Bringing the World to Rural America 

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT)

Program provides both educational and healthcare

opportunities in rural communities through grants that

finance advanced telecommunications technologies.

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. DLT, which

began in 1993, has funded more than 1,400 projects

totaling $512 million.

Projects funded by these grants have allowed rural residents to benefit from healthcare services provided to

rural clinics and hospitals through broadband infrastructure. Students are now able to take advanced and specialized courses without having to travel long distances

to attend classes.

DLT Grant Program Features

DLT grant applications are accepted annually through a

competitive process. The open season for applications

is announced through a Notice of Funding Availability

(NOFA) in the Federal Register. Applicants are required

to provide a minimum of 15 percent in matching funds.

Grant minimum and maximum award amounts are

specified in the NOFA. Once announced, the NOFA

and an application guide are posted on the program

Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UTP_DLT.html.

Distance learning means a curriculum delivered via

telecommunications and stresses the connection of students and teachers at remote sites. Telemedicine

means the delivery of health care 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.

Eligible Applicants:

n Corporations or partnerships; tribal nations or organizations; State or local units of government; consortiums or other legal entities; and for-profit or not-forprofit entities able to contract with the U.S. Government. No individuals or sole-proprietorships are

eligible;

n 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

of rural areas.

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. Eligible equipment

includes:

n Audio and video equipment;

n Computer hardware and software;

n Computer network components;

n Terminal equipment;

n Data terminal equipment;

n Interactive audio/video equipment;

n Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or OEMauthorized warranties on eligible equipment up to the 

3-year life of the grant; and

n Inside wiring.

Competitive Scoring Criteria:

A total score of 220 points is possible through the following 8 scoring categories:

1. Rurality (population density) – 45 points

2. National School Lunch Program (economic need) – 

35 points

3. Leveraging (matching funds) – 35 points

4. USDA-designated Empowerment Zones – 10 points

5. Additional National School Lunch Program –

10 points

6. Need for Services and Project Benefits – 45 points

7. Innovativeness – 15 points

8. Cost Effectiveness – 35 points

For More Information

For more information or to obtain an application packet,

visit the DLT Web site at

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UTP_DLT.html.

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program

USDA Rural Development

Rural Utilities Programs

United States

Department of

Agriculture
Or write to your local or State USDA Rural

Development office (see the U.S. Government listing in

your phone directory under U.S. Department of

Agriculture) or the National Office at: 

USDA Rural Development

Utilities Programs

1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Room 2845

Mail STOP 1550

Washington, DC 20250-1550

Toll-Free Phone: 1 (800) 670-6553

Phone: (202) 720-0413 

Fax: (202) 720-1051 

Program Aid 2011

March 2009

Revised May 2013

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits

discrimination against its customers, employees, and

applicants for employment on the bases of race, color,

national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs,

marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived

from any public assistance program, or protected

genetic information in employment or in any program or

activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all

prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or

employment activities.)

If you wish to file an employment complaint, you must

contact your agency’s EEO Counselor (click the hyperlink for list of EEO Counselors) within 45 days of the

date of the alleged discriminatory act, event, or in the

case of a personnel action. Additional information can

be found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_file.html.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of

discrimination, complete the USDA Program

Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or

at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request

the form. You may also write a letter containing all of

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Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442

or email at program.intake@usda.gov. 

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complaint, please see information above on how to

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contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600

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