October 2024
We're excited to share the October edition of the Grants Management Newsletter, highlighting the latest advancements across Oklahoma utilizing the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). We have a few announcements to share as we dive into the fall season.
As mentioned in February, we have collaborated with Agate Software utilizing their IntelliGrants IGX: Grant Management Software, to join other agencies on the Oklahoma Grant Exchange. Agencies were recently provided the opportunity to preview this new software at the hosted training two weeks ago. GMO is excited for the opportunity to better collaborate with its partnering agencies on this new platform. Those that missed the training can view it in Workday. You'll hear more on this from our team as we begin a phased roll out of the system.
We are also beginning an initiative to highlight non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs) who received Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (LFRF). Local municipalities are encouraged to share the impact these funds have had on their respective cities and towns as we seek to amplify local stories, and more comprehensively illustrate the effect of pandemic relief on the state as a whole. Keep an eye out for updates on LFRF initiatives.
Quarter three reporting communications were recently circulated. GMO will continue to reach out and work with agencies to make any updates that may be required to satisfy reporting duties and obligations. In order to highlight the importance of quarterly reporting, please see the 2024 Quarterly Reporting Refresher in the subrecipient guidance section below.
As always, if you ever have any questions, please contact me or my team for assistance.
Sincerely,
Parker Wise
Director of Grants Management
Office of Management and Enterprise Services
Grants Management metrics
Note: These metrics reflect data as of Oct. 2. Please visit the ARPA-SLFRF Program Tracker for the most up-to-date information.
- $747,040,000, or 39.94%, of total funds disbursed.
- $15,319,766.09 disbursed in September.
- 17 projects fully funded to date.
- $58,285,756.21 disbursed in Q3.
GMO guidance updates
In order to better assist you with reporting at the conclusion of each quarter, we have created Quarterly Reporting Refresher.
Please take some time to review our recently refreshed templates. These templates were all updated last spring and we had a few new additions over the summer. Please ensure that you are using the most up-to-date versions of these reporting templates. These are located at the bottom of our Subrecipient guidance webpage.
Additionally, if you would like GMO to consider drafting guidance for your agency on any ARPA-SLFRF-related questions or to submit a question to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on your behalf, please complete this online form.
For more federal guidance resources, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury SLFRF website.
Programs in the spotlight
U.S. Interior Department announces $254 million for local parks, largest investment ever in program’s history
GMO is excited to spotlight grants programs from across the state to increase awareness for funds that are making an impact in the lives of Oklahomans.
The U.S. Department of the Interior recently announced the single largest grant investment ever from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP). Through ORLP, the National Park Service (NPS) will invest $254.68 million into 54 projects in 24 states for the redevelopment or creation of new local parks.
The City of Tulsa was recently awarded $3.6 million of the funds for the reconstruction of Dream Keepers Park. The proposed $10 million project will honor Oklahoma's history and provide a boost to Tulsa's tourism.
Know of any state or local grant programs? Let us know so we can feature them on the ARPA-SLFRF website and in this newsletter!
Helpful tip
Did you know the U.S. Department of the Treasury has provided best practice materials to assist recipients in making the most efficient, effective and equitable use of SLFRF funds?
These resources can assist recipients in priority areas where SLFRF can have the most transformative long-term impact on communities.
Press releases and articles
SLFRF success stories
Share your agency's success stories from your SLFRF projects by submitting them to our communications team.
Know of any positive ARPA-SLFRF news stories? Let us know so we can feature them on the ARPA-SLFRF website!
Available training
If you know of any other training opportunities, please share them with us!
Subrecipient recognition
This month, we would like to highlight our partners at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) for their outstanding progress in the Teacher Acceleration Program, an initiative to strengthen teacher recruitment.
The state Legislature allocated $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SLFRF) to OSRHE for the Teacher Acceleration Program. OSRHE awarded the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) $2.4 million of these funds for the UCO Accelerated Cohorts for Teaching Success (UCO ACTS).
UCO ACTS provides financial assistance for career changers to complete a master's in education, while simultaneously meeting the requirements for standard teacher certification through an alternative pathway. The cohort classes are offered in a remote synchronous format and can be accessed from any location in Oklahoma.
Teachers who complete the program and provide proof of employment in an Oklahoma public school will be eligible for a stipend—$3,750 for those teaching pre-K through sixth grade and $5,000 for secondary educators. Additional incentives are also available.
UCO ACTS includes 104 participants from 30 school districts across Oklahoma. There are 67 teachers participating in the elementary/pre-K through 6th grade program, and 37 participating in the secondary/pre-K through 12th grade program.
Read more about OSRHE's teacher acceleration initiatives on their website.
