6.24.26 - FINAL DRAFT CHBP Application Template.docx

Fiscal Year 2026 Competitive Highway Bridge Program Application Template

This is the Application Template for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP).

Submission of this Application Template is required as part of a complete application package. The Application Template, in conjunction with the allowable attachments and standard forms, must provide all information necessary for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine if the project meets the eligibility requirements described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Section B and to evaluate the criteria specified in NOFO Section F. FHWA will consider applications submitted without the completed template as incomplete and will not review the submission. FHWA encourages applicants to review the NOFO in its entirety to ensure their project is eligible and the application includes all required information and documentation.

Expand the response blocks as necessary but limit the total Application Template to a total of 25 pages not including attachments. [Applicants: delete instructions shown below in italic prior to submittal.]

I. SUMMARY

Project Name:

Eligible Entity Applying to Receive Federal Funding:

State(s) in which the project is located:

Lead Applicant Point of Contact information (name address, phone numbers, email):

Project Abstract: Summarize project work to be completed under the project and succinctly describe how the CHBP funds would be used to complete the project.

Attachments: Please list any attachments to this form, including letters of support.

II. Project Information

Expand the response blocks as necessary. [Applicants: delete instructions shown below in italic prior to submittal.]

III. Budget and Funding

Other Federal programs and estimated amounts: (add lines as needed).

Program: _________________Amount: $____________

Amount: $____________

☐ A detailed scope and schedule are attached separately. The file is named:

Activity: Cost:

Activity: Cost:

Activity: Cost:

Activity: Cost:

☐ A detailed budget is attached separately. The file is named:

IV. Merit Criteria

In the space below, describe how the project will meet the merit criteria and the associated objectives as found in Section F of the FY 2026 CHBP NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application. Expand the response blocks as needed.

Criterion #1: State of Good Repair, Investing in Core Infrastructure

[Instruction: If supporting information or quantifiable data and analysis are attached, identify the filename in this block.]

Criterion #2: Safety and Mobility

[Instruction: If supporting information or quantifiable data and analysis are attached, identify the filename in this block. Note, discussion of 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 217(e) may be included in support of objective 2(b). For additional information about this requirement, please see the Bridge Investment Program Questions and Answers (Q&As) section on “Compliance with 23 U.S.C. § 217(e) and Safe Accommodations for Bicyclists and Pedestrians” Q&A #35 and #36.]

Criterion #3: Innovation

[Instruction: If supporting information or quantifiable data and analysis are attached, identify the filename in this block.]

V. Project Readiness

In the space below, describe how the project will meet the Project Readiness Elements considerations and the associated elements as found in Section F of the FY 2026 CHBP NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application. Expand the response blocks as needed.

Readiness: Technical Assessment

Readiness: Financial Completeness Assessment

Readiness: Permitting Risk Assessment

VI. DOT Selection Priorities

In the space below, describe how the project will meet the selection priorities in Section F of the FY 2026 CHBP NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application.

DOT Selection Priorities

Check all that apply to the project (DOT will utilize information in other portions of the application to determine responsiveness to the other Selection Priorities listed in the NOFO):

☐ The project will improve the condition of bridges in poor condition, demonstrated by having one or more bridge components with a condition rating of 4 or less; or will improve the condition of bridges in fair condition but at risk of falling into poor condition, demonstrated by having one or more components with a condition rating of 5.

☐ The project will improve safety or mobility on 50 percent or more of the bridges in the bundle.

☐ The project supports an industry of national interest, including critical minerals, steel, the defense industrial base, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

☐ The project improves access to national security and defense facilities or facilitate movement of military cargo or personnel.

☐ The application is requesting funds for construction only and the project will be ready to obligate funds for construction within three months of notification of selection. Alternatively, the project was rated High in Project Readiness Rating and will be ready to obligate funds for construction within 18 months of notification of selection.

☐ The application is submitted by an eligible applicant eligible under the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 Competitive Highway Bridge Program but did not receive funds under that program.

☐ None of the above apply to the project.

Briefly describe below how the project meets the checked boxes under DOT Selection Priorities.

Provide below or attach a list or table of the following information:

· Bridge Numbers that are in poor condition

· Bridge Numbers that are in fair condition with at least one component in condition rating 5

· Bridge Numbers that improve safety

· Bridge Numbers that improve mobility