Presentation by Richard E. Jenkins, General Field Representative, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, ISDA

1. Distance Learning
& Telemedicine Grant Program
Richard E. Jenkins, General Field Representative
Telecommunications Program
Rural Utilities Service
a Rural Development Agency of the
United States Department of Agriculture

2. 3 Types of DLT Assistance:
1. 100% Grant ($50-500 K)
2. Combination Loan-Grant
3. 100% Loan
At present, there is no DLT appropriation. It is
possible that we will receive funding for Grants.
However, the loan programs have not been funded
in several years, so this presentation will focus
solely on the 100% Grant Program.
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3. Introduction to DLT Grant Program
The best source of information is the Application
Guide complemented by the Toolkit.
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4. DLT Grant Program Resources Webpage
www.rurdev.usda.gov/UTP_DLTResources.html
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5. DLT Grant Program - Eligibility
Several Types:
Applicant Eligibility
Project and Budget Item Eligibility
Application Eligibility
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6. DLT Grant Program - Applicant Eligibility
1. Deliver or propose to deliver distance learning or telemedicine
services for the term of the grant. The purposes must meet the
grant definition of distance learning and telemedicine. Focus
on sustainability. No planning studies, research projects, or shortterm demonstration projects.
2. Be incorporated or a partnership; a Native American tribal
organization; a state or local unit of government; a consortium; or
other legal entity. For or not-for profit able to contract with the
US Government. No individuals or sole-proprietorships.
3. Operate a rural community facility or deliver DLT 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 passes through to such entities or to residents
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of rural areas.

7. DLT Grant Program
- Project and Budget Eligibility
DLT Grants are not just a way to obtain educational
technology or medical equipment. The focus is on using
the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect
rural areas to each other and to the world, thus
overcoming the effects of remoteness and low
population density.
1. Distance learning means a curriculum with measurable results
delivered via telecommunications and stresses the connection of
students and teachers at remote sites.
2. Telemedicine means the delivery of medicine from medical
professionals at one site to patients at other sites via
telecommunications. Telemedicine shows benefit to rural
residents either in reduced travel or access to services.
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8. DLT Grant Program
- Project and Budget Eligibility
1. Grant and Match purposes are identical - If an item
isn’t eligible for grant, it cannot be credited as a match.
2. Obtain Grant and Match items from 3rd Party All items must be obtained from an organization other than the
applicant or other entities participating in the applicant’s DLT
project as hubs, hub/end-users, or end-users.
3. Funds Equipment, not Telecommunications - The
Program is focused on providing equipment that operates via
telecommunications. While the equipment is eligible, it does not
fund the telecommunications that connects the equipment.
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9. DLT Grant Program
- Project and Budget Eligibility
Grant and Match can be expended only for the costs
associated with the original capital assets associated with
the project. (i.e. first-time) There are three categories of
eligible purposes:
1. Eligible Equipment
2. Instructional Programming (not tuition or expenses)
3. Technical Assistance & Instruction for Using
Eligible Equipment (limited to 10% of Budget)
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10. DLT Grant Program
- Project and Budget Eligibility
1. Eligible Equipment - This list is not exhaustive and does
not convey automatic eligibility. To be eligible in full, items must
be primarily for DLT eligible purposes with no use for ineligible
purposes. (See Application Guide on Apportioning DLT Project Benefit)
Audio and video equipment
Computer Hardware and Software
Computer network components
Terminal equipment
Data terminal equipment
Interactive audio/video equipment
OEM or OEM authorized warranties on eligible
equipment up to the 3 year life of the grant
Inside wiring
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11. DLT Grant Program
- Project and Budget
Ineligible Purposes
Salaries and Benefits
Administrative Expenses (Overhead)
Telecommunications Transmission Equipment
Recurring Costs incl. Telecommunications
Medical Equipment
Equipment owned by Telecom Provider (LECS,
CLECS, etc.)
Duplication of Facilities
Costs incurred before Application Deadline
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12. DLT Grant Program
- Project and Budget
Ineligible Purposes (continued)
Application Preparation Costs
Communications largely within Facility (Within
Campus) such as EMR (see Combo Program)
Site Development and Building Construction
Purchase of Land or Buildings
Projects in Coastal Barrier Areas
Any purpose not specifically in Regulation or
specifically approved by Administrator
When Project depends on another source of
funding that is not assured.
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13. A minimum match of 15% of your Grant Request for eligible
purposes is required (zero points). Larger matches yield
scoring points.
• To be credited as an eligible match, the proposed match
must be documented in form and substance satisfactory to the
Agency by each donor.
• Cash Matches are expected, but In-kind are acceptable
provided they are properly documented. In particular, Inkind Matches must be for precisely the same kinds of eligible
purposes as Grant Funds.
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14. DLT Grant Program - Other Important Points
Typical Projects:
• Video-conferencing is the most common for
distance learning
• Visiting nurse links from patient homes to health
professionals elsewhere
• Tele-radiology
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15. DLT Grant Program - Other Important Points
Other Projects:
• Tele-dentistry
• Tele-pharmacy
• Virtual ICU
• First time use
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16. DLT Grant Program - Other Important Points
What score do I need to win an award?
Difficult (actually, impossible) to say
• Varies from year to year
• Depends on the number of applicants and the
strength of the competition
• Technologies evolve, so do needs, and so do
perceptions of what is valuable
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17. DLT Grant Program - Other Important Points
We urge you to read the Application Guide
carefully and follow its instructions. Each year,
we adjust and amplify the Guide based on
experience gained the previous year. A
presentation such as this can only touch on the
extensive instruction and information contained
in the Guide.
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18. DLT Grant Program - Other Important Points
Use the Guide - Trust yourselves
Each year applicants request copies of applications that
were successful in prior years. This is not a winning
strategy. We strive to create a Guide that will allow a
first-time applicant to prepare a successful application
without assistance. Remember that you are the subject
matter expert for your project and situation. No one
can do a better job of preparing a compelling
application that is specific to you and your project than
you, the local people who will use the project.
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19. DLT Grant Program - Other Important Points
Contact Information
The DLT staff is available to answer questions by
phone, fax, and e-mail.
202-720-0413
fax: 202-720-1051
dltinfo@wdc.usda.gov
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20. Richard E. Jenkins
USDA/RUS Telecommunications Program
3272 Jefferson Street, North
Lewisburg, WV 24901
304.645.1947
304.445.5369
Richard.jenkins@wdc.usda.gov
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