Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Solicitation of Project Proposals for the National Center for Mobility Management, 38452-38455 [2018-16689]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices
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[FR Doc. 2018–16755 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO):
Solicitation of Project Proposals for
the National Center for Mobility
Management
Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) is soliciting
proposals under FTA’s Technical
Assistance and Workforce Development
Program to select an entity to administer
the National Center for Mobility
Management (NCMM) and provide
funding for the entity’s activities
through the NCMM. The NCMM will
carry out activities to improve and
enhance the coordination of Federal
resources for human service
transportation, especially transportation
for people with disabilities, older
adults, and people with low incomes.
Primary activities will include
supporting partners in adopting proven,
sustainable, replicable, customercentered mobility strategies that
promote good health, economic vitality,
self-sufficiency, and community unity.
The FTA intends to fund the NCMM
at up to $1,900,000 for the first year.
The FTA may extend funding for this
center for up to five (5) years; however,
subsequent funding will depend upon:
(1) Future authorization and
appropriations; (2) decisions and
program priorities established by the
Secretary of Transportation related to
the implementation of provisions set
forth in 49 U.S.C. 5314; and (3) annual
performance reviews.
DATES: Complete proposals for funding
opportunity FTA–2018–005–TPM–
NCMM must be submitted electronically
through GRANTS.GOV. All applications
must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern
time on October 5, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl
Ringgold, FTA Office of Program
Management, (202) 366–6508 or
Carl.Ringgold@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Table of Contents
A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
A. Program Description
Federal Transit Administration
funding for the NCMM is authorized by
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49 U.S.C. 5314, Technical Assistance
and Workforce Development.
Subsequent funding from FTA will
depend upon program priorities
established by the Secretary of
Transportation, future appropriations,
and annual performance reviews. In
recognition of the fundamental
importance of human service
transportation and the continuing need
to enhance coordination, Executive
Order 13330 (February 24, 2004) on
Human Service Transportation
Coordination, establishing the
Coordinating Council on Access and
Mobility (CCAM), directed multiple
federal departments and agencies to
work together to ensure that
transportation services are seamless,
comprehensive, and accessible. The
members of the CCAM are: The
Secretaries from the Departments of
Transportation (DOT), Health and
Human Services, Labor, Education,
Interior, Housing and Urban
Development, Agriculture, and Veterans
Affairs; the Commissioner of the Social
Security Administration; the Attorney
General; and the Chairperson of the
National Council on Disability.
The CCAM is tasked with seeking
ways to simplify access to
transportation services for persons with
disabilities, persons with lower
incomes, older adults, and other
transportation disadvantaged
populations.
Federal transit law as amended by the
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA–LU) first authorized
funding for the management of a
program to improve and enhance the
coordination of Federal resources for
human services transportation with
those of the Department of
Transportation. The major goal of the
program was to assist states and local
communities in the provision and
expansion of coordinated human service
transportation for older adults, people
with disabilities, and individuals with
lower incomes.
Federal transit law as amended by the
Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
(FAST) Act continues to authorize
funding for technical assistance under
49 U.S.C 5314(a)(2)(B) to help providers
of public transportation comply with
human services transportation
coordination requirements and to
enhance the coordination of Federal
resources for human services
transportation with those of the
Department of Transportation through
technical assistance, training, and
support services related to complying
with such requirements.
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Further, the FAST Act requires the
CCAM to develop a strategic plan to
strengthen interagency collaboration,
address outstanding recommendations,
and eliminate burdensome regulatory
barriers to human services
transportation coordination.
The FTA has carried out such
activities through a cooperative
agreement that establishes and provides
financial assistance for the NCMM. FTA
selected the current recipients to
administer the NCMM in May 2013.
Consistent with the Uniform
Administrative Requirements (2 CFR
200), FTA periodically recompetes the
administration of its technical
assistance centers.
Building upon past efforts, FTA seeks
to expand the use of mobility
management strategies and to improve
human service transportation
coordination through the National
Center for Mobility Management by
implementing the goal and objectives
below:
Goal: Enhance Transportation
Coordination and Mobility Management
in Federal, State, and Local
Transportation Programs.
• Objective 1: Support and improve
local- and state-coordinated
transportation planning processes to
improve coordination of federally
funded human service transportation.
• Objective 2: Encourage the
implementation of mobility
management infrastructure and
strategies in relevant industries,
including but not limited to the transit,
workforce, medical, veteran, and human
service industries.
• Objective 3: Promote and assist in
the development of accessible one call/
one click strategies that conveniently
connect customers to transportation
services and funding options.
• Objective 4: Support the activities
and initiatives of the CCAM, its
workgroups, and member agencies that
improve Federal coordination.
• Objective 5: Conduct targeted
technical assistance, research, or
demonstration, including demonstration
grant programs, as requested by CCAM
and its members and supported by
requisite funding availability.
B. Federal Award Information
The FTA expects to award the
administration of the NCMM as a
cooperative agreement The FTA will
fund the cooperative agreement over a
period of up to five (5) years, with up
to $1,900,000 available for the first year
of activities with a start date to be
determined in 2019. Additional funding
may be provided by other CCAM
members to support their mobility
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management and coordinated
transportation priorities. Subsequent
funding from FTA will depend upon
decisions and program priorities
established by the Secretary of
Transportation, future authorization and
appropriations, and annual performance
reviews.
The FTA, and any additional CCAM
funding agencies, will participate in
activities by negotiating the final
statement of work, attending review
meetings, commenting on technical
reports, maintaining frequent contact
with the project manager, approving key
decisions and activities, and redirecting
project activities, as needed.
C. Eligibility Information
Only national non-profit
organizations are eligible to submit a
proposal in response to this notice.
Organizations must have transportation
and/or mobility management
experience, the capacity to provide
public transportation-related technical
assistance, expertise regarding
accessible and equitable transportation
options and needs, and the ability to
deliver a national technical assistance
and training program. A single lead
organization must be designated in the
proposal. Other organizations may
participate as subcontractors or
subrecipients.
D. Application and Submission
Information
1. Address To Request Application
Package
Applications must be submitted
electronically through GRANTS.GOV, as
described above. General information
for registering and submitting
applications through Grants.gov can be
found at https://www.grants.gov/web/
grants/applicants.html along with
specific instructions for the forms and
attachments required for submission.
Mail and fax submissions will not be
accepted. A complete proposal
submission will consist of at least two
files: (1) The SF–424 Mandatory form
(downloaded from GRANTS.GOV), and
(2) a narrative application document in
Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or
compatible file format. The narrative
application should be in the format
outlined in section 2 below. Once
completed, the narrative application
must be placed in the attachments
section of the SF–424 Mandatory form.
Proposers must attach the narrative
application file to their submission in
GRANTS.GOV to successfully complete
the proposal process. A proposal
submission may contain additional
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supporting documentation as
attachments.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission
Proposals shall be submitted in a
Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or
compatible file format, double-spaced
using Times New Roman, 12-point font.
The proposal must contain the
following components and adhere to the
specified maximum lengths:
a. Cover sheet (1 page): The cover
sheet must include: The name of the
entity submitting the proposal, the
principal’s name, title, and contact
information (e.g., address, phone, fax,
and email), and the name and contact
information for the key point of contact
for all five activities (if different from
principal).
b. Abstract (not to exceed 4 pages):
The abstract must include the following
sections: Background, purpose,
methodology, intended outcomes, and
plan for evaluation.
c. Detailed budget proposal and
budget narrative (not to exceed 3 pages).
d. Project narrative (not to exceed 25
pages): The project narrative must
include the following information:
i. The methodology for addressing the
goals and objectives.
ii. Objectives, activities, deliverables,
milestones, timeline and intended
outcomes for achieving the goals
outlined in the scope for the first year;
iii. The existing and future capacity of
the organization to address the issues
outlined in the proposal and the
organization’s ability to implement
goals and objectives;
iv. A detailed plan for
communication, technical assistance,
and outreach at the State and local
levels;
v. A plan to work with stakeholders
and build partnerships at the national
level; and
vi. Staff qualifications, including: (1)
Prior experience providing technical
assistance, especially related to mobility
management, (2) prior experience
implementing the other tasks outlined
in this solicitation, (3) staff members’
knowledge of issues related to human
service transportation, and (4) a onepage biographical sketch for each staff
member.
e. Plan for evaluation of NCMM
activities and performance measures
(not to exceed 5 pages).
f. Supplemental materials, such as
bios and letters of support, can be
included in an appendices section that
is beyond the page limit above but are
not to exceed 15 additional pages.
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3. Unique Entity Identifier and System
for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant is required to: (1)
Register in SAM before applying; (2)
provide a valid unique SAM entity
identifier in its application; and (3)
continue to maintain an active SAM
registration with current information at
all times during which the applicant has
an active Federal award or an
application or plan under consideration
by FTA. These requirements do not
apply if the applicant: (1) Is excepted
from the requirements under 2 CFR
25.110(b) or (c); or (2) has an exception
approved by FTA under 2 CFR
25.110(d). The FTA may not make an
award until the applicant has complied
with all applicable unique entity
identifier and SAM requirements. If an
applicant has not fully complied with
the requirements by the time FTA is
ready to make an award, FTA may
determine that the applicant is not
qualified to receive an award and use
that determination as a basis for making
a Federal award to another applicant.
SAM registration takes approximately
3–5 business days, but FTA
recommends allowing ample time, up to
several weeks, for completion of all
steps. For additional information on
obtaining a unique entity identifier,
please visit www.sam.gov.
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4. Submission Dates and Times
Project proposals must be submitted
electronically through GRANTS.GOV
and must be received by 11:59 p.m.
Eastern time on October 5, 2018.
GRANTS.GOV attaches a time stamp to
each application at the time of
submission. Proposals submitted after
the deadline will only be considered
under extraordinary circumstances not
under the applicant’s control. Mail and
fax submissions will not be accepted.
Within 48 hours after submitting an
electronic application, the applicant
should receive two email messages from
GRANTS.GOV: (1) Confirmation of
successful transmission to
GRANTS.GOV, and (2) confirmation of
successful validation by GRANTS.GOV.
If confirmations of successful validation
are not received or a notice of failed
validation or incomplete materials is
received, the applicant must address the
reason for the failed validation, as
described in the email notice, and
resubmit before the submission
deadline. If making a resubmission for
any reason, include all original
attachments regardless of which
attachments were updated and check
the box on the supplemental form
indicating this is a resubmission.
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The FTA urges applicants to submit
proposals at least 72 hours prior to the
due date to allow time to receive the
validation messages and to correct any
problems that may have caused a
rejection notification. GRANTS.GOV
scheduled maintenance and outage
times are announced on the
GRANTS.GOV website. Deadlines will
not be extended due to scheduled
website maintenance.
Applicants are encouraged to begin
the process of registration on the
GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of
the submission deadline. Registration is
a multi-step process, which may take
several weeks to complete before an
application can be submitted. Registered
applicants may still be required to take
steps to keep their registration up to
date before submissions can be made
successfully: (1) Registration in the
System for Award Management (SAM)
is renewed annually; and (2) persons
making submissions on behalf of the
Authorized Organization Representative
(AOR) must be authorized in
GRANTS.GOV by the AOR to make
submissions.
5. How To Register To Apply Through
Grants.gov.
To register and for detailed
instructions, please see the
‘‘APPLICANTS’’ tab in Grants.gov
(https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/
applicants.html). To be eligible to apply
for this opportunity, organizations must
have a Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) Number, active System
for Award Management (SAM)
registration, and an established
Grants.gov account.
Creating a Grants.gov account can be
completed online in minutes, but DUNS
and SAM registrations may take several
weeks. Therefore, an organization’s
registration should be done in sufficient
time to ensure it does not impact the
entity’s ability to meet required
application submission deadlines.
Complete organization instructions
can be found on Grants.gov: https://
www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/
organization-registration.html.
E. Application Review Information
Proposals will be evaluated by a
review team based on the proposal’s: (1)
Ability to meet the goals of the NCMM;
(2) qualifications of key personnel,
experience, and knowledge; (3)
communication, technical assistance,
and outreach strategy; (4) research and
demonstration capacity; and (5)
management approach. The criteria are
detailed below:
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1. Ability To Meet the Goals of the
NCMM
Proposals will be evaluated based on
the planned approach and activities
identified that will assist the industry in
making progress towards improved
human service transportation
coordination and mobility management
as set forth in the goal and objectives.
The FTA is seeking innovative and
effective approaches and strategies to
accomplish the project objectives.
2. Qualifications of Key Personnel,
Experience, and Knowledge
The proposal should demonstrate that
key personnel have the appropriate
skills and experience to carry out the
activities. The FTA will evaluate the
qualifications and experience of the key
staff detailed in the proposal for their:
a. Knowledge and experience with a
variety of transportation services
(transit, paratransit, taxi, non-profit
social service, volunteer, etc.);
b. Knowledge and experience with
mobility management; and
c. Knowledge and experience with
human service, workforce, veterans, and
health care systems.
3. Communication, Technical
Assistance, and Outreach Strategy
The proposal should demonstrate the
ability to execute a technical assistance
program with a national scope, as well
as strategies for delivering targeted
assistance to State, regional, and local
stakeholders. Proposing organizations
are encouraged to think innovatively
about this technical assistance delivery.
The proposal should also demonstrate
the ability to carry out outreach,
dissemination, and information
management activities. These activities
will include capturing and sharing
useful and best practices in mobility
management and human service
transportation coordination, as well as
supporting activities related to the
CCAM. The proposal should
demonstrate innovative approaches,
such as the use of communication that
is accessible through social media and
other information technologies, to
accomplish effective stakeholder
strategies that both manage and plan the
engagement. These communities—
people with disabilities, older adults,
and people with low incomes—have
unique needs, and the proposal should
reflect engagement touchpoints and the
ability to meaningfully engage with
these communities in other to produce
successful transportation outcomes for
these targeted communities.
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4. Research and Demonstration
Capacity
The proposal should demonstrate the
applicant’s capability and capacity
(either internally or through external
sources) to conduct research, analysis,
and demonstration projects related to
mobility management and
transportation coordination in support
of the CCAM and its members.
5. Management Approach
The proposal must include an
effective project management plan to
administer and manage the NCMM and
must demonstrate that the applicant has
the technical capacity to carry out the
plan. FTA will evaluate the applicant’s:
a. Technical capacity to administer
and manage the services proposed;
b. Total budget and staffing;
c. Evidence of understanding of the
NCMM mission and comprehensive
technical approach to delivering the
NCMM;
d. Plan for evaluation and data
collection;
e. Plan for effective and meaningful
stakeholder engagement; and
f. Plan for coordinating with FTA and
other CCAM member staff.
F. Federal Award Administration
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1. Federal Award Notices
Final award decisions will be made
by the Administrator of the Federal
Transit Administration. In making these
decisions, the Administrator will take
into consideration:
a. Recommendations of the review
panel;
b. past performance of the applicant
regarding programmatic and grants
management compliance;
c. the reasonableness of the estimated
cost to the government considering the
available funding and anticipated
results; and
d. the likelihood that the proposed
project will result in the transportation
outcomes expected.
The FTA will notify the successful
organization and may announce the
selection on its website https://
www.transit.dot.gov. Following
notification, the successful entity will
be required to submit its application
through the FTA Transit Award
Management System (TrAMS). The FTA
will work with the successful applicant
to develop a detailed cooperative
agreement. The FTA will award and
manage a cooperative agreement
through TrAMS.
2. Award Administration
a. Grant Requirements: The successful
applicant will apply for a cooperative
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agreement through TrAMS and adhere
to the customary FTA grant
requirements of Section 5314, Technical
Assistance and Workforce Development.
There is no pre-award authority for this
project. Discretionary grants and
cooperative agreements greater than
$500,000 will go through the
Congressional notification and release
process. Assistance regarding these
requirements is available from FTA.
b. Standard Assurances: The
applicant assures that it will comply
with all applicable Federal statutes,
regulations, executive orders, FTA
circulars, and other Federal
administrative requirements in carrying
out any project supported by the FTA
grant. The applicant acknowledges that
it is under a continuing obligation to
comply with the terms and conditions
of the cooperative agreement issued for
its project with FTA. The applicant
understands that Federal laws,
regulations, policies, and administrative
practices might be modified from time
to time and that modifications may
affect the implementation of the project.
The applicant agrees that the most
recent Federal requirements will apply
to the project, unless FTA issues a
written determination otherwise. The
applicant must submit the Certifications
and Assurances before receiving a
cooperative agreement if it does not
have current certifications on file.
3. Reporting
Post-award reporting requirements
include submission of Federal Financial
Reports and Milestone Progress Reports
in TrAMS on a monthly or quarterly
basis, as determined by the FTA Project
Manager. Documentation is required for
payment. Additional reporting may be
required specific to the National Center
for Mobility Management and the
recipient may be expected to participate
in events or peer networks related to
mobility management and coordinated
transportation. The Federal Financial
Accountability and Transparency Act
(FFATA) requires data entry at the
FFATA Sub Award Reporting System
(https://www.FSRS.gov) for all subawards and sub-contracts issued for
$25,000 or more, as well as addressing
executive compensation for both grantee
and sub-award organizations.
Additionally, FTA is required to
report to Congress every year on the
value of Section 5314 investments.
Applicants will be required to provide
details indicating the need, problem, or
opportunity addressed by activities of
the program. The national significance
and relevance to the public
transportation industry must also be
clearly detailed.
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38455
4. Legal Capacity
Applicants must certify that there are
no legal issues which would impact
their eligibility and authority to apply
for FTA funds, or prevent their
acceptance of FTA funds.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
For further information concerning
this notice, please contact the Technical
Assistance program manager Carl
Ringgold by phone at 202–366–6508, or
by email at carl.ringgold@dot.gov. A
TDD is available for individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing at 800–877–
8339.
K. Jane Williams,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2018–16689 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
[Docket No. MARAD–2018–0114]
Deepwater Port License Application:
Texas Gulf Terminals, Inc.
Maritime Administration,
Department of Transportation.
ACTION: Notice of application.
AGENCY:
The Maritime Administration
(MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard
(USCG) announce they have received an
application for the licensing of a
deepwater port and that the application
contains all required information. This
notice summarizes the applicant’s plans
and the procedures that will be followed
in considering the application.
DATES: The Deepwater Port Act of 1974,
as amended, requires any public
hearing(s) on this application to be held
not later than 240 days after publication
of this notice, and a decision on the
application not later than 90 days after
the final public hearing.
ADDRESSES: The public docket for
MARAD–2018–0114 is maintained by
the U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Management Facility, West
Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
The license application is available
for viewing at the Regulations.gov
website: https://www.regulations.gov
under docket number MARAD–2018–
0114.
We encourage you to submit
comments electronically through the
Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://
www.regulations.gov. If you submit your
comments electronically, it is not
necessary to also submit a hard copy. If
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38452-38455]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16689]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Solicitation of Project
Proposals for the National Center for Mobility Management
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is soliciting
proposals under FTA's Technical Assistance and Workforce Development
Program to select an entity to administer the National Center for
Mobility Management (NCMM) and provide funding for the entity's
activities through the NCMM. The NCMM will carry out activities to
improve and enhance the coordination of Federal resources for human
service transportation, especially transportation for people with
disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes. Primary
activities will include supporting partners in adopting proven,
sustainable, replicable, customer-centered mobility strategies that
promote good health, economic vitality, self-sufficiency, and community
unity.
The FTA intends to fund the NCMM at up to $1,900,000 for the first
year. The FTA may extend funding for this center for up to five (5)
years; however, subsequent funding will depend upon: (1) Future
authorization and appropriations; (2) decisions and program priorities
established by the Secretary of Transportation related to the
implementation of provisions set forth in 49 U.S.C. 5314; and (3)
annual performance reviews.
DATES: Complete proposals for funding opportunity FTA-2018-005-TPM-NCMM
must be submitted electronically through GRANTS.GOV. All applications
must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on October 5, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Ringgold, FTA Office of Program
Management, (202) 366-6508 or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
A. Program Description
Federal Transit Administration funding for the NCMM is authorized
by 49 U.S.C. 5314, Technical Assistance and Workforce Development.
Subsequent funding from FTA will depend upon program priorities
established by the Secretary of Transportation, future appropriations,
and annual performance reviews. In recognition of the fundamental
importance of human service transportation and the continuing need to
enhance coordination, Executive Order 13330 (February 24, 2004) on
Human Service Transportation Coordination, establishing the
Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM), directed multiple
federal departments and agencies to work together to ensure that
transportation services are seamless, comprehensive, and accessible.
The members of the CCAM are: The Secretaries from the Departments of
Transportation (DOT), Health and Human Services, Labor, Education,
Interior, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Veterans
Affairs; the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration; the
Attorney General; and the Chairperson of the National Council on
Disability.
The CCAM is tasked with seeking ways to simplify access to
transportation services for persons with disabilities, persons with
lower incomes, older adults, and other transportation disadvantaged
populations.
Federal transit law as amended by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)
first authorized funding for the management of a program to improve and
enhance the coordination of Federal resources for human services
transportation with those of the Department of Transportation. The
major goal of the program was to assist states and local communities in
the provision and expansion of coordinated human service transportation
for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with lower
incomes.
Federal transit law as amended by the Fixing America's Surface
Transportation (FAST) Act continues to authorize funding for technical
assistance under 49 U.S.C 5314(a)(2)(B) to help providers of public
transportation comply with human services transportation coordination
requirements and to enhance the coordination of Federal resources for
human services transportation with those of the Department of
Transportation through technical assistance, training, and support
services related to complying with such requirements.
[[Page 38453]]
Further, the FAST Act requires the CCAM to develop a strategic plan
to strengthen interagency collaboration, address outstanding
recommendations, and eliminate burdensome regulatory barriers to human
services transportation coordination.
The FTA has carried out such activities through a cooperative
agreement that establishes and provides financial assistance for the
NCMM. FTA selected the current recipients to administer the NCMM in May
2013. Consistent with the Uniform Administrative Requirements (2 CFR
200), FTA periodically recompetes the administration of its technical
assistance centers.
Building upon past efforts, FTA seeks to expand the use of mobility
management strategies and to improve human service transportation
coordination through the National Center for Mobility Management by
implementing the goal and objectives below:
Goal: Enhance Transportation Coordination and Mobility Management
in Federal, State, and Local Transportation Programs.
Objective 1: Support and improve local- and state-
coordinated transportation planning processes to improve coordination
of federally funded human service transportation.
Objective 2: Encourage the implementation of mobility
management infrastructure and strategies in relevant industries,
including but not limited to the transit, workforce, medical, veteran,
and human service industries.
Objective 3: Promote and assist in the development of
accessible one call/one click strategies that conveniently connect
customers to transportation services and funding options.
Objective 4: Support the activities and initiatives of the
CCAM, its workgroups, and member agencies that improve Federal
coordination.
Objective 5: Conduct targeted technical assistance,
research, or demonstration, including demonstration grant programs, as
requested by CCAM and its members and supported by requisite funding
availability.
B. Federal Award Information
The FTA expects to award the administration of the NCMM as a
cooperative agreement The FTA will fund the cooperative agreement over
a period of up to five (5) years, with up to $1,900,000 available for
the first year of activities with a start date to be determined in
2019. Additional funding may be provided by other CCAM members to
support their mobility management and coordinated transportation
priorities. Subsequent funding from FTA will depend upon decisions and
program priorities established by the Secretary of Transportation,
future authorization and appropriations, and annual performance
reviews.
The FTA, and any additional CCAM funding agencies, will participate
in activities by negotiating the final statement of work, attending
review meetings, commenting on technical reports, maintaining frequent
contact with the project manager, approving key decisions and
activities, and redirecting project activities, as needed.
C. Eligibility Information
Only national non-profit organizations are eligible to submit a
proposal in response to this notice. Organizations must have
transportation and/or mobility management experience, the capacity to
provide public transportation-related technical assistance, expertise
regarding accessible and equitable transportation options and needs,
and the ability to deliver a national technical assistance and training
program. A single lead organization must be designated in the proposal.
Other organizations may participate as subcontractors or subrecipients.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Applications must be submitted electronically through GRANTS.GOV,
as described above. General information for registering and submitting
applications through Grants.gov can be found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html along with specific instructions for the
forms and attachments required for submission. Mail and fax submissions
will not be accepted. A complete proposal submission will consist of at
least two files: (1) The SF-424 Mandatory form (downloaded from
GRANTS.GOV), and (2) a narrative application document in Microsoft
Word, Adobe Acrobat, or compatible file format. The narrative
application should be in the format outlined in section 2 below. Once
completed, the narrative application must be placed in the attachments
section of the SF-424 Mandatory form. Proposers must attach the
narrative application file to their submission in GRANTS.GOV to
successfully complete the proposal process. A proposal submission may
contain additional supporting documentation as attachments.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Proposals shall be submitted in a Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or
compatible file format, double-spaced using Times New Roman, 12-point
font. The proposal must contain the following components and adhere to
the specified maximum lengths:
a. Cover sheet (1 page): The cover sheet must include: The name of
the entity submitting the proposal, the principal's name, title, and
contact information (e.g., address, phone, fax, and email), and the
name and contact information for the key point of contact for all five
activities (if different from principal).
b. Abstract (not to exceed 4 pages): The abstract must include the
following sections: Background, purpose, methodology, intended
outcomes, and plan for evaluation.
c. Detailed budget proposal and budget narrative (not to exceed 3
pages).
d. Project narrative (not to exceed 25 pages): The project
narrative must include the following information:
i. The methodology for addressing the goals and objectives.
ii. Objectives, activities, deliverables, milestones, timeline and
intended outcomes for achieving the goals outlined in the scope for the
first year;
iii. The existing and future capacity of the organization to
address the issues outlined in the proposal and the organization's
ability to implement goals and objectives;
iv. A detailed plan for communication, technical assistance, and
outreach at the State and local levels;
v. A plan to work with stakeholders and build partnerships at the
national level; and
vi. Staff qualifications, including: (1) Prior experience providing
technical assistance, especially related to mobility management, (2)
prior experience implementing the other tasks outlined in this
solicitation, (3) staff members' knowledge of issues related to human
service transportation, and (4) a one-page biographical sketch for each
staff member.
e. Plan for evaluation of NCMM activities and performance measures
(not to exceed 5 pages).
f. Supplemental materials, such as bios and letters of support, can
be included in an appendices section that is beyond the page limit
above but are not to exceed 15 additional pages.
[[Page 38454]]
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant is required to: (1) Register in SAM before applying;
(2) provide a valid unique SAM entity identifier in its application;
and (3) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which the applicant has an active
Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by FTA.
These requirements do not apply if the applicant: (1) Is excepted from
the requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c); or (2) has an exception
approved by FTA under 2 CFR 25.110(d). The FTA may not make an award
until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity
identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied
with the requirements by the time FTA is ready to make an award, FTA
may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award
and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to
another applicant. SAM registration takes approximately 3-5 business
days, but FTA recommends allowing ample time, up to several weeks, for
completion of all steps. For additional information on obtaining a
unique entity identifier, please visit www.sam.gov.
4. Submission Dates and Times
Project proposals must be submitted electronically through
GRANTS.GOV and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on October
5, 2018. GRANTS.GOV attaches a time stamp to each application at the
time of submission. Proposals submitted after the deadline will only be
considered under extraordinary circumstances not under the applicant's
control. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted.
Within 48 hours after submitting an electronic application, the
applicant should receive two email messages from GRANTS.GOV: (1)
Confirmation of successful transmission to GRANTS.GOV, and (2)
confirmation of successful validation by GRANTS.GOV. If confirmations
of successful validation are not received or a notice of failed
validation or incomplete materials is received, the applicant must
address the reason for the failed validation, as described in the email
notice, and resubmit before the submission deadline. If making a
resubmission for any reason, include all original attachments
regardless of which attachments were updated and check the box on the
supplemental form indicating this is a resubmission.
The FTA urges applicants to submit proposals at least 72 hours
prior to the due date to allow time to receive the validation messages
and to correct any problems that may have caused a rejection
notification. GRANTS.GOV scheduled maintenance and outage times are
announced on the GRANTS.GOV website. Deadlines will not be extended due
to scheduled website maintenance.
Applicants are encouraged to begin the process of registration on
the GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of the submission deadline.
Registration is a multi-step process, which may take several weeks to
complete before an application can be submitted. Registered applicants
may still be required to take steps to keep their registration up to
date before submissions can be made successfully: (1) Registration in
the System for Award Management (SAM) is renewed annually; and (2)
persons making submissions on behalf of the Authorized Organization
Representative (AOR) must be authorized in GRANTS.GOV by the AOR to
make submissions.
5. How To Register To Apply Through Grants.gov.
To register and for detailed instructions, please see the
``APPLICANTS'' tab in Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html). To be eligible to apply for this opportunity,
organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and an
established Grants.gov account.
Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes,
but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an
organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure
it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application
submission deadlines.
Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.
E. Application Review Information
Proposals will be evaluated by a review team based on the
proposal's: (1) Ability to meet the goals of the NCMM; (2)
qualifications of key personnel, experience, and knowledge; (3)
communication, technical assistance, and outreach strategy; (4)
research and demonstration capacity; and (5) management approach. The
criteria are detailed below:
1. Ability To Meet the Goals of the NCMM
Proposals will be evaluated based on the planned approach and
activities identified that will assist the industry in making progress
towards improved human service transportation coordination and mobility
management as set forth in the goal and objectives. The FTA is seeking
innovative and effective approaches and strategies to accomplish the
project objectives.
2. Qualifications of Key Personnel, Experience, and Knowledge
The proposal should demonstrate that key personnel have the
appropriate skills and experience to carry out the activities. The FTA
will evaluate the qualifications and experience of the key staff
detailed in the proposal for their:
a. Knowledge and experience with a variety of transportation
services (transit, paratransit, taxi, non-profit social service,
volunteer, etc.);
b. Knowledge and experience with mobility management; and
c. Knowledge and experience with human service, workforce,
veterans, and health care systems.
3. Communication, Technical Assistance, and Outreach Strategy
The proposal should demonstrate the ability to execute a technical
assistance program with a national scope, as well as strategies for
delivering targeted assistance to State, regional, and local
stakeholders. Proposing organizations are encouraged to think
innovatively about this technical assistance delivery.
The proposal should also demonstrate the ability to carry out
outreach, dissemination, and information management activities. These
activities will include capturing and sharing useful and best practices
in mobility management and human service transportation coordination,
as well as supporting activities related to the CCAM. The proposal
should demonstrate innovative approaches, such as the use of
communication that is accessible through social media and other
information technologies, to accomplish effective stakeholder
strategies that both manage and plan the engagement. These
communities--people with disabilities, older adults, and people with
low incomes--have unique needs, and the proposal should reflect
engagement touchpoints and the ability to meaningfully engage with
these communities in other to produce successful transportation
outcomes for these targeted communities.
[[Page 38455]]
4. Research and Demonstration Capacity
The proposal should demonstrate the applicant's capability and
capacity (either internally or through external sources) to conduct
research, analysis, and demonstration projects related to mobility
management and transportation coordination in support of the CCAM and
its members.
5. Management Approach
The proposal must include an effective project management plan to
administer and manage the NCMM and must demonstrate that the applicant
has the technical capacity to carry out the plan. FTA will evaluate the
applicant's:
a. Technical capacity to administer and manage the services
proposed;
b. Total budget and staffing;
c. Evidence of understanding of the NCMM mission and comprehensive
technical approach to delivering the NCMM;
d. Plan for evaluation and data collection;
e. Plan for effective and meaningful stakeholder engagement; and
f. Plan for coordinating with FTA and other CCAM member staff.
F. Federal Award Administration
1. Federal Award Notices
Final award decisions will be made by the Administrator of the
Federal Transit Administration. In making these decisions, the
Administrator will take into consideration:
a. Recommendations of the review panel;
b. past performance of the applicant regarding programmatic and
grants management compliance;
c. the reasonableness of the estimated cost to the government
considering the available funding and anticipated results; and
d. the likelihood that the proposed project will result in the
transportation outcomes expected.
The FTA will notify the successful organization and may announce
the selection on its website https://www.transit.dot.gov. Following
notification, the successful entity will be required to submit its
application through the FTA Transit Award Management System (TrAMS).
The FTA will work with the successful applicant to develop a detailed
cooperative agreement. The FTA will award and manage a cooperative
agreement through TrAMS.
2. Award Administration
a. Grant Requirements: The successful applicant will apply for a
cooperative agreement through TrAMS and adhere to the customary FTA
grant requirements of Section 5314, Technical Assistance and Workforce
Development. There is no pre-award authority for this project.
Discretionary grants and cooperative agreements greater than $500,000
will go through the Congressional notification and release process.
Assistance regarding these requirements is available from FTA.
b. Standard Assurances: The applicant assures that it will comply
with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders,
FTA circulars, and other Federal administrative requirements in
carrying out any project supported by the FTA grant. The applicant
acknowledges that it is under a continuing obligation to comply with
the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement issued for its
project with FTA. The applicant understands that Federal laws,
regulations, policies, and administrative practices might be modified
from time to time and that modifications may affect the implementation
of the project. The applicant agrees that the most recent Federal
requirements will apply to the project, unless FTA issues a written
determination otherwise. The applicant must submit the Certifications
and Assurances before receiving a cooperative agreement if it does not
have current certifications on file.
3. Reporting
Post-award reporting requirements include submission of Federal
Financial Reports and Milestone Progress Reports in TrAMS on a monthly
or quarterly basis, as determined by the FTA Project Manager.
Documentation is required for payment. Additional reporting may be
required specific to the National Center for Mobility Management and
the recipient may be expected to participate in events or peer networks
related to mobility management and coordinated transportation. The
Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires
data entry at the FFATA Sub Award Reporting System (https://www.FSRS.gov) for all sub-awards and sub-contracts issued for $25,000
or more, as well as addressing executive compensation for both grantee
and sub-award organizations.
Additionally, FTA is required to report to Congress every year on
the value of Section 5314 investments. Applicants will be required to
provide details indicating the need, problem, or opportunity addressed
by activities of the program. The national significance and relevance
to the public transportation industry must also be clearly detailed.
4. Legal Capacity
Applicants must certify that there are no legal issues which would
impact their eligibility and authority to apply for FTA funds, or
prevent their acceptance of FTA funds.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
For further information concerning this notice, please contact the
Technical Assistance program manager Carl Ringgold by phone at 202-366-
6508, or by email at [email protected] A TDD is available for
individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 800-877-8339.
K. Jane Williams,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2018-16689 Filed 8-3-18; 8:45 am]
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