FY 2019 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program |
|---|
|
K. Jane Williams
Federal Transit Administration
10 May 2019
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20694-20699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-09332]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
FY 2019 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Public Transportation on
Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the
availability of approximately $5 million in funding, subject to the
availability of appropriations, for the Public Transportation on Indian
Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program). This notice is a
national solicitation for project proposals and includes the selection
criteria and program eligibility information for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019
projects. FTA may fund the program for more or less than the full year
appropriation when made available, and may include other funding if
available from other fiscal years toward project proposals received in
response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
This announcement is available on the FTA website at: http://www.transit.dot.gov. Additionally, a synopsis of the funding
opportunity, FTA-2019-004-TPM-TRTR, will be posted in the FIND module
of the government-wide electronic grants website at http://www.grants.gov. The program is located in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under 20.509.
DATES: Complete proposals for the Tribal Transit Program announced in
this Notice must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 9, 2019. All
proposals must be submitted electronically through the GRANTS.GOV APPLY
function. Any applicant intending to apply should initiate the process
of registering on the GRANTS.GOV site immediately to ensure completion
of registration before the submission deadline. Instructions for
applying can be found on FTA's website at http://www.transit.dot.gov
and in the FIND module of GRANTS.GOV. Mail and fax submissions will not
be accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the appropriate FTA Regional
Office at http://www.transit.dot.gov for proposal-specific information
and issues. For general program information, contact Jasmine Clemons,
Office of Program Management, (202) 366-2343, email:
jasmine.clemons@dot.gov. 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
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
Appendix A: Registering in SAM and Grants.gov
A. Program Description
The Tribal Transit Program is authorized by Federal Public Transit
law at 49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)(A), contingent on full appropriations. The
program authorizes grants ``under such terms and conditions as may be
established by the Secretary'' to Indian tribes for any purpose
eligible under FTA's Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program, 49 U.S.C.
5311. Tribes may apply for this funding directly.
The primary purpose of these competitively selected grants is to
support planning, capital, and, in limited circumstances, operating
assistance for tribal public transit services. Funds distributed to
Indian tribes under the Tribal Transit Program should NOT replace or
reduce funds that Indian tribes receive from States through FTA's
Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program. Specific project eligibility
under this competitive allocation is described in Section C of this
notice.
B. Federal Award Information
Five million dollars is authorized for the Tribal Transit Program
competitive allocation in FY 2019 to projects selected pursuant to the
process described in the following sections. Federal awards under this
competitive program will be in the form of grants. Additionally, there
is a $25,000 cap on planning grant awards, and FTA has the discretion
to cap capital and operating awards.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes or
Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
As evidence of Federal recognition, an Indian tribe may submit a copy
of the most up-to-date Federal Register notice published by BIA:
Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Service from the United
States Bureau of Indian Affairs. To be an eligible recipient, an Indian
tribe must have the requisite legal, financial, and technical
capabilities to receive and administer Federal funds under this
program. Additionally, applicants must be located and provide service
in a rural area with a population of 50,000 or less. A service area can
include some portions of urban areas, as long as the tribal transit
service begins in and serves rural areas. An applicant must be
registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database and
maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all
times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or
plan under consideration by FTA.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
There is a 90 percent Federal share for projects selected under the
Tribal Transit Program competitive program, unless the Indian tribe can
demonstrate
[[Page 20695]]
a financial hardship in its application. FTA is interested in the
Indian tribe's financial commitment to the proposed project; thus, the
proposal should include a description of the Indian tribe's financial
commitment. Tribes may use any eligible local match under Chapter 53.
3. Eligible Projects
Eligible projects include public transportation planning and
capital expenses. Operating projects are eligible in limited
circumstances. In FY 2019, FTA will only consider operating assistance
requests from tribes without existing transit service, or those tribes
who received a Tribal Transit Program formula allocation of less than
$20,000.
Public transportation includes regular, continuing shared-ride
surface transportation services open to the public or open to a segment
of the public defined by age, disability, or low income. FTA will award
grants to eligible Indian tribes located in rural areas. Applicants may
submit one proposal for each project or one proposal containing
multiple projects. Specific types of projects include: Capital projects
for start-ups, replacement, or expansion needs; operating assistance
for start-ups; and planning projects up to $25,000. Indian tribes
applying for capital replacement or expansion needs must demonstrate a
sustainable source of operating funds for existing or expanded
services.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
A complete proposal submission will consist of at least two files:
(1) The SF 424 Mandatory form (downloaded from GRANTS.GOV); and (2) the
Tribal Transit supplemental form found on the FTA website at http://www.transit.dot.gov. The Tribal Transit supplemental form provides
guidance and a consistent format for applicants to respond to the
criteria outlined in this NOFO.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
(i) Proposal Submission
A complete proposal submission will consist of at least two files:
(1) The SF 424 Mandatory form (downloaded from GRANTS.GOV); and (2) the
Tribal Transit supplemental form found on the FTA website at http://www.transit.dot.gov. The applicant must place the supplemental form in
the attachments section of the SF 424 Mandatory form. Applicants must
use the supplemental form designated for the Tribal Transit Program and
attach the form to their submission in GRANTS.GOV to complete the
application process. A proposal submission may include additional
supporting documentation as attachments. Within 48 hours after
submitting an electronic application, the applicant should receive two
email messages from GRANTS.GOV: (1) Confirmation of successful
transmission to GRANTS.GOV and (2) confirmation of successful
validation by GRANTS .GOV. If the applicant does not receive
confirmations of successful validation or instead receives a notice of
failed validation or incomplete materials, the applicant must address
the reason(s) for the failed validation or incomplete materials, as
described in the notice, and resubmit the proposal before the
submission deadline. If making a resubmission for any reason, the
applicant must include all original attachments regardless of which
attachments were updated and check the box on the supplemental form
indicating this is a resubmission.
Complete instructions on the application process can be found at
http://www.transit.dot.gov. Important: FTA urges applicants to submit
their project proposals at least 72 hours prior to the due date to
allow time to receive the validation message and to correct any
problems that may have caused a rejection notification. FTA will not
accept submissions after the stated submission deadline. GRANTS.GOV
scheduled maintenance and outage times are announced on the GRANTS.GOV
website at http://www.GRANTS.GOV. The deadline will not be extended due
to scheduled maintenance or outages.
Applicants are encouraged to begin the process of registration on
the GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of the submission deadline.
Registration is a multi-step process which may take several weeks to
complete before an application can be submitted. Registered applicants
may still be required to take steps to keep their registration up to
date before submissions can be made successfully: (1) Registration in
the 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. Instructions
on the GRANTS.GOV registration process are provided in the Appendix.
Applicants may submit one proposal for each project or one proposal
containing multiple projects. Applicants submitting multiple projects
in one proposal must be sure to clearly define each project by
completing a supplemental form for each project. Additional
supplemental forms must be added within the proposal by clicking the
``add project'' button in Section II of the supplemental form.
Information such as applicant name, Federal amount requested,
description of areas served, and other information may be requested in
varying degrees of detail on both the SF 424 form and supplemental
form. Applicants must fill in all fields unless stated otherwise on the
forms. Applicants should use both the ``Check Package for Errors'' and
the ``Validate Form'' validation buttons on both forms to check all
required fields on the forms, and ensure that the Federal and local
amounts specified are consistent.
(ii) Application Content
The SF 424 Mandatory Form and the Supplemental Form will prompt
applicants for the required information, including:
a. Name of federally recognized tribe and, if appropriate, the
specific tribal agency submitting the application.
b. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number if available. (Note: If selected, applicant will be required to
provide DUNS number prior to grant award).
c. Contact information including: Contact name, title, address, fax
and phone number, email address if available.
d. Description of public transportation services, including areas
currently served by the tribe, if any.
e. Name of person(s) authorized to apply on applicant's behalf must
accompany the proposal (attach a signed transmittal letter).
f. Complete Project Description: Indicate the category for which
funding is requested (i.e., project type: Capital, operating, or
planning), and then indicate the project purpose (i.e., start-up,
expansion, or replacement). Describe the proposed project and what it
will accomplish (e.g., number and type of vehicles, routes, service
area, schedules, type of services, fixed route or demand responsive,
safety aspects), route miles (if fixed route), ridership numbers
expected (actual if an existing system, estimated if a new system),
major origins and destinations, population served, and whether the
tribe provides the service directly, contracts for services, and note
vehicle maintenance plans.
g. Project Timeline: Include significant milestones such as date of
contract for purchase of vehicle(s), actual or expected delivery date
of
[[Page 20696]]
vehicles; facility project phases (e.g., NEPA compliance, design,
construction); or dates for completion of planning studies. If applying
for operational funding for new services, indicate the period of time
that funds would be used to operate the system (e.g., one year). This
section should also include any needed timelines for tribal council
project approvals, if applicable.
h. Budget: Provide a detailed budget for each proposed purpose,
noting the Federal amount requested and any additional funds that will
be used. An Indian tribe may use up to fifteen percent of a grant award
for capital projects for specific project-related planning and
administration, and the indirect cost rate may not exceed ten percent
(if necessary, add as an attachment) of the total amount requested/
awarded. Indian tribes must also provide their annual operating budget
as an attachment or under the Financial Commitment and Operating
Capacity section of the supplemental form.
i. Technical, Legal, Financial Capacity: Applicants must be able to
demonstrate adequate technical, legal, and financial capacity to be
considered for funding. Every proposal MUST describe this capacity to
implement the proposed project.
1. Technical Capacity: Provide examples of management of other
Federal projects, including previously funded FTA projects and/or
similar types of projects for which funding is being requested.
Describe the resources available to implement the proposed transit
project.
2. Legal Capacity: Provide documentation or other evidence to
demonstrate status as a federally recognized Indian tribe. Further,
demonstrate evidence of an authorized representative with authority to
bind the applicant and execute legal agreements with FTA. If applying
for capital or operating funds, identify whether appropriate Federal or
State operating authority exists.
3. Financial Capacity: Provide documentation or other evidence
demonstrating current adequate financial systems to receive and manage
a Federal grant. Fully describe: (1) All financial systems and
controls; (2) other sources of funds currently managed; and (3) the
long-term financial capacity to maintain the proposed or existing
transit services.
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. These requirements do not apply if the applicant:
(1) Is an individual; (2) is excepted from the requirements under 2 CFR
25.110(b) or (c); or (3) has an exception approved by FTA under 2 CFR
25.110(d). FTA may not make an award until the applicant has complied
with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If
an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time
FTA is ready to make an award, FTA may determine that the applicant is
not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis
for making a Federal award to another applicant. SAM registration takes
approximately 3-5 business days, but FTA recommends allowing ample
time, up to several weeks, for completion of all steps.
Step 1: Obtain DUNS Number
If requested by phone (1-866-705-5711), DUNS is provided
immediately. If your organization does not have one, you will need to
go to the Dun & Bradstreet website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform to
obtain the number.
Step 2: Register with SAM
Registration may take three to five business days or up to two
weeks. If you already have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), your
SAM registration will take three to five business days to process. If
you are applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) please
allow up to two weeks. Ensure that your organization is registered with
the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov. If your
organization is not, an authorized official of your organization must
register.
Step 3: Establish an Account in Grants.gov--Username & Password
Complete your Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) profile
in Grants.gov and create your username and password. You will need to
use your organization's DUNS Number to complete this step. See https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/OrcRegister.
Step 4: Grants.gov--AOR Authorization
The E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) at your organization
must log in to Grants.gov to confirm an Authorized Organization
Representative (AOR). Please note that there can be more than one AOR
for your organization. In some cases, the E-Biz POC is also the AOR for
an organization. * Time to complete depends on responsiveness of your
E-Biz POC.
Step 5: Track or Status
At any time, you can track your AOR status by logging in with your
username and password. Login as an Applicant (enter your username &
password you obtained in Step 3).
4. Submission Dates and Times
Project proposals must be submitted electronically through
GRANTS.GOV by 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 9, 2019. Mail and fax submissions
will not be accepted. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not
be considered under any circumstance. Applications are time and date
stamped by the FTA's Discretionary Grants System (DGS) upon successful
submission.
5. Funding Restrictions
Funds must be used only for the specific purposes requested in the
application. Funds under this NOFO cannot be used to reimburse projects
for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to an FTA award under
this program.
E. Application Review
1. Selection Criteria
FTA will use the following primary selection criteria when
evaluating competing capital and operating assistance projects eligible
under this program. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality
and extent to which the following evaluation criteria are addressed.
(i.) Planning and Local/Regional Prioritization
Applications will be evaluated based on the degree to which the
applicant: (1) Describes how the proposed project was developed; (2)
demonstrates that a sound basis for the project exists; and (3)
demonstrates that the applicant is ready to implement the project if
funded. Information may vary depending upon how the planning process
for the project was conducted and what is being requested. Planning and
local/regional prioritization should:
a. Describe the planning document and/or the planning process
conducted to identify the proposed project;
b. Provide a detailed project description, including the proposed
service, vehicle and facility needs, and other pertinent
characteristics of the proposed or existing service implementation;
[[Page 20697]]
c. Identify existing transportation services in and near the
proposed service area, and document in detail whether the proposed
project will provide opportunities to coordinate service with existing
transit services, including human service agencies, intercity bus
services, or other public transit providers;
d. Discuss the level of support by the community and/or tribal
government for the proposed project;
e. Describe how the mobility and client-access needs of tribal
human services agencies were considered in the planning process;
f. Describe what opportunities for public participation were
provided in the planning process and how the proposed transit service
or existing service has been coordinated with transportation provided
for the clients of human services agencies, with intercity bus
transportation in the area, or with any other rural public transit
providers;
g. Describe how the proposed service complements rather than
duplicates any currently available services;
h. Describe the implementation schedule for the proposed project,
including time period, staffing, and procurement; and
i. Describe any other planning or coordination efforts not
mentioned above.
(ii.) Project Readiness
Applications will be evaluated on the degree to which the applicant
describes readiness to implement the project. The project readiness
factor involves assessing whether:
a. The project is a Categorical Exclusion (CE) or the required
environmental work has been initiated or completed, for construction
projects requiring an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) under, among others, the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969, as Amended;
b. Project implementation plans are complete, including initial
design of facilities projects;
c. Project funds can be obligated and the project can be
implemented quickly, if selected; and
d. The applicant demonstrates the ability to carry out the proposed
project successfully.
(iii.) Demonstration of Need
Applications will be evaluated based on the degree to which the
applicant identifies the need for transit resources. In addition to
project-specific criteria, FTA will consider the project's impact on
service delivery and whether the project represents a one-time or
periodic need that cannot reasonably be funded from FTA program formula
allocations or State and/or local resources. FTA will evaluate how the
proposal demonstrates the transit needs of the Indian tribe as well as
how the proposed transit improvements or the new service will address
identified transit needs. Proposals should include information such as
destinations and services not currently accessible by transit; needs
for access to jobs or health care; safety enhancements; special needs
of elders or individuals with disabilities; behavioral health care
needs of youth; income-based community needs; or other mobility needs.
If an applicant received a planning grant in previous fiscal years, the
proposal should indicate the status of the planning study and how the
proposed project relates to that study.
Applicants applying for capital expansion or replacement projects
should also address the following factors in their proposal. If the
proposal is for capital funding associated with an expansion or
expanded service, the applicant should describe how current or growing
demand for the service necessitates the expansion (and therefore, more
capital) and/or the degree to how the project is addressing a current
capacity constraint. Capital replacement projects should include
information about the age, condition, and performance of the asset to
be replaced by the proposed project and/or how the replacement may be
necessary to maintain the transit system in a state of good repair.
(iv.) Demonstration of Benefits
Applications will be evaluated based on the degree to which the
applicant identifies expected or, in the case of existing service,
achieved project benefits. FTA is particularly interested in how these
investments will improve the quality of life for the tribe and
surrounding communities in which it is located. Applicants should
describe how the transportation service or capital investment will
provide greater access to employment opportunities, educational
centers, healthcare, or other needs that impact the quality of life for
the community, as described in the program purpose above. Possible
examples include: Increased or sustained ridership and daily trips;
improved service; elimination of gaps in service; improved operations
and coordination; increased reliability; and health care, education,
and economic benefits to the community. Benefits can be demonstrated by
identifying the population of tribal members and non-tribal members in
the proposed project service area and estimating the number of daily
one-way trips the proposed transit service will provide or the actual
number of individual riders served. Applicants are encouraged to
consider qualitative and quantitative benefits to the Indian tribe and
to the surrounding communities that are meaningful to them.
Using the information provided under this criterion, FTA will rate
proposals based on the quality and extent to which they discuss the
following four factors:
a. The project's ability to improve transit efficiency or increase
ridership;
b. Whether the project will improve or maintain mobility, or
eliminate gaps in service for the Indian tribe;
c. Whether the project will improve or maintain access to important
destinations and services;
d. Any other qualitative benefits, such as greater access to jobs,
education, and health care services.
(v.) Financial Commitment and Operating Capacity
Applications must identify the source of local match (10 percent is
required for all operating and capital projects), and any other funding
sources used by the Indian tribe to support proposed transit services,
including human service transportation funding, the Federal Highway
Administration's Tribal Transportation Program funding, or other FTA
programs. If requesting that FTA waive the local match based on
financial hardship, the applicant must submit budgets and sources of
other revenue to demonstrate hardship. FTA will review this information
and notify a tribe at the time of award if the waiver is approved. If
applicable, the applicant also should describe how prior year Tribal
Transit Program funds were spent to date to support the service.
Additionally, Indian tribes applying to operate new services should
provide a sustainable funding plan that demonstrates how it intends to
maintain operations.
In evaluating proposals, FTA will consider any other resources the
Indian tribe will contribute to the project, including in-kind
contributions, commitments of support from local businesses, donations
of land or equipment, and human resources. The proposal should describe
to what extent the new project or funding for existing service
leverages other funding. Based upon the information provided, the
proposals will be rated on the extent to which the proposal
demonstrates that:
a. Tribal Transit Program funding does not replace existing
funding;
[[Page 20698]]
b. The Indian tribe will provide non-financial support to the
project;
c. The Indian tribe is able to demonstrate a sustainable funding
plan; and
d. Project funds are used in coordination with other services for
efficient utilization of funds.
(vi.) Evaluation Criteria for Planning Proposals
For planning grants, the proposal must describe the need for and a
general scope of the proposed study. Applications will be evaluated
based on the degree to which the applicant addresses the following:
a. The tribe's long-term commitment to transit; and
b. The method used to implement the proposed study and/or further
tribal transit.
2. Review and Selection Process
An FTA technical evaluation committee will review proposals under
the project evaluation criteria. Members of the technical evaluation
committee and other involved FTA staff reserve the right to screen the
applications, and seek clarification about any statement in an
application. After consideration of the findings of the technical
evaluation committee, the FTA Administrator will determine the final
selection and amount of funding for each project. Geographic diversity
and the applicant's receipt and management of other Federal transit
funds may be considered in FTA's award decisions. After applying the
above preferences, the FTA Administrator will consider the following
key Departmental objectives:
(A) Supporting economic vitality at the national and regional
level;
(B) Utilizing alternative funding sources and innovative financing
models to attract non-Federal sources of infrastructure investment;
(C) Accounting for the life-cycle costs of the project to promote
the state of good repair;
(D) Using innovative approaches to improve safety and expedite
project delivery; and,
(E) Holding grant recipients accountable for their performance and
achieving specific, measurable outcomes identified by grant applicants.
Prior to making an award, FTA is required to review and consider
any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity
and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS). An
applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated
integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on
any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously
entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance
system accessible through SAM.
F. Federal Award Administration
1. Federal Award Notice
FTA will publish a list of the selected projects, including Federal
dollar amounts and award recipients, on FTA's website. Project
recipients should contact their FTA Regional Offices and tribal liaison
for information about setting up grants in FTA's Transit Award
Management System (TrAMS).
2. Award Administration
Successful proposals will be awarded through FTA's TrAMS as grant
agreements. The appropriate FTA Regional Office and tribal liaison will
manage project agreements.
3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Except as otherwise provided in this NOFO, Tribal Transit Program
grants are subject to the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1) as
described in the latest FTA Circular 9040 for the Formula Grants for
Rural Areas Program.
4. Reporting
The post-award reporting requirements include submission of the
Federal Financial Report (FFR) and Milestone Progress Report in TrAMS,
and FTA's National Transit Database (NTD) reporting as appropriate (see
FTA Circular 9040). Reports to TrAMS and NTD are due annually.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
For further information concerning this notice, please contact
Jasmine Clemons, Office of Program Management, (202) 366-2343, email:
jasmine.clemons@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339 (TDD/
FIRS).
H. Other Information
This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' FTA will consider
applications for funding only from eligible recipients for eligible
projects listed in Section C of this Notice. Due to funding
limitations, applicants that are selected for funding may receive less
than the amount requested.
Additionally, to assist tribes with understanding requirements
under the Tribal Transit Program, FTA has conducted Tribal Transit
Technical Assistance Workshops and will continue those efforts in FY
2019. FTA has expanded its technical assistance to tribes receiving
funds under this program. Through the Tribal Transit Technical
Assistance Assessments Initiative, FTA collaborates with Tribal Transit
Leaders to review processes and identify areas in need of improvement,
and then assists to offer solutions to address these needs--all in a
supportive and mutually beneficial manner that results in technical
assistance. FTA has completed over fifty assessments to date and
expects to conduct fifteen assessments in FY 2019. These assessments
include discussions of compliance areas pursuant to the Master
Agreement, a site visit, promising practices reviews, and technical
assistance from FTA and its contractors.
These workshops and assessments have received exemplary feedback
from Tribal Transit Leaders and provided FTA with invaluable
opportunities to learn more about Tribal Transit Leaders' perspectives
and better honor the sovereignty of tribal nations.
FTA will post information about upcoming workshops to its website
and will disseminate information about the assessments through its
regional offices. Contact information for FTA's regional offices can be
found on FTA's website at www.transit.dot.gov. Applicants may also
receive technical assistance by contacting their FTA regional Tribal
Liaison.
A list of Tribal Liaisons is available on FTA's website at
www.transit.dot.gov.
K. Jane Williams,
Acting Administrator.
Appendix A
Registering in SAM and Grants.gov
Registration in Brief: Registration takes approximately three to
five business days; please allow four weeks for completion of all
steps.
In order to apply for a grant, you and/or your organization must
first complete the registration process in Grants.gov. The
registration process for an Organization or an Individual can take
between three to five business days or as long as four weeks if all
steps are not completed in a timely manner. So please register in
Grants.gov early.
The Grants.gov registration process ensures that applicants for
Federal funds have the basic prerequisites to apply for and to
receive Federal funds. Applicants for FTA competitive funds must:
Have a valid DUNS number
Have a current registration in SAM (formerly CCR)
Register and apply in Grants.gov
The required registration steps are described in greater detail
on the Grants.gov website. The following is a link to a helpful
checklist and explanations published by Grants.gov to assist
applicants: Organization
[[Page 20699]]
Registration Checklist. If you have not recently applied for Federal
funds, we recommend that you initiate your search, registration, and
application process with Grants.gov. Visiting the Grants.gov site
will inform you of how to apply for grant opportunities, as well as
assist you in linking to the other required registrations, i.e., Dun
& Bradstreet to obtain a DUNS Number, and System for Award
Management (SAM).
Summary of steps (these steps are available in Grants.gov during
registration):
Step 1: Obtain DUNS Number
Same day. If requested by phone (1-866-705-5711), DUNS is
provided immediately. If your organization does not have one, you
will need to go to the Dun & Bradstreet website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform to obtain the number.
Step 2: Register With SAM
Three to five business days or up to two weeks. If you already
have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), your SAM registration
will take three to five business days to process. If you are
applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) please allow up
to two weeks. Ensure that your organization is registered with the
System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov. If your
organization is not, an authorized official of your organization
must register.
Step 3: Establish an Account in Grants.gov--Username & Password
Same day. Complete your Authorized Organization Representative
(AOR) profile on Grants.gov and create your username and password.
You will need to use your organization's DUNS Number to complete
this step. See https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/OrcRegister.
Step 4: Grants.gov--AOR Authorization
*Same day. The E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) at your
organization must login to Grants.gov to confirm you as an
Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Please note that there
can be more than one AOR for your organization. In some cases, the
E-Biz POC is also the AOR for an organization. * Time to complete
depends on responsiveness of your E-Biz POC.
* Please Note: Grants.gov gives you the option of registering as
an ``individual'' or as an ``Organization.'' If you register in
Grants.gov as an as an ``Individual,'' your ``Organization'' will
not be allowed to use the Grants.gov username and password. To apply
for grants as an Organization, you must register as an Organization
and use that specific username and password issued during the
``Organization'' registration process.
[FR Doc. 2019-09332 Filed 5-9-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P