REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 9, 2022
FROM
SHARON NEVINS, Director, Department of Aging and Adult Services - Public Guardian
SUBJECT
Title
Grant Application to the California Department of Aging for Access to Technology Program Funding
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve and authorize the submission of a grant application to the California Department of Aging for Access to Technology Program funding to provide older adults and adults with disabilities access to digital connectivity and technology, in the amount of $2,793,450, for the period of October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.
2. Authorize the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Officer, or Director of the Department of Aging and Adult Services - Public Guardian to execute and submit any subsequent non-substantive application documents required to receive the grant award from the California Department of Aging for Access to Technology Program funding, on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel.
3. Direct the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Officer, or Director of the Department of Aging and Adult Services - Public Guardian to transmit all non-substantive documents in relation to the Access to Technology Program grant application to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Sharon Nevins, Director, 891-3917)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item does not require additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The application in the amount of $2,793,450 to the California Department of Aging (CDA) for Access to Technology Program funding does not require a local match.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
CDA is providing Access to Technology Program funding to provide older adults (i.e., 60 years of age and older) and adults with disabilities access to digital connectivity and technology to reduce isolation, increase social connections, and enhance self-confidence in navigating digital and online resources. The grant funds appropriated for this program are non-competitive and will be provided to all participating counties. Access to Technology Program goals include improving infrastructure, combating isolation, and building self-confidence and self-empowerment of older adults and adults with disabilities.
CDA’s allowable uses of the grant funds include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Providing technology, which may include items such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, to older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Arranging reliable internet access (via service plans) to older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Improving broadband infrastructure (telecommunications equipment, technologies, routers, fiber optic lines, etc.).
• Developing or arranging education and training of older adults and adults with disabilities on the use of technology.
• Conducting outreach regarding the program.
• Administering the program, including data collection and reporting (administration costs cannot exceed 10% of the total grant award).
The Department of Aging and Adult Services - Public Guardian (DAAS-PG) will utilize the Access to Technology Program funding to provide older adults and adults with disabilities access to digital connectivity, technology, and activities, which may include, but are not limited to, providing laptops, tablets, and smartphones; arranging reliable internet access via service plans; developing and/or arranging education and training on the use of technology; and conducting outreach regarding the program. If awarded the amount requested, the grant funding would assist up to 1,000 older adults and adults with disabilities for DAAS-PG clients countywide.
Approval to submit the grant application to CDA will provide DAAS-PG the opportunity to provide the technology, tools, education, and training needed to combat isolation and build the self-confidence and self-empowerment of older adults and adults with disabilities. DAAS-PG received notification on July 22, 2022 regarding the Access to Technology Program grant opportunity. The Board of Supervisors’ (Board) approved application is due to CDA by August 15, 2022. DAAS-PG will return to the Board to accept and approve the grant award agreement once received from CDA.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Julie Surber, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on July 27, 2022; Finance (John Hallen, Administrative Analyst, 388-0208) on July 28, 2022; and County Finance and Administration (Cheryl Adams, Deputy Executive Officer, 388-0238) on July 27, 2022.