CTE_RFA_QandA rv2.pdf

RFA S-58100-00016940

Questions & Answers- Revision 2 – June 15, 2026

(Supersedes prior versions)

1) Is this a grant that can be used for K–12, or is it specific to one particular grade?

Response:

This grant is intended to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs of Study implemented at the high school level (grades 9–12). Funded projects must be centered on developing, expanding, or enhancing a secondary (grades 9–12) CTE Program of Study aligned to Oregon’s CTE framework. While projects may include activities that engage learners at other grade levels (e.g., early awareness or exploration), those activities must directly support or connect to a high school Program of Study. Projects that are exclusively focused on elementary or middle grades are not within the scope of this grant.

2) Is an ESD eligible to apply for two grants and could it receive more than one award?

Response:

Yes. Eligible applicants, including ESDs, may submit or participate in multiple applications. Each application is evaluated independently. It is possible for an ESD to receive more than one award if multiple applications are highly ranked; however, final award decisions also consider factors such as available funding, geographic distribution, and overall program goals.

3) Is there a limit on how many applications one organization may submit?

Response:

The RFA does not limit the number of applications an organization may submit.

4) Are excavators, tractors, or similar heavy equipment allowable under this grant?

Response:

No. Vehicle purchases are not allowable under this grant. This includes tractors, excavators, and similar equipment.

5) Are trailers allowable under this grant?

Response:

No. Vehicle purchases, including trailers and similar equipment, are not allowable under this grant.

6) Can multiple Programs of Study (POS) be included in one application?

Response:

Yes. Applicants may include more than one Program of Study (POS) in a single application or submit separate applications.

RFA S-58100-00016940 - ODE CTE REVIT 25-27 A-4 Q&A

7) Are minor electrical upgrades allowable, or are they considered capital improvements?

Response:

Minor electrical upgrades (e.g., adding or upgrading outlets to support equipment) may be allowable if they are non-structural and directly support the proposed project activities. Improvements involving structural changes, major renovation, or expansion are considered capital improvements and are not allowable.

8) Are the application attachments available in an editable format?

Response:

Yes. Word versions of the application attachments are available in OregonBuys.

9) What qualifies as a minor infrastructure improvement versus a capital improvement?

Response:

Minor infrastructure improvements are non-structural modifications necessary to implement approved project activities (e.g., installing electrical receptacles or limited cabinetry). Capital improvements include structural changes, major renovations, building expansion, or new construction and are not allowable.

10) How should significant updates to older facilities be evaluated under the 'minor infrastructure' standard?

Response:

The determining factor is the type of work being performed. Non-structural, program-specific improvements may be allowable, even if the scope of updates appears substantial. Structural changes or major renovations are not allowable.

11) What qualifies as a consortium application?

Response:

A consortium application includes participation from more than one school district or from separate organizations working collaboratively. Applications within a single district are considered single-entity applications.

12) Can you confirm the funding limits for single applicants and consortiums?

Response:

Single-entity applications may request up to $125,000. Consortium applications may request up to $250,000.

13) Can a district apply for the same CTE pathway at a different high school if it previously received funding?

Response:

Yes. A district may apply for the same pathway at a different high school, provided the proposal meets all RFA requirements and represents a distinct effort.

14) Are construction costs or vehicle purchases allowed under this grant?

Response:

No. Capital construction and vehicle purchases are not allowable under this grant.

15a) Must previous recipients complete Attachment 7?

Response:

Yes. Attachment 7 must be completed by any applicant that has previously received CTE Revitalization Grant funding, regardless of the funding cycle.

15b) Can a prior recipient with only one Program of Study apply again?

Response:

Yes. Prior recipients remain eligible to apply. The proposed project must represent a new or distinct effort and may not duplicate previously funded work.

16) Are private organizations eligible to apply?

Response:

No. Private organizations are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant. However, they may participate as partners with an eligible entity.

17) Does a project serving multiple schools within one district qualify as a consortium?

Response:

No. A project serving multiple schools within a single district is considered a single-entity application, regardless of the number or type of partners involved.

A consortium application requires participation from more than one school district.

18) Are federally operated or federally funded schools eligible to apply for this grant (e.g., Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) school)?

Response:

Federally operated schools, including Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, are not eligible to apply as lead applicants under this grant.

Eligibility is based on the type of applicant entity, not funding source. Eligible applicants are limited to public school districts, education service districts (ESDs), public schools, and public charter schools in

Oregon.

Entities that do not meet these eligibility categories (including private organizations, nonprofits, federally operated schools, or other institutions) are not eligible to apply independently but may participate as partners in a project led by an eligible applicant.

19) According to Section 3.2.3.2:

A. What is required for the Statement of Assurances

Response:

Applicants must submit a completed and signed Statement of Assurances using Attachment 3. All fields in the form must be completed; no additional narrative is required.

B. Who is authorized to sign, Response:

The Statement of Assurances must be signed by an individual authorized to act on behalf of the applicant entity (e.g., superintendent, principal, or ESD superintendent).

In addition, a signature from the CTE Regional Coordinator or Direct Recipient Coordinator is required, consistent with their role in supporting development and oversight of CTE programs.

C. Are letters of support required

Response:

Letters of support are not required as part of the Statement of Assurances.

However, applicants must submit partner commitment letters under Attachment 4 (Partners & Commitment Letters), which describe specific partner contributions to the project. These are separate from the Statement of Assurances.

D. What the statement should include

Response:

The Statement of Assurances consists solely of the information included in Attachment 3 and must be completed and signed in full. By signing, authorized individuals affirm that the applicant entity is aware of the application and agrees to comply with applicable requirements, laws, and grant conditions.

20) About titles in the Smartsheet "first page" fields

A.

What job title does the Project Director typically have in the school or district? May the lead author of the application and lead instructor of the Program of Study serve as the Project Director?

Response:

The RFA does not prescribe a specific job title for the Project Director. The Project Director should be the individual responsible for overall leadership, coordination, and implementation of the proposed project and should be familiar with the project activities.

An individual serving as the lead author of the application and/or lead instructor of the Program of Study may serve as the Project Director, provided they have the capacity and authority to fulfill these responsibilities.

B.

What job title does the Secondary Project Director / Alternative Contact typically have?

May a District CTE Coordinator serve in this role?

Response:

The RFA does not prescribe a specific job title for the Secondary Project Director or Alternative Contact. This role should be filled by an individual with sufficient knowledge of the project to support coordination and communication activities.

A District CTE Coordinator may serve in this role if they are positioned to support implementation, coordination, or oversight of the project.

C.

What job title does the Fiscal Agent have in the school or district? May a school accountant or similar staff member serve in this role?

Response:

The Fiscal Agent is the eligible applicant entity (e.g., school district, education service district, or eligible public school) responsible for fiscal management and compliance with all grant requirements.

While day-to-day fiscal administration may be supported by staff such as a business manager, accountant, or district finance team, fiscal responsibility remains with the identified Fiscal Agent entity, not an individual.

21) Partner Commitment Letters—

A. To whom shall the letters be addressed?

Response:

Partner commitment letters do not need to be addressed to a specific individual. Letters may be addressed generally (e.g., “To Whom It May Concern” or “To the Revitalization Grant Reviewers”).

B. Is there a selection committee or single person or other entity?

Response:

There is no requirement to address partner commitment letters to a specific committee or individual. Letters should be submitted in accordance with Attachment 4 (Partners & Commitment Letters) and should clearly describe the partner’s role and commitment to the proposed project.