DIRECT DONATION PROGRAM: COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS & SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT

The NIH Direct Donation Program offers equipment such as computers, scientific equipment, etc., for use by schools, colleges, universities and nonprofits that are tax-exempt under section 501(C) of the U.S. tax code.

What are the criteria to be considered for the NIH Direct Donation program?
In order to be considered for the program, your school or educational nonprofit must meet the program's eligibility requirements. These include the following:

Your school must be a public, private, or parochial school serving kindergarten through 12th grade students.
Your educational nonprofit must
1. Serve pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students
2. Be tax-exempt under section 501(c) of the US tax code.
3. Operate exclusively for the purpose of education.

Are there any additional criteria for the NIH Computer in Schools donation program?
Educational nonprofits must provide a copy of its 501(c) documentation with its letter to participate in the program. Statements within the application letter must be included describing the educational activities of the nonprofit (e.g., number of students, grades, teachers, and how the organization operates exclusively for the purpose of education). A nonprofit organization must also be able to produce written proof that it is accepted and qualified for participation in the “Computers for Learning Program” operated by GSA prior to acceptance to the NIH program. This can be obtained by applying online to their program at Computers for Learning (link is external).

What are the criteria to be considered for the Stevenson-Wydler Federal Technology Innovation Act?
NIH interprets the Act to apply primarily to colleges, universities and nonprofits that are actively conducting scientific education in a research environment.

Direct Donation Program Terms and Conditions

If I meet the criteria of either program, do I have a right to be in the program?
No. The Executive Order is not intended and should not be construed, to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States, its agencies, or its employees for either program. If you are accepted into the Stevenson-Wydler program, then you must know that the types and amounts of property considered research equipment and that are available for donation are at the program administrator's discretion.

What terms and conditions should I know about prior to applying?
When a school or nonprofit educational organization is accepted into and actively participates in its respective program, it agrees to the following terms and conditions and that:

NIH has the right to conduct quality assurance inspections/audits (onsite, telephonic, etc.) of the donated property at any time to insure it is being used in accordance with the requirements of the program and the law.
Screeners or authorizing officials from a school or organization participating in the program will be employees of the school or organization. The screeners or authorizing officials will be the same ones authorized in your letter application and that each screener will have identification to this effect. No "middle-man" arrangements are allowed. NIH employees cannot represent a school even if they have a future appointment to a school.
It will notify NIH's program office in writing of any changes in the status of its screeners or authorizing officials so that the organization's screener list remains accurate.
It will not sell, trade, or donate the property that has been donated to the organization for three years.
It will keep accurate disposition records of the property. Donee certifies that disposal of any donation property from this program will be done in compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental laws. Donee assumes all liability for failure to comply with these laws upon disposal of donated property.
NIH has the right to limit quantities of donated property requested by a school or nonprofit if deemed necessary by the Program Administrator. The number of days a school or non-profit organization can participate a week or annually can also be limited by the Program Administrator. Quantity determinations will be based on number of students and the actual needs of a school or non-profit in terms of equitable fairness when it comes to other participants in the program. The Program Administrator can also terminate participation of a school or nonprofit if it does not comply with the program's terms and conditions, warehouse rules, fairness to other participants or if it is determined to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.
All costs associated with transporting the donated property shall be the responsibility of the school/nonprofit. All donated property will be removed the same day of title transfer/donation unless other arrangements are made with prior approval of the Program Administrator. Failure to comply with this policy may result in cancellation of the donation and possible removal from the program.
It will submit in writing annually by September 30th an updated letter with current and accurate organizational information, screeners, etc. to maintain active status in its respective program.

How can I get directions to the PRDS to screen and select the equipment?

Directions to the NIH PRDS can be obtained here.

Direct Donation Program Contact Information

Who can I contact for more program information?
For more information, contact Christopher Batzel at christopher.batzel@nih.gov or (301) 402-5044.

Direct Donation Program Application Process

We meet the criteria and agree to the terms and conditions. What must we do now to initiate the application process?
Using this sample letter for K-12 or Colleges and Universities, create a similar letter for your organization on you school's or non-profit's letterhead. Once the required signatures are obtained, submit the letter to PRDS.

What do I do after completing the letter and getting the necessary signatures?
Mail original request on organization's letterhead to the address provided in the template. Once all of the organization information is verified and the organization is approved to participate in the program, an approval letter will be faxed to the requestor with further instructions.

When can I expect my approval letter?
If approved, your organization can expect letter to receive an approval within 3 weeks from the day that it is received by the Program Administrator.

DIRECT DONATION PROGRAM DOCUMENTS