Office of Grants Administration Spring 2026 Newsletter

Dear Superintendents, 

As we move through the school year, I would like to thank you for your continued collaboration and communication to support the success of school building construction projects across the state.  Your leadership at a district level plays a critical role in ensuring these projects not only move forward efficiently but also reflect the needs of your school community. 

Over the past several months, our office has continued to focus on improving clarity in the grants process.  We recognize that construction timelines, budget planning, and facility needs overlap with many other priorities you are managing.  We remain committed to providing timely guidance, clear documentation, and consistent communication so that districts can proceed with confidence and minimize delays.  As you prepare for project milestones or future applications, please continue to reach out with questions.   

Additionally, if there are staff members in your district who would benefit from receiving Office of Grants Administration newsletters, they are welcome to sign up at the below link (please note that subscriptions are limited to district staff, and third-party vendors will be removed). 

DAS Superintendent List Signup Form (confirmsubscription.com) 

In partnership, 

Yadira Gonzalez 
Director of Grants Administration 

Core VSS Reminder

New User Accounts

Among other functions, Core-VSS is used to submit applications, payment requests, and other documentation related to the grant application. If a district has a new superintendent who needs access to Core-VSS, the town administrator of the district’s account can add them as a new user. Superintendent user accounts in Core should be set up with generic usernames, for example “SUPER” and the 3-digit district code (i.e. SUPER123).

Administrators of district accounts in Core-VSS are usually the town finance director, comptroller, or Chief Financial Officer.  If a district is unsure who the account administrator is, please reach out to the Office of Grants Administration (OGA) at DAS.grantsadministration@ct.gov. 

After a new superintendent has been added to the account by the town administrator, please notify OGA at DAS.grantsadministration@ct.gov so that the appropriate roles can be added to the superintendent’s account.

Please note that only superintendents can submit applications in Core-VSS per Chapter 173 § 10-283.

For more resources on Core-VSS including how to apply for a grant and how to submit payment requests in the system please visit eSupplier and Training Information

Updating District Contacts in Core-VSS

It is the responsibility of the town Core administrator to update the contracts for the district in Core-VSS. Contacts must be kept up to date, as active contacts receive grant event notifications and correspondence from other state agencies.  The OGA does not have the capability within Core to make this change on behalf of the districts.

To update district contacts in Core, please see the following user guide: Administrator Job Aid

Grant Applications

The Non-Priority List and Priority List have separate and distinct processes for school construction grants.  Non-Priority List projects include projects such as roof replacements, limited use elevators, HVAC, code violations, etc.  Priority List projects are larger projects such as alterations, renovations, and new school buildings.

• Non-priority application events are open from the first of the month (starting at 7:30 AM) to the tenth of the month (ending at 4:00 PM).
•  Priority List Applications are open from July 1 through June 30.  Applications for the 2027 Priority List can be submitted through June 30, 2026.

The Office of Grants Administration created the following workflow documents to better explain both grant processes:

Non-Priority List Process Flyer (PDF)

Priority List Process Flyer (PDF)

Application Submission Checklist

The Grant Application Checklist (PDF) lists the items required as part of the grant application process.  Additional items required, depending on the project type, are also listed.

Districts applying for the Non-Priority School Building Projects Grant must submit all required documents through Core-VSS at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and the district must wait for the next application window.

Please also see the Non-Priority Grant Requirements Announcement

Application Tips

Here are some useful tips for submitting a successful application in the Core-VSS system.

• Make sure to clear your cache before logging into Core-VSS and beginning an application.  Learn about clearing your browser cache.
• Only one instance of the application can be open at one time. Please make sure not to have multiple tabs of the same instance open.
•  Please make sure to always click save before logging out if you are still working on the submission.
• Once an application is submitted, if the district needs to make changes or corrections, they can be done prior to the event close date and time.  Please note that the district   must resubmit the application (and not just save) in order for the application to be submitted to OGA in the system.

Payment Requests

Invoices

As part of the district's submission of payment requests, all corresponding invoices are required to be signed.  Please make sure that the full signature of the individual signing the invoices is clear and add a title of the signatory if possible.  Owner representatives cannot sign off on their own invoices.   

As a reminder, when submitting multiple invoices as part of a single payment request, please ensure they are all in a single PDF and attached accordingly.

Payment Request Checklist

The Payment Request Checklist (PDF) lists items required for estimated and final payments.  Additional items required, depending on the project type, are also listed.

The Office of Grants Administration has revised its process for submitting school construction grant payment requests. Under state law and DAS policy, only Superintendents may submit payment requests, and any submissions from unauthorized individuals will be returned.

However, a new option now allows Superintendents to formally designate one municipal employee to submit requests on their behalf. To assign a designee, districts must complete and email the Assignment of Designee Form, after which the town administrator will create a Core-CT account and OGA will set up system access.

Districts are reminded to follow these updated procedures to ensure timely payments.  Requests missing required documentation will be returned, causing delays.

Payment Submission Policy Announcement (Designees)

Payment Supporting Documents Announcement

Communication Reminder

We encourage superintendents to coordinate directly with the OGA team through our team mailbox: das.grantsadministration@ct.gov. Using the Grants mailbox remains the most effective way to contact OGA and ensures your message reaches the right staff.

Please keep in mind that many questions require internal coordination. Some inquiries may need input from our Plan Review Team or Legal Counsel. While this may extend our response time, these steps are essential to maintain the standards and shared responsibilities between our office and each district.

Please note that OGA will not respond to inquiries from third-party vendors.

Please see our full District Communication Announcement

Start of Construction

Audit

DAS-1049F Final Grant Application Deadline and 10% Penalty

• In order for DAS to close out the project, the BOE must accept the project as complete and document it in their minutes. The LEA must submit the DAS-1049F Final Grant Application within one year from the date the project was accepted as complete by the BOE.  
•  Failure to submit the final grant application within this timeframe may result in 10% reduction in the state reimbursement of the project. 
•  If there are questions regarding the submission process or potential delays, districts should contact the Office of Grants Administration at DAS.grantsadministration@ct.gov as soon as possible.