FY2021 High Priority-CMV NOFO.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Summary Information

Federal Agency Name:

U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration (FMCSA)

Grants Management Office (GMO); MC-BG

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE

West Building

Washington, DC 20590

Funding Opportunity Title:

High Priority Program – Commercial Motor Vehicle

(HP-CMV)

Announcement Type:

Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: FM-MHP-21-001

Assistance Listing: 20.237

Key Dates: Application Due Date –

March 15, 2021

5:00pm EST

Point of Contact:

Financial/Application

Tarsha Johnson

202-366-6086

Tarsha.johnson@dot.gov

Programmatic:

Bettina Conroy

518-810-2985

Bettina.conroy@dot.gov mailto:Tarsha.johnson@dot.gov mailto:Bettina.conroy@dot.gov

SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Overview and Authorizing Statutes and Regulations

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration (FMCSA) announces the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 High Priority-

Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) program Notice of Funding Opportunity

(NOFO), Funding Opportunity Number FM-MHP-21-001, to solicit applications from eligible entities to support the HP-CMV program activities.

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act Pub. L. No. 114-94, §5101, as extended by P.L. 116-159, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and

Other Extensions Act authorizes FY 2021 HP-CMV program funding, and 49 U.S.C.

§§ 31102(l) and 31104 and 49 CFR part 350 govern the HP-CMV financial assistance program.

2. HP-CMV Goals and Objectives

Relevant Assistance Listings include 20.237

As the lead government agency responsible for the regulation and safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles (CMV), FMCSA may award HP-CMV funds to support innovative and impactful projects that advance its mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Funding is available for the support of enforcement projects that improve safety and compliance with FMCSA’s regulations for projects that are national in scope, increase public awareness and education, demonstrate new technologies, and reduce the number/rate of CMV crashes.

The objective of the HP-CMV program is to support, enrich, or evaluate CMV safety programs and to target unsafe driving of CMVs and non–CMVs in areas identified as high-risk crash corridors, improve the safe and secure movement of hazardous materials, improve safe transportation of goods and passengers in foreign commerce, demonstrate new technologies to improve CMV safety; support participation in PRISM, support safety data improvement projects, increase public awareness and education on

CMV safety, and otherwise improve CMV safety (see 49 CFR § 350.403).

HP-CMV awards may include the augmentation of projects funded by the Motor

Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), as well as projects related to Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM), and State Safety Data

Quality (SSDQ).

HP-CMV awards are supported in alignment with the U.S. Department of

Transportation’s strategic goals of:

i. SAFETY: Reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries across the transportation system.

ii. INFRASTRUCTURE: Invest in infrastructure to ensure safety, mobility, and accessibility and to stimulate economic growth, productivity, and competitiveness for

American workers and businesses.

iii. INNOVATION: Lead in the development and deployment of innovative practices and technologies that improve the safety and performance of the Nation’s transportation system.

iv. ACCOUNTABILITY: Serve the Nation with reduced regulatory burden and greater efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability.

3. HP-CMV Award Performance Goals

Applicants should include expected performance goals related to the national priorities under subsection 4.

i. Baseline Data

FMCSA will measure the success of a HP-CMV award’s performance goals by examining data available in the PRISM system, the SSDQ ratings map posted on FMCSA Analysis &

Information website (https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/DataQuality/Default.aspx), crash and safety statistics reported by the applicant, and any other date reported by the applicant for consideration. Additional data on crash and other safety statistics may be found on

FMCSA’s Analysis & Information website (https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics/)

ii. Performance Indicators

FMCSA will also measure whether an HP-CMV award meets the performance goals outlined in the application by assessing performance indicators. Specific performance indicators may vary based on the national priority related to the award under subsection

4. If applicable, such performance indicators are more specifically addressed under subsection 4 of this section

In general, performance indicators of successful HP-CMV award projects may include, but are not limited to:

a. CMV Crash Reduction: Activities implemented under the award address reductions in fatal and non-fatal crashes involving CMVs, especially in areas identified as high-risk.

b. CMV Safety Improvement: Activities conducted under the HP-CMV award improves overall CMV and non-CMV safety.

c. Innovative Approach: HP-CMV award activities provide a novel technique or approach (program design, use of technology assets, etc.) to benefit national CMV safety and/or improve safety data quality.

https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/DataQuality/Default.aspx https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics/

d. Collaborative Process and Shared Results: Activities developed or implemented under the HP-CMV award have the potential to be more widely adopted and applied by other stakeholders.

4. National Priorities Descriptions

Below are descriptions of the programmatic activities listed in order of priority.

The national priorities support the HP-CMV goals and objectives.

A project consists of one or more activities that work towards achieving a defined performance goal(s) to address the HP-CMV objective(s). If an applicant chooses to propose multiple HP-CMV projects within a single application, each application must contain separate and distinct project narratives, project goals, budget narratives, line item budgets, and a title for each project proposed in that application.

Please note that additional information regarding cost eligibility may be found within the MCSAP Grant Comprehensive Policy (MCP). An electronic copy of the MCP is available at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant- comprehensive-policy

Please note that routine equipment and operational expenses should be supported under a State’s or territory’s MCSAP formula grant awarded to a MCSAP lead agency and generally will not be considered under the HP-CMV program. However, States and territories are eligible to request equipment and related expenses to supplement their MCSAP projects, if they can clearly demonstrate safety enforcement beyond their current MCSAP allocation.

Applicants should refer to the MCP for guidance on HP-CMV policies and eligible projects and costs.

I. Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM)

a. General and Performance Indicators

Only State agencies (including the District of Columbia and the Territories) are eligible for funding related to national priority I (PRISM).

HP-CMV funding for PRISM projects support the deployment and maintenance of safety mechanisms that link FMCSA information systems with States’ CMV registration information systems to identify and immobilize motor carriers with serious safety violations or that are prohibited from operating by FMCSA through the issuance of a Federal Out-of-Service (OOS) order, and hold them accountable through registration and law enforcement sanctions.

All PRISM project narratives must have indicated the jurisdiction’s current level of participation (Full, Enhanced, or Expanded) and explain how the project, http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-once fully implemented, will meet specific program requirements to either maintain, elevate, or enhance the State’s current level of participation, which

FMCSA will use as performance indicators in evaluating the success of the HP-

CMV award. Please refer to the MCSAP Comprehensive Policy, Section 4.3.1, for PRISM implementation information.

b. Consideration for Funding

The applications received for HP-CMV PRISM projects will be considered as follows (in order of priority):

1) Jurisdictions that are fully participating in PRISM that are applying for projects to achieve Enhanced Participation.

PRISM projects (under this announcement) to achieve Enhanced

Participation must include, but are not limited to, any of the following

PRISM operational requirements and related processes:

i) Requirements 8, 9 and 10 - check every Vehicle Identification Number

(VIN) against the PRISM data before issuing registration or renewing registration to verify if the vehicle is registered or was previously registered to a motor carrier under a Federal OOS order. Implement a process to check if the new motor carrier responsible for the safety of the vehicle has matching information to the motor carrier under a Federal OOS order. Determine if both motor carriers are affiliated and if the new motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle is attempting to reincarnate to avoid FMCSA enforcement sanctions. Deny registration if the motor carrier registering the vehicle is affiliated with a motor carrier under a

Federal OOS order or implement a process to notify the

PRISMTechnicalSupport@dot.gov of a VIN removal request from the

PRISM targeted data.

ii) Requirement 11 - apply the 950-status code to vehicle registrations that are suspended due to a Federal OOS order and clear the 950-status code when the registration is reinstated.

iii) Requirement 12 - print and barcode the motor carrier information on a cab card if the motor carrier responsible for the safety of the vehicle is not expected to change during the registration year.

2) Jurisdictions that are at the Enhanced Participation level and are applying for projects to achieve Expanded PRISM. Expanded PRISM is achieved when the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) registration agency (non-

IRP) is applying PRISM requirements 1 through 6 to motor carriers operating interstate that have gross vehicle weights between 10,001 and

26,000 lbs.

mailto:PRISMTechnicalSupport@dot.gov

Expanded PRISM projects must include, but are not limited to, the following process requirements applied to lower weighted interstate vehicles:

i) Requirement 2 - collect and validate the USDOT number and Tax

Identification Number of the motor carrier responsible for safety before issuing or renewing CMV registration(s) by checking them against the

PRISM Census File or the Motor Carrier Management Information System

(MCMIS).

ii) Requirement 3 - check a motor carrier’s safety status against the PRISM

Target File or MCMIS before issuing new or renewing registrations, and deny registration(s) if the motor carrier responsible for safety is under any

Federal OOS order or possesses an inactive or deactivated USDOT number due to the biennial update not being completed when required.

iii) Requirement 4 - check the safety status of motor carriers registered in the

State against the PRISM Target File or MCMIS and suspend or revoke the existing registration(s) if the motor carrier responsible for safety is under any Federal OOS order.

iv) Requirement 5 - upload to the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records

(SAFER) database the USDOT number of the motor carrier responsible for safety, vehicle identification number(s), license plate number(s) and dates of registration for vehicle(s) operated by a motor carrier that is under any

Federal OOS order.

v) Requirement 6 - implement an automated process to capture the number of suspensions or revocations and registration denials to report to FMCSA as part of the required MCSAP quarterly performance reports.

3) PRISM projects that enhance a jurisdiction’s current level of participation including, but not limited to, the following:

i) Implement PRISM web service or the PRISM-ITD web services into the registration process for real-time validation of carrier safety information.

ii) Implement a process to retrieve license plates for motor carriers under a Federal OOS order.

iii) Implement/update materials such as IRP manuals, cab cards or brochures to educate and/or require motor carriers to update the motor carrier responsible for safety on record if it changes during the registration period.

4) Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

The FMCSA will consider applications for O&M costs associated with maintaining Full and Enhanced Participation in PRISM. Eligible projects that maintain systems or capabilities required as part of Full and Enhanced

Participation as outlined in the MCSAP Comprehensive Policy (MCP) will be considered. The FMCSA will reimburse 85 percent of eligible and approved O&M costs for approved PRISM projects.

An application from a non-MCSAP lead agency for O&M for PRISM projects will be considered before any MCSAP lead agency with similar funding requests.

c. PRISM Information

For an explanation of Full Participation as mandated under the FAST Act, please visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy (PRISM sections 2.6, 4.3.1 and

5.8).

For an overview of the PRISM program, please visit:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/information-systems/prism/performance-and-registration-information-systems-management-prism

For PRISM Registration Requirements, please visit:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/information-systems/prism/registration-requirements

II. State Safety Data Quality (SSDQ)

Only State agencies (including the District of Columbia and the Territories) are eligible for funding related to national priority II (SSDQ).

The FMCSA's data-driven safety programs use State-reported data from crashes and inspections to prioritize resources for the greatest impact on large truck and bus safety. The FMCSA SSDQ program focuses on maintaining high quality data from our State partners.

Data quality is monitored through a set of SSDQ performance measures that assess the completeness, timeliness, accuracy, and consistency of State-reported crash and inspection records in MCMIS. Each month, States receive overall

State ratings of “good,” “fair,” or “poor” based on eight SSDQ performance measures and one indicator, which are performance indicators for HP-CMV awards related to the SSDQ national priority.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/information-systems/prism/performance-and-registration-information-systems-management-prism https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/information-systems/prism/performance-and-registration-information-systems-management-prism https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/information-systems/prism/registration-requirements https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/information-systems/prism/registration-requirements

b. Consideration for Funding

The FMCSA will consider for funding the applications received for SSDQ-related projects as follows:

1) Data projects that improve and expand CMV data collected on police crash reports through increased implementation of the Model Minimum

Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC). The National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA) released the 5th edition MMUCC guidance in August 2017. This expands the information collected on CMVs in a new

Large Vehicles and Hazardous Materials section. More information can be found at https://www.nhtsa.gov/mmucc-1.

2) Training projects for State and local law enforcement to improve the collection of CMV data on personnel activity reports, or training attendance for SAFETYNET, crash data, and DataQs users which is tentatively scheduled for August 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

3) Technology projects that improve or expand on commercial vehicle information collected through the State’s crash and/or inspection data.

Such projects include, but are not limited to, automating or verification of driver, vehicle and motor carrier information, enhanced VIN screening and data input/verification through NHTSA’s Product Information Catalog and

Vehicle Listing (vPIC) VIN decoder (https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/), geo-location data of crashes or inspection, collection and analysis of CMV event data recorders or improving coordination between SAFETYNET and

NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System coders.

4) Innovative projects for resolving Requests for Data Review (RDRs) entered through DataQs to improve timeliness, consistency, and/or accountability, such as an independent appeals process or additional staff to support backlogs.

5) Innovative projects for improving the State’s performance in the SSDQ results overall or in specific measures (see Special Consideration for

Improvement in SSDQ Performance below).

c. Special Consideration for Improvement in SSDQ Performance

For projects seeking to improve SSDQ results, there are additional constraints and priorities depending on which agency is submitting the application:

1) For Non–MCSAP Lead Agencies

Applications that contain projects that allow the State to complete the https://www.nhtsa.gov/mmucc-1

MCSAP requirements for safety data collection and participation in information reporting will be considered. In this context, “complete the

MCSAP requirements for participation” means achieving an overall “good” rating in the SSDQ measures if the State does not have an overall “good” rating at the time of HP application.

Applications that contain projects that will allow the State to exceed the MCSAP requirements for participation will be considered next. In this context, “exceed the

MCSAP requirements” for participation means improving upon a “good” rating in all SSDQ measures if the State already has an overall “good” rating at the time of

HP-CMV application. For State SSDQ ratings please visit:

https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/DataQuality/.

Note: Non-MCSAP Lead agencies must confirm and document coordination in the application, including which agency was contacted, date contact was made, and who was contacted.

2) For MCSAP Lead Agencies

The FMCSA has determined that each State must achieve an overall “good” rating, as published in the SSDQ ratings map posted on FMCSA Analysis &

Information website (https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/DataQuality/Default.aspx) as of the application submission date, to be considered compliant with the

MCSAP eligibility requirement related to data quality in the State’s most recent CVSP.

Applications that contain projects that will allow the State to exceed the

MCSAP requirements for safety data collection and participation in information reporting will be considered next. In this context, “exceed the

MCSAP requirements” for participation means achieving or improving upon a “good” rating in all SSDQ measures if the State has an overall

“good” rating.

d. SSDQ-Enhancing Projects

Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Activities that address the SSDQ priorities above (see Application

Consideration Based on Entity in this section);

2) Development and implementation of policies and/or procedures directly related to the improvement of timeliness, accuracy and completeness of safety data;

3) Establishing and maintaining a DataQs Review Council or an independent appeals process; or https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/DataQuality/ https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/DataQuality/ https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/DataQuality/Default.aspx

4) Implementation of procedures to ensure that at least 85 percent of RDRs are closed out within 14 days of receipt (not counting the time for the carrier and other Agencies to respond to questions).

III. Enforcement of CMV Operation and Compliance with Safety Regulations

State agencies (including the District of Columbia and the Territories), local governments (including county, city, township, and special district), and federally-recognized Native American tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service are eligible for HP-CMV awards related to national priority III (Enforcement of CMV Operation and Compliance with

Safety Regulations).

These projects may include the following activities, measured by the performance indicators included below:

1) Targeting unsafe driving of CMVs and non-CMVs in areas identified as high-risk crash corridors

Funds are available for the administration of projects targeting:

i) Unsafe driving of CMVs and non-CMVs in areas identified as high crash corridors; and

ii) Efforts to improve the identification of carriers operating in violation of a

Federal OOS order (especially carriers with an imminent hazard and/or unsatisfactory/unfit order).

In the application, the applicant must provide clear data and analysis

(reports, maps, and/or analysis) that identifies these corridors (the specific highway and the mile markers involved; including analysis of the previous three year averages for these corridors) and the driver behaviors that contribute to crashes. Based on emerging data trends, applicants may modify the specific corridors during the period of performance, but the application must identify the initial corridors; specify the specific enforcement strategies that the applicant will conduct to reduce the crash rate in these corridors. The applicant must explain how it will monitor and report on the results of these projects. The applicant must also indicate how it will evaluate the performance indicators and success of this enforcement project. The applicant’s evaluation must include how the applicant will determine the impact of project tactics on crashes

(compared to baseline data) and how potential improvements may be made to policies, practices, training, etc.

The applicant must clearly demonstrate how these projects will go beyond the traditional enforcement projects included in their State’s CVSP, and outline how they will report the number of contacts plus enforcement actions issued in their quarterly reports for their FMCSA Division Office to upload in GOTHAM.

2) Improvements for the Safe Transportation of Goods and

Persons in Foreign Commerce

In the application, the applicant must provide statistical data or articulable facts that demonstrate a safety problem related to CMVs transporting goods or persons in foreign commerce. Based on data, the specific corridors may be modified during the period of performance, but the application must identify the initial corridors, and specify strategies that the applicant will implement to improve safe transportation of goods and persons within their State.

Priority consideration will be given to non-border States that can document the safety impact of CMVs engaged in international commerce within their jurisdiction.

In addition, if the applicant is a jurisdiction that shares a land border with a foreign country, they must demonstrate how these projects will go beyond the traditional enforcement projects required to maintain an adequate border enforcement program (as required for border funding per 49 U.S.C. § 31102) for the MCSAP lead agency.

3) Improve CMV Safety and Compliance with CMV Safety

Regulations

The applicant must demonstrate how these projects will go beyond the traditional enforcement projects included in their State’s CVSP.

Applicants must describe the type of project they plan to conduct including the number of personnel, the level of effort involved, how they will report the outputs, performance indicators, outcomes of the effort, and how the project will improve CMV safety and compliance.

Project examples may include, but are not limited to:

i) Passenger safety initiatives;

ii) Efforts to reduce distracted driving by CMV drivers and others operating around CMVs;

iii) CMV safety in work zones, especially in areas of congestion at the entrance to, and exit from, these areas; and

iv) Innovative efforts that have a demonstrable potential for nationwide implementation.

4) Technologies to Improve CMV Safety Enforcement

Funds are available for the demonstration of innovative methods for technologies to improve CMV safety enforcement. Applications must be supported by data justifying the need to identify, develop, maintain and/or implement new and/or existing technologies to improve CMV enforcement techniques. Examples include, but are not limited to:

i) Implementation of FMCSA’s electronic logging device (ELD) requirements;

ii) Projects designed to improve the applicant’s use of electronic records of duty status (eRODS) and ensure that webservice usage for

ELD data transmission is used whenever possible;

iii) Proposals that utilize technologies designed to improve safe driving behaviors (CMV and non-CMV in/around CMVs); and

iv) The purchase of License Plate/USDOT number readers to augment enforcement efforts.

Applicants must include clear performance measurements to evaluate the outcome of the project(s), and include these statistics within their quarterly

Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR) to FMCSA. Performance metrics must be relevant to the use of purchased/implemented technology within the project framework, and if applicable, identify the number of

CMVs/carriers screened and/or contacted.

5) CMV safety on Rural Roads

i) General and Performance Indicators

Rural road safety is a particular concern because a disproportionate share of highway fatalities occurs on rural roads. While 19 percent of the U.S.

population lives in rural areas, rural road fatalities account for roughly 50 percent of all traffic fatalities. The fatality rate, as measured by fatalities per vehicle miles traveled, is 2.6 times higher in rural areas than in urban areas.

Funds are available for projects targeting the safe operation of CMVs and enforcement of Federal regulations in rural areas as defined in the Highway

Functional Classification Guidelines on the Federal Highway

Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Planning, Environment, & Realty website at:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/processes/statewide/related/highway_f unctional_classifications/section00.cfm

Please refer to Section 6 of the above linked document for definitions of urban versus rural areas.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/processes/statewide/related/highway_functional_classifications/section00.cfm https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/processes/statewide/related/highway_functional_classifications/section00.cfm

States may also use their High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) definition to identify focus areas under this activity. Please note that FMCSA may not reimburse for costs supported under an award through the FHWA or any other Federal entity. Information on HRRR may be found here:

https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/hrrr/

Performance indicators under this priority will include analyzing crash data available to FMCSA.

ii) Special Emphasis Area – Migrant Worker Transportation in Rural Areas

FMCSA requests that, where data indicates a need, special emphasis be placed on the development and implementation of a targeted enforcement plan which incorporates recurring roadside enforcement in high density agricultural regions

(during peak harvest seasons) for the specific purposes of improving the safe transportation of seasonal and migrant agricultural workers.

Applicants are referred to 49 CFR part 398 for definitions relating to agricultural worker classifications and requirements regarding the transportation of these individuals. States that have identified safety concerns regarding the transportation of seasonal and migrant farm workers are encouraged to work closely with their

FMCSA Division Office and local offices of the U.S. Department of Labor to institute an effective safety intervention effort.

6) Public Awareness and Education

Public Awareness and Education projects provide information on a variety of traffic safety issues related to CMVs and non-CMVs operating around large trucks and buses. Applicants must describe the type of projects they plan to conduct, including but not limited to passenger transportation, hazardous materials transportation, and share the road safely initiatives, including the number of personnel and the level of effort.

The FMCSA encourages the performance of awareness and education efforts, in conjunction with enforcement activities, whenever possible in order to maximize effectiveness.

Applicants should identify within their performance measurements in the proposal if the target audience for outreach represents a high-risk population based on data metrics, and what types of interventions were utilized as a part of the activity.

7) Skills Performance Evaluation

Funds are being made available for States to attend FMCSA-sponsored training on the Skills Performance Evaluation (SPE) program and the steps https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/hrrr/ necessary to establish a State-managed SPE process. Costs associated with training attendance such as travel, airfare, mileage, lodging, etc. should be clearly outlined within the application narratives and budget. Funds under this priority may not be used to implement a SPE program at this time. The

FMCSA will announce training dates and other necessary information on its website.

The SPE certification, as outlined in 49 CFR § 391.49, allows drivers with missing or impaired limbs to drive CMVs across state lines if they have been fitted with (and are wearing) the proper prosthetic device, and the driver can demonstrate the ability to operate the commercial vehicle safely by completing on and off-road activities.

Applicants must identify within the performance measurements how attendance will be documented and reported to FMCSA.

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Funding and Number of Awards

The FMCSA anticipates making approximately 75 awards totaling $25,211,500, subject to the availability of funds, as a result of applications in response to this

NOFO. The FMCSA reserves the right to allocate additional funds for awards based on the volume and quality of applications. Awards under the HP-CMV program are subject to funding availability.

The FMCSA will limit Federal funding to a total amount of $2,000,000 per award.

2. Type of Award

Awards under this NOFO will be issued as a grant or cooperative agreement. The FMCSA will determine the appropriate award type based on the proposed project and the degree of Federal involvement.

These award types are for new FMCSA awards only. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing awards are not eligible.

3. Period of Performance

The period of performance is the Federal fiscal year in which the award is made plus two additional fiscal years.

4. Degree of Federal Involvement

i. Cooperative Agreement

In accordance with 31 U.S.C. § 6305, FMCSA will award a cooperative agreement when substantial involvement between FMCSA and the recipient is anticipated when carrying out the activity outlined in the Notice of Grant

Agreement.

In General, substantial involvement includes, but is not limited to:

a. Project initiation meeting to establish broad objectives and timetables to complete activities as provided in the original application.

b. Quarterly scheduled calls to discuss project progress and potential road blocks;

c. Joint development and prior approval of education materials, reports, etc. as listed in the original application and part of an approved project.

d. Coordination of FMCSA involvement in outreach and other activities relating to the publication of materials (including but not limited to the reference and use of

FMCSA/DOT logos).

Under a cooperative agreement, FMCSA agrees to assign professionally qualified staff to serve as a liaison between the recipient and FMCSA local offices when event coordination is needed; provide technical assistance to the recipient; assist with the exchange of ideas and information as necessary and permissible; and other actions relating to the monitoring of performance activities under this award.

The recipient also agrees to designate a project manager or key point of contact to work with FMCSA and act as a liaison between the awardee and the Federal Government; and comply with all terms and conditions set forth in this agreement.

FMCSA will further outline the nature of Federal involvement at the time of award and include additional details, as relevant, in the award documentation.

ii. Grant

FMCSA will award a grant when substantial involvement is not expected between

FMCSA and the recipient when carrying out the activity outlined in the agreement.

The FMCSA provides financial assistance, technical expertise, and oversight.

Grant recipients provide the effort and expertise necessary to carry out the approved activities to improve CMV safety. FMCSA grant recipients are responsible for achieving the work described in their grant award, complying with the grant requirements laid out in the grant award’s terms and conditions, the local administration of the grant, and monitoring and oversight of any sub-recipients and/or sub-contractors.

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following section identifies the applicants eligible for award.

Eligibility factors also includes the eligibility of types of applicant organizations, any factors affecting the eligibility of the principal investigator or project director, and any criteria that make projects ineligible.

i. General

The HP-CMV awards are generally available to States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, local governments

(including county, city, township, and special district), and Federally-recognized

Native American tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.

Different entities are eligible for different national priorities, as specifically stated under Section A, subsection 4.

ii. Participation by Local Law Enforcement Agencies and Other Applicants

The FMCSA strongly encourages the participation of local law enforcement agencies, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, political jurisdictions and other eligible applicants in CMV safety projects either directly or in partnership with State enforcement officers.

Any local law enforcement agency applying directly to FMCSA for HP-

CMV funding must provide a statement within the application certifying the applicant meets the eight conditions below from 49 CFR § 350.405.

Non-law enforcement applicants (e.g., institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, etc.) must also certify compliance with the conditions cited below, but may state within their application a reason for exemption to the terms and conditions under (b), (g), and (h), if they are not directly responsible for law enforcement activity and/or no current database access exists for their specific project.

a. Prepare a proposal that is responsive to the NOFO;

b. Except for Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, coordinate the proposal with the

Lead State Agency to ensure the proposal is consistent with State and national

CMV safety program priorities;

c. Certify that the applicant has the legal authority, resources, and trained and qualified personnel necessary to perform the functions specified in the proposal;

d. Designate an individual who will be responsible for implementing, reporting, and administering the approved proposal and who will be the primary contact for the project;

e. Agree to prepare and submit all reports required in connection with the proposal or other conditions of the grant or cooperative agreement;

f. Agree to use the forms and reporting criteria required by the Lead State Agency or

FMCSA to record work activities to be performed under the proposal;

g. Certify that a political jurisdiction will impose sanctions for violations of CMV and driver laws and regulations that are consistent with those of the State; and

h. Certify participation in national databases appropriate to the project.

2. Cost-Sharing and Matching Requirements

FMCSA will reimburse approved projects/priorities at the rate of 85 percent of eligible costs, requiring a match/share of 15 percent. Applicants should include in their application a budget including the 15 percent match.

Cash, in-kind, and third-party contributions are acceptable in meeting the matching share if they represent necessary, reasonable, allowable and allocable costs as established by 2 CFR part 200 and FMCSA policy.

SECTION D - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Potential applicants may obtain all forms at www.Grants.gov.

Applicants may also request paper copies of materials at:

Telephone: (202) 366-0621 (Grant Management Help Desk)

Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Grants Management Office (MC-BG), 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, West Building

Washington, DC 20590.

2. Content and Form of Application Submissions

Application packages must contain the below elements and all applicable documentation described in Appendix A to be considered for an award. Appendix B contains example formats that may, but are not required to be, used.

i. Formatting.

The application must follow the format and limitation stated below:

a. Application must be prepared in 8 1/2 x 11-inch format.

b. Margins (Top, Bottom, Right and Left) no smaller than 1” on all pages

(Header and Footer are allowed in the margins) .

c. Time New Romans 12pt. font must be used for all text, including tables and graphs.

d. Application must be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS)

Word, Excel, or in text searchable PDF formats (as applicable).

e. The application narrative is limited to 35 total pages. FMCSA will not read or consider any materials beyond the specified page limit in the application review process. NOTE: The 35-page total limit will apply to this section only. Submission of documentation and forms described in Appendix A will not count against the application page limit.

http://www.grants.gov/

ii. Brief Introduction 5-page maximum

Include a description of the goal(s) of the application and the applicable program priority(s) met by the application’s projects. Include in this introduction specific information about the outputs the application proposes to achieve. For each goal identified, the applicant must provide a problem statement, performance objective, program activity plan, and performance measurement plan.

iii. Problem Statement 5-page maximum

Provide a quantitative description of the identified problem. Include details on the data used to identify the problem and to establish the baseline (include data source, date, and explain how the applicant collects, maintains, and analyzes the data). Data should support proposed project(s).

iv. Performance Objective 5-page maximum

Provide a description of the applicant’s quantifiable goal(s) related to the above problem statement. This can be measured in numbers, percentages, or other forms that accurately measure the outputs and outcomes the applicant anticipates will result from implementing the strategies and activities proposed.

v. Project Activity Plan 5-page maximum

Provide a description of the project activities the applicant believes will help mitigate the identified problem(s). Include details such as the number and frequency of activities.

vi. Performance Measurement Plan 5-page maximum

Provide a description of how the applicant will measure progress towards the performance objective goal(s), such as quantifiable and measurable outputs

(hours, carrier contacts, inspections, etc.) and in terms of performance outcomes. The measure must include specific benchmarks that can be reported on in the quarterly progress report, if practicable, or as annual outcomes.

vii. Monitoring and Reporting Plan 5-page maximum

Provide a description of the applicant’s method for ongoing monitoring of the progress of the project. This should include who will conduct the monitoring, the frequency with which it will be carried out, and how and to whom reports will be made.

viii. Budget Narrative and SF-424 and SF-424A forms 5-page maximum

A budget narrative is a description, by budget category (object class), that details the costs necessary to complete the proposed projects. A well-written budget narrative ensures that the applicant has properly documented proposed costs. The level of detail must be sufficient to justify the funding requested.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the sample budget narrative format included in Appendix B.

The budget narrative should reflect the allocability of project activities to the grant.

Budgets should reflect the appropriate Federal and non-Federal cost-sharing/ match amounts. Exceeding the required match will not favorably influence the evaluation of an application. FMCSA may adjust the applicant’s budget or adjust funding to reflect the appropriate match.

For instructions on completing these forms, please go to:

https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

SF 424 Field 18 box (a) - Estimated Funding is required and must contain the 85%

Federal funding request, box (b) must contain the 15 percent applicant program match, and box (g) the sum of boxes (a) and (b), total project amount. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable.

SF 424a - Section A – Budget Summary shows the 85 percent Federal, 15 percent non-Federal and 100 percent total per project. Section B – Budget Categories captures 100 percent total amount per object class categories. In the column headings

(1) through (4), enter the titles for each of the proposed projects. If five or more projects are proposed, download an additional 424a from Grants.gov. Please note, the 424a covers the life of the project costs, and not just the first year (as stipulated in the 424a instructions).

All costs in the budget narrative, SF-424 and SF-424-A must be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

ix. Requirements when One or More Projects are Proposed

When there are multiple projects, each project must include the following sections in consecutive order: Brief Introduction, Problem Statement, Performance Objectives, Project Activity Plan, Performance Measurement Plan, Monitoring and Reporting

Plan, and Budget Narrative. For example, with multiple projects, project 1 includes the above sections in consecutive order, followed by project 2 including the above sections in consecutive order.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

3. SAM.Gov Requirement

The applicant must:

i. Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting an application at https://www.sam.gov; and

ii. Provide a valid Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number on the SF-

424. If you do not have a DUNS number you can get one free through the

D&B website: https://fedgov.dnbd.com/webform/displayHomePage.do.

The applicant must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the applicant is required to review and update the registration at least every 12 months from the date of initial registration or subsequently update its information in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete.

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

i. Deadline

FULL AND COMPLETE APPLICATIONS FOR High Priority Program-CMV

Financial Assistance ARE DUE ON March 15, 2021 by 5:00 pm EST. Once

Grants.gov has received your submission, you will receive email messages to advise you of the progress of your application through the system. Over the next two business days, you should receive two emails: 1) confirming application receipt by the Grants.gov system; and 2) indicating that the application has either been successfully validated by Grants.gov prior to transmission to FMCSA or has been rejected due to errors. The applicant assumes all responsibility for a timely and complete application submission. Click here for more information.

ii. Consideration of Applications

Only applicants who comply with all submission deadlines described in this NOFO and electronically submit valid applications through Grants.gov will be eligible for consideration of award. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make submissions well in advance of the deadline.

iii. Late Applications

FMCSA will not consider a late application except under extraordinary https://www.sam.gov/ https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html circumstances. A late application will be accepted only if there is a large scale natural disaster or a significant Grants.gov system issue that threatens the timely submission of a grant application. Problems with computer systems at the applicant organization (excluding verified cyber attacks), failure to follow the application instructions, or failure to submit or complete the program application or complete required registrations by the submission deadline are not considered system issues.

5. Intergovernmental Review

The High Priority Program and this funding opportunity are subject to Executive Order

12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” The States with a Single Point of

Contact (SPOC) and therefore required to comply with E.O. 12372 are listed at the Office of

Management and Budget's Web site:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/

6. Funding Restrictions

HP funds are awarded through a competitive evaluation process and are not guaranteed. All funding decisions will be made based on FMCSA’s priorities and the merits of the respective applications.

All cost elements of an application must be necessary, reasonable, allocable, and allowable to accomplish the goals of the project. Cost eligibility standards are described in the applicable cost principles and administrative requirements:

i. 2 CFR part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost

Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; and

ii. The FMCSA’s MCP, as revised (available from FMCSA's Division Offices) and on FMCSA’s MCSAP Website.

In accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR §§ 350.415 & 350.417 and the Federal

Uniform Administrative Requirements Cost Principles, additional guidance on eligible expenses under HP is included in the MCP. The eligibility of all expenditures is subject to review by FMCSA.

FMCSA is not obligated to approve costs incurred outside the award period of performance. These costs are incurred at the sole risk of the applicant and impose no obligation on FMCSA to make an award or to increase the amount of the approved budget.

FMCSA will not provide reimbursement for indirect costs if an approved indirect cost rate

(IDC) agreement was not in place for the period of time the indirect cost expenses were incurred. If claiming Indirect cost charges, the grant recipient must include an active https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ approved IDC agreement with the application submitted for funding. Should the grant recipient fail to provide an approved agreement during the pre-award phase and a grant is awarded, the grant recipient will have 90 days from the date of award acceptance to provide a copy of the IDC agreement. If FMCSA does not receive the required documentation within the allocated time frame, the grant recipient will not be reimbursed for indirect charges for that fiscal year. Once an approved rate is provided to FMCSA, the grant recipient will then be allowed to claim indirect cost in the fiscal following the fiscal year of the award. 2 CFR § 200.414(c).

Any non–Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, except for those non–Federal entities described in appendix VII of 2 CFR part 200, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs, which may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. 2 CFR § 200.414(f).

All FMCSA grant programs are cost reimbursable, which means that grant recipients must first incur costs before submitting a request for reimbursement to FMCSA for costs associated with approved activities identified in the grant agreement. Recipients will be reimbursed by FMCSA for actual costs incurred provided that the costs are reasonable, approved, allowable, and allocable in accordance with the OMB regulations and FMCSA policy, within the approved budget, and supported by documentation. Recipients must request reimbursement at least once each quarter.

Recipients must submit requests for reimbursement electronically through the Delphi eInvoicing System (iSupplier). Additional information is available at:

https://www.transportation.gov/cfo/delphi-einvoicing-system

FMCSA will not provide reimbursement for salary-related bonus payments, either as a direct or indirect cost. Bonus costs are not an allowable expense under FMCSA awards. 2 CFR part

200, Subpart E; 2 CFR §§ 200.403 – 200.405

7. Other Submission Requirements

Applications must only be submitted electronically via https://www.Grants.gov as described above in this section. In the event of system problems or technical difficulties with the application submittal, please call Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or e-mail support@Grants.gov 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed on Federal holidays).

To submit an application through Grants.gov, applicants must:

i. Create a username and password.

ii. Establish an E-Business point of contact (POC) in order to respond to the registration emails.

iii. Establish at…