University Transportation Centers Program, 69173-69175 [2013-27421]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 222 / Monday, November 18, 2013 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590. You may also
send comments electronically via the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
All comments will become part of this
docket and will be available for
inspection and copying at the above
address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
E.T., Monday through Friday, except
federal holidays. An electronic version
of this document and all documents
entered into this docket is available on
the World Wide Web at https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Linda Williams, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Maritime
Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Room W23–453,
Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202–
366–0903, Email Linda.Williams@
dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As
described by the applicant the intended
service of the vessel PURSE PRINCESS
is: Intended Commercial Use of Vessel:
‘‘2–3 hour day sails in NY Harbor,
Sightseeing.’’
Geographic Region: ‘‘New York
harbor, New Jersey coastal waters’’ The
complete application is given in DOT
docket MARAD–2013–0125 at https://
www.regulations.gov. Interested parties
may comment on the effect this action
may have on U.S. vessel builders or
businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag
vessels. If MARAD determines, in
accordance with 46 U.S.C. 12121 and
MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR Part
388, that the issuance of the waiver will
have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses
U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a
waiver will not be granted. Comments
should refer to the docket number of
this notice and the vessel name in order
for MARAD to properly consider the
comments. Comments should also state
the commenter’s interest in the waiver
application, and address the waiver
criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s
regulations at 46 CFR Part 388.
Privacy Act
Anyone is able to search the
electronic form of all comments
received into any of our dockets by the
name of the individual submitting the
comment (or signing the comment, if
submitted on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (Volume
65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:33 Nov 15, 2013
Jkt 232001
By Order of the Maritime Administrator.
Dated: November 12, 2013.
Julie P. Agarwal,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013–27519 Filed 11–15–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–81–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
[Docket No. DOT–MARAD–2013–0131]
Request for Comments of a Previously
Approved Information Collection
Maritime Administration, DOT.
Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
In compliance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice
announces that the Information
Collection Request (ICR) abstracted
below is being forwarded to the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and comments. A Federal
Register Notice with a 60-day comment
period soliciting comments on the
following information collection was
published on Tuesday, August 6, 2013
(FR 47826, Vol. 78, No. 151). No
comments were received.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
or before December 18, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rodney McFadden, Office of Workforce
Development, Maritime Administration,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W23–457,
Washington, DC 20590. Telephone:
202–366–2647; or EMAIL:
Rodney.McFadden@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Information to Determine
Seamen’s Reemployment Rights—
National Emergency.
OMB Control Number: 2133–0526.
Type of Request: Renewal of a
Previously Approved Information
Collection.
Abstract: This collection is needed in
order to implement provisions of the
Maritime Security Act of 1996. These
provisions grant re-employment rights
and other benefits to certain merchant
seamen serving aboard vessels used by
the United States during times of
national emergencies. The Maritime
Security Act of 1996 establishes the
procedures for obtaining the necessary
Maritime Administration certification
for re-employment rights and other
benefits.
Affected Public: U.S. merchant
seamen who have completed designated
national service during a time of
maritime mobilization need and are
SUMMARY:
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69173
seeking re-employment with a prior
employer.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
10.
Estimated Number of Responses: 10.
Annual Estimated Total Annual
Burden Hours: 10.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding
the burden estimate, including
suggestions for reducing the burden, to
the Office of Management and Budget,
Attention: Desk Officer for the Office of
the Secretary of Transportation, 725
17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503.
Comments are invited on: Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the Department,
including whether the information will
have practical utility; the accuracy of
the Department’s estimate of the burden
of the proposed information collection;
ways to enhance the quality, utility and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including the use of
automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended;
and 49 CFR 1:93.
Dated: November 12, 2013.
Julie P. Agarwal,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013–27528 Filed 11–15–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–81–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Innovative Technology
Administration
University Transportation Centers
Program
Research and Innovative
Technology Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability.
AGENCY:
The United States Department
of Transportation is publishing this
notice to give eligible nonprofit
institutions of higher education located
in Federal Regions 3 and 10 advance
notice that they will have an
opportunity to submit applications for a
grant as a Regional Center in the
University Transportation Centers
(UTCs) program. Funds for this grant
program are authorized beginning on
October 1, 2012. In the near future, the
Department, via the Research and
Innovative Technology Administration
(RITA), will release a grant solicitation
through Grants.gov and on the UTC
Program’s Web site, https://utc.dot.gov,
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 222 / Monday, November 18, 2013 / Notices
describing the competition and
deadlines for applications. Proposals
will be evaluated through a competitive
process on the basis of demonstrated
ability, research, technology and
education resources, leadership, multimodal research capability, and
commitment to transportation workforce
development programs, technology
transfer capability, the use of peer
review, and effective partnerships to
advance diversity.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Kevin Womack, Associate
Administrator for Research,
Development and Technology, mail
code RDT–10, Research and Innovative
Technology Administration (RITA),
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590–0001.
Telephone Number (202) 366–5306 or
Email Kevin.Womack@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
II. Eligibility
III. Qualification Requirements
IV. Application Process
V. Program Funding and Award
VI. Use of Grant Funds
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
I. Background
The Moving Ahead for Progress in the
21st Century Act (MAP–21, Pub. L. 112–
141, Sec. 51001(a)(5)) authorizes $72.5
million for each of the fiscal years 2013
(FY 2013) and 2014 (FY 2014) for up to
35 competitive grants for UTCs. The FY
2013 and FY 2014 funds are subject to
an annual obligation limitation. The
amount of budget authority available in
a given year may be less than the
amount authorized for that fiscal year.
MAP–21 authorizes the Secretary of
Transportation to make grants to eligible
nonprofit institutions of higher
education to establish and operate
UTCs. RITA will administer the
program (49 CFR 1.99(e)). The
Department will solicit competitive
grant applications for two regional
university transportation centers, one
each in Federal Regions 3 and 10.
Previously, the Department solicited
grant applications for these two regions
(see 77 FR 60012); however, the
Department did not select any of the
submitted applications. UTCs will be
selected by the Secretary, in
consultation as appropriate with the
Administrators of the Federal Highway
Administration, and the Federal Transit
Administration. (49 U.S.C. 5505(b)(4)(B)
as amended by Pub. L. 112–141, Sec.
52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)).
The Department plans to
competitively select two regional UTCs,
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:33 Nov 15, 2013
Jkt 232001
one each in Federal Regions 3 and 10,
with an award of $2,592,500 each.
The role of each university
transportation center is to advance
transportation expertise and technology
in the varied disciplines that comprise
the field of transportation through
education, research, and technology
transfer activities; to provide for a
critical transportation knowledge base
outside of the Department of
Transportation; and to address critical
workforce needs and educate the next
generation of transportation leaders.
II. Eligibility
A UTC must be located in the United
States or its territories. A UTC may be
a single nonprofit institution of higher
education, or a consortium of two or
more nonprofit institutions of higher
education. A regional UTC must be
located in the region for which the grant
is sought. (49 U.S.C. 5505(c)(3)(A) as
amended by Pub. L. 112–141, Sec.
52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)). If a
regional UTC is a consortium of two or
more nonprofit institutions of higher
education, then each institution in the
consortium must be located in the
region for which the grant is sought.
For Region 3, the eligible states are:
Delaware, District of Columbia,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
West Virginia. For Region 10, the
eligible states are: Alaska, Idaho,
Oregon, and Washington.
Institutions may collaborate with state
DOTs, the private sector, and
community, junior, or technical
colleges; however, these organizations
or others that are not U.S. nonprofit
institutions of higher education may not
be considered members of a consortium.
The grantee institution (lead institution
in the case of a consortium of
institutions) will be the direct and
primary recipient of UTC program
funds, and must perform a substantive
role in carrying out UTC activities, and
not serve merely as a conduit for awards
to other parties.
MAP–21 limits the circumstances in
which an institution may receive more
than one grant. (49 U.S.C. 5505(b)(2) as
amended by Pub. L. 112–141, Sec.
52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)). These
restrictions include:
A lead institution of a consortium that
receives a grant for a National Center is not
eligible to receive an additional grant as a
lead institution or a member of a consortium
for a Regional Center.
A member of a consortium that receives a
grant for a National Center is not eligible to
receive a grant as a sole institution for a
Regional Center or as a lead institution for a
Regional Center.
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
III. Matching Requirements
Each UTC is required to obtain
matching funds from non-federal
sources. The amount of matching funds
required for a regional UTC is 100%.
The matching amounts may include the
amounts made available to a grant
recipient under 23 U.S.C. 504(b) or 505.
(49 U.S.C. 5505(c)(3)(D)(ii) as amended
by Pub. L. 112–141, Sec. 52009
(effective Oct. 1, 2012)).
IV. Application Process
Full and open competition. US DOT
will conduct the UTC program selection
based on principles of full and open
competition. Two regional centers, one
each in Federal Regions 3 and 10, will
be selected from the pool of applicants.
Subject Matter Focus. The two
Regional UTCs (one each in Federal
Regions 3 and 10 receiving $2,592,500/
year each) are required to focus on
highway and/or public transportation
research and education (49 U.S.C.
5505(c)(3)(B)(iii) as amended by Pub. L.
112–141, Sec. 52009 (effective Oct. 1,
2012)). Regional UTCs must be able to
conduct research in an area of focus
from among ‘‘nonexclusive candidate
topic areas established by the Secretary
that address the research priorities
identified in section 503 of title 23’’ (49
U.S.C. 5505(b)(4)(A) as amended by
Pub. L. 112–141, Sec. 52009 (effective
Oct. 1, 2012)). An applicant for a
regional UTC must designate the region
in which it is applying.
The Department seeks a balanced
portfolio of UTCs that supports the
Secretary of Transportation’s Strategic
Goals, contains different types and/or
sizes of universities, and focuses on
improving overall system performance
using multiple transportation resources.
Selection criteria. The Department
will evaluate and select UTC applicants
based on the nine MAP–21 selection
criteria:
‘‘(i) the demonstrated ability of the
recipient to address each specific topic area
described in the research and strategic plans
of the recipient;
‘‘(ii) the demonstrated research, technology
transfer, and education resources available to
the recipient to carry out this section;
‘‘(iii) the ability of the recipient to provide
leadership in solving immediate and longrange national and regional transportation
problems;
‘‘(iv) the ability of the recipient to carry out
research, Education, and technology transfer
activities that are multimodal and
multidisciplinary in scope;
‘‘(v) the demonstrated commitment of the
recipient to carry out transportation
workforce development programs through—
‘‘(I) degree-granting programs; and
‘‘(II) outreach activities to attract new
entrants into the transportation field;
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 222 / Monday, November 18, 2013 / Notices
‘‘(vi) the demonstrated ability of the
recipient to disseminate results and spur the
implementation of transportation research
and education programs through national or
statewide continuing education programs;
‘‘(vii) the demonstrated commitment of the
recipient to the use of peer review principles
and other research best practices in the
selection, management, and dissemination of
research projects;
‘‘(viii) the strategic plan submitted by the
recipient describing the proposed research to
be carried out by the recipient and the
performance metrics to be used in assessing
the performance of the recipient in meeting
the stated research, technology transfer,
education, and outreach goals; and
‘‘(ix) the ability of the recipient to
implement the proposed program in a costefficient manner, such as through cost
sharing and overall reduced overhead,
facilities, and administrative costs.’’
(49 U.S.C. 5505(b)(4)(B) as amended by
Pub. L. 112–141 Sec. 52009 (effective
Oct. 1, 2012)).
Additional selection criteria applying
to regional UTCs are:
The institution (or lead institution in
the case of a consortium) must have a
well-established, nationally recognized
program in research and education, as
shown by:
(i) recent expenditures by the
institution in highway or public
transportation research;
(ii) a historical track record of
awarding graduate degrees in
professional fields closely related to
highways and public transportation; and
(iii) an experienced faculty who
specialize in professional fields closely
related to highways and public
transportation (49 U.S.C. 5505(c)(3)(B)
as amended by Pub. L. 112–141 Sec.
52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)).
External Stakeholders. The
Department will consult with external
stakeholders (including the
Transportation Research Board of the
National Academy of Sciences, among
others), to the maximum extent
practicable, to evaluate and
competitively review all proposals (49
U.S.C. 5505(b)(6) as amended by Pub. L.
112–141, Sec. 52009 (effective Oct. 1,
2012)).
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
V. Program Funding and Award
UTCs will be selected by the
Secretary, in consultation as appropriate
with the Administrators of the Federal
Highway Administration and the
Federal Transit Administration.
VI. Use of Grant Funds
According to the terms of the grant
agreement, grantees will have until
September 30, 2017 to expend FY 2013
funds and, assuming availability, FY
2014 funds.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:33 Nov 15, 2013
Jkt 232001
Issued in Washington, DC, on November
12, 2013.
Gregory D. Winfree,
Administrator, Research and Innovative
Technology Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013–27421 Filed 11–15–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–HY–P
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
[OMB Control No. 2900–0047]
Proposed Information Collection
(Financial Statement); Comment
Request
Veterans Benefits
Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Veterans Benefits
Administration (VBA), Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an
opportunity for public comment on the
proposed collection of certain
information by the agency. Under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of
1995, Federal agencies are required to
publish notice in the Federal Register
concerning each proposed collection of
information, including each proposed
revision of a currently approved
collection, and allow 60 days for public
comment in response to the notice. This
notice solicits comments for information
needed to determine Veteran-obligors’
and prospective assumers’
creditworthiness.
SUMMARY:
Written comments and
recommendations on the proposed
collection of information should be
received on or before January 17, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments
on the collection of information through
the Federal Docket Management System
(FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to
Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits
Administration (20M35), Department of
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue
NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email
nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please refer to
‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0047’’ in any
correspondence. During the comment
period, comments may be viewed online
through FDMS.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 632–8924 or
FAX (202) 632–8925.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13; 44 U.S.C.
3501–3521), Federal agencies must
obtain approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for each
collection of information they conduct
or sponsor. This request for comment is
DATES:
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69175
being made pursuant to Section
3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.
With respect to the following
collection of information, VBA invites
comments on: (1) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of VBA’s
functions, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(2) the accuracy of VBA’s estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of
information; (3) ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (4)
ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on
respondents, including through the use
of automated collection techniques or
the use of other forms of information
technology.
Title: Financial Statement, VA Form
26–6807.
OMB Control Number: 2900–0047.
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Abstract: VA Form 26–6807 is
primarily completed by purchasers
assuming a Veteran’s home loan in
release of liability cases authorized by
38 U.S.C. 3714 and by Veteranpurchasers seeking substitution of
entitlement by 38 U.S.C. 3702(b)(2).
Data obtained permits credit
underwriting determinations for action
in such cases.
Affected Public: Individuals or
households.
Estimated Annual Burden: 2,250
hours.
Estimated Average Burden Per
Respondent: 45 minutes.
Frequency of Response: On Occasion.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
3,000.
Dated: November 13, 2013.
By direction of the Secretary.
Crystal Rennie,
VA Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2013–27507 Filed 11–15–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
[OMB Control No. 2900–0567]
Proposed Information Collection
Activity: (The Presidential Management
Certificate) Proposed Collection;
Comment Request
National Cemetery
Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The National Cemetery
Administration (NCA), Department of
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18NON1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 222 (Monday, November 18, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69173-69175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27421]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
University Transportation Centers Program
AGENCY: Research and Innovative Technology Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The United States Department of Transportation is publishing
this notice to give eligible nonprofit institutions of higher education
located in Federal Regions 3 and 10 advance notice that they will have
an opportunity to submit applications for a grant as a Regional Center
in the University Transportation Centers (UTCs) program. Funds for this
grant program are authorized beginning on October 1, 2012. In the near
future, the Department, via the Research and Innovative Technology
Administration (RITA), will release a grant solicitation through
Grants.gov and on the UTC Program's Web site, https://utc.dot.gov,
[[Page 69174]]
describing the competition and deadlines for applications. Proposals
will be evaluated through a competitive process on the basis of
demonstrated ability, research, technology and education resources,
leadership, multi-modal research capability, and commitment to
transportation workforce development programs, technology transfer
capability, the use of peer review, and effective partnerships to
advance diversity.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Kevin Womack, Associate
Administrator for Research, Development and Technology, mail code RDT-
10, Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Telephone Number (202)
366-5306 or Email Kevin.Womack@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
II. Eligibility
III. Qualification Requirements
IV. Application Process
V. Program Funding and Award
VI. Use of Grant Funds
I. Background
The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21, Pub.
L. 112-141, Sec. 51001(a)(5)) authorizes $72.5 million for each of the
fiscal years 2013 (FY 2013) and 2014 (FY 2014) for up to 35 competitive
grants for UTCs. The FY 2013 and FY 2014 funds are subject to an annual
obligation limitation. The amount of budget authority available in a
given year may be less than the amount authorized for that fiscal year.
MAP-21 authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to
eligible nonprofit institutions of higher education to establish and
operate UTCs. RITA will administer the program (49 CFR 1.99(e)). The
Department will solicit competitive grant applications for two regional
university transportation centers, one each in Federal Regions 3 and
10. Previously, the Department solicited grant applications for these
two regions (see 77 FR 60012); however, the Department did not select
any of the submitted applications. UTCs will be selected by the
Secretary, in consultation as appropriate with the Administrators of
the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Transit
Administration. (49 U.S.C. 5505(b)(4)(B) as amended by Pub. L. 112-141,
Sec. 52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)).
The Department plans to competitively select two regional UTCs, one
each in Federal Regions 3 and 10, with an award of $2,592,500 each.
The role of each university transportation center is to advance
transportation expertise and technology in the varied disciplines that
comprise the field of transportation through education, research, and
technology transfer activities; to provide for a critical
transportation knowledge base outside of the Department of
Transportation; and to address critical workforce needs and educate the
next generation of transportation leaders.
II. Eligibility
A UTC must be located in the United States or its territories. A
UTC may be a single nonprofit institution of higher education, or a
consortium of two or more nonprofit institutions of higher education. A
regional UTC must be located in the region for which the grant is
sought. (49 U.S.C. 5505(c)(3)(A) as amended by Pub. L. 112-141, Sec.
52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)). If a regional UTC is a consortium of
two or more nonprofit institutions of higher education, then each
institution in the consortium must be located in the region for which
the grant is sought.
For Region 3, the eligible states are: Delaware, District of
Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For
Region 10, the eligible states are: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington.
Institutions may collaborate with state DOTs, the private sector,
and community, junior, or technical colleges; however, these
organizations or others that are not U.S. nonprofit institutions of
higher education may not be considered members of a consortium. The
grantee institution (lead institution in the case of a consortium of
institutions) will be the direct and primary recipient of UTC program
funds, and must perform a substantive role in carrying out UTC
activities, and not serve merely as a conduit for awards to other
parties.
MAP-21 limits the circumstances in which an institution may receive
more than one grant. (49 U.S.C. 5505(b)(2) as amended by Pub. L. 112-
141, Sec. 52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)). These restrictions include:
A lead institution of a consortium that receives a grant for a
National Center is not eligible to receive an additional grant as a
lead institution or a member of a consortium for a Regional Center.
A member of a consortium that receives a grant for a National
Center is not eligible to receive a grant as a sole institution for
a Regional Center or as a lead institution for a Regional Center.
III. Matching Requirements
Each UTC is required to obtain matching funds from non-federal
sources. The amount of matching funds required for a regional UTC is
100%. The matching amounts may include the amounts made available to a
grant recipient under 23 U.S.C. 504(b) or 505. (49 U.S.C.
5505(c)(3)(D)(ii) as amended by Pub. L. 112-141, Sec. 52009 (effective
Oct. 1, 2012)).
IV. Application Process
Full and open competition. US DOT will conduct the UTC program
selection based on principles of full and open competition. Two
regional centers, one each in Federal Regions 3 and 10, will be
selected from the pool of applicants.
Subject Matter Focus. The two Regional UTCs (one each in Federal
Regions 3 and 10 receiving $2,592,500/year each) are required to focus
on highway and/or public transportation research and education (49
U.S.C. 5505(c)(3)(B)(iii) as amended by Pub. L. 112-141, Sec. 52009
(effective Oct. 1, 2012)). Regional UTCs must be able to conduct
research in an area of focus from among ``nonexclusive candidate topic
areas established by the Secretary that address the research priorities
identified in section 503 of title 23'' (49 U.S.C. 5505(b)(4)(A) as
amended by Pub. L. 112-141, Sec. 52009 (effective Oct. 1, 2012)). An
applicant for a regional UTC must designate the region in which it is
applying.
The Department seeks a balanced portfolio of UTCs that supports the
Secretary of Transportation's Strategic Goals, contains different types
and/or sizes of universities, and focuses on improving overall system
performance using multiple transportation resources.
Selection criteria. The Department will evaluate and select UTC
applicants based on the nine MAP-21 selection criteria:
``(i) the demonstrated ability of the recipient to address each
specific topic area described in the research and strategic plans of
the recipient;
``(ii) the demonstrated research, technology transfer, and
education resources available to the recipient to carry out this
section;
``(iii) the ability of the recipient to provide leadership in
solving immediate and long-range national and regional
transportation problems;
``(iv) the ability of the recipient to carry out research,
Education, and technology transfer activities that are multimodal
and multidisciplinary in scope;
``(v) the demonstrated commitment of the recipient to carry out
transportation workforce development programs through--
``(I) degree-granting programs; and
``(II) outreach activities to attract new entrants into the
transportation field;
[[Page 69175]]
``(vi) the demonstrated ability of the recipient to disseminate
results and spur the implementation of transportation research and
education programs through national or statewide continuing
education programs;
``(vii) the demonstrated commitment of the recipient to the use
of peer review principles and other research best practices in the
selection, management, and dissemination of research projects;
``(viii) the strategic plan submitted by the recipient
describing the proposed research to be carried out by the recipient
and the performance metrics to be used in assessing the performance
of the recipient in meeting the stated research, technology
transfer, education, and outreach goals; and
``(ix) the ability of the recipient to implement the proposed
program in a cost-efficient manner, such as through cost sharing and
overall reduced overhead, facilities, and administrative costs.''
(49 U.S.C. 5505(b)(4)(B) as amended by Pub. L. 112-141 Sec. 52009
(effective Oct. 1, 2012)).
Additional selection criteria applying to regional UTCs are:
The institution (or lead institution in the case of a consortium)
must have a well-established, nationally recognized program in research
and education, as shown by:
(i) recent expenditures by the institution in highway or public
transportation research;
(ii) a historical track record of awarding graduate degrees in
professional fields closely related to highways and public
transportation; and
(iii) an experienced faculty who specialize in professional fields
closely related to highways and public transportation (49 U.S.C.
5505(c)(3)(B) as amended by Pub. L. 112-141 Sec. 52009 (effective Oct.
1, 2012)).
External Stakeholders. The Department will consult with external
stakeholders (including the Transportation Research Board of the
National Academy of Sciences, among others), to the maximum extent
practicable, to evaluate and competitively review all proposals (49
U.S.C. 5505(b)(6) as amended by Pub. L. 112-141, Sec. 52009 (effective
Oct. 1, 2012)).
V. Program Funding and Award
UTCs will be selected by the Secretary, in consultation as
appropriate with the Administrators of the Federal Highway
Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.
VI. Use of Grant Funds
According to the terms of the grant agreement, grantees will have
until September 30, 2017 to expend FY 2013 funds and, assuming
availability, FY 2014 funds.
Issued in Washington, DC, on November 12, 2013.
Gregory D. Winfree,
Administrator, Research and Innovative Technology Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013-27421 Filed 11-15-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-HY-P
