Fiscal Year 2021 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Route Planning Restoration Program, 51220-51224 [2021-19735]

Download as PDF 51220 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 14, 2021 / Notices advice to FMCSA on ‘‘medical standards for operators of commercial motor vehicles that will ensure that the physical condition of operators of commercial motor vehicles is adequate to enable them to operate the vehicles safely.’’ The MRB operates in accordance with FACA under the terms of the MRB charter, filed November 25, 2019. II. Agenda At the meeting, the agenda will cover MRB’s consideration of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s June 30, 2021 announcement regarding the voluntary recall of certain Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machines due to potential health risks. FMCSA will task the MRB with providing recommendations about how to best assist medical examiners on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry) and the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who use these CPAPs on identifying reliable sources of information concerning options for drivers with machines covered by the recall. III. Meeting Participation Although not required, advance registration is encouraged. To indicate that you will attend, please register at the website listed in the ADDRESSES section by the deadline referenced in the DATES section. The meeting will be open to the public for its entirety. The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, such as sign language, interpretation, or other ancillary aids, please contact the person listed in the tkelley on DSK125TN23PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Verbal comments from the public will be heard throughout the meeting, at the discretion of the MRB chairman and designated federal officer. These statements may be limited in duration to ensure that all who wish to comment may do so. Members of the public may submit written comments to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section on the topics to be considered during the meeting by the deadline referenced in the DATES section. Any member of the public may submit a written statement after the VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:55 Sep 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 meeting deadline, and it will be presented to the committee. Table of Contents DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION A. Program Description B. Federal Award Information C. Eligibility Information D. Application and Submission Information E. Application Review Information F. Federal Award Administration Information G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts H. Other Information Federal Transit Administration A. Program Description Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–19803 Filed 9–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Fiscal Year 2021 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Route Planning Restoration Program Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). AGENCY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $25,000,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 funding under the Route Planning Restoration Program (Federal Assistance Listing: 20.505). As required by Federal public transportation law and subject to funding availability, funds will be awarded competitively to support planning designed to (i) increase ridership and reduce travel times, while maintaining or expanding the total level of vehicle revenue miles of service provided in the planning period; or (ii) make service adjustments to increase the quality or frequency of service provided to low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities. FTA may award additional funding that is made available to the program prior to the announcement of project selections. DATES: Complete proposals must be submitted through the GRANTS.GOV ‘‘APPLY’’ function by 11:59 p.m. EDT November 15, 2021. Prospective applicants should initiate the process by registering on the GRANTS.GOV website promptly to ensure completion of registration before the submission deadline. Instructions for applying can be found on FTA’s website at https:// www.transit.dot.gov/howtoapply and in the ‘‘FIND’’ module of GRANTS.GOV. The GRANTS.GOV funding opportunity ID is FTA–2021–007–TPE. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby McFarland, FTA Office of Planning and Environment, (202) 366– 1648, or Colby.McFarland@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/FIRS). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117–2, March 11, 2021) provides funds to eligible applicants for the planning of public transportation associated with the restoration of transit service as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic subsides. This funding opportunity is being announced under Federal Assistance Listing Number 20.505. FTA will competitively award grants to undertake transit route planning activities that are designed to (i) increase ridership and reduce travel times, while maintaining or expanding the total level of vehicle revenue miles of service provided in the planning period; or (ii) make service adjustments to increase the quality or frequency of service provided to low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities. Route Planning Restoration Program grant projects may be in partnership with other local governmental entities, non-profits, social service organizations, or housing agencies, among others to identify barriers to opportunity for low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities that are dependent on transit. This program supports FTA’s strategic goals and objectives through timely and efficient investment in public transportation. This program supports the President’s plan to mobilize American ingenuity to build a modern infrastructure and an equitable future. By planning for the restoration of transit service that increases access for environmental justice populations, utilizes equity-focused community outreach and public engagement of underserved communities, and adopts equity-focused policies, this NOFO advances the goals of Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Additionally, intelligent route planning and transit service restoration can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in support of Executive Order 13990: Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle Climate Crisis; and Executive E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 14, 2021 / Notices Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. B. Federal Award Information FTA intends to award all available funding ($25 million) in the form of grants to selected applicants responding to this NOFO. Additional funds made available prior to project selection may be allocated to eligible projects. Only proposals from eligible recipients for eligible activities will be considered for funding. FTA anticipates maximum grant awards of $1,000,000. C. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants Applicants must be eligible recipients under Section 5307 of Title 49, United States Code (FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Grants program), as of the publication date of this NOFO on GRANTS.GOV. Additionally, applicants must have experienced a reduction in transit service any time on or after January 20, 2020, as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic. tkelley on DSK125TN23PROD with NOTICES 2. Cost Sharing or Matching The Federal funding share is 100 percent. FTA will not review more favorably applications that propose nonFederal funding contributions. 3. Eligible Projects Projects must be associated with a public transportation service area that experienced a reduction in transit services from pre-pandemic levels any time on or after January 20, 2020, as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic. Any planning activities proposed for funding must be designed to (i) increase ridership and reduce travel times, while maintaining or expanding the total level of vehicle revenue miles of service provided in the planning period; or (ii) make service adjustments to increase the quality or frequency of service provided to low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities. For a discussion of eligible planning activities, applicants should refer to FTA Circular C8100.1D—Program Guidance for Metropolitan Planning and State Planning and Research Program Grants, and FTA Circular 9030.1E—Urbanized Area Formula Program: Program Guidance and Application Instructions. Eligible applicants should utilize the definition of ‘‘low-income individual’’ in 49 U.S.C. 5302(11) when considering the service provided to ‘‘low-income riders’’ and the definitions of ‘‘minority population’’ and ‘‘low-income population’’ found in FTA Circular C4702.1B—Title VI Requirements and VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:55 Sep 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients when considering the service provided to ‘‘disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities’’ for the purposes of this program. FTA will not make awards for: a. Capital, operating, or maintenance activities; b. Route planning specifically related to transitioning public transportation service provided as of the date of receipt of funds to a transportation network company or other third-party contract provider, unless the existing provider of public transportation service is a thirdparty contract provider; or c. Route planning focused on public transportation service areas that have not experienced a reduction in service any time on or after January 20, 2020, as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic. D. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package A complete proposal submission includes two forms: The Standard Form (SF)–424 Application for Federal Assistance (downloaded from GRANTS.GOV) and the supplemental form for the FY 2021 Route Planning Restoration Program (downloaded from GRANTS.GOV or the FTA website at www.transit.dot.gov. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission A complete proposal must include a completed SF–424 and the following documents attached to the ‘‘Attachments’’ section of the SF–424: i. A supplemental form for the Route Planning Restoration Program. The information on the supplemental form will be used to determine applicant and project eligibility for the program, and to evaluate the proposal against the selection criteria described in Part E of this notice; and ii. A map of the proposed study area showing the transit routes, low-income and other disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities, major roadways, major landmarks, and the geographic boundaries of the proposed planning activities. FTA will accept only one supplemental form per SF–424 submission. Applicants may attach additional supporting information to the SF–424 submission, including but not limited to letters of support, project budgets, relevant data, or excerpts from relevant planning documents. Supporting documentation must be described and PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 51221 referenced by file name in the appropriate response section of the supplemental form, or it may not be reviewed. A complete application must include responses to all sections of the SF–424 and the supplemental form. Information such as the applicant’s name, Federal amount requested, and description of the study area are requested in varying degrees of detail on both the SF–424 and supplemental form. Applicants must fill in all fields unless stated otherwise on the forms. Applicants should not place ‘‘N/A’’ or ‘‘refer to attachment’’ in lieu of typing in responses in the field sections. Applicants should use both the ‘‘Check Package for Errors’’ and the ‘‘Validate Form’’ buttons on both forms to check all required fields, and ensure the Federal amounts requested are consistent. The SF–424 and supplemental form will prompt applicants to address the following items: i. Provide the name of the lead applicant and, if applicable, the specific co-sponsors submitting the application. ii. Provide the applicant’s Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. iii. Provide contact information including: Contact name, title, address, phone number, and email address. iv. Specify the Congressional district(s) where the planning project will take place. v. Identify the project title and project scope to be funded, including anticipated substantial deliverables and the milestones at when they will be provided to FTA. vi. Identify and describe an eligible transit planning project that meets the requirements of Section C, subsection 3 of this notice. vii. Address each evaluation criterion separately, demonstrating how the project responds to each criterion described in Section E. viii. Provide a line-item budget for the total planning effort, with enough detail to show the various key components of the planning project. ix. Identify the Federal amount requested. x. Provide an explanation of the scalability of the project. xi. Address whether other Federal funds have been sought or received for the planning project. xii. Provide a schedule and process for the development of the plan that includes anticipated dates for completing major tasks and substantial deliverables, and for completing the overall planning effort. E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 51222 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 14, 2021 / Notices xiii. Identify potential State, local or other impediments to the products of the planning work and its implementation, and how the impediments will be addressed. xiv. Address the extent to which the proposed activities address climate change. Applicants should identify any air quality nonattainment or maintenance areas under the Clean Air Act in the planning or study area. Nonattainment or maintenance areas should be limited to the following applicable National Ambient Air Quality Standards criteria pollutants: Carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter 2.5 and 10. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Book (available at https:// www.epa.gov/green-book) is a publiclyavailable resource for nonattainment and maintenance area data. This consideration will further the goals of Executive Order 13990: Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis, and Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. xv. Describe how the proposed activities serve environmental justice populations and other disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities, promote racial equity, and reduce barriers to opportunity. tkelley on DSK125TN23PROD with NOTICES 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant is required to: (1) Be registered in SAM before submitting an application; (2) provide a valid unique 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. 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. These requirements do not apply if the applicant is an individual or has an exemption approved by FTA or the U.S. Office of Management and Budget pursuant to 2 CFR 25.110. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:55 Sep 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 unique entity identifier, please visit www.sam.gov. 4. Submission Dates and Times Project proposals must be submitted electronically through GRANTS.GOV by 11:59 p.m. EDT November 15, 2021. 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. Applications are time and date stamped by GRANTS.GOV upon successful submission. 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. FTA will then validate the application and will attempt to notify any applicants whose applications could not be validated. If the applicant does not receive confirmation of successful validation or a notice of failed validation or incomplete materials, 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 it is a resubmission. An application that is submitted at the deadline and cannot be validated will be marked as incomplete and will not receive additional time to re-submit. FTA urges applicants to submit their applications at least 96 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 maintenance or outages. Applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process on the GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of the submission deadline. Registration in GRANTS.GOV 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 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 submissions on behalf of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) must be authorized in GRANTS.GOV by the AOR to make submissions. 5. Funding Restrictions See Section C of this NOFO for detailed eligibility requirements. Funds must be used only for the specific purposes requested in the application. Allowable direct and indirect expenses must be consistent with the Governmentwide Uniform Administrative Requirements and Cost Principles (2 CFR part 200) and FTA Circular C5010.1E—Award Management Requirements. Funds awarded under this NOFO cannot be used to reimburse projects for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to an FTA award under this program. FTA will issue pre-award authority to incur costs for selected projects beginning on the date that project selections are announced. FTA does not provide pre-award authority for competitive funds until projects are selected, and even then, there are Federal requirements that must be met before costs are incurred. FTA will issue specific guidance to awardees regarding pre-award authority at the time of selection. For more information about FTA’s policy on pre-award authority, please see the most recent Apportionment Notice on FTA’s website. 6. Other Submission Requirements All applications must be submitted via the GRANTS.GOV website. FTA does not accept applications on paper, by fax machine, email, or other means. For information on application submission requirements, please see Section D.1., Address to Request Application and Section D.4., Submission Dates and Times. E. Application Review Information 1. Criteria Project proposals will be evaluated primarily on the responses provided in the supplemental form. Additional information may be provided to support the responses; however, any additional documentation must be directly referenced on the supplemental form, including the file name where the additional information can be found. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to which the following evaluation criteria are addressed. Applicants are encouraged to identify scaled funding options in case insufficient funding is available to fund a project at the full requested amount. E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 14, 2021 / Notices If an applicant proposes that a project is scalable, the applicant must provide an appropriate minimum funding amount that will fund an eligible project that achieves the objectives of the program and meets all relevant program requirements. The applicant must provide a clear explanation of how the project budget would be affected by a reduced award. a. Demonstrated Need FTA will evaluate each project to determine the need for funding based on the following factors: i. Pre-pandemic service levels versus current service levels using both absolute numbers and relative proportions of service reduction and elimination of: a. Service routes and route mileage; and b. Scheduled daily hours of service; and c. Vehicle-revenue miles of service. ii. Pre-pandemic versus current levels of ridership due to reduced or eliminated services: a. Number and percentage of all transit riders impacted by reduced or eliminated services; and b. Number and percentage of lowincome transit riders impacted by reduced or eliminated services. iii. Pre-pandemic versus current numbers and percentages of low-income residents of affected neighborhoods or communities. Number and percentage of residents of affected disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities. tkelley on DSK125TN23PROD with NOTICES b. Demonstrated Benefits FTA will evaluate the potential benefits of the proposed planning project based on the extent to which the public transit route planning activity would address the following: i. Transit service levels; ii. Anticipated ridership; iii. Anticipated transit travel times; iv. Improved transit service quality provided to low-income riders; v. Improved transit service frequency provided to low income riders; vi. Improved transit service quality provided to disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities; vii. Improved transit service frequency provided to disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities. viii. Racial Equity and Barriers to Opportunity; FTA will evaluate the extent to which the route planning study addresses racial equity and barriers to opportunity, including automobile dependence as a barrier. FTA will also consider the extent to which applications incorporate such activities as equity-focused community VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:55 Sep 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 outreach and public engagement of lowincome transit riders, disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities in the planning process, and adoption of an equity and inclusion program or plan or equity-focused policies; and ix. Environmental Justice. FTA will evaluate the extent to which the route planning study will support increased access to transit for environmental justice populations and engages such populations in plan or study development. c. Project Implementation Strategy FTA will evaluate the strength of the work plan, schedule and process included in an application based on the following factors: i. Extent to which the schedule contains sufficient detail, identifies all deliverables and steps needed to implement the work proposed, and is achievable; ii. Extent to which deliverables would provide guidelines implementing a realistic sequence of route restoration steps that could be taken to restore and/ or expand transit service levels to improve ridership and serve lowincome riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities; iii. Extent to which the route planning process will engage the local public, including low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities, as well as stakeholder groups; and iv. Extent to which there is coordination with city/county local government agencies, the metropolitan planning process, local social service agencies, housing authorities, and employers. v. Use of reliable route planning methods to undertake the route planning activities to estimate future ridership, changes in travel times, increases in vehicle revenue miles, and quality of transit service. vi. Use of reliable data and route planning methods to identify lowincome riders and disadvantaged communities and neighborhoods and assess equitable provision of transit service to low income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities. vii. Identification of deliverables (service plans, routing schemes, etc.) that will be produced from the route planning study. d. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity Applicants must demonstrate they have the technical, legal, and financial capacity to undertake the project. FTA will review relevant oversight PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 51223 assessments and records to determine whether there are any outstanding legal, technical, or financial issues with the applicant that would affect the outcome of the proposed project. Applicants with unresolved legal, technical, or financial compliance issues from an FTA compliance review or Federal grantrelated Single Audit finding must explain how corrective actions taken will mitigate negative impacts on the proposed project. 2. Review and Selection Process In addition to other FTA staff who may review the proposals, a technical evaluation committee will verify each proposal’s eligibility and evaluate proposals based on the published evaluation criteria. Members of the technical evaluation committee and other FTA staff may request additional information from applicants, if necessary. Based on the findings of the technical evaluation committee, the FTA Administrator will determine the final selection of projects for program funding. In determining the allocation of program funds, FTA may consider geographic diversity, diversity in the size of the grant recipients receiving funding, or the applicant’s receipt of other competitive awards. 3. Performance and Integrity Review Prior to making an award, FTA is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information Systems (FAPIIS) accessible through SAM. An applicant may review and comment on information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. FTA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants. F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Federal Award Notices The FTA Administrator will announce the final project selections on the FTA website. Selected applicants should contact their FTA regional office for additional information regarding allocations for projects under the Route Planning Restoration Program. E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 51224 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 14, 2021 / Notices 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements a. Pre-Award Authority FTA will issue specific guidance to recipients regarding pre-award authority at the time of selection. FTA does not provide pre-award authority for competitive funds until projects are selected and even then, there are Federal requirements that must be met before costs are incurred. Funds under this NOFO cannot be used to reimburse applicants for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to FTA award of a Grant Agreement until FTA has issued pre-award authority for selected projects, or unless FTA has issued a ‘‘Letter of No Prejudice’’ for the project before the expenses are incurred. For more information about FTA’s policy on pre-award authority, please see the most recent Apportionment Notice at: https:// www.transit.dot.gov. b. Grant Requirements If selected, awardees will apply for a grant through FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). All competitive grants, regardless of award amount, will be subject to the Congressional Notification and release process. Technical assistance regarding these requirements is available from each FTA regional office. c. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise FTA requires its recipients receiving planning, capital, or operating assistance that will award prime contracts exceeding $250,000 in FTA funds in a Federal fiscal year comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program regulations (49 CFR part 26). Applicants should expect to include any funds awarded in setting their overall DBE goal. tkelley on DSK125TN23PROD with NOTICES d. Planning FTA encourages applicants to notify the appropriate metropolitan planning organizations in areas likely to be served by the funds made available under this program. Selected projects must be incorporated into the unified planning work programs of metropolitan areas before they are eligible for FTA funding or pre-award authority. e. Standard Assurances If selected, the applicant must assure that it will comply with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, directives, FTA circulars, and other Federal administrative requirements in carrying out any project supported by the FTA grant. The VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:55 Sep 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 applicant acknowledges that it will be under a continuing obligation to comply with the terms and conditions of the grant 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 may affect the implementation of the project. 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 grant 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 FTA’s electronic grants management system on a quarterly basis. Applicants should include any goals, targets, and indicators referenced in their application to the project in the Executive Summary of the TrAMS application. Awardees must also submit copies of the substantial deliverables identified in the work plan to the FTA regional office at the corresponding milestones. As part of completing the annual Certifications and Assurances required of FTA grant recipients, a successful applicant must report on the suspension or debarment status of itself and its principals. If the award recipient’s active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceed $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of an award made pursuant to this Notice, the recipient must maintain the currency of information reported to the System for Award Management (SAM) that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings in connection with the award or performance of a grant, cooperative agreement, or procurement contract from the Federal Government. See Appendix XII to 2 CFR part 200 for more information. G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts For program-specific questions, please contact Colby McFarland, Office of Planning and Environment, (202) 366– 1648, email: Colby.McFarland@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/FIRS). Any addenda that FTA releases on the application process will be posted at https://www.transit.dot.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 To ensure applicants receive accurate information about eligibility or the program, the applicant is encouraged to contact FTA directly, rather than through intermediaries or third parties. FTA staff may also conduct briefings on the FY 2021 competitive grants selection and award process upon request. Contact information for FTA’s regional offices can be found on FTA’s website at https://www.transit.dot.gov. For assistance with GRANTS.GOV, please contact GRANTS.GOV by phone at 1–800–518–4726 or by email at support@grants.gov. H. Other Program Information This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ Nuria I. Fernandez, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2021–19735 Filed 9–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket Number MARAD–2021–0209] Agency Request for Approval of a New Information Collection: Mariner Survey Pre-Test Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. This Mariner Survey Pre-Test collection provides for cognitive interviews and a pilot survey of a sample of appropriately credentialed U.S. merchant mariners to validate and improve the study design for a subsequent Mariner Survey. DATES: Written comments should be submitted by November 15, 2021. MARAD will consider comments filed after this date to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket No. MARAD– 2021–0209 through one of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Search by using the docket number (provided above). Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the electronic docket site. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 14, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51220-51224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19735]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


Fiscal Year 2021 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Route Planning 
Restoration Program

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the 
opportunity to apply for $25,000,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 funding 
under the Route Planning Restoration Program (Federal Assistance 
Listing: 20.505). As required by Federal public transportation law and 
subject to funding availability, funds will be awarded competitively to 
support planning designed to (i) increase ridership and reduce travel 
times, while maintaining or expanding the total level of vehicle 
revenue miles of service provided in the planning period; or (ii) make 
service adjustments to increase the quality or frequency of service 
provided to low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or 
communities. FTA may award additional funding that is made available to 
the program prior to the announcement of project selections.

DATES: Complete proposals must be submitted through the GRANTS.GOV 
``APPLY'' function by 11:59 p.m. EDT November 15, 2021. Prospective 
applicants should initiate the process by registering on the GRANTS.GOV 
website promptly to ensure completion of registration before the 
submission deadline. Instructions for applying can be found on FTA's 
website at https://www.transit.dot.gov/howtoapply and in the ``FIND'' 
module of GRANTS.GOV. The GRANTS.GOV funding opportunity ID is FTA-
2021-007-TPE. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby McFarland, FTA Office of 
Planning and Environment, (202) 366-1648, or [email protected]. A 
TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339 (TDD/FIRS).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration Information
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
H. Other Information

A. Program Description

    The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-2, March 11, 
2021) provides funds to eligible applicants for the planning of public 
transportation associated with the restoration of transit service as 
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic subsides. This funding 
opportunity is being announced under Federal Assistance Listing Number 
20.505.
    FTA will competitively award grants to undertake transit route 
planning activities that are designed to (i) increase ridership and 
reduce travel times, while maintaining or expanding the total level of 
vehicle revenue miles of service provided in the planning period; or 
(ii) make service adjustments to increase the quality or frequency of 
service provided to low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods 
or communities. Route Planning Restoration Program grant projects may 
be in partnership with other local governmental entities, non-profits, 
social service organizations, or housing agencies, among others to 
identify barriers to opportunity for low-income riders and 
disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities that are dependent on 
transit.
    This program supports FTA's strategic goals and objectives through 
timely and efficient investment in public transportation. This program 
supports the President's plan to mobilize American ingenuity to build a 
modern infrastructure and an equitable future. By planning for the 
restoration of transit service that increases access for environmental 
justice populations, utilizes equity-focused community outreach and 
public engagement of underserved communities, and adopts equity-focused 
policies, this NOFO advances the goals of Executive Order 13985: 
Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through 
the Federal Government. Additionally, intelligent route planning and 
transit service restoration can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 
in support of Executive Order 13990: Protecting Public Health and the 
Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle Climate Crisis; and 
Executive

[[Page 51221]]

Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

B. Federal Award Information

    FTA intends to award all available funding ($25 million) in the 
form of grants to selected applicants responding to this NOFO. 
Additional funds made available prior to project selection may be 
allocated to eligible projects. Only proposals from eligible recipients 
for eligible activities will be considered for funding. FTA anticipates 
maximum grant awards of $1,000,000.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants must be eligible recipients under Section 5307 of Title 
49, United States Code (FTA's Urbanized Area Formula Grants program), 
as of the publication date of this NOFO on GRANTS.GOV.
    Additionally, applicants must have experienced a reduction in 
transit service any time on or after January 20, 2020, as a result of 
the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Federal funding share is 100 percent. FTA will not review more 
favorably applications that propose non-Federal funding contributions.

3. Eligible Projects

    Projects must be associated with a public transportation service 
area that experienced a reduction in transit services from pre-pandemic 
levels any time on or after January 20, 2020, as a result of the COVID-
19 pandemic. Any planning activities proposed for funding must be 
designed to (i) increase ridership and reduce travel times, while 
maintaining or expanding the total level of vehicle revenue miles of 
service provided in the planning period; or (ii) make service 
adjustments to increase the quality or frequency of service provided to 
low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities. For a 
discussion of eligible planning activities, applicants should refer to 
FTA Circular C8100.1D--Program Guidance for Metropolitan Planning and 
State Planning and Research Program Grants, and FTA Circular 9030.1E--
Urbanized Area Formula Program: Program Guidance and Application 
Instructions. Eligible applicants should utilize the definition of 
``low-income individual'' in 49 U.S.C. 5302(11) when considering the 
service provided to ``low-income riders'' and the definitions of 
``minority population'' and ``low-income population'' found in FTA 
Circular C4702.1B--Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal 
Transit Administration Recipients when considering the service provided 
to ``disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities'' for the purposes of 
this program.
    FTA will not make awards for:
    a. Capital, operating, or maintenance activities;
    b. Route planning specifically related to transitioning public 
transportation service provided as of the date of receipt of funds to a 
transportation network company or other third-party contract provider, 
unless the existing provider of public transportation service is a 
third-party contract provider; or
    c. Route planning focused on public transportation service areas 
that have not experienced a reduction in service any time on or after 
January 20, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    A complete proposal submission includes two forms: The Standard 
Form (SF)-424 Application for Federal Assistance (downloaded from 
GRANTS.GOV) and the supplemental form for the FY 2021 Route Planning 
Restoration Program (downloaded from GRANTS.GOV or the FTA website at 
www.transit.dot.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    A complete proposal must include a completed SF-424 and the 
following documents attached to the ``Attachments'' section of the SF-
424:
    i. A supplemental form for the Route Planning Restoration Program. 
The information on the supplemental form will be used to determine 
applicant and project eligibility for the program, and to evaluate the 
proposal against the selection criteria described in Part E of this 
notice; and
    ii. A map of the proposed study area showing the transit routes, 
low-income and other disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities, major 
roadways, major landmarks, and the geographic boundaries of the 
proposed planning activities.
    FTA will accept only one supplemental form per SF-424 submission.
    Applicants may attach additional supporting information to the SF-
424 submission, including but not limited to letters of support, 
project budgets, relevant data, or excerpts from relevant planning 
documents. Supporting documentation must be described and referenced by 
file name in the appropriate response section of the supplemental form, 
or it may not be reviewed.
    A complete application must include responses to all sections of 
the SF-424 and the supplemental form. Information such as the 
applicant's name, Federal amount requested, and description of the 
study area are requested in varying degrees of detail on both the SF-
424 and supplemental form. Applicants must fill in all fields unless 
stated otherwise on the forms. Applicants should not place ``N/A'' or 
``refer to attachment'' in lieu of typing in responses in the field 
sections. Applicants should use both the ``Check Package for Errors'' 
and the ``Validate Form'' buttons on both forms to check all required 
fields, and ensure the Federal amounts requested are consistent.
    The SF-424 and supplemental form will prompt applicants to address 
the following items:
    i. Provide the name of the lead applicant and, if applicable, the 
specific co-sponsors submitting the application.
    ii. Provide the applicant's Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number.
    iii. Provide contact information including: Contact name, title, 
address, phone number, and email address.
    iv. Specify the Congressional district(s) where the planning 
project will take place.
    v. Identify the project title and project scope to be funded, 
including anticipated substantial deliverables and the milestones at 
when they will be provided to FTA.
    vi. Identify and describe an eligible transit planning project that 
meets the requirements of Section C, subsection 3 of this notice.
    vii. Address each evaluation criterion separately, demonstrating 
how the project responds to each criterion described in Section E.
    viii. Provide a line-item budget for the total planning effort, 
with enough detail to show the various key components of the planning 
project.
    ix. Identify the Federal amount requested.
    x. Provide an explanation of the scalability of the project.
    xi. Address whether other Federal funds have been sought or 
received for the planning project.
    xii. Provide a schedule and process for the development of the plan 
that includes anticipated dates for completing major tasks and 
substantial deliverables, and for completing the overall planning 
effort.

[[Page 51222]]

    xiii. Identify potential State, local or other impediments to the 
products of the planning work and its implementation, and how the 
impediments will be addressed.
    xiv. Address the extent to which the proposed activities address 
climate change. Applicants should identify any air quality 
nonattainment or maintenance areas under the Clean Air Act in the 
planning or study area. Nonattainment or maintenance areas should be 
limited to the following applicable National Ambient Air Quality 
Standards criteria pollutants: Carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate 
matter 2.5 and 10. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green 
Book (available at https://www.epa.gov/green-book) is a publicly-
available resource for nonattainment and maintenance area data. This 
consideration will further the goals of Executive Order 13990: 
Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to 
Tackle the Climate Crisis, and Executive Order 14008: Tackling the 
Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
    xv. Describe how the proposed activities serve environmental 
justice populations and other disadvantaged neighborhoods or 
communities, promote racial equity, and reduce barriers to opportunity.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

    Each applicant is required to: (1) Be registered in SAM before 
submitting an application; (2) provide a valid unique 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. 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. These requirements do not apply if the applicant is an 
individual or has an exemption approved by FTA or the U.S. Office of 
Management and Budget pursuant to 2 CFR 25.110. 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 by 11:59 p.m. EDT November 15, 2021. 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. 
Applications are time and date stamped by GRANTS.GOV upon successful 
submission. 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. FTA will then 
validate the application and will attempt to notify any applicants 
whose applications could not be validated. If the applicant does not 
receive confirmation of successful validation or a notice of failed 
validation or incomplete materials, 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 it is a resubmission. An application that is submitted at 
the deadline and cannot be validated will be marked as incomplete and 
will not receive additional time to re-submit.
    FTA urges applicants to submit their applications at least 96 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 maintenance or outages.
    Applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process on the 
GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of the submission deadline. 
Registration in GRANTS.GOV 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. Funding Restrictions

    See Section C of this NOFO for detailed eligibility requirements. 
Funds must be used only for the specific purposes requested in the 
application. Allowable direct and indirect expenses must be consistent 
with the Governmentwide Uniform Administrative Requirements and Cost 
Principles (2 CFR part 200) and FTA Circular C5010.1E--Award Management 
Requirements.
    Funds awarded under this NOFO cannot be used to reimburse projects 
for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to an FTA award under 
this program. FTA will issue pre-award authority to incur costs for 
selected projects beginning on the date that project selections are 
announced. FTA does not provide pre-award authority for competitive 
funds until projects are selected, and even then, there are Federal 
requirements that must be met before costs are incurred. FTA will issue 
specific guidance to awardees regarding pre-award authority at the time 
of selection. For more information about FTA's policy on pre-award 
authority, please see the most recent Apportionment Notice on FTA's 
website.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted via the GRANTS.GOV website. FTA 
does not accept applications on paper, by fax machine, email, or other 
means. For information on application submission requirements, please 
see Section D.1., Address to Request Application and Section D.4., 
Submission Dates and Times.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    Project proposals will be evaluated primarily on the responses 
provided in the supplemental form. Additional information may be 
provided to support the responses; however, any additional 
documentation must be directly referenced on the supplemental form, 
including the file name where the additional information can be found. 
Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to which 
the following evaluation criteria are addressed.
    Applicants are encouraged to identify scaled funding options in 
case insufficient funding is available to fund a project at the full 
requested amount.

[[Page 51223]]

If an applicant proposes that a project is scalable, the applicant must 
provide an appropriate minimum funding amount that will fund an 
eligible project that achieves the objectives of the program and meets 
all relevant program requirements. The applicant must provide a clear 
explanation of how the project budget would be affected by a reduced 
award.
a. Demonstrated Need
    FTA will evaluate each project to determine the need for funding 
based on the following factors:
    i. Pre-pandemic service levels versus current service levels using 
both absolute numbers and relative proportions of service reduction and 
elimination of:
    a. Service routes and route mileage; and
    b. Scheduled daily hours of service; and
    c. Vehicle-revenue miles of service.
    ii. Pre-pandemic versus current levels of ridership due to reduced 
or eliminated services:
    a. Number and percentage of all transit riders impacted by reduced 
or eliminated services; and
    b. Number and percentage of low-income transit riders impacted by 
reduced or eliminated services.
    iii. Pre-pandemic versus current numbers and percentages of low-
income residents of affected neighborhoods or communities. Number and 
percentage of residents of affected disadvantaged neighborhoods or 
communities.
b. Demonstrated Benefits
    FTA will evaluate the potential benefits of the proposed planning 
project based on the extent to which the public transit route planning 
activity would address the following:
    i. Transit service levels;
    ii. Anticipated ridership;
    iii. Anticipated transit travel times;
    iv. Improved transit service quality provided to low-income riders;
    v. Improved transit service frequency provided to low income 
riders;
    vi. Improved transit service quality provided to disadvantaged 
neighborhoods or communities;
    vii. Improved transit service frequency provided to disadvantaged 
neighborhoods or communities.
    viii. Racial Equity and Barriers to Opportunity; FTA will evaluate 
the extent to which the route planning study addresses racial equity 
and barriers to opportunity, including automobile dependence as a 
barrier. FTA will also consider the extent to which applications 
incorporate such activities as equity-focused community outreach and 
public engagement of low-income transit riders, disadvantaged 
neighborhoods and communities in the planning process, and adoption of 
an equity and inclusion program or plan or equity-focused policies; and
    ix. Environmental Justice. FTA will evaluate the extent to which 
the route planning study will support increased access to transit for 
environmental justice populations and engages such populations in plan 
or study development.
c. Project Implementation Strategy
    FTA will evaluate the strength of the work plan, schedule and 
process included in an application based on the following factors:
    i. Extent to which the schedule contains sufficient detail, 
identifies all deliverables and steps needed to implement the work 
proposed, and is achievable;
    ii. Extent to which deliverables would provide guidelines 
implementing a realistic sequence of route restoration steps that could 
be taken to restore and/or expand transit service levels to improve 
ridership and serve low-income riders and disadvantaged neighborhoods 
or communities;
    iii. Extent to which the route planning process will engage the 
local public, including low-income riders and disadvantaged 
neighborhoods or communities, as well as stakeholder groups; and
    iv. Extent to which there is coordination with city/county local 
government agencies, the metropolitan planning process, local social 
service agencies, housing authorities, and employers.
    v. Use of reliable route planning methods to undertake the route 
planning activities to estimate future ridership, changes in travel 
times, increases in vehicle revenue miles, and quality of transit 
service.
    vi. Use of reliable data and route planning methods to identify 
low-income riders and disadvantaged communities and neighborhoods and 
assess equitable provision of transit service to low income riders and 
disadvantaged neighborhoods or communities.
    vii. Identification of deliverables (service plans, routing 
schemes, etc.) that will be produced from the route planning study.
d. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity
    Applicants must demonstrate they have the technical, legal, and 
financial capacity to undertake the project. FTA will review relevant 
oversight assessments and records to determine whether there are any 
outstanding legal, technical, or financial issues with the applicant 
that would affect the outcome of the proposed project. Applicants with 
unresolved legal, technical, or financial compliance issues from an FTA 
compliance review or Federal grant-related Single Audit finding must 
explain how corrective actions taken will mitigate negative impacts on 
the proposed project.

2. Review and Selection Process

    In addition to other FTA staff who may review the proposals, a 
technical evaluation committee will verify each proposal's eligibility 
and evaluate proposals based on the published evaluation criteria. 
Members of the technical evaluation committee and other FTA staff may 
request additional information from applicants, if necessary.
    Based on the findings of the technical evaluation committee, the 
FTA Administrator will determine the final selection of projects for 
program funding. In determining the allocation of program funds, FTA 
may consider geographic diversity, diversity in the size of the grant 
recipients receiving funding, or the applicant's receipt of other 
competitive awards.

3. Performance and Integrity Review

    Prior to making an award, FTA is required to review and consider 
any information about the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee 
Performance and Integrity Information Systems (FAPIIS) accessible 
through SAM. An applicant may review and comment on information about 
itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. FTA will 
consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other 
information in the designated integrity and performance system, in 
making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and 
record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review 
of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.206 Federal 
awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

    The FTA Administrator will announce the final project selections on 
the FTA website. Selected applicants should contact their FTA regional 
office for additional information regarding allocations for projects 
under the Route Planning Restoration Program.

[[Page 51224]]

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Pre-Award Authority
    FTA will issue specific guidance to recipients regarding pre-award 
authority at the time of selection. FTA does not provide pre-award 
authority for competitive funds until projects are selected and even 
then, there are Federal requirements that must be met before costs are 
incurred. Funds under this NOFO cannot be used to reimburse applicants 
for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to FTA award of a Grant 
Agreement until FTA has issued pre-award authority for selected 
projects, or unless FTA has issued a ``Letter of No Prejudice'' for the 
project before the expenses are incurred. For more information about 
FTA's policy on pre-award authority, please see the most recent 
Apportionment Notice at: https://www.transit.dot.gov.
b. Grant Requirements
    If selected, awardees will apply for a grant through FTA's Transit 
Award Management System (TrAMS). All competitive grants, regardless of 
award amount, will be subject to the Congressional Notification and 
release process. Technical assistance regarding these requirements is 
available from each FTA regional office.
c. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
    FTA requires its recipients receiving planning, capital, or 
operating assistance that will award prime contracts exceeding $250,000 
in FTA funds in a Federal fiscal year comply with the U.S. Department 
of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program 
regulations (49 CFR part 26). Applicants should expect to include any 
funds awarded in setting their overall DBE goal.
d. Planning
    FTA encourages applicants to notify the appropriate metropolitan 
planning organizations in areas likely to be served by the funds made 
available under this program. Selected projects must be incorporated 
into the unified planning work programs of metropolitan areas before 
they are eligible for FTA funding or pre-award authority.
e. Standard Assurances
    If selected, the applicant must assure that it will comply with all 
applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, directives, 
FTA circulars, and other Federal administrative requirements in 
carrying out any project supported by the FTA grant. The applicant 
acknowledges that it will be under a continuing obligation to comply 
with the terms and conditions of the grant 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 may affect the implementation of the project. 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 grant 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 FTA's electronic 
grants management system on a quarterly basis. Applicants should 
include any goals, targets, and indicators referenced in their 
application to the project in the Executive Summary of the TrAMS 
application. Awardees must also submit copies of the substantial 
deliverables identified in the work plan to the FTA regional office at 
the corresponding milestones.
    As part of completing the annual Certifications and Assurances 
required of FTA grant recipients, a successful applicant must report on 
the suspension or debarment status of itself and its principals.
    If the award recipient's active grants, cooperative agreements, and 
procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceed 
$10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of 
an award made pursuant to this Notice, the recipient must maintain the 
currency of information reported to the System for Award Management 
(SAM) that is made available in the designated integrity and 
performance system (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and 
Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) about civil, criminal, or 
administrative proceedings in connection with the award or performance 
of a grant, cooperative agreement, or procurement contract from the 
Federal Government. See Appendix XII to 2 CFR part 200 for more 
information.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

    For program-specific questions, please contact Colby McFarland, 
Office of Planning and Environment, (202) 366-1648, email: 
[email protected]. A TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339 (TDD/
FIRS). Any addenda that FTA releases on the application process will be 
posted at https://www.transit.dot.gov. To ensure applicants receive 
accurate information about eligibility or the program, the applicant is 
encouraged to contact FTA directly, rather than through intermediaries 
or third parties. FTA staff may also conduct briefings on the FY 2021 
competitive grants selection and award process upon request. Contact 
information for FTA's regional offices can be found on FTA's website at 
https://www.transit.dot.gov. For assistance with GRANTS.GOV, please 
contact GRANTS.GOV by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at 
[email protected].

H. Other Program Information

    This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

Nuria I. Fernandez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021-19735 Filed 9-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P


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