OIB State Agency Application

Dear Designated State Agency:

This letter concerns the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s (RSA) grant funding to your state's Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (IL-OIB) program for fiscal years (FY) 2014-2016. The IL-OIB program is authorized under Section 752 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), to (1) provide independent living services to older individuals who are blind (enumerated in section 752(e)(1) of the Act); (2) conduct activities that will improve or expand services for such individuals; and (3) conduct activities to help improve public understanding of the problems of such individuals.

RSA is authorized to make formula grants under the IL-OIB program to states under Section 752(c) of the Act. The amount of each state’s formula grant is determined by the application of the section 752(j), which provides for a minimum allotment tot each state and territory under section 752(j)(2)(A) and (B) or the application of a population formula under section 752(j)(3), whichever is greater. The allotment available to your state each year may vary according to the federal appropriation level and relative population changes.

In order for a state to receive its full share of its formula grant, it must provide matching funds to the program. Section 752(f)(1) and (2) of the Act stipulates that the state shall provide directly or through donations (in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated) from public or private entities, non-federal contributions toward the costs of the program in an amount that is not less than $1 for each $9 of federal funds provided in the grant. Section 752(g) permits a state to expend a grant through grants to public and nonprofit agencies or organizations.

Sections 752(a)(2) and (i)(1) provide that, in order for the Commissioner to make a grant to a state for the IL-OIB program, the state must submit an application to the Commissioner and must agree that the grant will be administered solely by the agency described in section 101(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Act – the state agency authorized to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind.

To submit your application for the IL-OIB funds, you must sign and complete the documents provided with this letter:

1. IL-OIB Assurances required under section 752(i)(2);

2. Form Letter used to transmit the application to RSA and

3. Annual certification regarding lobbying, as required of all U.S.

Department of Education grantees.

These documents constitute your application and request for federal assistance under the IL-OIB program. Please submit the original signed documents to the RSA Commissioner, attention Veronica Hogan, by November 30, 201X.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Chief of the Independent Living Unit, Timothy Beatty at 202-245-6156 if you have any questions. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Janet L. LaBreck

Commissioner

cc: OIB Program Managers

Enclosures