August 11, 2020
Federal funding to assist with COVID-19 expenses
Dear Colleagues,
Recently, the State Finance Council approved a request from the Kansas Board of Regents to distribute available federal dollars from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, to state universities. These federal funds are meant to assist universities in funding the extraordinary costs related to the pandemic and reopening our campuses this fall.
As noted in Vice President Cindy Bontrager's recent letter to campus, the Facilities Storeroom stands ready to assist campus units in procuring the necessary PPE and other supplies needed to reopen campus safely. These federal dollars will be used to cover the costs of COVID supplies ordered through the storeroom. This same process is also in effect for any COVID-related signage ordered through University Printing. Units may order necessary signs and federal funds will cover the costs.
In the event a unit is unable to order these supplies through the storeroom or print shop, we can use these federal funds to cover similar costs ordered through an alternate vendor. However, units must flag these expenses as COVID- related within the university's accounting system in order for them to be reimbursed. We also ask that units follow proper purchasing protocols when procuring goods. The purchasing department stands ready to assist in any way.
These federal funds are limited and are currently set to expire on Dec. 30. We will communicate ahead of time if we find that we lack the resources to cover all orders placed throughout this fall.
If you need assistance in ordering supplies through the Facilities Storeroom contact storeroom@k-state.edu or 785-532-2049.
If you need assistance in ordering signage through University Printing, please contact uprint@k-state.edu or 785-532-6308.
If your accounting department needs assistance in flagging COVID-related expenses in the university's accounting system contact Memory Buffington at mbuffing@k-state.edu.
Ethan Erickson
Chief financial officer