In an effort to expand the Computers for Learning (CFL) program, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management (LM) has begun reaching out to educational and non-profit establishments in Tribal Nations close to our legacy sites. The LM personal property department is reaching out to organizations that may have little to no exposure to CFL programs available to them. Our excess computers or IT equipment may aid in expanding tribal educational programs.
To donate government-owned computer equipment declared as excess by federal agencies, Executive Order (EO) 12999 established the CFL program directing agencies to give preference to schools and educational nonprofit organizations. Direct transfers are authorized by law through 15 United States Code 3710(i) commonly known as the “Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act” (amended by Public Law 102-245 on February 14, 1992). It states, “The Director of a laboratory, or the head of any federal agency or department, may give equipment that is excess to the needs of the laboratory, agency, or department to educational institutions or nonprofit organizations for the conduct of technical and scientific education and research activities. Title of ownership shall transfer as a donation or gift under this section.”
Combined efforts between LM’s Elizabeth Holland (Personal Property) and Bill Dam (Environmental Site Manager for the Riverton, Wyoming, Processing Site), have successfully generated LM’s interest in CFL. We are pleased to announce that the Northern Arapahoe Tribe is the newest government-excessed property recipient. Mr. Dam delivered computers and other IT equipment while on travel to Riverton for field work. Northern Arapaho Tribe members traveled to the Grand Junction, Colorado, Office to pick up eight fully outfitted work stations for their new site office in Riverton.
The Northern Arapaho Tribe will use the IT equipment for program work in the office and in the field to enhance their educational and outreach capabilities and to upgrade outdated IT equipment. LM’s outreach positively affects up to 10 tribal staff members.
We will continue to reach out to tribal communities in an effort to keep technology alive where it matters most, with those who need it. Anyone with knowledge of a tribal entity interested in taking part of this opportunity, please contact Elizabeth Holland at elizabeth.holland@lm.doe.gov, or (970) 248-6008.