Application Notes:

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2024.

Applications must be submitted online at www.ecivis.com/grants.gov. Applications submitted via mail, fax, email, or other means will not be accepted.

Applications must include:

• Project narrative (25 pages max):
  • Cover page
  • Project summary
  • Funds, sources, and uses of project funds
  • Applicant eligibility criteria
  • Project eligibility criteria
  • Detailed project description
  • Project location
  • Evaluation and selection criteria
  • Project implementation and management
• Statement of work
• Capital and mobilization plan
• Operating plan
• Funding plan
• Status of negotiations and agreements
• Environmental compliance documentation
• Funding commitment supporting documentation
• SF 424
• SF 424A
• SF 424B
• Certifications regarding debarment, suspension, and other responsibility matters
• Applicant financial capability questionnaire
• SF LLL (if applicable)

The 25-page maximum for the project narrative does not include the cover page, table of contents, and supporting documents. Where possible, supporting documents should be submitted as links.

The following are required in order to submit an application:

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration
• SPOC (state Single Point of Contact) notification

Applicants may obtain a UEI number and verify or renew SAM registration status at www.ecivis.com/sam. Applicants in states participating in the SPOC program must contact the relevant SPOC listed in the SPOC file before applying.

An optional webinar is scheduled for this program as follows:

July 24, 2024
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
Registration: usdot.zoomgov.com

The recording of the webinar can be found online at www.youtube.com.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria: 

• Project readiness
• Technical merit
• Project benefits

Refer to the NOFA and Overview files for additional application information.

Match Notes:

Applicants must provide a cash match that varies according to the year of the project:

• First year: at least 10 percent of the total net operating costs
• Second year: at least 20 percent of the total net operating costs
• Third year: at least 30 percent of the total net operating costs
• Fourth year: at least 40 percent of the total net operating costs
• Fifth year: at least 50 percent of the total net operating costs
• Sixth year: at least 70 percent of the total net operating costs

The cash match may be composed of state, local, federal, or private-sector funding.

Preference will be given to applicants that provide nonfederal cost share from multiple sources that demonstrate broad participation by affected stakeholders. Preference will also be given to applicants proposing higher percentages of match.

Preference will also be given to applications that demonstrate the project will be sustainable beyond the project period.

Funding Notes:

A total of $153,845,680 is available to support grants or cooperative agreements through this program. Up to six awards may be simultaneously active through this program, and there are currently three active awards; however, up to three awards for additional funding may be provided for currently awarded recipients, as detailed on page 4 of the NOFA file. There are no minimum or maximum award amounts.

Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis.

Applicants may apply for multiple years of funding, up to six years, or only one year of funding, provided the service has not already received six years of funding. Applicants may receive up to six years of funding, and awards may not be renewed.

Preference will be given to projects where the start of revenue services is likely to occur within one year of award selection.

Award recipients must seek written approval from the funding agency for pre-award activities to be eligible for reimbursement.

Funds may not be used for commuter rail passenger transportation.

In May 2020, more than $22 million was distributed via three awards ranging from $4,395,616 to $12,569,200 through this program. Refer to the Award file for details.

August 14, 2024
A recording of the webinar for this program has been released, and a link to the presentation is available in the Application section. Additionally, the slides of the webinar have been released and attached as the WebinarPresentation file. The Eligibility and Financial sections have been updated accordingly.