Application Notes:

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 16, 2024.

Applications must be submitted online at www.ecivis.com/grants.gov.

Applications must include:

• SF 424
• SF 424A or SF 424C (as applicable)
• SF 424B or SF 424D (as applicable)
• SF LLL
• Grants.gov lobbying form
• Project narrative (10 pages max)
• Appendices to the project narrative (if applicable)

The project narrative must be submitted as a single .pdf document. The funding agency recommends that the project narrative be prepared with standard formatting preferences, such as single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman.

The following are required in order to submit an application:

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration

Applicants may obtain a UEI number and verify or renew SAM registration status at www.ecivis.com/sam.

An optional webinar will be held for this program as follows:

October 10, 2024
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
Registration: usdot.zoomgov.com

A recording of the webinar held for this program can be found online at usdot.zoomgov.com/rec, which can be accessed using the passcode "7Dj@=D1J."

Applications will be evaluated according to the merit criteria, statutorily required project selection priorities, and the funding agency's priority selection considerations detailed on pages 26-31 of the NOFA file.

Refer to the NOFA file for additional application information.

Match Notes:

Applicants must provide at least 20 percent of the total project costs via cash or in-kind contributions. Priority may be given to applicants that provide matching contributions in excess of the required minimum.

Matching contributions may include private, local, tribal, or state funds. Property and materials may be used as matching contributions if the source is an individual or a private entity, local government, or tribe applying through the state department of transportation (DOT). Services may be used as matching contributions if the source is an individual or a private entity, local government, or tribe applying  through the state DOT directly to the funding agency.

In general, matching contributions may not include federal funds; however, a federal land management agency (FLMA) may use funds authorized for its use as matching contributions for scenic byway projects along public roads that provide access to or within federal or Indian land.

Matching contributions may not include previously incurred costs or previously expended or encumbered funds.

Funding Notes:

A total of $26.95 million is available through this program to support between 30 and 40 awards. There is no minimum or maximum award size.

Of the total funds available, $20 million is appropriated from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and an additional $7.5 million is appropriated from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. A set-aside of 2 percent of the appropriated funds will be used by the funding agency for administrative activities and technical assistance.

In general, funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis.

Awards are anticipated to be made in the first half of 2025.

If the successful applicant is a state DOT or if a state DOT will serve as a pass-through entity to a non-state DOT, funds will be awarded upon the execution of a project agreement, which is a type of award agreement for administration of funds to a state DOT in the Fiscal Management Information System (FMIS). The start of the project period will begin on the date that the funds are obligated in FMIS and end on the project end date in FMIS.

If the successful applicant is a tribe, funds will be awarded upon the execution of a grant agreement. The start of the project period will begin on the date that the award agreement is executed by the funding agency and end on the date that is listed in the award agreement.

Awards provided with FY 2023 appropriated funds must be obligated by September 30, 2026, and expended by September 30, 2031. Awards provided with FY 2024 appropriated funds must be obligated by September 30, 2027, and expended by September 30, 2032.

For projects that will be administered by a state DOT, funds may be used for costs incurred prior to the funding agency's obligation of funds under an advance construction authorization project agreement. For projects that will be administered by a non-state DOT, unless authorized by the funding agency in writing, funds may not be used for pre-award costs incurred prior to the execution of a project agreement.

Funds may not be used for:

• Projects that would not protect the scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, or archaeological integrity of a highway or adjacent areas
• Supporting or opposing union organizing, whether directly or as an offset for other funds
• Direct costs of ongoing administrative, operating or maintenance expenses of the following project activities
  • State department of transportation (DOT) or Indian tribe scenic byway programs
  • Byway marketing programs
  • Corridor management plan expenses of a byway organization
• Expenses for such activities as general staffing, hosting, and maintenance of a website; organizing and sponsoring annual promotional events or festivals; toll-free number maintenance; and costs associated with the fulfillment of individual information requests

For FY 2022, a total of $21.8 million was distributed via 33 awards ranging from $40,000 to $3,440,834 through this program. Refer to the Award file for details.

November 22, 2024
A list of answers to frequently asked questions regarding this program has been released and attached as the FAQ file. All relevant sections have been updated accordingly.

October 21, 2024
A recording of the webinar for this program has been released, and a link to the presentation is available in the Application section. In addition, presentation slides for the webinar have been released and attached as the WebinarPresentation file. The Summary section has been updated accordingly.