Seismic Assessment Grant

The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) Seismic Assessment Grant is administered by the Oregon Department of Education as part of its broader effort to support school districts and education service districts in maintaining safe and resilient school infrastructure. TAP is designed to help districts plan for capital improvements and long-term facility needs by providing targeted financial assistance for specific types of assessments. Within this framework, the Seismic Assessment Grant focuses specifically on evaluating the structural integrity of school buildings in the event of a significant earthquake, aligning with statewide priorities around student safety and disaster preparedness. The primary purpose of the Seismic Assessment Grant is to offset the costs associated with professional evaluations of school facilities to determine their ability to withstand seismic activity. This includes engineering assessments that identify vulnerabilities and inform future capital improvement decisions. The grant is particularly important because it also fulfills a required component for districts seeking additional funding through Business Oregon’s Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program, thereby serving as both a standalone funding opportunity and a gateway to further infrastructure investment. Funding under this program is structured as a reimbursement grant, meaning districts must initially incur eligible costs and then request reimbursement from the Oregon Department of Education. The grant provides up to 25525 dollars per district for seismic assessment activities. Allowable uses include costs associated with hiring qualified professionals to conduct building evaluations and produce formal reports. Recipients are required to submit final reports and invoices to the state, ensuring accountability and alignment with program standards and administrative rules outlined in Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 581 Division 27. Eligibility for the program is limited to Oregon school districts and education service districts. Each eligible entity may submit one application per assessment type, reinforcing the program’s structured and equitable distribution of funds. Applicants must identify specific buildings to be assessed and provide detailed information about those facilities, including names and physical addresses. The application also requires designation of a primary point of contact and an authorized representative who can legally bind the district to the terms of the grant agreement. The application process is conducted through a structured submission form and includes several required components such as district identification, facility details, and certification statements. Applicants must certify compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to contracting and auditing. Additionally, they must agree to update facility data within the Oregon Department of Education’s database as a condition of receiving funds. Applications are evaluated using a preference point system that incorporates multiple data sources, including state education data, geological risk information, and facility records. The application window for the Seismic Assessment Grant opens on January 15, 2026, and closes on February 13, 2026. Submissions must be completed within this timeframe, and districts are responsible for ensuring timely and complete delivery of their applications. While specific award notification timelines are not detailed, the structured review process suggests a competitive evaluation period following submission. The program operates on a recurring basis, with annual opportunities expected, and districts are encouraged to consult eligibility tracking tools and program resources to prepare for future cycles. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program representative, Leanna Heiman, via phone or email through the Oregon Department of Education. The program emphasizes transparency, compliance, and strategic planning, making it a critical resource for districts seeking to enhance the safety and resilience of their educational facilities.