693JJ322NF00003.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number: 693JJ322NF00003

Title: “Center for Environmental Excellence”

NOFO Issue Date: 1/21/2022

Application Due Date: 3/31/2022

Estimated Award Date: 7/31/2022

693JJ322NF00003

SUMMARY

Funding Opportunity Summary: Up to $5,000,000 in Federal funding, subject to availability, for operation of a Center for Environmental Excellence (CEE) on a cost-sharing basis.

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Acquisition and Grants Management 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Mail Drop: E65-101 Washington, DC 20590

Attention: Sarah Tarpgaard, HCFA-32

Funding Opportunity Title: “Center for Environmental Excellence”

Eligibility: Eligibility for this funding opportunity is open to all sources.

Announcement Type: This announcement is a follow-on to Cooperative Agreement No. DTFH6116H00014 awarded to AASHTO in 2016 and entitled “Center for Environmental Excellence.”

Funding Opportunity Number: 693JJ322NF00003

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

Assistance Listing Number (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CDFA) Number):

20.205

Application Due Date: Submission Deadline by 3/31/2022 at 5 pm Eastern via Grants.gov (See Section D).

Questions: Submit Questions by email to Primary Point of Contact:

Sarah.Tarpgaard@dot.gov

Secondary Point of Contact: Robin.Hobbs@dot.gov mailto:Sarah.Tarpgaard@dot.gov mailto:Robin.Hobbs@dot.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE PAGE

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 CONTACT(S)

NOTE: The FHWA uses www.grants.gov for receipt of all applications. Applicants must register and use the system to submit applications electronically. Applicants are encouraged to register in advance of the submission deadline and to register to receive notifications of updates/amendments to this notice. Approval of user registrations for the site may take multiple weeks. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to monitor for any updates to this notice.

http://www.grants.gov/

SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit applications for award of one cooperative agreement for the operation of a Center for Environmental Excellence (CEE).

Under the planned award, the selected cooperative agreement Recipient shall manage, operate and maintain a CEE, for the purpose of providing a wide range of products and services to assist transportation agencies and industry in achieving environmental excellence in delivering their transportation programs, projects, and policies. Through information-sharing, technical assistance, partnership-building and training resources, the CEE shall help transportation agencies achieve environmental compliance and adopt transformative approaches to ensure transportation planning, project development, construction, maintenance, and operations serve all transportation system users.

The Assistance Listing Number (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number) for this NOFO is 20.205, Highway Training and Education.

2. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The legislative authority in Section 504(h) of Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), establishes centers for surface transportation excellence as a component of FHWA’s training and education programs.

23 U.S.C. 504(h)(1) authorizes Federal financial support:

In general. - The Secretary shall make grants … to establish and maintain centers for surface transportation excellence.

23 U.S.C. 504(h)(2) establishes the goals of the centers:

Goals. - The goals of a center … shall be to promote and support strategic national surface transportation programs and activities relating to the work of State departments of transportation in the areas of environment, surface transportation safety, rural safety, and project finance.

23 U.S.C. 504(h)(3) describes their role:

Role of the centers. - To … provide technical assistance, information sharing of best practices, and training in the use of tools and decision-making processes that can assist States in effectively implementing surface transportation programs, projects, and policies.

23 U.S.C. 504(h)(4)(A) requires a competitive selection process:

Competition. - A party entering into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other transaction with the Secretary …, or receiving a grant to perform research or provide technical assistance … shall be selected on a competitive basis.

23 U.S.C. 504(h)(4)(B) requires each center to develop a strategic plan:

Strategic Plan. – The Secretary shall require each center to develop a multiyear strategic plan that … describes – (I) the activities to be undertaken by the center; and (II) how the work of the center will be coordinated with the activities of the Federal Highway Administration and the various other research, development, and technology transfer activities authorized under … [the training and education program].

Cost sharing or matching is required under this cooperative agreement. The Federal share of the cost of activities carried out by the Recipient under FAST Act Sec. 6002(c)(1), must be a maximum of eighty (80) percent.

3. BACKGROUND

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141), codified in 23 U.S.C. 504, provided the authority to establish, operate and maintain the Centers for Excellence. The Act provided direction to the FHWA to promote and advance strategic national surface transportation programs and activities related to the environment. A vital part in promoting and advancing these programs and activities is to fully engage the State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), which are FHWA’s primary partners in administering the Federal aid highway program.

In 2016, FHWA awarded a competitively solicited cooperative agreement to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to establish the CEE. A goal of the CEE is to facilitate information sharing and technical assistance to the State DOTs.

This cooperative agreement is scheduled to expire in 2022, and FHWA intends to award – on a competitive basis – a new agreement to establish and operate a CEE for a period of five years.

The FHWA has been promoting the advancement of environmental stewardship and accelerating project delivery at both the national and state levels and has fostered innovation and been effective in the leveraging of resources. Some areas where significant advances have been made include:

• Research and technology innovation such as scheduling software and GIS deployment;

• Project development process improvements;

• Access to collaborative problem-solving training;

• Stewardship demonstration projects in wetland protection and mitigation; and

• Use of resources and permitting agency liaisons to accelerate environmental reviews and improve predictability.

Past successes have indicated that accelerating project delivery and environmental stewardship activities are instrumental in positively influencing transportation project delivery.

To view the products of the CEE visit the website at http://environment.transportation.org/.

Home - Center for Environmental Excellence | AASHTO (transportation.org)

1. GOALS

Program Goal:

The goal of the cooperative agreement is to operate a CEE to assist the transportation industry in achieving environmental excellence in delivering their transportation programs, projects and policies.

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Goals:

In addition, the following Departmental goals relate to this project:

1. RACIAL EQUITY & BARRIERS TO OPPORTUNITY

It is a DOT goal to address racial equity and barriers to opportunity, as reflected in Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (86 FR 7009).

2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY

It is a DOT goal to consider climate change and sustainability impacts in support of Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (86 FR 7619).

3. RURAL OUTCOMES

It is a DOT goal to address the challenges faced by rural areas, consistent with the Department’s R.O.U.T.E.S. Initiative (https://www.transportation.gov/rural).

5. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the CEE are to:

• Promote environmental stewardship through development of resources that provide innovative ways to achieve environmental excellence in delivering transportation programs, projects, and policies, including the acceleration of the project delivery process;

• Serve as a resource for transportation professionals seeking technical assistance, training, information exchange, partnership-building opportunities, and quick and easy access to environmental and sustainability tools; and

• Provide a wide range of products and services to help transportation agencies incorporate environmental compliance, multimodalism, equity, environmental justice, context https://environment.transportation.org/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.transportation.gov%2Frural&data=04%7C01%7CEsther.Strawder%40dot.gov%7C2551aa47cb994d5bfa4c08d9581e6eeb%7Cc4cd245b44f04395a1aa3848d258f78b%7C0%7C0%7C637637709993880800%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=a%2BP6GCJqhOIncUSA23NXkj7SmciDXDHMISeaEdl1VvQ%3D&reserved=0 sensitive design solutions, complete streets, sustainability, climate resiliency, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and stewardship into transportation planning, project development, construction, maintenance, and operations.

6. STATEMENT OF WORK

The Recipient shall perform the following tasks. For DUE DATES, see the Deliverables Table in paragraph 8, below.

Task 1: Advisory Board

The Recipient shall establish an “Advisory Board” in consultation with FHWA, to include the following:

i) The Advisory Board shall include a representative sample comprised of State highway agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, city planning organizations, surface transportation research organizations and others who can assist in identifying current and emerging research and technical assistance needs. At least 51% of the Advisory Board shall be made up from members at State highway agencies.

ii) The Advisory Board members shall include interdisciplinary subject matter experts in the program areas listed below. Each program area will have at least one member as the primary point-of-contact. In addition, FHWA will appoint staff to serve on the Advisory Board.

(1) Environment (National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Natural and Human Environments),

(2) Transportation planning,

(3) Project development,

(4) Construction,

(5) Maintenance,

(6) Operations, and

(7) Representatives from other program areas as needed, such as: freight, public transportation operations, and public health

iii) The Advisory Board shall suggest tasks for the FHWA to consider when developing the Work Plan.

iv) The Advisory Board Members may independently solicit ideas with national organizations, groups, and other entities for the Work Plan.

v) The Recipient shall finalize the Advisory Board membership, in coordination with the

FHWA.

vi) The Recipient shall update the Advisory Board membership as needed, in coordination with the FHWA.

Task 2: Work Plan

The Recipient, with FHWA participation, shall coordinate with the Advisory Board at least once annually to solicit their ideas for tasks to be considered for the initial and subsequent Work Plan. Potential tasks may be within the areas of environment, transportation planning, project development, construction, maintenance, operations or other program areas deemed appropriate by the FHWA. Potential tasks shall consider what research efforts have been completed or are currently being undertaken by the following programs:

• Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) (http://www.trb.org/StrategicHighwayResearchProgram2SHRP2/Blank2.aspx);

• Transportation Research Board Cooperative Research Programs, including the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) (http://www.trb.org/NCHRP/NCHRP.aspx);

• University Transportation Center (UTC) Program (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/partnership/utc/);

• DOT-funded Technical Assistance Centers such as the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, and

• Other Centers for Surface Transportation Excellence.

Taking the information shared during the coordination with the Advisory Board and provided by FHWA, the Recipient shall develop a Draft Work Plan, which must include a breakdown of costs for the following areas:

a) Management/regularly scheduled meetings;

b) Research/technical; and

c) Travel/other direct costs.

The Recipient shall submit the Initial Draft Work Plan to the Advisory Board and FHWA for their individual voting and ranking of the suggested tasks. The Recipient shall tally the Advisory Board and FHWA votes and rankings and develop a Final Draft Work Plan. The Final Draft Work Plan shall also include the remaining overall balance of the current work plan and balance by individual task. The Recipient shall provide the Final Draft Work Plan to the FHWA, who will select which tasks the Final Work Plan will be comprised of and, therefore, carried out by the CEE. The FHWA will provide the Recipient with any needed comments to finalize the Work Plan, such as how much will be budgeted for each task, if the task qualifies to be subcontracted, and allowable travel and participation by the Recipient and participants.

The major categories of the Work Plan may include the following. Additional categories and associated tasks may be added with approval from FHWA.

Work Plan Program Areas

a. Improving and Accelerating Project Development

b. Environmental Compliance and Stewardship

c. Protection and Enhancement of Natural and Human Environments http://www.trb.org/StrategicHighwayResearchProgram2SHRP2/Blank2.aspx https://www.nationalacademies.org/trb/programs/cooperative-research-programs http://www.trb.org/NCHRP/NCHRP.aspx http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/partnership/utc/

d. Transformation through Process Improvements

e. Emerging/Priority Topics

f. Training and Technical Assistance

g. State DOT Partnership Building

The Work Plan for each subsequent performance year (PY) of the award will be from July 1 of a given year through June 30 of the following year. Subsequent Draft Work Plans will be developed by February 15 of the given PY, the final Draft Work Plans by March 15 of the given PY, and the Final Work Plan by April 15 of the same PY.

Task 3: Performance of Work Plan Tasks

The Recipient shall complete the tasks in each annual Work Plan within the Work Plan PY in which they are identified, unless otherwise noted within the Work Plan or approved by the FHWA Agreement Officer (AO). The Recipient shall prepare a cost estimate for each task in the Work Plan to be pre-approved by the AO.

For performance of each task in the Work Plan, the Recipient, in coordination with the FHWA, shall organize a “Task Team” (Team) for each task at the execution of the task. Each Team will be comprised of at least the FHWA point of contact (POC), a member from the Recipient team, and any additional non-contracted staff assisting or participating in the development or completion of the task. This team should be involved throughout the planning, execution and implementation/marketing of the task.

The Recipient, in coordination with the FHWA, shall develop an evaluation form/process for the Task Team to use in evaluating each task. The form/process shall focus on the successes, shortcomings and lessons learned of each task and how the agreement could have been more successful in completing the task. The results of the completed task’s evaluation form/process will be presented to the Advisory Board and discussed during a quarterly web-based status meeting.

The Recipient shall finalize the evaluation form/process, in coordination with the FHWA, within 120 days from award of the cooperative agreement. The Recipient shall update the evaluation form/process, in coordination with the FHWA, as needed.

Task 4: Environmental Research Database

The Recipient shall develop and maintain an electronic clearinghouse for compiling transportation related, environmental related topics requiring research from all stakeholders at the Federal, state, local, academia and private sectors. The Recipient shall develop methods for prioritizing and advancing national, regional and local research needs. The Recipient shall provide technical assistance to State DOTs in the areas of research.

Task 5: CEE Website

The Recipient shall establish a CEE website to include:

1. Results from tasks currently being undertaken by the CEE.

2. CEE Work Plans, with quarterly updates on those tasks.

3. Research results and products from future CEE Work Plan tasks.

4. Other information as suggested by the Recipient, Advisory Board and/or

FHWA, with FHWA approval.

This website shall be established in an architecturally compatible format where the ownership, development and maintenance of the website are easily transferrable.

The Recipient shall provide all final deliverables funded under the award to the FHWA in compliance with 508 requirements for potential posting on the FHWA website.

Task 6: Management and Administration

The Recipient shall provide written quarterly progress updates to the Advisory Board and the FHWA, and hold a one-hour virtual meeting to discuss the progress of each task, funding by task and overall agreement, evaluation of completed tasks, marketing of completed tasks and other topics identified by the Advisory Board, FHWA or the Recipient. Additional coordination may occur, pending FHWA approval. The written quarterly progress updates and virtual meetings with the Advisory Board and the FHWA shall follow the following schedule:

• First Quarter (January to March), by April 30;

• Second Quarter (April to June), by July 31;

• Third Quarter (July to September), by October 31, and

• Fourth Quarter (October to December), by January 31.

The Recipient shall provide:

a. Annual web-based Advisory Board/FHWA Meeting(s) to develop the Work Plan.

b. Quarterly web-based status meetings with the Advisory Board/FHWA.

c. In-person or web-based meetings with FHWA.

d. Development of final Work Plan.

7. BRANDING

For consistency in marketing, all correspondence, deliverables, website and any activities for CEE tasks shall adhere to the following:

CEE Website:

1) Results from search engines: For a search result for the CEE homepage, the main title shall state “The Center for Environmental Excellence;” the descriptions shall discuss the legislative authority for the CEE, and the FHWA and Recipient’s role in carrying out the

CEE.

2) Within the CEE’s webpages: All titles, banners, descriptions and references of the CEE shall state “The Center for Environmental Excellence.” The Recipient shall coordinate with the FHWA on the development of the website and how the CEE is referenced within the website.

CEE Deliverables:

1) Cover page: The cover page of each deliverable shall state “Center for Environmental Excellence” and the title of the document. Additional information on the cover shall be determined through coordination with the FHWA.

2) Second page/Introduction/Executive Summary: Pending the format of the document, the second page, introduction and/or executive summary shall discuss the legislative authority for the CEE, and the FHWA and Recipient’s role in carrying out the CEE.

3) Last page/summary/recommendations/conclusions: Pending the format of the document, the last page, summary, recommendations or conclusions paragraph shall discuss the legislative authority for the CEE, and the FHWA and Recipient’s role in carrying out the

CEE.

CEE Correspondence:

1) Title/Subject heading: The title/subject heading shall state “The Center for Environmental Excellence.”

2) Hardcopy and electronic correspondence: Opening paragraph shall discuss the legislative authority for the CEE, and the FHWA and Recipient’s role in carrying out the CEE.

8. DELIVERABLES

Task Deliverable Due Date (after effective date of award) Section 508 Compliant?

1 Finalize the Advisory Board Membership

30 days, update as needed N/A

2 Initial Draft Work Plan 60 days, with subsequent Draft Work Plans no later than February 15 of the given year

Yes

2 Final Draft Work Plan 90 days, with subsequent Final Draft Work Plans no later than March 15 of the given year

Yes

2 Final Work Plan 120 days, subsequent Final Work Plans no later than April 15 of the given year

Yes

3 Establish Task Team As needed for task execution N/A 3 Evaluation form/process 120 days, update as needed Yes 4 Establish Environmental

Research Database 120 days, update as needed Yes

5 Establish Website 120 days, update as needed Yes 6 Written Quarterly Progress

Reports and Virtual Advisory Board Meetings

Quarterly. First Quarter (January to March), by April 30; Second Quarter (April to June), by July 31; Third Quarter (July to September), October 31, and Fourth Quarter (October to December), by January 31.

Yes (reports)

NOTE: Section 508 requirements are included in the General Terms and Conditions available online at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa/generaltermsconditions.cfm

<end of section> http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa/generaltermsconditions.cfm

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. FUNDING

The total estimated value of this cooperative agreement is up to $6,250,000 at a Federal share of 80 percent (a Federal Share of up to $5,000,000 and a Non-Federal Share of 20 percent up to $1,250,000), to be expended over a 5-year period of performance, subject to the availability of Federal funds:

Federal funds (currently available): $0 Federal funds (subject to availability): $5,000,000

TOTAL FEDERAL VALUE: $5,000,000

The Government’s obligation under the cooperative agreement is contingent upon the availability of funding. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the AO and until the awardee receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the AO.

NOTE: As needed, the FHWA reserves the right to incrementally fund specific tasks.

2. NUMBER/TYPE OF ASSISTANCE

The Government anticipates making one (1) award as a result of this NOFO. The planned award type is a cost reimbursement cooperative agreement with cost-sharing.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this cooperative agreement is up to five (5) years. This period of performance includes a base period of two (2) years, with three optional one-year extensions.

4. DEGREE OF FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT

The FHWA anticipates substantial Federal involvement between FHWA and the Recipient during this project. The anticipated Federal involvement will include:

• Technical assistance and guidance to the Recipient;

• Close monitoring of performance;

• Involvement in technical decisions;

• Participation in status meetings, including kick off meeting, technical committee and partner meetings, and annual budget reviews; and

• Review and comment on draft documents as appropriate.

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Application eligibility is open to all sources.

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

Cost sharing or matching is required under this cooperative agreement. The Federal share of the cost of activities carried out by the Recipient under FAST Act Sec. 6002(c)(1), must be a maximum of eighty (80) percent.

NOTE: Program income must be handled in accordance with SECTION F.

SECTION D - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants may obtain application forms at grants.gov under the Notice of Funding Opportunity Number cited herein.

The Applicant must complete and submit all forms included in the application package for this Notice as contained at www.grants.gov.

2. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

• Applications must be prepared on 8½ x 11- inch paper. Pages that exceed this size, such as foldouts, are not allowable.

• Narrative text must be printed using a font size no less than 12-point font.

• Tables are permitted. Text in tables may be smaller than 12-point font but must be legible.

• Page margins must be a minimum of 1-inch top, bottom, and each side.

• Page numbers may be located within the 1-inch margin.

• A Header or Footer identifying the Applicant/Team and the Volume or Part, may be located within the 1-inch margins.

• Resumes are limited to one page each.

• PAGE LIMITS: Application volumes shall adhere to the page count limitations listed below. The page limit incudes all narratives, figures, tables, appendices, and all other ancillary materials with the exception of the following.

EXCEPTION ON PAGE LIMITS: The following items do NOT count against the page limitation.

• Document covers;

• Cover letters;

• Title pages;

• Divider pages;

• Table of contents;

• Lists of acronyms;

• Letters of intent to participate from proposed subcontractors, consultants, partners and proposed new hires; and

• Resumes. (NOTE: resumes shall not exceed one page each.)

The application package must consist of the following in this order:

1) Volume 1 – Technical Application as described below – limited to 35 single-spaced pages (Parts I, II and II combined)

• Part I – Technical and Management Approach (included in the page limitation)

• Part II – Experience (included in the page limitation)

• Part III – Staffing Approach (included in the page limitation; resumes are not included in the page limitation and can be an Attachment to Volume I)

In the event a technical application exceeds the page limitation, the Government will evaluate only the pages identified within the limitation above.

2) Volume 2 – Budget Application as described below – no page limit

• Part I – Application Forms

• Part II – Cost and Other Financial Information

Submit your application in the following format:

Volume 1 - Technical Application: As described below (see page limitations above)

NOTE: Applicants should review the Technical Merit Criteria listed in NOFO Section E.1 to ensure the Volume 1 includes sufficient information to address the merit criteria.

1) Part I – TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT APPROACH:

Provide a technical and management plan describing in detail how you would proceed to carry out the work specified in Section A if awarded the cooperative agreement.

a) Describe in detail the approach to carry out the work specified in the Statement of

Work. Provide a technical approach to EACH task. Include the following:

(i) Potential Advisory Board members or potential make-up of the Advisory

Board, and how the Advisory Board will be engaged in the Work Plan.

(ii) Proposed approach to executing tasks, Task Team development, content of evaluation form and evaluation process.

(iii)Provide a mock Work Plan to include potential CEE tasks and mock schedule.

(iv) Proposed approach to consider what research efforts that have been completed or currently being undertaken by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2); National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP); University Transportation Center (UTC) Program or other Centers for Surface Transportation Excellence.

b) Discuss how CEE will help transportation agencies to meet their goals and needs, and how the effectiveness of CEE and its services will be measured.

c) Describe milestones and deliverables. Provide a table listing all proposed milestones/deliverables and estimated dates, based on time from award.

d) Describe the approach to address and achieve the goals and objectives contained in Section A of the NOFO. Describe the approach to address and achieve: (1) the program goal and objectives; and (2) the DOT goals of Equity, Climate Change, and Rural Outcomes listed in Section A of the NOFO.

2) Part II – EXPERIENCE:

Provide a description of completed, ongoing projects, or both, that demonstrate organizational and staff experience relevant to this project, including:

a) Project title, description, value, and dates;

b) Sponsor/customer point of contact to include sponsor/customer name, title, organization, email address, phone number;

c) Role of Applicant in project;

d) Explanation of why or how the project is considered relevant or similar to the effort required by this NOFO; and

NOTE: In determining relevancy, consideration should be given, but not limited to, such things as product/service similarity, size and complexity, agreement type, division of company proposing, and sub-recipient interaction.

e) Explanation of the project goals accomplished and any cost growth or schedule delays encountered. For any project, which did not/do not successfully achieve its goals, a brief explanation of the reason(s) for such shortcomings and any demonstrated corrective actions taken to avoid recurrence.

NOTE: Prior to award, FHWA may contact past sponsor/customers to support the Agency’s risk assessment of the application.

3) Part III – STAFFING APPROACH:

Provide a staffing plan describing in detail how you would proceed to carry out the work specified in Section A if awarded the cooperative agreement. Provide an organizational chart identifying proposed staff members assigned to this effort. The chart must be supported with narrative text to include the title and a brief description of each position’s responsibilities, as well as the proposed level of effort and allocation of time (percent in relation to their other duties) for each position on a yearly basis and in summary format.

The level of effort may be displayed (single spaced) in a table format. One table can be presented if the level of effort will be constant over all years, and the table is annotated as such. The hours in this table must be consistent with the information presented in Volume II, Parts I and II, as part of the detailed budget plan. Provide brief tailored resumes for the proposed CEE leadership (Director, Principal Investigator (PI), Program Manager (PM)) and other key personnel to include name, experience, education and proposed role in project.

Describe how the work plan tasks will be executed, including:

i) Roles and responsibilities of recipient and subcontractor staff.

ii) How will it be determined if tasks are contracted out.

iii) How will it be determined if the task(s) are done in-house by the recipient.

iv) Combination of contracted/in-house.

Volume 2 - Budget Application: As described below - no page limit

a. Part I - APPLICATION FORMS

1. SF424

NOTE: Applicants may leave fields 5a, 5b, 6, 7, and 13 blank on the form.

2. SF424A

NOTE: Section A:

- Block 1(a): Print opportunity title listed on page 1;

- Block 1(b): Print Assistance Listing Number (formerly CFDA number) listed on page 1;

- Block 1(c): Print Total Federal Funds Requested in dollars; and,

- Block 1(d): Print Total Cost Share in dollars, and leave columns (e), (f), and

(g) and rows 2, 3, and 4 blank.

3. SF424B

4. SFLLL

NOTE: The form must be completed and submitted even if no lobbying to report. If no lobbying to report insert none or n/a in the relevant blocks.

b. Part II – COST AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

NOTE: Profit/fee is not allowable for the prime Recipient.

Provide a separate detailed budget plan for each year and summarize the information for all years for all activities. Clearly show Federal share; Non-Federal share; and Total.

Spreadsheets can be formatted similarly to the format in DOT Form 4220.44, located at:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa/pdfs/frm4220_44.pdf.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa/pdfs/frm4220_44.pdf

The detailed budget plan must include each of the following items/sub-items:

1. Budget tables clearly delineating and supporting all estimated costs: with columns for Federal Share, Cost Share and Total Costs (per year and in summary form) as follows:

a. Labor Rates - Direct labor-by-labor categories to include hours, rates and escalation. Anticipated promotions for any personnel must be included with the escalation calculation. The labor rates and annual direct labor escalations rate and its basis must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200.430.

b. Indirect Rates – Provide your organization’s signed current approved indirect cost rate from the cognizant Federal agency or letter of request to cognizant agency for rate establishment or adjustment. Indirect costs rates must be established according to 2 CFR 200.414.

NOTE: Per 2 CFR 200.414(f), Indirect (F&A) Costs, any Applicant that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in 2 CFR Part 200 appendix VII, paragraph D.1.b may elect to propose a de minimis indirect rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs.

c. Other Direct Costs - Applicants must provide a breakout and justification of Other Direct Costs by Category (travel, equipment, etc.). Direct costs must be in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Cost Principals).

d. Subcontractors/sub-recipients - If subcontractors/sub-recipients (lower-tiered organizations and/or individual consultants) will be used in carrying out this project, the following minimum information concerning such, must be furnished:

i. Name and address of the organization or consultant.

ii. Description of the portion of work to be conducted by the organization or consultant.

iii. Cost details for that portion of work.

iv. Applicant’s cost/price analysis of each sub-recipient/contractor(s) showing how their price is fair and reasonable (this includes any sub-recipient/contractor(s) that will be included in the Federal share or the non-Federal share).

v. Letter of commitment from each sub-recipient/contractor(s) (this includes any sub-recipient/contractor(s) that will be included in the Federal share, the non-Federal share or in a non-paid (volunteer) capacity).

vi. Provide detail and support for cost share as part of overall project budget.

vii. Clearly delineate cost share match versus Federal share.

2. Identify any exceptions to the anticipated award terms and conditions as contained in Section F, Federal Award Administration Information. Identify any preexisting intellectual property that you anticipate using during award performance, and your position on its data rights during and after the award period of performance.

3. The use of a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS) number is required on all applications for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. Please provide your organization’s DUNS number in your budget application.

a. Note that, prior to April 4, 2022, Applicants should have or obtain both a

DUNS number and a SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) as the DUNS will remain the authoritative identifier until that date. See Section 3, Unique Entity Identifier, below.

4. A statement to indicate whether your organization has previously completed an

A-133 Single Audit and, if so, the date that the last A-133 Single Audit was completed.

5. A statement regarding Conflicts of Interest. The Applicant must disclose in writing any actual or potential personal or organizational conflict of interest in its application that describes in a concise manner all past, present or planned organizational, contractual or other interest(s), which may affect the Applicants' ability to perform the proposed contract in an impartial and objective manner.

Actual or potential conflicts of interest may include but are not limited to any past, present or planned contractual, financial, or other relationships, obligations, commitments or responsibilities, which may bias the Applicant or affect the Applicant’s ability to perform the cooperative agreement in an impartial and objective manner. The AO will review the statement(s) and may require additional relevant information from the Applicant. All such information, and any other relevant information known to DOT, will be used to determine whether an award to the Applicant may create an actual or potential conflict of interest. If any such conflict of interest is found to exist, the AO may (a) disqualify the Applicant, or (b) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the United States to contract with the Applicant and include appropriate provisions to mitigate or avoid such conflict in the cooperative agreement pursuant to

2 CFR 200.112.

6. A statement to indicate whether a Federal or State organization has audited or reviewed the Applicant’s accounting system, purchasing system, and/or property control system. If such systems have been reviewed, provide summary information of the audit/review results to include as applicable summary letter or agreement, date of audit/review, Federal or State point of contact for such review.

7. Terminated Contracts - List any contract/agreement that was terminated for convenience of the Government within the past 3 years, and any contract/agreement that was terminated for default within the past 5 years.

Briefly explain the circumstances in each instance.

8. Describe how your organization will obtain the necessary resources to fund and fulfill the proposed cost share, as applicable.

9. The Applicant is directed to review Title 2 CFR Part170 (http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170_main_02.tpl) dated November 12, 2020, and Appendix A thereto, and acknowledge in its application that it understands the requirement, has the necessary processes and systems in place, and is prepared to fully comply with the reporting described in the term if it receives funding resulting from this NOFO. The text of Appendix A will be incorporated in the award document as a General Term and Condition as referenced under this NOFO’s Section F, Federal Award Administration Information.

10. Disclose any violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.339 entitled Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment. (See also 2 CFR Part 180 and 31 U.S.C.

3321).

11. If a nonprofit or not-for-profit status, please provide evidence of this status preferably from the Internal Revenue Service.

12. Acknowledgement of acceptance of the NOFO terms and acknowledgement and acceptance of any Amendments issued to this NOFO. List Amendment numbers and issue dates, if any.

3. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD (SAM)

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: Effective April 4, 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number will no longer be required for entities doing business with the Federal government and will be replaced by the SAM UEI. As of that date, Applicants will need to use a UEI issued during the SAM.gov registration process. Active registrants in SAM.gov have had their SAM UEI automatically assigned and it is currently viewable within SAM.gov; there is no action for registered entities to take at this time to obtain their SAM UEI. Note that, prior to April 4, 2022, Applicants should have or obtain both a DUNS number and a SAM UEI as the DUNS will remain the authoritative identifier until that date. Please see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#UEI for more information on the transition from DUNS to SAM UEI, including what UEI to enter into the UEI field on grants.gov and on application package forms.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170_main_02.tpl https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#UEI

Effective April 4, 2022, each Applicant is required to:

a. Have an active registration in SAM.gov at the time the Applicant submits an application;

b. Provide a valid UEI in their application; and

c. 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 a Federal awarding agency.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) may not make a Federal award to an Applicant until the Applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements.

If an Applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the Applicant is not eligible to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another Applicant.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: The SAM requires the registrant to provide a UEI number to complete the registration. These processes can take several weeks to complete so should be started well before the application deadline.

4. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

The application must be received electronically through www.grants.gov by the application due date/time listed on page 2 of this NOFO (or as updated by a NOFO Amendment, if applicable).

The due date/time is the date and time by which FHWA must receive the full and completed application, including all required sections. A late application will not be reviewed or considered unless the AO determines that doing so is in FHWA’s best interest.

5. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

An application under this NOFO is not subject to the State review under E.O. 12372.

6. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

The FHWA will not reimburse any pre-award costs or application preparation costs under this proposed agreement.

7. GRANTS.GOV

Applicants must follow the instructions on Grants.gov to successfully use the website to submit an application. Use of Grants.gov may entail the following steps.

a. Register with SAM at www.SAM.gov

b. Obtain a valid UEI;

• Before April 4, 2022, obtain both a DUNS number (from Dunn & Bradstreet) and SAM UEI; or

• As of April 4, 2022, obtain a SAM UEI only.

c. Create a Grants.gov account as needed; and

d. Respond to the registration email sent to the E-Business Point of Contact from

Grants.gov, and login at Grants.gov to authorize the Applicant as the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Please note that there can be more than one AOR for an organization.

**Please note that the Grants.gov registration process may take two to four weeks.

The FHWA will generally not consider late applications that are the result of failure to register or comply with Grants.gov Applicant requirements in a timely manner. For information and instruction on each of these processes, please see instructions at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html. See www.grants.gov for training resources, including video tutorials.

For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the agency point of contact listed in the NOFO.

If Applicants experience difficulties at any point during the registration or application submittal process, please contact the Grants.gov Support Center (see Grants.gov for Support Center contact information). If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, contact the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist FHWA with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

In the event of system problems or technical difficulties with the application submittal, Applicants should contact the FHWA point of contact designated in Section G of the NOFO. If Applicants are unable to use the system due to technical difficulties, Applicants must email applications to the FHWA point of contact listed in the NOFO no later than the application deadline cited above.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html

SECTION E - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Government will evaluate applications on following criteria:

MERIT: The Government will evaluate the application against the following technical evaluation criteria, considered of equal importance. These criteria are distinct from eligibility criteria (see Section C) that are addressed before an application is accepted for review.

1. Technical and Management Approach

a. Demonstration of a sound, feasible, and achievable technical and management approach to CEE tasks.

b. Demonstrated understanding of the technical information needs relating to establishing CEE.

c. Demonstrated understanding of how to address and accomplish the goals and objectives listed in NOFO Section A. This includes (1) the program goal and objectives; and (2) the DOT goals of Equity, Climate Change, and Rural Outcomes listed in Section A of the NOFO.

2. Experience

a. Demonstration of experience with providing environmental and transportation program support nationally; providing technical assistance; information sharing of best practices; and training in the use of tools and decision-making processes to State DOTs.

b. Demonstration of experience collaborating with Metropolitan Planning Organizations, local governments, regulatory and resource agencies, Non- Governmental Organizations, and the private sector.

c. Experience in managing large research budgets of diverse tasks in an efficient and timely fashion.

3. Staffing Approach

a. Demonstration of a sound, feasible, and achievable staffing approach to the tasks.

b. Demonstration of sufficient knowledge and relevant experience of the proposed

CEE leadership (PI, or Director, or Program Manager), staff, and sub-recipients to successfully perform the work.

COST: Relative cost will be considered in the award decision. The budget application will be analyzed to assess cost reasonableness and conformance to applicable cost principles.

This evaluation factor will not be rated.

Funding availability will also be considered in the award decision.

2. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

The DOT will utilize the following merit review process to evaluate applications:

A panel of Agency experts will evaluate all eligible technical applications using the merit criteria listed above. The panel will collectively rate applications based the evaluation criteria.

The Agency will select the application that is considered the most advantageous to the Agency using the criteria cited above, and subject to the results of an Applicant risk assessment.

Agency personnel from the FHWA Office of Acquisition and Grants Management will evaluate the cost criteria listed above and conduct a risk assessment of the selected Applicant prior to award as described below.

The selection official responsible for final award decisions is the Director, Assistance Agreements and Acquisition Services, Office of Acquisition and Grants Management, FHWA.

The Government reserves the right to not make an award to the Applicant based on the results of this risk assessment. The Government is not obligated to make any award as a result of this notice.

Risk Assessment

The Government will assess the risks posed by an Applicant before they receive an award.

This risk assessment will include evaluation of some or all of the following items relative to the Applicant and/or sub-applicants as applicable:

(1) Applicant’s financial stability;

(2) Applicant’s quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in 2 CFR Part 200;

(3) Applicant’s history of performance;

NOTE: History of performance includes the Applicant's record in managing Federal awards, if it is a prior Recipient of Federal awards, including timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, and if applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards. The Government will evaluate the relevant merits of the Applicant’s history of performance based on its reputation and record with its current and/or former customers with respect to quality, timeliness and cost control. The history of performance will be reviewed to assure that the Applicant has relevant and successful experience and will be considered in the risk assessment. In evaluating history of performance, the Government may consider both written information provided in the application, as well as any other information available to the Government through outside sources.

(4) Applicant’s audit reports and findings from audits performed on the Applicant pursuant to 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F – Audit Requirements or the reports and findings of any other available audits;

(5) Applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities;

(6) Applicant’s potential for conflict of interest, if applicable; and

NOTE: The FHWA will review information provided by the Applicant, and any other relevant information known to DOT, to determine whether an award to the Applicant may create an actual or potential conflict of interest. If any such conflict of interest is found to exist, the AO may (a) disqualify the Applicant, or (b) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the United States to award to the Applicant and include appropriate provisions to mitigate or avoid such conflict in the agreement pursuant to 2 CFR 200.112.

(7) Applicant’s eligibility to receive Federal funding. Per the guidelines on governmentwide suspension and debarment in 2 CFR Part 180, the Government will confirm that the Applicant and any named sub-applicants are not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities.

3. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding Agency is required to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of governmentwide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, such as Sam.gov and D&B if available. The Government’s review of this information will occur as part of the risk assessment. An Applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM.gov 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.gov.