Fiscal Year 2024 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Technology Transfer (T2) Program, 95902-95908 [2024-28271]

Agencies

• Federal Transit Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 3, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 95902-95908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28271]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


Fiscal Year 2024 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Technology 
Transfer (T2) 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 a total of $5,000,000 from Fiscal Years (FY) 
2022, 2023, and 2024 in Public Transportation Innovation Program funds 
for a competitive cooperative agreement to develop and manage a new FTA 
Technology Transfer (T2) Program.

DATES: Complete applications must be submitted electronically through 
the grants.gov ``APPLY'' function by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on 
February 11, 2025. Prospective applicants should initiate the process 
by registering on the grants.gov website promptly to ensure completion 
of the application process 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 funding opportunity ID is FTA-2025-002-TRI. Mail, fax, 
and email submissions will not be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shapell Randolph, FTA Office of 
Research, Demonstration, and Innovation, phone: 202-366-1086, or email 
[email protected]. In addition, up to the application deadline, 
the U.S. Department of Transportation (Department) will post answers to 
common questions and requests for clarifications on the Department's 
website at https://www.transit.dot.gov/grant-programs/technology-transfer-t2-program.

    Summary Overview of Key Information--FTA Technology Transfer (T2)
                 Program Competitive Funding Opportunity
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issuing Agency...............  Federal Transit Administration, U.S.
                                Department of Transportation.
Program Overview.............  To establish a Technology Transfer (T2)
                                Program under 49 U.S.C. 5312(e)(2) to
                                promote the early deployment and
                                demonstration of innovation in public
                                transportation that has broad
                                applicability to public transportation.
Eligible Applicants..........  Departments, agencies, and
                                instrumentalities of the Government,
                                including Federal laboratories; State
                                and local governmental entities;
                                providers of public transportation;
                                private or non-profit organizations;
                                institutions of higher education; and
                                technical and community colleges.
Eligible Project.............  Activities may include: All activities
                                that promote the early deployment and
                                demonstration of innovative research,
                                advance promising technologies,
                                practices and strategies including, but
                                not limited to planning, acquiring
                                essential services, and program
                                implementation.
                               Activities that seek to commercialize
                                technologies developed through FTA
                                funding.
Funding Amount...............  $5,000,000.
                               Additional funds made available prior to
                                project selection may be allocated to
                                eligible projects.
Deadline.....................  February 11, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. eastern
                                time.
Cost share...................  The maximum Federal share of project
                                costs under this program is 100 percent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


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

Background

    The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Public Transportation 
Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. 5312) funds research, development, 
demonstration, and deployment projects, and evaluation of research and 
technology of national significance to public transportation that will 
improve public transportation. On average, on a yearly basis, FTA 
manages a research investment portfolio of over $200 million in active 
projects. When these projects identify and finalize useful, promising 
solutions and practices, it is essential that FTA has a way to quickly 
facilitate the deployment of these findings to transit agencies for 
their use.
    This notice (Federal Assistance Listing: 20.531) announces a new 
Technology Transfer (T2) Program under 49 U.S.C. 5312(e)(2) to promote 
the early deployment and demonstration of innovation in public 
transportation that has broad applicability to public transportation. 
The T2 program will seek to build on successful research, innovation, 
and development efforts to facilitate the deployment of research and 
technology development resulting from federally funded efforts and the 
implementation of research and technology development to advance the 
interests of public transportation. A quarterly planning process 
between the FTA Research Office and the recipient of this award will 
facilitate the selection of which programs and projects to deploy. T2 
will also support ensuring that FTA's Innovative Research activities 
meet Executive Order 14104, Federal Research and Development in Support 
of Domestic Manufacturing and United States Jobs (88 FR 51203). This 
Executive Order calls for the enhancement of U.S. manufacturing while 
encouraging technology transfer and commercialization and allowing 
small businesses and nonprofit organizations to retain ownership of and 
commercialize their federally funded products or inventions. As 
appropriate, T2 will also provide an opportunity for recipients of FTA 
innovative research funding to not only broadly share their

[[Page 95903]]

research or inventions but to potentially commercialize them.
    For this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), FTA is defining 
``technology transfer'' as the exchange of information to enable the 
deployment, adoption, and potentially the commercialization of FTA-
funded research findings. Currently, FTA tracks and assesses the impact 
of technology adoption in two ways. First, FTA tracks technology 
research projects along the lifecycle of the projects and notes whether 
the recipient conducting the research chooses to adopt the new 
technology or process. Secondly, FTA analyzes data from the internal 
database of all FTA-funded programs using natural language search 
techniques to assess the level of deployment of FTA researched 
solutions. By further investing in the process of technology adoption 
through T2, FTA can reach a wider audience in the transit industry and 
more effectively track the use of FTA research findings.
    In many instances, transit agencies and other stakeholders may not 
have the proper resources to access information that could potentially 
be beneficial to their organization. They may also be reluctant to 
participate in the exchange of information or hesitant to adopt new 
technology. The T2 program will address these deployment barriers and 
explore solutions to facilitate change management in the use of 
promising FTA innovative research adoption.

Program Goals

    FTA is soliciting applications to develop and implement a new T2 
program to facilitate the deployment of promising innovative research 
solutions resulting from FTA's research investments. A strategic aim 
for this work includes strengthening U.S. manufacturing by encouraging 
technology transfer and, as appropriate, supporting small businesses 
and nonprofit organizations' retention of intellectual property and 
helping commercialize their federally funded innovations.
    The goals of the T2 program are to:
    (1) Develop processes, systems, and resources to support the 
deployment and adoption of FTA's innovative research results in the 
public transportation industry.
    (2) Support the commercialization and production of technologies 
developed in the U.S., in part through FTA-funded research and 
development.
    (3) Overcome barriers and challenges affecting the adoption of 
research products in transit agencies.

Management and Coordination

    The awardee will be responsible for overall program management, 
coordination, and adherence to established project timelines in 
accordance with available funding. This includes all aspects of 
resource management, compliance, and reporting, including oversight of 
sub-recipients, if any. Eligible activities include data collection, 
deployment specialists for planning, outreach, and knowledge transfer.

Development of Lessons Learned

    Research conducted under this notice will advance the strategic 
goals of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as outlined in 
its active Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 and the Department's Innovation 
Principles, which can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/priorities/transformation/us-dot-innovation-principles.

B. Federal Award Information

    This notice announces the availability of $5,000,000 to award one 
competitively selected application to develop and manage FTA's T2 
program with an expected period of performance spanning at least 48 
months. Funding is available under FTA's Public Transportation 
Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. 5312). FTA may, at its discretion, 
provide additional funding made under this notice, subject to the 
availability of funds.
    An applicant whose application is selected for funding will receive 
a cooperative agreement with FTA. FTA will have substantial involvement 
in the administration of the cooperative agreement. FTA's role includes 
the right to participate in decisions to redirect and reprioritize 
project activities, goals, and deliverables. FTA expects to provide the 
recipient with substantive input and direction at each stage of the 
project. Applicants are encouraged to assemble and secure partnerships 
necessary to conduct the Program in accordance with the requirements 
outlined in this notice.
    Projects under this notice will be for research efforts and, as 
such, FTA Circular 6100.1E, ``Research, Technical Assistance, and 
Training Program Guidance'' (available at https://www.fta.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/fta-circulars/research-technical-assistance-and-training-program), will apply in administering the program.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants under this notice are departments, agencies, 
and instrumentalities of the Federal government, including Federal 
laboratories; State, local, and Tribal governmental entities; providers 
of public transportation; private or non-profit organizations; 
institutions of higher education; and technical and community colleges.
    Eligibility is limited to United States entities. Applicants must 
demonstrate experience supporting the deployment of research findings, 
developing useful resources to facilitate technology transfer/
deployment, digital repository development/management, and national-
level program management expertise.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Per 49 U.S.C. 5312(g), the maximum Federal share is 100 percent of 
net project cost. Applicants are encouraged to consider some level of 
match. The non-Federal share of the net project cost may be provided in 
cash or in kind, and the applicant must document in its application the 
source of the non-Federal match. Eligible sources of non-Federal match 
are detailed in FTA Circular 6100.1E.

3. Conflicts of Interest

    It is FTA's intent that the T2 program benefits public 
transportation agencies. Therefore, the principal staff and any sub-
recipients staff engaged in this project cannot have a financial 
interest in the commercialization of a product.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application

    Applications must be made using the Standard Form 424 (SF-424), 
which can be downloaded from https://www.transit.dot.gov/grant-programs/technology-transfer-t2-program.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Application Submission
    A T2 application must include the following: SF-424, Budget 
Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A), Assurances for 
Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B), Project Narrative, and Summary 
Budget Narrative.
    Additionally, applicants must submit a Negotiated Indirect Cost 
Rate Agreement (NICRA) and a Data Management Plan (DMP) if applicable.
    i. A complete application must consist of the SF-424, which 
provides

[[Page 95904]]

basic information about the applicant and the project, including 
details such as the applicant's name, unique entity identifier (UEI), 
key contact information, and a summary of the project. The SF-424A form 
is used to present a detailed budget for the project, ensuring that all 
financial aspects are accounted for and justified. The SF-424B form 
outlines the assurance that the applicant agrees to comply with the 
terms and conditions set forth by the Federal government.
    ii. In addition to these forms, the application must include a 
supplemental form, a project narrative, and a summary budget narrative. 
The supplemental form and project overview should be prepared in 
Microsoft Word, PDF, or another compatible file format and must address 
all required elements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity 
(NOFO). These documents should be attached to the ``Attachments'' 
section of the SF-424 form.
    iii. For the budget, applicants must provide a summary and a high-
level overview of estimated activity costs, organized major cost 
elements. The budget should clearly differentiate between the Federal 
funding share and non-Federal share funds, including the value of in-
kind contributions. The budget form must not include previously 
incurred expenses or costs incurred before the award time. All budget 
information must be presented using SF-424A form. General submission 
instructions and specific form requirements can be found on grants.gov.
    The applicant must respond to all sections of the SF-424 and the 
requirements of this notice. The information in the narrative 
application will be used to determine applicant and project eligibility 
for the program and to evaluate the application against the selection 
criteria described in this notice. Applicants should carefully review 
the criteria noted in Section E and ensure their proposal addresses the 
factors listed.
    Failure to submit the information as requested can delay review or 
disqualify the application.
b. Application Preparation and Content
    i. Consolidated Budget Form: The Consolidated Budget Form must 
align with the dollar amount specified in the SF-424 and meet the 
eligible use requirements outlined in the notice of funding opportunity 
(NOFO). It includes a budget narrative and a detailed budget 
spreadsheet, with costs consistent with project scope and allowable 
under relevant regulations. If indirect costs are included, 
documentation such as a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement is 
required.
    ii. Allowable costs are determined in accordance with the cost 
principles identified in 2 CFR part 200, including subpart E, and in 48 
CFR part 31 for commercial organizations. The detailed budget 
spreadsheet must reflect the cost categories that appear on the SF-424A 
and include itemized calculations for each cost placed under those 
categories. If indirect costs are included in the proposed budget, the 
applicant must provide a copy of the approved negotiated indirect cost 
rate agreement if this rate was negotiated with a cognizant Federal 
agency or otherwise document those indirect costs consistent with 2 CFR 
200.414.
    iii. Required Standard Federal Financial Assistance Forms and 
Documentation: Applicants must submit the SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B 
forms, along with any Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement and Data 
Management Plan.
    iv. The SF-424 and supplemental form prompt applicants for 
essential information such as applicant details, project description, 
and budget breakdown. This includes a detailed project budget 
specifying Federal and local shares, funding sources, and matching 
funds. Additionally, it covers descriptions of project benefits, 
implementation strategy, scalability, and a detailed project timeline.
    v. The project overview, submitted as a one-page document, should 
include a header with project title and lead applicant, along with 
brief description of innovation, benefits, team and partners, and 
approach. The format aligns with templates available on grants.gov.
    vi. Budget Narrative: The budget narrative provides detailed 
explanations of proposed costs, aligning with the detailed budget 
spreadsheet and only including allowable expenses within the project 
scope. It should describe each cost item and its basis, including the 
Federal share, non-Federal share, and any in-kind contributions. Any 
indirect costs must be accompanied by relevant documentation. The 
narrative also explains leveraged resources and ensures consistency 
with SF-424 and SF-424A forms.
    Applicants must submit one electronic file for applications in a 
Microsoft Word, PDF, or compatible file format, double-spaced using 
Times New Roman, 12-point font. The application must contain the 
following components and adhere to the specified maximum lengths:
    1. Cover Sheet (not to exceed 1 page): The Cover Sheet must include 
the entity submitting the application, the principal's name, title, and 
contact information (e.g., address, office and mobile phone, and 
email). The cover sheet must also include name and contact information 
for the entity's point of contact for all cooperative agreement 
administrative activities (if different from principal).
    2. Abstract (not to exceed 1 page): The Abstract must include 
background, purpose, methodology, intended outputs, outcomes, impacts, 
and plan for accomplishing the goals and objectives as outlined in this 
notice.
    3. Table of Contents (not to exceed 1 page): The Table of Contents 
shall list each section of the application (including Appendices) by 
title and page number.
    4. Project Budget (not to exceed five pages): The Project Budget 
should show how different funding sources will share in each activity 
and present those data in dollars and percentages. The budget should 
identify other Federal funds the applicant is applying for or has been 
awarded, if any, that the applicant intends to use. The proposed 
project budget must account for multiple years and outline the total 
cost of all services and products, including salaries and fringe 
benefits, supplies, travel, equipment, and proposed contractual 
arrangements (e.g., subcontracts, consultant services) and how these 
estimated costs are connected to the project scope.
    5. Project Work Plan (not to exceed ten pages total): The proposed 
Project Work Plan must include the following information:
    a. Methodology--Provide a methodology for addressing the goals 
described above and under Section A of this notice.
    b. Statement of Work--Provide proposed work tasks for the project 
and how the goals will be accomplished with a detailed set of 
objectives and activities. Include the tasks for proposed activities, 
resources, and milestones, with a timeline that also notes critical 
path milestones. Note in the application how risk management related to 
barriers to deployment will be addressed. Please also note a 
sustainability strategy for how this work will be maintained in the 
future.
    i. Staffing Plan--Describe the approach for managing the project 
team, including the distribution of responsibilities among project 
partners and what activities each project team member will perform.
    ii. Coordination with FTA--Identify the plan for coordinating the 
project

[[Page 95905]]

team's activities and deliverables with the FTA's Research office 
including suggesting a methodology for a regular review of research 
results and a process to select research ready for deployment.
    iii. Research and Data Collection--Identify activities and the plan 
for electronic collection, maintenance, storage, and dissemination of 
data for use by the project team, stakeholders, FTA, and other 
customers.
    iv. Communication Plan--Provide a plan for communication of project 
results. The plan should identify innovative communication strategies 
including, but not limited to, the following: webinars, in-person 
presentations at industry events, social media (e.g., Facebook, 
Twitter, YouTube), text alerts, email, website publication, and toll-
free telephone numbers.
    v. Performance Measures--Identify multiple performance measures 
that FTA should use to assess the Program's overall effectiveness.
    vi. Deliverables--Provide a list of proposed deliverables (e.g., 
guides, plans, reports, services, etc.). Include quarterly reports, 
financial forms, guidance documents, and final reports to be submitted 
to FTA.
    6. Staff Qualifications (not to exceed 5 pages total):
    a. Organizational Capacity--Provide a narrative that briefly 
describes the structure of the applicant, including its history and 
experience in technology transfer and the national deployment of 
research findings, preferably in the transportation sector. Include a 
narrative of the applicant's understanding of the activities in this 
solicitation and its responsibility for the data collection and results 
deployment called for in this notice. Include the applicant's 
organization chart.
    b. Project Team Structure--Provide a narrative that briefly 
describes the structure and makeup of the project team. Provide resumes 
or biographies of key staff to highlight the relevant skills and 
experience of the proposed team. Eligible applicants are encouraged to 
identify in their application one or more project partners with a 
substantial interest and involvement in the project activities or 
objectives.
    Applications submitted in response to this notice become FTA 
records and as such, may be subject to Freedom of Information Act 
requests. Please segregate and clearly mark any portions of the 
application containing confidential or privileged trade secrets or 
commercial or financial information.

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

    Each applicant is required to: (1) be registered in SAM.GOV before 
applying; (2) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its 
application; and (3) maintain an active SAM.GOV 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.GOV requirements. If an 
applicant has yet to fully comply 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 has an exception approved by FTA or the U.S. 
Office of Management and Budget under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d).
    SAM.GOV registration takes approximately 3-5 business days, but FTA 
recommends allowing ample time, up to several weeks, to complete all 
steps. For additional information on obtaining a unique entity 
identifier, please visit https://www.sam.gov.

4. Submission Dates and Times

    Project applications must be submitted electronically through 
grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on February 11, 2025. Proposals 
submitted after the deadline will only be considered under 
extraordinary circumstances, not under the applicant's control. Mail, 
fax, and email submissions will not be accepted.
    FTA urges applicants to submit applications at least 72 hours prior 
to the due date to allow time to correct any problems that may have 
caused either grants.gov or FTA systems to reject the submission. 
Grants.gov attaches a time stamp to each application at the time of 
submission. Applications submitted after the deadline will be 
considered only if lateness was due to extraordinary circumstances not 
under the applicant's control. Grants.gov scheduled maintenance and 
outage times are announced in advance on the grants.gov website. 
Deadlines will not be extended due to scheduled website maintenance.
    Within 48 hours after submitting an electronic application, the 
applicant should receive an email message from grants.gov with 
confirmation of successful transmission to grants.gov. If a notice of 
failed validation or incomplete materials is received, the applicant 
must address the reason for the failed validation, as described in the 
email notice, and resubmit before the submission deadline. If making a 
resubmission for any reason, include all original attachments 
regardless of which attachments were updated, and check the box on the 
supplemental form indicating this is a resubmission.
    Applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process on the 
grants.gov site well in advance of the submission deadline. 
Registration is a multi-step process, which may take several weeks to 
complete before an application can be submitted. Registered applicants 
may still be required to take steps to keep their registration up to 
date before submissions can be made successfully: (1) registration in 
sam.gov 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

    Refer to Section C.3., Eligible Projects, for information on 
allowable activities. Allowable direct and indirect expenses must be 
consistent with the Government-Wide Uniform Administrative Requirements 
and Cost Principles (2 CFR part 200) and FTA Circular 5010.1F.
    Funds available under this notice cannot be used to reimburse 
applicants for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to FTA 
issuing pre-award authority for selected projects.

E. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

    Projects will be evaluated solely on the materials provided in the 
application document. FTA will evaluate applications based on the 
following criteria:
a. Organizational Capacity and Key Personnel Experience
    Applicants should note the structure of the lead organization, 
including its history and experience in performing complex research and 
deployment activities. Applicants should include a narrative of the 
applicant's understanding of the activities called for in this funding 
opportunity. Applicants should describe the structure and makeup of the 
project team to clearly demonstrate the applicant's technical abilities 
to meet the requirements called for in this funding opportunity. 
Applicants should note key project team personnel who will be involved 
in the project and how the applicant will ensure they have enough time 
to devote

[[Page 95906]]

to the project. Additionally, applicants should discuss successful 
completion of similar or relevant real-world projects--case studies, 
journal articles, references, etc.
b. Applicant and Applicant Team Technical Expertise
    Applicants should clearly detail the technical capacity of the lead 
organization and what activities each team member will perform. In 
addition to their qualifications in conducting nationally significant 
research and deployment, applicants should demonstrate project team 
knowledge in public transportation, technology transfer and stakeholder 
coordination and engagement, including engaging stakeholders in a 
targeted manner with proven and impactful methods.
c. Familiarity With the Public Transportation Industry
    Applicants should be familiar with the work conducted by FTA's 
Public Transportation Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. 5312). This would 
include familiarity with public transportation associations, University 
Transportation Centers, metropolitan planning organizations, different 
types of transit agencies (i.e., rural, small, and large urban, bus, 
rail, Tribal, community-based organizations that provide shared rides, 
and other entities that focus on public transportation.
d. Applicants Must Be Able To Demonstrate Previous Work and a Thorough 
Understanding of Technology Transfer and Research Results Deployment
    FTA is looking for innovative ways to facilitate the deployment of 
promising research findings including the use of online resources and 
repositories. Any repositories suggested must not duplicate the USDOT's 
Research Hub (a web-based, searchable database of USDOT-sponsored 
research, development, and technology project records) and the 
Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transport Research International 
Documentation TRID database (an integrated database that combines the 
records from TRB's Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS) 
Database and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 
(OECD's) Joint Transport Research Centre's International Transport 
Research Documentation (ITRD) Database).
e. Project Approach and Work Plan
    Applicants will be evaluated on the proposed methodology and 
overall project approach pursuant to the inclusion of a multi-year work 
plan (i.e., $5,000,000 over a minimum of 48 months) that demonstrates 
the applicant's understanding of all activities, responsibilities, and 
costs required to develop, implement, and measure a robust T2 program. 
In assessing whether the proposed implementation plans are reasonable 
and complete, FTA will review the proposed project work plan, including 
all necessary project milestones and the overall project timeline, as 
well as ensure the project team's viability in subsequent years.
f. Technical, Legal, and Financial Capacity
    Applicants must demonstrate the financial and organizational 
capacity and managerial experience to oversee and implement this 
project successfully. FTA may review relevant assessments and public 
records to determine whether any outstanding legal, technical, or 
financial issues with the applicant would affect the outcome of the 
proposed project.
    For applications that include named project partners, FTA will also 
consider the proposed partners' technical, legal, and financial 
capacity.

2. Review and Selection Process

    An FTA technical evaluation committee will evaluate applications 
based on the published evaluation criteria. Members of the technical 
evaluation committee may request additional information from applicants 
if necessary. After considering the review of the technical evaluation 
committee, the FTA Administrator will determine the final selection for 
program funding.

3. Integrity and Performance 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), the designated 
integrity and performance system accessible through sam.gov. An 
applicant may review and comment on any 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 the Office of Management and Budget's 
Uniform Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200.206).

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

    FTA will notify the successful applicant and may announce the 
selection on its website, https://www.transit.dot.gov. Following 
notification, the successful applicant will be required to submit their 
application through the FTA Transit Award Management System (TrAMS).

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Pre-Award Authority
    At the time the project selection is announced, FTA may extend pre-
award authority for the successful applicant. There is no blanket pre-
award authority for the project before announcement. FTA will issue 
specific guidance to the selected recipient regarding pre-award 
authority at the time of selection. FTA does not provide pre-award 
authority for these competitive funds until projects are selected, and 
even then, Federal requirements must be met before costs are incurred. 
For more information about FTA's policy on pre-award authority, please 
see the most recent Apportionments, Allocations, and Program 
Information Notice at 89 FR 47211.
b. Cooperative Agreement Requirements
    The successful applicant will apply for a cooperative agreement 
through TrAMS and adhere to the customary FTA grant requirements of 49 
U.S.C. 5312, Public Transportation Innovation, including those of FTA C 
6100.1E, where applicable. FTA will award and manage a cooperative 
agreement through TrAMS. Discretionary grants and cooperative 
agreements greater than $500,000 will go through the Congressional 
notification and release process. Assistance regarding these 
requirements is available from FTA.
c. Data Management Plan
    FTA seeks to improve public transportation for America's 
communities by sharing digital data or source code collected or 
developed through its research with the public. This allows research 
organizations, public transportation agencies, State DOTs, and other 
stakeholders to learn from and expand upon the insights developed from 
FTA-funded research.
    An award made pursuant to this notice will be subject to the latest 
version of FTA's Master Agreement (available at https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/granteeresources/sample-fta-agreements/fta-grant-agreements),

[[Page 95907]]

including Section 17 Patent Rights and Section 18 Rights in Data and 
Copyrights. All work conducted under this award must follow the 
Department data policies outlined in the USDOT Public Access Plan at: 
https://ntl.bts.gov/public-access/how-comply. Recipients are required 
to include these obligations in any sub-awards or other related funding 
agreements.
    Public Data Access requirements include developing a Data 
Management Plan (DMP) and submitting the DMP for FTA review. A DMP is a 
document that describes how recipients plan to handle digital datasets, 
software, or code generated over the course of a research project 
pursuant to Federal and Departmental requirements. A DMP must be 
provided as a condition of receiving FTA funds under the Section 5312 
Research Program and should adequately identify: (1) The data to be 
collected, (2) how the data will further the goals of this effort, (3) 
how the data will be made accessible, and (4) how the data will be 
stored. DMPs can be updated over time if the scope of the project or 
the type of data that will be collected changes. FTA staff is available 
to assist recipients with complying with public data access 
requirements.
    FTA expects recipients to remove confidential business information 
(CBI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) before providing 
public access to project data. Recipients must ensure the appropriate 
data are accessible to FTA or the public for a minimum of five years 
after the award's performance period expires.
    Recipients must make available to the Department copies of all work 
developed in performance of a project funded under this notice, 
including but not limited to software and data. Data rights shall be in 
accordance with 2 CFR 200.315, Intangible Property.
d. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises/Civil Rights and Title VI
    All FTA recipients must comply with the Department of 
Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program 
regulation (49 CFR part 26). A recipient has different obligations 
depending on the amount and type of FTA funds it awards in a year. A 
recipient that awards up to $670,000 in FTA funds in prime contracts in 
a fiscal year must adhere to certain recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements and take steps to foster the participation of small 
businesses but need not develop a DBE participation goal. A recipient 
that awards more than $670,000 of FTA funds in prime contracts in a 
fiscal year must have a full DBE program, including setting a DBE goal. 
Applicants should expect to include any funds awarded, excluding those 
used for vehicle procurements, in setting their overall DBE goal.
    As a condition of a grant award, grant recipients should 
demonstrate that the recipient has a plan for compliance with civil 
rights obligations and nondiscrimination laws, including Title VI of 
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (49 CFR part 21), the Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (49 CFR parts 37, 38, and 39), section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act, other civil rights requirements, and all 
implementing regulations. This should include a current Title VI plan, 
completed Community Participation Plan (alternatively called a Public 
Participation Plan and often part of the overall Title VI program 
plan), if applicable. DOT's and the applicable Operating 
Administrations' Office of Civil Rights may work with awarded grant 
recipients to ensure full compliance with Federal civil rights 
requirements.
e. Standard Assurances
    If an applicant receives an award, 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 award. The applicant acknowledges that it will be under a 
continuing obligation to comply with the terms and conditions of the 
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 most recent FTA Certifications and Assurances 
before receiving an award if it does not have current certifications on 
file.
f. External Communications
    The successful applicant must communicate with the FTA project 
manager prior to engaging in any external communications regarding the 
Program. This includes any work developing news or magazine stories 
with media organizations, including print, video, online, or otherwise. 
Additionally, the FTA project manager must be notified if project 
information, including results and metrics, will be shared during a 
webinar or other presentation open to the public, produced either by 
the recipient itself or another organization. The successful applicant 
must consult with the FTA project manager at the beginning of their 
agreement to discuss and plan any external communications about their 
project.
g. Software Provisions
    Any standards, guidance, tools, or software developed as a part of 
this solicitation will be subject to provisions of FTA's Master 
Agreement and evaluated for the potential to be shared for FTA 
purposes.
    Critical Infrastructure Security, Cybersecurity and Resilience: It 
is the policy of the United States to strengthen the security and 
resilience of its critical infrastructure against all hazards, 
including physical and cyber risks, consistent with Presidential Policy 
Directive 21--Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, and the 
National Security Memorandum on Improving Cybersecurity for Critical 
Infrastructure Control Systems. The applicant selected for funding 
under this program must demonstrate, prior to the signing of the grant 
agreement, effort to consider and address physical and cyber security 
risks relevant to the transportation mode and type and scale of the 
project. Projects that have not appropriately considered and addressed 
physical and cyber security and resilience in their planning, design, 
and project oversight, as determined by the Department and the 
Department of Homeland Security, will be required to do so before 
receiving funds.

3. Reporting and Payment

    Post-award reporting requirements include the electronic submission 
of Federal Financial Reports and Milestone Progress Reports in TrAMS 
quarterly. Documentation is required for payment. Additional reporting 
may be required specific to the program prescribed in this notice, and 
the recipient may be expected to participate in events or peer networks 
related to the goals and objectives of the program. The Federal 
Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires data 
entry at the FFATA Sub Award Reporting System (https://www.FSRS.gov) 
for all sub-awards and sub-contracts issued for $30,000 or more, as 
well as addressing executive compensation for both award recipients and 
sub-award organizations. The selected recipient will be required to 
disburse via Delphi and E-invoicing.
    The successful applicant should include any goals, targets, and 
indicators referenced in its application

[[Page 95908]]

in the Executive Summary of the TrAMS application.
    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 during the period of performance of an award 
made pursuant to this notice, the recipient must comply with the 
Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters reporting requirements 
described in appendix XII to 2 CFR part 200.

4. Termination for Failure To Make Progress on an Award

    After providing written notice to the recipient of a project 
selected for funding, FTA may withdraw its support for the selected 
project (if a cooperative agreement has not yet been awarded) or 
suspend or terminate all or any part of the Federal assistance for the 
award if the recipient has failed to make reasonable progress 
implementing the project. FTA may withdraw its support for a project or 
terminate an award agreement if, among other reasons:
    1. A recipient has not completed its application for funding in 
TrAMS within 60 days of the date FTA announces project selection.
    2. A recipient has not begun its demonstration project within one 
year after funding was awarded in TrAMS.
    3. A recipient has not delivered a project evaluation to FTA within 
one year of completing its demonstration project.
    4. FTA may also withdraw support from a project or terminate an 
award agreement if the proposed activities are no longer needed or if 
the recipient has violated the terms of FTA's Annual Agreement.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

    For further information concerning this notice, please contact the 
T2 Program Manager, FTA Office of Research, Demonstration, and 
Innovation, by email at [email protected]. A TDD is available 
for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 800-877-8339. In 
addition, FTA will post answers to questions and requests for 
clarifications on FTA's website at: https://www.transit.dot.gov/research-innovation.
    To ensure applicants receive accurate eligibility information, 
applicants are encouraged to contact FTA directly, rather than through 
intermediaries or third parties, with questions. FTA staff may also 
conduct briefings on the FY 2024 competitive grants selection and award 
process upon request.
    For issues with grants.gov, please contact grants.gov by phone at 
1-800-518-4726 or by email at grants.gov">support@grants.gov.

H. Other Information

    This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' There are resources 
available that may help in responding to this notice, as listed below. 
The FTA website has information about FTA, application forms, statutory 
and administrative requirements, etc. Applicants are encouraged to use 
the FTA link provided and other information, as listed, as much as is 
needed.

Veronica Vanterpool,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2024-28271 Filed 12-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P