The USDA Rural Utilities Service www.rd.usda.gov released the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program Grants Notice on May 16 in the Federal Register with a July 17, 2017 application deadline.
The DLT program provides financial assistance to improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies.
Grant funding may be used to acquire computer hardware and software, audio and video equipment, computer network components, terminal equipment, data terminal equipment, inside wiring, interactive video equipment, and other facilities that will further DLT services.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, Federally-recognized tribes, nonprofit organizations, for-profits, and consortia of eligible entities. Grant applicants must provide 15 percent matching funds. Greater amounts of matching funds may give an applicant a higher score.
The estimated total program funding is $19,000,000 with the award ceiling of $500,000 and award floor to be $50,000. Of the total funds available, $1,600,000 will be prioritized to provide communication upgrades between ambulances, emergency transportation vehicles, and medical facilities.
Go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants for more details. For further information, email dltinfo@wdc.usda.gov, or contact Shawn Arner at 202-720-0800.