility requirements have been changing under COVID-19 legislation; check details for the round of interest to verify eligibility. The intent of the DLT program is to benefit rural areas (populations of 20,000 or less and not contiguous and adjacent to urban areas > 50,000). While some projects could include end-users in more urbanized areas, the Agency will evaluate projects based on their benefit to rural areas. To be eligible to receive support the applicant must be legally organized as an incorporated organization, an Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304, a state or local unit of government, a consortium, or other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis. Each applicant must provide evidence of its legal capacity to contract with the Rural Utilities Service to obtain the grant and comply with all applicable requirements. To meet rurality requirements, projects will either operate a rural community facility or deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas at rates calculated to ensure that the benefit of the financial assistance is passed through to such entities or to residents of rural areas.
- $86,475 to Foothills Education Center, Inc. (GA) in 2021 for a Telehealth Outreach Program at Foothills Education Charter High School that will serve 700 students in nine different rural school locations.
- $322,266 to Kushunamiut School District (AK) in 2021 to connect the Cup’ik Alaska Native students, faculty, and staff through distance learning in the Chevak Village.
- $715,890 to Navajo County Community College District (AZ) in 2021 for distance learning video conferencing equipment for 22 secondary and post-secondary rural schools serving tribal communities
Prior to applying, applicants must consult with the USDA State Director for Rural Development about the availability of other sources of available funding. Grant applications include application for federal assistance; executive summary; evidence of legal existence and authority to perform the proposed grant activities; a comprehensive rural telecommunications plan; scope of work plan; financial information; statement of experience; funding commitment from other sources; compliance with Federal statutes and regulations (compliance with scoring criteria); information on historic preservation and environmental impact; supplemental information; and required additional RUS information.
Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program,
Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., STOP 1590,
Washington, DC 20250
202.720.9554.
[email protected]