Distance Learning & Telemedicine Program

What is the purpose of the program? Who is eligible to apply? How can funds be used? How much assistance can our group apply for?           When can we apply for assistance? How will our application be evaluated? How do we apply?

What is the purpose of the program?  return to top
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program aims to develop the Information Superhighway in rural America by creating or improving telecommunications, computer networks, and related technology for rural communities. The program also enhances access to education and/or medical services by bringing the latest information and care to rural education and health service providers. The program offers three types of assistance: loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations.

Who is eligible to apply?  return to top

• Incorporated organization or partnership
• Federally recognized Native American tribes
• State or local units of government
• Consortiums
• Other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on a for profit or not-for-profit basis
• Rural Development electric or telecommunication borrowers are eligible for loans only

How can funds be used?  return to top

• Grant Program
• Purchase of equipment, such as computer hardware and software, audio and video equipment, computer network components, terminal equipment, data terminal equipment, and interactive audio/video equipment
• Acquiring instructional programming
• Technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment (costs for this category cannot exceed 10% of the grant amount requested or 10% of the eligible matching funds)
• Examples of recently funded projects:
• Loan/Grant Combinations - All items allowed under the grant program, plus:
• Medical or educational equipment and facilities that are shown to be necessary to implement the project, including vehicles utilizing distance learning and telemedicine technology to deliver educational and health services
• Links between teachers and students or medical professionals who are located at the same facility (i.e., on campus systems) receiving or providing distance learning or telemedicine services as part of a network
• Site Development, alteration of buildings, purchasing of land or buildings, or building construction when determined by the Agency to be necessary to the project and incidental (less than 50% of the combo or 100% loan)
• Acquisition of telecommunications transmission facilities provided that no telecommunications carrier will install such facilities within a reasonable period of time
• Loan Program – All items allowed under the grant and loan/grant combination programs, plus:
• Recurring or operating expenses incurred during the first two years of operation after the financial assistance has been approved

How much assistance can our group apply for?  return to top

• Grant Program:
• Minimum 15% matching funds required
• Minimum grant request is $50,000; maximum $500,000
• Loan/Grant Combinations
• No matching funds required
• Ratio of Loan-to-Grant is published annually in the Notice of Funds Availability
• Minimum loan/grant request is $50,000; maximum $20 million
• Loan Program:
• No matching funds required
• Minimum loan/grant request is $50,000; maximum $20 million

When can we apply for assistance?  return to top

• Grant Program::
• Grant applications are accepted during an application window which is announced in a Notice of Funds Availability. Typically, the window opens in the first quarter of the year and is open for 60 days.
• Loan/Grant Combinations and Loans:
• Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Applications may be submitted anytime. However, to be funded within a current fiscal year, an application should be received by July 31st of that year.

How will our application be evaluated?  return to top

• The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program is competitive, and applications are scored based on objective and subjective criteria. For more information about evaluation criteria, visit the National Office website at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm.

How do we apply?  return to top

• Applications are processed through the National Office in Washington DC. General Field Representatives are available to assist with the development of applications.
• For more information, access to the Notice of Funding Availability, and to obtain application documents, visit the National Office website at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm.

Please send any comments or suggestions to:
keith.bastow@ia.usda.gov
Iowa Rural Development
Revised on: April 16, 2008