Notice2024-20655
Fiscal Year 2025 Solicitation of Proposals for the National Rural Transit Assistance Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 12, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Transit Administration
Abstract
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $3,250,723 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Rural Transportation Assistance Program funds through a competitive cooperative agreement award. FTA is soliciting proposals under the agency's Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program to select an entity to administer a National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP). The National RTAP will carry out activities to design and implement training and technical assistance projects and other support services tailored to meet the specific needs of transit operators in rural areas, including tribal transit services. Primary activities will include the development of information and materials for use by local operators and State administering agencies and supporting research and technical assistance projects of national interest.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 177 (Thursday, September 12, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 177 (Thursday, September 12, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74360-74366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20655]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Fiscal Year 2025 Solicitation of Proposals for the National Rural
Transit Assistance Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).
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SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the
opportunity to apply for $3,250,723 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Rural
Transportation Assistance Program funds through a competitive
cooperative agreement award. FTA is soliciting proposals under the
agency's Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program to select an entity to
administer a National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP).
The National RTAP will carry out activities to design and implement
training and technical assistance projects and other support services
tailored to meet the specific needs of transit operators in rural
areas, including tribal transit services. Primary activities will
include the development of information and materials for use by local
operators and State administering agencies and supporting research and
technical assistance projects of national interest.
DATES: Complete proposals for the National RTAP must be submitted
electronically through the Grant.GOV ``Apply'' function by 11:59 p.m.
Eastern time on November 12, 2024. Late applications will not be
accepted. Prospective applicants should register as soon as possible on
the GRANTS.GOV website to ensure completion of the application process
before submission deadline.
ADDRESSES: Instructions for applying can be found on FTA's website at
<a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/fy24-notice-funding-opportunity-national-rural-transit-assistance-program">https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/fy24-notice-funding-opportunity-national-rural-transit-assistance-program</a> and in the
``FIND'' module of GRANTS.GOV. The funding opportunity ID is FTA-2024-
014-TPM-NRTAP Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heather Edmonds, FTA Office of Program
Management at (202) 366-3748; Email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbd3dedacfd3dec995dedfd6d4d5dfc8fbdfd4cf95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9c1ccc8ddc1ccdb87cccdc4c6c7cddae9cdc6dd87cec6df">[email protected]</span></a>. A TDD is
available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at
800.877.8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 74361]]
Summary of Key Information: National Rural Transit Assistance Program
Competitive Funding Opportunity
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Federal Transit Administration, U.S.
Issuing agency Department of Transportation
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Program Overview............. The National RTAP provides for the
development of information and materials
for use by rural and tribal transit
operators, State DOTs and State funded
transit agencies, and supports research
and technical assistance projects of
national interest.
Eligible Applicants.......... Eligible applicants are non-profit
organizations with rural and tribal
transportation experience that have the
capacity to provide public
transportation-related technical
assistance and the ability to deliver a
national technical assistance and
training program.
Eligible Projects............ The National RTAP is funded under the
Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program
to enhance the delivery of public
transportation services provided by
State Departments of Transportation
(DOTs) and operators of rural and tribal
transit. Rural transit systems and
community transit drivers, dispatchers,
maintenance workers, managers, and board
members need special skills and
knowledge to provide quality service to
their diverse customers across large,
rural service areas. The National RTAP
carries out projects of a national scope
that provide transportation technical
assistance in these areas.
Funding Amount............... $3,250,723 for the first year, including
$500,000 for programs specific to tribal
transit.
Cost Share................... The maximum Federal share of project
costs under this program is 100 percent.
Deadline..................... November 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern
Time.
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Table of Contents
A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
H. Other Information
A. Program Description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports FTA's strategic
goals and objectives by promoting safe, affordable, accessible, and
multimodal access to opportunities and services while reducing
transportation-related disparities, adverse community impacts, and
health effects. FTA is soliciting proposals for a cooperative agreement
for a project of national scope under the Rural Transit Assistance
Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(3)), Assistance Listing 20.509. The Formula
Grants for Rural Areas Program authorizes the Secretary of
Transportation to carry out a Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
in rural areas to enhance the delivery of public transportation
services provided by State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and
operators of rural and tribal transit. Since 1979, FTA has provided
grants to States under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program and
its predecessor programs to establish and maintain transit systems in
communities with populations of less than 50,000 individuals. Rural
transit systems and community transit drivers, dispatchers, maintenance
workers, managers, and board members need special skills and knowledge
to provide quality service to their diverse customers across large,
rural service areas. The National RTAP was created in 1997 to carry out
projects of a national scope that provide transportation assistance in
these areas.
The National RTAP provides for the development of information and
materials for use by local operators, State DOTs and State funded
transit agencies, and supports research and technical assistance
projects of national interest. The FTA carries out the objectives of
the National RTAP through a cooperative agreement that establishes and
provides financial assistance for these activities. FTA selected the
current recipient to administer the National RTAP in 2019. Consistent
with the U.S. Department of Transportation's policy to maximize
competition in discretionary awards, every five years the FTA competes
the administration of the National RTAP.
FTA also supports assistance for local RTAP activities through
funding apportionments to the States. The State RTAPs develop and
implement training and technical assistance in conjunction with the
State's administration of the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program.
The State RTAPs and the National RTAP complement each other, and both
are funded under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program. The
objectives of the National RTAP are:
<bullet> Objective 1: To promote the delivery of safe, effective
and efficient public transportation in rural areas, including tribal
transit systems.
<bullet> Objective 2: To support State and local governments,
including tribal governments, in addressing the training and technical
assistance needs of the rural and tribal transit community.
<bullet> Objective 3: To conduct research, including analysis of
data reported to FTA's National Transit Database, and to maintain
current profiles of the characteristics of rural transit as well as an
inventory of rural, tribal and specialized transportation providers.
<bullet> Objective 4: To develop materials, tools, trainings and
network opportunities to address the unique needs of tribal transit
providers and help build sustainable capacity in tribal transit
programs.
<bullet> Objective 5: To implement pilot grants to develop
community and state-level transportation innovations focused on
increasing access and mobility in rural and tribal areas.
Since its inception, the National RTAP has developed and
distributed training materials, provided technical assistance,
generated reports, published best practices, produced scholarships,
conducted research, and offered peer assistance with the goal of
improved mobility for the millions of Americans living in rural
communities. The National RTAP also has developed tools for use by
rural transit providers in providing their service, and provided access
to scholarship, research and training through sponsorship of and
participation in conferences attended by a variety of constituents with
interest in rural and tribal transit. For more information on the
various programs and services provided by the National RTAP, visit the
National RTAP website at <a href="https://www.nationalrtap.org">https://www.nationalrtap.org</a>.
B. Federal Award Information
FTA is authorized to use two percent of funds appropriated for the
Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program for research, technical
assistance, training, and related support services in rural areas. Of
this amount, not more than 15 percent can be used for the National
RTAP, with the remaining amount apportioned to states for state RTAP
activities. FTA intends to fund the National RTAP with $3,250,723 in
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 funds for the first year. This includes an
additional $500,000 made available through the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2024 for National RTAP programming specific to
tribal transit. FTA may extend funding for this center for up to
[[Page 74362]]
five years in total; however, subsequent funding will depend upon: (1)
future authorization and appropriations; (2) decisions and program
priorities established by the Secretary of Transportation related to
implementation of the National Rural Transit Assistance program; and
(3) performance of the recipient.
This funding opportunity will be awarded under the terms of a
cooperative agreement. This cooperative agreement will be managed from
FTA's headquarters office. FTA will participate in activities by
negotiating the final statement of work, attending review meetings,
commenting on technical reports, maintaining frequent contact with the
project manager, approving key decisions and activities, and
redirecting project activities, as needed.
FTA will issue specific guidance to the awardee regarding pre-award
authority at the time of selection. For more information about FTA's
policy on pre-award authority, please see the most recent Apportionment
Notice on FTA's website, <a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/apportionments/current-apportionments">https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/apportionments/current-apportionments</a>.
C. Eligibility Information
Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations with rural and
tribal transportation experience that have the capacity to provide
public transportation-related technical assistance and the ability to
deliver a national technical assistance and training program.
Individuals, for-profit entities, and Federal agencies are ineligible
to apply for this funding.
There is no requirement for non-federal matching funds or cost
sharing for this program.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Applications must be submitted electronically through GRANTS.GOV,
as described above. General information for registering and submitting
applications through GRANTS.GOV can be found at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants">https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants</a> along with
specific instructions for the forms and attachments required for
submission. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
A complete proposal submission will consist of at least two files:
(1) the Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Federal Assistance
(downloaded from GRANTS.GOV or the FTA website <a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/fy24-notice-funding-opportunity-national-rural-transit-assistance-program">https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/fy24-notice-funding-opportunity-national-rural-transit-assistance-program</a>; and (2) a narrative
application document submitted in a Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or
compatible file format, double-spaced using Times New Roman, 12-point
font. Once completed, the narrative application must be placed in the
attachments section of the SF-424 form. Applicants must attach the
narrative application file to their submission in GRANTS.GOV to
successfully complete the proposal process. The narrative application
should be in the format outlined in Section 2 below. A proposal
submission may contain additional supporting documentation as
attachments.
The application must include responses to all sections of the SF-
424 Mandatory Form and all components of the narrative application
document unless a section is indicated as optional. FTA will use the
information in the narrative application document to determine
applicant and project eligibility for the program and to evaluate the
proposal against the selection criteria described in part E of this
notice.
Applicants must fill in all fields unless stated otherwise on the
SF-424 form and include all requested components of the narrative
application document. If applicants copy information from another
source, they should verify that the form and narrative application
document have fully captured pasted text and that it has not truncated
the text due to character limits built into the form. Applicants should
use both the ``Check Package for Errors'' and the ``Validate Form''
buttons on all required fields in the SF-424.
The narrative application must contain the following components and
adhere to the specified maximum lengths:
a. Cover sheet (1 page). The cover sheet must include the name of
the entity submitting the proposal, the principal's name, title, and
contact information (e.g., address, phone, and email), and the name and
contact information for the key point of contact for each function of
the agreement (if different from principal) referenced under the
``Project Description'' section of this Notice.
b. Detailed budget proposal and budget narrative (not to exceed 3
pages).
c. Project narrative and qualifications (not to exceed 10 pages)
The project narrative should address:
i. The methodology for addressing the project goals, objectives,
activities, deliverables, milestones, timeline and intended outcomes
for the National Rural Transit Assistance Program;
ii. The methodology to develop performance measures and track the
outcomes and benefits of the National Rural Transit Assistance Program,
including how applicant will assess success;
iii. The existing and future capacity of the organization to
address the issues outlined in the proposal and the organization's
ability to implement goals, objectives, activities, milestones,
deliverables and intended outcomes;
iv. The applicants' understanding of rural and tribal transit
needs; including knowledge and experience with identifying and
addressing issues related to funding and operation of rural and tribal
transit systems;
v. A detailed plan for communication, technical assistance, and
outreach at the state and local levels;
vi. The applicant's experience with grant-making, developing
performance measures, tracking performance measures and spending and
communicating lessons learned and project benefits to stakeholders;
vii. A plan to work with stakeholders and build partnerships at the
national level; including how the applicant will work with State and
local partners and stakeholders to promote coordination of
transportation services;
viii. Qualifications of lead staff, not to exceed one page per
person, including: (1) Prior experience providing technical assistance,
especially related to public transit in rural and tribal areas; (2)
prior experience implementing the other tasks outlined in this
solicitation; (3) staff members' knowledge of issues related to public
transit in rural and tribal communities, (4) staff members' experience
working directly with tribal entities; and (5) a biographical sketch
for each lead staff member.
d. Statement of Activities (not to exceed 10 pages). The
application also should discuss how the recipient will perform the
following short-term and long-term activities:
Short-Term Activities:
1. Hiring needed staff and setting up the center, including
developing an interactive website that houses and delivering a library
of tools, topics, articles, best practices for rural and tribal transit
providers; acting as a clearinghouse for rural and tribal transit
information; and facilitating outreach to
[[Page 74363]]
State and local partners and stakeholders.
2. Developing an online fully functional National RTAP Help Desk
that will enable email and phone technical assistance inquiries and
responses on rural and tribal transit questions/topics; this system
should be able to gather performance measures that track web-analytics,
technical assistance requests, types of requests, and enable a
quarterly report to FTA on what activities have been completed, how
many people have received assistance; the cost of that assistance; and
the satisfaction of those who sought assistance.
3. Developing a Scope of Work for National RTAP's first year of
operations, including but not limited to:
[cir] A communications and outreach plan to promote the center,
training and technical assistance products and relevant news through
various channels (e.g., social media, newsletter, blogs) and engage
stakeholders, partners and State RTAP programs.
[cir] Recommendations to FTA on a planning/pilot grant program that
support partnerships and innovative transportation solutions to
increase community access in rural and tribal areas.
[cir] A plan for how National RTAP will deliver training and
technical assistance and recommendations to FTA on the data needs to
help track and assess rural and tribal transit needs.
Long-term/ongoing activities:
1. Providing technical assistance in a variety of ways to rural and
tribal transit operators and support to State RTAP programs:
[cir] Operating a toll-free number and email to respond to
inquiries from rural and tribal transit operators. Developing a system
to track inquires and responses.
[cir] Developing and promoting written and electronic training
materials that assist rural and tribal operators (e.g., online courses,
technical briefs, toolkits, case studies, etc.).
[cir] Maintaining a resource library of case studies, promising and
best practices, videos, publications, webinars and other training
materials.
2. Providing technical assistance to assist recipients,
subrecipients, and potential future grantees with challenges around
accessing FTA funding programs (e.g., Section 5311 and Tribal Transit
Program) to increase transit sustainability.
3. Coordinating with other organizations to build national
connections to assist states and rural communities with transit system
improvements.
4. Developing a community grant program that offers funding for
planning and/or pilot projects to foster partnerships, coordination of
services and increased transit access for rural and tribal communities.
5. Providing peer-to-peer meeting exchanges and collaboration
opportunities, while expanding dialogue with rural and tribal transit
partners and fostering relationships with other non-traditional
partners.
6. Developing a feedback system that enables opportunities for
improvement of the Center's customer service, programs, and processes.
7. Identifying performance measures, evaluating and reporting on
National RTAP activities and outputs.
e. Supplemental Materials. Supplemental materials such as bios and
letters of support may be included in an appendices section that is
beyond the page limits above but may not exceed 15 additional pages.
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant is required to: (1) register in SAM.GOV before
submitting an application; (2) provide a valid unique SAM entity
identifier in its application; and (3) continue to maintain an active
SAM registration with current information, at all times during which
the applicant has an active Federal award or an application or plan
under consideration by FTA. FTA may not make an award until the
applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and
SAM.GOV requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the
requirements by the time FTA is ready to make an award, FTA may
determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and
use that determination as a basis for making the award to another
applicant. These requirements do not apply if the applicant: (1) Is
excepted from the requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c); or (2) has
an exception approved by FTA under 2 CFR 25.110(d). SAM.GOV
registration takes approximately 3-5 business days, but FTA recommends
allowing ample time, up to several weeks, for completion of all steps.
For additional information on obtaining a unique entity identifier,
please visit <a href="https://www.sam.gov">https://www.sam.gov</a>.
4. Submission Dates and Times
Project proposals must be submitted electronically through
GRANTS.GOV and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on November
12, 2024. GRANTS.GOV attaches a time stamp to each application at the
time of submission. Late applications will not be accepted. Mail and
fax submissions will not be accepted. Prospective applicants should
initiate the process by registering on the GRANTS.GOV website promptly
to ensure completion of the application process before the submission
deadline.
FTA urges applicants to submit proposals at least 72 hours prior to
the due date to allow time to receive the validation messages and to
correct any problems that may have caused a rejection notification.
GRANTS.GOV scheduled maintenance and outage times are announced on the
GRANTS.GOV website. Deadlines will not be extended due to scheduled
website maintenance.
Within 48 hours after submitting an electronic application, the
applicant should receive two email messages from GRANTS.GOV: (1)
Confirmation of successful transmission to GRANTS.GOV; and (2)
confirmation of successful validation by GRANTS.GOV. If confirmation of
successful validation is not received or a notice of failed validation
or incomplete materials is received, the applicant must address the
reason for the failed validation, as described in the email notice, and
resubmit before the submission deadline. If making a resubmission for
any reason, include all original attachments regardless of which
attachments were updated.
Applicants are encouraged to begin the process of registration on
the GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of the submission deadline.
Registration is a multi-step process, which may take several weeks to
complete before an application can be submitted. Registered applicants
may be required to take steps to keep their registration up to date
before submissions can be made successfully. Registration in SAM.GOV is
renewed annually and persons making submissions on behalf of the
Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) must be authorized in
GRANTS.GOV by the AOR to make submissions.
5. Funding Restrictions
This award is subject to the Governmentwide Uniform Administrative
Requirements and Cost Principles (2 CFR part 200) and FTA Circular
5010.1. Capital expenses such as equipment purchases are not considered
to be eligible costs unless they directly relate to the technical
assistance being supported by FTA funds. Acceptable costs can include
but are not limited to technology and start-up costs for information
technology systems and website resources, subject
[[Page 74364]]
matter expert consultants as needed, salaries and fringe benefits of
direct staff, support staff, staff travel to attend relevant
conferences and provide on-site technical assistance, office space,
program materials and supplies, and indirect costs.
Funds awarded under this notice cannot be used to reimburse
projects for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to FTA award of
a Grant Agreement or Cooperative Agreement unless FTA has issued a
``Letter of No Prejudice'' for the project before the expenses are
incurred. Allowable direct and indirect expenses must be consistent
with the Governmentwide Uniform Administrative Requirements and Cost
Principles (2 CFR part 200) and FTA Circular 5010.1.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
FTA will evaluate proposals according to the following criteria:
a. Methodology for Achieving the Objectives of the National RTAP;
b. Qualifications and Experience of Staff and Key Personnel;
c. Communication, Technical Assistance, and Outreach Strategy;
d. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity;
e. Ability to Work with Stakeholders and Build Partnerships at the
National Level; and
f. Plan to Evaluate the National RTAP activities.
The criteria are explained below:
a. Methodology for Achieving the Objectives of the National RTAP
FTA is seeking innovative and effective approaches and strategies
to accomplish the project objectives. Proposals will be evaluated based
on the proposed methodology for addressing the objectives of the
National RTAP, as well as the capacity of the organization to address
the issues outlined in the proposal. The proposal should clearly
explain the objectives, activities, deliverables, milestones, timeline
and intended outcomes for achieving the goals outlined in the scope for
the first year, and how the organization intends to implement them.
b. Qualifications and Experience of Staff and Key Personnel
The proposal should demonstrate that staff and key personnel have
the appropriate skills and experience to carry out the activities. FTA
will evaluate the qualifications and experience of the key staff
detailed in the proposal for their: (1) Prior experience providing
technical assistance, especially related to public transit in rural and
tribal areas, (2) prior experience implementing the other tasks
outlined in this solicitation, (3) knowledge of issues related to
public transit in rural and tribal areas.
c. Communication, Technical Assistance, and Outreach Strategy
The proposal should demonstrate the ability to execute a technical
assistance program with a national scope, as well as strategies for
delivering targeted assistance to State, regional, and local
stakeholders. Proposing organizations are encouraged to think
innovatively about this technical assistance delivery. The proposal
also should demonstrate the ability to carry out outreach,
dissemination, and information management activities. These activities
will include capturing and sharing useful and best practices in rural
and tribal transportation operations, as well as supporting activities
related to FTA's tribal transit program. The proposal should
demonstrate innovative approaches, such as the use of communication
that is accessible through social media and other information
technologies, to accomplish effective stakeholder strategies that both
manage and plan the engagement. Rural and tribal communities have
unique needs, and the proposal should demonstrate effective strategies
for providing technical assistance to address community needs, reflect
engagement touchpoints and the ability to meaningfully engage with
these communities to produce successful transportation outcomes.
d. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity
The proposal must include an effective project management plan to
administer and manage the National RTAP and must demonstrate that the
applicant has the technical, legal, and financial capacity to carry out
the plan. FTA will evaluate the applicant's:
1. Technical capacity to administer and manage the proposed
activities;
2. Total budget and staffing; and
3. Evidence of understanding of the National RTAP mission and
comprehensive technical approach to delivering the National RTAP.
The proposal should indicate a strong organizational capability to
address the issues and activities outlined in the proposal. In
addition, the proposal should indicate experience in managing and
monitoring sub-recipients and contractors, if any are anticipated in
the proposal. The recipient selected must be an eligible recipient for
a cooperative agreement with FTA and able to sign the required
certifications and assurances. The successful applicant must have no
technical, legal or financial issues that would impact its eligibility
and authority to apply for and accept FTA funds or carry out the
award's scope of work.
e. Ability To Work With Stakeholders and Build Partnerships at the
National Level
The proposal must include a plan for effective and meaningful
stakeholder engagement. The proposal will be evaluated based in the
quality and effectiveness of the plan for engaging and supporting
stakeholder engagement to drive the activities of the National RTAP.
f. Plan To Evaluate the National RTAP Activities
FTA will evaluate the effectiveness of proposed performance
measures and the plan for collecting and reporting on data related to
the National RTAP's products activities, and outcomes.
2. Review and Selection Process
A technical evaluation committee made up of FTA staff will screen
each application for eligibility and evaluate proposals based on the
published evaluation criteria outlined in this notice. FTA may request
additional information from applicants to clarify information contained
within the proposal. After consideration of the findings of the
technical evaluation committee, the FTA Administrator will determine
the final selection.
3. Integrity and Performance Review
Prior to making an award, FTA is required to review and consider
any information about the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee
Performance and Integrity Information Systems (FAPIIS) accessible
through SAM.GOV. An applicant may review and comment on information
about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. FTA
will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other
information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant's
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal
awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as
described in 2 CFR 200.206, Federal Awarding Agency Review of Risk
Posed by Applicants.
F. Federal Award Administration
1. Federal Award Notices
FTA will notify the successful organization by email or telephone
of their status and the selection will be announced FTA's website.
Following
[[Page 74365]]
notification, the successful entity will be required to submit its
application through the FTA Transit Award Management System (Tramps).
FTA will work with the successful applicant to develop a detailed
cooperative agreement and may require modifications to the proposal
before a cooperative agreement is awarded. FTA will award and manage a
cooperative agreement through Tramps. The selection of a cooperative
agreement recipient under this NOFO will go through the Congressional
notification and release process.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
a. Grant Requirements
The successful applicant will execute their cooperative agreement
through TrAMS and adhere to the FTA grant requirements of the National
RTAP Program. For more information, see FTA Circular 9040.1G: Formula
Grants for Rural Areas: Program Guidance and Application Instructions,
available here: <a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/fta-circular-90401g-formula-grants-rural-areas-program-guidance-and">https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/fta-circular-90401g-formula-grants-rural-areas-program-guidance-and</a>.
Upon notification of intent to award funds, the recipient must execute
the Award in TrAMS within 90 days; otherwise, FTA may withdraw its
award.
b. Standard Assurances
Selected recipients must comply with all Federal statutes,
regulations, executive orders, directives, FTA circulars, and other
Federal administrative requirements in carrying out project supported
activities by this FTA award. In addition to these requirements,
recipients of FTA funds are required to execute the most current
Certifications and Assurances before entering into a grant or
cooperative agreement.
c. Statement of Work
Once selected for award, the recipient will be asked to outline a
plan of action, a Statement of Work (SOW), in a format provided by FTA.
The SOW includes estimated milestone dates and performance measures and
goals for major activities and products which are SMART--specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound. Activities should be
justified in terms of eligible program activities and proposals should
clearly demonstrate the connection between the planned work and at
least one of the specific program activities cited. The Statement of
Work also should address supporting activities, such as plans for
engaging participants and/or dissemination strategies for sharing the
results, if such are critical to the success of the supported program.
d. Measuring Outcomes
The recipient will be required to assist FTA in evaluating the
project and its outcomes. FTA will evaluate the project according to
the metrics and goals approved in the Statement of Work for the
project. FTA anticipates applying metrics, among others, that will
demonstrate target audience usage and feedback on the services and
resources of the center.
e. Data Access & Data Sharing
Recipients funded under this announcement will be required to
gather and share all relevant and required data with FTA within
appropriate and agreed-upon timelines, to support any project
evaluations.
In Response to the White House Office of Science and Technology
Policy memorandum, dated August 25, 2022, titled ``Ensuring Free,
Immediate, and Equitable Access to Federally Funded Research,'' the
Department is incorporating Public Access requirements into all funding
awarded (e.g., grants, cooperative agreements, etc.) for scientific
research. Recipients are required to include these obligations in any
sub-awards or other related funding agreements.
Recipients must remove all confidential business information (CBI)
or personally identifiable information (PII) information before
providing public access to any project data. All appropriate data are
to be accessible to FTA and the public for a minimum of five years
after the period of performance has expired. Recipients and sub-
recipients must make available to FTA copies of all work developed in
performance of a project funded under this announcement, including but
not limited to software and data.
f. Knowledge Transfer
Recipients and sub-recipients may be asked, during the period of
performance, to participate in information exchange meetings, webinars,
or outreach events to support FTA's goal of advancing models of success
and information that is helping to address human services
transportation coordination.
3. Reporting
Post-award reporting requirements include submission of Federal
Financial Reports and Milestone Progress Reports in TrAMS on a
quarterly basis. Documentation is required for payment. Additional
reporting may be required specific to the National Rural Transportation
Assistance Program.
As part of completing the annual certifications and assurances
required of FTA recipients, a successful applicant must report on the
suspension or debarment status of itself and its principals. If the
award recipient's active grants, cooperative agreements, and
procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds
$10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of
an award made pursuant to this Notice, the recipient must comply with
the Recipient integrity and Performance Matters reporting requirements
described in Appendix XII to 2 CFR part 200.
The Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA)
requires data entry at the FFATA Sub Award Reporting System (<a href="https://www.FSRS.gov">https://www.FSRS.gov</a>) for all sub-awards and sub-contracts issued for $25,000
or more, as well as addressing executive compensation for both grantee
and subaward organizations. Additionally, FTA may evaluate and report
on the success of the program. Applicants may be required to provide
information for this purpose indicating the need, problem, or
opportunity addressed by activities of the program. The national
significance and relevance to the public transportation industry must
also be clearly demonstrated.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
For further information concerning this notice, please contact the
Technical Assistance program manager Heather Edmonds by phone at 202-
366-3748, or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#adc5c8ccd9c5c8df83c8c9c0c2c3c9deedc9c2d983cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="630b0602170b06114d06070e0c0d071023070c174d040c15">[email protected]</span></a>. A TDD is available
for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 800-877-8339.
To ensure that applicants receive accurate information about
eligibility or the program, applicants are encouraged to contact FTA
directly with questions, rather than through intermediaries or third
parties.
H. Other Information
For more information on FTA's Rural and Tribal Transit Resources,
visit <a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/rural">https://www.transit.dot.gov/rural</a>.
For more information on FTA's Sponsored Technical Assistance
Centers see <a href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-programs/access/ccam/about/federal-transit-administration-sponsored-technical">https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-programs/access/ccam/about/federal-transit-administration-sponsored-technical</a>.
For information on the Rural Transportation Assistance Program,
visit https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/
[[Page 74366]]
grants/rural-transportation-assistance-program-5311b3.
Veronica Vanterpool,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2024-20655 Filed 9-11-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P
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