693JJ324NF00010_PPPP NOFO.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration Notice of Funding Opportunity for Fiscal Years 2022, 2023, and 2024 Prioritization Process Pilot Program

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration

(FHWA).

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity

SUMMARY: The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit applications for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2024 Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP), which will result in the distribution of up to $30 million in grants ($10 million per fiscal year for FYs 2022-2024). The actual amount available to be awarded under this NOFO will be subject to the availability of funds.

Funds made available for FYs 2022-2024 for the PPPP are to be awarded on a competitive basis to metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) that serve a census designated urban area with a population over 200,000, or States. Funds will be made available for recipients to develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process for the selection of projects for inclusion in metropolitan and statewide long-range transportation plans, that support data-driven approaches to planning which, on completion, can be evaluated for public benefit. This NOFO describes the application requirements, selection and evaluation criteria, applicable program and Federal requirements, and available technical assistance during the grant solicitation period.

DATES: Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on May 1, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and awards will not be made, until after the application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to submit questions to PPPP@dot.gov by April 11, 2024 to ensure FHWA has adequate time to respond prior to the May 1, 2024 application deadline. FHWA cannot guarantee that questions received after that date will be answered prior to the application deadline.

FHWA plans to conduct outreach regarding the PPPP in the form of a virtual Webinar on March 7th, 2024, 2:00-3:00, PM Eastern Standard Time and April 9th, 2024, 1:00-2:00, PM Eastern Standard Time. To register for the Webinar, visit the PPPP website to find registration information. The Webinar will be recorded and posted on FHWA's PPPP Website at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/pppp. A Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) is available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 202-366-3993.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/pppp/

ADDRESSES:

Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov. Refer to Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 20.205.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mishel McCants Agreement Specialist Office of Acquisition and Grants Management Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Washington, DC 20590 Phone: (202) 366-4244 Email: PPPP@dot.gov (preferred)

Alternate:

Hector R. Santamaria Agreement Officer/Team Leader Office of Acquisition and Grants Management Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Washington, DC 20590 Phone: (202) 493-2402 Email: PPPP@dot.gov (preferred)

FHWA will not review applications in advance, but FHWA staff are available for general questions about PPPP and NOFO. FHWA will not provide technical assistance to any applicant, including providing guidance on how to address any information that should be included in an application. In addition, FHWA will post answers to questions and requests for clarifications at Grants.gov under this NOFO’s page. To ensure applicants receive accurate information about eligibility or the program, the applicants are encouraged to contact FHWA directly at PPPP@dot.gov, rather than through intermediaries or third parties, with questions.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Each section of this NOFO contains information and instructions relevant to the application process for PPPP grants. The applicants should read this NOFO in its entirety so that they have the information they need to submit eligible and competitive applications.

https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:PPPP@dot.gov mailto:PPPP@dot.gov mailto:PPPP@dot.gov

Table of Contents

A. Program Description…………………………………………………………………4

B. Federal Award Information…………………………………………………………..7

C. Eligibility Information………………………………………………………………..9

D. Application and Submission Information…………………………………………...13

E. Application Review Information……………………………………………………25

F. Federal Award Administration Information………………………………………...40

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts………………………………………………...45

H. Other Information...…………………………………………………………………46

NOTE:

This NOFO contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, 424C, 424 D, and SF-LLL has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 2105-0520.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB control number.

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 NOFO. 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. Overview

Section 11204 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021), established the Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP), which has $10 million authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund for each of FYs 2022 through 2026 for PPPP ($50 million over 5 years).

The purpose of PPPP is to support data-driven approaches to planning that, upon completion, can be evaluated for public benefit. The program provides funding to develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process for the ranking and selection of projects for inclusion in short-range and long-range transportation plans. FHWA will award no more than $10 million in total ($2 million maximum per award) in each fiscal year for eligible prioritization process pilots that meet the eligibility requirements found in Section C.3 and the selection criteria described in Section E.

The vision of PPPP is to fund the development and implementation of pilot prioritization processes (also referred to herein as PPPP pilot(s) or Project(s)) that address and integrate the components of existing transportation programs and support projects that improve safety, climate change and sustainability, equity, and economic strength and global competitiveness consistent with DOT’s strategic goals.1 FHWA also seeks to award Projects that address environmental justice, barriers to opportunity, coordination and integration of transportation and land use, vulnerable users, transparent public involvement, complete streets, freight, and system condition and reliability.

FHWA seeks to award prioritization process pilots under PPPP that include a public involvement plan that ensures transparency, accessibility, and accountability to the public throughout the development of the prioritization process throughout its implementation and throughout its use.

Public participation is an integral part of the transportation process which ensures that decisions are made in consideration of, and to benefit public needs and preferences. A continuous, transparent, and accountable process, bringing diverse viewpoints and values into the decision-making process, enables agencies to make better informed decisions throughout and builds mutual understanding and trust between the agencies and the public they serve. USDOT recently published a technical resource document titled Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making2 to provide transportation practitioners with examples of practices that can promote public involvement into transportation decision-making and how to effectively engage a broad representation of community members.

1 See U.S. Department of Transportation Strategic Framework FY 2022–2026 (December 2021) at https://www.transportation.gov/administrations/office-policy/fy2022-2026-strategic-framework.

2 See U.S. Department of Transportation, Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making, Updated November 2023, at: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023- 11/Promising%20Practices%20for%20Meaningful%20Public%20Involvement_2023Update_FINAL.pdf https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023-11/Promising%20Practices%20for%20Meaningful%20Public%20Involvement_2023Update_FINAL.pdf https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023-11/Promising%20Practices%20for%20Meaningful%20Public%20Involvement_2023Update_FINAL.pdf

Successful public participation is a continuous process, consisting of a series of activities and actions to inform the public and stakeholders of potential policies and projects, to obtain input from them on the choices surrounding those policies and projects, and inform them on the selections and reasoning behind those decisions. Federal-aid recipients, including recipients of PPPP funds, are responsible for involving the public, including traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations in transportation planning, and complying with participation and consultation requirements in Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 450.210 and

450.316 and the statutory requirements of the PPPP, as applicable.

To assist with these public engagement efforts, FHWA expects PPPP applications to demonstrate an applicant’s commitment to engage with all impacted communities and community leaders to determine which forms of communication are most effective, including gaining insight on the unique circumstances impacting various disadvantaged and underrepresented groups so that effective communication channels are developed, and to use this information to inform decisions across all aspects of PPPP Project development and implementation and project delivery.

Administration Priorities and Departmental Strategic Plan Goals

FHWA seeks to fund PPPP Projects under this NOFO that, in combination with the merit selection criteria advance the following goals:

Safety

DOT is committed to advancing safe, efficient transportation, including in FHWA’s PPPP pilot program.

The National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), issued January 27, 2022, commits DOT to respond to the current crisis in roadway fatalities by “taking substantial, comprehensive action to significantly reduce serious and fatal injuries on the Nation’s roadways,” in pursuit of the goal of achieving zero roadway deaths through a Safe System Approach.3 The data-driven prioritization and selection process of PPPP prioritized projects should align with the NRSS.

Climate Change and Sustainability

DOT seeks to fund PPPP Projects that incorporate prioritization and selection processes for identifying projects that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector;

incorporate evidence-based climate resilience measures and features; reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from the project materials; avoid adverse environmental impacts to air or water quality, wetlands, and endangered species; and address the disproportionate negative environmental impacts of transportation on disadvantaged communities, consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (86 FR 7619).

Equity

3 https://www.transportation.gov/NRSS

DOT seeks to award PPPP Projects that will create data-driven prioritization and selection processes that lead to proportional impacts and benefits to all populations in the planning area, that remove transportation related disparities in the planning area, and that increase equitable access to the benefits of selected projects, consistent with E.O. 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (86 FR 7009) and E.O. 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (88 FR 10825).

Workforce Development, Job Quality, and Wealth Creation

DOT intends to use PPPP to support the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union and the incorporation of strong labor standards and training and placement programs, especially registered apprenticeships, in project planning stages, consistent with E.O.

14025, Worker Organizing and Empowerment (86 FR 22829), and E.O. 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (86 FR 64335). DOT also intends to use PPPP to support wealth creation, consistent with the Department’s Equity Action Plan through the inclusion of local inclusive economic development and entrepreneurship such as the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Minority-owned Businesses, Women-owned Businesses, or 8(a) firms.

Section E of this NOFO, which outlines the FY 2022–2024 PPPP grant selection criteria, describes the process for selecting prioritization process pilots that further these goals. Section F.3 describes progress and performance reporting requirements for selected pilots, including the relationship between reporting and the program’s selection criteria, and the Priorities and Departmental Strategic Plan Goals as appropriate.

2. Additional Information

The PPPP grant program is described in the Federal Assistance Listings under the assistance listing program title ‘‘Prioritization Process Pilot Program Notice of Funding Opportunity’’ and assistance listing number 20.205.

DOT is committed to considering pilot project funding decisions holistically among the various discretionary grant programs available in BIL. In addition, DOT recognizes that applicants may be seeking funding from multiple discretionary grant programs and opportunities. An applicant may seek the same award amounts from multiple DOT discretionary opportunities or seek a combination of funding from multiple DOT opportunities.

The applicant should identify any other DOT discretionary programs and opportunities they intend to apply for (or use if the Federal funding is already available to the applicant), and what award amounts they will be seeking, in the appropriate sections of this NOFO, including Section D.2.b.II.

https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-04/Equity_Action_Plan.pdf

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Award Amount Available

The BIL authorizes $10 million to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund for PPPP for each FYs 2022 through 2026 ($50 million for all five FYs). These funds will be awarded by FHWA on a competitive basis. This NOFO solicits applications for PPPP up to $10 million annually for FY 2022-2024 for awards for eligible entities, subject to availability.4

2. Award Size

Under Section 11204(c)(3) of BIL, the maximum amount of a grant under PPPP is $2,000,000.

3. Statutory Funding Provisions

There are no statutory funding provisions for PPPP.

4. Type of Award

If the successful applicant is a State department of transportation (State DOT) or a State DOT will serve as a pass-through entity to a non-State DOT entity, PPPP funds will be awarded upon the execution of a project agreement, which is a type of grant agreement, for administration of funds to a State DOT in Fiscal Management Information System (FMIS).

If the successful applicant is a non-State DOT, funds will be awarded upon the execution of a grant agreement with FHWA. A determination will be made if the successful applicant will administer the grant, or at the request of the successful applicant, an applicable State DOT will administer the project.

5. Availability of Funds

For each fiscal year of PPPP funds available under this NOFO, there is an obligation deadline as described in the chart below. Obligation of PPPP grant funds occurs when a selected applicant enters a project/grant agreement with FHWA and FHWA authorizes the project to proceed.

4 The amount of PPP funding available for award and obligation is reduced from the authorized level based on the imposition of the Federal-aid Highway Program obligation limitation contained in each fiscal year’s annual appropriations act. Based on the obligation limitation calculations, the amount available for award for FY 2022 is $9,130,000 and the amount available for award for FY 2023 is $8,780,000. The amount available for award for FY 2024 will be determined upon enactment of the DOT FY 2024 appropriations act.

Fiscal Year Highway Trust Fund

(HTF)

Obligation Deadline

FY 2022 September 30, 2025

6. Period of Performance

To ensure that projects are started and completed in an efficient manner, FHWA expects applicants to develop the prioritization process and begin implementation of PPPP awarded projects within 2 years from the date of obligation of the grant funds, including progress reporting requirements. The 2-year time frame does not include reporting on implementation performance indicators as outlined in section F.3.c.

If a grant recipient will be a State DOT or if a State DOT will serve as a pass-through to a non- State DOT entity awarded a grant, the DOT Payment System will be “Current Bill” in the “FMIS” and the start of the period of performance will begin on the date PPPP funds are obligated in FMIS and end on the project end date in FMIS.

If a grant recipient will be a non-State DOT entity, the DOT Payment System will be “DELPHI eInvoicing” and the start of the period of performance will begin on the date of the grant agreement executed by FHWA which will obligate PPPP funds and end on the period of performance listed in the grant agreement.

7. Additional Transportation Planning

Any cost-savings realized after the conclusion of implementing a funded PPPP Project may be used for any transportation planning purpose. See BIL Section 11204(c)(2)(C). FHWA will provide additional guidance on use of remaining funds at a later date. Applicants are advised that FHWA will review the budget provided in Section E to ensure funds requested for the PPPP Project are reasonable for the award.

8. Additional Terms

For each PPPP Project that receives a grant under this NOFO, FHWA expects the applicant to include a detailed budget and cost estimate for the work, using a reasonable and complete scope of work appropriate for the undertaking and cost estimating assumptions appropriate for the study area. FHWA expects funded PPPP Projects to deliver the product as outlined in the application.

FY 2023 September 30, 2026

FY 2024 September 30, 2027

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

To be selected for a grant, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements under this section including: Eligible Applicant; Eligible PPPP Project; Statutory Cost Sharing or Match requirements, and the Application Requirement. Applications that do not meet all threshold eligibility requirements will not be evaluated under criteria in Section E.

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants for PPPP discretionary grants are (1) MPOs that serve a census delineated urban area with a population of over 200,000, and (2) States. (Section 11204(a)(1) of BIL) The term “metropolitan planning organization” has the meaning given the term in Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 134(b). (Section 11204 of BIL)

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under PPPP may be 100 percent of the total project cost.

See Section D.2.b.II for information about documenting voluntary cost sharing in the application.

3. OTHER

a. Number of Applications

Only one application may be submitted by an eligible applicant.

b. Eligible Projects

States and MPOs shall use PPPP grant funds to develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process to guide project selection in the development of the transportation plan and transportation improvements program for the planning area, as applicable. (BIL Sections 11204(c)(2)(A)(i) and (c)(2)(B)(i))

c. Application Requirement

Applications must disclose how the applicant will address all of the statutory required uses of PPPP grants under BIL Sections 11204(c)(1)(A-D) and 11204(c)(2)(A) or (B), and 11204(c)(2)(D) during the development and implementation of the PPPP Project. If an application does not address all of the required uses, the application will receive an ineligible determination.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=23-USC-309310695-293024746&term_occur=999&term_src=

Statutory Required Use of PPPP Grants

BIL Section 11204(c)(1)

Metropolitan Transportation Planning Statewide Transportation Planning

(A) Use priority objectives that are developed —

(i) in the case of an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000, by the metropolitan planning organization that serves the area, in consultation with the State; and

(iii) through a public process that provides an opportunity for public input;

(B) Assess and score projects and strategies on the basis of—

(i) the contribution and benefits of the project or strategy to each priority objective developed under subparagraph (A);

(ii) the cost of the project or strategy relative to the contribution and benefits assessed and scored under clause (i); and

(iii) public support;

(C) Use the scores assigned under subparagraph

(B) to guide project selection in the development of the transportation plan and transportation improvement program; and

(D) Ensure that the public—

(i) has opportunities to provide public comment on projects before decisions are made on the transportation plan and the transportation improvement program; and

(ii) has access to clear reasons why each project or strategy was selected or not selected.

(A) Use priority objectives that are developed —

(ii) in the case of an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer, by the State in consultation with all metropolitan planning organizations in the State; and

(iii) through a public process that provides an opportunity for public input;

(B) Assess and score projects and strategies on the basis of—

(i) the contribution and benefits of the project or strategy to each priority objective developed under subparagraph (A);

(ii) the cost of the project or strategy relative to the contribution and benefits assessed and scored under clause (i); and

(iii) public support;

(C) Use the scores assigned under subparagraph (B) to guide project selection in the development of the transportation plan and transportation improvement program; and

(D) Ensure that the public—

(i) has opportunities to provide public comment on projects before decisions are made on the transportation plan and the transportation improvement program; and

(ii) has access to clear reasons why each project or strategy was selected or not selected.

Statutory Required Use of PPPP Grants BIL Section 11204(c)(2)

(A) Metropolitan Transportation Planning (B) Statewide Transportation Planning

(i) Develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process for the selection of projects for inclusion on the transportation plan for the metropolitan planning area under 23 U.S.C.

134(i) and 49 U.S.C. 5303(i), which shall—

(I) include criteria identified by the MPO which may be weighted to reflect the priority objectives developed under paragraph (1)(A), that the MPO has determined support—

(aa) factors described in 23 U.S.C.

134(h) and 49 U.S.C. 5303(h) (see Section E.1.i Criterion 1.c.1);

(bb) targets for national performance measures 23 U.S.C.

150(b) (see Section E.1.i Criterion 1.c.2); and

(cc) applicable transportation goals in the metropolitan planning area or State set by the applicable transportation agency; and

(dd) priority objectives developed under paragraph 11204(1)(A) of

BIL;

(II) evaluate the outcomes for each proposed project on the basis of the benefits of the proposed project with respect to each of the criteria described in subclause (I) relative to the cost of the proposed project; and

(i) Develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent process for the selection of projects for inclusion on the long-range statewide transportation plan under section 23 U.S.C. 135(f), which shall—

(I) include criteria identified by the State, which may be weighted to reflect statewide priorities, that the State has determined support—

(aa) factors described in 23 U.S.C.

135(d) of Title 23 and 49 U.S.C.

5304(d) (see Section E.1.i Criterion 1.c.1);

(bb) national transportation goals under 23 U.S.C 150(b) (see Section E.1.i Criterion 1.c.2); and

(cc) applicable transportation goals in the State; and

(dd) the priority objectives developed under paragraph 11204(1)(A) of BIL;

(II) evaluate the outcomes for each proposed project on the basis of the benefits of the proposed project with respect to each of the criteria described in subclause (I) relative to the cost of the proposed project; and

(III) use the evaluation under subclause (II) to create a ranked list of proposed projects;

and

(III) use the evaluation under subclause (II) to create a ranked list of proposed projects;

and

PRIORITY RANKING

Metropolitan Transportation Planning

PRIORITY RANKING

Statewide Transportation Planning

(ii) with respect to the priority list under section 23 U.S.C. 134(j)(2)(A) and 49 U.S.C. 5303(j)(2)(A), include projects according to the rank of the project under clause(i)(III), except as provided in subparagraph (D).

(ii) with respect to the statewide transportation improvement program under section 23 U.S.C.

135(g) and 49 U.S.C. 5304(g), include projects according to the rank of the project under clause (i)(III), except as provided in subparagraph (D).

EXCEPTIONS TO PRIORITY RANKING

11204(c)(2)(D)

Metropolitan Transportation Planning

Statewide Transportation Planning

In the case of any project that the eligible entity chooses to include or not include in the transportation improvement program under 23 U.S.C. 134(j), in a manner that is contrary to the priority ranking for that project established under the PPPP grant project, the eligible entity shall make publicly available an explanation for the decision, including:

(i) a review of public comments regarding the project;

(ii) an evaluation of public support for the project;

(iii) an assessment of geographic balance of projects of the eligible entity; and

(iv) the number of projects of the eligible entity in economically distressed areas.

In the case of any project that the eligible entity chooses to include or not include in the statewide transportation improvement program under 23 U.S.C. 135(g), in a manner that is contrary to the priority ranking for that project established under the PPPP grant project, the eligible entity shall make publicly available an explanation for the decision, including:

(i) a review of public comments regarding the project;

(ii) an evaluation of public support for the project;

(iii) an assessment of geographic balance of projects of the eligible entity; and

(iv) the number of projects of the eligible entity in economically distressed areas.

SECTION D - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

All application materials may be found on Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov.

Once at Grants.gov, select the Search Grants tab. Then enter one of the following:

• Opportunity Number: 693JJ324NF00010

• Opportunity Name: Prioritization Process Pilot Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

• Assistance Listing Number: 20.205 Highway Planning and Construction

When at one of these pages, select the Opportunity, which will open to a page with several tabs.

The first tab is a synopsis of the opportunity. Select the Application Package tab to download the forms needed to submit an FY 2022 through FY 2024 PPPP grant application.

For a Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD), please call (202) 366-3993. If potential applicants are unable to download the application package from the internet, they may send a written request for a paper copy to the below address. Requests should be sent to:

Mishel McCants Agreement Specialist Office of Acquisition and Grants Management Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE.

Washington, DC 20590 Email: PPPP@DOT.gov (preferred) Phone: (202) 366-4244

2. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

All applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov.

The content and form of the application submission is described below. Please be advised that FHWA may share application information within DOT or with other Federal Agencies if FHWA determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives.

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

(i) Standard Form 424

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

Note: A number of separate PDF flat files must be attached in Item 15 to provide required project information that is not included in the body of the SF-424.

mailto:PPPP@DOT.gov https://www.grants.gov/

Instructions for adding Item 15 Attachments:

• Click on “Add Attachments” in Item 15 to open the first pop-up window.

Click “Add Attachment” and a second pop-up File Explorer/Directory window will appear, from which you can choose files to attach. Attachments can be added one at a time or all at once by holding down the CTRL key and selecting multiple files. Select “Open” to add the selected files as attachments.

• Click “Done” to finalize the attachments.

• Click “View Attachments” to see a list of files that have been added as attachments.

Required attachment(s): the Project Narrative must be added as Attachments to Item 15 of the SF-424.

(ii) Required Forms for Non-Construction Projects

Applicants proposing non-construction-related projects must submit the Standard Form 424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs).

Note: The Standard Form 424A should be supported by a budget narrative explaining each element of cost.

(iii) Mandatory Forms for All Applications

A. Grants.gov Lobbying Form; and B. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form (SF-LLL).

Note: All mandatory forms are available for download at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family

(iv) Project Narrative

FHWA expects the project narrative will be submitted in the following order, using the following section names:

I. Basic Project Information – Description, Location, and Parties

See D.2.iv.I

II. Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of all Project Funding

See D.2.iv.II

III. Merit Criteria See D.2.iv.III

IV. FHWA Project Readiness See D.2.iv.IV https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family

V. Administration Priorities and Departmental Strategic Plan Goals

See D.2.iv.V

VI. FHWA Priority Selection Considerations

See D.2.iv.VI

VII. Letters of Support

Following this project narrative order will assist evaluators in locating relevant information during the review of an application.

The project narrative should provide information, including a table of contents, maps, and graphics as appropriate and necessary for FHWA to determine that the PPPP Project satisfies the requirements described in Section C for the grant program and to assess the Merit Criteria specified in Section E.1.

To the extent practicable, applicants should provide supporting data and documentation in a form that is directly verifiable by FHWA. FHWA may, but is not required to, request additional information, including additional data, to clarify supporting data and documentation submitted in an application, but FHWA encourages applicants to submit the most relevant and complete information they can provide. FHWA also encourages applicants, to the extent practicable, to provide data in a form that is publicly available or verifiable. To ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation of applications submitted under this NOFO, FHWA will not request additional information to perfect incomplete applications.

FHWA recommends that the PPPP Project narrative be prepared with standard formatting preferences (i.e., a single-spaced document, using a standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins). The project narrative should not exceed 25 pages in length.

Appendices may include documents supporting assertions or conclusions made in the 25-page project narrative and do not count towards the 25-page limit. Website links to supporting documentation should be provided rather than copies of these supporting materials. If supporting documents are submitted, applicants should clearly identify within the project narrative the relevant portion of the project narrative that each supporting document supports. FHWA recommends using appropriately descriptive final names (e.g., “Project Narrative,” “Maps,” “Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Support,” etc.) for all attachments. FHWA recommends applications include the following sections:

Project Narrative Cover Page:

Each application should contain a project narrative cover page with the following chart:

What is the Project Name?

Who is the Project Sponsor?

Is the Project Sponsor a State, or an MPO?

Does this project involve (a) private or non-private entity(ies) that will receive a direct and predictable financial benefit if the project is selected for award?

This includes, but is not limited to, private or non-private owners of infrastructure facilities being improved or private and non-private entities directly benefitting from completion of the proposed project.

If this project directly involves or benefits a specific private or non-private entity(ies), please identify the full name of each entity, separated by a comma.

Total Project Cost

Requested Grant Amount (Previously incurred costs are not eligible for grant funding.)

Estimated Non-Federal Funding and Sources

State(s) in which project is located

Urban Area in which project is located, if applicable

Population of Urban Area (According to 2020 Census)

I. Basic Project Information – Project Description, Location, and Parties

Project Description The applicant should provide a concise description of the PPPP Project including a discussion of the project’s history, including if the applicant already has a documented prioritization process, and a description of any previous development and documentation of a prioritization process.

The applicant may use this section to place the PPPP Project into a broader context of other work pursued by the project sponsor.

The PPPP Project description should address how the PPPP Project will integrate into, be informed by, and inform policy development and project selection/prioritization for one or more, but not limited to, of the following transportation plans:

• Statewide or Metropolitan Long-Range Transportation Plan

• Statewide or Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program

• State Freight Plan

• Transportation Asset Management Plan

• Strategic Highway Safety Plan and Highway Safety Improvement Program

• Transit Asset Management Plan

• Transit Safety Plan

• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)

Performance Plan

• Congestion Management Process and/or Congestion Management Plan

• Resilience Improvement Plan

• Complete Streets Strategy, Process and Prioritization Plan

• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Corridor Plan

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan

• Safe Streets for All Action Plan

• Carbon Reduction Strategies Plan

Applicants are encouraged to document clearly within the narrative which plans and programs the prioritization process will integrate or be informed by. In addition, to the extent possible, FHWA encourages, but is not requiring, applicants to identify the degree to which the PPPP Project may contribute to the functioning and growth of the economy, including the extent to which the PPPP Project may be used to address congestion or freight connectivity, bridges service gaps in rural areas, or promote greater land-use productivity, including main street revitalization or locally-driven density decisions that support equitable commercial and mixed-income residential development.

Project Location The applicant should describe in the application the PPPP Project location, including connections to existing transportation planning and programming.

The application should also identify:

If the project is located within the boundary of a 2020 Census-designated Urban Area with a population over 200,000, the application should identify the Urban Area.5

Lead Applicant This section of the application should provide details about the lead applicant. The details should include the lead applicant’s demonstrated experience with receipt and expenditure of Federal-aid highway program funds under 23 U.S.C. FHWA will consider the degree of experience as part of the project readiness evaluation. If an application is rated highly under other criteria, but the applicant has no or limited experience with the receipt and expenditure of Federal-aid highway program funds, FHWA may contact the applicant prior to final selection of awards to discuss technical resources that may be available to assist the applicant in obtaining the capacity and expertise to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal requirements and timely delivery of the project.

5 For the purposes of this NOFO, FHWA will use the population figures in the Census Bureau’s “2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas and Final Criteria Clarifications” notice (87 FR 80114) and the digital maps and geographic shapefiles for the 2020 Census urban areas depicted on the FHWA HEPGIS maps of MPO and 2020 Census Urban Areas - FHWA HEPGIS Maps (dot.gov) to determine if a project is located in an urban area with a population greater than 200,000.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/29/2022-28286/2020-census-qualifying-urban-areas-and-final-criteria-clarifications https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/29/2022-28286/2020-census-qualifying-urban-areas-and-final-criteria-clarifications https://hepgis-usdot.hub.arcgis.com/pages/036f196d89d94e899ed27b0cb40f34de https://hepgis-usdot.hub.arcgis.com/pages/036f196d89d94e899ed27b0cb40f34de

Other Public and Private Parties The applicant should describe in detail all of the other public and private parties who are involved in delivering the PPPP Project, including a specific description of the role of each entity in delivering the PPPP Project.

The applicant should state whether or not a private or non-private entity will receive a direct and predictable financial benefit if the PPPP Project is selected for award. This includes, but is not limited to, private and non-private entities directly benefitting from completion of the proposed PPPP Project. If this PPPP Project directly involves or benefits a specific private corporation, a non-public entity, or a public entity, please identify the full name of each entity, separated by a comma.

II. Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of all Project Funding

The applicant should describe the project’s budget in detail and the plans for covering the full cost of the PPPP Project from all sources. For each project that receives a grant under this NOFO, FHWA expects the applicant to include a detailed cost estimate for the work, using a reasonable and complete scope of work appropriate for the undertaking and cost estimating assumptions appropriate for the study area. FHWA expects funded PPPP Projects to deliver the product as outlined in the application.

The PPPP Project budget should show how different funding sources (if applicable) will share in each major PPPP Project activity and present those data in dollars and percentages. The budget should identify other Federal funds the applicant is applying for or has been awarded, if any, that the applicant intends to use. Funding sources should be grouped into three categories: (1) Non- Federal; (2) PPPP funds; and (3) Other Federal funds with specific amounts from each funding source.

The PPPP Project budget should identify all Federal funds to be used for future eligible costs of the project, including the requested PPPP grant amount, other Federal grants that have been awarded to the PPPP Project or for which the applicant intends to apply in the future, and any Federal formula funds that have already been programmed for the PPPP Project or are planned to be programmed for the PPPP Project. For each category of Federal funds to be used for future eligible PPPP Project costs, the amount, nature, and source of any required non-Federal match for those funds also should be identified.

If the PPPP Project contains components, the budget should separate the costs of each PPPP Project component. If the PPPP Project will be completed in phases, the budget should separate the costs of each phase. The budget should be detailed enough to demonstrate that the project satisfies the PPPP statutory cost-sharing requirements described in Section C.2 and those associated with each category of Federal funding.

Eligible project costs must be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the PPPP award in accordance with the cost principles under 2 CFR 200, subpart E. Eligible project costs may include costs for development and implementation phase activities and costs, including planning, data collection and analysis, and operational improvements directly relating to the project. Tasks and costs should be specifically described in the proposal budget in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

The application should include information showing that the applicant has budgeted sufficient contingency amounts to cover unanticipated cost increases. In addition to the information enumerated above, this section should provide complete information on how all PPPP Project funds may be used, availability, and funding commitments. For example, if a source of funds is available only after a condition is satisfied, the application should identify that condition and describe the applicant’s control over whether it is satisfied. Similarly, if a source of funds is available for expenditure only during a fixed period, the application should describe that restriction. Complete information about project funds will ensure that the FHWA’s expectations for award execution align with any funding restrictions unrelated to the FHWA, even if an award differs from the applicant’s request.

III. Merit Criteria

The applicant should describe how the proposed PPPP Project meets the Merit Criteria listed in Section E.1. FHWA encourages applicants to address each criterion, or expressly state which criterion the application does not address and why. Insufficient information or insufficiently explaining all criteria not addressed and why, will negatively impact the rating of the applicable criterion. Applicants should address and describe the Merit Criteria in the order in which they are described in the NOFO and address each criterion separately. Guidance describing how DOT will evaluate projects against the Merit Criteria is in Section E.1 of this NOFO. Applicants should review that section before considering how to organize their application.

IV. Project Readiness

The application should include information that, when considered with the budget information, is sufficient for the FHWA to evaluate whether the PPPP Project is reasonably expected to begin and be completed in a timely manner. To assist the FHWA’s PPPP Project readiness assessment, the applicant should provide the information requested on technical feasibility, PPPP Project schedule, PPPP Project approvals, and PPPP Project risks, each of which is described in greater detail in the following sections. Applicants are not required to follow the specific format described here, but this organization, which addresses each relevant aspect of PPPP Project readiness, promotes a clear discussion that assists PPPP Project evaluators.

a) Technical Feasibility

The applicant should demonstrate the technical feasibility of the PPPP Project with the development of their selection process and criteria; the basis for the cost estimate presented in the application, including the identification of contingency levels appropriate to its level of complexity; and any scope, schedule, and budget risk-mitigation measures. Applicants should include a detailed statement of work that focuses on the technical aspects of the PPPP Project and describes the details of the PPPP Project. The applicant must demonstrate compliance with Title VI/Civil Rights requirements, to ensure that no person is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

b) Project Schedule

The applicant should include a detailed PPPP Project schedule that identifies all major PPPP Project milestones. Examples of such milestones include public involvement schedule, State and local planning (programming on the Transportation Improvement Program (STIP or TIP), Long Range Transportation Plans (MTP or LRSTP), State Planning and Research (SPR) or Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)); State, MPO and local approvals or support letters; or project partnership and implementation agreements, including agreements with local community organizations or consultants that will work on the PPPP Project. The PPPP Project schedule should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that all necessary activities will be complete to allow PPPP funds to be obligated timely and that any unexpected delays will not put the funds at risk of expiring before they are obligated.

c) Required Approvals.

i. State and Local Approvals.

The applicant should demonstrate receipt of State and local approvals on which the PPPP Project depends (or the schedule for anticipated receipt), such as State and local planning approvals (STIP/TIP, LRSTP/MTP, and SPR/UPWP). An applicant should demonstrate that the PPPP Project has broad public support and is encouraged to submit letters of support showing coordination and consultation with stakeholders.

ii. Federal Transportation Requirements Affecting State and Local Planning.

The planning requirements applicable to the Federal-aid highway program apply to all PPPP Projects.6 Applicants should demonstrate that a project that is required to be included in the relevant State, metropolitan, and local planning documents has been or will be included in such documents. If this project is not included in a relevant planning document at the time the application is submitted, the applicant should submit a statement from the appropriate planning agency that the PPPP Project will be included in the relevant planning document prior to the obligation of funds. Applicants should provide links or other documentation supporting this consideration.

Because projects have different schedules, the start date for each grant will be specified in the project-specific agreements signed by FHWA and the grant recipients, will be based on critical

6 In accordance with 23 U.S.C. §§ 134 and 135, all projects requiring an action by FHWA must be in the applicable plan and programming documents (e.g., MTP, TIP, and STIP). Further, in air quality non-attainment and maintenance areas, all regionally significant projects, regardless of the funding source, must be included in the conforming MTP and TIP. Inclusion in the STIP is required under certain circumstances. To the extent a project is required to be on a MTP, TIP, and/or STIP, it will not receive a grant until it is included in such plans. Projects not currently included in these plans can be amended by the State and MPO. Projects that are not required to be in long range transportation plans, STIPs, and TIPs will not need to be included in such plans to receive a grant.

path items that applicants identify in the application, and will be consistent with relevant State and local plans.

iii. Assessment of Project Risks and Mitigation Strategies.

PPPP Project risks, such as procurement delays, uncommitted local match, pushback from stakeholders or impacted communities, or lack of legislative approval, affect the likelihood of successful PPPP Project start and completion. The applicant should identify all material risks to the PPPP Project and the strategies that the lead applicant and any PPPP Project partners have undertaken or will undertake to mitigate those risks.7 The applicant should assess the greatest risks to the project and identify how the PPPP Project parties will mitigate those risks.

To the extent it is unfamiliar with the Federal-aid highway program, the applicant should contact the FHWA division office in their State as found at Field Offices | Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov) for information on what steps are prerequisite to the obligation of Federal funds to ensure that their project schedule is reasonable and that there are no risks of delays in satisfying Federal requirements.

V. Administration Priorities and Departmental Strategic Plan Goals

The applicant should include information addressing how the PPPP Project supports the Administration Priorities and Departmental Strategic Plan Goals discussed in Sections A and E.1, and references to earlier sections of the narrative along with supporting documentation should be included in the application.

VI. FHWA Priority Selection Considerations

The applicant should describe how the proposal meets the FHWA Priority Selection Considerations listed in Section E.1. The applicant should include a section to highlight any priority considerations the project will address.