ARPA Technology Grants, Round 2

The Office of Library and Information Services is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds (Public Law 117-2, Section 2023) to help libraries expand digital access, support learning, and strengthen library services in their communities to aid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. OLIS’ Plan for the use of ARPA funds supports the goals of OLIS’ Five-Year Plan and priorities for the use of ARPA funds administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Public libraries that have opted out of the purchase of self-check machines through Ocean State Libraries are invited to apply for a second round of ARPA-funded Technology Grants to purchase technology that will expand digital access, including access to public computers or the internet, or enhance library operations for the public. The grant program is non-competitive: all eligible public libraries may be awarded grants upon successfully completing the application process.

Eligibility

All public libraries that met the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2022 (as of July 1, 2021) are eligible to apply.

Funds

Maximum funds available to each library:

• Base grant
  • Up to $5,000 per library
• Adjustments
  • Up to $2,000 per branch
  • Distressed communities: additional 25% of the total of the base grant and branch amount

Process

It is not necessary to have spent or encumbered funds in order to apply, however no funds will be released to reimburse approved applications until proof of expenditure has been submitted.

Applications will be approved on a rolling basis starting the week of April 4; the final date to submit an application is April 22, 2022. Libraries with approved applications may request grant funds starting April 18, 2022, through July 31, 2022.  Grant payments will be made in full on a rolling basis following submittal of proof of all expenditures and acceptance of those expenditures by OLIS. A Final Report will be required with a short narrative describing the benefit to staff and patrons.

All applications, reimbursement requests, and proof of expenditure must be submitted electronically with a Request for Payment. Acceptable documents to support proof of expenditure include an invoice from Ocean State Libraries, original digital receipts for items purchased online and/or billed electronically, or pdf scans of original documents for transactions conducted physically. Items must be received by the library prior to submitting a Request for Payment. Where they exist, paper records must be maintained and provided to OLIS upon request for audit purposes.

Allowable Expenditures

Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment to enhance digital access or enhance library operations for the public. Libraries are encouraged to prioritize purchase of technology to support public access computing with internet access; funds may also be spent to purchase equipment that supports learning or virtual, hybrid, or outdoor programming at libraries, or to support library services to the public.

All equipment must be placed in service no later than July 31, 2022. Expenditures made between January 1 and July 22, 2022, are eligible for reimbursement, with limitations on items purchased prior to March 21, 2022. Eligible expenditures include:

• Desktop or laptop computers for public access computing or training (may be purchased through OSL)
• Desktop or laptop computers for public access computing or training purchased between January 1 and March 21, 2022, and not reimbursed through any other grant program (may be purchased through OSL)
• Computer monitors
• Storage / charging station for laptops
• Tablet computers such as iPads that are used for streaming or public access computing
• Peripherals, such as sealed keyboards and mice
• Devices to provide or enhance internet connectivity for the public
• Audio equipment: microphones and/or headsets for podcasting or broadcasting streaming programs; audio speakers for outside programs, plus microphone stands, microphone peripherals, or cables necessary for connecting equipment
• Video equipment: devices to stream or record video content, plus tripods or other equipment necessary to hold video equipment for recording purposes

Non-Allowable Expenditures

• Barcode scanners and receipt printers
• Unreimbursed expenditures for:
  • Devices purchased through the Emergency Connectivity Fund. ( ECF caps reimbursement on items such as laptops and hotspots; OLIS ARPA funds cannot be used for any balance remaining on such devices.)
  • Devices or equipment purchased through other ARPA grant programs offered by OLIS or other entities.
• Virtual reality or gaming equipment, scanning equipment for digitization, or other technology when the primary purpose is not to expand access to the internet or digital content, or to expand access to programming or learning opportunities, or to support library operations such as circulation or staff work.
• Installation costs for any equipment.
• Sound mixing equipment or software.
• Subscriptions to Zoom or other conferencing tools.
• Subscriptions to software or services (including hot spots)

Important Dates

• March 21, 2022: Application opens. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, with notification of award to libraries within two weeks of application.
• April 18, 2022: Portal for receipt submittal opens; libraries may begin submitting requests for reimbursement.
• April 29, 2022: Application deadline. (Deadline extended)
• July 22, 2022: Final date to make purchases.
• August 1, 2022: Final date to submit reimbursement requests and reports.

Application & Other Documents

• Instructions
• Grant Application Portal
• Request for Payment and Report Form
• LSTA Requirements, Assurances and Certifications (for informational purposes only; this does not need to be submitted with the application)
• Final Grant Report (coming soon)

Note on Distressed Communities

R.I. General Law § 45-13-12 (Distressed communities relief fund) establishes a fund to provide state assistance to those Rhode Island cities and towns that have the highest property tax burdens relative to the wealth of taxpayers. OLIS is using the designation of "Distressed Communities" to identify cities and towns for additional funding for American Rescue Act Technology Grants.

Cities and towns designated as distressed communities in FY2021 and FY2022 include:

• Central Falls
• Cranston
• North Providence
• Pawtucket
• Providence
• West Warwick
• Woonsocket