FY23 Work Zone Safety Program NOFO.pdf

NOFO Number 693JJ323NF00007

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR 2023 WORK ZONE SAFETY GRANT

PROGRAM

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

(FHWA).

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for 2023 Work Zone Safety Grants

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: 693JJ323NF00007

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 20.215 Highway Training & Education

TOTAL AMOUNT AVAILABLE: This NOFO will result in the distribution of up to $10 million. The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds. This NOFO will result in the award of up to 10 grants or cooperative agreements.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: July 14, 2023 at 11:59PM (Eastern)

SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO: The FHWA uses www.grants.gov for receipt of all applications. Applicants must register and use the system to submit applications electronically.

Applicants are encouraged to register in advance of the submission deadline and to register to receive notifications of updates/amendments to this Notice. Approval of user registrations for the site may take multiple weeks. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to monitor for any updates to this Notice.

FHWA POINT OF CONTACT:

Ryan Buck

Agreement Officer/Specialist

Office of Acquisition and Grants Management

Federal Highway Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE.

Washington, DC 20590

Email: Ryan.Buck@dot.gov (preferred)

Phone: 202-366-4229

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

The FHWA will not review applications in advance, but FHWA staff are available for technical questions and assistance. In addition, FHWA will post answers to questions and requests for clarifications at Grants.gov under this NOFO’s page.

http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Ryan.Buck@dot.gov

Table of Contents

SECTION A – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

SECTION E – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

SECTION F – FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

SECTION G – FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

SECTION H – OTHER INFORMATION

This notice contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. This information collection has been approved by OMB under 2125-0673. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, 424C, 424 D, and SF-LLL has been approved by OMB under 2105-0520. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection displays a currently valid

OMB control number.

Informational Websites:

• http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_grants.htm

• https://workzonesafety.org/training-resources/fhwa-safety-grant-products

• https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/home.aspx http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_grants.htm https://workzonesafety.org/training-resources/fhwa-safety-grant-products https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/home.aspx

Summary Information

Funding Opportunity

Summary:

Up to $10 million in Federal funding to award up to 10 grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to conduct training nationally for a wide range of workers on the prevention of injuries and fatalities in highway and roadway work zones, develop guidelines on work zone safety and operational issues and best practices that will assist State and local government transportation agencies and other entities in improving work zone safety, and to provide training based on these guidelines.

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Office of Transportation Operations (HOTO)

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Attn: Jawad Paracha

Funding Opportunity

Title:

2023 Work Zone Safety Grant Program

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

Funding Opportunity

Number:

693JJ323NF00007

Type of Award: Cost-Reimbursable Cooperative Agreements

Assistance Listing

Number:

20.215 (Highway Training & Education)

Application Due Date: Submission Deadline: Applications Due by July 14, 2023 at

11:59 PM Eastern Time through www.Grants.gov

Questions: Submit Questions to: Ryan.Buck@dot.gov &

Jawad.Paracha@dot.gov mailto:Jawad.Paracha@dot.gov

Funding Opportunity Informational Webinar

The FHWA will host an Informational Session regarding this funding opportunity. 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, FHWA encourages potential applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to gather information regarding this specific funding opportunity.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION: 2023 Work Zone Safety Grants

SESSION: Virtual Webcast: Background and Application Information for the

2023 Work Zone Safety Grants

DATE: TBD

TIME: 1:00 pm Eastern Time

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: To Be Determined

Note: The FHWA will also consider conducting additional virtual and/or in person workshops regarding the 2023 Work Zone Safety Grants.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For further information concerning this notice please contact the Grant Program staff via e-mail at Jawad.Paracha@dot.gov. A TDD is available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 202-366-3993. In addition, FHWA will post answers to questions and requests for clarifications on FHWA’s website grants.gov. To ensure applicants receive accurate information about eligibility or the program, the applicant is encouraged to contact FHWA directly, rather than through intermediaries or third parties, with questions.

mailto:Jawad.Paracha@dot.gov

SECTION A – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The FHWA hereby requests applications for assistance to result in the award of new Cooperative

Agreements, entitled, “2023 Work Zone Safety Grant Program.”

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit applications for the 2023

Work Zone Safety Grant Program and is expected to result in the distribution of up to $10 million in Federal funding to award up to 10 grants or cooperative agreements. The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds.

The purpose of these proposed awards is to provide funding to qualified, eligible applicants to conduct training nationally for a wide range of workers on the prevention of injuries and fatalities in highway and roadway work zones, develop guidelines on work zone safety and operational issues and best practices that will assist State and local government transportation agencies and other entities in improving work zone safety, and to provide training based on these guidelines.

2. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

Section 1409 of SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, authorized “… a work zone safety grant program under which the Secretary may make grants to nonprofit organizations and not-for-profit organizations to provide training to prevent or reduce highway work zone injuries and fatalities.” The Grants may be used to (1) provide training for construction craft workers on the prevention of injuries and fatalities in highway and road construction; (2) develop guidelines for the prevention of highway work zone injuries and fatalities; and (3) conduct training for State and local government transportation agencies and other groups implementing guidelines for the prevention of highway work zone injuries and fatalities.

Section 1519 of MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, authorized funds to carry out safety-related activities, including “… work zone safety grants in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of section 1409 of the SAFETEA–LU”.

Section 1417 of the FAST Act amended Section 1409 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C 401) to include “Development, updating, and delivery of training courses on guard rail installation, maintenance, and inspection.”

Section 1418, Consolidation of Programs, of Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST)

Act, Public Law 114-94 amended Section 1519 (a), Consolidation of Programs, of Moving

Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112-141, to authorize not less than $3.5 million from the Highway Safety Improvement Program for fiscal years 2016 through

2020 distributed among the following four activities: Operation Lifesaver, Work Zone and

Guardrail Safety Training, the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, and the

Public Road Safety Clearinghouse.

Section 11124 of The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-58) authorizes $3.5 million for each of Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 through 2026, to be set aside from the

Highway Safety Improvement Program, and to be distributed among activities identified in the

FAST Act.

3. BACKGROUND

While work zone fatalities have been trending down since reaching a high of 1186 in 2002, the

857 fatalities that occurred in work zones during 2020 is still significant, and work zone safety continues to be an area of emphasis for the FHWA.

During 2006, four grants were awarded under Section 1409 of SAFETEA-LU for a total of more than $17 million. These recipients, (Laborer’s Health and Safety Fund/American Road and

Transportation Builders Association (LHSFA/ARTBA); American Traffic Safety Services

Association (ATSSA); Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT); and Wayne State University

(WSU)) were competitively selected and each were involved in at least two of the three work areas.

As a result of extensions to SAFETEA-LU, three grants were awarded for a total of $10 million in 2011. These recipients, (American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA);

American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA); and Wayne State University (WSU)) were competitively selected.

In 2013, six more grants were awarded for a total of $6.4 million. These recipients included

American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA); American Traffic Safety

Services Association (ATSSA); Wayne State University (WSU), University of Wisconsin-

Madison (UWM); University of Illinois (UI); and University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

In 2016, seven grants were awarded for a total of $8.6 million. These recipients included

American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA); American Traffic Safety

Services Association (ATSSA); Wayne State University (WSU), University of Wisconsin-

Madison (UWM); University of Illinois (UI); Iowa State University (ISU); and Oklahoma State

University (OSU).

In case of both 2006 and 2011 grants, each recipient identified topics and subject areas for development, and FHWA provided input on final topics to better coordinate between recipients.

In some instances, topics addressed within products were similar, but tailored for a specific audience or developed in alternative formats. Similar processes/criteria were used in 2013 and

2016 with one difference i.e., FHWA included some suggested tasks in the NOFO.

To date the Work Zone Safety Grant Program has generated a wealth of products, publications, and training resources for roadway construction industry practitioners. Nearly 124,500 practitioners and craft workers have received training made accessible through the Work Zone

Safety Grant Program. More than 47 guideline publications have been developed, with 46 training courses consisting of 200 training modules developed to date, 13 training videos, 2 software applications, 12 podcasts, and 55 work zone safety pamphlets. There are products that are currently in the process of being developed. These guidelines, training, and resources will continue to provide benefits and positive impacts long after this program is completed. More detailed information on each product/resource, including access to the actual guide or course materials where appropriate, can be found at https://workzonesafety.org/training-resources/fhwa-safety-grant-products.

4. PROGRAM GOALS, WORK AREAS, & SUGGESTED TOPICS

The goals of the Work Zone Safety Grant Program are to support the development of guidelines and the provision of training to enhance highway work zone safety. Areas of emphasis for this program expansion include:

• Implementation of products already completed under the program;

• Strategic extension on provision of existing training; and

• Continued identification of gaps in available training and guidance and provisions to address these gaps.

Work Zone Safety Grant Recipients shall perform tasks within the following work areas

(hereafter referred to as “AREAS”), making use of, and building on, the products already developed under this program as appropriate:

AREA 1. Highway Work Zone Worker Safety Training;

AREA 2. Highway Work Zone Safety Guidelines Development; and

AREA 3. Highway Work Zone Safety Guidelines Training.

Notes:

- Applicants may propose to perform activities under one, two or three AREAS.

General descriptions of each of the three AREAS are presented below.

- ‘Agency’ shall mean any state, territorial, local, federal, or tribal highway agency.

- All new material developed by the recipients shall be posted on the National Work Zone

Safety Information Clearinghouse web site (https://workzonesafety.org/). Information on materials developed under previous Grants is also available on this site.

AREA 1. Highway Work Zone Worker Safety Training

A variety of highway work zone worker safety training programs exist that are sponsored by various organizations and government agencies. The Work Zone Safety Grant Program provides funding that may be used to support the continuation and/or expansion of existing training programs, as well as the development of new training programs. The objective for AREA 1 is to award funding to qualified applicants to conduct training nationally for a wide range of work zone worker populations on the prevention of injuries and fatalities in highway and roadway work zones. The recipients may use or modify existing training materials. The Recipients will perform the following tasks as a minimum:

• Establish national level training program(s) that will provide safety training for one or more of the worker groups listed below. The training program should cover multiple https://workzonesafety.org/training-resources/fhwa-safety-grant-products https://workzonesafety.org/training-resources/fhwa-safety-grant-products https://workzonesafety.org/ regions/States and may include instructor-led and web-based training. Activities for this task may include, but are not limited to, assessing and prioritizing gaps and needs, selecting/developing training curriculums and materials, and outreach and coordination with training coordinators to recruit trainees. The trainees should include both private sector and public agency workers. Develop a training program plan. **

• Implement and conduct the worker safety training program. **

• Develop and implement an outreach plan for the training course(s). **

• Work with partners to expand participation in the training at all levels of the work force.

• Develop a training evaluation plan and conduct evaluation of effectiveness of the training offered. **

The FHWA anticipates that the Grants be used to provide training for the following highway work zone worker groups on elimination of major occupational safety and health hazards posed to work zone workers for injuries, fatalities, and health problems:

• Safety training for ‘craft’ workers and other related disciplines involved in highway and road survey, construction, and maintenance activities;

• Safety training for work zone traffic management workers, including those who plan, design and implement work zone traffic control;

• Safety training for utility workers who perform utility work activities that result in partial or full closure of a roadway;

• Safety training for highway work zone law enforcement personnel and responders to work zone incidents.

Note: In their application package, applicants should provide training information such as course title, purpose of the training, course objective, primary audience, course duration, location(s) if any, number of course offerings, and approximate number of participants for any training proposed under AREA 1.

Note: Applicants may propose to address single or multiple subject worker groups.

AREA 2. Highway Work Zone Safety Guidelines Development

The goal of AREA 2 is to provide guidelines that will assist State and local government transportation agencies and other entities in preventing and reducing work zone injuries and fatalities. The guidelines developed by the recipients should address work zone safety and operations issues and practices that cut across the spectrum of project development and implementation. **

Many rules/regulations, policies, standards and guides for work zone safety and operations have been issued by transportation and safety agencies/entities as efforts to improve safety in highway work zones. Proper implementation and follow-through on these rules and standards can be a challenge for many transportation agencies or entities that are affected. Guidelines that would help these agencies/entities better understand key work zone safety considerations/applications and how they could be incorporated into their project development processes would be beneficial.

Applicants may propose to develop one or more specific guidelines that address gaps in currently available guidance.

AREA 3. Highway Work Zone Safety Guidelines Training

The goal of this AREA is to provide training to State and local transportation agencies and other transportation groups/organizations on implementing work zone safety guidelines and to promote best practices to prevent work zone injuries and fatalities. The Recipients may make use of existing guidelines, including those already developed under the Work Zone Safety Grant

Program. Applicants may choose to propose activities under this AREA that are directly linked to what will be developed under AREA 2 as part of this program expansion.

The Recipient may use or modify existing guideline training materials or develop new training materials, and will perform the following tasks as a minimum:

• Develop a national work zone safety guideline training program(s) by identifying and assessing needs, selecting/developing training curriculums and materials, as well as identifying and recruiting trainees. **

• Implement the training program(s) to conduct work zone safety guideline training.

• Develop and carry out an outreach plan for the training activities and course(s). **

• Work with partners to expand participation in the training at all levels of the work force.

• Develop a training evaluation plan and conduct evaluation of the effectiveness of the training offered. **

Note: In their application package, applicants should provide training information such as course title, purpose of the training, course objective, primary audience, course duration, location(s) if any, number of course offerings, and approximate number of participants for any training proposed under AREA 3.

** All the guidelines, training, outreach/recruiting, and evaluation materials and plans produced from the above will be submitted in draft form to FHWA for review and approval. The

Recipients should have professional editors to review the materials prior to submittal to FHWA.

FHWA will provide comments, suggestions and or approval within 30 days after receipt of the material. Recipients will address/incorporate same into final versions of materials and submit for

FHWA approval.

Suggested Topics for Consideration by Applicants:

• Use of Speed Safety Cameras (SSC) in Work Zones: Training, technical assistance, and outreach for state/local agencies to highlight and help establish a program (Area 3)

• Use of New Emerging Data Sources for Proactive Work Zone Management: Training, technical assistance, and outreach to state/local agencies to advance the state-of-practice

(Area 3)

• Work Zone Management Capability Maturity Framework (WZMCMF) and Work Zone

Process Reviews – Update technical documentation and related training considering any updates to work zone related regulation, effective program review information (e.g., National Highway Institute program review training), data driven process reviews, work zone data exchange related capabilities, etc. Deliver training to state DOTs. (Area 2 and/or Area 3)

• Training on Available Analytical Tools for Work Zone Management: Update training content (if needed) developed under previous work zone safety grant and provide hands on training to improve understanding and capability to perform analysis during project planning/design/construction. (Area 3)

• Work Zone Traffic Analysis resources: Develop a practitioner handbook for conducting work zone traffic analysis using latest developments and considering resources such as

Work Zone Traffic Analysis - Application and Decision Framework. Deliver training. (https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12009/index.htm). (Area 2 and

Area 3)

• Work Zone Management Performance Measures: Training/technical assistance for state/local agencies in development and use of effective performance measures considering traditional/emerging data sources (Area 2 and/or Area 3)

• Case studies for Innovating Contracting and Accelerated Construction: Document how agencies have used these strategies to improve work zone management. (Area 2 and/or

Area 3)

• Work Zone Data Initiative (WZDI)/Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) outreach and implementation assistance: Training or technical assistance related to the exploration of agency deployment of WZDx data feeds, including business process development, enterprise information architecture, data collection tools & practices, process automation, performance management & analytics. May be general or focus on specific use cases, with a preference for topics that provide actionable information as deliverables. (Area 2 and/or Area 3)

• Driver Behavior in Work Zones: Explore effective ways to improve driver behavior in work zones, develop and deliver related training content considering factors such as target audience, communication, and information dissemination sources, etc. (Area 2 and/or Area 3)

• Conduct demonstration/showcases and/or develop short videos to highlight innovative/effective strategies, technologies, and products to improve work zone management. E.g., pedestrian/worker safety technology showcase. (Area 3)

• Complete Streets strategy and Work Zones: Develop a resource (technical brief/report, tool, etc.) that stakeholders could use during the development and implementation of

Transportation Management Plans. (Area 2 and/or Area 3)

• Equity and Work Zones: Develop a resource to highlight ways equity can be addresses at a project and/or program level. (Area 2 and/or Area 3)

• Other topics may include commercial motor vehicle safety in work zones accommodation of vulnerable road-users in work zones, safe systems approach in work zones, motorcycle safety in work zones, innovative ways of work zone training such as use of virtual reality, etc.

Applicants may choose one Area or any combination of Areas under suggested topics.

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12009/index.htm

Applicants may choose suggested topics and related activities, suggest new topics and related activities, and/or propose activities related to products/training developed/delivered during previous work zone safety awards.

5. ADMINISTRATION GOALS

The FY 2022-2026 U.S. Department of Transportation Strategic Plan establishes USDOT’s strategic goals: safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, climate and sustainability, transformation, and organizational excellence. While the main goal of this NOFO is to advance highway work zone safety and related training, applicants are encouraged to review the strategic plan and incorporate various objectives and strategies in their applications as appropriate. Applicants are also encouraged to review other DOT focus areas such as maintaining transportation facilities or systems in a state of good repair; workforce development;

Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) initiative; and advancing accessible transportation solutions.

Administration Goals:

Safety: The Department is committed to advancing safe, efficient transportation, including in the

Work Zone Safety Grant Program. The National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), issued

January 27, 2022, commits the Department to respond to the current crisis in roadway fatalities by “taking substantial, comprehensive action to significantly reduce serious and fatal injuries on the Nation’s roadways,” in pursuit of the goal of achieving zero roadway deaths through a Safe

System Approach.1 The outcomes that are anticipated from the projects funded by Work Zone

Safety Grant Program should align with the NRSS.

Workforce Development: The Department intends to use the 2023 Work Zone Safety Grant

Program to support the creation of good-paying jobs with high labor standards to build infrastructure that is resilient and that helps combat the crisis of climate change consistent with

Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (86 FR

64335).

6. REQUIRED SUBMITTALS OR MILESTONES

FHWA anticipates the following schedule under each AREA. Information on deliverable schedule and any other requirements will be finalized in the work plan (due within 6 weeks of award) based on complexity of task scope and related development/delivery effort. Award kick-off meetings shall be held in-person or virtually within 3 weeks of award.

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

Deliverable Schedule

Area-1 Training - New Starts within 12 months of award

Area-1 Training - Current Starts within 6 months of award

Area-2 Technical publications Complete within 30 months of award

Area-3 Training - New Starts within 36 months of award

Area-3 Training - Current Starts within 6 months of award

Note on 508 Compliance: Please note that all products and publications delivered under all

AREAS and Topics must meet the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the

ICT Final Standards and Guidelines (508 Refresh) at 36 CFR Part 1194.

As defined in the 508 Refresh, at 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix A, E103.4, ICT is “Information technology and other equipment, systems, technologies, or processes, for which the principal function is the creation, manipulation, storage, display, receipt, or transmission of electronic data and information, as well as any associated content. Examples of ICT include but are not limited to:

computers and peripheral equipment; information kiosks and transaction machines;

telecommunications equipment; customer premises equipment; multifunction office machines;

software; applications; Web sites; videos; and, electronic documents.”

Section 508 requires that all electronic products prepared for the Federal Government be accessible to persons with disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments.

Applicable Standards:

• Appendix A to Part 1194 – Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Application and Scoping

Requirements

• Appendix B to Part 1194 – Section 255 of the Communications Act: Application and Scoping

Requirements

• Appendix C to Part 1194 – Functional Performance Criteria and Technical Requirements

Section 508 Refresh standards are available at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh.

The Contractor shall adhere to the terms and requirements in FHWA Form 4260 Section 508

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Conformance Criteria for Section 508 conformance. The Conformance Criteria document does not need to be completed when submitting a deliverable.

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines#appendix-a https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines#appendix-a https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines#appendix-b https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines#appendix-b https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines#appendix-c https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/508/docs/form4260.pdf https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/508/docs/form4260.pdf

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. FUNDING

FHWA anticipates up to $10 million in Federal funding to be made available for FY’s 2022 -

2026 and making up to 10 work zone safety awards from this opportunity. The minimum amount of each award will be $250,000 and the maximum amount of any one award will be

$2.5 million. The final amount of each award may vary based on the proposed and approved activities of each award.

*Please note that this NOFO is subject to availability of funding. The Government’s obligation under any resulting award is contingent upon the availability of funding. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are available and obligated to an award. The Government reserves the right to make no awards under this NOFO.

2. ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF AWARDS

FHWA anticipates making 1-10 awards as a result of this NOFO.

3. TYPE OF AWARD

The planned award types are cost-reimbursable Cooperative Agreements with a cost share requirement.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The award period of performance for each agreement is anticipated to be no more than five years, commencing on the effective date stated on the agreement.

5. DEGREE OF FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT

The FHWA anticipates substantial Federal involvement between FHWA and the Recipient during the course of these projects. The anticipated Federal involvement may include:

1. Technical assistance and guidance to the Recipient;

2. Close monitoring during performance;

3. Review, comment, and propose edits to draft documents as defined elsewhere in this document;

4. Provide final approval on deliverables and for major items on the website, newsletters, and publications prior to posting or publication;

5. Involvement in technical decisions;

6. Participate in status meetings including a kickoff meeting with the Recipient and annual budget reviews (as applicable); and

7. Performance reporting to ensure that objectives and terms of agreements are met

8. Financial reporting.

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

In accordance with the enabling legislation for this program, beginning with section 1409 of

SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, and continued through section 11124 of The Infrastructure

Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Pub. L. 117-58, competition is restricted to nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations (e.g., trade associations, universities, etc.) for the prime recipient(s).

State and local Governments are not eligible for this award as primary recipients but are eligible as sub-awardees/sub-contractors.

Applicants must demonstrate that they are a nonprofit or a not-for-profit organization. There is no limitation on the number of contractors or subrecipients that each applicant may propose.

Note: Applications not containing verification that they are either a nonprofit or a not-for-profit organization will not be evaluated or considered for award. Suitable verification can include submitting a copy of the organization’s IRS certificate.

Note: Proposed sub-recipients/contractors are not subject to this eligibility requirement to be nonprofit or not–for–profit.

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 120, the Federal share of this award will not exceed 80 percent of project costs. Therefore, the Recipient must contribute a minimum of 20 percent of the total project costs. The cost share can be satisfied with either cash or ‘in-kind’ contribution.

Cost sharing or matching means the portion of project costs not paid by Federal funds or contributions (unless otherwise authorized by Federal statute). See 2 CFR Part 200.306 on Cost

Sharing or matching.

The Federal Government’s cost share requirements are provided in PL 117-58, Title I, Section

11101 (c)(3)(A). APPLICABILITY OF TITLE 23, UNITED STATES CODE.— “Amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if those funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that the Federal share of the cost of a project or activity carried out using those funds shall be 80 percent, unless otherwise expressly provided by this division (including the amendments by this division) or otherwise determined by the Secretary; and (B) remain available until expended and not be transferable, except as otherwise provided by this division.”

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2021-title23/html/USCODE-2021-title23-chap1-sec120.htm

Notes:

If applicable, any program income generated under the project must be handled in accordance with SECTION F.

‘Total project costs’ consist of two parts: (1) the Federal share plus (2) the Recipient’s share.

Applicants must ensure the budgeted cost share amount proposed meets the minimum required cost share percentage cited above. Applicants are advised to calculate required cost share as a percentage of total project costs, not as a percentage of the Federal share. For example, if the total estimated project costs amount to $250,000.00, then the amount of Federal funds requested would be $200,000.00, and a 20% cost share match requirement is $50,000.00. This amount of

$50,000.00 represents 20% of the total project costs of $250,000.00, not 20% of the Federal share only.

SECTION D – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants may obtain application forms at grants.gov under the Notice of Funding Opportunity

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

If potential applicants are unable to download the application package from the internet, they may send a written request for a paper copy to the below address. Requests should be sent to:

Ryan.Buck@dot.gov

2. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Applicants may submit an application for one, two or all three AREA(s) identified under work zone safety grants. Applicants must clearly specify the AREA(s), including tasks, for which they are applying.

The Government reserves the right to make a partial award for a specific AREA or

AREAs. That is, if an applicant submits an application for AREAs 1, 2 and 3, the

Government may make a partial award for less than the 3 AREAs, taking into account

SECTION E’s Application Review Information and considering other awards being made.

Application Format

• Applications must be prepared on 8½ x 11-inch paper except for foldouts used for charts, tables or figures, which must not exceed 11 x 17 inches. Foldouts must not be used for text and will count as two pages.

• A page is defined as one side of an 8 ½ by 11-inch paper. Therefore, a piece of paper with printing on both sides is considered two pages.

• Text must use a font size no less than 12-point font (Arial or Calibri).

• Tables are permitted and text in tables must be doubled spaced.

• Text in captions below charts, tables or figures must be not less than 10 characters per inch (cpi) and can be 2 lines of text long (limited by the width of the chart, table or figure) and single spaced.

• Page margins must be a minimum of 1-inch top, bottom and each side.

• All pages should be sequentially numbered within each Volume and page numbers may be located within the 1-inch margins.

• A Header or Footer identifying the Applicant/Team and the Volume, may be located within the 1-inch margins.

• No cost/price data will be included in Volume I but must be included in Volume II.

• PAGE LIMITS: Application volumes shall adhere to the page count limitations listed below. The page limit includes all narratives, figures, tables, appendices, and all other ancillary materials with the exception of the following.

• EXCEPTION ON PAGE LIMITS: The following items do NOT count against the page limitation.

• Document covers;

• Cover letters;

• Title pages;

• Divider pages;

• Table of contents;

• Lists of acronyms;

• Letters of intent to participate from proposed subcontractors, consultants, partners and proposed new hires; and

• Resumes for Key Personnel.

1) Volume 1 – Technical Application as described below: - see page limit below

• Part I – Technical and Management Approach (included in the pages limitation)

• Part II – Experience (included in the pages limitation)

• Part III – Staffing Approach (included in the pages limitation; but tailored resumes are not included in the pages limitation and can be an Attachment to

Volume I. However, no individual resume can exceed 2 pages.

• Part IV – Evidence of Endorsement (not included in the pages limitation)

2) Volume 2 – Budget Application as described below - no page limit

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

• Part I – Application Standard Forms (SFs)

• Part II – Verification of status as a nonprofit or not-for-profit organization

• Part III – Cost/Cost Share Information and Other Financial Information

Submit your application in the following format.

Application Content - Overview

The application package must consist of the following parts:

1) Standard Forms (SF)

2) Volume 1 Technical Application / Project Narrative

3) Volume 2 Budget Application

Application Content – Detailed Instructions

1) Standard Forms (SF) o SF-424 (Note: Applicants may leave 5a, 5b, 6, 7, 13 and blank on the form.)

o SF-424A

- Block 1(a): Print opportunity title listed on page 1;

- Block 1(b): Print CFDA number listed on page 1;

- Block 1(c): Print Total Federal Funds Requested in dollars; and,

- Block 1(d): Print Total Cost Share in dollars, and leave columns (e), (f), and

(g) and rows 2, 3, and 4 blank.

o SF-424B o SF-LLL (Note: The form must be completed and submitted even if no lobbying to report. If no lobbying to report, insert none or n/a in the relevant blocks.)

o Grants.gov Lobbying Form

2) Volume 1 Technical Application / Project Narrative

Note: The Technical Application cannot exceed 50 pages double spaced. In the event an application exceeds the 50 - page limitation, the Government will evaluate only the first 50 pages of the application. Resumes and Letters of Intent are excluded from the page count.

OPTIONAL: An Applicant may include, at their option, a one-page cover page, and a second page to include both a Table of Contents and/or a Listing of Tables/Figures. These pages are for orienting evaluators to the contents of the application package and will not be evaluated and are not included in the Volume I page limitation.

The application will include a program narrative statement that describes the technical and management approach. Describe in detail how you would proceed if awarded this agreement and how you propose to meet the program objectives, award activities, and the anticipated outcomes. Include a discussion on proposed outcomes, work products, and timeframes/timelines. If the proposed application is for a multi-year period of performance, include a detailed work plan for the first year and an outline work plan for each additional year.

Applicants are expected to propose a period of performance ranging from one to five years.

The applicant’s technical and management approach must cover all years proposed.

• For training, include as a minimum: a description of the training materials that will be used or developed, the potential targeted trainees, the number of states/localities where the training will take place, a description of how the training will be conducted

(classroom-based, on-site demonstration, web-cast, self-paced web-based, or combination of the above, etc.), the total estimated number of training sessions that will be delivered, and an explanation of the rationale for the preceding items. For each activity, explain what will be done, who will do it, when it will be done, and the expected results of the activity, as well as a flowchart/timetable which summarizes the overall plan, including submittal of deliverables in draft and final format.

• For guidance development, indicate specific targeted work zone or guardrail safety issues that the proposed guideline(s) will address. Guidance should be developed in a way that it is helpful for practitioners and easy to implement/use.

The technical application includes following parts:

A. Project Abstract: Summarize the scope of work that would be completed under the award, including project goals and outcomes anticipated.

B. Project Description: Include a detailed description and scope of work including specific milestones. Provide a technical and management plan describing in detail how the Applicant proposes to carry out the work. Describe how the Applicant proposes to meet program goals listed in NOFO Section A. Identify project risks and how the Applicant proposes to address these risks. Identify proposed project performance measures and how they will be evaluated.

C. Project Outcomes: Include a detailed description of how the project advances one or more of the Administration goals described in NOFO Section A.

D. Project Team Information: Include detailed information about the proposed

Applicant team, including any partnerships or collaborations with other entities to deliver the project. The information should specifically describe the role of each entity in delivering the project. Provide a staffing plan to perform the work including names and positions of key personal. Provide an organizational chart identifying proposed staff members assigned to this effort. The chart must be supported with narrative text to include the title and a brief description of each position’s responsibilities, as well as the proposed level of effort and allocation of time (percent in relation to their other duties) for each position for each AREA on a yearly basis and in summary format. The level of effort may be displayed (single spaced) in a table format. One table can be presented if the level of effort will be constant over all years, and the table is annotated as such. The hours in this table must be consistent with the information presented in the Budget Volume.

E. Project Schedule: Include detailed information about the project schedule that identifies all major project milestones and, if applicable, requires submittals.

F. Applicant Experience: Provide a description of completed projects, ongoing projects, or both, that demonstrate organizational and staff experience relevant to the scope and complexity of the proposed project. Provide specific information on past or present projects over the past 5 years to include title, work description, value, dates, sponsor/customer point of contact, role of Applicant in the project, and an explanation of why or how the project is considered relevant or similar to the project being proposed.

List the following information for a minimum of three specific past projects in which the Applicant participated as project leader and/or member of project team:

• Project title, description, value, and dates;

• Sponsor/customer point of contact to include sponsor/customer name, title, organization, current email address and phone number;

• Role of Applicant in project, and which of the currently proposed staffing under this application was involved in past project;

• Explanation of why or how the project is considered relevant or similar to the effort required by this Notice of Funding Opportunity; and

• Explanation of the project goals accomplished, and any cost growth or schedule delays encountered. For any projects which did not/do not successfully achieve their goals, a brief explanation of the reason(s) for such shortcomings and any demonstrated corrective actions taken to avoid recurrence.

NOTE: In determining relevancy, consideration should be given, but not limited to, such things as product/service similarity, size and complexity, Agreement type, division of company proposing, and sub-recipient interaction.

NOTE: Prior to award, FHWA may contact past sponsor/customers to support the agency’s risk assessment of the application.

NOTE: If an Applicant does not have a history of relevant experience, or if past performance information is not available, the Applicant’s experience will be considered to be neutral.

G. Resumes: Provide resumes of key personnel and staff with significant roles, from both the prime Applicant and team members/contractors/subrecipients, as necessary.

H. Letters of Intent to Participate: Provide a letter of intent or commitment from each proposed sub-recipient/subcontractor. This includes any sub-recipient/subcontractor that will be included in the Federal share, the non-Federal share or in a non-paid

(volunteer) capacity. Provide a letter of intent to participate from significant team members as the Applicant deems necessary.

I. Evidence of Endorsement: Provide at least 2 letters of support on training and/or guideline development from agencies/groups that are potential recipients of the trainings and guidelines. The letters can be included as an attachment and will not be counted as part of the 50-page limit.

3) Volume 2 Budget Application

NOTE: If needed, the FHWA may request additional budget information to clarify an application. FHWA encourages Applicants to submit the most relevant and complete information they can provide.

Part I – Verification of Status As A Nonprofit or Not-For-Profit Organization

Provide evidence/documentation of your organization’s status as a nonprofit or not-for-profit organization, preferably from the Internal Revenue Service.

Part II – Cost/Cost Share Information and Other Financial Information

Provide a separate detailed budget plan for each AREA under Work Zone Safety, per each year, and then summarized for all years for each AREA and each task thereunder. Each Year will be summarized and then a grand summary for all years for all AREAs and tasks. Spreadsheets can be formatted similarly to the format in DOT Form 4220.44 located at:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/cfo/pdf/frm4220_44.pdf

For example, an application proposing for 3 AREAs for 5 years under Work Zone Safety Grants would require 24 spreadsheets as follows.

AREA 1 AREA 2 AREA 3 Yearly Summary

Year 1 Spreadsheet 1-1 Spreadsheet 2-1 Spreadsheet 3-1 Summary Spreadsheet for Year 1 for all AREAs

Year 2 Spreadsheet 1-2 Spreadsheet 2-2 Spreadsheet 3-2 Summary Spreadsheet for Year 2 for all AREAs

Year 3 Spreadsheet 1-3 Spreadsheet 2-3 Spreadsheet 3-3 Summary Spreadsheet for Year 3 for all AREAs

Year 4 Spreadsheet 1-4 Spreadsheet 2-4 Spreadsheet 3-4 Summary Spreadsheet for Year 3 for all AREAs

Year 5 Spreadsheet 1-5 Spreadsheet 2-5 Spreadsheet 3-5 Summary Spreadsheet for Year 3 for all AREAs

AREA

Summaries

Summary

Spreadsheet for

AREA 1 for all years

Summary

Spreadsheet for

AREA 2 for all years

Summary

Spreadsheet for

AREA 3 for all years

Summary Spreadsheet for all AREAs for all years

A. Budget Tables: Provide a separate detailed budget table for each year and summarize the information for all years for all activities. Clearly show Federal share; Non-

Federal share; and Total. Spreadsheets can be formatted similarly to the format in

DOT Form 4220.44, located at: 4220_44.xls (dot.gov). NOTE: Profit/fee is not allowable for the prime Recipient.

Budget tables must include the following cost elements as applicable to the project:

Labor Rates: Direct labor-by-labor categories to include hours, rates and escalation. The labor rates and annual direct labor escalations rate and its basis must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200.430.

Indirect Rates: Provide your organization’s signed current approved indirect cost rate from the cognizant Federal agency or letter of request to cognizant agency for rate establishment or adjustment. Indirect costs rates must be established according to 2 CFR

200.414. NOTE: Per 2 CFR 200.414(f), Indirect (F&A) Costs, any Applicant that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in 2 CFR Part 200 appendix VII, paragraph D.1.b may elect to propose a de minimis indirect rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs.

Other Direct Costs: Applicants must provide a breakout and justification of Other Direct

Costs by Category (travel, equipment, etc.). Direct costs must be in accordance with 2

CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Cost Principals).

Subcontractors/sub-recipients: If subcontractors/sub-recipients (lower-tiered organizations and/or individual consultants) will be used in carrying out this project, the following minimum information concerning such, must be furnished:

1) Name and address of the organization or consultant.

2) Description of the portion of work to be conducted by the organization or consultant.

3) Cost details for that portion of work.

4) Applicant’s cost/price analysis of each sub-recipient/contractor(s) showing how their price is fair and reasonable (this includes any sub-recipient/contractor(s) that will be included in the Federal share or the non-

Federal share).

5) Provide detail and support for cost share as part of overall project budget.

6) Clearly delineate cost share match versus Federal share.

B. Other Business Information: Provide the following information relative to the PRIME

APPLICANT.

1) Identify any exceptions to the anticipated award terms and conditions as…