NOFO Competitive AA - 693JJ924R000070 - 693JJ924RQ000221 - State Legislature Research 7.8.2024.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

AGENCY: United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity for State Legislative Research

NHTSA NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: 693JJ924R000070

SUMMARY:

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION:

State Legislative Research

Issuing Agency National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Program Overview

State legislatures effectuate traffic safety policy through enacting laws that aim to reduce fatalities and injuries due to motor vehicle crashes. The purpose of this NOFO is to support the identification of introduced and amended state laws related to traffic safety, conduct research on legislation to determine the outcomes and effectiveness of the laws and identify any trends (e.g. an increase in states requiring rear seat belt use), and develop informational briefs and other impartial educational materials related to legislation and trends. Collecting, researching, and informing stakeholders about legislative actions, trends, and outcomes may enable States to craft more effective legislation and save lives.

Objective The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement (CA or Agreement) is to support the identification of introduced and amended state traffic safety laws and research into trends in state laws related to traffic safety. In addition, the recipient will develop informational briefs and other impartial educational and training materials related to the state laws involving legislative trends and shifts in state laws that may affect traffic safety.

Through the education of members of state legislatures, safety advocates, and the public, this Agreement will improve traffic safety and further the mission to save lives and prevent injuries on the nation’s roads.

Eligible Applicants

This NOFO is open to all types of domestic applicants that demonstrate that they have the infrastructure in place, as well as the necessary staff and support to carry out the responsibilities of administering, coordinating, and implementing the activities of this NOFO, as explained in Section E, and based upon the documentation submitted by the applicant as required in Section D.

Funding A total of up to $1,400,000.00 is available to fund up to one (1) discretionary Cooperative Agreement and is subject to the availability of funds. NHTSA will only accept one (1) application from each eligible applicant (see Section C.1, Eligible Applicants). Submission of an application is not a guarantee of award. The Government’s obligations under this Cooperative Agreement are contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for Cooperative Agreement purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available.

NHTSA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) No. 693JJ924R000070 Title: State Legislative Research

Deadline: July 25, 2024, at 1:00 pm EST: Application Due

DATES: Applications must be submitted no later than 1:00 p.m. EDT on July 25, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted via email to NHTSAOAM@dot.gov, and copy Anoko Zankli at Anoko.Zankli.Ctr@dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information regarding this notice, please contact the Office of the Acquisition Management (“OAM”) via email at NHTSAOAM@dot.gov, or email Anoko Zankli @ Anoko.Zankli.Ctr@dot.gov. In addition to the application deadline, the U.S.

Department of Transportation DOT/NHTSA will post answers to common questions and requests for clarifications on Grants.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each section of this notice contains information and instructions relevant to the application process for the State Legislative Research Opportunity, and all applicants should read this notice in its entirety so that they have the information they need to submit eligible and competitive applications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE

N/A AGENCY MISSION

A PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A.1 Purpose and Objective A.2 Program Authority A.3 Assistance Listing A.4 Background A.5 Administrative Priorities

B FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1 Awarding Agency B.2 Funding and Type of Award B.3 Type of Applications B.4 Period of Performance B.5 Acronyms B.6 Statement of Responsibilities B.7 Deliverables (D) and Milestones (M) B.8 Place of Delivery

C ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Application C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

D APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) mailto:NHTSAOAM@dot.gov, mailto:NHTSAOAM@dot.gov, SECTION TITLE

D.4 Submission Dates and Times D.5 Funding Restrictions D.6 Other Submission Requirements

E APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 Criteria E.2 Review and Selection Process E.3 System for Award Management Review E.4 Risk Assessment Review E.5 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1 Federal Award Notices F.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3 Reporting

G FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

H OTHER INFORMATION

H.1 Disclosure of Information H.2 Limited Use of Data H.3 Payment for Unauthorized Work H.4 Place of Performance H.5 Seat Belt Use Policies and Programs H.6 Protection of Human Subjects H.7 Encouraging Policies to Ban Text Messages while Driving H.8 NHTSA Review of Announcements or Publications H.9 Conflict of Interest

H.10 ROUTES Information H.11 Public Access to Publications and Digital Data Sets

MISSION

The mission of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an operating administration of DOT, is to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes, through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity. To accomplish this, NHTSA awards assistance agreements to state and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and other entities in support of motor vehicles and road traffic safety initiatives.

SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement (CA or Agreement) is to support the identification of introduced and amended state traffic safety laws and research into trends in state laws related to traffic safety. In addition, the recipient will develop informational briefs and other impartial educational and training materials related to the state laws involving legislative trends and shifts in state laws that may affect traffic safety. Through the education of members of state legislatures, safety advocates, and the public, this Agreement will improve traffic safety and further the mission to save lives and prevent injuries on the nation’s roads.

A.2 PROGRAM AUTHORITY

NHTSA may enter into an assistance agreement with a State or local agency, authority, association, institution, or person to carry out activities authorized by the Highway Safety Act of 1966, P.L. 89-564, as amended (see 23 U.S.C. § 403 (b)(2)(c)).

A.3 ASSISTANCE LISTING PROGRAM NUMBER

20.614 – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Discretionary Safety Grants

A.4 BACKGROUND

NHTSA is responsible for reducing vehicle-related fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. Over the years, NHTSA has developed a significant body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of certain traffic safety laws, regulations and policies that can reduce traffic crashes. State legislatures effectuate traffic safety policy through enacting laws that aim to reduce fatalities and injuries due to motor vehicle crashes. In addition to other salient information, State legislators benefit from learning about the implementation and effectiveness of other jurisdictions’ traffic safety laws to provide a foundation to make informed decisions on effective traffic safety policy. Therefore, the tracking of laws, sharing of information regarding effectiveness and outcomes, legislative staff, and transportation stakeholders is critical to the public’s safety.

Since it is vital that information regarding effective traffic safety laws and legislative trends be available to the groups mentioned above, NHTSA seeks to engage an organization that serves legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states and territories (hereafter, the term “State” will include the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories) to educate members of state legislatures to canvass and review the various state laws addressing traffic safety issues that can form the basis for new or improvements to existing state traffic safety laws. In addition, NHTSA seeks to identify best practices for members of state legislatures to communicate and cooperate both at the intrastate and interstate level to develop effective traffic safety laws. The information gathered, research conducted, and materials created would also be available to stakeholders and the public to benefit a larger understanding of the ways laws at the State level influence overall safety.

A.5 ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES

The Department seeks to fund projects that advance the Departmental priorities of safety, equity, climate and sustainability, and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, as applicable, as described in the USDOT Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan (https://www.transportation.gov/rdtstrategicplan) and in executive orders.

SECTION B - FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1 AWARDING AGENCY:

Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

B.2 FUNDING AND TYPE OF AWARD

A total of up to $1,400,000.00 is available to fund up to one (1) discretionary Cooperative Agreement and is subject to the availability of funds. NHTSA will only accept one (1) application from each eligible applicant (see Section C.1, Eligible Applicants). Submission of an application is not a guarantee of award. The Government’s obligations under this Cooperative Agreement are contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for Cooperative Agreement purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available.

B.3 TYPE OF APPLICATION

NHTSA will accept only new applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

B.4 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All work required hereunder including preparation, submission, review, and acceptance of the final reports shall be completed within sixty (60) months of the effective date of the Cooperative Agreement. NHTSA currently anticipates the start date for this new Federal award to be on or about September 2024.

B.5 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

The acronyms and definitions listed below are used during the performance of the project. If the Recipient is currently using or has used any of the acronyms listed below differently, the Recipient will use the acronym listed below as defined under the Assistance Agreement only.

ACOR (CA) Alternate Contracting Officer Representative Cooperative Agreement CA Cooperative Agreement CO Contracting Officer COR (CA) Contracting Officer Representative Cooperative Agreement DOT Department of Transportation NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PM Project Manager RCAM Recipient’s Cooperative Agreement Manager

As used in this NOFO:

“COR (CA)” means “Contracting Officer’s Representative (Cooperative Agreements.)” This individual is assigned by the Contracting Officer and designated in writing to serve as the government’s liaison with the Recipient for technical and administrative matters regarding the Cooperative Agreement.

“Contracting Officer” refers to that federal government employee who possesses a warrant authorizing him/her to obligate the government financially. The Contracting Officer is the only individual who is authorized, on behalf of the federal government, to execute the Cooperative Agreement.

“RCAM” means the “Recipient’s Cooperative Agreement Manager.” This individual is identified as the Recipient’s liaison with the federal government for technical and administrative matters concerning the Cooperative Agreement.

B.6 STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Under the Cooperative Agreement NHTSA will:

1. Designate a professional, qualified staff member, designated as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR (CA)), to provide coordination between the Recipient and NHTSA;

2. Provide all essential background information and assistance to perform the Cooperative Agreement; and

3. Stimulate the exchange of ideas and information among recipients of related projects through periodic meetings.

B. Under the Cooperative Agreement, the Recipient shall:

1. Carry out the project as described in the Recipient’s approved project plan;

2. Advise the COR (CA) of any problems or issues involved in the implementation or progress of this Cooperative Agreement;

3. Adhere to the activities and requirements specified in this Cooperative Agreement and approved work plan unless a deviation is submitted to the COR (CA) and approved in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO); consistent with 2 C.F.R. § 200.308; and

4. For the period of performance set forth in B.4, “Period of Performance,” furnish personnel, equipment, and facilities and otherwise perform all things necessary to complete the work required to accomplish the Cooperative Agreement’s objective as specified.

C. Specific Activities for the Cooperative Agreement

The Recipient shall perform the following activities:

C.1 Activity 1: Kick-off Meeting

Within four (4) weeks of award, the Recipient shall meet with the COR (CA), Contracting Officer (CO), and other interested NHTSA personnel, either in person at NHTSA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., or via video or teleconference, to discuss the administration of the Cooperative Agreement and planned course of action, schedule, milestones, and deliverables. This meeting will take approximately one (1) hour.

C.2 Activity 2: Traffic Safety Legislation Seminars

The Recipient shall organize and conduct three (3) seminars with state legislators and legislative staff on traffic safety issues during the period of performance of the Agreement. The Recipient shall educate state lawmakers about critical traffic safety laws or developments related to initiating traffic safety laws. The session topic shall be determined three (3) months in advance by the Recipient’s staff, in cooperation with the NHTSA COR (CA), based upon current issues in traffic safety. The Recipient shall organize the sessions, travel to the meeting to coordinate the sessions, and may moderate a session or conduct a presentation at the seminar.

C.3 Activity 3: Traffic Safety Digests

The Recipient shall research and track traffic safety-related state legislation and maintain a publicly available legislative database of information collected from all fifty (50) States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. The Recipient shall develop publicly accessible digests and ensure that it has the most up-to-date information on legislative action. The traffic safety digests shall be organized by specific categories.

Information included for each bill will include the bill number, sponsor, a description, current status, and a link to the state legislative page.

Specific traffic safety topics include, but are not limited to: Aggressive Driving, Automated Enforcement/Photo Monitoring, Autonomous Vehicles, Child Passenger Protection, Distracted Driving, Driver Licensing, Emergency Services, Impaired Driving, Motorcycle Safety, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, School Bus Safety, Seatbelts and Occupant Protection, Older Drivers, Slow-Medium Speed Vehicles, Speed Limits, and Teen Driver Issues. Additional topics, including electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other emerging legislative traffic safety trends may be added as needed.

C.4 Activity 4: Conduct Educational Activities

The Recipient shall identify the best medium (webinars, podcasts, newsletters, etc.)

through which to offer at least four (4) individual educational opportunities to their partners and interested stakeholders during each year of the agreement. The focus of each activity shall be a current issue that is pertinent to a wide array of traffic safety stakeholders as determined by the research conducted by the Recipient.

C.5 Activity 5: Attend Traffic Safety Conferences

The Recipient shall attend not more than four (4) educational conferences and meetings with a focus on traffic safety issues annually to supplement their research into legislative trends.

C.6 Activity 6: Develop and Publish a Year-End Summary of State Legislative Action

Annually, the Recipient shall publish a comprehensive summary of traffic safety legislative trends on the Recipient’s website. The compilation shall include at a minimum the Recipient’s research findings on each legislative trend and the effects of each trend.

B.7 DELIVERABLES (D) AND MILESTONES (M)

The deliverables and milestones are established and defined within the Cooperative Agreement issued under the authority listed within Section A.2 of this NOFO.

The deliverable schedule and descriptions are provided below. With final deliverables, the Recipient shall provide a table detailing how each Government comment was addressed.

Deliverables will be submitted in a replicable electronic format that is printable, unless specifically required for submission in hard copy form.

Item No.

Activity No.

Deliverable (D)/Milestone (M) Due Date

1 B.6.C.1 Kickoff Meeting (M) Within 4 weeks of award

2 B.6.C.2 Coordinate Traffic Safety Legislative Seminars (M)

Ongoing

3 B.6.C.3 Develop Traffic Safety Digests (M) Ongoing

4 B.6.C.4 Conduct Educational Activities (M) Ongoing

5 B.6.C.5 Attend Conferences (M) Ongoing

6 B.6.C.6 Develop & Publish a Year-End Summary of State Legislative Action (D)

Annually

7 F.3.1 Submit Quarterly Progress Report (D) The 15th day of every 3rd month

8 F.3.2 Submit Financial Status Reports SF- 425(D)

Annually by October 1st

B.8 PLACE OF DELIVERY

All items shall be delivered electronically to the following email addresses specified below:

Item no. Address

6,7&8

Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Impaired Driving Division (NPD-110) Email: TBD

6,7&8

Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Acquisition Management (NFO-300) Email: TBD

SECTION C - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

This NOFO is open to all types of domestic applicants that demonstrate that they have the infrastructure in place, as well as the necessary staff and support to carry out the responsibilities of administering, coordinating, and implementing the activities of this NOFO, as explained in Section E, and based upon the documentation submitted by the applicant as required in Section D. Only organizations capable of fulfilling the criteria listed within this NOFO will be considered for an award.

Interested applicants are advised that no fee or profit will be allowed.

C.2 COST SHARING OR MATCHING

Cost-sharing or matching requirements are not required under this NOFO. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to seek funds from other Federal, State, local, and private sources to augment those Federal funds available under this NOFO.

SECTION D - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

A copy of this NOFO, including all application forms, can be received by submitting an email request to NHTSAOAM@dot.gov using the following information:

• Keyword(s): State Legislative Research

• Opportunity Number: 693JJ924R000070

• Assistance Listing Number: 20.614

Submission of an application is not a guarantee of an award.

D.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Each application package must include the following required documents:

• The application shall not exceed twenty-five (25) pages (not including resumes or appendices). The application must be in English.

• Format with a cover page that clearly identifies the Applicant’s name, NOFO number 693JJ924R000070, and submission date. Within, include the following sections:

o Table of Contents including page number references and method identifying major sections o Technical Approach and Understanding o Qualifications of Project Personnel o Corporate Experience/Past Performance

• Resumes are limited to two (2) pages each and provides evidence of the knowledge, skill, experience, and overall qualifications of proposed personnel Include each person’s role and specific actions and responsibilities in a study or project; include dates for projects listed.

• No cost/price data shall be included in the Technical Application.

• Be written in electronic format (e.g., using MS Office) Use Times New Roman 12-point font, with pages that have at least one (1) inch margins.

• Adhere to the style detailed in the 7th edition, Publication Manual of the American

Psychological Association (APA).

• Cost data shall be provided in current Microsoft supported version of Microsoft EXCEL.

mailto:NHTSAOAM@dot.gov

• NHTSA cannot receive email messages containing a ZIP attachment. The file will be removed, as all ZIP files are blocked. Other file types (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, PDF, etc.) can be received.

• If submitting the application in hardcopy or digital storage media format: OMB Standard Form (SF) 424 (including 424 “Application for Federal Assistance,” 424A “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs,” and 424B “Assurances for Non- Construction Programs”), with the required information filled in and certified assurances signed. These forms can be accessed by going to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html.

• The Recipient shall submit a statement and certify that it agrees to comply with the requirements in 49 CFR Part 32, Governmentwide Requirements for Drug -Free Workplace (Financial Assistance), subpart B.

• SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. The Applicant shall provide with its application signed certification forms covering the requirements in 49 CFR Part 20, U.S.

Department of Transportation New Restrictions on Lobbying. This form can be accessed by going to https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/disclosure-lobbying-activities.

• Consistent with the Department's R.O.U.T.E.S. 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.

• The Applicant must provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed costs, as well as any in-kind costs, by year. This cost breakdown shall not only identify cost categories but shall also identify specific sub-categories (and associated costs). For example, Labor Costs should include labor categories, associated levels of effort, and rates; Direct Materials costs including itemized equipment and supplies costs; Travel and transportation costs, including projected trips and number of people traveling;

Subcontractor/ Sub-recipient costs with similar detail, if known; and overhead. The Applicant must also justify each proposed cost by explaining how each cost was calculated and determined to be fair and reasonable. Finally, the Applicant should also include copies of any supporting documentation it may have (i.e. indirect cost rate agreements, etc.) as part of the budget package.

• Non-Federal funding sources are encouraged. Since activities may be performed with a variety of financial resources, applicants need to fully identify all project costs and their funding sources in the proposed budget. The proposed budget must identify all funding sources in sufficient detail to demonstrate that the overall objectives of the project will be met. All other factors being equal, preference will be given to those that have proposed cost-sharing strategies and/or other proposed funding sources in addition to those in this announcement.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/disclosure-lobbying-activities https://www.transportation.gov/rural

Technical Application: The application shall fully describe the scope of the project, providing a project plan detailing the activities and costs for which funding is being requested. The technical application shall be separated from the cost application – no cost information shall be included or referenced in the technical application.

The technical approach must be clearly written, complete, reasonable, and include a realistic timeframe for completing the activities.

Applications for the program must address the following in the program narrative statement:

D.2.1 Factor 1: Technical Approach/Understanding

The Applicant shall demonstrate its understanding of the project’s overall objectives and scope of work. Within the technical application, the Applicant shall indicate any assumptions made in conducting the effort. This section allows the Applicant to demonstrate familiarity and expertise with the area, including issues faced when work requires the Applicant to work jointly and cooperatively with other agencies to complete the Applicant’s work.

Acceptable submissions will address:

• Background – Clearly identify the ability to understand and meet the goals of the project as described in the background;

• Purpose – Clearly identify how the strategy advances the purpose and goals of the project;

• Project Management Plan – Includes a detailed work breakdown structure (WBS) that is aligned to the project’s goals and objectives; a detailed, step-by-step approach for achieving the specific Activities described. The strategy should be comprehensive, logical, and include a clear description of how:

o Each Activity will be implemented and completed, o A plan for monitoring/managing quality control processes, o Where appropriate a clear marketing plan for dissemination of product(s) to appropriate target audience(s), o A risk mitigation strategy to identify risks and methods for addressing, mitigate or eliminate problems, and o Identifying necessary travel to complete the activities.

• Administration Priorities:

o Safety—Applicants must address how their project provides substantial safety benefits. Prior to receiving funds, all projects are expected to, at a minimum, identify and mitigate to the extent practicable any significant safety risks that could result after the project completion. Applicants should include how their project will not negatively impact the overall safety of the traveling public.”

o Racial Equity and Barriers to Opportunity— Applicants must address how their project will include an equity assessment which evaluates whether a project will create proportional impacts and remove transportation related disparities to all populations in a project area. Applicants should demonstrate how meaningful public engagement will occur throughout a project’s life cycle.

o Civil Rights—The applicant should demonstrate that it has a plan for compliance with civil rights obligations and nondiscrimination laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and implementing regulations (49 CFR § 21), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and accompanying regulations. This may include, as applicable, providing a Title VI plan, community participation plan, and other information about the communities that will be benefited and impacted by the project.

D.2.2 Factor 2: Qualifications of Project Personnel

The Applicant shall demonstrate experience and capacity to carry out the activities described in Section B.6.C.

• Identify a Project Manager (PM) to serve as a liaison to coordinate and manage all aspects of the project;

• Provide a detailed breakdown linking key personnel to clearly defined roles, activities, deliverables, and time commitments necessary to complete the project;

it is not sufficient to merely state the person’s title and describe the project in general terms;

• Demonstrate that staff and/or sub-contractors possess the experience and subject matter expertise, knowledge, and skills necessary to successfully perform and complete the work outlined in Section B.6.C. Examples of qualifications that Applicants may use to demonstrate expertise include, but are not limited to, educational background and relevant experience on similar projects;

• Identify partnerships or stakeholders, contractors or consultants who shall play a role in the implementation of the project the specific subject matter expertise they bring and their responsibilities;

• Include resumes or curricula vitae that highlight qualifications, areas of expertise, and cites work-related experience for key personnel;

D.2.3 Factor 3: Project Experience/Past Performance

The Applicant shall demonstrate its ability to conduct the work required in this NOFO and performance with similar efforts, including its corporate experience and past performance with other work similarly described in this solicitation and that require, at a minimum, the following:

• The Applicant and/or sub-contractors have sufficient professional and/or corporate organizational experience and a background in the field of human behavioral factors, their effect on highway and traffic safety and State laws;

• Is capable of exercising organization influence in managing relationships with aligned professional organizations in traffic safety to meet the objectives of the project;

• Experience organizing and facilitating productive meetings; coordinating communication among all project members (staff/personnel, key partners, stakeholders, contractors, consultants or others) using a variety of means including in-person and electronic communication networked meetings/discussions; facilitating processes to come to consensus; and summarizing and synthesizing the results of discussions; and

• Ability to support the development and deployment of plans designed to support communications, material concepts and outreach efforts to update and/or develop new materials to improve traffic safety, traffic laws, and countermeasures.

Cost Information

• The Government reserves the right to request, at any time after the receipt of applications and before award, additional cost or price information necessary to perform an analysis. Regular invoicing (monthly or quarterly) is required. Irregular invoicing could result in a reduction of available funding for subsequent years;

• Given that an award may be made without negotiations and without any discussion, each Applicant shall document and support the proposed costs so thoroughly that no additional information is needed by NHTSA;

• Applicants shall ensure that all proposed costs, including non-federal contributions and contributions from other federal sources, are reasonable, allowable, and allocable according to the cost principles stated in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 1200, 1201; and

• Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of Project Funds: Project budgets should show how different funding sources will share in each activity and present those data in dollars and percentages. The budget should identify other Federal funds the applicant is applying for, or has been awarded, if any, that the applicant intends to use. Funding sources should be grouped into three categories: non-Federal, State Legislative Research, and other Federal sources with specific amounts from each funding source.

Sharing of Application Information NHTSA may share application information within the U.S. Department of Transportation or with other Federal agencies if the NHTSA or the Department determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives.

D.3 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

(SAM)

Each Applicant is required to:

• Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

• Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application (e.g., UEI Number); 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 or plan under consideration by NHTSA.

NHTSA will not make an award to an Applicant that has not complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements. If it’s determined that an Applicant has not fully complied with the requirements, NHTSA will use that determination as a basis for making a Federal assistance award to another Applicant. NHTSA will review an Applicant’s registration status to make a responsibility determination and to ensure that the Applicant is responsible, current on all federal taxes, and is not on the list of parties excluded from federal awards.

D.4 SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

Application Due Date and Time:

Applications must be submitted no later than 1:00 PM ET on TBD.

Only complete packages received on or before the published due date will be considered.

Applications received after the due date will not be evaluated for consideration. Facsimile submission of applications will not be accepted. NHTSA will only accept one (1) application from each Applicant. NHTSA will provide acknowledgments of receipt of applications via email.

Questions Due Date and Time:

General administrative and programmatic questions must be directed to NHTSAOAM@dot.gov.

To allow for sufficient time to address questions appropriately, all questions must be submitted, via email, no later than 1:00 PM EST on July 2, 2024.

D.5 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

• Funds awarded under the Cooperative Agreement cannot be used for any activity intended to or designed to lobby Congress or a State legislative body, or to urge a U.S., State or local legislator to favor or oppose the adoption of any specific legislative proposal pending before any State or local legislative body.

• All NHTSA awards are subject to the terms and activities in the Cooperative Agreement and cost principles in 2 CFR Parts 180, 200, 1200 and 1201.

• NHTSA will not reimburse Applicants for Pre-Award costs.

• The Government’s obligation under the Cooperative Agreement is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for the Agreement purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for the Cooperative Agreement and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

• Funds awarded under the Cooperative Agreement are subject to 23 U.S.C. § 313, Buy America, which prohibits the use of the Government’s funds to purchase steel, iron, and manufactured products, unless they are produced in the United States. NHTSA expects all recipients to comply with this requirement, without needing a waiver. However, to obtain a waiver, a recipient must be prepared to demonstrate how they will maximize the use of domestic goods, products, and materials in their project.

• No funds awarded under the State Legislature Research project shall be used to support international activities of the Recipient.

D.6 OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each application must include:

• The NHTSA NOFO Number: 693JJ924R000070

Application Submission:

Applications must be submitted to the attention of Anoko Zankli, Contract Specialist, via email at NHTSAOAM@dot.gov, no later than 1:00 PM EST on July 25, 2024.

Important: The timely submission of application packages is the sole responsibility of the Applicant.

SECTION E - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 CRITERIA

NHTSA will evaluate the applications using the evaluation criteria below to rate and select competing applications. Evaluation Factors 1 through 3 will be weighted, with Factor 1 being weighted the most, and Factor 3 being weighted the least. Evaluation Factor 4 will be evaluated but will not be considered in the application’s final rating.

After completing the merit review, among projects of similar merit, NHTSA will prioritize projects that use data-driven and evidence-based methods that also best meet the Administration’s priorities.

Submission of an application is not a guarantee of award. NHTSA may, at its discretion, award a Cooperative Agreement based on an application in its entirety, award only portions of an application, or not make an award.

For each factor, the agency will determine whether the Applicant has provided an acceptable explanation of its qualifications.

A. EVALUATION FACTOR 1: Technical Approach and Understanding

The Applicant will be evaluated on its technical approach to meeting the objectives, requirements, and the deliverable schedule associated with the project. The Applicant’s technical approach will be evaluated for the following:

• Background – How the Applicant identifies the ability to understand and meet the goals of the project as described in the background;

• Purpose – How the Applicant clearly identifies how the strategy advances the goals and objectives of the project;

• Project Management Plan – How the Applicant’s application is comprehensive, logical, and includes:

A plan for monitoring/managing quality control processes;

A plan for implementing the activities in Sections B.6.C;

A risk mitigation strategy to identify risks and methods for addressing, mitigate or eliminate problems; and Identifying necessary travel to complete the tasks and activities

B. EVALUATION FACTOR 2: Qualifications of Project Personnel

The Applicant will be evaluated on the suitability and quality of its proposed staff. The Applicant’s staffing plan is clearly described in the written proposal through the Project Management Plan and work breakdown structure and includes personnel’s resumes/curriculum vitae. The Applicant’s application will be evaluated on the following:

• The extent to which the proposed personnel have clearly described roles and appropriately assigned positions, and the proper level of education and experience to carry out the project.

• The extent to which the applicant’s proposed staff has demonstrated their ability to provide leadership, technical assistance and the resources to accomplish the milestones and deliverables of this project.

• The soundness of the applicant’s organization, proposed staff and designated areas of expertise.

• The extent to which the proposed personnel have knowledge of or demonstrated skills in public health, traffic safety, or training and education.

• The extent to which the proposed personnel demonstrate the ability to work closely with partners and other organizations.

• The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to develop programming for the target audience of their projects and an understanding for the overall safety and well-being of road users across the country.

C. EVALUATION FACTOR 3: Project Experience/Past Performance

The Applicant will be evaluated on its ability to conduct the work required in this NOFO and performance with similar efforts, including its corporate experience and past performance with other work similarly described in this solicitation and that require, at a minimum, the following:

• The Applicant and/or sub-contractors have sufficient professional and/or corporate organizational experience and a background in the field of human behavioral factors, their effect on highway and traffic safety and State laws.

• Is capable of exercising organization influence in managing relationships with aligned professional organizations in traffic safety to meet the objectives of the project;

• Experience organizing and facilitating productive meetings; coordinating communication among all project members (staff/personnel, key partners, stakeholders, contractors, consultants or others) using a variety of means including in-person and electronic communication networked meetings/discussions; facilitating processes to come to consensus; and summarizing and synthesizing the results of discussions; and

• Ability to support the development and deployment of plans designed to support communications, material concepts and outreach efforts to update and/or develop new materials to improve traffic safety, traffic laws, and countermeasures.

D. EVALUATION FACTOR 4: Cost/Budget Evaluation

The Applicant’s proposed budget will be evaluated for accuracy and feasibility, based on the provisions of 2 CFR Parts 200, 1200 and 1201.

E.2 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Each application package will be reviewed initially to confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements as set forth in Section C.1, Eligible Applicants, and has included all items specified in Section D.2, Content and Form of Application Submission. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will then review each completed application that meets the eligibility requirements and provide recommendations for award.

The TEC will rate the application using the following rating definitions:

Rating Definitions Outstanding – The application demonstrates a highly detailed, superior approach for accomplishing program objectives. The application is fully responsive to every aspect of the NOFO, within most or all areas covered by the announcement. The application demonstrated a large capability for excellent or highly productive results.

Good – The application demonstrates a comprehensive and fully acceptable approach for accomplishing program objectives. The application is fully responsive to every aspect of the

Rating Definitions NOFO, with capability for highly productive results for the activities described in the announcement.

Acceptable – The application meets minimum requirements of the NOFO; is responsive to all major aspects of NOFO; and is capable of achieving desired program objectives.

Unacceptable – The application demonstrates an incomprehensible or unacceptable approach, methods, organization, or capabilities; provided little to no detail as to how the program would be accomplished. The application is not capable of being evaluated.

After completing the merit review, among projects of similar merit, DOT will prioritize projects that address the following Administration priorities.

• Safety—detail how the applicant’s approach will provide positive safety benefits for all roadway users and detail how the applicant’s approach will not result in negative safety impacts for all roadway users.

• Equity--a detailed plan to address racial equity and barriers to opportunity. For example, the applicant may include an equity and inclusion program/plan or equity-focused policy to ensure racial equity in the overall project delivery and implementation or submit a plan to hold meaningful public engagement on the project to ensure that underserved communities are provided a full and equitable opportunity to have meaningful engagement on the project.

• Civil Rights-- a detailed plan for compliance with civil rights obligations and nondiscrimination laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and implementing regulations (49 CFR § 21), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and accompanying regulations.

E.3 SYSTEM FOR ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT REVIEW

NHTSA will review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through the System for Acquisition Management

(SAM).

Each applicant may review information in the SAM and provide a comment(s) in its application about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in SAM.

NHTSA will consider any comment submitted by the applicant, in addition to the other information in SAM, when determining the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance, under Federal awards, when completing the review under section D.3, Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM). Prior to award, each selected applicant will be subject to a risk assessment, as required by 2 CFR § 200.206.

E.4 RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW

Prior to award, the selected applicant will be subject to a risk assessment, as required by 2 CFR §

206. NHTSA will review the selected entity’s SAM.gov registration and Federal Awardee

Performance Integrity and Information System (FAPIIS) records; the Department of Treasury’s DO NOT PAY website; the Department of the Treasury list of Specially Designated Nationals;

the selected entity’s Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form (SF-LLL); available information on USASpending.gov; available audit findings; and any other available past performance information.

Specifically, NHTSA may consider any items such as the following:

(i) Financial stability;

(ii) Management systems and standards. Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in this part;

(iii) History of performance. The applicant's record in managing Federal awards, if it is a prior recipient of Federal awards, including timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, and if applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards;

(iv) Audit reports and findings. Reports and findings from audits performed under subpart F of this part or the reports and findings of any other available audits; and

(v) Ability to effectively implement requirements. The applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.

E.5 ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT AND FEDERAL AWARD DATES

It is anticipated that an award will be made on or before September 2024. HOWEVER, SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN AWARD WILL BE

MADE.

SECTION F - FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1 FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

The NHTSA Contracting Officer will award Cooperative Agreements to responsible and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this NOFO. All funds provided by NHTSA must be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are awarded in accordance with the approved application and budget, the Uniform Administration Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Parts 1200 and 1201).

The Cooperative Agreement award will provide pertinent instructions and information including, at a minimum, the following:

• General Federal Award Information:

o Recipient name;

o Recipient’s unique entity identifier;

o Unique Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN) assigned by NHTSA;

o Federal Award Date;

o Period of Performance Start and End Date;

o Amount of Federal Funds Obligated by the action;

o Total Amount of Federal Funds Obligated;

o Total Amount of the Cooperative Agreement Award;

o Budget Approved by NHTSA;

o Total Approved Cost Sharing or Matching, where applicable;

o Cooperative Agreement project description;

o Agency name and contact information for awarding official;

o Assistance Listing Program Number (formerly CFDA) and Name;

o Identification of whether the award is R&D; and o Indirect cost rate for the Cooperative Agreement.

• General Terms and Activities as applicable including:

o Cooperative Agreement Administrative Requirements;

o National Policy Requirements; and o Recipient integrity and performance matters.

• Cooperative Agreement Performance Goals

F.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

1. The Cooperative Agreement shall be subject to the administrative requirements contained in the following regulations which are incorporated by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were provided in full text:

a. 2 C.F.R. Parts 200 and 1200 - Uniform Administration Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

b. 2 C.F.R. Parts 180 and 1200 –Non-procurement Suspension and Disbarment

c. b. 49. C.F.R. Part 11—Protection of Human Subjects;

d. 49 C.F.R. Part 20 – Department of Transportation New Restrictions on Lobbying;

e. 49 C.F.R. Part 21 – Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation - Effectuation of Title VI of The Civil Rights Act of 1964;

f. 49 C.F.R. Part 25 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or

Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance;

g. 49 C.F.R. Part 27 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance; and

h. 49 C.F.R. Part 32 -Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance).

2. The Recipient will acknowledge in writing that no funds provided under the Assistance Agreement will used for lobbying activities as defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.

3. The Recipient will have procedures in place to respond to an unauthorized disclosure or breach of an individual’s personally identifying information (PII). The Assistance Agreement Recipient will notify NHTSA within seven (7) days of an incident involving the unauthorized disclosure or breach of PII. In the event of an unauthorized disclosure or breach, the Assistance Agreement Recipient will cooperate and exchange information with NHTSA, as needed, to properly escalate, refer, and respond to the incident.

4. As expressed in Executive Order 14005, ‘Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers’ (86 FR 7475), the executive branch should maximize, consistent with law, the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States. Funds made available under this notice are subject to the domestic preference requirement at 23 U.S.C. 313. The Department expects all applicants to comply with that requirement.

5. The Recipient will ensure access to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) LEP guidance, dated December 7, 2005 (74 Fed Reg, 74087), which will assist the Recipient in fulfilling its responsibilities pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and DOT’s implementing regulations at 49 C.F.R. Part 21 (incorporated by reference above).

6. Civil Rights and Title VI: As a condition of an award, Recipients should demonstrate that the recipient has a plan for compliance with civil rights obligations and nondiscrimination laws, including Title VI of the Civil…