CMVOST Funding Conference QA from Chat 3-21-19_final.docx

Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program FY 2019 Funding Conference Thursday, March 21, 2019 – 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Chat Questions and Answers

Question 1: Should the project narrative be single- or double-spaced?

Answer 1: The NOFO did not specify whether the project narrative should be single or double spaced. That decision will be left to the discretion of the applicant. It’s up to applicant to only comply with the 25-page limit. Reference: CMVOST FY 19 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) pages: 7 section D 2).

Question 2: Will we be able to get a copy of the presentation?

Answer 2: Yes. (The presentation was posted to grants.gov under Related Documents tab on 3/21/19. Requests for copies of the presentation can also it to be sent to the contacts listed in the NOFO: wendy.cunningham@dot.gov and/or Rikita.jarrett@dot.gov.)

Question 3: There was mention that an emphasis will be placed on recruiting and serving qualified students. Will this be necessary for all grant activities, or just something we should focus on?

Answer 3: The NOFO provides the scope and priorities for this year. The NOFO states that FMCSA will prioritize the funding for tuition assistance for students meeting the definition of a qualified student. A qualified student is defined as: former or current members of the U.S Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reservists, as well as certain family members (e.g., spouse and children) of service members. Reference: NOFO section a, 2) FY 2019 CMVOST national priorities, page 3 and 4.

Question 4: As a State agency, can we apply on behalf of the eligible educational institution and thus act as a pass-through agency with regard to the funding?

Answer 4: If the State agency meets the eligibility criteria contained in the NOFO to apply and if the pass-through agency meet the eligibility criteria, then yes, a State agency may apply and pass-through funding to sub-grantees who meet the criteria as well.

Question 5: Does the limit of 25 pages apply to the documentation of non-accreditation?

Answer 5: No, the documentation for non-accreditation is not a part of the 25-page limit. Reference: NOFO section D. 2.

Question 6: Will an applicant need copies of individual approval letters?

Answer 6: a: Yes, per NOFO section C. 1) and Appendix A, under document name: attachment form.

Question 7: What if a class starts Aug. 13, 2020 and ends Oct. 13 2020, will these scholarships be reimbursed?

Answer 7: No. All courses must be completed by the end of the period of performance, which will be 9/30/2020. Reference: NOFO Section D. 6) Page 10.

Question 8: Is $100K the maximum amount for a company with multiple subsidiaries that could/would qualify on their own? Or can each entity apply on their own? (Additional information provided: multiple transport companies owned by one parent company and multiple FEINs.

Answer 8: No, an applicant is not limited to $100K. Grants.gov requires the Agency to set a ceiling; however, that is a system requirement and not a grant requirement. Subsidiaries may apply separately if they have a separate SAM/DUNS registration number. No limit on the requested amount, the application documentation must support the funding requested.

Question 9: Can we hire a current or past college employee as a recruiter for this program?

Answer 9: Yes, the NOFO does not have any hiring requirements for a recruiter. The only limitation described in the NOFO is on proper allocation of the recruiting salaries supporting the applicant’s project plan. Reference: NOFO Section D. 6) i).

Question 10: The NOFO Summary on grants.gov says that the maximum request is $100,000. Is that not true?

Answer 10: The $100,000 does not mean that you can only request up to that amount. We as grant making agencies must enter an award ceiling when creating announcements in Grants.gov. An applicant can request the amount they choose, as long as it’s justified in their narrative and budget justification. FMCSA may fund in full, partially or choose not to fund depending on the availability of funds and or the outcome of the applicant’s review.

Question 11: To clarify, this grant award is applied to only current or former US Armed Force members and or qualified family members of current and former armed force members, correct?

Answer 11: The NOFO provides the scope and priorities each year. The FY 2019 NOFO states that FMCSA will prioritize the funding for tuition assistance for students meeting the definition of a qualified student. A qualified student is defined as: former or current members of the U.S Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reservists, as well as certain family members (e.g., spouse, children) of service members. Reference: NOFO section a, 2) FY 2019 CMVOST national priorities, page 3 and 4.

Question 12: How can we get a copy of the Title VI Compliance Plan template?

Answer 12: Contact Lester Finkle directly at lester.finkle@dot.gov.

Question 13: Do we need to have the Title VI documents completed prior to the submission date?

Answer 13: No, the documentation does not have to be completed and approved prior to submission; however, FMCSA cannot make an award to an entity that does not have an approved plan. Mr. Lester Finkle is available to discuss and review plans as requested. Contact information is lester.finkle@dot.gov or 202-366-4474.

Question 14: May we get a transcript of chat questions and answers once presentation is complete?

Answer 14: Yes, FMCSA will post the chat questions and answers on the grant.gov funding opportunity under Related Documents for all interested to access.

Question 15: Are eligible participants only Veterans (or their family members)? Or is funding available to all individuals with a focus/priority on recruiting and enrolling Veterans?

Answer 15: The NOFO provides the scope and priorities each year. The FY 2019 NOFO states that FMCSA will prioritize the funding for tuition assistance for students meeting the definition of a qualified student. A qualified student is defined as: former or current members of the U.S Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reservists, as well as certain family members (e.g., spouse, children) of service members. Reference: NOFO section a, 2) FY 2019 CMVOST national priorities, page 3 and 4.