National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program, 19612-19614 [06-3606]

Download as PDF 19612 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2006 / Notices wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES in preparing proposals and subsequently implementing the projects. The first publication, the Report to the President on Human Service Transportation Coordination (https:// www.unitedweride.gov/ 1_866_ENG_HTML.htm), published in 2005, presented five broad recommendations that the CCAM believes will strengthen existing transportation services to be more costeffective, and accountable and help providers become more responsive to consumers. These five recommendations include (1) coordinated transportation planning; (2) vehicle sharing; (3) cost sharing; (4) reporting and evaluations; and (5) consolidated access transportation demonstration program. Second, as part of the joint effort of the United We Ride and Mobility Services for All Americans initiatives, the USDOT is in the process of developing additional tools to take the Framework for Action to the next level by providing communities and states with guidance to take concrete action and identify their progress along the way. These tools build on the same core elements as the Framework and assist in defining where a community or state is on the road to building a fully coordinated comprehensive transportation system that is inclusive of people with disabilities, older adults and individuals with lower incomes. The recipients may find these tools useful in designing their respective TMCC systems. Inquiries about the availability of these tools may be directed to the United We Ride program office at unitedweride@fta.dot.gov. The third publication is a generic TMCC concept of operations that provides a high-level, representative description of an enhanced human service transportation delivery system in terms of operational characteristics, service scenarios and relationships between system components. This publication is designed to provide an example that can be used by agency and other stakeholders as the basis for developing their own specific TMCC system concept of operations. This publication can be obtained via website at https://www.its.dot.gov/msaa or by contacting the FTA Project Manager. 2. Additional Resources • USDOT ITS Mobility Services for All Americans initiative https:// www.its.dot.gov/msaa/index.htm • Federal Interagency United We Ride initiative https://www.unitedweride.gov • Information on Section 508 and web site accessibility: https:// www.section508.gov VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:37 Apr 13, 2006 Jkt 208001 • National ITS Architecture https:// www.its.dot.gov/arch/index.htm • ITS Standards https:// www.standards.its.dot.gov/ standards.htm 3. List of Acronyms and Abbreviations CCAM Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility FHWA Federal Highway Administration FTA Federal Transit Administration GAO Government Accountability Office GIS Geographic Information Systems HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ITS Intelligent Transportation Systems JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group MOU Memorandum of Understanding MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization MSAA Mobility Services for All Americans PDF Portable Document Format RFP Request for Proposals TMCC Travel Management Coordination Center USDOT United States Department of Transportation UWR United We Ride Issued on: April 7, 2006. Sandra K. Bushue, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. E6–5588 Filed 4–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Federal Register Notice chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, to conduct fuel cell bus technology and infrastructure projects under the program. Regional consortia in partnership with transit agencies are encouraged to apply. The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this Program shall not exceed 50 percent of such cost. DATES: White papers must be received by FTA by the close of business May 10, 2006. Full proposals for the selected papers must be received by FTA by the close of business July 14, 2006. Close of business for FTA is 5:30 p.m. eastern time zone. ADDRESSES: White papers and full proposals for the selected white papers must be submitted to Shang Hsiung, Office of Research, Demonstrations and Innovation, Mail Code: TRI–10, Federal Transit Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590. Phone: 202–366–0241, or e-mail: shang.hsiung@dot.gov. The Solicitation Guidelines including the submission requirements are available at https:// www.fta.dot.gov/. Submissions must be received by the deadline. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Shang Hsiung, Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation, Federal Transit Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590, 202–366–0241, e-mail: shang.hsiung@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents 1. General Program Information 2. Solicitation Guidelines 3. Solicitation Schedule 4. Additional Program Information National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program I. General Program Information Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of funding availability; competitive solicitation for funding through the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program. Section 3045 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFETEA–LU) establishes a new program called the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program (49 U.S.C. 5308, note). SAFETEA–LU authorizes $49 million in funding for the program for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. For fiscal year 2006, Congress appropriated $11,138,000 for the NFCBP. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This competitive solicitation is for fiscal year 2006–2009 funding, subject to congressional appropriations action, for the new National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program (NFCBP), administered by the Federal Transit Administration. The purpose of the program is to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel cell bus technology and related infrastructure. FTA intends to enter into grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with no more than 3 geographically diverse nonprofit organizations and recipients under PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A. Authority B. Background Transit continues to be in the forefront of the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of clean and energy efficient vehicle technologies. Factors that have made transit buses the vanguard for alternative fuels and hybrid electric systems are just as applicable in helping E:\FR\FM\14APN1.SGM 14APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2006 / Notices wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES lead the introduction of fuel cell vehicle technologies into transportation applications. Bus weight and volume packaging constraints are less rigorous than cars. Unlike personal automobiles where we expect to turn the key and to immediately drive away, buses undergo a check-out procedure prior to the driver starting his or her run. Transit buses are centrally fueled and stored at discrete locations, whereas we all expect to be able to fill up our cars anywhere and everywhere. The fleet operation aspect of transit buses creates a more manageable and finite re-fueling infrastructure requirement, and can assist in the development of the overall transportation re-fueling infrastructure required. Transit buses are driven and maintained by professionals, easing the introduction of a new power plant. Perhaps most importantly, transit buses operate in the most densely populated corridors of our urban areas. Fuel cell buses could provide greater public exposure to the safe operation of zero emission vehicles leading to broader acceptance of this technology. The operational and maintenance experience gained from the early introduction of fuel cell vehicle technologies into buses could enhance its successful application in trucks and cars. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) played an instrumental role in spurring the adoption of natural gas buses into routine revenue service operations. It is playing a similar role in helping to accelerate the adoption of electric drive technologies—battery electric, hybrid electric, and hydrogen fuel cell buses. The President’s FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Initiative which are focused on light-duty vehicles have set forth bold visions for tackling our Nation’s goals of energy independence and cleaner air without sacrificing personal mobility. FTA’s expertise and experience in alternative fuels and hybrid electric systems for transit buses and its proven track record of successfully moving clean, fuel efficient buses from the drawing board to the street, make FTA the ideal agency to lead and implement a program to complement and support the Presidential Initiatives. C. Eligible Applicants Section 3045(b) directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a national solicitation for applications under the NFCBP. Recipients shall be selected on a competitive basis. The Secretary may enter into a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement with no more than three regionally diverse non-profit VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:37 Apr 13, 2006 Jkt 208001 organizations and recipients (i.e., transit agencies eligible to receive FTA financial assistance). For-profit private entities or non-recipients of FTA funds are encouraged to partner with eligible non-profit organizations or recipients. Since the goal of the NCFBP is to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel cell bus technology and related infrastructure, regional, multi-state advanced transportation technology consortia in partnership with transit agencies are specifically encouraged to apply. Section 3045(d) also directs that priority consideration be given to applicants that have successfully managed advanced transportation technology projects, including projects related to hydrogen and fuel cell public transportation operations for a period of not less than five years. The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this Program shall not exceed 50 percent of such cost. D. Eligibility Criteria Section 3045(c) establishes the statutory criteria for evaluating eligible applications. The criteria are the following: 1. ability to contribute significantly to furthering fuel cell technology as it relates to transit bus operations, including hydrogen production, energy storage, fuel cell technologies, vehicle systems integration, and power electronics technologies; 2. financing plan and cost share potential; 3. fuel cell technology to ensure that the program advances different fuel cell technologies, including hydrogen-fueled and methanol-powered liquid-fueled fuel cell technologies, that may be viable for public transportation systems; and 4. other criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program. FTA believes that the first three criteria provide a sufficient basis on which to evaluate applications; thus, FTA has determined that additional criteria under paragraph 4 are unnecessary. If warranted, however, criteria and application procedures may be reassessed for subsequent years, and FTA will provide adequate notice and an opportunity to comment on any proposed changes. E. Application Evaluation Criteria Consistent with the criteria identified in Section 3045(c), applications will be evaluated based on the following elements: • Ability to contribute significantly to furthering fuel cell technology as it PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19613 relates to transit bus operations, including hydrogen production, energy storage, fuel cell technologies, vehicle systems integration, and power electronics technologies; • Financing plan and cost share potential; and • Fuel cell technology to ensure that the program advances different fuel cell technologies, including hydrogen-fueled and methanol-powered liquid-fueled fuel cell technologies, that may be viable for public transportation systems. Section 3045(d) also states that priority consideration will be given to applicants that have successfully managed advanced transportation technology projects, including projects related to hydrogen and fuel cell public transportation operations for a period of not less than five years. II. Solicitation Guidelines The competitive solicitation process including the submission requirements for the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program are available at https://www.fta.dot.gov. Click on the navigational tab for Grant Programs on the right hand side, then click on the Grant Programs link, and then click on the link for the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program. To receive the Solicitation Guidelines by e-mail, please send an email to shang.hsiung@dot.gov. A synopsis of this announcement will also be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web site at https://www.grants.gov. Projects requiring multi-year funding may be submitted. Note that funding in future fiscal years is not guaranteed and will be contingent upon the annual appropriation process. In order to minimize the effort required for proposal preparation and review, the selection will take place in two phases. First, non-profit organizations and recipients will prepare white papers for FTA to review, comment and select. The non-profit organizations and recipients will then prepare full proposals based on the best efforts selected by FTA. III. Solicitation Schedule The following is the timeline for the competitive solicitation under the NFCBP: • May 10, 2006—White Papers due. • June 9, 2006—FTA selects White Papers and notifies all applicants. • July 14—Full Proposals based on White Papers selected due. • August 14, 2006—FTA announces awards. Details are contained in the Solicitation Guidelines available at https:// E:\FR\FM\14APN1.SGM 14APN1 19614 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2006 / Notices www.fta.dot.gov. All deadline times are 5:30 p.m. eastern time zone. IV. Additional Program Information A. Funds Administration and Oversight Section 3045(f) of SAFETEA–LU directs the Secretary to apply the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5309 (Capital Investment Grants) to the projects awarded under this program and ‘‘such other terms and conditions as are determined by the Secretary.’’ FTA has reviewed the terms of its Capital Investment Grant program and does not believe additional terms and conditions are necessary. The NFCBP is inherently a research, development, and demonstration program; and such project activities to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel cell bus technology and related infrastructure is allowed. Recipients of federal funds under 49 USC 5309 must comply with the general federal guidelines governing the management of federal funds, which are outlined in FTA’s Master Agreement, available on FTA’s Web site (https:// www.fta.dot.gov). To this point, FTA will conduct reviews to ensure that projects under the NFCBP meet the basic statutory, administrative, and regulatory requirements as stipulated by the conditions for accepting Federal funds. B. Performance Measures Participants may be asked to collect and report data to FTA for use in measuring program performance. Issued in Washington, DC, this 7th day of April, 2006. Sandra K. Bushue, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 06–3606 Filed 4–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Office of Hazardous Materials Safety; Notice of Application for Special Permits Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, DOT. ACTION: List of applications for special permits. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR Part 107, Subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein. Each mode of transportation for which a particular special permit is requested is indicated by a number in the ‘‘Nature of Application’’ portion of the table below as follows: 1—Motor vehicle, 2—Rail freight, 3—Cargo vessel, 4—Cargo aircraft only, 5—Passengercarrying aircraft. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 15, 2006. ADDRESSES: Address Comments to: Record Center, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590. Comments should refer to the application number and be submitted in triplicate. If confirmation of receipt of comments is desired, include a selfaddressed stamped postcard showing the special permit number. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the applications are available for inspection in the Records Center, Nassif Building, 400 7th Street SW., Washington DC or at https://dms.dot.gov. This notice of receipt of applications for special permits is published in accordance with part 107 of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5117(b); 49 CFR 1.53(b)). Dated: Issued in Washington, DC, on April 11, 2006. R. Ryan Posten, Chief, Special Permits Program, Office of Hazardous Materials Special Permits & Approvals. NEW SPECIAL PERMITS Docket number 14329–N ................. ..................... Qal-Tek Associates, Idaho Falls, ID. 14330–N ................. ..................... Chemical & Metal Indus- 49 CFR 179.300–15(d) .. tries, Inc., Hudson, CO. 14331–N ................. ..................... Ecoflo, Greensboro, NC 49 CFR Parts 171–180 except 173.21. 14332–N ................. ..................... Eagle-Picher Technologies, LLC, Joplin, MO. 49 CFR 173.226(c) ........ 14333–N ................. wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Application number ..................... The Columbiana Boiler Co., Columbiana, OH. 49 CFR 179.300–13(b) .. 14335–N ................. ..................... Rinchem Company, Albuquerque, NM. 49 CFR 177.848(d) ........ VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:37 Apr 13, 2006 Applicant Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00139 Regulation(s) affected Nature of special permits thereof 49 CFR 173.431 ............. To authorize the transportation in commerce of certain radioactive materials exceeding the quantity that may be transported in a Type A packaging. (modes 1, 4) To authorize the transportation in commerce of certain DOT Specification 106 and 110 multiunit tank car tanks that have a type CG–3 fusible plug device in place of a type CG–2 fusible plug. (mode 1) To authorize the transportation in commerce of hazardous materials between two facilities of North Carolina State University in non-DOT specification packagings with no hazard communication. (mode 1) To authorize the manufacture, mark, sale and use of a combination packaging for Division 6.1 hazardous materials in Hazard Zone A with a lower hydrostatic test pressure. (modes 1, 2) To authorize the transportation in commerce of certain DOT Specification 110A500W containers that have straight threads in the clean-out/inspection port openings instead of National Gas Taper Threads. (mode 2) To authorize the transportation of Division 2.3 Zone A materials in the same transport vehicle as packages containing the residue only of Division 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.3, 5.1 and Class 3 and 8 hazardous materials. (mode 1) Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\14APN1.SGM 14APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 72 (Friday, April 14, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19612-19614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3606]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration Federal Register Notice


National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability; competitive solicitation for 
funding through the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development 
Program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This competitive solicitation is for fiscal year 2006-2009 
funding, subject to congressional appropriations action, for the new 
National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program (NFCBP), 
administered by the Federal Transit Administration. The purpose of the 
program is to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel 
cell bus technology and related infrastructure. FTA intends to enter 
into grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with no more than 3 
geographically diverse nonprofit organizations and recipients under 
chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, to conduct fuel cell bus 
technology and infrastructure projects under the program. Regional 
consortia in partnership with transit agencies are encouraged to apply. 
The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this 
Program shall not exceed 50 percent of such cost.

DATES: White papers must be received by FTA by the close of business 
May 10, 2006. Full proposals for the selected papers must be received 
by FTA by the close of business July 14, 2006. Close of business for 
FTA is 5:30 p.m. eastern time zone.

ADDRESSES: White papers and full proposals for the selected white 
papers must be submitted to Shang Hsiung, Office of Research, 
Demonstrations and Innovation, Mail Code: TRI-10, Federal Transit 
Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590. Phone: 
202-366-0241, or e-mail: shang.hsiung@dot.gov. The Solicitation 
Guidelines including the submission requirements are available at 
https://www.fta.dot.gov/. Submissions must be received by the deadline.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Shang Hsiung, Office of 
Research, Demonstration and Innovation, Federal Transit Administration, 
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590, 202-366-0241, e-mail: 
shang.hsiung@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

1. General Program Information
2. Solicitation Guidelines
3. Solicitation Schedule
4. Additional Program Information

I. General Program Information

A. Authority

    Section 3045 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient 
Transportation Equity Act--A Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFETEA-LU) 
establishes a new program called the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology 
Development Program (49 U.S.C. 5308, note). SAFETEA-LU authorizes $49 
million in funding for the program for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. 
For fiscal year 2006, Congress appropriated $11,138,000 for the NFCBP.

B. Background

    Transit continues to be in the forefront of the research, 
development, demonstration, and deployment of clean and energy 
efficient vehicle technologies. Factors that have made transit buses 
the vanguard for alternative fuels and hybrid electric systems are just 
as applicable in helping

[[Page 19613]]

lead the introduction of fuel cell vehicle technologies into 
transportation applications. Bus weight and volume packaging 
constraints are less rigorous than cars. Unlike personal automobiles 
where we expect to turn the key and to immediately drive away, buses 
undergo a check-out procedure prior to the driver starting his or her 
run. Transit buses are centrally fueled and stored at discrete 
locations, whereas we all expect to be able to fill up our cars 
anywhere and everywhere. The fleet operation aspect of transit buses 
creates a more manageable and finite re-fueling infrastructure 
requirement, and can assist in the development of the overall 
transportation re-fueling infrastructure required. Transit buses are 
driven and maintained by professionals, easing the introduction of a 
new power plant. Perhaps most importantly, transit buses operate in the 
most densely populated corridors of our urban areas. Fuel cell buses 
could provide greater public exposure to the safe operation of zero 
emission vehicles leading to broader acceptance of this technology. The 
operational and maintenance experience gained from the early 
introduction of fuel cell vehicle technologies into buses could enhance 
its successful application in trucks and cars.
    The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit 
Administration (FTA) played an instrumental role in spurring the 
adoption of natural gas buses into routine revenue service operations. 
It is playing a similar role in helping to accelerate the adoption of 
electric drive technologies--battery electric, hybrid electric, and 
hydrogen fuel cell buses. The President's FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel 
Initiative which are focused on light-duty vehicles have set forth bold 
visions for tackling our Nation's goals of energy independence and 
cleaner air without sacrificing personal mobility. FTA's expertise and 
experience in alternative fuels and hybrid electric systems for transit 
buses and its proven track record of successfully moving clean, fuel 
efficient buses from the drawing board to the street, make FTA the 
ideal agency to lead and implement a program to complement and support 
the Presidential Initiatives.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Section 3045(b) directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct 
a national solicitation for applications under the NFCBP. Recipients 
shall be selected on a competitive basis. The Secretary may enter into 
a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement with no more than three 
regionally diverse non-profit organizations and recipients (i.e., 
transit agencies eligible to receive FTA financial assistance). For-
profit private entities or non-recipients of FTA funds are encouraged 
to partner with eligible non-profit organizations or recipients. Since 
the goal of the NCFBP is to facilitate the development of commercially 
viable fuel cell bus technology and related infrastructure, regional, 
multi-state advanced transportation technology consortia in partnership 
with transit agencies are specifically encouraged to apply. Section 
3045(d) also directs that priority consideration be given to applicants 
that have successfully managed advanced transportation technology 
projects, including projects related to hydrogen and fuel cell public 
transportation operations for a period of not less than five years. The 
Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this Program 
shall not exceed 50 percent of such cost.

D. Eligibility Criteria

    Section 3045(c) establishes the statutory criteria for evaluating 
eligible applications. The criteria are the following:
    1. ability to contribute significantly to furthering fuel cell 
technology as it relates to transit bus operations, including hydrogen 
production, energy storage, fuel cell technologies, vehicle systems 
integration, and power electronics technologies;
    2. financing plan and cost share potential;
    3. fuel cell technology to ensure that the program advances 
different fuel cell technologies, including hydrogen-fueled and 
methanol-powered liquid-fueled fuel cell technologies, that may be 
viable for public transportation systems; and
    4. other criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to 
carry out the program.
    FTA believes that the first three criteria provide a sufficient 
basis on which to evaluate applications; thus, FTA has determined that 
additional criteria under paragraph 4 are unnecessary. If warranted, 
however, criteria and application procedures may be reassessed for 
subsequent years, and FTA will provide adequate notice and an 
opportunity to comment on any proposed changes.

E. Application Evaluation Criteria

    Consistent with the criteria identified in Section 3045(c), 
applications will be evaluated based on the following elements:
     Ability to contribute significantly to furthering fuel 
cell technology as it relates to transit bus operations, including 
hydrogen production, energy storage, fuel cell technologies, vehicle 
systems integration, and power electronics technologies;
     Financing plan and cost share potential; and
     Fuel cell technology to ensure that the program advances 
different fuel cell technologies, including hydrogen-fueled and 
methanol-powered liquid-fueled fuel cell technologies, that may be 
viable for public transportation systems.
    Section 3045(d) also states that priority consideration will be 
given to applicants that have successfully managed advanced 
transportation technology projects, including projects related to 
hydrogen and fuel cell public transportation operations for a period of 
not less than five years.

II. Solicitation Guidelines

    The competitive solicitation process including the submission 
requirements for the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development 
Program are available at https://www.fta.dot.gov. Click on the 
navigational tab for Grant Programs on the right hand side, then click 
on the Grant Programs link, and then click on the link for the National 
Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program. To receive the 
Solicitation Guidelines by e-mail, please send an e-mail to 
shang.hsiung@dot.gov. A synopsis of this announcement will also be 
posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web 
site at https://www.grants.gov.
    Projects requiring multi-year funding may be submitted. Note that 
funding in future fiscal years is not guaranteed and will be contingent 
upon the annual appropriation process.
    In order to minimize the effort required for proposal preparation 
and review, the selection will take place in two phases. First, non-
profit organizations and recipients will prepare white papers for FTA 
to review, comment and select. The non-profit organizations and 
recipients will then prepare full proposals based on the best efforts 
selected by FTA.

III. Solicitation Schedule

    The following is the timeline for the competitive solicitation 
under the NFCBP:
     May 10, 2006--White Papers due.
     June 9, 2006--FTA selects White Papers and notifies all 
applicants.
     July 14--Full Proposals based on White Papers selected 
due.
     August 14, 2006--FTA announces awards.

Details are contained in the Solicitation Guidelines available at 
https://

[[Page 19614]]

www.fta.dot.gov. All deadline times are 5:30 p.m. eastern time zone.

IV. Additional Program Information

A. Funds Administration and Oversight

    Section 3045(f) of SAFETEA-LU directs the Secretary to apply the 
requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5309 (Capital Investment Grants) to the 
projects awarded under this program and ``such other terms and 
conditions as are determined by the Secretary.'' FTA has reviewed the 
terms of its Capital Investment Grant program and does not believe 
additional terms and conditions are necessary. The NFCBP is inherently 
a research, development, and demonstration program; and such project 
activities to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel 
cell bus technology and related infrastructure is allowed.
    Recipients of federal funds under 49 USC 5309 must comply with the 
general federal guidelines governing the management of federal funds, 
which are outlined in FTA's Master Agreement, available on FTA's Web 
site (https://www.fta.dot.gov). To this point, FTA will conduct reviews 
to ensure that projects under the NFCBP meet the basic statutory, 
administrative, and regulatory requirements as stipulated by the 
conditions for accepting Federal funds.

B. Performance Measures

    Participants may be asked to collect and report data to FTA for use 
in measuring program performance.

    Issued in Washington, DC, this 7th day of April, 2006.
Sandra K. Bushue,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 06-3606 Filed 4-13-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-M

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