Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program, 16397-16405 [E7-6199]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 64 / Wednesday, April 4, 2007 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Public Transportation on Indian
Reservations Program; Tribal Transit
Program
Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability:
Solicitation of Grant Applications for
FY 2007 Tribal Transit Program Funds.
AGENCY:
This notice announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2007
funds for the Public Transportation on
Indian Reservations Program, a program
authorized by the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU).
This notice also announces a national
solicitation for Grant Applications for
FY 2007 Tribal Transit Program (TTP)
funds to be selected on a competitive
basis; the grant terms and conditions
that apply to this program; and grant
application procedures and selection
criteria for FY 2007 projects.
ADDRESSES: This announcement is
available on the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) Web site at
https://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will
announce final selections on the Web
site and in the Federal Register. FTA
will post a synopsis of this
announcement on the government-wide
electronic grants Web site at: https://
www.grants.gov. Applicants may submit
applications in one of three ways:
electronically through Grants.gov,
delivery in hard copy to Federal Transit
Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC,
Attention: Lorna R. Wilson; or sending
by e-mail to fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov.
DATES: Applicants must submit
completed applications for Public
Transportation on Indian Reservations
Program grants in hard copy to the FTA,
via e-mail August 2, 2007, or
electronically through the Grants.gov
Web site by the same date. Anyone
intending to apply electronically should
initiate the process of registering on the
grants.gov site immediately to ensure
completion of registration before the
deadline for submission. FTA will
announce grant selections in the
Federal Register when the competitive
selection process is complete.
Applicants should be aware that
materials sent through the U.S. Postal
Service are subject to significant delays
in delivery due to the security screening
process. Use of courier or express
delivery services is recommended.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Contact the appropriate FTA regional
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SUMMARY:
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Tribal Liaison (Appendix A) for
application-specific information and
issues. For general program information,
contact Lorna R. Wilson, Office of
Transit Programs, at (202) 366–2053,
e-mail: Lorna.Wilson@dot.gov. A TDD is
available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/
FIRS).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Overview
II. Background
III. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Authorized Funding for FY 2007
B. Background
IV. Award Information
V. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Eligible Projects
VI. Cost Sharing or Matching
VII. Terms and Conditions
VII. Application and Submission Information
IX. Guidelines for Preparing Grant
Application
X. Application Content
A. Application Information
B. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity
C. Project Information
D. Application Evaluation Criteria
E. Submission Dates and Times
F. Intergovernmental Review
G. Funding Restrictions
H. Other Submission Requirements
XI. Application Review Process
A. Competitive Selection Process
B. Evaluation Criteria
1. Criterion 1: Project Planning and
Coordination
2. Criterion 2: Demonstration of Need
3. Criterion 3: Benefits Of Project
4. Criterion 4. Financial Commitment And
Operating Capacity
C. Proposals for Planning Grants
D. Review and Selection Process
XII. Award Administration Information
XIII. Other Information
A. Technical Assistance
B. Certifications and Assurances
C. Reporting
D. Agency Contact(s)
Appendices
Appendix A. FTA Regional Offices and
Tribal Liaison
Appendix B. Federal Fiscal Year 2007
Certifications and Assurances for the
Federal Transit Administration Public
Transportation on Indian Reservation
Program
Appendix C. Technical Assistance
Contacts
I. Overview
Section 3013 of SAFETEA–LU, [Pub.
L. 109–59 (August 15, 2005)] amended
49 U.S.C. 5311(c) by establishing the
Public Transportation on Indian
Reservations Program (Tribal Transit
Program). This program authorizes
direct grants ‘‘under such terms and
conditions as may be established by the
Secretary’’ to Indian tribes for any
purpose eligible under FTA’s
Nonurbanized Area Formula Program,
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49 U.S.C. 5311. The funding for the TTP
will increase from $8 million in FY
2006 to $15 million in FY 2009. The
Conference Report to SAFETEA–LU
indicated that the funds set aside for
Indian tribes in the TTP are not meant
to replace or reduce funds that Indian
tribes receive from States through FTA’s
Nonurbanized Area Formula Program.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) number for the
program is 20.509.
II. Background
On August 15, 2006, FTA published
a Federal Register Notice of Funding
Availability: Solicitation of Grant
Applications for FY 2006 TTP Funds
(71 FR 46878). This notice
accomplished several purposes. First,
the notice responded to written
comments FTA received in response to
an earlier Federal Register notice dated
March 22, 2006, (71 FR 14618) ‘‘Public
Transportation on Indian Reservations
Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)): Notice of
Public Meetings, Proposed Grant
Program Provisions,’’ and responded to
oral comments FTA received during two
announced public meetings that were
held on April 4, 2006, in Denver,
Colorado, and on April 7, 2006, in
Kansas City, Missouri. Second, the
notice announced the availability of
funds in FY 2006 for the TTP. Third, the
notice announced a national solicitation
for Grant Applications for FY 2006 TTP
funds to be selected on a competitive
basis; the grant terms and conditions
that apply to this new program; and
grant application procedures and
selection criteria for FY 2006 projects.
Projects selected for funding under that
Notice are published elsewhere in
today’s issue of the Federal Register.
III. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Authorized Funding for FY 2007
Section 3013 of SAFETEA–LU
established the TTP under 49 U.S.C.
5311(c). Section 5311(c) also authorized
$45 million from the Nonurbanized
Area Formula Grants Program (49 U.S.C.
5311) for FY 2006–2009, to be
apportioned for grants directly to Indian
tribes. Under the TTP, Indian tribes are
eligible direct recipients. The funds are
to be apportioned for grants to Indian
tribes for any purpose eligible under the
Nonurbanized Area Formula Program
(Section 5311 program). In FY 2007, $10
million is available for allocation to
projects selected through the process
announced in this notice.
B. Background
Prior to SAFETEA–LU, the Section
5311 program did not include a separate
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public transit program for tribes. Tribes
were eligible under the Section 5311
program only as subrecipients.
SAFETEA–LU authorized a TTP and
authorized tribes to be direct recipients
of Section 5311 Program funds. As
expressed in the Conference Report (H.
Conf. Rpt. 109, 203 at 943) for
SAFETEA–LU, Congress intended that
the funds available for the TTP not
replace or reduce funds tribes receive
from States under the Section 5311
program.
IV. Award Information
The number and size of awards will
be determined by a competitive process.
However, funding is available for start
up services, enhancements or expansion
of existing transit services, and for
planning studies and operational
planning. Planning grants will be
limited to $25,000 in FY 2007 funds per
applicant. Tribes may apply for multiple
year projects, but given the demand for
the funding, it is likely that only one
year will be considered for FY 2007
funding. Priority for FY 2007 funding
will be given to continuation funding
for start-up projects selected in FY 2006.
All tribes seeking FY 2007 funds must
submit a grant application to FTA by the
deadline indicated above. However,
tribes applying for continuation funding
may incorporate by reference materials
or information previously submitted to
FTA as part of their application for FY
2006 funding.
V. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible direct recipients include
Federally-recognized Indian tribes or
Alaska Native villages, groups, or
communities as identified by the Bureau
of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the U.S.
Department of the Interior. To be
eligible recipients, tribes must have the
requisite legal, financial and technical
capabilities to receive and administer
Federal funds under this program.
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B. Eligible Projects
Eligible recipients may use TTP funds
for any purpose authorized under the
Section 5311 program. This means that
grants can be awarded to recipients
located in rural and small urban areas
with populations under 50,000 not
identified as an urbanized area by the
Bureau of the Census for public
transportation capital projects, operating
costs of equipment and facilities for use
in public transportation, planning, and
the acquisition of public transportation
services, including service agreements
with private providers of public
transportation services. Service funded
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under this program must be designed to
be accessible to members of the general
public who have disabilities.
Coordinated human service
transportation that primarily serves
elderly persons and persons with
disabilities, but that is not restricted
from carrying other members of the
public, is considered available to the
general public if it is marketed as public
transportation.
VI. Cost Sharing or Matching
No cost sharing is required for this
program. However, FTA encourages
tribes to leverage the program funds and
demonstrate commitment to the project
through in-kind contributions and use
of other funding sources that are
available to support public
transportation service.
VII. Terms and Conditions
Section 3013 of SAFETEA–LU
amended 49 U.S.C. 5311(c) by
authorizing funds for the TTP ‘‘under
such terms and conditions as may be
established by the Secretary.’’ Pursuant
to this discretionary statutory authority
in Section 5311(c), FTA published a
Federal Register notice dated March 22,
2006 (71 FR 14618), ‘‘Public
Transportation on Indian Reservations
Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)): Notice of
Public Meetings, Proposed Grant
Program Provisions,’’ and proposed
certain statutory and regulatory terms
and conditions that should apply to
grants awarded under the TTP. The
statutory and regulatory terms and
conditions pertained only to U.S.
Department of Transportation and FTA
requirements. As FTA indicated its
March 22, 2006 Federal Register notice
(71 FR 14618), FTA does not possess the
requisite authority to waive crosscutting or government-wide statutory
and regulatory requirements (e.g.,
National Environmental Policy Act
requirements). However, to the extent
permitted by law, and in recognition of
the unique status and autonomy of
Indian tribal governments, FTA has
made every effort to establish terms and
conditions that balance the objective of
the TTP, which will directly benefit
transit projects for Indian tribes, with
other national objectives (e.g., safety)
that are important not only to Indian
tribes, but also to the general public.
FTA received a substantial number of
comments from Indian tribes and other
groups concerning certain proposed
terms and conditions for the TTP. FTA
addressed these comments in the
Federal Register Notice dated August
15, 2006, (71 FR 46878) and established
appropriate grant requirements for the
TTP.
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The following terms and conditions
apply to the TTP:
1. Common Grant Rule (49 CFR part
18), ‘‘Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to State and
Local Governments.’’ This is a
government-wide requirement that
applies to all Federal assistance
programs.
2. Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d). Unless
Indian tribes are specifically exempted
from civil rights statutes, compliance
with civil rights statutes is being
required, including compliance with
equity in service. However, Indian tribes
will not be required to comply with
FTA program-specific guidance for Title
VI and Title VII.
3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794
et seq.), and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements in
49 CFR parts 27, 37, and 38. These are
government-wide requirements that
apply to all Federal programs.
4. Drug and Alcohol Testing
requirements (49 CFR part 655). FTA
will apply this requirement because it
addresses a national safety issue for
operators of public transportation.
5. National Environmental Policy Act,
as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq). This
is a government-wide requirement that
applies to all Federal programs.
6. Charter Service and School Bus
transportation requirements in 49 CFR
parts 604 and 605. The definition of
‘‘public transportation’’ in 49 U.S.C.
5302(a)(10) specifically excludes school
bus and charter service.
7. National Transit Database (NTD)
Reporting requirement. Title 49 U.S.C.
5335 requires NTD reporting for
recipients of Section 5311 funds. The
TTP is a Section 5311 program that will
provide funds directly to Indian tribes.
Therefore, this reporting requirement
applies.
8. Bus Testing requirements (49 CFR
part 665). To ensure that vehicles
acquired under this program will meet
adequate safety and operational
standards, this requirement will apply.
A comprehensive list and description
for all of the statutory and regulatory
terms and conditions that apply to the
TTP are set forth in FTA’s Master
Agreement for the TTP available on
FTA’s Web site at: https://
www.fta.dot.gov/
17861_18441_ENG_HTML.htm. In
addition, as part of their application for
grant award, FTA will require selected
tribes to sign the Certifications and
Assurances for the fiscal year in which
they apply for a grant. FTA has
provided information concerning
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B. Technical, Legal, and Financial
Capacity to Implement the Proposed
Project
Certifications and Assurances in
Appendix B of this notice.
VIII. Application and Submission
Information
This notice includes all the
information that a tribe will need to
apply for competitive selection. It is
available on the FTA Web site at
https://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will
announce final selections on the Web
site and in the Federal Register. FTA
will also post a synopsis of this
announcement on the government-wide
electronic grants Web site at https://
www.grants.gov.
IX. Guidelines for Preparing Grant
Application
FTA is conducting a national
solicitation for applications under the
TTP. Project selection will be made on
a competitive basis. FTA will divide the
applications into three categories for the
purpose of reviewing and selecting
projects to be funded:
A. Start ups—applications for funding
of new transit service;
B. Existing transit services—
applications for funding of
enhancements or expansion of existing
transit services (including continuation
of funding for start-ups selected for FY
2006 funding); and
C. Planning—applications for funding
of planning studies and operational
planning.
The application should provide
information on all items for which tribes
are requesting funding in FY 2007, and
indicate the specific category in which
the tribe is applying.
X. Application Content
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A. Applicant Information
1. Name of federally recognized tribe
and, if appropriate, the specific tribal
agency submitting the application.
2. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data
Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number if available. (Note: If selected,
applicant will be required to provide
DUNS number prior to grant award, and
DUNS number is required for
submitting through grants.gov).
3. Contact information for notification
of project selection: Contact name,
address, and fax and phone number.
4. Description of public transportation
services currently provided by tribe if
any including areas served.
5. Name of person(s) authorized to
apply on behalf of tribe (signed
transmittal letter should accompany
application if submitted in hard copy or
e-mail).
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Tribes that cannot demonstrate
adequate capacity in technical, legal and
financial areas will not be considered
for funding. Every application must
describe the tribe’s technical, legal, and
financial capacity to implement the
proposed project.
1. Legal Capacity: Provide
documentation or other evidence to
show that the applicant is a Federally
recognized tribe. Also, who is the
authorized representative to execute
legal agreements with FTA on behalf of
the tribe? If currently operating transit
service, does the tribe have appropriate
Federal or State operating authority?
2. Technical Capacity: Give examples
of the tribe’s management of other
Federal projects. What resources does
the tribe have to implement a transit
project?
3. Financial Capacity: Does the tribe
have adequate financial systems in
place to receive and manage a Federal
grant? Describe the tribe’s financial
systems and controls.
C. Project Information
1. Budget: Provide the Federal amount
requested for each purpose for which
funds are sought and any funding from
other sources that will be provided. If
applying for a multi year project (not to
exceed 4 years), show annual request for
each year by budget line item.
2. Project Description: Indicate the
category for which funding is requested
i.e., Start-ups, Enhancements or
replacements of existing transit services,
or Planning studies or operational
planning grants. Provide a summary
description of the proposed project and
how it will be implemented (e.g.,
number and type of vehicles, service
area, schedules, type of services, fixed
route or demand responsive, route miles
(if fixed route) and size of service area,
major origins and destinations,
population served, and whether the
tribe provide the service directly or
contract for services and how will
vehicles be maintained.
3. Project Timeline: Include
significant milestones such as date of
contract for purchase of vehicle(s),
actual or expected delivery date of
vehicles, and service start up dates.
D. Application Evaluation Criteria
Applications for funding of transit
services should address the application
criteria based on project to be funded
(for more detail see section XII)
1. Criterion 1: Project Planning and
Coordination.
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16399
2. Criterion 2: Demonstration of Need.
3. Criterion 3: Benefits of Project.
4. Criterion 4: Financial Commitment
and Operating Capacity.
Applications for planning grants
should address the criteria in section
XII, C of this notice.
E. Submission Dates and Times
Applicants may submit complete
applications for the TTP in one of the
three ways: electronically through
grants.gov, in hard copy to Federal
Transit Administration, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC
20590, Attention: Lorna R. Wilson; or
sending by e-mail to
fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov. by August 2,
2007 or submitted electronically
through the Grants.gov Web site by the
same date. FTA will announce grant
selections when the competitive
selection process is complete.
F. Intergovernmental Review
This program is not subject to
Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’
G. Funding Restrictions
FTA will only consider applications
for funding from eligible recipients for
eligible activities (see section VI). Due to
funding limitations, applicants that are
selected for funding may receive less
than the amount requested. The
application process will allow an Indian
tribe to apply for multiple years of
funding not to exceed four years. No
more than $25,000 in funding will be
awarded per planning grant. The
remaining funds will be made available
for applications for funding of start up
or new systems, and enhancements or
expansion of existing transit service.
H. Other Submission Requirements
Applicants submitting hard copies
should submit five (5) copies of their
project proposal application to the
Federal Transit Administration, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC 20059, Attention: Lorna Wilson, or
apply electronically through the
government-wide electronic grant
application portal at www.grants.gov.
Alternatively, applicants may submit
applications as an e-mail attachment to
mailbox: fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov.
Applicants applying by e-mail must fax
signature documents to 202–366–7951,
Attention: Lorna Wilson.
XI. Application Review Process
A. Competitive Selection Process
FTA will divide applications into
three categories. The three evaluation
categories are as follows:
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• Start-ups—Applications for funding
of new transit service.
• Existing transit services—
Applications for funding of
enhancements or expansion of existing
transit services (including continuation
of funding for start-ups selected for FY
2006 funding).
• Planning—Applications for funding
of transit planning studies and/or
operational planning.
Applications will be grouped into
their respective category for review and
scoring purposes. Applications for
planning will be evaluated using a pass/
fail system, whereas start-up and
existing transit services applications
will be scored based on the evaluation
criteria to determine rank for funding
award determination purposes. An
applicant can receive up to 25 points for
each evaluation criteria.
FTA intends to award the full amount
of funding available in FY 2007 for the
TTP. FTA encourages applicants to
review the evaluation criteria and all
other related application information
prior to preparation of application.
Applicants may receive technical
assistance for application development
by contacting their FTA regional Tribal
liaison, Tribal Transportation
Assistance Program (TTAP) center, or
the National Rural Transportation
Assistance Program (RTAP) office.
Contact information for technical
assistance can be found in Appendix C.
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B. Evaluation Criteria
1. Project Planning and Coordination
(25 Points)
In this section, the applicant should
describe how the proposed project was
developed and demonstrate that there is
a sound basis for the project and that it
is ready to implement if funded.
Information may vary depending on
whether the tribe has a formal plan that
includes transit.
a. Applicants without a formal plan
that includes transit are advised to
consider and address the following
areas:
i. Provide a detailed project
description including the proposed
service, vehicle and facility needs and
other pertinent characteristics of the
proposed service implementation.
ii. Identify existing transportation
services available to the tribe and
discuss whether the proposed project
will provide opportunities to coordinate
service with existing transit services
including human service agencies,
intercity bus services, or other public
transit providers.
iii. Discuss the level of support either
by the community and/or tribal
government for the proposed project.
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iv. Describe the implementation
schedule for the proposed project such
as time frame, staffing, and
procurement.
b. Applicants with a formal transit
plan are advised to consider and
address the following areas:
i. Describe the planning document
and/or the planning process conducted
to identify the proposed project.
ii. Describe how the mobility and
client access needs of tribal human
service agencies were considered in the
planning.
iii. Describe what opportunities for
public participation were provided in
the planning process and how the
proposed transit service or existing
service has been coordinated with
transportation provided for the clients
of human service agencies, with
intercity bus transportation in the area,
or with any other rural public transit
providers.
iv. Describe how the proposed service
complements rather than duplicates any
currently available services.
v. Describe the implementation
schedule for the proposed project,
including time frame, staffing,
procurements, etc.
vi. Describe any other planning or
coordination efforts that were not
mentioned above.
c. Based on the information provided
as discussed in the above section,
proposals will be rated on the following:
i. Is there a sound basis for the
proposed project?
ii. Is the project ready to implement?
2. Demonstration of Need (25 Points)
In this section, the application should
demonstrate the transit needs of the
tribe and discuss how the proposed
transit improvements will address the
identified transit needs of the tribe.
Applications may include information
such as destinations and services not
currently accessible by transit, need for
access to jobs or health care, special
needs of the elderly and individuals
with disabilities, income-based
community needs, or other mobility
needs.
Based on the information provided,
the proposals will be rated on the
following:
a. Is there a demonstrated need for the
project?
b. How well does the project fulfill
the need?
3. Benefits of Project (25 Points)
In this section, applications should
identify expected project benefits.
Possible examples include increased
ridership and daily trips, improved
service, improved operations and
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coordination, and economic benefits to
the community.
Benefits can be demonstrated by
identifying the population of tribal
members and non-tribal members in the
proposed project service area and
estimating the number of daily, one-way
trips the transit service will provide and
or the number of individual riders.
There may be many other, less
quantifiable, benefits to the tribe and
surrounding community from this
project. Please document, explain or
show the benefits in whatever format is
reasonable to present them.
Based on the information provided,
proposals will be rated based on:
a. Will the project improve transit
efficiency or increase ridership?
b. Will the project provide improved
mobility for the tribe?
c. Will the project improve access to
important destinations and services?
d. Are there other qualitative benefits?
4. Financial Commitment and Operating
Capacity (25 Points)
In this section, the application should
identify any other funding sources used
by the tribe to support existing or
proposed transit services, including
human service transportation funding,
Indian Reservation Roads, or other FTA
programs such as the Job Access and
Reverse Commute (JARC), New
Freedom, section 5311, section 5310, or
section 5309 bus and bus facilities
funding.
For existing services, the application
should show how TTP funding will
supplement (not duplicate or replace)
current funding sources. If the transit
system was previously funded under
section 5311 through the State’s
apportionment, describe how requested
TTP funding will expand available
services.
Describe any other resources the tribe
will contribute to the project, including
in-kind contributions, commitments of
support from local businesses,
donations of land or equipment, and
human resources, and describe to what
extent does the new project or funding
for existing service leverage other
funding.
The tribe should show its ability to
manage programs by demonstrating the
existing programs it administers, in any
area of expertise such as human
services. Based on the information
provided the proposals will be rated on
the extent to which the proposal
demonstrates that:
a. This project provides new services
or complements existing service.
b. TTP funding does not replace
existing funding.
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c. Tribe has or will provide nonfinancial support to project.
d. Tribe has demonstrated ability to
provide other services or manage other
programs.
e. Project funds are used in
coordination with other services for
efficient utilization of funds.
C. Proposals for Planning Grants
For planning grants, the applications
should describe, in no more than three
pages, the need for and a general scope
of the proposed study.
1. Criteria: Need for Planning Study.
Based on the information provided,
proposals will be rated pass/fail based
on the following:
a. Is the tribe committed to planning
for transit?
b. Is the scope of the proposed study
for tribal transit?
D. Review and Selection Process
Each application will be screened by
a panel of members including FTA
Headquarters, and regional staff and
representatives of the Indian
Reservation Roads Program. Incomplete
or non-responsive applications will be
disqualified. FTA will make an effort to
award a grant to as many qualified
applicant as possible.
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XII. Award Administration Information
FTA will award grants directly to
federally recognize Indian tribes for the
projects selected through this
competition. Following publication of
the selected recipients, projects, and
amounts, FTA regional staff will assist
the successful applicants to prepare an
electronic application for grant award.
At that time, the tribe will be required
to sign the Certification and Assurances
contained in Appendix B. The Master
Agreement is available on FTA’s Web
site at https://www.fta.dot.gov/
17861_18441_ENG_HTML.htm.
Applicants that are selected for grant
awards under the TTP will be required
to formally designate, by resolution or
other formal tribal action, an authorized
representative who will have the
authority to execute grant agreements on
behalf of the Indian tribe with FTA and
who will also have the authority on
behalf of the Indian tribe to execute
FTA’s Annual List of Certifications and
Assurances.
FTA will notify all applicants, both
those selected for funding and those not
selected, when the competitive selection
process is complete. Projects selected
for funding will be published in a
Federal Register notice.
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XIII. Other Information
A. Technical Assistance
Technical assistance regarding these
requirements is available from each FTA
regional office. The regional offices will
contact those applicants selected for
funding regarding procedures for
making the required certifications and
assurances to FTA before grants are
made and will provide assistance in
preparing the documentation necessary
for grant award.
B. Certifications and Assurances
Applicants that are selected and
formally notified of FTA’s intention to
award a grant under the TTP will be
required to complete and execute FTA’s
Annual list of Certification and
Assurances in accordance with the
procedures described in this Notice of
Funding Availability. The Annual List
of Certifications and Assurances is
attached in Appendix B for
informational purposes only.
C. Reporting
Title 49 U.S.C. 5335 requires
recipients, including tribes, of Section
5311 program funds to report data,
specified in 49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(4) to the
National Transit Database (NTD).
Specific procedures and data
requirements for tribes are being
developed and will be available on the
NTD Web site. For technical assistance,
contact Lauren Tuzikow at 703–462–
5233, e-mail:
Lauren.tuzikow@TSPUSA.com. For
NTD program information, contact Gary
DeLorme at 202–366–1652. Annual
progress reports and financial status
reports will be required of all recipients.
D. Agency Contact(s)
Contact the appropriate FTA regional
Tribal Liaison (Appendix A) for
application specific information and
issues For general program information,
contact Lorna R. Wilson, Office of
Transit Programs, at (202) 366–2053,
e-mail: Lorna.Wilson@dot.gov. A TDD is
available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/
FIRS).
Issued in Washington, DC, this 29th day of
March, 2007.
James S. Simpson,
Administrator.
Appendix A—FTA Regional Offices and
Tribal Transit Liaisons
Region I—Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont
and Maine, Richard H. Doyle, FTA
Regional Administrator, Volpe National
Transportation Systems Center, Kendall
Square 55 Broadway, Suite 920,
Cambridge, MA 02142–1093, Phone: (617)
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16401
494–2055, Fax: (617) 494–2865, Regional
Tribal Liaison: Judi Molloy.
Region II—New York, New Jersey Brigid
Hynes-Cherin, FTA Regional
Administrator, One Bowling Green, Room
429, New York, NY 10004–1415, Phone:
(212) 668–2170, Fax: (212) 668–2136,
Regional Tribal Liaison: Rebecca ReyesAlicea.
Region III—Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware,
Washington, DC, Herman Shipman, Acting
FTA Regional Administrator, 1760 Market
Street, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103–
4124, Phone: (215) 656–7100, Fax: (215)
656–7260,
Region IV—Georgia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee,
Kentucky, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Yvette G. Taylor, FTA Regional
Administrator, 61 Forsyth Street, S.W.,
Suite 17T50, Atlanta, GA 30303, Phone:
(404) 562–3500, Fax: (404) 562–3505,
Regional Tribal Liaisons: Jamie Pfister and
James Garland.
Region V—Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin,
Minnesota, Michigan, Marisol R. Simon,
FTA Regional Administrator, 200 West
Adams Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL
60606–5232, Phone: (312) 353–2789, Fax:
(312) 886–0351, Regional Tribal Liaisons:
William Wheeler.
Region VI—Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana,
Arkansas, Oklahoma, Robert Patrick, FTA
Regional Administrator, 819 Taylor Street,
Room 8A36, Ft. Worth, TX 76102, Phone:
(817) 978–0550, Fax: (817) 978–0575,
Regional Tribal Liaison: Lynn Hayes.
Region VII—Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas,
Missouri, Mokhtee Ahmad, FTA Regional
Administrator, 901 Locust Street, Suite
404, Kansas City, MO 64106, Phone: (816)
329–3920, Fax: (816) 329–3921, Regional
Tribal Liaisons: Joni Roeseler and Cathy
Monroe.
Region VIII—Colorado, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Letitia
A. Thompson, Acting FTA Regional
Administrator, 12300 West Dakota Avenue,
Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228–2583,
Phone: (720) 963–3300, Fax: (720) 963–
3333, Regional Tribal Liaisons: Jennifer
Stewart and David Beckhouse.
Region IX—California, Arizona, Nevada,
Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Leslie
Rogers, FTA Regional Administrator, 201
Mission Street, Suite 1650, San Francisco,
CA 94105–1831, Phone: (415) 744–3133,
Fax: (415) 744–2726, Regional Tribal
Liaison: Donna Turchie.
Region X—Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
Alaska, Richard Krochalis, FTA Regional
Administrator, Jackson Federal Building,
915 Second Avenue, Suite 3142, Seattle,
WA 98174–1002, Phone: (206) 220–7954,
Fax: (206) 220–7959, Regional Tribal
Liaisons: Bill Ramos and Annette Clothier.
Appendix B—Certifications and
Assurances
Federal Fiscal Year 2007 Certifications and
Assurances for the Federal Transit
Administration Tribal Transit Program
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5323(n), the
following certifications and assurances have
been compiled for the Federal Transit
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Administration (FTA) Public Transportation
on Indian Reservation Program (Tribal
Transit Program) authorized by 49 U.S.C.
5311(c)(1).
The Applicant understands and agrees that
these certifications and assurances are preaward requirements and do not encompass
all statutory and regulatory requirements that
may apply to the Applicant or its Project. A
comprehensive list of those requirements
will be contained in the Grant Agreement
including the Master Agreement
accompanying an award under the Tribal
Transit Program (TTP).
FTA and the Applicant also understand
and agree that not every certification and
assurance will apply to every Project for
which FTA provides Federal financial
assistance through the TTP. The type of
Project will determine which requirements
apply. For example FTA believes that the
following requirements within the listed
certifications and assurances will have
limited, if any, impact:
1. Many provisions required by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) set forth
in Certification F involve requirements that
in most cases will not be invoked, such as:
a. Title III of the Uniform Relocation and
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, as
amended, and implementing U.S.
Department Of Transportation (U.S. DOT)
regulations will apply only when the
Applicant acquires real property with FTA
assistance.
b. Title II of the Uniform Relocation and
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, as
amended, and implementing U.S. DOT
regulations will apply only when the
Applicant’s project requires relocation of a
person or business; and the Lead-Based Paint
Poisoning Prevention Act is invoked only in
connection with residential construction, not
likely to take place under the TTP.
c. The Flood Disaster Protection Act
applies to projects in flood hazard areas.
d. Only for construction projects will the
Davis-Bacon Act, Seismic Safety regulations,
and OMB engineering supervision
requirements apply.
e. Many environmental protection
requirements are limited to the specific
problem addressed by the statute. If, for
example, the project will not affect
endangered species, the requirements of the
Endangered Species Act will not be invoked.
2. With respect to Certification H, ‘‘Bus
Testing,’’ only if the Applicant acquires the
first bus of a new bus model or the first bus
of a new major configuration of a new bus
will FTA’s Bus Testing requirements be
invoked.
Except to the extent that FTA determines
otherwise in writing, each Applicant for TTP
assistance, however, must provide all
certifications and assurance set forth below.
FTA may not award any Federal assistance
under the TTP until the Applicant provides
these certifications and assurances.
A. Assurance of Authority of the Applicant
and Its Representative
The authorized representative of the
Applicant and the attorney who sign these
certifications, assurances, and agreements
affirm that both the Applicant and its
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authorized representative have adequate
authority under Federal and Indian tribal
law, regulations, or by-laws to:
(1) Execute and file the application for
Federal assistance on behalf of the Applicant;
(2) Execute and file the required
certifications, assurances, and agreements on
behalf of the Applicant binding the
Applicant; and
(3) Execute grant agreements with FTA on
behalf of the Applicant.
B. Standard Assurances
The Applicant assures that it will comply
with all applicable Federal statutes and
regulations in carrying out any project
supported by an FTA grant. The Applicant
agrees that it is under a continuing obligation
to comply with the terms and conditions of
the Grant Agreement issued for its project
with FTA. The Applicant recognizes that
Federal laws and regulations may be
modified from time to time and those
modifications may affect project
implementation. The Applicant understands
that Presidential executive orders and
Federal directives, including Federal policies
and program guidance may be issued
concerning matters affecting the Applicant or
its project. The Applicant agrees that the
most recent Federal laws, regulations, and
directives will apply to the project, unless
FTA issues a written determination
otherwise.
C. Applicant’s Capacity to Comply With
Relevant Section 5311 Requirements
The Applicant assures that:
(1) It has or will have the necessary legal,
financial, and managerial capability to apply
for, receive, and disburse Federal assistance
authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5311; and to carry
out each project, including the safety and
security aspects of that project;
(2) It has or will have satisfactory
continuing control over the use of project
equipment and facilities;
(3) The project equipment and facilities
will be adequately maintained; and
(4) Its project will achieve maximum
feasible coordination with transportation
service assisted by other Federal sources.
D. Nondiscrimination Assurance
As required by Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d,
and by U.S. DOT regulations,
‘‘Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted
Programs of the Department of
Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act,’’ 49 CFR part 21 at 21.7,
the Applicant assures that it will comply
with all requirements imposed by or issued
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000d, and 49 CFR part
21, so that no person in the United States, on
the basis of race, color, or national origin,
will be excluded from participation in, be
denied the benefits of, or otherwise be
subjected to discrimination in any program
or activity (particularly in the level and
quality of transportation services and
transportation-related benefits) for which the
Applicant receives Federal assistance
awarded by the U.S. DOT or FTA.
Specifically, during the period in which
Federal assistance is extended to the project,
or project property is used for a purpose for
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which the Federal assistance is extended or
for another purpose involving the provision
of similar services or benefits, or as long as
the Applicant retains ownership or
possession of the project property, whichever
is longer, the Applicant assures that:
(1) Each project will be conducted,
property acquisitions will be undertaken, and
project facilities will be operated in
accordance with all applicable requirements
imposed by or issued pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
2000d, and 49 CFR part 21, and understands
that this assurance extends to its entire
facility and to facilities operated in
connection with the project.
(2) It will promptly take the necessary
actions to effectuate this assurance, including
notifying the public that complaints of
discrimination in the provision of
transportation-related services or benefits
may be filed with U.S. DOT or FTA. Upon
request by U.S. DOT or FTA, the Applicant
assures that it will submit the required
information pertaining to its compliance with
these provisions.
(3) It will include in each subagreement,
property transfer agreement, third party
contract, third party subcontract, or
participation agreement adequate provisions
to extend the requirements imposed by or
issued pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000d and 49
CFR part 21 to other parties involved therein
including any subrecipient, transferee, third
party contractor, third party subcontractor at
any level, successor in interest, or any other
participant in the project.
(4) Should it transfer real property,
structures, or improvements financed with
Federal assistance provided by FTA to
another party, any deeds and instruments
recording the transfer of that property shall
contain a covenant running with the land
assuring nondiscrimination for the period
during which the property is used for a
purpose for which the Federal assistance is
extended or for another purpose involving
the provision of similar services or benefits.
(5) The United States has a right to seek
judicial enforcement with regard to any
matter arising under the Act, regulations, and
this assurance.
(6) It will make any changes in its Title VI
implementing procedures as U.S. DOT or
FTA may request to achieve compliance with
the requirements imposed by or issued
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000d and 49 CFR part
21.
E. Assurance of Nondiscrimination on the
Basis of Disability
As required by U.S. DOT regulations,
‘‘Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap
in Programs and Activities Receiving or
Benefiting from Federal Financial
Assistance,’’ at 49 CFR 27.9, the Applicant
assures that, as a condition to the approval
or extension of any Federal assistance
awarded by FTA to construct any facility,
obtain any rolling stock or other equipment,
undertake studies, conduct research, or to
participate in or obtain any benefit from any
program administered by FTA, no otherwise
qualified person with a disability shall be,
solely by reason of that disability, excluded
from participation in, denied the benefits of,
or otherwise subjected to discrimination in
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any program or activity receiving or
benefiting from Federal assistance
administered by the FTA or any entity within
U.S. DOT. The Applicant assures that project
implementation and operations so assisted
will comply with all applicable requirements
of U.S. DOT regulations implementing the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29
U.S.C. 794, et seq., and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 12101 et seq., and implementing U.S.
DOT regulations at 49 CFR parts 27, 37, and
38, and any other applicable Federal laws
that may be enacted or Federal regulations
that may be promulgated.
F. U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Assurances
Consistent with OMB assurances set forth
in SF–424B and SF–424D, the Applicant
assures that, with respect to itself and its
project, the Applicant:
(1) Has the legal authority to apply for
Federal assistance and the institutional,
managerial, and financial capability to ensure
proper planning, management, and
completion of the project described in its
application;
(2) Will give FTA, the Comptroller General
of the United States, and, if appropriate, the
state, through any authorized representative,
access to and the right to examine all records,
books, papers, or documents related to the
award; and will establish a proper accounting
system in accordance with generally
accepted accounting standards or agency
directives;
(3) Will establish safeguards to prohibit
employees from using their positions for a
purpose that constitutes or presents the
appearance of personal or organizational
conflict of interest or personal gain;
(4) Will initiate and complete the work
within the applicable project time periods
following receipt of FTA approval;
(5) Will comply with all applicable Federal
statutes relating to nondiscrimination
including, but not limited to:
(a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42
U.S.C. 2000d, which prohibits discrimination
on the basis of race, color, or national origin;
(b) Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1681 through
1683, and 1685 through 1687, and U.S. DOT
regulations, ‘‘Nondiscrimination on the Basis
of Sex in Education Programs or Activities
Receiving Federal Financial Assistance,’’ 49
CFR part 25, which prohibit discrimination
on the basis of sex;
(c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794 et seq.,
which prohibits discrimination on the basis
of disability;
(d) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 6101 through 6107,
which prohibits discrimination on the basis
of age;
(e) The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment
Act of 1972, Pub. L. 92–255, March 21, 1972,
and amendments thereto, 21 U.S.C. 1174 et
seq. relating to nondiscrimination on the
basis of drug abuse;
(f) The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism Prevention Act of 1970, Pub. L.
91–616, Dec. 31, 1970, and amendments
thereto, 42 U.S.C. 4581 et seq. relating to
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nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol
abuse or alcoholism;
(g) The Public Health Service Act of 1912,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 290dd–3 and 290ee–
3, related to confidentiality of alcohol and
drug abuse patient records;
(h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, 42
U.S.C. 3601 et seq., relating to
nondiscrimination in the sale, rental, or
financing of housing; and
(i) Any other nondiscrimination statute(s)
that may apply to the project;
(6) To the extent applicable, will comply
with, or has complied with, the requirements
of Titles II and III of the Uniform Relocation
Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970, as amended, (Uniform
Relocation Act) 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.,
which, among other things, provide for fair
and equitable treatment of persons displaced
or persons whose property is acquired as a
result of Federal or federally assisted
programs. These requirements apply to all
interests in real property acquired for project
purposes and displacement caused by the
project regardless of Federal participation in
any purchase. As required by sections 210
and 305 of the Uniform Relocation Act, 42
U.S.C. 4630 and 4655, and by U.S. DOT
regulations, ‘‘Uniform Relocation Assistance
and Real Property Acquisition for Federal
and Federally Assisted Programs,’’ 49 CFR
24.4, the Applicant assures that it has the
requisite authority under its applicable tribal
government law to comply with the
requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act,
42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq., and U.S. DOT
regulations, ‘‘Uniform Relocation Assistance
and Real Property Acquisition for Federal
and Federally Assisted Programs,’’ 49 CFR
part 24, and will comply with that Act or has
complied with that Act and those
implementing regulations, including but not
limited to the following:
(a) The Applicant will adequately inform
each affected person of the benefits, policies,
and procedures provided for in 49 CFR part
24;
(b) The Applicant will provide fair and
reasonable relocation payments and
assistance as required by 42 U.S.C. 4622,
4623, and 4624; 49 CFR part 24; and any
applicable FTA procedures, to or for families,
individuals, partnerships, corporations, or
associations displaced as a result of any
project financed with FTA assistance;
(c) The Applicant will provide relocation
assistance programs offering the services
described in 42 U.S.C. 4625 to such
displaced families, individuals, partnerships,
corporations, or associations in the manner
provided in 49 CFR part 24;
(d) Within a reasonable time before
displacement, the Applicant will make
available comparable replacement dwellings
to displaced families and individuals as
required by 42 U.S.C. 4625(c)(3);
(e) The Applicant will carry out the
relocation process in such manner as to
provide displaced persons with uniform and
consistent services, and will make available
replacement housing in the same range of
choices with respect to such housing to all
displaced persons regardless of race, color,
religion, or national origin;
(f) In acquiring real property, the Applicant
will be guided to the greatest extent
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16403
practicable under state law, by the real
property acquisition policies of 42 U.S.C.
4651 and 4652;
(g) The Applicant will pay or reimburse
property owners for necessary expenses as
specified in 42 U.S.C. 4653 and 4654, with
the understanding that FTA will provide
Federal financial assistance for the
Applicant’s eligible costs of providing
payments for those expenses, as required by
42 U.S.C. 4631;
(h) The Applicant will execute such
amendments to third party contracts and
subagreements financed with FTA assistance
and execute, furnish, and be bound by such
additional documents as FTA may determine
necessary to effectuate or implement the
assurances provided herein; and
(i) The Applicant agrees to make these
assurances part of or incorporate them by
reference into any third party contract or
subagreement, or any amendments thereto,
relating to any project financed by FTA
involving relocation or land acquisition and
provide in any affected document that these
relocation and land acquisition provisions
shall supersede any conflicting provisions;
(7) To the extent applicable, will comply
with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended, 40
U.S.C. 3141 et seq., the Copeland ‘‘AntiKickback’’ Act, as amended, 18 U.S.C. 874,
and the Contract Work Hours and Safety
Standards Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 3701
et seq., regarding labor standards for federally
assisted projects;
(8) To the extent applicable, will comply
with the flood insurance purchase
requirements of section 102(a) of the Flood
Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 4012a(a), requiring the Applicant
and its subrecipients in a special flood
hazard area to participate in the program and
purchase flood insurance if the total cost of
insurable construction and acquisition is
$10,000 or more;
(9) To the extent applicable, will comply
with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning
Prevention Act, 42 U.S.C. 4831(b), which
prohibits the use of lead-based paint in the
construction or rehabilitation of residence
structures;
(10) To the extent applicable, will not
dispose of, modify the use of, or change the
terms of the real property title or other
interest in the site and facilities on which a
construction project supported with FTA
assistance takes place without permission
and instructions from FTA;
(11) To the extent required by FTA, will
record the Federal interest in the title of real
property, and will include a covenant in the
title of real property acquired in whole or in
part with Federal assistance funds to assure
nondiscrimination during the useful life of
the project;
(12) To the extent applicable, will comply
with FTA provisions concerning the drafting,
review, and approval of construction plans
and specifications of any construction project
supported with FTA assistance. As required
by U.S. DOT regulations, ‘‘Seismic Safety,’’
49 CFR 41.117(d), before accepting delivery
of any building financed with FTA
assistance, it will obtain a certificate of
compliance with the seismic design and
construction requirements of 49 CFR part 41;
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(13) To the extent applicable, will provide
and maintain competent and adequate
engineering supervision at the construction
site of any project supported with FTA
assistance to ensure that the complete work
conforms with the approved plans and
specifications, and will furnish progress
reports and such other information as may be
required by FTA or the state;
(14) To the extent applicable, will comply
with any applicable environmental standards
that may be prescribed to implement the
following Federal laws and executive orders:
(a) Institution of environmental quality
control measures under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 through 4335 and
Executive Order No. 11514, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 4321 note;
(b) Notification of violating facilities
pursuant to Executive Order No. 11738, 42
U.S.C. 7606 note;
(c) Protection of wetlands pursuant to
Executive Order No. 11990, 42 U.S.C. 4321
note;
(d) Evaluation of flood hazards in
floodplains in accordance with Executive
Order No. 11988, 42 U.S.C. 4321 note;
(e) Assurance of project consistency with
the approved state management program
developed pursuant to the requirements of
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451 through 1465;
(f) Conformity of Federal actions to State
(Clean Air) Implementation Plans under
section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 through 7671q;
(g) Protection of underground sources of
drinking water under the Safe Drinking
Water Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
300f through 300j–6;
(h) Protection of endangered species under
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 through 1544; and
(i) Environmental protections for Federal
transportation programs, including, but not
limited to, protections for parks, recreation
areas, or wildlife or waterfowl refuges of
national, state, local, or tribal government
significance or any land from a historic site
of national, state, local, or tribal government
significance to be used in a transportation
project as required by 49 U.S.C. 303(b) and
303(c);
(j) Protection of the components of the
national wild and scenic rivers systems, as
required under the Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act of 1968, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1271
through 1287; and
(k) Provision of assistance to FTA in
complying with section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 470f; with the
Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act
of 1974, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 469 through
469c; and with Executive Order No. 11593
(identification and protection of historic
properties), 16 U.S.C. 470 note;
(15) Because a tribal government is not
covered by the Hatch Act, the Applicant is
not required to comply with the requirements
of the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. 1501 through 1508
and 7324 through 7326, which limit the
political activities of state and local agencies
and their officers and employees whose
primary employment activities are financed
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in whole or part with Federal funds
including a Federal grant agreement except,
in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5307(k)(2) and
23 U.S.C. 142(g), the Hatch Act does not
apply to a nonsupervisory employee of a
public transportation system (or of any other
agency or entity performing related
functions) receiving FTA assistance to whom
that Act does not otherwise apply;
(16) To the extent applicable, will comply
with the National Research Act, Pub. L. 93–
348, July 12, 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 289
et seq., and U.S. DOT regulations,
‘‘Protection of Human Subjects,’’ 49 CFR part
11, regarding the protection of human
subjects involved in research, development,
and related activities supported by Federal
assistance;
(17) To the extent applicable, will comply
with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of
1966, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq., and
U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations,
‘‘Animal Welfare,’’ 9 CFR subchapter A, parts
1, 2, 3, and 4, regarding the care, handling,
and treatment of warm blooded animals held
or used for research, teaching, or other
activities supported by Federal assistance;
(18) Will have performed the financial and
compliance audits as required by the Single
Audit Act Amendments of 1996, 31 U.S.C.
7501 et seq., OMB Circular A–133, ‘‘Audits
of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations,’’ Revised, and the most recent
applicable OMB A–133 Compliance
Supplement provisions for the U.S. DOT; and
(19) To the extent applicable, will comply
with all applicable provisions of all other
Federal laws, regulations, and directives
governing the project, except to the extent
that FTA has expressly approved otherwise
in writing.
G. Procurement Compliance
In accordance with 49 CFR 18.36(g)(3)(ii),
the Applicant certifies that its procurement
system will comply with the requirements of
49 CFR 18.36, or will inform FTA promptly
that its procurement system does not comply
with 49 CFR 18.36.
H. Bus Testing
As required by 49 U.S.C. 5318 and FTA
regulations, ‘‘Bus Testing,’’ at 49 CFR 665.7,
the Applicant certifies that, before expending
any Federal assistance to acquire the first bus
of any new bus model or any bus model with
a new major change in configuration or
components, or before authorizing final
acceptance of that bus (as described in 49
CFR part 665), the bus model:
A. Will have been tested at FTA’s bus
testing facility; and
B. Will have received a copy of the test
report prepared on the bus model.
I. Charter Service Agreement
(1) As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(d) and
(g) and FTA regulations, ‘‘Charter Service,’’ at
49 CFR 604.7, the Applicant agrees that it
and each subrecipient and third party
contractor at any tier will:
(a) Provide charter service that uses
equipment or facilities acquired with Federal
assistance authorized under 49 U.S.C.
chapter 53 (except 49 U.S.C. 5310 or 5317),
or under 23 U.S.C. 133 or 142 for
transportation projects, only to the extent
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Frm 00080
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
that there are no private charter service
operators willing and able to provide the
charter service that it or its subrecipients or
third party contractors at any tier desire to
provide, unless one or more of the exceptions
in 49 CFR 604.9 applies; and
(b) Comply with the requirements of 49
CFR part 604 before providing any charter
service using equipment or facilities acquired
with Federal assistance authorized under 49
U.S.C. chapter 53 (except 49 U.S.C. 5310 or
5317), or under 23 U.S.C. 133 or 142 for
transportation projects.
(2) The Applicant understands that:
(a) The requirements of 49 CFR part 604
will apply to any charter service it or its
subrecipients or third party contractors
provide,
(b) The definitions of 49 CFR part 604 will
apply to this Charter Service Agreement, and
(c) A violation of this Charter Service
Agreement may require corrective measures
and imposition of penalties, including
debarment from the receipt of further Federal
assistance for transportation.
J. School Transportation Agreement
(1) As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(f) and (g)
and FTA regulations at 49 CFR 605.14, the
Applicant agrees that it and each
subrecipient or third party contractor at any
tier will:
(a) Engage in school transportation
operations in competition with private
school transportation operators only to the
extent permitted by 49 U.S.C. 5323(f) and (g),
and Federal regulations; and
(b) Comply with the requirements of 49
CFR part 605 before providing any school
transportation using equipment or facilities
acquired with Federal assistance authorized
under 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 or under 23
U.S.C. 133 or 142 for transportation projects.
(2) The Applicant understands that:
(a) The requirements of 49 CFR part 605
will apply to any school transportation
service it or its subrecipients or third party
contractors provide,
(b) The definitions of 49 CFR part 605 will
apply to this School Transportation
Agreement, and
(c) A violation of this School
Transportation Agreement may require
corrective measures and imposition of
penalties, including debarment from the
receipt of further Federal assistance for
transportation.
K. Demand Responsive Service
As required by U.S. DOT regulations,
‘‘Transportation Services for Individuals with
Disabilities (ADA),’’ at 49 CFR 37.77(d), the
Applicant certifies that its demand
responsive service offered to individuals
with disabilities, including individuals who
use wheelchairs, is equivalent to the level
and quality of service offered to individuals
without disabilities. When the Applicant’s
service is viewed in its entirety, the
Applicant’s service for individuals with
disabilities is provided in the most integrated
setting feasible and is equivalent with respect
to: (1) Response time, (2) fares, (3) geographic
service area, (4) hours and days of service, (5)
restrictions on trip purpose, (6) availability of
information and reservation capability, and
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 64 / Wednesday, April 4, 2007 / Notices
(7) constraints on capacity or service
availability.
L. Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use
As required by FTA regulations,
‘‘Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and
Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operations,’’
at 49 CFR part 655, subpart I, the Applicant
certifies that it has established and
implemented an alcohol misuse and antidrug program, and has complied with or will
comply with all applicable requirements of
FTA regulations, ‘‘Prevention of Alcohol
Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use in Transit
Operations,’’ 49 CFR part 655.
M. National Intelligent Transportation
Systems Architecture and Standards
An Applicant for FTA assistance for an
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
project, defined as any project that in whole
or in part finances the acquisition of
technologies or systems of technologies that
provide or significantly contribute to the
provision of one or more ITS user services as
defined in the National ITS Architecture, will
use its best efforts to ensure that any
Intelligent Transportation System solutions
used in its Project do not preclude interface
with other Intelligent Transportation Systems
in the Region. (See, FTA Federal Register
notice dated, January 8, 2001 ‘‘FTA National
ITS Architecture Policy on Transit Projects’’
(66 FR 1455, and other FTA Program
Guidance that may be issued.)
Federal Fiscal Year 2006 Certifications and
Assurances for the Tribal Transit Program
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
Signature Pages (Required of All Applicants
for FTA Assistance for the Tribal Transit
Program)
Affirmation of Applicant
Name of Applicant:
lllllllllllllllllllll
Name and Relationship of Authorized
Representative:
lllllllllllllllllllll
BY SIGNING BELOW, on behalf of the
Applicant, I declare that the Applicant has
duly authorized me to make these
certifications and assurances and bind the
Applicant’s compliance. Thus, the Applicant
agrees to comply with all Federal statutes,
regulations, executive orders, and Federal
requirements applicable to each application
for Tribal Transit Program assistance
authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1) it makes
to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
in Federal Fiscal Year 2007.
The Applicant affirms the truthfulness and
accuracy of the certifications and assurances
it has made in the statements submitted
herein with this document and any other
submission made to FTA, and acknowledges
that the provisions of the Program Fraud
Civil Remedies Act of 1986, 31 U.S.C. 3801
et seq., as implemented by U.S. DOT
regulations, ‘‘Program Fraud Civil
Remedies,’’ 49 CFR part 31 apply to any
certification, assurance or submission made
to FTA. The criminal fraud provisions of 18
U.S.C. 1001 apply to any certification,
assurance, or submission made in connection
with the Tribal Transit Program and may
apply to any other certification, assurance, or
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:57 Apr 03, 2007
Jkt 211001
16405
ronald.hall@colostate.edu, Web: https://
submission made in connection with any
ttap.colostate.edu/.
other program administered by FTA.
In signing this document, I declare under
TTAP—Michigan
penalties of perjury that the foregoing
Tribal Technical Assistance Program 301–E
certifications and assurances, and any other
Dillman Hall, Michigan Technological
statements made by me on behalf of the
University 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton,
Applicant are true and correct.
MI 49931–1295, Contact: Bernard D.
Signature: llllllllllllllll
Alkire, Telephone: (888) 230–0688, Fax:
Date: llllllllllllllllll
(906) 487–1834, E-mail: balkire@mtu.edu,
Name: lllllllllllllllll
Web: https://www.ttap.mtu.edu.
Authorized Representative of Applicant
TTAP—North Dakota
Affirmation of Applicant’s Attorney
Northern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance
For (Name of Applicant):
Program, United Tribes Technical College
lllllllllllllllllllll
3315, University Drive, Bismarck, ND
As the undersigned Attorney for the above
58504, Contact: Dennis Trusty, Telephone:
named Applicant, I hereby affirm to the
(701) 255–3285, ext. 1262, Fax: (701) 530–
Applicant that it has authority under its
0635, E-mail:
tribal government law to make and comply
nddennis@hotmail.com or
with the certifications and assurances as
dtrusty@uttc.edu, Web: https://
indicated on the foregoing pages. I further
www.uttc.edu/organizations/ttap/ttap.asp.
affirm that, in my opinion, the certifications
TTAP—NW
and assurances have been legally made and
constitute legal and binding obligations on
Northwest Tribal Technical Assistance
the Applicant.
Program, Eastern Washington University
I further affirm to the Applicant that, to the
Department of Urban Planning, Public &
best of my knowledge, there is no legislation
Health Administration, 216 Isle Hall,
or litigation pending or imminent that might
Cheney, WA 99004, Contact: David Frey,
adversely affect the validity of these
Telephone: (800) 583–3187, Fax: (509)
certifications and assurances, or of the
359–7485, E-mail:
performance of the project.
rrolland@ewu.edu, Web: https://
Signature: llllllllllllllll
www.ewu.edu/TTAP.
Date: llllllllllllllllll
Name: lllllllllllllllll TTAP—Oklahoma
Tribal Technical Assistance Program at
Attorney for Applicant
Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma
[Each Applicant for FTA Tribal Transit
State University, 5202 N. Richmond Hills
Program assistance must provide an
Road, Stillwater, OK 74078–0001, Contact:
Affirmation of Applicant’s Attorney
James Self, Telephone: (405) 744–6049,
pertaining to the Applicant’s legal capacity.
Fax: (405) 744–7268, E-mail:
The Applicant may enter its signature in lieu
jim.self@okstate.edu, Web: https://
of the Attorney’s signature, provided the
ttap.okstate.edu.
Applicant has on file this Affirmation, signed
National RTAP (National Rural Transit
by the attorney and dated this Federal fiscal
Assistance Program), E-mail:
year, and the Attorney’s Affirmation has been
nationalrtap@apwa.net, https://
entered into the TEAM-Web system as an
www.nationalrtap.org/, Dave Barr, 202–
attachment.]
218–6722.
Appendix C—Technical Assistance
Community Transportation Association of
Contacts
America, The Resource Center—1800–891–
0590, https://www.ctaa.org/.
Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP)
Centers
[FR Doc. E7–6199 Filed 4–3–07; 8:45 am]
TTAP—Alaska
Alaska Tribal Technical Assistance Program,
NW & AK TTAP 329 Harbor Dr. #208,
Sitka, AK 99835, Contact: Dan Moreno,
Telephone: (800) 399–6376, Fax: (907)
747–5032, E-mail: dmoreno@mail.ewu.edu,
Web: https://www.ewu.edu/TTAP.
TTAP—California
TTAP—California-Nevada, The National
Center for American Indian Enterprise
Development 11138 Valley Mall, Suite 200,
El Monte, CA 91731, Contact: Lee
Bigwater, Telephone: (626) 350–4446, Fax:
(626) 442-7115.
TTAP—Colorado
Tribal Technical Assistance Program at
Colorado State University, Rockwell Hall,
Rm. 321, Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, CO 80523–1276, Contact: Ronald
Hall, Telephone: (800) 262–7623, Fax:
(970) 491–3502, E-mail:
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BILLING CODE 4910–57–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Public Transportation on Indian
Reservations Program; Tribal Transit
Program
Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Award.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) announces the
selection of projects to be funded under
Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 appropriations for
the Tribal Transit Program (TTP), a
program authorized by the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 4, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16397-16405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-6199]
[[Page 16397]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal
Transit Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability: Solicitation of Grant
Applications for FY 2007 Tribal Transit Program Funds.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY)
2007 funds for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations
Program, a program authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
This notice also announces a national solicitation for Grant
Applications for FY 2007 Tribal Transit Program (TTP) funds to be
selected on a competitive basis; the grant terms and conditions that
apply to this program; and grant application procedures and selection
criteria for FY 2007 projects.
ADDRESSES: This announcement is available on the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) Web site at https://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will
announce final selections on the Web site and in the Federal Register.
FTA will post a synopsis of this announcement on the government-wide
electronic grants Web site at: https://www.grants.gov. Applicants may
submit applications in one of three ways: electronically through
Grants.gov, delivery in hard copy to Federal Transit Administration,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, Attention: Lorna R.
Wilson; or sending by e-mail to fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov.
DATES: Applicants must submit completed applications for Public
Transportation on Indian Reservations Program grants in hard copy to
the FTA, via e-mail August 2, 2007, or electronically through the
Grants.gov Web site by the same date. Anyone intending to apply
electronically should initiate the process of registering on the
grants.gov site immediately to ensure completion of registration before
the deadline for submission. FTA will announce grant selections in the
Federal Register when the competitive selection process is complete.
Applicants should be aware that materials sent through the U.S.
Postal Service are subject to significant delays in delivery due to the
security screening process. Use of courier or express delivery services
is recommended.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the appropriate FTA regional
Tribal Liaison (Appendix A) for application-specific information and
issues. For general program information, contact Lorna R. Wilson,
Office of Transit Programs, at (202) 366-2053, e-mail:
Lorna.Wilson@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339 (TDD/FIRS).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Overview
II. Background
III. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Authorized Funding for FY 2007
B. Background
IV. Award Information
V. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Eligible Projects
VI. Cost Sharing or Matching
VII. Terms and Conditions
VII. Application and Submission Information
IX. Guidelines for Preparing Grant Application
X. Application Content
A. Application Information
B. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity
C. Project Information
D. Application Evaluation Criteria
E. Submission Dates and Times
F. Intergovernmental Review
G. Funding Restrictions
H. Other Submission Requirements
XI. Application Review Process
A. Competitive Selection Process
B. Evaluation Criteria
1. Criterion 1: Project Planning and Coordination
2. Criterion 2: Demonstration of Need
3. Criterion 3: Benefits Of Project
4. Criterion 4. Financial Commitment And Operating Capacity
C. Proposals for Planning Grants
D. Review and Selection Process
XII. Award Administration Information
XIII. Other Information
A. Technical Assistance
B. Certifications and Assurances
C. Reporting
D. Agency Contact(s)
Appendices
Appendix A. FTA Regional Offices and Tribal Liaison
Appendix B. Federal Fiscal Year 2007 Certifications and
Assurances for the Federal Transit Administration Public
Transportation on Indian Reservation Program
Appendix C. Technical Assistance Contacts
I. Overview
Section 3013 of SAFETEA-LU, [Pub. L. 109-59 (August 15, 2005)]
amended 49 U.S.C. 5311(c) by establishing the Public Transportation on
Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program). This program
authorizes direct grants ``under such terms and conditions as may be
established by the Secretary'' to Indian tribes for any purpose
eligible under FTA's Nonurbanized Area Formula Program, 49 U.S.C. 5311.
The funding for the TTP will increase from $8 million in FY 2006 to $15
million in FY 2009. The Conference Report to SAFETEA-LU indicated that
the funds set aside for Indian tribes in the TTP are not meant to
replace or reduce funds that Indian tribes receive from States through
FTA's Nonurbanized Area Formula Program. The Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for the program is 20.509.
II. Background
On August 15, 2006, FTA published a Federal Register Notice of
Funding Availability: Solicitation of Grant Applications for FY 2006
TTP Funds (71 FR 46878). This notice accomplished several purposes.
First, the notice responded to written comments FTA received in
response to an earlier Federal Register notice dated March 22, 2006,
(71 FR 14618) ``Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program
(49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)): Notice of Public Meetings, Proposed Grant
Program Provisions,'' and responded to oral comments FTA received
during two announced public meetings that were held on April 4, 2006,
in Denver, Colorado, and on April 7, 2006, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Second, the notice announced the availability of funds in FY 2006 for
the TTP. Third, the notice announced a national solicitation for Grant
Applications for FY 2006 TTP funds to be selected on a competitive
basis; the grant terms and conditions that apply to this new program;
and grant application procedures and selection criteria for FY 2006
projects. Projects selected for funding under that Notice are published
elsewhere in today's issue of the Federal Register.
III. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Authorized Funding for FY 2007
Section 3013 of SAFETEA-LU established the TTP under 49 U.S.C.
5311(c). Section 5311(c) also authorized $45 million from the
Nonurbanized Area Formula Grants Program (49 U.S.C. 5311) for FY 2006-
2009, to be apportioned for grants directly to Indian tribes. Under the
TTP, Indian tribes are eligible direct recipients. The funds are to be
apportioned for grants to Indian tribes for any purpose eligible under
the Nonurbanized Area Formula Program (Section 5311 program). In FY
2007, $10 million is available for allocation to projects selected
through the process announced in this notice.
B. Background
Prior to SAFETEA-LU, the Section 5311 program did not include a
separate
[[Page 16398]]
public transit program for tribes. Tribes were eligible under the
Section 5311 program only as subrecipients. SAFETEA-LU authorized a TTP
and authorized tribes to be direct recipients of Section 5311 Program
funds. As expressed in the Conference Report (H. Conf. Rpt. 109, 203 at
943) for SAFETEA-LU, Congress intended that the funds available for the
TTP not replace or reduce funds tribes receive from States under the
Section 5311 program.
IV. Award Information
The number and size of awards will be determined by a competitive
process. However, funding is available for start up services,
enhancements or expansion of existing transit services, and for
planning studies and operational planning. Planning grants will be
limited to $25,000 in FY 2007 funds per applicant. Tribes may apply for
multiple year projects, but given the demand for the funding, it is
likely that only one year will be considered for FY 2007 funding.
Priority for FY 2007 funding will be given to continuation funding for
start-up projects selected in FY 2006. All tribes seeking FY 2007 funds
must submit a grant application to FTA by the deadline indicated above.
However, tribes applying for continuation funding may incorporate by
reference materials or information previously submitted to FTA as part
of their application for FY 2006 funding.
V. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible direct recipients include Federally-recognized Indian
tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the U.S. Department of the
Interior. To be eligible recipients, tribes must have the requisite
legal, financial and technical capabilities to receive and administer
Federal funds under this program.
B. Eligible Projects
Eligible recipients may use TTP funds for any purpose authorized
under the Section 5311 program. This means that grants can be awarded
to recipients located in rural and small urban areas with populations
under 50,000 not identified as an urbanized area by the Bureau of the
Census for public transportation capital projects, operating costs of
equipment and facilities for use in public transportation, planning,
and the acquisition of public transportation services, including
service agreements with private providers of public transportation
services. Service funded under this program must be designed to be
accessible to members of the general public who have disabilities.
Coordinated human service transportation that primarily serves elderly
persons and persons with disabilities, but that is not restricted from
carrying other members of the public, is considered available to the
general public if it is marketed as public transportation.
VI. Cost Sharing or Matching
No cost sharing is required for this program. However, FTA
encourages tribes to leverage the program funds and demonstrate
commitment to the project through in-kind contributions and use of
other funding sources that are available to support public
transportation service.
VII. Terms and Conditions
Section 3013 of SAFETEA-LU amended 49 U.S.C. 5311(c) by authorizing
funds for the TTP ``under such terms and conditions as may be
established by the Secretary.'' Pursuant to this discretionary
statutory authority in Section 5311(c), FTA published a Federal
Register notice dated March 22, 2006 (71 FR 14618), ``Public
Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)):
Notice of Public Meetings, Proposed Grant Program Provisions,'' and
proposed certain statutory and regulatory terms and conditions that
should apply to grants awarded under the TTP. The statutory and
regulatory terms and conditions pertained only to U.S. Department of
Transportation and FTA requirements. As FTA indicated its March 22,
2006 Federal Register notice (71 FR 14618), FTA does not possess the
requisite authority to waive cross-cutting or government-wide statutory
and regulatory requirements (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act
requirements). However, to the extent permitted by law, and in
recognition of the unique status and autonomy of Indian tribal
governments, FTA has made every effort to establish terms and
conditions that balance the objective of the TTP, which will directly
benefit transit projects for Indian tribes, with other national
objectives (e.g., safety) that are important not only to Indian tribes,
but also to the general public.
FTA received a substantial number of comments from Indian tribes
and other groups concerning certain proposed terms and conditions for
the TTP. FTA addressed these comments in the Federal Register Notice
dated August 15, 2006, (71 FR 46878) and established appropriate grant
requirements for the TTP.
The following terms and conditions apply to the TTP:
1. Common Grant Rule (49 CFR part 18), ``Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local
Governments.'' This is a government-wide requirement that applies to
all Federal assistance programs.
2. Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d). Unless
Indian tribes are specifically exempted from civil rights statutes,
compliance with civil rights statutes is being required, including
compliance with equity in service. However, Indian tribes will not be
required to comply with FTA program-specific guidance for Title VI and
Title VII.
3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29
U.S.C. 794 et seq.), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
requirements in 49 CFR parts 27, 37, and 38. These are government-wide
requirements that apply to all Federal programs.
4. Drug and Alcohol Testing requirements (49 CFR part 655). FTA
will apply this requirement because it addresses a national safety
issue for operators of public transportation.
5. National Environmental Policy Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq). This is a government-wide requirement that applies to all Federal
programs.
6. Charter Service and School Bus transportation requirements in 49
CFR parts 604 and 605. The definition of ``public transportation'' in
49 U.S.C. 5302(a)(10) specifically excludes school bus and charter
service.
7. National Transit Database (NTD) Reporting requirement. Title 49
U.S.C. 5335 requires NTD reporting for recipients of Section 5311
funds. The TTP is a Section 5311 program that will provide funds
directly to Indian tribes. Therefore, this reporting requirement
applies.
8. Bus Testing requirements (49 CFR part 665). To ensure that
vehicles acquired under this program will meet adequate safety and
operational standards, this requirement will apply.
A comprehensive list and description for all of the statutory and
regulatory terms and conditions that apply to the TTP are set forth in
FTA's Master Agreement for the TTP available on FTA's Web site at:
https://www.fta.dot.gov/17861_18441_ENG_HTML.htm. In addition, as
part of their application for grant award, FTA will require selected
tribes to sign the Certifications and Assurances for the fiscal year in
which they apply for a grant. FTA has provided information concerning
[[Page 16399]]
Certifications and Assurances in Appendix B of this notice.
VIII. Application and Submission Information
This notice includes all the information that a tribe will need to
apply for competitive selection. It is available on the FTA Web site at
https://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will announce final selections on the Web
site and in the Federal Register. FTA will also post a synopsis of this
announcement on the government-wide electronic grants Web site at
https://www.grants.gov.
IX. Guidelines for Preparing Grant Application
FTA is conducting a national solicitation for applications under
the TTP. Project selection will be made on a competitive basis. FTA
will divide the applications into three categories for the purpose of
reviewing and selecting projects to be funded:
A. Start ups--applications for funding of new transit service;
B. Existing transit services--applications for funding of
enhancements or expansion of existing transit services (including
continuation of funding for start-ups selected for FY 2006 funding);
and
C. Planning--applications for funding of planning studies and
operational planning.
The application should provide information on all items for which
tribes are requesting funding in FY 2007, and indicate the specific
category in which the tribe is applying.
X. Application Content
A. Applicant Information
1. Name of federally recognized tribe and, if appropriate, the
specific tribal agency submitting the application.
2. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number if available. (Note: If selected, applicant will be required to
provide DUNS number prior to grant award, and DUNS number is required
for submitting through grants.gov).
3. Contact information for notification of project selection:
Contact name, address, and fax and phone number.
4. Description of public transportation services currently provided
by tribe if any including areas served.
5. Name of person(s) authorized to apply on behalf of tribe (signed
transmittal letter should accompany application if submitted in hard
copy or e-mail).
B. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity to Implement the Proposed
Project
Tribes that cannot demonstrate adequate capacity in technical,
legal and financial areas will not be considered for funding. Every
application must describe the tribe's technical, legal, and financial
capacity to implement the proposed project.
1. Legal Capacity: Provide documentation or other evidence to show
that the applicant is a Federally recognized tribe. Also, who is the
authorized representative to execute legal agreements with FTA on
behalf of the tribe? If currently operating transit service, does the
tribe have appropriate Federal or State operating authority?
2. Technical Capacity: Give examples of the tribe's management of
other Federal projects. What resources does the tribe have to implement
a transit project?
3. Financial Capacity: Does the tribe have adequate financial
systems in place to receive and manage a Federal grant? Describe the
tribe's financial systems and controls.
C. Project Information
1. Budget: Provide the Federal amount requested for each purpose
for which funds are sought and any funding from other sources that will
be provided. If applying for a multi year project (not to exceed 4
years), show annual request for each year by budget line item.
2. Project Description: Indicate the category for which funding is
requested i.e., Start-ups, Enhancements or replacements of existing
transit services, or Planning studies or operational planning grants.
Provide a summary description of the proposed project and how it will
be implemented (e.g., number and type of vehicles, service area,
schedules, type of services, fixed route or demand responsive, route
miles (if fixed route) and size of service area, major origins and
destinations, population served, and whether the tribe provide the
service directly or contract for services and how will vehicles be
maintained.
3. Project Timeline: Include significant milestones such as date of
contract for purchase of vehicle(s), actual or expected delivery date
of vehicles, and service start up dates.
D. Application Evaluation Criteria
Applications for funding of transit services should address the
application criteria based on project to be funded (for more detail see
section XII)
1. Criterion 1: Project Planning and Coordination.
2. Criterion 2: Demonstration of Need.
3. Criterion 3: Benefits of Project.
4. Criterion 4: Financial Commitment and Operating Capacity.
Applications for planning grants should address the criteria in
section XII, C of this notice.
E. Submission Dates and Times
Applicants may submit complete applications for the TTP in one of
the three ways: electronically through grants.gov, in hard copy to
Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, Attention: Lorna R. Wilson; or sending by e-mail
to fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov. by August 2, 2007 or submitted
electronically through the Grants.gov Web site by the same date. FTA
will announce grant selections when the competitive selection process
is complete.
F. Intergovernmental Review
This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
G. Funding Restrictions
FTA will only consider applications for funding from eligible
recipients for eligible activities (see section VI). Due to funding
limitations, applicants that are selected for funding may receive less
than the amount requested. The application process will allow an Indian
tribe to apply for multiple years of funding not to exceed four years.
No more than $25,000 in funding will be awarded per planning grant. The
remaining funds will be made available for applications for funding of
start up or new systems, and enhancements or expansion of existing
transit service.
H. Other Submission Requirements
Applicants submitting hard copies should submit five (5) copies of
their project proposal application to the Federal Transit
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20059,
Attention: Lorna Wilson, or apply electronically through the
government-wide electronic grant application portal at www.grants.gov.
Alternatively, applicants may submit applications as an e-mail
attachment to mailbox: fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov. Applicants applying
by e-mail must fax signature documents to 202-366-7951, Attention:
Lorna Wilson.
XI. Application Review Process
A. Competitive Selection Process
FTA will divide applications into three categories. The three
evaluation categories are as follows:
[[Page 16400]]
Start-ups--Applications for funding of new transit
service.
Existing transit services--Applications for funding of
enhancements or expansion of existing transit services (including
continuation of funding for start-ups selected for FY 2006 funding).
Planning--Applications for funding of transit planning
studies and/or operational planning.
Applications will be grouped into their respective category for
review and scoring purposes. Applications for planning will be
evaluated using a pass/fail system, whereas start-up and existing
transit services applications will be scored based on the evaluation
criteria to determine rank for funding award determination purposes. An
applicant can receive up to 25 points for each evaluation criteria.
FTA intends to award the full amount of funding available in FY
2007 for the TTP. FTA encourages applicants to review the evaluation
criteria and all other related application information prior to
preparation of application. Applicants may receive technical assistance
for application development by contacting their FTA regional Tribal
liaison, Tribal Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) center, or the
National Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) office. Contact
information for technical assistance can be found in Appendix C.
B. Evaluation Criteria
1. Project Planning and Coordination (25 Points)
In this section, the applicant should describe how the proposed
project was developed and demonstrate that there is a sound basis for
the project and that it is ready to implement if funded. Information
may vary depending on whether the tribe has a formal plan that includes
transit.
a. Applicants without a formal plan that includes transit are
advised to consider and address the following areas:
i. Provide a detailed project description including the proposed
service, vehicle and facility needs and other pertinent characteristics
of the proposed service implementation.
ii. Identify existing transportation services available to the
tribe and discuss whether the proposed project will provide
opportunities to coordinate service with existing transit services
including human service agencies, intercity bus services, or other
public transit providers.
iii. Discuss the level of support either by the community and/or
tribal government for the proposed project.
iv. Describe the implementation schedule for the proposed project
such as time frame, staffing, and procurement.
b. Applicants with a formal transit plan are advised to consider
and address the following areas:
i. Describe the planning document and/or the planning process
conducted to identify the proposed project.
ii. Describe how the mobility and client access needs of tribal
human service agencies were considered in the planning.
iii. Describe what opportunities for public participation were
provided in the planning process and how the proposed transit service
or existing service has been coordinated with transportation provided
for the clients of human service agencies, with intercity bus
transportation in the area, or with any other rural public transit
providers.
iv. Describe how the proposed service complements rather than
duplicates any currently available services.
v. Describe the implementation schedule for the proposed project,
including time frame, staffing, procurements, etc.
vi. Describe any other planning or coordination efforts that were
not mentioned above.
c. Based on the information provided as discussed in the above
section, proposals will be rated on the following:
i. Is there a sound basis for the proposed project?
ii. Is the project ready to implement?
2. Demonstration of Need (25 Points)
In this section, the application should demonstrate the transit
needs of the tribe and discuss how the proposed transit improvements
will address the identified transit needs of the tribe. Applications
may include information such as destinations and services not currently
accessible by transit, need for access to jobs or health care, special
needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities, income-based
community needs, or other mobility needs.
Based on the information provided, the proposals will be rated on
the following:
a. Is there a demonstrated need for the project?
b. How well does the project fulfill the need?
3. Benefits of Project (25 Points)
In this section, applications should identify expected project
benefits. Possible examples include increased ridership and daily
trips, improved service, improved operations and coordination, and
economic benefits to the community.
Benefits can be demonstrated by identifying the population of
tribal members and non-tribal members in the proposed project service
area and estimating the number of daily, one-way trips the transit
service will provide and or the number of individual riders. There may
be many other, less quantifiable, benefits to the tribe and surrounding
community from this project. Please document, explain or show the
benefits in whatever format is reasonable to present them.
Based on the information provided, proposals will be rated based
on:
a. Will the project improve transit efficiency or increase
ridership?
b. Will the project provide improved mobility for the tribe?
c. Will the project improve access to important destinations and
services?
d. Are there other qualitative benefits?
4. Financial Commitment and Operating Capacity (25 Points)
In this section, the application should identify any other funding
sources used by the tribe to support existing or proposed transit
services, including human service transportation funding, Indian
Reservation Roads, or other FTA programs such as the Job Access and
Reverse Commute (JARC), New Freedom, section 5311, section 5310, or
section 5309 bus and bus facilities funding.
For existing services, the application should show how TTP funding
will supplement (not duplicate or replace) current funding sources. If
the transit system was previously funded under section 5311 through the
State's apportionment, describe how requested TTP funding will expand
available services.
Describe any other resources the tribe will contribute to the
project, including in-kind contributions, commitments of support from
local businesses, donations of land or equipment, and human resources,
and describe to what extent does the new project or funding for
existing service leverage other funding.
The tribe should show its ability to manage programs by
demonstrating the existing programs it administers, in any area of
expertise such as human services. Based on the information provided the
proposals will be rated on the extent to which the proposal
demonstrates that:
a. This project provides new services or complements existing
service.
b. TTP funding does not replace existing funding.
[[Page 16401]]
c. Tribe has or will provide non-financial support to project.
d. Tribe has demonstrated ability to provide other services or
manage other programs.
e. Project funds are used in coordination with other services for
efficient utilization of funds.
C. Proposals for Planning Grants
For planning grants, the applications should describe, in no more
than three pages, the need for and a general scope of the proposed
study.
1. Criteria: Need for Planning Study.
Based on the information provided, proposals will be rated pass/
fail based on the following:
a. Is the tribe committed to planning for transit?
b. Is the scope of the proposed study for tribal transit?
D. Review and Selection Process
Each application will be screened by a panel of members including
FTA Headquarters, and regional staff and representatives of the Indian
Reservation Roads Program. Incomplete or non-responsive applications
will be disqualified. FTA will make an effort to award a grant to as
many qualified applicant as possible.
XII. Award Administration Information
FTA will award grants directly to federally recognize Indian tribes
for the projects selected through this competition. Following
publication of the selected recipients, projects, and amounts, FTA
regional staff will assist the successful applicants to prepare an
electronic application for grant award. At that time, the tribe will be
required to sign the Certification and Assurances contained in Appendix
B. The Master Agreement is available on FTA's Web site at https://
www.fta.dot.gov/17861_18441_ENG_HTML.htm.
Applicants that are selected for grant awards under the TTP will be
required to formally designate, by resolution or other formal tribal
action, an authorized representative who will have the authority to
execute grant agreements on behalf of the Indian tribe with FTA and who
will also have the authority on behalf of the Indian tribe to execute
FTA's Annual List of Certifications and Assurances.
FTA will notify all applicants, both those selected for funding and
those not selected, when the competitive selection process is complete.
Projects selected for funding will be published in a Federal Register
notice.
XIII. Other Information
A. Technical Assistance
Technical assistance regarding these requirements is available from
each FTA regional office. The regional offices will contact those
applicants selected for funding regarding procedures for making the
required certifications and assurances to FTA before grants are made
and will provide assistance in preparing the documentation necessary
for grant award.
B. Certifications and Assurances
Applicants that are selected and formally notified of FTA's
intention to award a grant under the TTP will be required to complete
and execute FTA's Annual list of Certification and Assurances in
accordance with the procedures described in this Notice of Funding
Availability. The Annual List of Certifications and Assurances is
attached in Appendix B for informational purposes only.
C. Reporting
Title 49 U.S.C. 5335 requires recipients, including tribes, of
Section 5311 program funds to report data, specified in 49 U.S.C.
5311(b)(4) to the National Transit Database (NTD). Specific procedures
and data requirements for tribes are being developed and will be
available on the NTD Web site. For technical assistance, contact Lauren
Tuzikow at 703-462-5233, e-mail: Lauren.tuzikow@TSPUSA.com. For NTD
program information, contact Gary DeLorme at 202-366-1652. Annual
progress reports and financial status reports will be required of all
recipients.
D. Agency Contact(s)
Contact the appropriate FTA regional Tribal Liaison (Appendix A)
for application specific information and issues For general program
information, contact Lorna R. Wilson, Office of Transit Programs, at
(202) 366-2053, e-mail: Lorna.Wilson@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1-
800-877-8339 (TDD/FIRS).
Issued in Washington, DC, this 29th day of March, 2007.
James S. Simpson,
Administrator.
Appendix A--FTA Regional Offices and Tribal Transit Liaisons
Region I--Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire,
Vermont and Maine, Richard H. Doyle, FTA Regional Administrator,
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Kendall Square 55
Broadway, Suite 920, Cambridge, MA 02142-1093, Phone: (617) 494-
2055, Fax: (617) 494-2865, Regional Tribal Liaison: Judi Molloy.
Region II--New York, New Jersey Brigid Hynes-Cherin, FTA Regional
Administrator, One Bowling Green, Room 429, New York, NY 10004-1415,
Phone: (212) 668-2170, Fax: (212) 668-2136, Regional Tribal Liaison:
Rebecca Reyes-Alicea.
Region III--Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia,
Delaware, Washington, DC, Herman Shipman, Acting FTA Regional
Administrator, 1760 Market Street, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA
19103-4124, Phone: (215) 656-7100, Fax: (215) 656-7260,
Region IV--Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida,
Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Yvette G. Taylor, FTA Regional Administrator, 61 Forsyth
Street, S.W., Suite 17T50, Atlanta, GA 30303, Phone: (404) 562-3500,
Fax: (404) 562-3505, Regional Tribal Liaisons: Jamie Pfister and
James Garland.
Region V--Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan,
Marisol R. Simon, FTA Regional Administrator, 200 West Adams Street,
Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60606-5232, Phone: (312) 353-2789, Fax: (312)
886-0351, Regional Tribal Liaisons: William Wheeler.
Region VI--Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Robert
Patrick, FTA Regional Administrator, 819 Taylor Street, Room 8A36,
Ft. Worth, TX 76102, Phone: (817) 978-0550, Fax: (817) 978-0575,
Regional Tribal Liaison: Lynn Hayes.
Region VII--Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Mokhtee Ahmad, FTA
Regional Administrator, 901 Locust Street, Suite 404, Kansas City,
MO 64106, Phone: (816) 329-3920, Fax: (816) 329-3921, Regional
Tribal Liaisons: Joni Roeseler and Cathy Monroe.
Region VIII--Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming,
Utah, Letitia A. Thompson, Acting FTA Regional Administrator, 12300
West Dakota Avenue, Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228-2583, Phone: (720)
963-3300, Fax: (720) 963-3333, Regional Tribal Liaisons: Jennifer
Stewart and David Beckhouse.
Region IX--California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, American Samoa,
Guam, Leslie Rogers, FTA Regional Administrator, 201 Mission Street,
Suite 1650, San Francisco, CA 94105-1831, Phone: (415) 744-3133,
Fax: (415) 744-2726, Regional Tribal Liaison: Donna Turchie.
Region X--Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Richard Krochalis, FTA
Regional Administrator, Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue,
Suite 3142, Seattle, WA 98174-1002, Phone: (206) 220-7954, Fax:
(206) 220-7959, Regional Tribal Liaisons: Bill Ramos and Annette
Clothier.
Appendix B--Certifications and Assurances
Federal Fiscal Year 2007 Certifications and Assurances for the Federal
Transit Administration Tribal Transit Program
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5323(n), the following
certifications and assurances have been compiled for the Federal
Transit
[[Page 16402]]
Administration (FTA) Public Transportation on Indian Reservation
Program (Tribal Transit Program) authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1).
The Applicant understands and agrees that these certifications
and assurances are pre-award requirements and do not encompass all
statutory and regulatory requirements that may apply to the
Applicant or its Project. A comprehensive list of those requirements
will be contained in the Grant Agreement including the Master
Agreement accompanying an award under the Tribal Transit Program
(TTP).
FTA and the Applicant also understand and agree that not every
certification and assurance will apply to every Project for which
FTA provides Federal financial assistance through the TTP. The type
of Project will determine which requirements apply. For example FTA
believes that the following requirements within the listed
certifications and assurances will have limited, if any, impact:
1. Many provisions required by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) set forth in Certification F involve requirements that
in most cases will not be invoked, such as:
a. Title III of the Uniform Relocation and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act, as amended, and implementing U.S.
Department Of Transportation (U.S. DOT) regulations will apply only
when the Applicant acquires real property with FTA assistance.
b. Title II of the Uniform Relocation and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act, as amended, and implementing U.S. DOT
regulations will apply only when the Applicant's project requires
relocation of a person or business; and the Lead-Based Paint
Poisoning Prevention Act is invoked only in connection with
residential construction, not likely to take place under the TTP.
c. The Flood Disaster Protection Act applies to projects in
flood hazard areas.
d. Only for construction projects will the Davis-Bacon Act,
Seismic Safety regulations, and OMB engineering supervision
requirements apply.
e. Many environmental protection requirements are limited to the
specific problem addressed by the statute. If, for example, the
project will not affect endangered species, the requirements of the
Endangered Species Act will not be invoked.
2. With respect to Certification H, ``Bus Testing,'' only if the
Applicant acquires the first bus of a new bus model or the first bus
of a new major configuration of a new bus will FTA's Bus Testing
requirements be invoked.
Except to the extent that FTA determines otherwise in writing,
each Applicant for TTP assistance, however, must provide all
certifications and assurance set forth below. FTA may not award any
Federal assistance under the TTP until the Applicant provides these
certifications and assurances.
A. Assurance of Authority of the Applicant and Its Representative
The authorized representative of the Applicant and the attorney
who sign these certifications, assurances, and agreements affirm
that both the Applicant and its authorized representative have
adequate authority under Federal and Indian tribal law, regulations,
or by-laws to:
(1) Execute and file the application for Federal assistance on
behalf of the Applicant;
(2) Execute and file the required certifications, assurances,
and agreements on behalf of the Applicant binding the Applicant; and
(3) Execute grant agreements with FTA on behalf of the
Applicant.
B. Standard Assurances
The Applicant assures that it will comply with all applicable
Federal statutes and regulations in carrying out any project
supported by an FTA grant. The Applicant agrees that it is under a
continuing obligation to comply with the terms and conditions of the
Grant Agreement issued for its project with FTA. The Applicant
recognizes that Federal laws and regulations may be modified from
time to time and those modifications may affect project
implementation. The Applicant understands that Presidential
executive orders and Federal directives, including Federal policies
and program guidance may be issued concerning matters affecting the
Applicant or its project. The Applicant agrees that the most recent
Federal laws, regulations, and directives will apply to the project,
unless FTA issues a written determination otherwise.
C. Applicant's Capacity to Comply With Relevant Section 5311
Requirements
The Applicant assures that:
(1) It has or will have the necessary legal, financial, and
managerial capability to apply for, receive, and disburse Federal
assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5311; and to carry out each
project, including the safety and security aspects of that project;
(2) It has or will have satisfactory continuing control over the
use of project equipment and facilities;
(3) The project equipment and facilities will be adequately
maintained; and
(4) Its project will achieve maximum feasible coordination with
transportation service assisted by other Federal sources.
D. Nondiscrimination Assurance
As required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, and by U.S. DOT regulations,
``Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department
of Transportation--Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act,'' 49 CFR part 21 at 21.7, the Applicant assures that it will
comply with all requirements imposed by or issued pursuant to 42
U.S.C. 2000d, and 49 CFR part 21, so that no person in the United
States, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, will be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or
otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity
(particularly in the level and quality of transportation services
and transportation-related benefits) for which the Applicant
receives Federal assistance awarded by the U.S. DOT or FTA.
Specifically, during the period in which Federal assistance is
extended to the project, or project property is used for a purpose
for which the Federal assistance is extended or for another purpose
involving the provision of similar services or benefits, or as long
as the Applicant retains ownership or possession of the project
property, whichever is longer, the Applicant assures that:
(1) Each project will be conducted, property acquisitions will
be undertaken, and project facilities will be operated in accordance
with all applicable requirements imposed by or issued pursuant to 42
U.S.C. 2000d, and 49 CFR part 21, and understands that this
assurance extends to its entire facility and to facilities operated
in connection with the project.
(2) It will promptly take the necessary actions to effectuate
this assurance, including notifying the public that complaints of
discrimination in the provision of transportation-related services
or benefits may be filed with U.S. DOT or FTA. Upon request by U.S.
DOT or FTA, the Applicant assures that it will submit the required
information pertaining to its compliance with these provisions.
(3) It will include in each subagreement, property transfer
agreement, third party contract, third party subcontract, or
participation agreement adequate provisions to extend the
requirements imposed by or issued pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000d and 49
CFR part 21 to other parties involved therein including any
subrecipient, transferee, third party contractor, third party
subcontractor at any level, successor in interest, or any other
participant in the project.
(4) Should it transfer real property, structures, or
improvements financed with Federal assistance provided by FTA to
another party, any deeds and instruments recording the transfer of
that property shall contain a covenant running with the land
assuring nondiscrimination for the period during which the property
is used for a purpose for which the Federal assistance is extended
or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services
or benefits.
(5) The United States has a right to seek judicial enforcement
with regard to any matter arising under the Act, regulations, and
this assurance.
(6) It will make any changes in its Title VI implementing
procedures as U.S. DOT or FTA may request to achieve compliance with
the requirements imposed by or issued pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000d
and 49 CFR part 21.
E. Assurance of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
As required by U.S. DOT regulations, ``Nondiscrimination on the
Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting
from Federal Financial Assistance,'' at 49 CFR 27.9, the Applicant
assures that, as a condition to the approval or extension of any
Federal assistance awarded by FTA to construct any facility, obtain
any rolling stock or other equipment, undertake studies, conduct
research, or to participate in or obtain any benefit from any
program administered by FTA, no otherwise qualified person with a
disability shall be, solely by reason of that disability, excluded
from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise
subjected to discrimination in
[[Page 16403]]
any program or activity receiving or benefiting from Federal
assistance administered by the FTA or any entity within U.S. DOT.
The Applicant assures that project implementation and operations so
assisted will comply with all applicable requirements of U.S. DOT
regulations implementing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
29 U.S.C. 794, et seq., and the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., and implementing U.S. DOT
regulations at 49 CFR parts 27, 37, and 38, and any other applicable
Federal laws that may be enacted or Federal regulations that may be
promulgated.
F. U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Assurances
Consistent with OMB assurances set forth in SF-424B and SF-424D,
the Applicant assures that, with respect to itself and its project,
the Applicant:
(1) Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance and
the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure
proper planning, management, and completion of the project described
in its application;
(2) Will give FTA, the Comptroller General of the United States,
and, if appropriate, the state, through any authorized
representative, access to and the right to examine all records,
books, papers, or documents related to the award; and will establish
a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted
accounting standards or agency directives;
(3) Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using
their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the
appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest or
personal gain;
(4) Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable
project time periods following receipt of FTA approval;
(5) Will comply with all applicable Federal statutes relating to
nondiscrimination including, but not limited to:
(a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, which
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national
origin;
(b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 20
U.S.C. 1681 through 1683, and 1685 through 1687, and U.S. DOT
regulations, ``Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance,'' 49
CFR part 25, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex;
(c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
29 U.S.C. 794 et seq., which prohibits discrimination on the basis
of disability;
(d) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
6101 through 6107, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of
age;
(e) The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972, Pub. L. 92-
255, March 21, 1972, and amendments thereto, 21 U.S.C. 1174 et seq.
relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse;
(f) The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention
Act of 1970, Pub. L. 91-616, Dec. 31, 1970, and amendments thereto,
42 U.S.C. 4581 et seq. relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of
alcohol abuse or alcoholism;
(g) The Public Health Service Act of 1912, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
290dd-3 and 290ee-3, related to confidentiality of alcohol and drug
abuse patient records;
(h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.,
relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of
housing; and
(i) Any other nondiscrimination statute(s) that may apply to the
project;
(6) To the extent applicable, will comply with, or has complied
with, the requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of
1970, as amended, (Uniform Relocation Act) 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.,
which, among other things, provide for fair and equitable treatment
of persons displaced or persons whose property is acquired as a
result of Federal or federally assisted programs. These requirements
apply to all interests in real property acquired for project
purposes and displacement caused by the project regardless of
Federal participation in any purchase. As required by sections 210
and 305 of the Uniform Relocation Act, 42 U.S.C. 4630 and 4655, and
by U.S. DOT regulations, ``Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs,''
49 CFR 24.4, the Applicant assures that it has the requisite
authority under its applicable tribal government law to comply with
the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act, 42 U.S.C. 4601 et
seq., and U.S. DOT regulations, ``Uniform Relocation Assistance and
Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally Assisted
Programs,'' 49 CFR part 24, and will comply with that Act or has
complied with that Act and those implementing regulations, including
but not limited to the following:
(a) The Applicant will adequately inform each affected person of
the benefits, policies, and procedures provided for in 49 CFR part
24;
(b) The Applicant will provide fair and reasonable relocation
payments and assistance as required by 42 U.S.C. 4622, 4623, and
4624; 49 CFR part 24; and any applicable FTA procedures, to or for
families, individuals, partnerships, corporations, or associations
displaced as a result of any project financed with FTA assistance;
(c) The Applicant will provide relocation assistance programs
offering the services described in 42 U.S.C. 4625 to such displaced
families, individuals, partnerships, corporations, or associations
in the manner provided in 49 CFR part 24;
(d) Within a reasonable time before displacement, the Applicant
will make available comparable replacement dwellings to displaced
families and individuals as required by 42 U.S.C. 4625(c)(3);
(e) The Applicant will carry out the relocation process in such
manner as to provide displaced persons with uniform and consistent
services, and will make available replacement housing in the same
range of choices with respect to such housing to all displaced
persons regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin;
(f) In acquiring real property, the Applicant will be guided to
the greatest extent practicable under state law, by the real
property acquisition policies of 42 U.S.C. 4651 and 4652;
(g) The Applicant will pay or reimburse property owners for
necessary expenses as specified in 42 U.S.C. 4653 and 4654, with the
understanding that FTA will provide Federal financial assistance for
the Applicant's eligible costs of providing payments for those
expenses, as required by 42 U.S.C. 4631;
(h) The Applicant will execute such amendments to third party
contracts and subagreements financed with FTA assistance and
execute, furnish, and be bound by such additional documents as FTA
may determine necessary to effectuate or implement the assurances
provided herein; and
(i) The Applicant agrees to make these assurances part of or
incorporate them by reference into any third party contract or
subagreement, or any amendments thereto, relating to any project
financed by FTA involving relocation or land acquisition and provide
in any affected document that these relocation and land acquisition
provisions shall supersede any conflicting provisions;
(7) To the extent applicable, will comply with the Davis-Bacon
Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq., the Copeland ``Anti-
Kickback'' Act, as amended, 18 U.S.C. 874, and the Contract Work
Hours and Safety Standards Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.,
regarding labor standards for federally assisted projects;
(8) To the extent applicable, will comply with the flood
insurance purchase requirements of section 102(a) of the Flood
Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4012a(a),
requiring the Applicant and its subrecipients in a special flood
hazard area to participate in the program and purchase flood
insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and
acquisition is $10,000 or more;
(9) To the extent applicable, will comply with the Lead-Based
Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, 42 U.S.C. 4831(b), which prohibits
the use of lead-based paint in the construction or rehabilitation of
residence structures;
(10) To the extent applicable, will not dispose of, modify the
use of, or change the terms of the real property title or other
interest in the site and facilities on which a construction project
supported with FTA assistance takes place without permission and
instructions from FTA;
(11) To the extent required by FTA, will record the Federal
interest in the title of real property, and will include a covenant
in the title of real property acquired in whole or in part with
Federal assistance funds to assure nondiscrimination during the
useful life of the project;
(12) To the extent applicable, will comply with FTA provisions
concerning the drafting, review, and approval of construction plans
and specifications of any construction project supported with FTA
assistance. As required by U.S. DOT regulations, ``Seismic Safety,''
49 CFR 41.117(d), before accepting delivery of any building financed
with FTA assistance, it will obtain a certificate of compliance with
the seismic design and construction requirements of 49 CFR part 41;
[[Page 16404]]
(13) To the extent applicable, will provide and maintain
competent and adequate engineering supervision at the construction
site of any project supported with FTA assistance to ensure that the
complete work conforms with the approved plans and specifications,
and will furnish progress reports and such other information as may
be required by FTA or the state;
(14) To the extent applicable, will comply with any applicable
environmental standards that may be prescribed to implement the
following Federal laws and executive orders:
(a) Institution of environmental quality control measures under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
4321 through 4335 and Executive Order No. 11514, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 4321 note;
(b) Notification of violating facilities pursuant to Executive
Order No. 11738, 42 U.S.C. 7606 note;
(c) Protection of wetlands pursuant to Executive Order No.
11990, 42 U.S.C. 4321 note;
(d) Evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance
with Executive Order No. 11988, 42 U.S.C. 4321 note;
(e) Assurance of project consistency with the approved state
management program developed pursuant to the requirements of the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451
through 1465;
(f) Conformity of Federal actions to State (Clean Air)
Implementation Plans under section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of
1955, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 through 7671q;
(g) Protection of underground sources of drinking water under
the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300f
through 300j-6;
(h) Protection of endangered species under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 through 1544; and
(i) Environmental protections for Federal transportation
programs, including, but not limited to, protections for parks,
recreation areas, or wildlife or waterfowl refuges of national,
state, local, or tribal government significance or any land from a
historic site of national, state, local, or tribal government
significance to be used in a transportation project as required by
49 U.S.C. 303(b) and 303(c);
(j) Protection of the components of the national wild and scenic
rivers systems, as required under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of
1968, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1271 through 1287; and
(k) Provision of assistance to FTA in complying with section 106
of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16
U.S.C. 470f; with the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act
of 1974, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 469 through 469c; and with Executive
Order No. 11593 (identification and protection of historic
properties), 16 U.S.C. 470 note;
(15) Because a tribal government is not covered by the Hatch
Act, the Applicant is not required to comply with the requirements
of the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. 1501 through 1508 and 7324 through 7326,
which limit the political activities of state and local agencies and
their officers and employees whose primary employment activities are
financed in whole or part with Federal funds including a Federal
grant agreement except, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5307(k)(2) and
23 U.S.C. 142(g), the Hatch Act does not apply to a nonsupervisory
employee of a public transportation system (or of any other agency
or entity performing related functions) receiving FTA assistance to
whom that Act does not otherwise apply;
(16) To the extent applicable, will comply with the National
Research Act, Pub. L. 93-348, July 12, 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
289 et seq., and U.S. DOT regulations, ``Protection of Human
Subjects,'' 49 CFR part 11, regarding the protection of human
subjects involved in research, development, and related activities
supported by Federal assistance;
(17) To the extent applicable, will comply with the Laboratory
Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq., and
U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, ``Animal Welfare,'' 9
CFR subchapter A, parts 1, 2, 3, and 4, regarding the care,
handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held or used for
research, teaching, or other activities supported by Federal
assistance;
(18) Will have performed the financial and compliance audits as
required by the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 7501
et seq., OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments,
and Non-Profit Organizations,'' Revised, and the most recent
applicable OMB A-133 Compliance Supplement provisions for the U.S.
DOT; and
(19) To the extent applicable, will comply with all applicable
provisions of all other Federal laws, regulations, and directives
governing the project, except to the extent that FTA has expressly
approved otherwise in writing.
G. Procurement Compliance
In accordance with 49 CFR 18.36(g)(3)(ii), the Applicant
certifies that its procurement system will comply with the
requirements of 49 CFR 18.36, or will inform FTA promptly that its
procurement system does not comply with 49 CFR 18.36.
H. Bus Testing
As required by 49 U.S.C. 5318 and FTA regulations, ``Bus
Testing,'' at 49 CFR 665.7, the Applicant certifies that, before
expending any Federal assistance to acquire the first bus of any new
bus model or any bus model with a new major change in configuration
or components, or before authorizing final acceptance of that bus
(as described in 49 CFR part 665), the bus model:
A. Will have been tested at FTA's bus testing facility; and
B. Will have received a copy of the test report prepared on the
bus model.
I. Charter Service Agreement
(1) As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(d) and (g) and FTA
regulations, ``Charter Service,'' at 49 CFR 604.7, the Applicant
agrees that it and each subrecipient and third party contractor at
any tier will:
(a) Provide charter service that uses equipment or facilities
acquired with Federal assistance authorized under 49 U.S.C. chapter
53 (except 49 U.S.C. 5310 or 5317), or under 23 U.S.C. 133 or 142
for transportation projects, only to the extent that there are no
private charter service operators willing and able to provide the
charter service that it or its subrecipients or third party
contractors at any tier desire to provide, unless one or more of the
exceptions in 49 CFR 604.9 applies; and
(b) Comply with the requirements of 49 CFR part 604 before
providing any charter service using equipment or facilities acquired
with Federal assistance authorized under 49 U.S.C. chapter 53
(except 49 U.S.C. 5310 or 5317), or under 23 U.S.C. 133 or 142 for
transportation projects.
(2) The Applicant understands that:
(a) The requirements of 49 CFR part 604 will apply to any
charter service it or its subrecipients or third party contractors
provide,
(b) The definitions of 49 CFR part 604 will apply to this
Charter Service Agreement, and
(c) A violation of this Charter Service Agreement may require
corrective measures and imposition of penalties, including debarment
from the receipt of further Federal assistance for transportation.
J. School Transportation Agreement
(1) As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(f) and (g) and FTA regulations
at 49 CFR 605.14, the Applicant agrees that it and each subrecipient
or third party contractor at any tier will:
(a) Engage in school transportation operations in competition
with private school transportation operators only to the extent
permitted by 49 U.S.C. 5323(f) and (g), and Federal regulations; and
(b) Comply with the requirements of 49 CFR part 605 before
providing any school transportation using equipment or facilities
acquired with Federal assistance authorized under 49 U.S.C. chapter
53 or under 23 U.S.C. 133 or 142 for transportation projects.
(2) The Applicant understands that:
(a) The requirements of 49 CFR part 605 will apply to any school
transportation service it or its subrecipients or third party
contractors provide,
(b) The definitions of 49 CFR part 605 will apply to this School
Transportation Agreement, and
(c) A violation of this School Transportation Agreement may
require corrective measures and imposition of penalties, including
debarment from the receipt of further Federal assistance for
transportation.
K. Demand Responsive Service
As required by U.S. DOT regulations, ``Transportation Services
for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA),'' at 49 CFR 37.77(d), the
Applicant certifies that its demand responsive service offered to
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use
wheelchairs, is equivalent to the level and quality of service
offered to individuals without disabilities. When the Applicant's
service is viewed in its entirety, the Applicant's service for
individuals with disabilities is provided in the most integrated
setting feasible and is equivalent with respect to: (1) Response
time, (2) fares, (3) geographic service area, (4) hours and days of
service, (5) restrictions on trip purpose, (6) availability of
information and reservation capability, and
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(7) constraints on capacity or service availability.
L. Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use
As required by FTA regulations, ``Prevention of Alcohol Misuse
and Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operations,'' at 49 CFR part 655,
subpart I, the Applicant certifies that it has established and
implemented an alcohol misuse and anti-drug program, and has
complied with or will comply with all applicable requirements of FTA
regulations, ``Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use
in Transit Operations,'' 49 CFR part 655.
M. National Intelligent Transportation Systems Architecture and
Standards
An Applicant for FTA assistance for an Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) project, defined as any project that in
whole or in part finances the acquisition of technologies or systems
of technologies that provide or significantly contribute to the
provision of one or more ITS user services as defined in the
National ITS Architecture, will use its best efforts to ensure that
any Intelligent Transportation System solutions used in its Project
do not preclude interface with other Intelligent Transportation
Systems in the Region. (See, FTA Federal Register notice dated,
January 8, 2001 ``FTA National ITS Architecture Policy on Transit
Projects'' (66 FR 1455, and other FTA Program Guidance that may be
issued.)
Federal Fiscal Year 2006 Certifications and Assurances for the Tribal
Transit Program
Signature Pages (Required of All Applicants for FTA Assistance for the
Tribal Transit Program)
Affirmation of Applicant
Name of Applicant:
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