HomeMy WebLinkAboutARPA Solicitaton 2024 FAQs
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CITY OF OSHKOSH
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much funding is available through the City of Oshkosh?
The City of Oshkosh has received approximately $20.5 million in funds under the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Oshkosh Common Council directed that
approximately 25% of these funds be allocated to non-profit entities and non-
infrastructure purposes. To date, the Council has allocated $2,775,480, leaving
approximately $2,350,000 in remaining ARPA funds to be allocated.
Is there a guideline on how much funding can be applied for?
Each applicant will have different needs, and varying amounts of funding
requests. The review process will sort out the allocations based on the amount that is
available.
The proposal details section indicates that the narrative for submission should not
exceed 700 words. Is that for the entire narrative or per question in that section?
The intention is that the initial narrative is kept brief, so the 700 words applies to
all the questions together in one narrative. However, you’re welcome to summarize the
project in 700 words or less, and then include attachments of additional documents for
detail on individual items.
What is meant by “local” or “Oshkosh-based” organizations? Do we have to have an
office in Oshkosh to be eligible?
No, you do not need to be located in Oshkosh to apply for funds. However, you
should be prepared to demonstrate in your application how Oshkosh residents will
benefit from your project.
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We applied the last time the City accepted applications for ARPA funding. Whether
we received funding or not, may we apply again this time around?
Agencies that may have previously applied to the city or another governmental
entity for ARPA funds are eligible to re-apply for these funds. The funding requests
should be applied for as if the application is new.
When do these funds need to be spent by?
The City of Oshkosh will give preference to projects that can have all funds spent
by December 31, 2024.
The City says it will give preference to projects that can expend the funds by the end
of 2024; why is that? Is it a requirement?
While federal ARPA guidelines allow for expenditures through the end of 2026,
they also require that all funds must be committed for a specific purpose no later than
December 31, 2024. If a project is approved in 2024 and then later it either comes in
under budget, substantially changes, or fails to proceed, the City will be at risk of losing
those funds and they will no longer be available to the community. By giving
preference to projects that can spend their funds by the end of the year, we are more
likely to be able to ensure that all of the available funds are put to work in our
community. So while spending by the end of 2024 is not a requirement for
consideration, we will give preference to those projects that can quickly spend allocated
funds.
Can ARPA funds be used for operating expenses?
Although the use of ARPA funds for operating purposes are not specifically
prohibited, the intent of the grant funds is to assist agencies with overcoming
challenges brought upon by the Covid pandemic, particularly as it relates to addressing
long-term needs of a particular agency or organization. Towards that end, priority will
be given to requests that are focused on capital or other non-operating needs. Operating
funds may be considered if the purpose of the funds is to bridge a funding gap that will
be addressed in a long-term plan, and/or will leverage ARPA funds with other revenue
sources until the operating funds are no longer needed.
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Where can I get more information?
An application as well as a document outlining the criteria that will be used to
evaluate submitted proposals can be found under the “Hot Topics” section of our
website (oshkoshwi.gov). In addition, the City will be holding several information
sessions where interested parties can learn more and ask questions. These will be
broadcast live on Oshkosh Media Gov TV and recordings will be available for viewing
on demand on the Oshkosh Media YouTube page shortly after they air. Session times
and details are listed below:
▪ Thursday, February 15th @ 6:00 p.m. at City Hall
▪ Friday, February 16th @ 10:00 a.m. at City Hall
▪ Friday, February 16th @ 2:00 p.m., Live Q&A on Oshkosh Media and City of
Oshkosh Government Facebook Live
Revised 2/14/2024