Notice of Fiscal Year 2013 Safety Grants and Solicitation for Applications, 46797-46800 [2012-19109]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2012 / Notices Issued on: July 30, 2012. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2012–19124 Filed 8–3–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Notice of Fiscal Year 2013 Safety Grants and Solicitation for Applications Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. AGENCY: Notice; change in application due dates. ACTION: This notice informs the public of FMCSA’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 safety grant opportunities and FMCSA’s projected application due dates. FMCSA announces these grant opportunities based on authorities provided for in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU), Public Law 109– 59, as amended by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP–21), Public Law 112–141, (2012). The Agency’s safety grant programs in FY 2013 include the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) Basic and Incentive grants; New Entrant Safety Audit grants; MCSAP High Priority grants; Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Operator Safety Training grants; Border Enforcement grants (BEG); Commercial Driver’s License Program Improvement (CDLPI) grants; Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) grants; Safety Data Improvement Program (SaDIP) grants; and the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) grants. The Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) Modernization grants were not continued in the MAP–21 authorization and, therefore, FMCSA will not be soliciting applications for this grant program in FY 2013. SUMMARY: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact the following FMCSA staff with questions or needed information on the Agency’s grant programs: MCSAP Basic/Incentive Grants—Jack Kostelnik, jack.kostelnik@dot.gov, 202–366–5721. New Entrant Safety Audits Grants—Jack Kostelnik, jack.kostelnik@dot.gov, 202–366–5721. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:11 Aug 03, 2012 Jkt 226001 MCSAP High Priority Grants—Cim Weiss, cim.weiss@dot.gov, 202–366– 0275. CMV Operator Safety Training Grants— Crystal Polk, crystal.polk@dot.gov, 202–366–0734. BEG—Jackie Cambridge, jackie.cambridge@dot.gov, 202–366– 1351. CDLPI Grants—James Ross, james.ross@dot.gov, 202–366–0133. SaDIP Grants—Jackie Cambridge, jackie.cambridge@dot.gov, 202–366– 1351. PRISM Grants—Julie Otto, julie.otto@dot.gov, 202–366–0710. CVISN Grants—Julie Otto, julie.otto@dot.gov, 202–366–0710. All staff may be reached at FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Purpose For each grant program, FMCSA will post a notice of funding availability (NOFA) at www.grants.gov. The NOFA will provide specific information on the application process; national funding priorities for FY 2013; evaluation criteria; required documents and certifications; grantee matching share and maintenance of expenditure requirements; and additional information related to the availability of funds. General information is provided below for each individual grant program. To ensure the timely review and award of all grants, applications must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in each NOFA and contain all required information and attachments. FMCSA strongly encourages applicants to dedicate the resources necessary to submit timely and complete applications. Applications will be returned if required documents are missing or incomplete or additional information is needed. MCSAP Basic and Incentive Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, §§ 4101(a), 4106, 119 Stat. 1144, 1714, 1717–19 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141 §§ 32601, 32603(a), (2012) authorizes FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Grants. MCSAP Basic and Incentive formula grants are governed by 49 U.S.C. 31102–31104 and 49 CFR Part 350. Under the Basic and Incentive grant programs, a State lead PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46797 MCSAP agency, as designated by its Governor, is eligible to apply for MCSAP Basic and Incentive grant funding by submitting a commercial vehicle safety plan (CVSP). See 49 CFR 350.201, 350.205, and 350.213. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 31103 and 49 CFR 350.303, FMCSA will reimburse each lead State MCSAP agency no more than 80 percent of eligible costs incurred in a fiscal year. Each State will provide a 20 percent match to qualify for the program. The FMCSA Administrator waives the requirement for matching funds for the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (49 CFR 350.305). In accordance with 49 CFR 350.323, the MCSAP Basic grant funds will be distributed proportionally to each State’s lead MCSAP agency using the following four, equally weighted (25 percent) factors: (1) 1997 road miles (all highways) as defined by the FMCSA; (2) All vehicle miles traveled as defined by the FMCSA; (3) Population—annual census estimates as issued by the U.S. Census Bureau; and (4) Special fuel consumption (net after reciprocity adjustment) as defined by the FMCSA. A State’s lead MCSAP agency may qualify for MCSAP Incentive funds pursuant to 49 CFR 350.327(a) if the agency can demonstrate that the State’s CMV safety program meets or exceeds any or all of the following five categories: (1) Reduction in the number of large truck-involved fatal crashes; (2) Reduction in the rate of largetruck-involved fatal crashes or maintenance of a large-truck-involved fatal crash rate that is among the lowest 10 percent of such rates for MCSAP recipients; (3) Upload of CMV crash reports in accordance with current FMCSA policy guidelines; (4) Verification of Commercial Driver’s Licenses during all roadside inspections; and (5) Upload of CMV inspection data in accordance with current FMCSA policy guidelines. Incentive funds are distributed in accordance with 49 CFR 350.327(b). The FMCSA calculates the amount of Basic and Incentive funding each State is to receive. This information is provided to the States and is made available on the Agency’s Web site. The projected FY 2013 distribution is available at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ safety-security/safety-initiatives/mcsap/ mcsapforms.htm. The amount indicated is based on FY 2012 estimated awards, E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 46798 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2012 / Notices pending final authorization, and does not include incentive funding that may be available to States. The MCSAP Basic and Incentive formula grants are awarded based on the State’s submission of the CVSP, which FMCSA must approve prior to distribution of funds. Therefore, the evaluation factors for discretionary grant programs described in the section below titled ‘‘Application Information for FY 2013 Grants’’ are not applicable. MCSAP Basic and Incentive grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https:// www.grants.gov). mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES New Entrant Safety Audit Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, § 4107(b), 119 Stat. 1144, 1720 (2005), amended by SAFETEA–LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008, Public Law 110–244, § 301(b), 122 Stat. 1572, 1616 (2008), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141, § 32603(e), (2012) authorizes grant funding to conduct interstate New Entrant safety audits consistent with 49 CFR Parts 350.321 and 385.301. Eligible recipients are State and local governments. The goal of the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program is to reduce CMV involved crashes, fatalities, and injuries through consistent, uniform, and effective safety programs. Grantees may use these funds for salaries and related expenses of New Entrant auditors, including training and equipment, and to perform other eligible activities that are directly related to conducting safety audits. The FMCSA’s share of these grant funds will be 100 percent pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 31144. More information about the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program application and award process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ about/grants/New-Entrant/appprocess.aspx. New Entrant grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https:// www.grants.gov). MCSAP High Priority Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, § 4107(a), 119 Stat. 1144, 1719–20 (2005), as amended by SAFETEA–LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008, Public Law 110–244, § 4101(a), § 4107, 122 Stat. 1572, 1616, as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141, §§ 32603(a), 32603(d), (2012) authorizes grant funding for activities and projects that improve CMV safety and VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:11 Aug 03, 2012 Jkt 226001 compliance with CMV regulations. The goal of the MCSAP High Priority grant program is to increase public awareness and education, demonstrate new technologies and reduce the number and rate of CMV crashes. Funding is also available for projects that are national in scope. Eligible recipients are State agencies, local governments, and organizations representing government agencies that use and train qualified officers and employees in coordination with State motor vehicle safety agencies. Participation of local law enforcement agencies is encouraged. Interested local law enforcement agencies should carefully review the NOFA when it is available on www.grants.gov for special considerations and application review processes. For grants awarded for public education and outreach activities, the Federal share will be 100 percent. For all other High Priority grants, FMCSA will provide reimbursements for no more than 80 percent of all eligible costs, and recipients will be required to provide a 20 percent match. Examples of High Priority activities include innovative traffic enforcement projects, with particular emphasis on texting and hand-held cell phone prohibitions, work zone enforcement, rural road safety, and innovative traffic enforcement initiatives such as Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT). TACT provides a research-based safety model that can be replicated by States when conducting a high-visibility traffic enforcement program to promote safe driving behaviors among car and truck drivers. The objective of this program is to reduce the number of commercial truck and bus-related crashes, fatalities and injuries resulting from improper operation of motor vehicles and aggressive driving behavior. More information regarding TACT can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ safety-security/tact/abouttact.htm. More information about the High Priority application and award process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ about/grants/MCSAP–High-Priority/ index.aspx. High Priority grant applications must be submitted through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov). CMV Operator Safety Training Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, § 4134, 119 Stat. 1144, 1744–45 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141, § 32603(g), (2012) authorizes grant funds to train current and future drivers in the safe operation of CMVs, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 31301(4). Eligible awardees include PO 00000 Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 State governments, local governments and accredited post-secondary educational institutions (public or private) such as colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools and truck driver training schools. Funding priority for this discretionary grant program will be given to institutions serving economically distressed regions of the United States as demonstrated in the application. The Federal share of these funds will be 80 percent, and recipients will be required to provide a 20 percent match. More information about the CMV Operator Safety Training grant application and award process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ about/grants/CMV/app-process.aspx. CMV Operator Safety Training grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https:// www.grants.gov). Border Enforcement Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, §§ 4101(c)(2), 4110, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1721–22 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141, §§ 32603(c) and 32603(h), (2012) authorizes grant funds to conduct CMV safety programs and related enforcement activities and projects near international borders or relating to international commerce. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 31107, eligible awardees include State governments that share a land border with Canada or Mexico, and any local government, or entities (i.e., accredited post-secondary public or private educational institutions such as universities) in that State. FMCSA encourages local agencies to coordinate their application with the State lead CMV inspection agency to prevent redundancy. Applications must include a Border Enforcement Plan. As established by SAFETEA–LU, the Federal share of these funds will be 100 percent. More information about the BEG application and award process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ about/grants/beg/app-process.aspx. BEG grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov). CDLPI Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, §§ 4101(c)(1), 4124, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1736–37 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141, §§ 32603(c), 32604, (2012) authorizes grant funds to improve States’ E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES implementation of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program and ensure compliance with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 383 and 384. Eligible expenses include computer hardware and software, publications, testing, personnel, training, quality control, CDL program coordinators, and to implement or maintain an employer notification system for CDL suspension or revocation. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 31313, funds may not be used to rent, lease, or buy land or buildings. The agency designated by each State as having the primary driver licensing responsibility, including development, implementation, and maintenance of the CDL program, is eligible to apply for basic grant funding. State agencies, local governments, and other entities that can support a State’s effort to improve its CDL program, or conduct projects on a national scale to improve the national CDL program, may also apply for projects under the High Priority and Emerging Issues component of this grant. Priority will be given to proposals that help States comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), with specific emphasis on correcting previously-identified areas of non-compliance. The Federal share of funds for projects awarded under this grant is established by SAFETEA–LU as 100 percent. Information for the CLDPI application and award process also can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ about/grants/CDLPI/app-process.aspx. CLDPI grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov). SaDIP Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, §§ 4101(c)(5), 4128, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1742 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141, § 32603(c), (2012) authorizes grant funds for the Safety Data Improvement Program to support improving the overall quality of CMV data reported by a State. Specifically, the goal of this program is to improve the timeliness, efficiency, accuracy and completeness of State processes and systems used to collect, analyze and report large truck and bus crash and inspection data, as described 49 USC 31102. Eligible recipients are State agencies, including the Territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. SaDIP applications must address the FMCSA State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) map, which provides a color-coded, pictorial VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:11 Aug 03, 2012 Jkt 226001 representation of the State’s overall performance using the SSDQ methodology. This methodology was developed by FMCSA to evaluate the completeness, timeliness, accuracy, and consistency of the State-reported CMV crash and inspection records in the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). The SSDQ methodology is comprised of nine measures and one Overriding Indicator. Ratings are updated quarterly, and individual State performance is portrayed through the color-coded rating system: Green (good performance), Yellow (fair performance), and Red (poor performance). The color-coded rating system depicts each State’s Overall Rating which considers all nine SSDQ measures, except those measures with a rating of ‘‘Insufficient Data,’’ plus the Overriding Indicator. Priority will be given to proposals received from States rated Yellow and Red on the SSDQ Map. The applicant must certify that it has (1) conducted a comprehensive audit of its commercial motor vehicle safety data system within the preceding two years; (2) developed a plan that identifies and prioritizes its commercial motor vehicle safety data needs and goals; and (3) identified performancebased measures to determine progress toward those goals. The FMCSA will provide reimbursements for no more than 80 percent of all eligible costs; recipients are required to provide a 20 percent match. More information about the SaDIP application and award process can be found at https:// www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/grants/ SaDIP/app-process.aspx. SaDIP grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https:// www.grants.gov). PRISM Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, §§ 4101(c)(3), 4109, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1720–21 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112–141, §§ 32602, 32603(c), (2012) authorizes FMCSA to award grants funds to States to implement the PRISM requirements that link Federal motor carrier safety information systems with State CMV registration and licensing systems. This program enables a State to determine the safety fitness of a motor carrier, a registrant, or both, when licensing or registering CMV and while the license or registration is in effect. The PRISM program directly benefits highway safety helping to remove unsafe motor carriers from the nation’s highways PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46799 through the potential and actual imposition of vehicle registration sanctions on motor carriers issued a Federal Out of Service order. No matching funds are required. More information about the PRISM program process can be found at https:// www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/ prism/prism-process.aspx. PRISM grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https:// www.grants.gov). CVISN Grants The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109–59, §§ 4101(c)(4), 4126, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1738–41 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law No.112–141, §§ 32603(c), 32605, (2012) authorizes FMCSA to award grant funds to States to deploy, operate, and maintain elements of their CVISN Program, including commercial vehicle, commercial driver, and carrier-specific information systems and networks. The agency in each State designated as responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of a CVISN-related system is eligible to apply for grant funding. Section 4126 of SAFETEA-LU establishes two types of CVISN projects: Core and Expanded. Core CVISN deployment project(s) eligibility includes the projects necessary to support the State’s most current Core CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design (PP/TLD) approved by FMCSA. If a State does not have a Core CVISN PP/TLD, it may apply for up to $100,000 in funds to either create or update one. A State may also apply for funds to prepare an Expanded CVISN PP/TLD if FMCSA acknowledged the State as having completed Core CVISN deployment. Eligibility includes the projects necessary to support a State’s Expanded CVISN deployment PP/TLD approved by FMCSA. If a State does not have an existing or up-to-date Expanded CVISN PP/TLD, it may apply for up to $100,000 in funds to either compile or update an Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design. FY 2013 CVISN grant emphasis areas include to increase the deployment of the Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW); improve the quality of data uploads; and improve the use of safety and productivity performance metrics. A State may receive no more than an aggregate total of $2.5M in CVISN Core funding. A State may receive no more than $1M in CVISN Expanded funding in any fiscal year. Awards for approved CVISN grant applications are made to all Core CVISN E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 46800 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2012 / Notices applicants first and then to Expanded CVISN applicants. States must provide a match of 50 percent. CVISN grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov (https:// www.grants.gov). Application Information for FY 2013 Grants: General information about the FMCSA grant programs is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) which can be found on the internet at https://www.cfda.gov. To apply for funding, applicants must register with grants.gov at https:// www.grants.gov/applicants/ get_registered.jsp and submit an application in accordance with instructions provided. Because the registration and certification process for grants.gov requires several steps, firsttime applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process well in advance of the application deadline. Evaluation Factors: The below evaluation factors will be used in reviewing the applications for all FMCSA discretionary grants. Additional factors may be included in each NOFA. These factors are: (1) Prior performance (completion of identified programs and goals per the project plan submitted under previous grants awarded to the applicant); (2) Effective Use of Prior Grants (timely use of available funds in previous awards); (3) Safety and Cost Effectiveness (expected impact on safety relative to the investment of grant funds; where appropriate, cost per unit was calculated and compared with national averages to determine effectiveness; in other areas, proposed costs are compared with historical information to confirm reasonableness); (4) Applicability to announced priorities (grant applications that specifically address these issues are given priority consideration); (5) Ability of the applicant to support the strategies and activities in the proposal for the entire project period of performance; (6) Use of innovative approaches in executing a project plan to address identified safety issues; (7) Feasibility of overall program coordination and implementation based upon the project plan; and (8) Other objective and performancebased criteria that FMCSA deems appropriate, such as consistency with national priorities, overall program balance, and geographic diversity. Estimated Application Due Dates: For the following grant programs, FMCSA will consider funding complete applications or plans submitted by the following anticipated dates (final due VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:11 Aug 03, 2012 Jkt 226001 dates will be indicated in the grants.gov funding opportunity notice): MCSAP Basic and Incentive Grants—August 1, 2012. Border Enforcement Grants—August 20, 2012. New Entrant Safety Audit Grants—September 5, 2012. MCSAP High Priority Grants—September 17, 2012. CDLPI Grants—November 5, 2012. SaDIP Grants—November 13, 2012. CVISN Grants—November 19, 2012. PRISM Grants—December 3, 2012. CMV Operator Safety Training Grants— December 10, 2012. Applications submitted after due dates may be considered on a case-bycase basis and are subject to availability of funds. Issued on: July 27, 2012. William A. Quade, Associate Administrator for Enforcement and Program Delivery. [FR Doc. 2012–19109 Filed 8–3–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA 2012–0006–N–8] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below. DATES: Comments must be received no later than October 5, 2012. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following proposed activities by mail to either: Ms. Janet Wylie, Office Planning and Administration, RPD–3, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 20, Washington, DC 20590, or Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information Technology, RAD–20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, ‘‘Comments on OMB control number 2130–0584. Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493– 6170, or via email to Ms. Wylie at janet.wylie@dot.gov, or to Ms. Toone at kim.toone@dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Janet Wylie, Office of Planning and Administration, RPD–3, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 20 Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6353) or Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information Technology, RAD– 20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6132). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104–13, § 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public for comment on information collection activities before seeking approval for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed information collection activities regarding (i) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(I)–(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(I)–(iv). FRA believes that E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46797-46800]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19109]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration


Notice of Fiscal Year 2013 Safety Grants and Solicitation for 
Applications

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice; change in application due dates.

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

SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of FMCSA's Fiscal Year (FY) 
2013 safety grant opportunities and FMCSA's projected application due 
dates. FMCSA announces these grant opportunities based on authorities 
provided for in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient 
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 
109-59, as amended by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century 
Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112-141, (2012). The Agency's safety grant 
programs in FY 2013 include the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program 
(MCSAP) Basic and Incentive grants; New Entrant Safety Audit grants; 
MCSAP High Priority grants; Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Operator 
Safety Training grants; Border Enforcement grants (BEG); Commercial 
Driver's License Program Improvement (CDLPI) grants; Performance and 
Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) grants; Safety Data 
Improvement Program (SaDIP) grants; and the Commercial Vehicle 
Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) grants. The Commercial 
Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) Modernization grants were 
not continued in the MAP-21 authorization and, therefore, FMCSA will 
not be soliciting applications for this grant program in FY 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact the following FMCSA 
staff with questions or needed information on the Agency's grant 
programs:

MCSAP Basic/Incentive Grants--Jack Kostelnik, jack.kostelnik@dot.gov, 
202-366-5721.
New Entrant Safety Audits Grants--Jack Kostelnik, 
jack.kostelnik@dot.gov, 202-366-5721.
MCSAP High Priority Grants--Cim Weiss, cim.weiss@dot.gov, 202-366-0275.
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants--Crystal Polk, 
crystal.polk@dot.gov, 202-366-0734.
BEG--Jackie Cambridge, jackie.cambridge@dot.gov, 202-366-1351.
CDLPI Grants--James Ross, james.ross@dot.gov, 202-366-0133.
SaDIP Grants--Jackie Cambridge, jackie.cambridge@dot.gov, 202-366-1351.
PRISM Grants--Julie Otto, julie.otto@dot.gov, 202-366-0710.
CVISN Grants--Julie Otto, julie.otto@dot.gov, 202-366-0710.

    All staff may be reached at FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern 
Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    For each grant program, FMCSA will post a notice of funding 
availability (NOFA) at www.grants.gov. The NOFA will provide specific 
information on the application process; national funding priorities for 
FY 2013; evaluation criteria; required documents and certifications; 
grantee matching share and maintenance of expenditure requirements; and 
additional information related to the availability of funds. General 
information is provided below for each individual grant program.
    To ensure the timely review and award of all grants, applications 
must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in each 
NOFA and contain all required information and attachments. FMCSA 
strongly encourages applicants to dedicate the resources necessary to 
submit timely and complete applications. Applications will be returned 
if required documents are missing or incomplete or additional 
information is needed.

MCSAP Basic and Incentive Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec. Sec.  4101(a), 4106, 
119 Stat. 1144, 1714, 1717-19 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for 
Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-141 Sec. Sec.  32601, 
32603(a), (2012) authorizes FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Grants. MCSAP 
Basic and Incentive formula grants are governed by 49 U.S.C. 31102-
31104 and 49 CFR Part 350. Under the Basic and Incentive grant 
programs, a State lead MCSAP agency, as designated by its Governor, is 
eligible to apply for MCSAP Basic and Incentive grant funding by 
submitting a commercial vehicle safety plan (CVSP). See 49 CFR 350.201, 
350.205, and 350.213. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 31103 and 49 CFR 350.303, 
FMCSA will reimburse each lead State MCSAP agency no more than 80 
percent of eligible costs incurred in a fiscal year. Each State will 
provide a 20 percent match to qualify for the program. The FMCSA 
Administrator waives the requirement for matching funds for the Virgin 
Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands (49 CFR 350.305). In accordance with 49 CFR 350.323, 
the MCSAP Basic grant funds will be distributed proportionally to each 
State's lead MCSAP agency using the following four, equally weighted 
(25 percent) factors:
    (1) 1997 road miles (all highways) as defined by the FMCSA;
    (2) All vehicle miles traveled as defined by the FMCSA;
    (3) Population--annual census estimates as issued by the U.S. 
Census Bureau; and
    (4) Special fuel consumption (net after reciprocity adjustment) as 
defined by the FMCSA.
    A State's lead MCSAP agency may qualify for MCSAP Incentive funds 
pursuant to 49 CFR 350.327(a) if the agency can demonstrate that the 
State's CMV safety program meets or exceeds any or all of the following 
five categories:
    (1) Reduction in the number of large truck-involved fatal crashes;
    (2) Reduction in the rate of large-truck-involved fatal crashes or 
maintenance of a large-truck-involved fatal crash rate that is among 
the lowest 10 percent of such rates for MCSAP recipients;
    (3) Upload of CMV crash reports in accordance with current FMCSA 
policy guidelines;
    (4) Verification of Commercial Driver's Licenses during all 
roadside inspections; and
    (5) Upload of CMV inspection data in accordance with current FMCSA 
policy guidelines.
    Incentive funds are distributed in accordance with 49 CFR 
350.327(b).
    The FMCSA calculates the amount of Basic and Incentive funding each 
State is to receive. This information is provided to the States and is 
made available on the Agency's Web site. The projected FY 2013 
distribution is available at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/safety-initiatives/mcsap/mcsapforms.htm. The amount indicated is based 
on FY 2012 estimated awards,

[[Page 46798]]

pending final authorization, and does not include incentive funding 
that may be available to States. The MCSAP Basic and Incentive formula 
grants are awarded based on the State's submission of the CVSP, which 
FMCSA must approve prior to distribution of funds. Therefore, the 
evaluation factors for discretionary grant programs described in the 
section below titled ``Application Information for FY 2013 Grants'' are 
not applicable. MCSAP Basic and Incentive grant applications must be 
submitted electronically through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).

New Entrant Safety Audit Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec.  4107(b), 119 Stat. 
1144, 1720 (2005), amended by SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 
2008, Public Law 110-244, Sec.  301(b), 122 Stat. 1572, 1616 (2008), as 
amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public 
Law 112-141, Sec.  32603(e), (2012) authorizes grant funding to conduct 
interstate New Entrant safety audits consistent with 49 CFR Parts 
350.321 and 385.301. Eligible recipients are State and local 
governments. The goal of the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program is to 
reduce CMV involved crashes, fatalities, and injuries through 
consistent, uniform, and effective safety programs. Grantees may use 
these funds for salaries and related expenses of New Entrant auditors, 
including training and equipment, and to perform other eligible 
activities that are directly related to conducting safety audits. The 
FMCSA's share of these grant funds will be 100 percent pursuant to 49 
U.S.C. 31144. More information about the New Entrant Safety Assurance 
Program application and award process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/grants/New-Entrant/app-process.aspx. New 
Entrant grant applications must be submitted electronically through 
grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).

MCSAP High Priority Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec.  4107(a), 119 Stat. 
1144, 1719-20 (2005), as amended by SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections 
Act of 2008, Public Law 110-244, Sec.  4101(a), Sec.  4107, 122 Stat. 
1572, 1616, as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century 
Act, Public Law 112-141, Sec. Sec.  32603(a), 32603(d), (2012) 
authorizes grant funding for activities and projects that improve CMV 
safety and compliance with CMV regulations. The goal of the MCSAP High 
Priority grant program is to increase public awareness and education, 
demonstrate new technologies and reduce the number and rate of CMV 
crashes. Funding is also available for projects that are national in 
scope. Eligible recipients are State agencies, local governments, and 
organizations representing government agencies that use and train 
qualified officers and employees in coordination with State motor 
vehicle safety agencies. Participation of local law enforcement 
agencies is encouraged. Interested local law enforcement agencies 
should carefully review the NOFA when it is available on www.grants.gov 
for special considerations and application review processes. For grants 
awarded for public education and outreach activities, the Federal share 
will be 100 percent. For all other High Priority grants, FMCSA will 
provide reimbursements for no more than 80 percent of all eligible 
costs, and recipients will be required to provide a 20 percent match. 
Examples of High Priority activities include innovative traffic 
enforcement projects, with particular emphasis on texting and hand-held 
cell phone prohibitions, work zone enforcement, rural road safety, and 
innovative traffic enforcement initiatives such as Ticketing Aggressive 
Cars and Trucks (TACT). TACT provides a research-based safety model 
that can be replicated by States when conducting a high-visibility 
traffic enforcement program to promote safe driving behaviors among car 
and truck drivers. The objective of this program is to reduce the 
number of commercial truck and bus-related crashes, fatalities and 
injuries resulting from improper operation of motor vehicles and 
aggressive driving behavior. More information regarding TACT can be 
found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/tact/abouttact.htm. 
More information about the High Priority application and award process 
can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/grants/MCSAP-High-Priority/index.aspx. High Priority grant applications must be submitted 
through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).

CMV Operator Safety Training Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec.  4134, 119 Stat. 1144, 
1744-45 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st 
Century Act, Public Law 112-141, Sec.  32603(g), (2012) authorizes 
grant funds to train current and future drivers in the safe operation 
of CMVs, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 31301(4). Eligible awardees include 
State governments, local governments and accredited post-secondary 
educational institutions (public or private) such as colleges, 
universities, vocational-technical schools and truck driver training 
schools. Funding priority for this discretionary grant program will be 
given to institutions serving economically distressed regions of the 
United States as demonstrated in the application. The Federal share of 
these funds will be 80 percent, and recipients will be required to 
provide a 20 percent match. More information about the CMV Operator 
Safety Training grant application and award process can be found at 
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/grants/CMV/app-process.aspx. CMV 
Operator Safety Training grant applications must be submitted 
electronically through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).

Border Enforcement Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec. Sec.  4101(c)(2), 
4110, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1721-22 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead 
for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-141, Sec. Sec.  
32603(c) and 32603(h), (2012) authorizes grant funds to conduct CMV 
safety programs and related enforcement activities and projects near 
international borders or relating to international commerce. Pursuant 
to 49 U.S.C. 31107, eligible awardees include State governments that 
share a land border with Canada or Mexico, and any local government, or 
entities (i.e., accredited post-secondary public or private educational 
institutions such as universities) in that State. FMCSA encourages 
local agencies to coordinate their application with the State lead CMV 
inspection agency to prevent redundancy. Applications must include a 
Border Enforcement Plan. As established by SAFETEA-LU, the Federal 
share of these funds will be 100 percent. More information about the 
BEG application and award process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/grants/beg/app-process.aspx. BEG grant 
applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov 
(https://www.grants.gov).

CDLPI Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec. Sec.  4101(c)(1), 
4124, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1736-37 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead 
for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-141, Sec. Sec.  
32603(c), 32604, (2012) authorizes grant funds to improve States'

[[Page 46799]]

implementation of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program and 
ensure compliance with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 383 and 384. 
Eligible expenses include computer hardware and software, publications, 
testing, personnel, training, quality control, CDL program 
coordinators, and to implement or maintain an employer notification 
system for CDL suspension or revocation. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 31313, 
funds may not be used to rent, lease, or buy land or buildings. The 
agency designated by each State as having the primary driver licensing 
responsibility, including development, implementation, and maintenance 
of the CDL program, is eligible to apply for basic grant funding. State 
agencies, local governments, and other entities that can support a 
State's effort to improve its CDL program, or conduct projects on a 
national scale to improve the national CDL program, may also apply for 
projects under the High Priority and Emerging Issues component of this 
grant. Priority will be given to proposals that help States comply with 
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), with specific 
emphasis on correcting previously-identified areas of non-compliance. 
The Federal share of funds for projects awarded under this grant is 
established by SAFETEA-LU as 100 percent. Information for the CLDPI 
application and award process also can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/grants/CDLPI/app-process.aspx. CLDPI grant 
applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov 
(https://www.grants.gov).

SaDIP Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec. Sec.  4101(c)(5), 
4128, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1742 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead for 
Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-141, Sec.  32603(c), 
(2012) authorizes grant funds for the Safety Data Improvement Program 
to support improving the overall quality of CMV data reported by a 
State. Specifically, the goal of this program is to improve the 
timeliness, efficiency, accuracy and completeness of State processes 
and systems used to collect, analyze and report large truck and bus 
crash and inspection data, as described 49 USC 31102. Eligible 
recipients are State agencies, including the Territories of Puerto 
Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, and the District of Columbia. SaDIP applications must address 
the FMCSA State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ) map, which provides a color-
coded, pictorial representation of the State's overall performance 
using the SSDQ methodology. This methodology was developed by FMCSA to 
evaluate the completeness, timeliness, accuracy, and consistency of the 
State-reported CMV crash and inspection records in the Motor Carrier 
Management Information System (MCMIS). The SSDQ methodology is 
comprised of nine measures and one Overriding Indicator. Ratings are 
updated quarterly, and individual State performance is portrayed 
through the color-coded rating system: Green (good performance), Yellow 
(fair performance), and Red (poor performance). The color-coded rating 
system depicts each State's Overall Rating which considers all nine 
SSDQ measures, except those measures with a rating of ``Insufficient 
Data,'' plus the Overriding Indicator. Priority will be given to 
proposals received from States rated Yellow and Red on the SSDQ Map. 
The applicant must certify that it has (1) conducted a comprehensive 
audit of its commercial motor vehicle safety data system within the 
preceding two years; (2) developed a plan that identifies and 
prioritizes its commercial motor vehicle safety data needs and goals; 
and (3) identified performance-based measures to determine progress 
toward those goals. The FMCSA will provide reimbursements for no more 
than 80 percent of all eligible costs; recipients are required to 
provide a 20 percent match. More information about the SaDIP 
application and award process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/grants/SaDIP/app-process.aspx. SaDIP grant applications must be 
submitted electronically through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).

PRISM Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec. Sec.  4101(c)(3), 
4109, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1720-21 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead 
for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-141, Sec. Sec.  
32602, 32603(c), (2012) authorizes FMCSA to award grants funds to 
States to implement the PRISM requirements that link Federal motor 
carrier safety information systems with State CMV registration and 
licensing systems. This program enables a State to determine the safety 
fitness of a motor carrier, a registrant, or both, when licensing or 
registering CMV and while the license or registration is in effect. The 
PRISM program directly benefits highway safety helping to remove unsafe 
motor carriers from the nation's highways through the potential and 
actual imposition of vehicle registration sanctions on motor carriers 
issued a Federal Out of Service order. No matching funds are required. 
More information about the PRISM program process can be found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/prism/prism-process.aspx. PRISM 
grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov 
(https://www.grants.gov).

CVISN Grants

    The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59, Sec. Sec.  4101(c)(4), 
4126, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715, 1738-41 (2005), as amended by Moving Ahead 
for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law No.112-141, Sec. Sec.  
32603(c), 32605, (2012) authorizes FMCSA to award grant funds to States 
to deploy, operate, and maintain elements of their CVISN Program, 
including commercial vehicle, commercial driver, and carrier-specific 
information systems and networks. The agency in each State designated 
as responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of 
a CVISN-related system is eligible to apply for grant funding. Section 
4126 of SAFETEA-LU establishes two types of CVISN projects: Core and 
Expanded. Core CVISN deployment project(s) eligibility includes the 
projects necessary to support the State's most current Core CVISN 
Program Plan and Top-Level Design (PP/TLD) approved by FMCSA. If a 
State does not have a Core CVISN PP/TLD, it may apply for up to 
$100,000 in funds to either create or update one. A State may also 
apply for funds to prepare an Expanded CVISN PP/TLD if FMCSA 
acknowledged the State as having completed Core CVISN deployment. 
Eligibility includes the projects necessary to support a State's 
Expanded CVISN deployment PP/TLD approved by FMCSA. If a State does not 
have an existing or up-to-date Expanded CVISN PP/TLD, it may apply for 
up to $100,000 in funds to either compile or update an Expanded CVISN 
Program Plan and Top-Level Design.
    FY 2013 CVISN grant emphasis areas include to increase the 
deployment of the Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window 
(CVIEW); improve the quality of data uploads; and improve the use of 
safety and productivity performance metrics. A State may receive no 
more than an aggregate total of $2.5M in CVISN Core funding. A State 
may receive no more than $1M in CVISN Expanded funding in any fiscal 
year. Awards for approved CVISN grant applications are made to all Core 
CVISN

[[Page 46800]]

applicants first and then to Expanded CVISN applicants. States must 
provide a match of 50 percent. CVISN grant applications must be 
submitted electronically through grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).
    Application Information for FY 2013 Grants: General information 
about the FMCSA grant programs is available in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) which can be found on the internet at https://www.cfda.gov. To apply for funding, applicants must register with 
grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp and 
submit an application in accordance with instructions provided. Because 
the registration and certification process for grants.gov requires 
several steps, first-time applicants are strongly encouraged to begin 
the process well in advance of the application deadline.
    Evaluation Factors: The below evaluation factors will be used in 
reviewing the applications for all FMCSA discretionary grants. 
Additional factors may be included in each NOFA. These factors are:
    (1) Prior performance (completion of identified programs and goals 
per the project plan submitted under previous grants awarded to the 
applicant);
    (2) Effective Use of Prior Grants (timely use of available funds in 
previous awards);
    (3) Safety and Cost Effectiveness (expected impact on safety 
relative to the investment of grant funds; where appropriate, cost per 
unit was calculated and compared with national averages to determine 
effectiveness; in other areas, proposed costs are compared with 
historical information to confirm reasonableness);
    (4) Applicability to announced priorities (grant applications that 
specifically address these issues are given priority consideration);
    (5) Ability of the applicant to support the strategies and 
activities in the proposal for the entire project period of 
performance;
    (6) Use of innovative approaches in executing a project plan to 
address identified safety issues;
    (7) Feasibility of overall program coordination and implementation 
based upon the project plan; and
    (8) Other objective and performance-based criteria that FMCSA deems 
appropriate, such as consistency with national priorities, overall 
program balance, and geographic diversity.
    Estimated Application Due Dates: For the following grant programs, 
FMCSA will consider funding complete applications or plans submitted by 
the following anticipated dates (final due dates will be indicated in 
the grants.gov funding opportunity notice):

MCSAP Basic and Incentive Grants--August 1, 2012.
Border Enforcement Grants--August 20, 2012.
New Entrant Safety Audit Grants--September 5, 2012.
MCSAP High Priority Grants--September 17, 2012.
CDLPI Grants--November 5, 2012.
SaDIP Grants--November 13, 2012.
CVISN Grants--November 19, 2012.
PRISM Grants--December 3, 2012.
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants--December 10, 2012.

    Applications submitted after due dates may be considered on a case-
by-case basis and are subject to availability of funds.

    Issued on: July 27, 2012.
William A. Quade,
Associate Administrator for Enforcement and Program Delivery.
[FR Doc. 2012-19109 Filed 8-3-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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