ATCMTD 2021 NOFO 693JJ321NF00005.pdf

U.S. Department of Transportation

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number 693JJ321NF00005

“Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies

Deployment Initiative”

Issue Date: June 22, 2021

Application Due Date: August 23, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE

PAGE

N/A

SUMMARY INFORMATION

N/A

WEBINAR DETAILS

A

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

B

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

C

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

D

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

E

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

F

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

G

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is using www.Grants.gov for issuance of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Applicants must register at Grants.gov under NOFO number to receive notifications of updates/amendments to this NOFO. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to monitor the Grants.gov site for any updates/amendments to this NOFO.

http://www.grants.gov/

Summary Information

Funding Opportunity Summary:

Up to $60 million in Federal funding to provide grants to eligible entities to develop model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment.

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Operations 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Mail Drop: E86-205 Washington, DC 20590 Attn: David Harris

Funding Opportunity Title: Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) Initiative

Announcement Type: This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity. This is not a follow-on notice.

Funding Opportunity Number:

693JJ321NF00005

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreements or Allocations to State departments of transportation

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

20.200 Highway Research & Development

Application Due Date: Submission Deadline: Applications Due by August 23, 2021 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time through www.Grants.gov

Questions: Submit Questions to: ATCMTD@dot.gov mailto:ATCMTD@dot.gov

Funding Opportunity Informational Webinar

DOT will host an Informational Session regarding this funding opportunity focused on the ATCMTD Initiative. This session will be conducted as a virtual forum and will focus on specific topics to help potential applicants gather additional information and ask specific questions.

Participation in this session is not mandatory to submit an application under this NOFO.

However, we encourage potential applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to gather information regarding this specific funding opportunity.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION: ATCMTD INITIATIVE

SESSION: Virtual Webcast: Background and Application Information for the ATCMTD Initiative

DATE: TBD

TIME: 1:00 pm Eastern Time

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: To Be Determined

Note: DOT will also consider conducting additional virtual and/or in person workshops regarding the ATCMTD Initiative funding opportunity.

Substantive Changes from Fiscal Year 2020 NOFO

Note: Applicants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the entire NOFO. This page is only guidance to identify significant changes and does not identify all changes.

The Focus Areas, beginning on page 10, have been revised.

The table, identifying which of the technologies, DOT goals, and focus areas are addressed in the application, beginning on page 21 has been revised.

SECTION A – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Section 503(c)(4) of Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), directs DOT to establish an Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) Initiative to provide grants to eligible entities to develop model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment. DOT intends for these model technology deployments to help demonstrate how emerging transportation technologies, data, and their applications can be effectively deployed and integrated with existing systems to provide access to essential services and other destinations. This also includes efforts to increase connectivity to employment, education, services and other opportunities; support workforce development; or contribute to increased mobility, particularly for persons with visible and hidden disabilities and elderly individuals. The Assistance Listing number for this opportunity is 20.200 – Highway Research and Development.

DOT will make no fewer than five and no more than 10 awards of up to $12 million individually.

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

DOT hereby requests applications to result in awards to eligible entities to develop model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment. These model deployments are expected to provide benefits in the form of:

• reduced traffic-related fatalities and injuries;

• reduced traffic congestion and improved travel time reliability;

• reduced transportation-related emissions;

• optimized multimodal system performance;

• improved access to transportation alternatives, including for underserved populations;

• public access to real time integrated traffic, transit, and multimodal transportation information to make informed travel decisions;

• cost savings to transportation agencies, businesses, and the traveling public; or

• other benefits to transportation users and the general public.

This competitive ATCMTD Grant Program will promote the use of innovative transportation solutions. The deployment of these technologies will provide Congress and DOT with valuable real-life data and feedback to inform future decision making.

2. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

Specific statutory authority for conducting this effort is found in 23 U.S.C. § 503(c)(4), which authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to “…establish an advanced transportation and congestion management technologies deployment initiative to provide grants to eligible entities to develop model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment.”

Per 23 U.S.C. §503(c)(4)(I)(i), funding for this effort is expected to be made available from amounts authorized under 23 U.S.C. §§ 512 through 518, as well as § 503(b).

This authority was extended by the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159).

The authority to enter into a cooperative agreement for this effort is found under 23 U.S.C. §502 - Surface Transportation Research, Development, and Technology, paragraph (b)(3) which states:

“(3) cooperation, grants, and contracts. — The Secretary may carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities related to transportation—

(A) independently;

(B) in cooperation with other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities and Federal laboratories; or

(C) by making grants to, or entering into contracts and cooperative agreements with one or more of the following: the National Academy of Sciences, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, any Federal laboratory, Federal Agency, State agency, authority, association, institution, for-profit or nonprofit corporation, organization, foreign country, or any other person.”

3. BACKGROUND

Projects funded under this initiative will deploy advanced transportation and congestion management technologies, which could include:

i. Advanced traveler information systems – Systems that provide real time, predicted, and individualized information about travel choices, based on data from sensors (traffic, weather), mobile sources (personal portable devices, connected vehicles), and other information systems (public transportation, shared-use mobility, traffic incident management, construction, parking, congestion pricing/tolls or other costs) to allow travelers and shippers to make informed decisions regarding destinations, when to travel, routes, or modes.

This information should be publicly accessible and not limited to users with smart phones.

ii. Advanced transportation management technologies – Technologies that assist transportation system operators in managing and controlling the performance of their systems to provide optimal services or respond to dynamic conditions, including interjurisdictional and intermodal coordination;

technologies may include traffic signal equipment, advanced data collection and processing (from sensors, connected vehicles and other mobile sources, other information systems), dynamic lane controls/configurations, and cooperative transportation management algorithms including pricing strategies across jurisdictions/agencies/facilities/modes.

iii. Infrastructure maintenance, monitoring, and condition assessment – Technologies and systems that monitor the behavior or assess the condition of transportation infrastructure to allow agencies to better manage their transportation assets through optimizing resource allocation, preventative maintenance processes, and responses to critical conditions.

iv. Advanced public transportation systems – Technologies that assist public transportation system operators or other shared mobility entities in managing and optimizing the provision of public transportation and mobility services;

technologies may include remote fleet monitoring systems, coordinated communication systems, algorithms, and applications to enable better transit connections for users, advanced data collection and processing (from sensors, mobile/connected sources, other information systems) to provide dynamic responsive transit services, and communication and data systems that enable shared mobility services.

v. Transportation system performance data collection, analysis, and dissemination systems – Technologies and systems that actively monitor the performance of and interactions between transportation systems and permit agencies and other interested entities to conduct analyses and research, and explore innovative, value-added products and services.

vi. Advanced safety systems, including vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications, technologies associated with automated vehicles, and other collision avoidance technologies, including systems using cellular technology – Deployment of technology-based safety systems such as described at Safer Car (http://www.safercar.gov/) or at the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program https://www.its.dot.gov/index.htm , or other applicable safety technologies.

vii. Integration of intelligent transportation systems with the Smart Grid and other energy distribution and charging systems – Technologies that link information from ITS and other transportation systems with information from Smart Grid and other energy distribution and charging systems to provide users with better information related to opportunities for recharging electric vehicles, and to provide energy distribution agencies with better information related to potential transportation-user demand.

viii. Electronic pricing and payment systems – Technologies that permit users to electronically conduct financial transactions for mobility services across jurisdictions and agencies, such as unified fare collection, payment, and tolling systems across transportation modes; or

ix. Advanced mobility and access technologies, such as dynamic ridesharing and information systems to support human services for elderly and disabled individuals – Technologies and systems that leverage data and communications systems to allow public agencies and human service organizations to provide improved mobility services to at-risk users such as elderly, disabled, or other individuals that require transportation assistance.

4. VISION, GOALS, AND FOCUS AREAS

DOT recognizes that each location has unique attributes, and each location’s proposed deployment will be tailored to its vision and goals. Applications may be submitted for deploying any eligible technology. However, this section provides a framework for applicants to consider in the development of a proposed deployment by presenting DOT’s vision, goals, and focus areas.

DOT’s vision for the ATCMTD Initiative is the deployment of advanced technologies and related strategies to address issues and challenges in safety, mobility, sustainability, http://www.safercar.gov/ https://www.its.dot.gov/index.htm economic vitality, equity, and air quality that are confronted by transportation systems owners and operators. The advanced technologies are integrated into the routine functions of the location or jurisdiction and play a critical role in helping agencies and the public address their challenges. Management systems within transportation and across other sectors (e.g., human services, energy, and logistics) share information and data to communicate between agencies and with the public. These management systems provide benefits by maximizing efficiencies based on the intelligent management of assets and the sharing of information using integrated technology solutions. The advanced technology solutions and the lessons learned from their deployment are used in other locations, scaled in scope and size, to increase successful deployments and provide widespread benefits to the public and agencies.

Goals for the ATCMTD Initiative include:

• Reduced costs and improved return on investments, including through the enhanced use of existing transportation capacity;

• Delivery of environmental benefits that alleviate congestion, reduce transportation-related emissions and streamline traffic flow;

• Measurement and improvement of the operational performance of the applicable transportation networks;

• Reduction in the number and severity of traffic crashes and an increase in driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety;

• Collection, dissemination, and use of real time transportation related information to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide for more efficient and accessible transportation, including access to safe, reliable, and affordable connections to employment, education, healthcare, freight facilities, and other services;

• Monitoring transportation assets to improve infrastructure management, reduce maintenance costs, prioritize investment decisions, and ensure a state of good repair;

• Delivery of economic benefits by reducing delays, improving system performance and throughput, and providing for the efficient and reliable movement of people, goods, and services;

• Accelerated deployment of V2V, V2I, and technologies associated with automated vehicles and other advanced technologies;

• Integration of advanced technologies into transportation system management and operations;

• Demonstration, quantification, and evaluation of the impact of these advanced technologies, strategies, and applications towards improved safety, efficiency, equity, and sustainable movement of people and goods; and

• Reproducibility of successful systems and services for technology and knowledge transfer to other locations facing similar challenges.

Although proposals are not limited to DOT priorities, the Department is particularly interested in deployment programs and projects in the following seven “Focus Areas”:

• Climate Change and Environmental Justice Impacts: The Department seeks to select projects that have considered climate change and environmental justice in the planning stage and were designed with specific elements to address climate change impacts. Projects should directly support Climate Action Plans or apply environmental justice screening tools in the planning stage. Projects should reduce emissions, promote energy efficiency, incorporate electrification or zero emission vehicle infrastructure, increase resiliency, or recycle existing infrastructure.

• Racial Equity and Barriers to Opportunity: The Department seeks to use the

ATCMTD Program to encourage racial equity in two areas: (1) planning and policies related to racial equity and barriers to opportunity; and (2) project investments that either proactively address racial equity and barriers to opportunity, including automobile as a form of barrier, or redress prior inequities and barriers to opportunity. This Focus Area supports the Department’s strategic goal related to infrastructure, with the potential for significantly enhancing environmental stewardship and community partnerships, and reflects Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (86 FR 7009).

• Integration of intelligent transportation systems with the Smart Grid and other energy distribution and charging systems: Technologies that link information from ITS and other transportation systems with information from Smart Grid and other energy distribution and charging systems to provide users with better information related to opportunities for recharging electric vehicles, and to provide energy distribution agencies with better information related to potential transportation-user demand.

• Advanced public transportation systems: Technologies that assist public transportation system operators or other shared mobility entities in managing and optimizing the provision of public transportation and mobility services;

technologies may include remote fleet monitoring systems, coordinated communication systems, algorithms, and applications to enable better transit connections for users, advanced data collection and processing (from sensors, mobile/connected sources, other information systems) to provide dynamic responsive transit services, and communication and data systems that enable shared mobility services.

• Freight Community System: A Freight Community System (sometimes called Port Community System) is an electronic platform which connects the multiple systems operated by a variety of organizations that make up a freight transportation community, including seaports, airports, rail yards/inland ports and distribution centers. It is shared in the sense that it is set up, organized and used by firms in the same sector – in this case, a freight community – to provide a neutral and open electronic platform enabling an intelligent and secure exchange of information between public and private stakeholders in order to improve the efficiency and competitive position of the ports’ community(ies). It optimizes, manages and automates smooth port and logistics processes through a single submission of data by connecting transport and logistics chains. This focus area is important to the departmental goal of integrating freight infrastructure within the surface transportation system, particularly maritime ports, while at the same time providing a platform to reduce the impacts of national freight movement on local communities.

• Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success

(R.O.U.T.E.S.) Initiative: A strong transportation network is critical to the functioning and growth of the American economy. The Nation’s industry depends on the transportation network to move the goods that it produces, and facilitate the movements of the workers who are responsible for that production.

When the Nation’s highways, railways, and ports function well, that infrastructure connects people to jobs, increases the efficiency of delivering goods and thereby cuts the costs of doing business, reduces the burden of commuting, and improves economic well-being. Rural transportation networks play a vital role in supporting our national economic vitality. Addressing the deteriorating conditions and disproportionately high fatality rates on our rural transportation infrastructure is of critical interest to the Department, as rural transportation networks face unique challenges in safety, infrastructure condition, and passenger and freight usage. Consistent with the R.O.U.T.E.S. Initiative, the Department will consider how the project will address the challenges faced by rural areas. Example technologies include improved access to transportation services, corridor freight platooning, mobile work zone alerts, improved roadway weather management, improved emergency response services and traffic incident management, curve warning systems, or animal intrusion detection and warning.

• Complete Trip: The Complete Trip Program is a DOT Initiative that is exploring emerging technologies to enhance travel that includes opportunities for people with mobility challenges by providing travel opportunities that are seamlessly integrated into their daily lives. The lack of transportation options for all travelers, including travelers with disabilities, travelers from rural areas, and lower income travelers is a persistent challenge for access to jobs, education, healthcare and other activities. The Complete Trip Program will: Engage stakeholders to assess impacts and effectiveness of accessible technologies, define complete trip and what it means and what is missing; advance technological innovation for accessible transportation through foundational research, prototype development, and technology transfer programs; improve transportation systems integration including pedestrian and built environments; coordinate with key partners, within the Federal Government, the research community, stakeholder organizations, and private industry; and, demonstrate, deploy, evaluate and provide guidance for accessible transportation technologies. DOT is interested in emerging technologies that support the Complete Trip Program.

Although not required, the Department encourages proposals that include a commitment to make relevant data available to DOT and the public to further advance the objectives of this initiative. For example, in addition to providing the report to the Secretary required by 23 U.S.C. 503(c)(4), projects may provide DOT access to the underlying data used to determine the costs and benefits described in this report.

5. DELIVERABLES

The selected ATCMTD awardees shall provide a schedule for the project deliverables that includes at a minimum the following items.

Deliverable Approximate

Due Date Section 508 Compliant?

Preliminary Kick-off Meeting – Conduct a preliminary kick-off meeting with DOT at mutually-agreed-upon location.

Within 6 weeks after announcement of project selection.

No

Draft Cooperative Agreement completed. The cooperative agreement shall include a Project Management Plan. The Project Management Plan, shall include, at a minimum:

Within 6 weeks after preliminary kick-off meeting.

No

a) Statement of Work (SOW), with a description of Tasks and Sub-Tasks by which the project work activities will be organized, executed, and monitored.

b) A Project Schedule (Gantt Chart or equivalent) displaying start and end times for each Task and Sub-Task, plus achievement of Project Milestones.

c) A description of major Project Milestones, including key reports, start of operations of important systems or subsystems, and other important deliverables or events.

d) A Staffing Table, which identifies a single Project Manager, plus project staff and/or consultants that will lead and support each Task (or Sub-Task if appropriate).

e) A Project Budget, displaying planned expenditures for each Task, with a further breakdown by Cost Element for each Task, and by the Federal share vs.

non-Federal share.

Fully-Executed Cooperative Agreement. Within 6 weeks after completion of draft agreement.

No

Kick-off Meeting – Conduct a kick-off meeting with DOT at mutually-agreed-upon location.

Within 4 weeks after execution of cooperative agreement.

No

Quarterly Progress Reports – submit progress reports to document activities performed, anticipated activities, and any changes to schedule or anticipated issues.

Quarterly No

Systems Engineering Documents

In accordance with 23 CFR 940.11, the Recipient shall submit electronic copies of the Milestone Systems Engineering documents applicable to this project, for approval by FHWA. This shall include, at minimum:

a) Systems Engineering Review Form

b) Concept of Operations

c) Systems Engineering Management Plan.

As applicable No

Project Evaluation Plan

Within 90 days after the

No

The Recipient shall submit to FHWA for approval an Evaluation Plan, which shall include, at a minimum:

a) Statement of Project Objectives,

b) List of Evaluation Criteria (e.g. quantitative performance metrics and/or qualitative assessments) tailored to the Project Objectives,

c) Description of Data-Collection procedures tailored to these criteria, which could include, for example, before/after data, surveys, interviews, system-monitoring data, or other data needed to report on achievement of project objectives.

d) Outline of Evaluation Report (1-page, draft list of topics to be addressed)

Effective Date

Data Management Plan (DMP)

The Recipient shall submit to FHWA for approval a DMP that provides a preliminary overview of data that may be collected or created through the project, which shall include, at a minimum:

a) Data description

b) Data access policies

c) Data storage and retention approach

The Recipient shall then update the DMP throughout the project with more details on the data that is collected or created, including information on data rights and standards. Additional information on DMPs can be found at:

https://ntl.bts.gov/ntl/public-access/creating-data-management-plans-extramural-research.

Within 90 days after the

Effective Date, to be updated throughout the project.

No

Report to the Secretary – submit a report describing the deployment and operational costs compared to the benefits and savings, and how the project has met the original expectations projected in the deployment plan.

Annually beginning 1 year after execution of cooperative agreement.

Yes

Annual Budget Review and Program Plan Reporting

Submit the Annual Budget Review and Program Plan Report. The report should describe:

60 days prior to the anniversary date of award

No https://ntl.bts.gov/ntl/public-access/creating-data-management-plans-extramural-research https://ntl.bts.gov/ntl/public-access/creating-data-management-plans-extramural-research

(1) Overview and schedule of tasks, activities, milestones and deliverables for the upcoming year, to include:

• the latest deliverables table or project management schedule; and

• a discussion of whether the current approved

Technical Application attached to the award needs to be updated or not. If an update is warranted, propose the updates.

(2) Overview and forecast budget for the upcoming year, including: a discussion of whether the current approved Budget Application attached to the award needs to be updated or not. If an update is warranted, propose the updates.

Final Report

The Recipient shall provide a final report within 90 days after the termination or expiration of this agreement. The FHWA Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in consultation with the Recipient, will determine the final design and scope of the evaluation and report. Submit an electronic copy of all reports to the ATCMTD mailbox at ATCMTD@dot.gov

Within 90 days after the termination or expiration of this Agreement

Yes

(additional deliverables to be identified in separate rows by the applicant)

Note: Section 508 requirements are included in NOFO Section F’s General Terms and Conditions available online at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa/generaltermsconditions.cfm.

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. FUNDING AND NUMBER OF AWARDS

For fiscal year 2021, $60 million is available for the ATCMTD program. That amount is subject to statutory obligation limitations each fiscal year and subject to a set aside of up to $2 million for DOT administrative expenses each fiscal year, making $60 million available for awards. A single grant recipient may not receive more than $12 million in 1 fiscal year. DOT anticipates making not less than 5 and not more than 10 awards each fiscal year. This NOFO is the sixth of the annual NOFOs for ATCMTD.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/aaa/generaltermsconditions.cfm

2. TYPE OF AWARD

The planned award type is a cost-reimbursable cooperative agreement or an allocation to a State.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The estimated period of performance is between one and four years.

4. DEGREE OF FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT

DOT anticipates substantial Federal involvement with the ATCMTD recipients during the course of these projects. The anticipated Federal involvement will include technical assistance and guidance to the recipient.

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

To be selected for an ATCMTD award, an applicant must be an eligible applicant.

Eligible applicants are State, or local governments, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) representing a population of over 200,000, or other political subdivisions of a State or local government (such as publicly owned toll or port authorities), or a multijurisdictional group or consortia of research institutions or academic institutions. Partnership with the private sector or public agencies, including multimodal and multijurisdictional entities, research institutions, organizations representing transportation and technology leaders, or other transportation stakeholders, is encouraged.

Typically, a consortium is a meaningful arrangement with all members involved in planning the overall direction of the group’s activities and participating in most aspects of the group; the consortium is a long-term relationship intended to last the full life of the grant. Any application submitted by a sole research or academic institution and that is not part of a consortium will not be considered for selection.

Note: A multijurisdictional group is any combination of State governments, local governments, metropolitan planning agencies, transit agencies, or other political subdivisions of a State for which each member of the group has signed a written agreement to implement the advanced transportation technologies deployment initiative across jurisdictional boundaries, and is an eligible entity under this paragraph.

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

Cost sharing or matching is required, with the maximum Federal share being 50 percent; hence, this NOFO requires a minimum non-Federal cost share of 50 percent.

Cost sharing or matching means the portion of project costs not paid by Federal funds.

For a more complete definition, please see the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR Part 200, including section 200.306 on Cost Sharing or matching. Other Federal funds using their appropriate matching share may be leveraged for the deployment but cannot be considered as part of the ATCMTD matching funds, unless otherwise supported by statute.

3. OTHER INFORMATION

The ATCMTD recipients may use not more than 5 percent of the funds awarded each fiscal year to carry out planning and reporting requirements for the project.

DOT encourages applicants to identify any project components that have independent utility and separately detail the costs and requested ATCMTD funding for each component in their applications. If the application identifies one or more independent project components, the application should clearly identify how each independent component addresses the selection criteria and produces benefits on its own, and describe how the full proposal, of which the independent component is a part, addresses the selection criteria.

SECTION D – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants may access application packages and must submit their applications via Grants.gov under the NOFO number cited herein. Applications must be submitted through the Grants.gov workspace. Please note: legacy PDF packages are no longer available.

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

Should applicants have any difficulties in accessing any standard forms and require paper copies, please contact Ryan Buck by either of the means below:

Ryan Buck 202-366-4229 Ryan.Buck@dot.gov

2. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Applicants shall submit an application consisting of the following application volumes and sections:

Table D.2 – Application Volumes Volume Section Page Limitations

Volume I. Technical Application

I - Cover Page

One (1) file, 30-page limit

II - Project Narrative

III – Management Structure

IV - Staffing Description and Résumés Appendix – Résumés No page limit

Volume II. Budget Application

I - Application Standard Forms

One (1) file, no page limit

II – Summary Budget Information

III – Cost Share Information

IV - Organizational Information

Note: Applicants shall provide résumés in Volume 1 of the application. Résumés will not count against the page limit. Applicants shall provide letters of commitment in Volume 2.

For the submitted application package, FHWA suggests that pictures, graphics, and other large files be reduced in number and quality to keep the size of the files of the application manageable and in line with the Grants.gov suggested maximum size of 200 megabytes for the entire grant application package.

DOT recommends that applicants use a file naming format of: Applicant_organization- 2021-ATCMTD-fileID (e.g., Vol-1, Vol-2) where “Applicant_organization” reflects the applicant’s legal name, abbreviated as appropriate. If an applicant organization is submitting multiple applications, project names or identifiers may be added to the workspace title in parentheses after the applicant organization. For example, a workspace in Grants.gov may be titled “Applicant_organization(Project 1)-2021-mailto:Ryan.Buck@dot.gov

ATCMTD.” If necessary, the workspace title can be edited per the instructions on Grants.gov.

VOLUME 1 – TECHNICAL APPLICATION

a) Section I - Cover Page Including the Following Table:

Project Name Eligible Entity Applying to Receive Federal Funding

Total Project Cost (from all sources) $ ATCMTD Request $ Are matching funds restricted to a specific project component? If so, which one?

Yes/No

State(s) in which the project is located Is the project currently programmed in the:

• Transportation Improvement Program

• Statewide Transportation Improvement

Program

• MPO Long Range Transportation Plan

• State Long Range Transportation Plan

Yes/No – please specify in which plans the project is currently programmed

Technologies Proposed to Be Deployed (briefly list)

Will the project use connected vehicle technologies? If so, which technologies will be used—for instance, will the project use:

• DSRC/5.9 GHz spectrum?

• Cellular/4G/5G communications?

• Another connectivity technology? (please specify - e.g., “Wi-Fi,” “Bluetooth,” “RFID,” etc.)

If the connectivity technology has yet to be determined, please specify “TBD”

Yes/No – please specify which technology(ies) will be used

Will the project use automated driving system technologies?

Yes/No

Is the project located in a rural area? A rural area is an area not in a Census-designated urbanized area (a Census-designated urban area 50,000 residents or more).

Yes/No

b) Section II - Project Narrative

The Project Narrative must include all the necessary information required for DOT to determine that the project satisfies the ATCMTD Program requirements described in Sections A, B, and C, and for DOT to evaluate the project in relation to the selection criteria specified in Section E.1. To the extent practicable, applicants should provide data and evidence of project merits in a form that is verifiable or publicly available.

DOT expects applications to be complete upon submission.

DOT recommends that the project narrative, at a minimum, provide the following information: table of contents, detailed SOW, detailed project schedules, staffing description, and any appropriate exhibits or attachments that will aid in the review and assessment of the application. All exhibits and attachments must clearly identify what technical area of the project narrative that the document supports. At a minimum, the Project Narrative should address the following content:

1. A short (50-70 words) summary of the proposed project at the beginning of the Project Narrative section.

2. An introduction that provides a clear, concise description of the project and the proposed technology deployment(s).

3. A description of the geographic area or jurisdiction the deployment will service.

4. A description of the real-world issues and challenges to be addressed by the proposed technology deployments. Applicants should discuss how the proposed technology deployments address the goals of the initiative, and any applicable technology focus area.

5. A description of transportation systems and services to be included in the project.

6. A deployment plan that includes providing long-term operation and maintenance of advanced transportation and congestion management technologies to achieve implementation goals.

7. A description of any challenges in the regulatory, legislative, or institutional environments or other obstacles to deployment.

8. Quantifiable system performance improvements, such as--

a) reducing traffic-related crashes, congestion, and costs;

b) optimizing system efficiency; and

c) improving access to transportation services.

9. Quantifiable safety, mobility, and environmental benefit projections such as data-driven estimates of how the project will improve mobility for people and goods.

10. Vision, goals, and objectives of the applicant for the technology deployment, including any future related deployments; the vision of the organization and goals, objectives, and activities to be pursued in addressing the identified issues and challenges.

11. A plan to leverage and optimize existing local and regional advanced transportation technology investments.

12. A detailed schedule for conducting the technology deployment and for completion of all proposed activities, to include achievable timeframes for successful execution of project milestones

13. Any support or leveraging of the ITS Program or innovative technology initiatives (DOT ITS initiatives are described on-line at http://www.its.dot.gov.)

14. A table (or other summary) clearly identifying which of the 9 technologies in Section A.3 and the 11 DOT goals, and 7 focus areas in Section A.4 will be implemented and/or addressed by the proposal. The following template may be used to convey this information:

Technologies Implemented/Addressed by Proposal (check all that apply)

1. Advanced traveler information systems

2. Advanced transportation management technologies 3 Infrastructure maintenance, monitoring, and condition assessment

4. Advanced public transportation systems

5. Transportation system performance data collection, analysis, and dissemination systems

6. Advanced safety systems, including V2V and V2I communications, technologies associated with automated vehicles, and other collision avoidance technologies, including systems using cellular technology

7. Integration of intelligent transportation systems with the Smart Grid and other energy distribution and charging systems

8. Electronic pricing and payment systems

9. Advanced mobility and access technologies, such as dynamic ridesharing and information systems to support human services for elderly and disabled individuals

ATCMTD Goals Implemented/Addressed by Proposal (check all that apply)

1. Reduced costs and improved return on investments, including through the enhanced use of existing transportation capacity

2. Delivery of environmental benefits that alleviate congestion and streamline traffic flow

3. Measurement and improvement of the operational performance of the applicable transportation networks

4. Reduction in the number and severity of traffic crashes and an increase in driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety http://www.its.dot.gov/

5. Collection, dissemination, and use of real time transportation related information to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide for more efficient and accessible transportation, including access to safe, reliable, and affordable connections to employment, education, healthcare, freight facilities, and other services

6. Monitoring transportation assets to improve infrastructure management, reduce maintenance costs, prioritize investment decisions, and ensure a state of good repair

7. Delivery of economic benefits by reducing delays, improving system performance and throughput, and providing for the efficient and reliable movement of people, goods, and services

8. Accelerated deployment of V2V, V2I, and technologies associated with automated vehicle applications and other advanced technologies

9. Integration of advanced technologies into transportation system management and operations

10. Demonstration, quantification, and evaluation of the impact of these advanced technologies, strategies, and applications towards improved safety, efficiency, and sustainable movement of people and goods

11. Reproducibility of successful systems and services for technology and knowledge transfer to other locations facing similar challenges

Focus Areas Implemented/Addressed by Proposal (check all that apply)

1. Climate Change and Environmental Justice Impacts

2. Racial Equity and Barriers to Opportunity

3. Integration of intelligent transportation systems with the Smart Grid and other energy distribution and charging systems

4. Advanced public transportation systems

5. Freight (or Port) Community Systems

6. R.O.U.T.E.S.

7. Complete Trip

In addition, if an applicant is proposing to deploy automated vehicles or other innovative motor vehicle technology, the application should demonstrate how all vehicles will comply with applicable safety requirements, including those administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Specifically, the application should show that vehicles acquired for the proposed project will comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). If the vehicles may not comply, the application should either (1) show that the vehicles and their proposed operations are within the scope of an exemption or waiver that has already been granted by NHTSA, FMCSA, or both agencies or (2) directly address whether the project will require exemptions or waivers from the FMVSS, FMCSR, or any other regulation and, if the project will require exemptions or waivers, present a plan for obtaining them. If an applicant is proposing to deploy automated vehicles or other innovative motor vehicle technology, the application should demonstrate how all vehicles will comply with applicable Buy America requirements, 23 U.S.C. 313 and 23 CFR 635.410. In addition, the application should describe whether the deployment of automated technologies will affect the transportation workforce, and, if so, include measures to mitigate any negative effects.

c) Section III – Management Structure

The Applicant shall provide a description of the proposed management structure that will oversee the implementation of the project and provide administration of the agreement. The Applicant shall include all the following information to describe their proposed Management Structure:

1. A description of the Applicant’s organization that will be designated as the recipient entering the agreement (i.e., receiving Federal funding) with FHWA including:

a) membership of any partnership or entity proposed to carry out the deployment;

b) a description of how the entity will manage the program including management of project funding.

2. A plan for partnering with the private sector or public agencies, including multimodal and multijurisdictional entities, research institutions, organizations representing transportation and technology leaders, or other transportation stakeholders.

3. Designation of all proposed sub-recipients, and their role in delivering the project. See 2 CFR § 200.330 for the definition and distinction between a sub-recipient and a sub-contractor.

4. A diagram or flow chart depicting the organizational structure of the project team. Organizations that are designated as sub-recipients or sub-contractors should be clearly identified.

5. Applicants that are multijurisdictional groups or consortia of research or academic institutions do not necessarily have to be an existing organization or coalition but should show evidence that a cooperative agreement, memorandum of understanding, or other organizational mechanism can be executed in a reasonable timeframe after selection.

Note: A multijurisdictional group is any combination of State governments, local governments, metropolitan planning agencies, transit agencies, or other political subdivisions of a State for which each member of the group has signed a written agreement to implement the advanced transportation technologies deployment initiative across jurisdictional boundaries, and is an eligible entity under this paragraph.

d) Section IV - Staffing Description

Applicants shall provide a staffing description that includes the following information:

1. A description of the organization of staffing to manage and conduct the project, including identification of key personnel with résumés, organization, role, and responsibility. Applicants shall also identify the expected level of involvement for each designated Key Personnel (e.g., percent of work time to be committed to the project during the period of performance).

2. A primary point of contact (POC) and provide complete contact information for this individual.

e) Appendix - Résumés for Key Personnel

Resumes: Applicants shall provide the résumés for all designated Key Personnel.

The applicant shall designate no more than five (5) Key Personnel.

f) Formatting

DOT recommends that Volume 1 be prepared with standard formatting preferences:

a single-spaced document, using a standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins on 8.5 by 11-inch paper. (Applications may include appropriately-sized pages for conveying detailed information important for the technical review, such as maps.) All application pages shall be consecutively numbered.

g) Page Limitations

Sections I through IV shall not exceed 30 pages in length, excluding cover pages, the table of contents, and exhibits and attachments. Exhibits and attachments shall not exceed 30 pages in length, and shall be limited to documents that support the assertions or conclusions made in the 30-page limitation of Sections I through IV.

The staffing description shall not exceed 5 pages in length (inclusive of the 30-page limitation). There is no overall page limitation for résumés of Key Personnel in the appendix; however, individual resumes shall not exceed four pages in length, and shall only contain relevant experience pertinent to the subject matter of this NOFO.

VOLUME 2 – BUDGET APPLICATION

a) Section I - Application Standard Forms (SFs)

Volume 2 of the application must include the Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance), Standard Form 424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs), and the Grants.gov Lobbying Form. Standard Form 424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs) is required if the applicant does not have an updated SAM.gov Registration as of 02/01/2019. Standard Forms (SF) are available online at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

On the SF-424, the information in block 8a (Applicant’s “Legal Name”) must be the same as entered for registration in www.SAM.gov and for the Applicant’s Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. The title for an applicant’s workspace on www.Grants.gov is limited to 240 characters and may be different than the DUNS name.

For applications under this NOFO, the breakdown of the applicable sections of standard form 424A is:

• Section A: Since this is an initial application, only columns (a) through (d) and

(g) need to be completed. The Applicant should enter the proposed project as one program or function; however, as an option, the Applicant may subdivide this entry into partial programs (e.g., a Phase I and Phase II).

• Section B is a summary of the entire project budget across all years.

• Section C is the source of the non-Federal matching share.

• Section D is the forecasted funding needs for year one (1).

• Section E is the forecasted funding needs for years two (2) and after (i.e., does not include the first year’s funding).

b) Section II - Summary Budget Narrative

The Applicant shall provide a summary budget narrative that describes all of the planned project costs (i.e., direct labor, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, construction, & other) and how these planned costs are connected to the project scope. The summary budget narrative must be sufficiently clear, concise, and detailed to describe how funds will be spent under the project. The Applicant shall also provide a summary budget table that provides estimated costs across project http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html http://www.sam.gov/ components or tasks, and across all years of the project. The summary budget should represent the total cost of the project, inclusive of both the Federal share and the required matching non-Federal cost share. An example of a summary level budget table is provided below:

Table 2. Example of Summary Budget Figures

c) Section III - Cost Share Information

The Applicant should show evidence that funding has been identified for the project that will cover the 50 percent non-Federal cost share requirement. The Applicant should include letters of commitment from organizations that will provide a portion of the cost share, and identify the source of those funds (e.g., general treasury funds, revolving loan fund, capital budget, in-kind labor, in-kind equipment, etc.).

Note: The maximum amount of funding requested from the ATCMTD Program cannot exceed $12 million per year nor exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the activities proposed to be funded.