Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University (EOU), a state-controlled institution of higher learning within the Oregon University System based in La Grande, Oregon, has established itself as a federal funding recipient since its registration in SAM.gov in 2001. The university provides specialized training, educational services, and student support programs to the federal government through both contract and grant awards. EOU's federal award portfolio reflects its commitment to workforce development, student success, and community engagement across rural Oregon and the broader region.

Eastern Oregon University has limited federal contracting activity, with two small purchase order contracts awarded by the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6). In June 2023, EOU received a $14,503.77 firm fixed price purchase order to operate a local fire school in La Grande during the 2023 wildland fire season, providing wildland fire training, housing, and food services to support USDA Forest Service firefighting operations. Prior to that, in May 2022, EOU received a $15,315.44 purchase order for food and housing services related to the Northeast Oregon Guard School. Neither contract utilized set-aside designations. These contracts demonstrate EOU's capacity to provide logistical and training support services to federal agencies with operations in the Pacific Northwest region.

Eastern Oregon University has substantially greater involvement in federal grant programs, serving as both a prime grantee and sub-grantee across multiple funding sources and program areas. As a prime grantee, EOU has received significant project grants from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education, including a $2,475,000 grant supporting the ACHIEVING CAREERS FOR RURAL OREGON STUDENT SUCCESS (ACROSS) initiative (October 2022 through September 2025) focused on institutional reforms and improved postsecondary instruction for rural students, and a $272,364 TRIO Student Support Services grant (September 2025 through September 2026) designed to enhance retention, graduation rates, and student transfers for disadvantaged populations. EOU also received a Project Grant under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) program and manages the BUILDING ROADMAPS IN DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDED EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS (BRIDGES) initiative. Additionally, EOU has been awarded multiple formula grants from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for federally mandated safety and health training programs for miners and contractors across Oregon, with grants spanning from October 2021 through September 2026. EOU also receives Head Start grants from the Office of Head Start for early childhood education programs. As a sub-grantee, EOU has received funding through Lane Community College's Oregon Small Business Development Center Network to provide advising and training to small business owners and operators, through the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for WIOA formula grants, and through the Oregon Department of Education for supporting effective instruction grants and emergency relief funds. This diverse grant portfolio demonstrates EOU's role as a comprehensive educational and training provider addressing student success, workforce development, and occupational safety across multiple federal programs and agencies.