Notice of Funding Opportunity No. 693JJ322NF00006 - TTAP - Final.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number 693JJ322NF00006

“Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center”

Issue Date: 1/24/2022

Application Due Date: 3/25/2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY INFORMATION

SECTION A – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

2. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

3. ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER

4. BACKGROUND

5. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

6. STATEMENT OF WORK

6.1. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT

6.2. PROGRAM COMMUNICATION & MARKETING

6.3. TRAINING

6.3.1. TRAINING EMPHASIS AREAS (TEA)

6.4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

6.5. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

6.6 COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIPS

7. TRANSITION OF ACTIVITIES

8. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

8.1. NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP INITIATIVE

8.2. TRIBAL STRATEGIC WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

8.3. TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY CIRCUIT RIDER (SCR) INITIATIVE

8.4. TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION DEPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

9. DELIVERABLES

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. FUNDING AND NUMBER OF AWARDS

2. TYPE OF AWARD

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

4. DEGREE OF FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

SECTION D – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

2. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

2.1.1 Part I – Technical & Management Approach:

2.1.2 Part II - Staffing Approach

2.1.3 Part III – Experience:

2.2 VOLUME II – BUDGET APPLICATION

3. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

(SAM)

4. SUBMISSION DATES AND DEADLINES

5. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

6. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

7. OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

7.1 APPLICATION SUBMITTAL INFORMATION

7.2 USE OF INFORMATION FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSES

SECTION E – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. EVALUATION CRITERIA

1.1. TECHNICAL MERIT

1.2. COST

2. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

2.1. MERIT BASED REVIEW PROCESS

2.2. RISK ASSESSMENT

3. ANTICIPATED FEDERAL AWARD DATES

SECTION F – FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

1. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

2. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

2.1. INDIRECT COSTS

2.3. PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (PII)

2.4. AVAILABLE FUNDING

2.5. KEY PERSONNEL

2.6. PROGRAM INCOME

2.7. SUBAWARDS

2.8. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

2.9. DESIGNATION AS RESEARCH OR NON-RESEARCH AGREEMENT

2.10. CONFERENCE SUPPORT RESTRICTIONS

2.11. DISPUTES

2.12. CLOSEOUT OF AGREEMENT FILE

2.13. ANNUAL BUDGET REVIEW AND PROGRAM PLAN

2.14. TRAVEL

3. REPORTING

3.1 ADDRESSES FOR SUBMITTAL OF REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS

3.2 QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

3.3 RECIPIENT INTEGRITY AND PERFORMANCE MATTERS

SECTION G – FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

SECTION H – OTHER INFORMATION

APPENDIX I – FHWA LABOR ESTIMATES

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is using www.grants.gov for issuance of this

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Applicants must register at www.grants.gov under

NOFO Number 693JJ322NF00006 to receive notifications of NOFO updates or amendments to this NOFO. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to monitor www.grants.gov site for any updates/amendments to this NOFO.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity

Summary:

Up to $17,875,000 over 5 years in Federal funding authorized under

FHWA’s Training and Education Program to award multiple cooperative agreements to eligible entities to transition, operate and maintain a TTAP Center.

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

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Office of Acquisitions & Grants Management

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Mail Drop: E86-205

Washington DC 20590

Attn: Ryan Buck

Funding Opportunity Title: Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center

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

Funding Opportunity

Number:

693JJ322NF00006

Type of Award: Cooperative agreement

Assistance Listings:

(formally known as Catalog of

Federal Domestic Assistance

Number)

20.215 - Highway Training & Education

Application Due Date: Submission Deadline: Applications Due by March 25, 2022 at 11:59

PM Eastern Time through www.Grants.gov.

Notes: FHWA seeks early notification of interest to inform its allocation of resources for application evaluations and to facilitate timely and efficient awards. FHWA requests that all interested applicants confirm their intent to submit an application in response to this opportunity no later than thirty (30) days prior to the submission deadline noted above. This notification should be sent to

Ryan.Buck@dot.gov with cc to Morgan.Malley@dot.gov

Questions: Submit Questions to: Ryan.Buck@dot.gov with cc to

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

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will host an informational session regarding this funding opportunity focused on the TTAP. 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 in order to submit an application under this

NOFO. However, potential applicants are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to gather information regarding this specific funding opportunity.

Informational Session:

Virtual Webcast Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center

Date TBD

Time 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern Time

Registration Link to be provided via NOFO amendment

Log In/Attend Link to be provided via NOFO amendment

NOTES: The Information Session is a Microsoft Teams Live Event and it will be recorded.

SECTION A – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The FHWA is accepting applications from all interested, eligible parties to assist in the delivery of the TTAP. The TTAP is the Tribal component of the FHWA Local Technical Assistance

Program (LTAP) managed by FHWA’s Innovative Workforce Development (HIT) Team located in the Office of Innovation Management, Education and Partnerships. The TTAP serves

American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes (Tribes) with the establishment of regional TTAP

Centers.

“One TTAP, Seven TTAP Centers”

• TTAP Vision: Through mutual respect and understanding, enhance the quality of life in

Tribal communities by building capacity for Tribes to administer and manage their transportation programs and systems.

• TTAP Center Mission: Serve as a go-to local resource for Tribal transportation training, technical assistance, and technology transfer needs and opportunities to effectively carry out the TTAP Vision.

Under the TTAP there will be seven TTAP Centers serving the associated Bureau of Indian

Affairs (BIA) regions and associated Tribes, as listed below, and detailed on Table 1 on page 8.

1. Eastern TTAP Center - includes all Tribes in the Eastern and Midwest BIA regions

2. Southern TTAP Center - includes all Tribes in the Eastern Oklahoma and Southern

Plains BIA regions

3. Southwestern TTAP Center - includes all Tribes in the Southwest and Navajo BIA regions

4. Northern TTAP Center - includes all Tribes in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains

BIA regions

5. Western TTAP Center - includes all Tribes in the Pacific and Western BIA regions

6. Northwestern TTAP Center - includes all Tribes in the Northwest BIA region

7. Alaskan TTAP Center - includes all Tribes in the Alaska BIA region

Each TTAP Center will provide transportation services in coordination with the FHWA TTAP

Program Manager. The TTAP Program Manager will provide program support including national scale services to supplement regional local TTAP Center services.

This opportunity is being issued under assistance listing number 20.215 - Highway Training &

Education. FHWA anticipates awarding one agreement for each TTAP Center, for a total of seven cost-reimbursable cooperative agreements.

Table 1. Geographic Distribution of TTAP Centers by Associated BIA Regions

TTAP Centers BIA Regions State(s) Included in TTAP

Service Area

1. Eastern TTAP Center

Eastern 30 States: AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI

Midwest

2. Southern TTAP Center

Eastern

Oklahoma 3 States: KS, OK, TX

Southern Plains

3. Southwestern TTAP Center Navajo 2 States: CO, NM, AZ- including Navajo Southwest

4. Northern TTAP Center Rocky Mountain 6 States: MT, MN, NE, ND, SD, WY Great Plains

5. Western TTAP Center Pacific 5 States: AZ- excluding

Navajo, CA, HI, NV, UT Western

6. Northwestern TTAP Center Northwest 3 States: ID, OR, WA

7. Alaskan TTAP Center Alaska 1 State: AK

2. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The authority to issue this opportunity is granted under FHWA’s Training and Education

Program pursuant to section 504(b)(2)(D)(ii) of title 23, United States Code:

(2) Grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. The Secretary may make grants and enter into cooperative agreements and contracts to provide education and training, technical assistance, and related support services to –

(D) operate, in cooperation with State transportation departments and universities

(ii) LTAP centers designated to provide transportation technical assistance to

Tribal governments.

3. ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER

20.215 - Highway Training & Education

4. BACKGROUND

Formerly known as the Rural Technical Assistance Program, the LTAP was first authorized in

1982, when it was included in the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies

Appropriation Act (Public Law 97-102). Congress directed that the funding be used for technical assistance to meet the growing demands placed on rural roads from increased urban sprawl and the increased size and weight of trucks carrying goods from farm to market.

In 1991, the TTAP was formally established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency

Act (ISTEA) (Public Law 102-240; Dec 18, 1991). The TTAP is the Tribal component of the

LTAP and was designated to provide technical assistance to Tribal governments. This technical assistance was geared toward building capacity within the Tribes to manage their highway assets.

The Tribal road inventory currently consists of approximately 49,200 miles of BIA and Tribally-owned public roads; 87,600 miles of State, county, and local government public roads; and

10,600 miles of proposed roads.

Over time, the LTAP expanded to include 51 LTAP Centers—1 in each State and 1 serving

Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands—and 7TTAP Centers that were established through cooperative agreements. The TTAP Centers were geographically dispersed, some of which were housed at universities as provided by law. In 2017, the FHWA’s HIT Team (formerly the Center for Local Aid Support) contracted a two-year pilot to assess a centralized, national-scale TTAP

Center model. As part of this pilot, listening sessions were conducted to assess the viability of a centralized program at a national scale. The FHWA concluded that one centralized TTAP

Center did not meet the needs of the Tribal stakeholders. This was reiterated in the summer of

2020, when FHWA formally solicited feedback via a Federal Register notice to inform the next phase of the TTAP, where alternative TTAP Center delivery models were presented.

Feedback from this notice and lessons learned from the national scale pilot led FHWA to advance a hybrid delivery model with both national scale services and a return to regional TTAP

Centers. The intent of this hybrid model is to maximize capacity, eliminate redundancies, increase efficiency, and deliver value to the Tribes and the Government. As part of the market research phase, the HIT Team outreached with other FHWA Tribal transportation program offices, the BIA, and national Tribal groups on the consideration of TTAP services, roles, and responsibilities under this hybrid regional model.

The hybrid, regional TTAP model being advanced shall consist of the following components:

(a) TTAP Center Services - The TTAP Centers will be regional to provide the greatest service to Tribal governments. TTAP Centers will lead deployment of TTAP services for

American Indian Tribal governments for the prescribed BIA region(s) in a cooperative effort with the FHWA and BIA. These TTAP services include training, technical assistance, and technology transfer. The TTAP is funded with 100-percent Federal funds.

Please review SECTION A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - Section 6. Statement of Work

(SOW) for further detail.

(b) FHWA TTAP Stewardship, Oversight and Support Services - please review SECTION B

- FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION for further detail.

All Federal Agencies have been charged with promoting equity and delivering resources where they are most needed. The TTAP was launched to give Tribal nations access to the training tools and resources they need to plan, construct, and maintain their transportation networks. The reestablishment of the TTAP respects the sovereignty of Tribal nations by helping them build capacity within their organizations. It promotes equity and enhances opportunity by delivering training resources to Tribal transportation professionals. A robust TTAP will advance DOT’s equity initiatives and opportunity statements, including strengthening Tribal relationships, and accentuate equity and inclusion in the Federal transportation discussion.

The reestablishment of the regional TTAP Centers supports the Department and

Administration’s equity priority1 of an inclusive approach to program management, and commitment to work force development.

5. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the TTAP Centers are as follows:

1. Build Tribal Capacity in Program Management

a. Building Tribal capacity to meet Agency and Tribal priorities for transportation program management and administration.

b. Collaborating with FHWA and other Partners on the development of training materials and services for effective implementation of Federal programs, including but not limited to applying for and administering federal highway grants.

2. Grow the Tribal Workforce

a. Developing a TTAP Center Annual Work Plan that addresses Agency and Tribal priorities.

b. Collaborating with FHWA and other Partners on the development of training, technical assistance and technology transfer services, and then lead the delivery at the

Tribal level.

c. Developing educational programs to encourage and motivate interest in transportation careers among Native American students.

3. Cultivate Diverse Stakeholder Partnerships and/or other Coordination

1 https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/

a. Stakeholder engagement that promotes collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations (e.g. universities).

b. Leveraging expertise and resources in providing program services (e.g. FHWA, BIA, LTAP).

4. Transfer Technologies and Implement Innovations

a. Representing Tribal interest in the development of innovations relevant to Tribal transportation needs to ensure successful implementation.

b. Collaborating with FHWA on the deployment and implementation of transportation technologies at the Tribal level.

5. Share Results

a. Reporting and utilizing performance data to inform Training/Technical Assistance needs and identify common successes and challenges.

b. Sharing success and challenges with others (Innovation exchange, newsletters, etc.).

c. Providing ongoing contact via a communication network that helps with on transportation issues and current FHWA and BIA initiatives (e.g., Every Day Counts

(EDC), Strategic Highway Research Program) among Tribal governments, Federal and State and local transportation agencies, and others as appropriate.

6. STATEMENT OF WORK

The Recipient of each cooperative agreement will provide for training, technical assistance, and the transfer of transportation technology to American Indian Tribal governments for their prescribed region. Each Recipient2 will operate one of the seven TTAP Center offices within the geographic region being served by the TTAP, as defined in Section A.1 of this opportunity. In cooperation with FHWA, the Recipient will accomplish the aforementioned objectives by delivering the following six Program Tasks:

1. Program Administration and Management;

2. Communication and Marketing;

3. Training;

4. Technical Assistance;

5. Technology Transfer; and

6. Stakeholder Coordination & Partnering.

NOTES: The TTAP Center Annual Work Plan, as described in Task 6.1.b below, will be used to document annual activities relative to Training, Technical Assistance, and Technology Transfer.

Progress will be measured through annual program reporting requirements.

6.1. PROGRAM ADMININISTRATION & MANAGEMENT

Task 1 involves TTAP Center planning, tracking, and reporting. The Recipient will engage in the following: a project kick-off meeting, monthly scheduled and as-needed status conference calls, progress and financial reports with labor/cost/expenditure tracking and invoicing.

Activities under this task shall be approved in Task 6.1.b: Annual Work Plan and all work shall

2 Each of the seven TTAP Centers must be physically located and operate within the geographic region being served by the TTAP in Section A.1 of this opportunity.

be documented as a part of the quarterly progress report submitted to the Agreement Officer

(AO), Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) and Agreement Specialist (AS).

The Recipient Shall:

a. Schedule and facilitate a TTAP Center kick-off meeting:

i. Coordinate scheduling with FHWA within four (4) weeks of the cooperative agreement’s effective date. The kick-off meeting should include the TTAP

Center’s Director and key staff. The location of the kick-off meeting will be determined at the agreement effective date. The Recipient shall be responsible for providing a meeting agenda with objective(s) no later than three (3) business days prior to the kick-off meeting as well as providing meeting notes with

Action(s)/Task(s) including takeaways and action items within ten (10) business days after the kick-off meeting.

a. Objective(s): simple statement(s) that define the desired outcome of the meeting, a measurable milestone on delivering program task(s).

b. Action(s)/Task(s): a coherent set of specific steps that must be taken to achieve the objective(s) and assigned duties as appropriate.

NOTES: The kick-off meeting may be in a virtual (e.g., teleconference, webinar) format.

ii. Task 1.a Deliverables: Meeting Agenda with Objectives and Meeting Notes with

Action Items/Tasks.

b. Develop Annual Work Plan: In cooperation with FHWA and BIA, the Recipient will accomplish the program objectives by developing an annual work plan and activities aligned with the TTAP Center Mission and SECTION A. PROGRAM

DESCRIPTION - Section 5. Program Objectives.

i. The Annual Work Plan shall utilize the template developed by the Leadership

Committee, either as-is or modified for local context with a goal of capturing the unique Tribal transportation challenges and priorities of training and technical assistance needs of American Indian Tribal governments in the TTAP Center jurisdiction.

ii. The Annual Work Plan shall align with the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) of October

1 – September 30. A draft plan will be submitted to the AOR for approval no later than August of the period preceding the period of performance (e.g., Work

Plan due August 31, 2022, covering Federal fiscal period of October 1, 2022-

September 30, 2023).

iii. Activities documented in the Annual Work Plan shall include all those tasks and respective schedules under the SOW:

1. Administration & Management

2. Communications and Marketing

3. Training

4. Technical Assistance

5. Technology Transfer

6. Stakeholder Coordination & Partnering

7. And Optional Activities:

a. A National Tribal Transportation Conference

b. Tribal Strategic Workforce Development Initiative

i. Highway Construction Workforce Partnership – EDC 6, between

FWHA and Tribal construction stakeholders

ii. Specialized Tribal Transportation Workforce Partnership, between

FWHA and Tribal transportation stakeholders

c. Safety Circuit Riders (SCR) Initiative

i. Engineering, Education, Emergency Response, and Enforcement (4E)

ii. Behavioral

d. Tribal Innovation Deployment Initiative

iv. These tasks shall include the associated priority and need(s) as identified in the

Bi-Annual Needs Assessment, scope, learning outcomes, audience, level of effort, program delivery costs (including travel), and evaluation metrics, as applicable.

v. The initial Year 1 Draft Annual Work Plan shall be submitted two (2) weeks prior to the kick-off meeting and presented at the kick-off meeting.

vi. The Final Year 1 Draft Annual Work Plan shall be submitted to the AOR within two (2) weeks of kick-off meeting, having incorporated the revisions based on discussions and comments provided during the kick-off meeting.

vii. The first Bi-Annual Needs Assessment must be completed prior to approval of

Year 2 Final Draft of the Annual Work Plan to ensure Tribal training, technical assistance and technology transfer needs and priorities are met and the work aligns goals and objectives of the LTAP/TTAP Strategic Plan.

viii. The subsequent program years’ Annual Work Plan shall be informed by the

Bi-Annual Needs Assessment.

ix. Implementation of the Final Annual Work Plan and Annual Program Updates shall be presented at quarterly program meetings including updated tasks and schedule. Updates follow FFY quarters and presented at quarterly meetings for approval by AOR.

x. Task 6.1.b Deliverables: DRAFT Annual Work Plan, FINAL Annual Work Plan for Year 1, and Year 2.

The delivery schedule for the Annual Work Plan is as follows:

i. Base Period Annual Work Plan: The DRAFT Base Period (Years 1-2)

a. Program Year 1 DRAFT should be submitted to FHWA for review within two (2) weeks of the kick-off meeting. FHWA will provide comments at the kick-off meeting. The FINAL Year 1 Annual Work Plan shall be submitted for FHWA approval within two (2) weeks following in the kick-off meeting.

b. Program Year 2 DRAFT should be submitted to FHWA for review by August of Year 1. FHWA will provide comments within two (2) weeks of the submittal date. The FINAL Year 2 Annual Work Plan shall be submitted to

FHWA for approval by Q4 of Year 1 or nine (9) Months into the Year 1

Program.

ii. Option Period 1 - Year 3 Annual Work Plan: The DRAFT shall be submitted to

FHWA for review by Q4 of Year 2 or nine (9) Months into the Year 2 Program.

FHWA will provide comments within two (2) weeks of the submittal date. The

FINAL Year 3 Annual Work Plan shall be submitted to FHWA for approval by Q4 of Year 2 or nine (9) Months into Year 2 Program. This will be considered as part of the evaluation of the TTAP Center at the end of Base Period to determine continuation of funding for Option Period 2.

iii. Option Period 2 - Year 4 Annual Work Plan: The DRAFT shall be submitted to

FHWA for review by Q4 of Year 3 or nine (9) Months into the Year 3 Program.

FHWA will provide comments within two (2) weeks of the submittal date. The

FINAL Year 4 Annual Work Plan shall be submitted to FHWA for approval by Q4 of Year 4 or nine (9) Months into Year 3 Program. This will be considered as part of the evaluation of the TTAP Center at the end of Option Period 3.

iv. Option Period 3 - Year 5 Annual Work Plan: The DRAFT shall be submitted to

FHWA for review by August of Year 4. FHWA will provide comments within two

(2) weeks of the submittal date. The FINAL Year 5 Annual Work Plan shall be submitted to FHWA for approval by Q4 of Year 4 or nine (9) Months into the Year

4 Program.

NOTES: Annual Work Plan must be submitted and approved prior to proceeding with subsequent Tasks 2 – 6 for the Base Period, and all Option Periods. Task 1 Deliverables for Option Periods 1 – 3 will only be required if those options are exercised.

c. Develop and Conduct a Bi-Annual Needs Assessment: The Recipient shall conduct an annual needs assessment to identify transportation technical assistance needs of

American Indian Tribal governments in the region. This information will afford the

Recipient an opportunity to coordinate work plan efforts with Federal partners (Office of Federal Lands (FLH), BIA, FHWA Resource Center and FHWA program offices.

i. The Bi-Annual Needs Assessment shall be used to inform the Annual Work Plan on a bi-annual basis. In addition, this information will afford the Recipient an opportunity to coordinate the Annual Work Plan efforts with Federal partners

(FLH, BIA).

ii. The Bi-Annual Needs Assessment shall utilize the template developed by the

TTAP Leadership Committee, either as-is or modified for local context with a goal of capturing the unique Tribal, transportation challenges and priorities of training and technical assistance needs of American Indian Tribal governments in the TTAP Center jurisdiction.

iii. The Bi-Annual Needs Assessment DRAFT shall be submitted to the TTAP

Leadership Committee and FHWA for review and comment within 30 days of delivery of the Needs Assessment Template. A revised template will be provided to the Recipient, as needed. Comments from FHWA and the Leadership

Committee will then be provided back to the Recipient within two (2) weeks of receipt of the draft.

iv. The Bi-Annual Needs Assessment FINAL, updated version that incorporates

TTAP Leadership Committee and FHWA comments shall be conducted within

60 days of receipt of Leadership and FHWA comments.

v. The findings from the Bi-Annual Needs Assessment and updates to the Annual

Work Plan reflecting findings, as needed, shall be presented FFY Q4 to inform subsequent program years.

vi. The Bi-Annual Needs Assessment shall inform prioritization of activities under the annual Work Plan. An updated schedule should be included in deployment of

Bi-Annual Needs Assessment prior to submittal of Annual Work Plan (NOTES:

This does not apply for the first year’s initial Annual Work Plan development.)

vii. Task 6.1.c Deliverables: Bi-Annual TTAP Center Needs Assessment DRAFT, and

Bi-Annual TTAP Center Needs Assessment FINAL, Bi-Annual TTAP Center

Needs Assessment Presentation of Findings and Priorities.

d. Manage and operate a TTAP Center serving all Tribal governments in associated

BIA region(s):

i. This includes providing logistical support in preparing TTAP Center working sessions, such as meeting invitations, facilitation, correspondence, meeting agendas and minutes, and if applicable, facilitating travel accommodations for participants. The TTAP may pay for travel (flights, hotels, limited rental cars, and per diem) for the TTAP Steering Committee as appropriate. Any TTAP

Center working session travel for which the Recipient will seek reimbursement must receive prior approval from the AOR. In no case, shall the Recipient pay for travel of any Federal employees.

NOTES: All files to be shared on the TTAP Center website and/or shared publicly must be 508 Compliant.

e. Actively serve on the National TTAP Leadership Committee: It is anticipated the

TTAP Leadership Committee shall be guided by a formal charter drafted by FHWA, that outlines the Committee’s overall purpose and function. The TTAP Leadership

Committee shall be comprised of the following members:

1. TTAP Leadership Committee Chair- 1-year appointment of a TTAP Center

Director determined by majority vote of TTAP Leadership Committee. The

Chair represents the TTAP at the Tribal Transportation Coordinating

Committee, and National and Local LTAP/TTAP Association(s) (NLTAPA) meetings.

2. TTAP Center Directors

3. FHWA Program Manager

4. FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation Leadership

5. BIA Office of Transportation Leadership

i. Duties of TTAP Leadership Committee members shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Review and endorsement of the TTAP Leadership Committee charter and all national program templated material developed by FHWA and the TTAP

National Steering Committee. This material may include, but is not limited to, the Bi-Annual Needs Assessment Template, Annual Work Plan Template, and any Annual Reporting data and data collection (e.g., Performance

Assessment Results).

2. Participation in virtual, quarterly TTAP Leadership Committee meetings hosted by FHWA. It is anticipated that these meetings will be conducted virtually; one of which will coincide with the national Tribal transportation conference.

3. Development and endorsement of a 4-year National Tribal Transportation

Conference schedule and proposal for the hosting TTAP Center and anticipated location. The TTAP Leadership Committee will submit this deliverable as a collective body to the AOR for approval.

ii. Task 6.1.e Deliverable: Program Templates, and 4-year National Tribal

Transportation Conference schedule and details.

NOTES: All files to be shared to the TTAP Center website and/or shared

f. Develop a TTAP Center Steering Committee: The role of this Committee is to inform the delivery of each TTAP Center’s services.

i. The TTAP Center Steering Committee shall be comprised of the following members at minimum:

1. TTAP Center Director: the executive level leader, responsible for leading the management of TTAP Center Steering Committee; and for sharing TTAP

Leadership Committee activities, initiatives, and opportunities with the Center

Steering Committee.

2. TTAP Center Staff/Subject Matter Experts: those responsible for delivering

TTAP Center activities; and providing feedback from implementation of field serves to the TTAP Center Steering Committee.

3. Regional Tribal Representatives: at least 50 percent of the Center Steering

Committee representatives must come from American Indian Tribal governments in the associated TTAP region, with priority given for those that are serving or have served in a Tribal transportation capacity (e.g., Tribal

Transportation Program Coordinating Committee). These members are responsible for providing local, Tribal context and perspective to the TTAP

Center Steering Committee.

4. FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation (TTP) Field Representative(s):

responsible for serving as a conduit to and from the Steering Committee relative to relevant FHWA TTP transportation activities, initiatives, and opportunities.

5. BIA Transportation Program Field Representative(s): responsible for sharing information to and from the Steering Committee relative to relevant BIA transportation activities, initiatives, and opportunities.

ii. Duties of the TTAP Center Steering Committee shall include providing input on the deployment of the Bi-Annual Needs Assessment and development of the

Annual Work Plan, and feedback for Annual Reporting data and data collection.

iii. A list of the TTAP Steering Committee members will be submitted within four

(4) weeks of the agreement effective date for review and approval by FHWA at the kick-off meeting scheduled in Task 1. The Recipient shall be responsible for preparing and sending out invitations to those individuals and should take into the consideration the current and past TTAP Steering Committee members when making recommendations.

NOTES: If TTAP Center Steering Committee membership needs to be changed during the life of the project, the TTAP Center Director shall submit all recommendations for new members to FHWA for approval.

iv. Regular, recurring TTAP Steering Committee meetings shall be held to plan and monitor the implementation of the TTAP Annual Work Plan and technical services including training, technical assistance, and technology transfer activities. The frequency of these meetings shall be approved by the TTAP

Center Director and communicated to the AOR but shall convene no less than once per quarter. The AOR shall be invited to these regular committee meetings.

The Recipient is encouraged to employ the use of technology to conduct meetings

(e.g., video conferencing, webinar, and conference calls).

v. Minutes and other documents received by or generated by the committee shall be submitted to the AOR electronically within 30 days of the meeting. This information shall be made available to the public and posted on TTAP Center website.

vi. Task 6.1.f Deliverables: List of proposed TTAP Center Steering Committee members, estimated schedule of meeting dates, meeting agendas, minutes and other documents received by or generated by the TTAP Center.

NOTES: All files to be shared on the TTAP Center website and/or shared

g. Host TTAP Center Quarterly Program Meetings

i. Facilitate quarterly program meetings with FHWA each FFY quarter, to be held within the first month of each FFY quarter (October, January, April, July) consistent with the required reporting. It is assumed this meeting will be conducted virtually.

ii. The Recipient shall provide an agenda no later than three (3) business days prior to the meetings, the agenda shall reflect services documented in the Annual Work

Plan and include:

1. Clear, concise, and complete account of the activities performed under the preceding quarter.

2. Outline of the activities to be accomplished during the next quarter.

3. Description of any problem encountered or anticipated that will affect the completion of the work within the time and fiscal constraints as set forth in the agreement, together with recommended solutions to such problems.

4. Trends and/or items of information that the TTAP Center may wish to highlight including lessons learned, success stories, noteworthy practices, and/or upcoming training/conferences that may be shared with peer Centers.

5. Tabulation of the current and cumulative costs expended by cost element

(labor, travel, indirect costs, subcontractors, etc.) versus budgeted costs.

iii. The Recipient shall provide meeting notes including takeaways and action items within ten (10) business days after the meeting. Notes shall contain concise statements covering the activities relevant to the SOW, including Center

Assessment Report (CAR) related questions.

iv. Task 6.1.g Deliverables: Quarterly Program meeting agenda documenting program progress and meeting notes.

h. Conduct the Annual Program Assessment Report (PAR) and Center Assessment

Report: The Work Plan activities produce program outputs that result in desired outcomes that align with the FHWA HIT LTAP/TTAP Strategic Plan. This plan outlines strategies to maximize transportation training and technical assistance resources that address local and Tribal needs. The FHWA Program Office will work with LTAP and TTAP Centers to focus on an agile delivery of resources across the country to ensure the Centers are a go-to resource for highway training and technical assistance for local and Tribal transportation agencies.

i. The Recipient shall conduct evaluations of the program’s performance and effectiveness, including but not limited to the submission of annual program performance reports.

ii. Guidance for aligning work plan elements with FHWA national initiatives will be developed as result of the FHWA HIT LTAP/TTAP Strategic Plan. This guidance, including PAR and CAR questions, will be provided to the TTAP

Center prior to approval of the Final Annual Work Plan.

1. PAR - quantitative based questions that are data driven and measure output performance over time.

2. CAR - qualitative based questions that assess the program outcomes as result to activities and services delivered and may be correlated to PAR data driven results and trends.

iii. The PAR and CAR submittals shall be led by FHWA and coordinated with the

TTAP Center. Sample PAR/CAR questions are included in the table below.

iv. The PAR data shall be submitted electronically on an annual basis.

v. The CAR data shall be presented during the quarterly program meeting, and then documented at the end of the fiscal year to complete a CAR Annual Report.

vi. The Annual PAR/CAR reports shall be submitted to FHWA every FFY no later than the end of FFY Q1 (December 31), for the previous TTAP Center’s FFY performance (October 1 – September 30).

vii. Task 6.1.h Deliverables: Annual PAR and CAR submittals and reporting are to be submitted every fiscal year, no later than the end of FFY Q1 (December 31), for the previous TTAP Center’s FFY performance (October 1 – September 30).

viii. The following represents a sample of PAR and CAR questions:

Assessment Area Sample Questions

Program

Assessment

Reporting

(PAR)

Center Operations

• What is the Center’s annual budget and number of personnel?

Communications

• What are the applicant’s website traffic statistics and social media interactions?

• How many Tribes subscribe to the applicant’s mailing list or newsletter?

Conferences

Hosted

• Did the applicant host any conferences? If so, what were the applicant’s attendance numbers?

Technical

Assistance

• How many Tribes contacted the applicant for technical assistance needs?

• What program areas did they need assistance in?

(Safety, Maintenance, etc.)

Training Provided

• How have TTAP Objectives been met?

• How many training sessions did the applicant offer?

• How many Tribal participants/employees did the applicant have in those sessions?

• What program area did each training cover and what were the specific trainings offered?

Center

Assessment

Reporting

(CAR)

Coordination &

Partnerships

• What is the applicant’s level of involvement with

DOT/FHWA initiatives, such as EDC Initiative?

6.2. PROGRAM COMMUNICATION & MARKETING

Task 2 includes the development of a Marketing and Communication Plan for all the training, education, research, and other projects that the TTAP Center shall conduct. The Marketing and

Communication Plan shall include audience contacts, formats, frequency, key messages, timeline, events, and responsibilities. Consideration should be given to the use of the internet, social media, trade shows, web publications, as well as the traditional methods of marketing at meetings and conferences. The Marketing and Communication Plan will be used by FHWA and the TTAP for implementation. The Recipient shall identify how the regional TTAP Center will work to support the overarching goals of the TTAP Program by communicating, coordinating, and collaborating with the other regional Center(s) where appropriate.

be documented as a part of the quarterly progress report submitted to the AOR and AS.

The Recipient shall:

a. Conduct on-going communication with the Tribes

i. Conducting advanced marketing of all activities included under Task 3 - Training;

Task 4 - Technical Assistance; and Task 5 - Technology Transfer with a minimum of eight (8) weeks advance notice of all major events.

ii. Developing, publishing, and distributing a TTAP Center newsletter on at least a quarterly basis highlighting TTAP Center activities, including Training

(planned/provided), Technical Assistance, Technology Transfer Lessons Learned/

Success Story (consistent with PAR data reporting) transportation innovation, transportation safety and national Tribal transportation. The AOR shall have an opportunity to approve the newsletter prior to release. Once approved, this newsletter should be disseminated to the program stakeholders by mail or electronically as agreed upon by the AOR. This newsletter should be made available electronically upon request. The newsletter should be published on the

TTAP Center website and distributed electronically at minimum.

iii. Task 6.2.a Deliverables: The deliverable shall include at minimum a TTAP Center

Newsletter to be published and distributed electronically once per FFY quarter.

iv. NOTE: All files to be shared on the TTAP Center website and/or shared publicly must be 508 Compliant.

b. Develop and maintain an updated mailing list

i. Develop and maintain an updated electronic mailing list of stakeholders for the program. This list shall be inclusive of the following (if available):

organization’s name, mailing address, public point of contact, e-mail address, phone number and fax number. Please note, that no information collected for these purposes may contain any personally identifiable information (PII).

ii. The mailing list will be updated on at least a bi-annually basis.

iii. Task 6.2.b Deliverables: Electronic mailing list updated bi-annually and provided to FHWA.

c. Develop and Maintain a TTAP Center website

i. Development of TTAP Center web content through outreach and collaboration with transportation stakeholders.

ii. The website shall include at a minimum: TTAP Center program and contact information, Federal, State and Tribal governments in the service area, TTAP

Steering Committee and meeting notes, TTAP Center training calendar, TTAP

Center library, and links to other TTAP Centers and the National LTAP/TTAP website. The website will be updated every quarter to ensure information is relevant and links are up to date.

iii. Task 6.2.c Deliverables: Website and domain for the TTAP Center to be updated quarterly.

iv. NOTES: All files to be shared on the TTAP Center website and/or shared

d. Maintain a transportation library and distribute transportation technology transfer materials

i. The transportation library may consist of both digital and hard copy materials.

Library materials shall be updated bi-annually and noted where appropriate on bi-annual report. Materials shall be provided to the national LTAP/TTAP

Clearinghouse electronically on a bi-annual basis.

ii. The Recipient will provide the LTAP/TTAP with information and materials to support enhanced operations. This shall be done on a quarterly basis as identified in the aforementioned Objective Section under Activities.

iii. Task 6.2.d Deliverables: Material to be published and provided electronic access via TTAP Center website on a quarterly basis.

iv. NOTES: All files to be shared on the TTAP Center website and/or shared publicly

e. Sponsor Annual Conference Attendance

i. Establishment of a scholarship program (formal or informal) to sponsor Tribal member attendance to national Tribal transportation conference opportunities.

Funding levels, solicitation and selection methodology shall be included in the

TTAP Annual Work Plan for approval by the AOR prior to any solicitation of the scholarship program.

ii. Task 6.2.e Deliverables: Scholarship material to be made available and published on the TTAP Center website at minimum 6 months prior to conference date(s).

iii. NOTES: All files to be shared on the TTAP Center website and/or shared

6.3. TRAINING

Task 3 includes developing and conducting relevant transportation training sessions and seminars. This includes the development of standardized course curriculum and material that meets the needs of the Tribal community by delivering context sensitive, in-person and remote training that is offered via instructor and self-paced/on-demand. Activities under this task shall be approved in Task 6.1.b: Annual Work Plan. The Recipient shall consider the specificity of the training and address this as appropriate in the plan and all work shall be documented as a part of the quarterly progress report submitted to the AOR and AS.

Traditionally, training can be viewed as efforts to teach a skill or provide knowledge to make an individual qualified or proficient in a defined area and is often thought of as a defined event that can be consistently repeated with an agenda that transfers needed knowledge to perform an activity. Also, training often has learning objectives that the Recipient could demonstrate upon completion. For the purpose of this opportunity, “training” is defined as:

i. Instructor led training-held in-person and led by an instructor.

ii. Web-conference training-held in virtual classroom and led by an instructor; and

iii. Web-based training- accessed from any computer with an internet connection.

6.3.1. Training Emphasis Areas (TEA)

As defined in section 504(b)(2)(D)(ii) of title 23 legislation, and reflected in Agency priorities to promote equity and build Tribal capacity, TEA shall include but are not limited to:

i. Management of transportation programs including training on Tribal

Transportation Program (TTP) Eligible Activities3:

a. Program Administration

b. Transportation Planning

c. Construction Management

d. Design

e. Construction

f. Road Maintenance

g. Safety

h. Bridge

i. Development of Tribal-State Maintenance Agreements

ii. Delivery of Federal Aid transportation projects

a. Grant Administration / Project Management

b. Reporting

c. Procurement

d. Financial systems

iii. Infrastructure management

a. Low Volume Roads / Gravel Road Maintenance / Drainage

b. Work Zone Safety

c. Pavements

d. Congestion

3 A Guide for Tribes with an FHWA Tribal Transportation Program Agreement https://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/other/documents/ttp-delivery-guide.pdf

a. Plan and deliver transportation training curriculum and sessions that meet the learning objectives listed and prioritized, as determined from the Needs

Assessment.

i. The TTAP Center will develop new content as applicable, and shall utilize

FHWA and LTAP developed materials, or may coordinate to have LTAP or

FHWA lead session.

ii. The topics should reflect needs and priorities identified by the steering committee and reflected in the Annual Work Plan. These may include notable practices as well as cutting edge technologies. The most beneficial products will be those that can be implemented in the current environment.

b. Deliver training to contribute to, and result in, the development of a Tribal transportation/highway workforce.

i. Plan and deliver training activities by:

1. Organizing and/or conducting on-call trainings for special topics (e.g., Safety

- The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices signing).

2. Organizing and/or conducting regionwide workshops (e.g., Safety-systemic safety).

3. Organizing and/or conducting webinars, peer exchanges, etc.

4. Offering training that reflects the needs of the Tribes in the TTAP region, including but not limited to:

ii. In-person, instructor-led training

iii. Distance Learning - virtual, instructor-led training,

iv. Distance Learning - virtual material for self-paced training

c. Ensure accessible training locations by utilizing user feedback through Needs

Assessment

d. Prepare an Annual Training Summary to be included in program evaluation and

TTAP Course Catalogue

i. This summary may include the types of training areas provided, how they were delivered, number of workshops, hours of activities, number of participants, costs of deployment per participant, summary of evaluations, and results generated from deployment (e.g., requests for more training, implementations of technologies presented, changes in policies).

ii. Program Evaluation will include PAR and CAR data submittal requirements

(i.e., quantitative and qualitative data) that will be coordinated with FHWA and submitted as part of the quarterly program meeting and reporting, and a national

Training Course Catalog that will housed on FHWA’s LAS Website.

iii. Task 6.3d Deliverables: Training Section in the Annual TTAP Work Plan

DRAFT, and Training Section in the Annual TTAP Work Plan FINAL, and

Training PAR and CAR data submittals, including the Training Course Catalog.

6.4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Task 4 includes providing transportation related technical assistance and transportation technology transfer services that best meet the needs of the Tribal community, including on-demand, virtual and hands-on services that strengthen Tribal capacity for self-governance of transportation programs. Tasks shall include but are not limited to dissemination (e.g., Peer

Exchanges, Demonstration Projects) of transportation best practices available to Tribal transportation users in a form that can be implemented in a timely manner. The work shall demonstrate and promote state-of-the-art/practice technologies, elevated performance standards, and new business practices and processes that result in improved quality and user satisfaction.

It is anticipated, technical assistance will be provided in response to a unique inquiry from a stakeholder requesting access to guidance or resources. It is focused on problem solving and may involve multiple contacts and interactions over an extended period. Technical assistance can provide basic information and promote access to up-to-date resources, or it can provide intensive support to build organizational capacity and achieve change.

a. Accommodate flexibility with technical assistance that reflects familiarity with

Tribal transportation challenges. This will require the Recipient to coordinate with

BIA, FLH TTP, and FHWA Resource Center for technical assistance as appropriate and coordinated through FHWA (e.g., Conduct systemic safety studies or road safety audits).

b. Provide remote and in-person transportation technical assistance. The Recipient shall deliver assistance that increases the reach and disseminates knowledge of transportation innovations and practices.

c. Prepare an Annual Technical Assistance Summary to be included in program evaluation.

i. This summary may include the types of assistance areas provided, how they were delivered, number of workshops, hours of activities, number of participants, costs of deployment per participant, summary of evaluations, and results generated from deployment (e.g., requests for more assistance, implementations of technologies presented, changes in policies).

ii. Program Evaluation will include PAR and CAR data submittal requirements (i.e., quantitative and qualitative data) that will be coordinated with FHWA and submitted as part of the quarterly program meeting and reporting.

iii. Task 6.4c Deliverables: Technical Assistance Section in the Annual TTAP Work

Plan DRAFT, Technical Assistance Section in the Annual TTAP Work Plan

FINAL, Technical Assistance PAR and CAR data submittals.

6.5. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Task 5 includes the delivery of an ongoing program of technology transfer and deployment that increases the reach, dissemination of knowledge and implementation of transportation innovations and practices best suited for Tribal transportation challenges, in cooperation with

Federal, State, local, Tribal and the private sector stakeholders.

a. Provide ongoing contact and communication network. The Recipient shall help on transportation issues and current FHWA and BIA initiatives (e.g., EDC, Strategic

Highway Research Program) among Tribal governments, Federal and State and local transportation agencies, and others as appropriate.

b. Participate in FHWA Technology Transfer programs including but not limited to:

i. HIT Innovation Exchange Webinars (IEW)

ii. Build a Better Mouse Trap (BABMT); and

iii. FHWA EDC.

c. Coordinate with Federal, State, local, and…