As you may be aware, there are many federal grants and recovery funds available. In particular there are two funds that can be used for technology improvements – the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. These funds are still viable, with money available for the asking.
The CARES Act, separate legislation from the ARP, makes funding available to state, local and tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Costs must be incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021.
As part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) offers courts the opportunity to invest in IT modernization projects and projects to improve service delivery (including those that will benefit the public affected by the COVID-19 pandemic — see the TMF webpage for information.) In these cases, courts can apply their funding to IT and AV projects that will increase and enhance their services for the public, through upgrades or replacement of those areas. Costs must be incurred between January 27, 2020, and December 31, 2024.