ARPA Grants for Indiana Libraries
The Indiana State Library is pleased to announce that it has received $3,471,810 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support libraries and library services in the State of Indiana. ARPA funds are being administered under the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) Grants to States program.
The Indiana State Library will use a majority of these funds to disburse sub-grants to eligible Indiana public and academic libraries. Libraries may request between $5,000 and $100,000 in federal funds. No local cash match is required. The grants are in the form reimbursement grants.
The purpose of this grant program is to help communities respond to the pandemic, as well as to address related economic and community needs through equitable approaches. Please see the manual. Presentation slides and Video from July 23, 2021 Directors presentation.
Funds can only be spent according to the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ARPA funds cannot be used for land, construction, expansion, or many types of renovation, nor can they be used for advocacy or lobbying.
Funds may be used to pay for subscriptions or ongoing services, but may not be used to pay for said services beyond the grant period ending September 30, 2022.
Grant recipients requesting materials that provide Internet access must be Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant.
REPORTING FORMS
ARPA Sub-Grant Interim Report
ARPA Sub-Grant Final Report
ARPA Sub-Grant Financial Final Report
ARPA Sub-Grant Financial Final Report Instructions
SBOA ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Anyone receiving a ARPA LSTA State Grant will need to report it on the annual financial report for the SBOA. You’ll need to have the following information:
- Federal Program Title/Project Name: LSTA ARPA State Grants
- Federal Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Pass Through Agency: Indiana State Library
- Assistance Listing Number (previously called the CFDA Number): 45.310
- (Local) Award Name: LSTA ARPA State Grants
- (Local) Award Number: LS-250210-OLS-21
ARPA funds from other government agencies will have their own unique identifiers.
REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION
ARPA LSTA Expenditure Report Instructions
ARPA LSTA Claim for Reimbursement
TIMELINE
| August 9, 2021 | Applications due |
| August-September 2021 | Grants awarded, applicants notified via email, contracts emailed |
| September-October 2021 | Project begins when contract is complete |
| March 1, 2022 | Interim report due |
| July 30, 2022 | Grant amount expended by |
| August 15, 2022 | Reimbursement requests due |
| September 30, 2022 | Final reports due |
Sam.gov Registration Required to Receive ARPA Funds
If your library intends to apply for any subgrants, please make sure your have obtained a DUNS number or a SAM.gov registration – this information will be required on all subgrant applications per IMLS. To obtain a DUNS number, please apply through https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html or calling 1-844-235-0039. Note that a SAM.gov registration will be required by IMLS beginning on April 1, 2022.
Read the full April 15 Pre-Award Treasury Guidance here.
Read an explanation of SAM registration. Start SAM registration process.
Questions? Please email arpa@library.in.gov.
Review the Managing Your ARPA Grant 2021 Manual for eligibility, application, and administrative information, including audits, reporting, and publicity.
Review the Presentation Slides or Video from July 2021 Directors Presentation.
| Category | Item (including but not limited to) | Requires CIPA Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| General Tech | Cabling for computers to allow for social distancing | |
| Computers (laptops, desktops, LTE Chromebooks, tablets) | Yes | |
| Contactless checkout/check-in of materials | ||
| Copiers/printers/scanners | ||
| Digital readers | ||
| Failover router | ||
| Firewalls | ||
| Hotspots | Yes | |
| LTE routers/antennas | ||
| Material Sorters | ||
| Network boosters/extenders/wi-fi boosters on roof | Yes | |
| RFID tags for materials (new, to allow touchless checkout) | ||
| Routers/modems | Yes | |
| Satellite dishes | ||
| Security cameras/security systems (for outside to monitor wi-fi accessible areas) | ||
| Security devices for materials/technology/security gates | ||
| Self-checkout stations | ||
| Studio/AV production equipment for online programming | ||
| Website development | ||
| Whiteboards/Smart boards | Yes, if wi-fi enabled | |
| Wi-fi kiosks for remote use | Yes | |
| Wireless access points/mesh extenders/wi-fi extenders/repeaters | Yes | |
| Wireless printing software | ||
| Meeting room technology | Accessibility upgrades (no construction allowed) | |
| Digital screens/TV | ||
| Microphones (stand, wireless) / voice amplifiers | ||
| Potable sound systems | ||
| Projectors | ||
| Smart boards | Yes | |
| Speakers for PA system | ||
| Virtual meeting/conferencing equipment | ||
| Virtual meeting/conferencing software | ||
| Virtual programming software | ||
| Virtual scheduling software (programs, curbside, computer use, etc.) | ||
| Digital Content | eBooks, downloadable audiobooks | |
| Online magazines | ||
| Streaming video | ||
| Mobile Digital Lab | Book bikes | |
| Computers (laptops, desktops, LTE Chromebooks, tablets) | Yes | |
| Network boosters/extenders | Yes | |
| Outreach vehicles, bookmobiles | ||
| Portable Router | Yes | |
| Vehicles such as busses, vans | ||
| Workforce Development | Dedicated space for social worker/employment specialist/etc. (could purchase cubical type of walls, desks, chairs, computers, but no construction of permanent walls) | |
| Pandemic Relief | Furniture to provide barriers/distance (furniture must be approved prior) | |
| Hand Sanitizer stands, sanitizer | ||
| HVAC upgrades (would have to meet no construction mandate) | ||
| Plexiglass shields / Transaction Screens | ||
| PPE (gloves, masks, cleaning materials, plexiglass shields etc.) | ||
| Assessments (consultant fees) | Bringing fiber to the library | |
| Internal network: wireless access points, wi-fi boosters | ||
| Library Space | ||
| Technology (status and needs) | ||
| Outdoor spaces + wi-fi access | Outdoor charging benches for devices/computers | Yes, if wi-fi enabled |
| Outdoor furniture (only if related to grant project) | ||
| Outdoor heaters | ||
| Pergola (can purchase pergola, but no installation costs) | ||
| Solar umbrellas | ||
| Story Walks books & posts (no installation) | ||
| Wireless access points/mesh extenders/wi-fi extenders/repeaters | Yes | |
| Other | Print collection (must be tied to a grant project or programming) | |
| Furniture (must be tied to a grant project or programming) | ||
| Lockers for permanent hotspot/computer/device storage | ||
| Secure lockers for outside/remote pickup of materials, after hours (no installation costs) | Yes, if wi-fi enabled | |
| Sponsor non-resident cards | ||
| Technical support and/or training during grant period | ||
| Un-upholstered furniture (must be part of a larger project to be allowable) |
(FAQs will be added to as the timeline progresses.)
- What are ARPA funds?
Signed in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is able to provide funding to support libraries and library services in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Territories. The funding is to be used by September 30, 2022 and is being distributed through the LSTA program to help libraries and their communities respond directly and immediately to the pandemic, as well as to related economic and community needs through equitable approaches. The Indiana State Library (ISL) has received $3,471,810 to support libraries and library services in this capacity. ISL will use a majority of these funds to provide support to libraries in the form of sub-grants.
- When is the application deadline?
The ARPA grant applications must be submitted on or before August 9, 2021.
- What is the total amount of money that libraries can request from these funds?
Each eligible public and academic library may request between $5,000 and $100,000 in federal funds.
- What makes a library eligible?
All public and academic libraries meeting IMLS’s eligibility criteria for libraries are eligible to apply.
Additionally, applicants must:- Be located in Indiana
- Be compliant with federal and state statutes and regulations
- Be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (school media centers and public libraries)
- Meet Indiana Public Library Standards (public libraries)
- Why are you asking about things that cost $5,000 or more?
Under Federal regulations (2 CFR §200.439), any single item that costs over $5,000 needs prior approval from IMLS. We'll ask you for information on what the item is, who/what it is for, what the purpose is, cost, and what goal it contributes to in Indiana’s five-year plan. You’ll also need attach a copy of the quote and a product brochure or website link about the item.
- Do I need to get bids or quotes for expenses?
For purchases of less than $10,000 total, you do not need to compare quotes. For purchases of $10,000 or more, you must compare at least three quotes from qualified sources. (Federal rule, 2 CFR §200.320) You do not need to go through a formal RFP process.
- Do I need actually have to spend all the money by the deadline of July 30, 2022, or can I just encumber the money?
The grants funds must be spent by July 30, 2022.
- Can we spend money on something not on the list of allowable expenses?
IMLS has strict guidance on how the grant money can be spent. A list of allowable expenses was created for your ease of reference. You are welcome to contact us at arpa@library.in.gov to check on allowability if you have something else in mind. Please also see 2 CFR §200.
- If I’ve already received federal aid in the form of CARES funds, am I eligible for ARPA?
Yes, you are!
Thank you for your interest. The deadline to apply was August 9th, 2021.
LDO AF 7-27-2022