CAAP NOFO 2022 Final.pdf

NOFO: 693JK322NF0003

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 1 of 25 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO

U.S. Department of Transportation

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

(PHMSA)

NOFO Issue Date:

Question Deadline:

February 28, 2022 March 30, 2022, 11:59 p.m. ET April 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. ET Application Due Date:

Assistance Listing Program Number (formerly CFDA): 20.724

PHMSA Funding Opportunity Number 693JK322NF0003

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP)

Fiscal Year 2022

Applicants must be registered at Grants.gov to apply for the grant. It is highly recommended that applicants begin the registration process as soon as possible to avoid delays in submission. Additionally, applicants must maintain a valid Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov.

Furthermore, applicants must register with FedConnect at https://www.fedconnect.net for an account before submitting an application. Your organization’s Marketing Partner ID number (MPIN), which can be retrieved from SAM, is required to create an account. For instructions on how to register in FedConnect and how it works, view the FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go! Tutorial on the FedConnect home page.

http://www.sam.gov/

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Table of Contents

MISSION

SECTION A – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Section A.01: Statement of Purpose

Section A.02: Program Authority

Section A.03-1: Background on PHMSA’s Pipeline R&D Program

Section A.03-2: Background on the CAAP Initiative

Section A.03-3: CAAP Performance Goals and Expected Outcomes

Section A.04: Research Topics

Research Area #1: Excessive Cathodic Protection on Vintage Pipelines

Research Area #2: Development of Structural Liner Material

Research Area #3: Pipeline Infrastructure Modernization – Hydrogen Network

Research Area #4: Determine Potential Impact Radius for CO2 Pipelines

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Section B.01: Funding

Section B.02: Period of Performance

Section B.03: Type of Award

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Section C.01: Eligible Applicants

Section C.02: Cost Sharing

Section C.03: Minimum Requirements

SECTION D – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Section D.01: Address to Request an Application Package

Section D.02: Content and Form of Application Submission

Section D.03: Unique Entity Identifier (Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Section D.04: Submission Dates and Times

Section D.05: Funding Restrictions

PHMSA requires applicants for this funding opportunity to apply electronically through Grants.gov.

Applicants may contact the following POC in the event of system problems:

SECTION E – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Section E.01: Criteria

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Section E.02: Review and Selection Process

SECTION F – FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Section F.01: Federal Award Notices

Section F.02: Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Section F.03: Reporting

SECTION G – AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

693JK322NF0003

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Program Summary Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – Pipeline and

Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Funding Opportunity Title: Pipeline Safety Research CAAP – FY 2022

Announcement Type:

Funding Opportunity Number:

Initial Announcement

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 20.724

Eligible Applicants: Applicants must be nonprofit institutions of higher education located in the U.S. or a U.S. territory or possession.

Dates: NOFO Issue Date:

Question Deadline:

Application Due Date:

February 28, 2022 March 30, 2022 April 15, 2022

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MISSION

The mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT or Department) is to ensure our Nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world.

DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) protects people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. To do this, the agency establishes national policy, sets and enforces standards, educates, and conducts research to prevent incidents. We also prepare the public and first responders to reduce consequences if an incident does occur. To accomplish this, PHMSA awards grants to states, tribes, territories, localities, communities, and nonprofits that help make sure pipelines operate safely and shipments arrive without incident.

SECTION A – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Section A.01: Statement of Purpose PHMSA hereby requests applications from nonprofit institutions of higher education for Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) grant funding to research innovative solutions in four pipeline safety topic areas. CAAP grant funding is subject to the availability of appropriations. PHMSA anticipates awarding up to $4,000,000 under CAAP in FY 2022, with federal funding not to exceed $1,000,000 per award. The research to be conducted under CAAP agreements will pursue a set of solutions for known pipeline integrity challenges. PHMSA anticipates the period of performance of each award will be no less than 24 months and will not exceed 36 months.

A strong transportation network is critical to the functioning and growth of the American economy. Our Nation’s people depend on the transportation network to move the goods that we produce and facilitate the movements of the workers who are responsible for that production. When the Nation’s highways, railways, and ports function well, they connect people to jobs, increase the efficiency of delivering goods and thereby cut the costs of doing business, reduce the burden of commuting, and improve overall wellbeing.

PHMSA’s 2022 CAAP will focus on research and development (R&D) that will support Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Specifically, PHMSA’s projects will focus on mitigating climate change by advancing the safe transportation of hydrogen, as well as limiting the risk posed to socially vulnerable communities from aging cast iron pipelines.

Furthermore, PHMSA is looking to advance equity by encouraging the participation and partnership with Minority Servicing Institutions (MSIs) in the CAAP. Also, PHMSA is currently expanding its outreach efforts to serve MSIs and conducting a gap analysis to identify MSIs and their research capabilities.

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Section A.02: Program Authority PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety R&D Program was authorized pursuant to Section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-355) to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities. The authority to offer grants and enter into cooperative agreements in furtherance of the objectives of 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq., is codified in 49 U.S.C. § 60117(k).

Section A.03-1: Background on PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety R&D Program The pipeline infrastructure in the U.S. is the primary means of transporting natural gas and the majority of hazardous liquids from production basins and ports to areas of consumption. The importance of energy pipelines to the U.S. economy and our standard of living—as well as the risk it poses to health, safety, and the environment—requires that these assets be maintained safely and reliably and where appropriate transitioned or expanded to meet our energy demands and contribute to the mitigation of global climate change.

R&D must play a larger role in finding solutions to national, regional, and local pipeline operational safety, reliability, and environmental challenges. Some of these challenges include ensuring operators have the most suitable technology to efficiently and effectively meet or exceed federal and state regulatory requirements regarding the safety and integrity of pipelines. Other challenges include keeping critical industry consensus standards updated with the latest scientific information and knowledge to be effective and relevant to their purpose of supporting the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of pipelines.

The PHMSA Pipeline Safety R&D Program continues to have an impact on developing technology, strengthening consensus standards, and creating and promoting general knowledge to decision makers. More performance details are available on PHMSA's Pipeline Safety R&D Program website: http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/performance.htm.

Section A.03-2: Background on the CAAP Initiative Section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (P. L. 107-355) mandates that DOT and other designated federal agencies must “carry out a program of research, development, demonstration and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities.” Specifically, PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety R&D Program’s mission is to sponsor R&D projects focused on providing near-term solutions that will improve safety, reduce the environmental impact, and enhance the reliability of the Nation’s pipeline transportation system. The goals and objectives of the CAAP initiative, as discussed below, directly support both this mission and the congressional mandate.

The CAAP initiative is intended to spur innovation by enabling academic research focused on high technical risk and high payoff solutions for many pipeline safety challenges. Such research will potentially deliver solutions that can be handed off to PHMSA’s Core1 Pipeline Research Program for demonstration and deployment. The

1 The Core program is one of three pipeline research programs administered by PHMSA.

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/performance.htm http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/performance.htm

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 7 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO goal is to validate proof of concept for a thesis or theory along a logical path towards commercialization.

Another goal of the CAAP initiative is to expose undergraduate and graduate research students to subject matter that is common to pipeline safety challenges, encourage them to participate in these subjects, and illustrate how their engineering or technical disciplines are highly needed in the pipeline field. The ultimate benefit would be to cultivate new talent in all aspects of the pipeline sector.

Section A.03-3: CAAP Performance Goals and Expected Outcomes

PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety R&D Program is requesting projects through the Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Agreement Program (CAAP – CFDA Number 20.724) that will seek to advance its mission through well researched solutions to known integrity threats. PHMSA will make awards to projects that have clear objectives and foster increased talent in all aspects of pipelining. Section A.04 outlines the performance goals PHMSA has put forth for 2022 CAAP awards.

Program staff will collect data on ongoing projects as outlined by Section F.03 to ensure projects are on track to meet PHMSA’s expectation. PHMSA staff will review data collected for indicators of variances from expect project outcomes. Furthermore, PHMSA staff will also track the number of positions sought by CAAP participants in pipeline engineering position.

Section A.04: Research Topics PHMSA is soliciting proposals in four primary R&D focus areas based on the research gaps identified during the PHMSA Research Forum held November 30 – December 2, 2021. PHMSA seeks proposals that focus on research addressing shared interests of academic researchers, public interest advocates, and pipeline operators regarding pipeline safety and environmental mitigation technology topics, with the goal of commercialization.

The research objectives will establish solid scientific and engineering foundations on technology development towards the commercialization effort to promote pipeline safety and associated environmental mitigation. Researchers will be expected to include the pipeline industry in their work to ensure that the research is relevant and commercially viable. It is encouraged that faculties with different academic backgrounds and expertise to collaborate between universities, and interact with one or more industrial partners to define the research objectives and form virtual industry-university groups to allow the undergraduate/graduate students to participate in the subjects that are critical and highly needed in the pipeline sector.

PHMSA will only consider proposals that address technical gaps within the onshore pipeline safety program areas listed in this NOFO. Proposals submitted that are outside of the identified program areas listed below, will not be reviewed or considered. The

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 8 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO focus areas are intentionally ambitious and broad enough to allow for the acceptance of a wide spectrum of specific proposals that strategically support PHMSA’s mission of pipeline safety and environmental protection.

Each application must address only one of the following primary pipeline safety program areas per proposal submission. Applicants may submit multiple proposals. PHMSA intends to make one or more awards for each of the focus topic areas.

Research Area #1: Excessive Cathodic Protection on Vintage Pipelines External corrosion of pipelines due to coating degradation and excessive cathodic protection (CP) is one of the major threats that impact pipeline integrity.2,3 For many types of vintage pipeline coatings, excessive amount of CP could develop an aggressive chemical environment resulting in further coating disbondment and cracks in pipelines.

In support of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, reducing pipeline incidents will help reduce potential climate change impacts and further racial equity by reducing corrosion related incidents in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

PHMSA’s regulations in 49 CFR §192.455(a) state that “each buried or submerged pipeline must be protected against corrosion and must have external protective coating meeting the requirements of §192.461”. In addition, 49 CFR §192.463(c) states that “the amount of cathodic protection must be controlled so as not to damage the protective coating of the pipe.” Regulations in 49 CFR § 195.571 state “Cathodic protection required by this subpart must comply with one or more of the applicable criteria and other considerations for cathodic protection contained in paragraphs 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.4,

6.2.5 and 6.3 in NACE International (formerly National Association of Corrosion Engineers) Standard Practice 0169 (NACE SP 0169).” Currently, industry standards do not provide clear guidance for operators to determine the proper amount of CP suitable for corrosion control and when the CP could be detrimental to pipeline coatings, especially the types of coatings that were installed on vintage pipelines. For instance, Section 6.2.2.3.3 of the 2007 version of NACE SP 0169, incorporated by reference in Part 195, states that “The use of excessive polarized potentials on externally coated pipelines should be avoided to minimize cathodic disbondment of the coating.”

However, NACE SP 0169 does not have a particular value of excessive CP, even in the latest 2013 version of the standard practice. Other publications such as Peabody’s Control of Pipeline Corrosion, 2nd edition, (Chapter 3, Page 28), states “off-potentials that are more negative than -1.1 V Copper Sulfate Reference Electrode (CSE) should be avoided to minimize coating degradation.”

2 NACE Corrosion 2012, Paper # 2012-0001673, by Richard Norsworthy, Matthias Jurgk, Carsten Heinks, and Jorg Grillenberger, Importance of Locating Disbonded Coatings with Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer Technology.

3 NACE Corrosion 2017 No. 8883 by David Williams and Dennis Janda, Detecting Hidden Integrity Threats using Cathodic Protection Current In-Line Inspection.

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PHMSA is seeking to develop knowledge and/or technology solutions to help pipeline operators identify issues with CP on pipelines with vintage coatings and to enhance inspection programs of pipelines with disbonded and/or ineffective coatings. In addition, PHMSA is seeking research solutions to identify the critical conditions under which the pipeline coatings could be damaged by excessive amounts of CP. The research would identify when an operator should actively investigate the condition of the coating, including:

1. Types of coating;

2. Quality of coating manufacturing and application process;

3. Impact on coatings from various environmental and operating conditions of the pipelines; and

4. CP levels.

The research should also identify when to recoat the pipeline. The scope of the proposed research should include all types of coating used on vintage pipelines that could be affected by improper CP potentials; for each type of vintage pipeline coating it should investigate the contributing factors and the severity of coating degradation and corrosion if improper CP potentials are applied.

Any identified solution should have a high degree of probability of aiding Pipeline Integrity Managers with identifying pipeline sections that have coating inadequacies that are potentially due to excessive CP.

Research Area #2: Development of Structural Liner Material In support of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, PHMSA is looking to advance technological solutions to rehabilitate aging cast iron pipelines, which are prone to leaks and are mostly located in disadvantaged areas of older cities and towns. The reduction of cast iron pipeline leaks and incidents has the potential of reducing methane releases and furthering racial equity by reducing pipeline leaks and incidents in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

PHMSA is seeking development and testing of improved internal structural liner material for cast iron and steel pipelines in need of rehabilitation. The intent of the project is to build off previous PHMSA funded projects4. In addition, the researcher will evaluate the current state of structural liners, identify any gaps, and work with any commercial partners that develop structural liners to determine where academic research could advance the technologies further. Interfacing with operators currently using or considering structural liners would be beneficial to this research project. The rehabilitated pipe would be independent of the original pipe for structural or pressure containing purposes. The researcher needs to account for connecting new service lines to rehabilitated mains. The proposed solution should be capable of safely continuing natural gas service at or above previous maximum allowable operating pressures.

4 https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=501

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Research Area #3: Pipeline Infrastructure Modernization – Hydrogen Network In support of Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, PHMSA is expanding its hydrogen research portfolio and seeking projects that would advance the safe transportation of hydrogen gas by pipeline. An increased ratio of hydrogen gas to natural gas could reduce or limit climate change impacts of methane releases from pipeline network components.

PHMSA is seeking to develop knowledge solutions on the conversion of existing natural gas pipeline systems to transport 100% hydrogen and/or blended hydrogen (hydrogen blended with natural gas) to meet interim demands. The researcher should develop a model that could assist Pipeline Integrity Managers in determining which infrastructure equipment or facilities could be utilized to transport 100% hydrogen and/or blended hydrogen. Furthermore, the model should identify necessary modifications to convert the pipeline infrastructure system to 100% hydrogen and/or blended hydrogen service. The suggested modifications must include the method(s) that pipeline operators would employ to properly odorize the hydrogen gas where appropriate. The researcher’s model, if determined to be effective, should be made available in the form of source code using publicly available platforms such as GitHub or similar.5

Research Area #4: Determination of Potential Impact Radius for CO2 Pipelines PHMSA is seeking solutions to advance the safe operation of carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. The researcher will develop an approach (tool or model) to calculate the potential impact radius (PIR) for CO2 pipelines. PHMSA’s regulations in 49 CFR §192.903 identify the PIR for natural gas pipelines as the radius of a circle within which the potential failure of a pipeline could have significant impact on people or property.

The approach should account, at a minimum, for the pipeline characteristics, diameter, operating pressures, and local geology/geography; the nonexplosive asphyxiant nature of the medium; the evacuation time for people in proximity to the pipeline; and the weather.

Furthermore, the PIR should differentiate between areas with minor, medium, and severe health consequences from the released carbon dioxide from full pipeline ruptures.

Evacuation time for people should be evaluated similar to the technical report in the C- FER Report, TTO Number 13, June 2005.6

The research team should include experts in pipeline safety and occupational health that can advise on the research. The team should review, among other things, existing literature about how PIR was addressed for natural gas pipelines to inform addressing the PIR determination for CO2 pipelines.

5 Github is a provider of internet hosting for software development and version control.

6 https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/technical-resources/pipeline/gas-transmission-integrity-management/65311/tto13potentialimpactradiusfinalreportjune2005.pdf

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SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Section B.01: Funding Subject to the availability of funds, PHMSA anticipates awarding up to $4,000,000 in CAAP funding for FY 2022, with the amount of federal funding not to exceed $1,000,000 per award. Applicants may submit more than one application, but each individual application must not exceed $1,000,000 in federal funding requested.

Section B.02: Period of Performance PHMSA anticipates a period of performance of generally between 24 months and 36 months from the date of award for each agreement. Modifications within the scope of the cooperative agreement will be handled between the parties on a case-by-case basis.

Section B.03: Type of Award All awards resulting from this announcement will be issued as cooperative agreements.

For the purposes of the cooperative agreement, PHMSA’s substantial involvement may include assistance with the pipeline industry practices, history, data, methods, means, or requirements. PHMSA will be involved to advise, educate, coordinate efforts to acquire relevant materials—such as pipe samples—for testing, and provide data and suggestions to aid in the successful completion of the research project. Further, while the collegiate institutions are not likely familiar with pipeline industry companies, trade associations, or principle contacts, PHMSA will be involved to advise and offer collaborative communication with key pipeline contacts to aid in the successful completion of the research project.

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Section C.01: Eligible Applicants Applicants must be nonprofit institutions of higher education located either in the U.S. or a U.S. territory or possession. PHMSA encourages applications from eligible higher education institutions that partner with other higher education institutions, specifically Minority Servicing Institutions (MSIs)7. PHMSA will also consider an application from an eligible higher education institution that partners with other eligible recipients, the pipeline industry, and/or with any private organization, so long as the cost of the proposed partnership does not exceed 40 percent of the proposed amount of federal contribution to the project (which may be up to $1,000,000).

MSI’s are encouraged to submit applications on their own and/or in collaboration with others. However, no portion of this requirement will be set aside or reserved exclusively for either of these groups. Applicants should state whether the project is located in a Qualified Opportunity Zone per 26 U.S.C. § 1400Z-1.

7 MSI’s include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Servicing Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

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Section C.02: Cost Sharing Pursuant to § 22(b)(2)(C)(ii) of the PIPES Act of 2016 (Pub. L. 114–183), there is a mandatory minimum 20 percent cost-sharing requirement for CAAP agreements. The federal government will fund no more than 80 percent of the total cost of each approved project, up to $1,000,000. Firm letters of commitment for resource sharing must be provided with the proposal. Proposals without resource-sharing commitment letters will not be reviewed or considered for award. See Section D.02 for additional information regarding budget/cost proposals.

Section C.03: Minimum Requirements The following are minimum requirements that all applicants must meet to be considered.

Failure to meet these requirements at any time—whether pre- or post-award—will result in either removal of the application from further consideration or termination of the agreement. The application must include a letter on the submitting institution’s letterhead that certifies these minimum requirements are understood and will be met. The letter must be signed by the Dean or an authority of an equivalent level for that college, department, or program and must then be inserted as Appendix A for the technical application (the first page of the Appendix).

1. Eligible applicants are nonprofit institutions of higher education located in the U.S. or a U.S. territory or possession.

2. The academic research agreement will be with the institution and not with individual students, faculty, or staff.

3. The research scope must be executed by undergraduate, graduate, and/or PhD research students. Institution faculty/staff should design the scope and oversee student execution of the scope. Applications that do not propose student involvement will be deemed non-responsive and will be removed from consideration. NOTE: Students must be identified no later than the first quarter of the period of performance. Institution faculty, staff, and students who are proposed to be involved with the research agreement must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or possess current visas that will allow them to remain in the country long enough to complete the research project. If known, provide the proposed student’s resume, curriculum vitae, or biography. Federal funding is solely for allowable costs necessary to execute the scope of the research, such as institution overhead, the procurement of expendables, and any required labor.

Purchasing new or existing testing equipment with federal funds will be permitted. Federal funding cannot be used towards the construction of new facilities or the refurbishing of existing facilities.

4. Applications must meet the cost-sharing requirements stipulated in Section C.02;

failure to meet the required 20 percent cost-sharing threshold will result in an application being removed from consideration.

SECTION D – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Failure to comply with the requirements described in this section shall result in an

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 13 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO application not being approved. Further, please note that PHMSA’s agreement officers and grant specialists may request additional information pertaining to your application during the application review/evaluation process in order to comply with the DOT’s Guide to Financial Assistance and the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E.

Section D.01: Address to Request an Application Package PHMSA requires applicants for this funding opportunity to apply electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants must download the application package associated with this funding opportunity by following the directions provided at Grants.gov. To request a hard copy of the application package, please contact:

Roslyn Patrickson Contract Specialist Acquisition Services Division The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, E22-305 Washington, DC 20590 Email: Roslyn.Patrickson@dot.gov

If you are hearing-impaired, please contact the FR/TTY at 1 (800) 877-8339 or email PHMSA-Accessibility@dot.gov.

Section D.02: Content and Form of Application Submission Consistent with the Department's Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative, (https://www.transportation.gov/rural), the Department encourages applicants to describe how activities proposed in their application would address the unique challenges facing rural transportation networks, regardless of the geographic location of those activities. Applicants are required to submit their complete applications through Grants.gov. To submit an application, applicants must be registered at Grants.gov; new users must register for an account. Please note that new user registrations for Grants.gov can take up to two weeks to complete. For additional questions on how to register, contact Grants.gov support.

Additionally, applicants must register for an account with FedConnect at:

https://www.fedconnect.net before submitting an application. Your organization’s Marketing Partner ID number, which can be retrieved from the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov, is required to create an account. For instructions on how to register with FedConnect and how it works, view the FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go! Tutorial on the FedConnect home page.

Technical Proposal In preparing their technical proposal, applicants must use the technical application template attached to this opportunity, which includes instructions regarding required content and information (Attachment A). Applicants must only apply for funding that can reasonably be spent within the proposed period of performance.

https://www.transportation.gov/rural https://www.fedconnect.net/

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Technical application requirements are summarized below and described in detail in the provided template. Failure to follow these requirements shall result in the removal of an application from consideration.

1. All information supporting the evaluation criteria must be 20 pages or less, which does not include the Cover Page, the Technical Application Information Page, or the Appendix.

2. The Certification Letter of Minimum Requirements must be the first page in the Appendix.

3. The Appendix may include additional information; however, this information will not be used by reviewers in evaluating the proposal (except to determine that each applicant has submitted a certification letter regarding minimum requirements; ref: Section C.03).

4. All documents must be formatted as follows: Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1.15 line and paragraph spacing for the body of the text.

5. Technical proposals in the format prescribed by Attachment A must be uploaded to the Project Narrative section of the Grants.gov application.

Budget/Cost Proposal and Budget Narrative Applicants must use Standard Form 424A to submit their budget/cost proposal through Grants.gov. The budget should reflect the applicant’s best terms, from a cost and technical standpoint, to perform the work. No fee or profit should be proposed, as this is a resource-sharing arrangement.

Additional budgetary information, broken out as described in Subparagraphs A through G, below, must provide detailed information on each cost element, consistent with the applicant's cost-accounting system. The amounts requested for each budget category must be justified in a Budget Narrative document and uploaded to the Budget Narrative section of the application. Budget Narratives must address the following items:

1. Personnel: List individually all personnel and include for each the requested hours to be funded and the respective compensation rates (salary/wages and fringe benefits).

2. Fringe Benefits: Applicants must provide a copy of or a web link to the university’s policy stating the appropriate fringe rates for each labor classification.

3. Travel: Proposed travel must be directly related to the performance of the project.

In the Budget Narrative, state the reason(s) for travel, the type and duration of the travel, and its relation to the project. Additionally, recipients may anticipate travel requested by PHMSA to present their findings up to once each 12 months of the project. Provide an itemized list of associated travel costs.

4. Supplies: Provide an itemized list of proposed supplies. Include individual costs for each item exceeding $5,000 and the basis of estimating the cost (e.g., vendor

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 15 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO quotes, catalog prices, prior invoices, etc.).

5. Equipment: Provide an itemized list of proposed equipment. Include individual costs for each item and the basis of estimating the cost (e.g., vendor quotes, catalog prices, prior invoices, etc.)8.

6. Contractual (Consultants/Subcontractors): List the names of consultants and describe the activities to be performed, the duration of the service, and the compensation involved. Provide the hourly or daily rate along with the basis of the rate. Furnish resumes or similar information regarding qualifications and experience. Provide at least two invoices reflecting hourly or daily rates charged to customers other than the federal government. You must provide a statement signed by the consultant certifying his or her availability and salary. If travel or incidental expenses are to be charged, give the basis for these costs. For proposed subcontractors, provide their total cost per year. Detailed subcontractor costs should appear in the subcontractor’s budget explanation. The total cost of consultants and/or subcontractors must not exceed 40 percent of the proposed federal contribution to the project. Contractual agreements must comply with the procurement standards in 2 CFR §§ 200.317-300.326.

7. Other Direct Costs: Provide an itemized list with associated costs for any other item proposed as a direct cost that is not included in another category. State the basis for each proposed item.

8. Indirect Charges: Provide a copy of or a web link to the university’s negotiated indirect rate agreement. Explain or demonstrate how the total indirect charges were calculated.

9. Resource Sharing, In-house Contributions: Cost/budget proposals must show the breakout between federal and non-federal funding sources, and the Budget Narrative must explain what the non-federal sources are comprised of and how the associated values were derived. Non-federal contributions may include cash, personnel, equipment, donated goods or services (provided that the market value of the good or service is substantiated by a letter or other form of evidence from the provider of the good or service), and other resources. All resource-sharing or matching contributions, including cash and third-party contributions, must meet the criteria in 2 CFR § 200.306: Cost Sharing or Matching. These criteria state that viable resource-sharing or matching contributions:

a. Are verifiable from the non-federal entity’s records;

b. Are not included as contributions for any other federal award;

c. Are necessary and reasonable for accomplishment of project or program objectives;

8 The development of PHMSA’s Research, Development, and Technology Center at the Transportation Technology Center is currently on hold pending the completion of the Pipeline Safety Testing Enhancement Study as required by Section 105 of the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 (PIPES Act of 2020). The Center will not be available for CAAP project testing.

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d. Are allowable under Subpart E – Cost Principles of this part;

e. Are not paid by the federal government under another federal award, except where the federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that federal funds made available for such a program can be applied to matching or cost-sharing requirements of other federal programs;

f. Are provided for in the approved budget (when required by the federal awarding agency); and

g. Conform to other provisions of this part, as applicable.

Standard Title VI/Nondiscrimination Assurances Applicants must sign, date, and return with their application the Standard Title VI/Non- Discrimination Assurances specified in Attachment B: Standard Title VI/Non- Discrimination Assurances. Specifically, applicants must complete and return Attachment B. The completed documents should be submitted as an attachment with the other application materials.

Lobbying Funds may not be used in direct support of litigation, lobbying, for direct advocacy for or against a pipeline construction or expansion project or other pipeline policy matters, or for activities associated with regulatory compliance or typical operations and maintenance of pipeline facilities. To be considered for award, each application must include a signed Standard Form of Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

Unmanned Aerial Systems Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) purchased or acquired for usage in proposed research project must be designed and constructed in the United States. UAS may not be designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of foreign governments.

Section D.03: Unique Entity Identifier (Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number) and System for Award Management Each applicant must be registered in SAM before submitting an application, provide a valid DUNS number in its application, and continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application under consideration by PHMSA. PHMSA may not make a grant award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements by the time that PHMSA is ready to make a grant award, PHMSA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. PHMSA will review an applicant’s SAM registration status to make a responsibility determination.

Section D.04: Submission Dates and Times Complete applications must be received electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 17 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO on April 15, 2022. No late proposals will be considered for evaluation. Applicants will receive an automated receipt from Grants.gov of the date and time of application submission.

Section D.05: Funding Restrictions Construction is not an allowable activity under this announcement. PHMSA will not allow reimbursement of pre-federal award costs.

Section D.06 Other Submission Requirements PHMSA requires applicants for this funding opportunity to apply electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants may contact the following POC in the event of system problems:

Roslyn Patrickson Contract Specialist Acquisition Services Division The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, E22-305 Washington, DC 20590 Email: Roslyn.Patrickson@dot.gov

SECTION E – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

PHMSA will evaluate applications through administrative, technical, and programmatic reviews based on the evaluation criteria. Consistent with the DOT’s ROUTES Initiative, (https://www.transportation.gov/rural), the Department recognizes that rural transportation networks face unique challenges. To the extent that those challenges are reflected in the merit criteria listed in this section, the Department will consider how the activities proposed in the application will address those challenges, regardless of the geographic location of those activities.

Section E.01: Criteria PHMSA developed evaluation criteria to rate and select competing applications.

Submission of an application is not a guarantee of award. PHMSA may, at its discretion, award a grant based on an application in its entirety, award only portions of a grant based on an application, or not award a grant at all. Applications will be evaluated against the following evaluation criteria:

1. The extent to which the applicant’s proposal meets the research topic area needs;

2. The extent to which the applicant’s proposed research topic solution can be readily implemented;

3. The extent to which the applicant’s proposal identifies research partnership(s) and subject matter expert involvement, as well as how involved the identified partner(s) will be in the project;

4. The extent to which the applicant’s proposal clearly establishes work scope, tasks, milestones, and estimated project costs that align with project goals and objectives, as well as whether any potential risks have been identified and

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 18 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO mitigated;

5. The extent to which the applicant’s proposed plan involves students and defines their specific tasks and commitment to the project;

6. Whether the location of the project(s) is a Qualified Opportunity Zone designated pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 1400Z-1; and

7. The extent to which the applicant’s proposal meets the purpose and intent of

Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

These criteria are intended to identify projects that target high technical risk areas, offer well-defined plans, and produce results that are measurable and transferable to further investigations in CAAP or PHMSA’s Core Pipeline Research Program. In addition, PHMSA expects the proposed results of the projects to be factual, unbiased, verifiable, and repeatable, to the extent practicable. Applicants should be aware that a grant award will not convey any authority to grant recipients to secure information or cooperation from pipeline operators.

Section E.02: Review and Selection Process Administrative Review PHMSA will conduct an administrative review to ensure the application meets the eligibility criteria outlined in Section C: Eligibility Information. Each application will be reviewed for completeness to ensure it includes all the required elements to qualify for the grant. If the application does not meet the required elements, the application will likely be rejected.

Technical Review PHMSA will conduct a technical review of the application to assess how the proposed work is to be performed and whether the application is responsive to the applicable program requirements, such as performance measurement, methodology, and technical merit. PHMSA reserves the right to use outside expertise to perform application evaluation.

Programmatic Review PHMSA will conduct a programmatic review to assess the programmatic factors outlined in section E.01, which are relevant and essential to the process of selecting applications that best achieve the program objectives, in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and guidelines. Other programmatic factors may include history of performance, program priorities, and other modal needs, such as rural areas and Qualified Opportunity Zones.

Based on the results from each review, each application will receive one of the following overall ratings:

Highly Recommended. The application demonstrates that the NOFO requirements are

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 19 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO very well understood and the approach will likely result in extremely high-quality performance. The application clearly addresses and exceeds requirements with no weaknesses. The application contains outstanding features that meet or exceed the expectations of the federal government on multiple dimensions. The application scope aligns very well with DOT objectives and priorities. The risk of poor performance is extremely low.

Recommended. The application demonstrates that the NOFO requirements are understood and the approach will likely result in satisfactory performance. The application addresses and meets requirements with some minor but correctable weaknesses. The application demonstrates requisite experience, qualifications, and performance capabilities. The application scope aligns with DOT objectives and priorities. The risk of poor performance is low.

Acceptable. The application demonstrates that the NOFO requirements are mostly understood and the approach will likely result in satisfactory performance for part of the requirements. The applicant addresses some of the requirements, with some weaknesses.

The applicant demonstrates some experience, qualifications, and/or performance capabilities. The application partially aligns with DOT objectives and priorities. The risk of poor performance is moderate.

Not Acceptable. The application does not meet the NOFO requirements. The application fails to address many requirements. The applicant may be ineligible to apply for the grant. The application could not satisfy critical requirements without a major revision and/or a rewrite of the application or a major redirection effort. The application scope does not align with DOT objectives and priorities. The risk of poor performance is high.

Selection Process PHMSA will recommend applications for award based on the final overall rating as described above. Final award recommendations will be made by the PHMSA Associate Administrator for the Office of Pipeline Safety after taking into consideration recommendations made during the administrative, technical, and programmatic review and how well the applications address PHMSA’s safety priorities. The PHMSA Administrator will make final award recommendations.

Applicants must maintain an active registration in SAM at www.SAM.gov. The SAM registration number will be utilized by PHMSA to confirm the applicant in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System.

SECTION F – FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Section F.01: Federal Award Notices Following the selection process, PHMSA will contact the selected applicants via email indicating that they have been selected for award. This email will include the financial assistance award, which will incorporate the terms and conditions included in Attachment http://www.sam.gov/

U.S. DOT PHMSA Page 20 of 21 FY 2022 Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) – NOFO

C to this notice and will require bilateral signatures to be fully executed. PHMSA anticipates awarding the agreements during the fourth quarter of FY 2022.

Section F.02: Administrative and National Policy Requirements The administration of this award by PHMSA and the recipient will be based on the following federal statutory and regulatory requirements:

1. The recipient must comply with 2 CFR Part 200: Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

2. The recipient must comply with 49 CFR Part 20: New Restrictions on Lobbying.

49 CFR Part 20 will be incorporated by reference into any award under this program and is available at: www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ by clicking on Title 49 CFR Part 20.

3. The recipient must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which provides that no person in the U.S. shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

4. The recipient must comply with 49 CFR Part 21: Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 49 CFR Part 21 will be incorporated by reference into any award under this program. 49 CFR Part 21 is available at:

www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ by clicking on Title 49 CFR Part 21.

5. The recipient must comply with 49 CFR Part 32: Government-wide Requirements for Drugfree Workplace (Financial Assistance), which implements the requirements…