New Special Experimental Project (SEP-16) To Evaluate Proposals for Delegation of Certain Program-Wide FHWA Responsibilities to States, 47674-47676 [2018-20347]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 183 / Thursday, September 20, 2018 / Notices
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Washington, DC 20416, phone (202)
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SUMMARY:
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Timothy Gribben,
Chief Financial Officer and Associate
Administrator, Office of Performance
Management and Chief Financial Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018–20491 Filed 9–19–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
New Special Experimental Project
(SEP–16) To Evaluate Proposals for
Delegation of Certain Program-Wide
FHWA Responsibilities to States
Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), U.S
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The FHWA is establishing a
new Special Experimental Project (SEP–
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00075
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
16) to test and evaluate the delegation
of program-level responsibilities of the
Federal-aid highway program (FAHP) to
States, including the appropriate steps
States should take to request to exercise
delegated authority. The FHWA
anticipates there is interest in State
assumption of program-level actions for
approval of design standards, noise
policies, preventative maintenance
programs, and real property acquisitions
and disposals. The term ‘‘program-level
actions’’ in this context means decisions
that apply generally to projects in a
State and broadly affect the
implementation of the Federal-aid
highway program in the State, but
excludes Federal decisions relating to
eligibility, obligation, reimbursement,
authorization, and compliance.
DATES: This new SEP–16 project is being
initiated on September 20, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
technical information: Cindi Ptak, Office
of Innovative Program Delivery (HIN),
(202) 366–8408; for legal information:
Janet Myers, Office of the Chief Counsel
(HCC), (202) 366–2019, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., ET, Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
An electronic copy of this notice may
be downloaded from the Federal
Register’s home page at: https://
www.archives.gov; the Government
Publishing Office’s database at: https://
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/; or the specific
docket page at: www.regulations.gov.
Background
The Fixing America’s Surface
Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L. 114–
94) builds on the authorities and
requirements in earlier legislation to
promote the transition from FHWA
project-level ‘‘full-oversight’’ of the
FAHP to a risk-based approach to
FHWA oversight activities. The FHWA’s
use of a risk-based approach to
stewardship and oversight is intended
to optimize the successful delivery of
projects and to ensure compliance with
Federal requirements by focusing
FHWA resources most efficiently and
effectively.
Unless authorized by law, FHWA may
not delegate or assign its decisionmaking responsibilities to a State
department of transportation (State
DOT). Section 106(c) of Title 23, United
States Code (U.S.C.), authorizes States to
assume project responsibilities for
design, plans, specifications, estimates,
contract awards, and inspections for
E:\FR\FM\20SEN1.SGM
20SEN1
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 183 / Thursday, September 20, 2018 / Notices
projects that receive funding under Title
23, U.S.C., and are on the National
Highway System (NHS), including
projects on the Interstate System. The
States may assume these responsibilities
unless FHWA, acting under a delegation
of authority from the Secretary,
determines that the assumption is not
appropriate (23 U.S.C. 106(c)(1)). For
non-NHS projects, States must assume
such responsibilities (23 U.S.C.
106(c)(2)).
Section 1316(a) of the FAST Act
directs the Secretary of Transportation
to use the authority under 23 U.S.C.
106(c) to the maximum extent
practicable to allow a State to assume
the responsibilities described in 23
U.S.C. 106(c) on both a project-specific
and a programmatic basis. Section 1316
of the FAST Act seeks to expand the use
of the 23 U.S.C. 106(c) authority for
State assumption of responsibilities.
State assumption of certain
responsibilities is part of the transition
to risk-based oversight of the FAHP. To
implement section 1316 of the FAST
Act, FHWA published a Federal
Register notice soliciting feedback from
States and other stakeholders on
additional project-level authorities to
assume under Title 23.1 The responses
received indicated an interest in State
assumption of program-level actions for
approval of design standards, noise
policies, preventative maintenance
programs, and utility procedures, as
well as some areas of real estate
acquisition. Some responses requested
authority in areas that FHWA has
determined already are within the 23
U.S.C. 106(c) assumption authority.
The FHWA is initiating a new SEP–
16 pursuant to authority granted to the
Secretary in 23 U.S.C. 502(b) to evaluate
potential effects of State assumption of
program-level FAHP responsibilities
that are not currently assumable. The
experimental authority may be used to
test deviations from Title 23 statutory,
regulatory, or policy provisions,
provided that the experimental features
are consistent with the overall purpose
and intent of the underlying statute,
regulation, or policy being tested.
Actions explicitly prohibited by statute
cannot be the subject of a SEP–16
experiment. The experiment must be
consistent with other Federal laws that
apply to Title 23 funded activities. For
example, the recording statute, 31
U.S.C. 1501, and the Antideficiency Act
(31 U.S.C. 1341(a)(1)(A)), vest the
responsibility to record obligations of
the Federal Government with the
Federal agency responsible for
administering the Federal assistance
1 81
FR 59715 (August 30, 2016).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:01 Sep 19, 2018
Jkt 244001
program. The FHWA is establishing this
SEP–16 to consider program-level
authorities (as opposed to project-level
actions) States may want to assume. The
term ‘‘program-level authority’’ in this
context means decisions that apply
generally to projects in a State and
broadly affect the Federal-aid system in
the State, but excludes Federal
decisions relating to eligibility,
obligation, reimbursement,
authorization, and compliance.
This SEP–16 is intended to allow
States to propose the assumption of
Title 23 program-level responsibilities
provided they can demonstrate they
have, or can reasonably put in place, the
necessary laws, regulations, controls,
and resources to take on the Federal
role. Because States already have
experience with project-level
assumptions under 23 U.S.C. 106(c),
FHWA anticipates initially receiving
proposals for program-level authority
affecting these types of areas.
This SEP–16 will allow FHWA to
understand the implications of
delegation of program-wide decisions in
various program areas. The lessons
learned from SEP–16 will aid FHWA in
developing comprehensive policies and
inform stakeholders if the delegation of
specific program-level authorities, or
other discretionary authorities
established in Title 23, is appropriate.
To facilitate public access to SEP–16
information, all SEP–16 proposals,
workplans, and reports will be posted
on a public facing website.
Solicitation of Letters of Interest
This notice announces SEP–16 and
requests Letters of Interest. Entities
eligible to submit letters (‘‘Applicants’’)
are State DOTs as defined in 23 U.S.C.
101. Letters of Interest, which should be
submitted to the appropriate FHWA
Division Office, initiate the application
process described below. The Letter of
Interest should include a high-level
description of the Applicant’s proposal,
reasons for wanting to assume the
program-level authority, and the
anticipated resulting improvements to
program delivery. Ideally, the Applicant
will quantify the resulting
improvements in terms of project time
and/or cost savings. The Applicant
should include enough detail to allow
FHWA to determine how the proposal
deviates from current law (including
regulations) and practice, and how the
actions covered by the proposal are
addressed in current policy. The Letter
of Interest should reference the Title 23
program and the specific legal
authority(ies) being requested for
delegation. Further, the Applicant
should provide specific examples that
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Frm 00076
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
47675
demonstrate experience with projectlevel delegation in the affected program
area(s), if applicable, as well as the level
of collaboration conducted so far with
relevant FHWA Division or Program
Offices about the proposal.
Application Process
The application process is three-tiered
with each step developing more
specifics of the proposed program-level
assumption(s) for FHWA consideration
and feedback. The FHWA will evaluate
each step to determine whether a
proposal falls within the scope of
section 502(b) and is appropriate for this
experimental process before inviting
and working with an Applicant to
proceed to the next step for more
detailed proposal development.
The first step in the application
process is the Letter of Interest
described above. The FHWA will
acknowledge receipt of the Letter of
Interest and provide an anticipated
timeframe for initially evaluating the
proposal and providing a formal
response. After review of the proposal,
FHWA will provide a formal response
that will either request the Applicant to
proceed with submitting a Concept
Paper, or provide FHWA’s explanation
for not advancing the proposal.
If a Concept Paper is requested, the
Applicant should submit to the
appropriate FHWA Division Office a
narrative further detailing the
Applicant’s proposal. This Concept
Paper should not exceed 5 pages and be
formatted single-spaced, using a
standard 12-point font with 1-inch
margins. Charts, tables, and other items
may also be submitted as attachments to
supplement the narrative and do not
count toward the five-page limit. The
Concept Paper should demonstrate that
the State has the necessary laws,
regulations, controls, and resources in
place to assume the Federal role for the
program-level responsibilities
requested. If applicable, the Applicant
may use experience with assumption of
project-level authorities to demonstrate
readiness to assume program-level
responsibilities. If any necessary piece
is missing, the Applicant should outline
a plan and timeline anticipated to put
pieces in place. In addition, the Concept
Paper should detail supporting analysis
for the anticipated program delivery
improvements and consider a risk
assessment of the expected impact the
assumption of authority may have on
the State’s program—specifically on
resources, processes, and stakeholders—
and include measures the State would
use to ensure the responsibilities are
carried out in accordance with Federal
requirements. The Concept Paper
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 183 / Thursday, September 20, 2018 / Notices
should also summarize any preparation
the Applicant may need to make if the
experiment is approved and the time
necessary for that preparation (e.g.,
provide training for staff; make needed
changes to procedures, organization
charts, etc.). The FHWA will evaluate
the Concept Paper, and either request
the Applicant to proceed to the Detailed
Proposal stage, or provide an
explanation for not advancing the
request.
Since the requirements for the
Detailed Proposal will vary depending
on the complexity of the proposed
program assumption and the results of
FHWA’s evaluation of the Concept
Paper, the appropriate FHWA Division
will coordinate with the Applicant in
preparing the Detailed Proposal. At a
minimum, the Applicant’s Detailed
Proposal should: (1) Propose a duration
for conducting the experiment,
including a timeline for any transition
activities; (2) identify key personnel and
contacts with proposed roles and
responsibilities; and (3) recommend an
Evaluation Plan with reporting
mechanisms, performance measures,
goals, and other evaluation criteria, and
frequency of reviews. To provide
consistency among the SEP–16
experiments, FHWA will provide the
Applicant certain performance measures
and evaluation criteria common to all
SEP–16 Evaluation Plans.
Should FHWA decide to proceed with
the experiment, FHWA and the
Applicant will enter into a
memorandum of understanding and
develop a workplan for the experiment.
Conclusion
The FHWA is committed to
continuing its transition to a risk-based
approach to stewardship and oversight
of the FAHP. To this end, SEP–16 is
designed to provide FHWA with a better
understanding of the implications of
allowing States to assume program-level
authorities in various program areas.
This notice announces the SEP–16 and
identifies the process for States to apply
to assume program-level responsibilities
for the FAHP in their States.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
(Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315 and 502).
Issued in Washington, DC, on September
11, 2018.
Brandye L. Hendrickson,
Deputy Administrator, Federal Highway
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2018–20347 Filed 9–19–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–22–P
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18:01 Sep 19, 2018
Jkt 244001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
[Docket No. MARAD–2018–0148]
Requested Administrative Waiver of
the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel
REBEL SOUL; Invitation for Public
Comments
Maritime Administration, DOT.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Secretary of
Transportation, as represented by the
Maritime Administration (MARAD), is
authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.build requirements of the coastwise
trade laws to allow the carriage of no
more than twelve passengers for hire on
vessels, which are three years old or
more. A request for such a waiver has
been received by MARAD. The vessel,
and a brief description of the proposed
service, is listed below.
DATES: Submit comments on or before
October 22, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by DOT Docket Number
MARAD–2018–0148 by any one of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Search
MARAD–2018–0148 and follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket
Management Facility is in the West
Building, Ground Floor of the U.S.
Department of Transportation. The
Docket Management Facility location
address is: U.S. Department of
Transportation, MARAD–2018–0148,
• 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West
Building, Room W12–140, Washington,
DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except on
Federal holidays.
SUMMARY:
Note: If you mail or hand-deliver your
comments, we recommend that you include
your name and a mailing address, an email
address, or a telephone number in the body
of your document so that we can contact you
if we have questions regarding your
submission.
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the agency name and
specific docket number. All comments
received will be posted without change
to the docket at www.regulations.gov,
including any personal information
provided. For detailed instructions on
submitting comments, see the section
entitled Public Participation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bianca Carr, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Maritime
Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Room W23–453,
PO 00000
Frm 00077
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202–
366–9309, Email Bianca.carr@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As
described by the applicant the intended
service of the vessel REBEL SOUL is:
—Intended Commercial use of Vessel:
‘‘Charter sport fishing and cruising’’
—Geographic Region Including Base of
Operations: ‘‘Florida’’ (Base of
Operations: Fort Lauderdale, FL)
—Vessel Length and Type: 65′ motor
vessel
The complete application is available
for review identified in the DOT docket
as MARAD–2018–0148 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 vessel name, state the
commenter’s interest in the waiver
application, and address the waiver
criteria given in section 388.4 of
MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part
388.
Public Participation
How do I submit comments?
Please submit your comments,
including the attachments, following the
instructions provided under the above
heading entitled ADDRESSES. Be advised
that it may take a few hours or even
days for your comment to be reflected
on the docket. In addition, your
comments must be written in English.
We encourage you to provide concise
comments and you may attach
additional documents as necessary.
There is no limit on the length of the
attachments.
Where do I go to read public comments,
and find supporting information?
Go to the docket online at https://
www.regulations.gov., keyword search
MARAD–2018–0148 or visit the Docket
Management Facility (see ADDRESSES for
hours of operation). We recommend that
you periodically check the Docket for
new submissions and supporting
material.
Will my comments be made available to
the public?
Yes. Be aware that your entire
comment, including your personal
identifying information, will be made
publicly available.
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 183 (Thursday, September 20, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47674-47676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20347]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
New Special Experimental Project (SEP-16) To Evaluate Proposals
for Delegation of Certain Program-Wide FHWA Responsibilities to States
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FHWA is establishing a new Special Experimental Project
(SEP-16) to test and evaluate the delegation of program-level
responsibilities of the Federal-aid highway program (FAHP) to States,
including the appropriate steps States should take to request to
exercise delegated authority. The FHWA anticipates there is interest in
State assumption of program-level actions for approval of design
standards, noise policies, preventative maintenance programs, and real
property acquisitions and disposals. The term ``program-level actions''
in this context means decisions that apply generally to projects in a
State and broadly affect the implementation of the Federal-aid highway
program in the State, but excludes Federal decisions relating to
eligibility, obligation, reimbursement, authorization, and compliance.
DATES: This new SEP-16 project is being initiated on September 20,
2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information: Cindi Ptak,
Office of Innovative Program Delivery (HIN), (202) 366-8408; for legal
information: Janet Myers, Office of the Chief Counsel (HCC), (202) 366-
2019, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are
from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
An electronic copy of this notice may be downloaded from the
Federal Register's home page at: https://www.archives.gov; the
Government Publishing Office's database at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/;
or the specific docket page at: www.regulations.gov.
Background
The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L.
114-94) builds on the authorities and requirements in earlier
legislation to promote the transition from FHWA project-level ``full-
oversight'' of the FAHP to a risk-based approach to FHWA oversight
activities. The FHWA's use of a risk-based approach to stewardship and
oversight is intended to optimize the successful delivery of projects
and to ensure compliance with Federal requirements by focusing FHWA
resources most efficiently and effectively.
Unless authorized by law, FHWA may not delegate or assign its
decision-making responsibilities to a State department of
transportation (State DOT). Section 106(c) of Title 23, United States
Code (U.S.C.), authorizes States to assume project responsibilities for
design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract awards, and
inspections for
[[Page 47675]]
projects that receive funding under Title 23, U.S.C., and are on the
National Highway System (NHS), including projects on the Interstate
System. The States may assume these responsibilities unless FHWA,
acting under a delegation of authority from the Secretary, determines
that the assumption is not appropriate (23 U.S.C. 106(c)(1)). For non-
NHS projects, States must assume such responsibilities (23 U.S.C.
106(c)(2)).
Section 1316(a) of the FAST Act directs the Secretary of
Transportation to use the authority under 23 U.S.C. 106(c) to the
maximum extent practicable to allow a State to assume the
responsibilities described in 23 U.S.C. 106(c) on both a project-
specific and a programmatic basis. Section 1316 of the FAST Act seeks
to expand the use of the 23 U.S.C. 106(c) authority for State
assumption of responsibilities. State assumption of certain
responsibilities is part of the transition to risk-based oversight of
the FAHP. To implement section 1316 of the FAST Act, FHWA published a
Federal Register notice soliciting feedback from States and other
stakeholders on additional project-level authorities to assume under
Title 23.\1\ The responses received indicated an interest in State
assumption of program-level actions for approval of design standards,
noise policies, preventative maintenance programs, and utility
procedures, as well as some areas of real estate acquisition. Some
responses requested authority in areas that FHWA has determined already
are within the 23 U.S.C. 106(c) assumption authority.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 81 FR 59715 (August 30, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FHWA is initiating a new SEP-16 pursuant to authority granted
to the Secretary in 23 U.S.C. 502(b) to evaluate potential effects of
State assumption of program-level FAHP responsibilities that are not
currently assumable. The experimental authority may be used to test
deviations from Title 23 statutory, regulatory, or policy provisions,
provided that the experimental features are consistent with the overall
purpose and intent of the underlying statute, regulation, or policy
being tested. Actions explicitly prohibited by statute cannot be the
subject of a SEP-16 experiment. The experiment must be consistent with
other Federal laws that apply to Title 23 funded activities. For
example, the recording statute, 31 U.S.C. 1501, and the Antideficiency
Act (31 U.S.C. 1341(a)(1)(A)), vest the responsibility to record
obligations of the Federal Government with the Federal agency
responsible for administering the Federal assistance program. The FHWA
is establishing this SEP-16 to consider program-level authorities (as
opposed to project-level actions) States may want to assume. The term
``program-level authority'' in this context means decisions that apply
generally to projects in a State and broadly affect the Federal-aid
system in the State, but excludes Federal decisions relating to
eligibility, obligation, reimbursement, authorization, and compliance.
This SEP-16 is intended to allow States to propose the assumption
of Title 23 program-level responsibilities provided they can
demonstrate they have, or can reasonably put in place, the necessary
laws, regulations, controls, and resources to take on the Federal role.
Because States already have experience with project-level assumptions
under 23 U.S.C. 106(c), FHWA anticipates initially receiving proposals
for program-level authority affecting these types of areas.
This SEP-16 will allow FHWA to understand the implications of
delegation of program-wide decisions in various program areas. The
lessons learned from SEP-16 will aid FHWA in developing comprehensive
policies and inform stakeholders if the delegation of specific program-
level authorities, or other discretionary authorities established in
Title 23, is appropriate.
To facilitate public access to SEP-16 information, all SEP-16
proposals, workplans, and reports will be posted on a public facing
website.
Solicitation of Letters of Interest
This notice announces SEP-16 and requests Letters of Interest.
Entities eligible to submit letters (``Applicants'') are State DOTs as
defined in 23 U.S.C. 101. Letters of Interest, which should be
submitted to the appropriate FHWA Division Office, initiate the
application process described below. The Letter of Interest should
include a high-level description of the Applicant's proposal, reasons
for wanting to assume the program-level authority, and the anticipated
resulting improvements to program delivery. Ideally, the Applicant will
quantify the resulting improvements in terms of project time and/or
cost savings. The Applicant should include enough detail to allow FHWA
to determine how the proposal deviates from current law (including
regulations) and practice, and how the actions covered by the proposal
are addressed in current policy. The Letter of Interest should
reference the Title 23 program and the specific legal authority(ies)
being requested for delegation. Further, the Applicant should provide
specific examples that demonstrate experience with project-level
delegation in the affected program area(s), if applicable, as well as
the level of collaboration conducted so far with relevant FHWA Division
or Program Offices about the proposal.
Application Process
The application process is three-tiered with each step developing
more specifics of the proposed program-level assumption(s) for FHWA
consideration and feedback. The FHWA will evaluate each step to
determine whether a proposal falls within the scope of section 502(b)
and is appropriate for this experimental process before inviting and
working with an Applicant to proceed to the next step for more detailed
proposal development.
The first step in the application process is the Letter of Interest
described above. The FHWA will acknowledge receipt of the Letter of
Interest and provide an anticipated timeframe for initially evaluating
the proposal and providing a formal response. After review of the
proposal, FHWA will provide a formal response that will either request
the Applicant to proceed with submitting a Concept Paper, or provide
FHWA's explanation for not advancing the proposal.
If a Concept Paper is requested, the Applicant should submit to the
appropriate FHWA Division Office a narrative further detailing the
Applicant's proposal. This Concept Paper should not exceed 5 pages and
be formatted single-spaced, using a standard 12-point font with 1-inch
margins. Charts, tables, and other items may also be submitted as
attachments to supplement the narrative and do not count toward the
five-page limit. The Concept Paper should demonstrate that the State
has the necessary laws, regulations, controls, and resources in place
to assume the Federal role for the program-level responsibilities
requested. If applicable, the Applicant may use experience with
assumption of project-level authorities to demonstrate readiness to
assume program-level responsibilities. If any necessary piece is
missing, the Applicant should outline a plan and timeline anticipated
to put pieces in place. In addition, the Concept Paper should detail
supporting analysis for the anticipated program delivery improvements
and consider a risk assessment of the expected impact the assumption of
authority may have on the State's program--specifically on resources,
processes, and stakeholders--and include measures the State would use
to ensure the responsibilities are carried out in accordance with
Federal requirements. The Concept Paper
[[Page 47676]]
should also summarize any preparation the Applicant may need to make if
the experiment is approved and the time necessary for that preparation
(e.g., provide training for staff; make needed changes to procedures,
organization charts, etc.). The FHWA will evaluate the Concept Paper,
and either request the Applicant to proceed to the Detailed Proposal
stage, or provide an explanation for not advancing the request.
Since the requirements for the Detailed Proposal will vary
depending on the complexity of the proposed program assumption and the
results of FHWA's evaluation of the Concept Paper, the appropriate FHWA
Division will coordinate with the Applicant in preparing the Detailed
Proposal. At a minimum, the Applicant's Detailed Proposal should: (1)
Propose a duration for conducting the experiment, including a timeline
for any transition activities; (2) identify key personnel and contacts
with proposed roles and responsibilities; and (3) recommend an
Evaluation Plan with reporting mechanisms, performance measures, goals,
and other evaluation criteria, and frequency of reviews. To provide
consistency among the SEP-16 experiments, FHWA will provide the
Applicant certain performance measures and evaluation criteria common
to all SEP-16 Evaluation Plans.
Should FHWA decide to proceed with the experiment, FHWA and the
Applicant will enter into a memorandum of understanding and develop a
workplan for the experiment.
Conclusion
The FHWA is committed to continuing its transition to a risk-based
approach to stewardship and oversight of the FAHP. To this end, SEP-16
is designed to provide FHWA with a better understanding of the
implications of allowing States to assume program-level authorities in
various program areas. This notice announces the SEP-16 and identifies
the process for States to apply to assume program-level
responsibilities for the FAHP in their States.
(Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315 and 502).
Issued in Washington, DC, on September 11, 2018.
Brandye L. Hendrickson,
Deputy Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2018-20347 Filed 9-19-18; 8:45 am]
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