Overview
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) provides $2.75 billion for the Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS) program, which is part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. for the costs of administering the program.
Under the EANS program, the US Department of Education will award funds by formula to each Governor with an approved Certification and Agreement to provide services or assistance to eligible non-public schools to address the impact that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to have, on non-public school students and teachers in the State.
All questions regarding the GEER EANS program should be directed to AOE.geereans@vermont.gov.
Key Dates
- February 23, 2021 - State received approval of Certification and Assurances by US Department of Education
- March 19, 2021 - Intent to Apply due (4pm)
- March 23, 2021- GEER EANS Application release
- April 30, 2021- GEER EANS Application deadline
- August 23, 2021- All contracts for services provided by State of Vermont to independent schools executed
- September 30, 2023 - End of GEER EANS program
GEER EANS Application
The application for GEER EANS opened on March 23, 2021 for eligible applicants that completed the Intent to Apply (deadline March 19, 2021). The deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.
Eligible Entities
For purposes of the EANS program, an eligible independent school is an elementary or secondary school that—
- Is non-profit;
- Is a Recognized or Approved Elementary or Secondary Independent School in Vermont;
- Was in existence prior to March 13, 2020, the date the President declared the national emergency due to COVID-19; and
- Did not, and will not, apply for and receive a loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37)) that is made on or after December 27, 2020. (See C-13 for information regarding non-public schools that apply for but do not receive a PPP loan).
AOE Guidance
EANS Program Contracting Process and Checklist
(VIDEO) GEER EANS Office Hour - This video provides an overview of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Emergency Assistance for Nonpublic Schools (EANS) program and a step-by-step look at the application process.
(VIDEO) GEER EANS Office Hour II - This video provides updates on allowable costs, reimbursement, provision of services and transfer of title, as well as field Q&A.
Intent to Apply (CLOSED March 19, 2021)
Procurement and Reimbursement FAQs
Q1. What, exactly, does the August 23, 2021, deadline mean?
The independent school is required to submit all requests for reimbursement by August 23, 2021, to AOE. This means that they must make any purchases prior to that date so that they can submit any invoices, receipts, etc. with their reimbursement request. Any funds that are not obligated through reimbursement (the procurement process is slightly different, see question 4 below) by August 23 must be returned to the general GEER Fund and will no longer be available to the independent school or the GEER EANS program.
Q2. What if the supplies/materials are delayed due to supply chain issues (for example, laptops or portable air purifiers are facing a significant backlog)?
The independent school should place the order, document the supply chain delay (an email from the vendor, for example) and contact the AOE GEER EANS Team and AOE Accounting Office informing them of the delay. In this specific case (with documentation), the independent school can submit for reimbursement after the August 23,2021, deadline.
Q3. We wanted to use our GEER EANS funds to pay for an ongoing software license, additional tele-communications cost (beyond contract), or other ongoing costs out through September 2023. How can we do that and meet the August 23 deadline?
This could be a potential roadblock. To meet the reimbursement requirement, the school must pay the amount out before they can request reimbursement (i.e. pre-paying for software licenses, increased telecoms contracts) so they must make these payments prior to August 23, 2021. Please note: schools should not prepay past the program end date (September 2023).
If this is not possible, the school can reach out to the GEER EANS team to replace the proposed cost with another eligible cost in their application, but should communicate this need quickly.
Q4. What about procurement? Does it have the same August 23 deadline?
US Department of Education has provided more flexibility around the procurement process. Once a school begins the procurement process with AOE’s contracts and procurement manager, Shelley Matz, they can cross over the August 23, 2021, deadline.
Q5. We have unmet needs/costs and we don’t think we will be able to make the August 23 deadline. What do we do?
The good news is that there is another funding opportunity for independent schools on the near horizon, ARP EANS. AOE is awaiting information from US Department of Education on this program and will share it out as soon as possible, but here is what we know today:
- There will be approximately $2.6 million available for independent schools through ARP EANS.
- Support will only be available through procurement (no reimbursement).
- The eligible costs will be the same or very similar.
If you have identified costs, particularly those that include staffing or professional development, they are an excellent fit for ARP EANS.
Q6: If a school wants to use GEER EANS to support staffing costs through procurement, what materials or information will be required?
Once a school identifies staffing procurement as a GEER EANS eligible cost, they should begin to gather the following materials.
1.A detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of the position
2.College transcripts (official or unofficial)
3.Resume or CV
4.Special Educators also need to provide their Vermont license/certification
5.Proof of insurance (questions regarding this requirement should be directed to Shelley Matz at shelley.matz@vermont.gov)
Q7: I have multiple invoices to send in with my reimbursement request. Can I just attach them all to an email?
To facilitate the timely review and processing of your reimbursement requests, the Business Office requests that, if possible, all invoices be scanned and submitted in one pdf, rather than multiple attachments. If you have questions about the reimbursement process please reach out to John Leu (john.leu@vermont.gov) after you review the instructions linked under Reimbursement and Transfer of Title above.
Reimbursement and Transfer of Title
GEER EANS Reimbursement Process Directions and Overview
GEER EANS Reimbursement Request Forms
GEER EANS Program Property Title Transfer Agreement Form
Federal Guidance
CRRSA GEER II and EANS Methodology and Allocation Table