PKG00265229-instructions.pdf

January 13, 2021

ACTION MEMORANDUM TO THE ACTING SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL

From: Wiley Deck Deputy Administrator x61927

Prepared by: Joseph P. DeLorenzo Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement x68577

Subject: Fiscal Year 2021 High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment

Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

ACTION REQUIRED

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests that the Acting Secretary approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD) grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

SUMMARY

FMCSA seeks to announce the availability of HP-ITD grant funding for FY 2021 on the Grants.gov website. The NOFO will provide important information about the FY 2021 HP-ITD program priorities and critical information related to preparing and submitting a grant application.

The HP-ITD program is a key component of FMCSA’s drive to improve commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety. The HP-ITD program supports this safety mission by providing grant funds to States for the innovative technology deployment of commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks.

The HP grant program is authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Pub. L. No. 114-94, §§ 5101(a) and 5101(c), as extended by P.L. 116-159, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act and is codified at 49 U.S.C. §§ 31102(1)(3), and appropriations are authorized under 49 U.S.C. § 31104(a)(2).

After deducting administrative takedown funds, FMCSA may award a maximum of $45,211,500 in HP funding for eligible HP-ITD and High Priority-Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) safety related projects and activities. FMCSA anticipates awarding approximately $20,000,000 in HP-ITD grant funds for FY 2021 based on the FAST Act extension and Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Remaining funds will be expended under the HP-CMV program.

Funding is available to eligible States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FMCSA will limit Federal funding to a total amount of $2,000,000 per award.

FMCSA’s Office of Enforcement, Office of Chief Counsel, and Office of the Chief Financial Officer have reviewed this NOFO to ensure that its priorities and requirements are consistent with the enforcement objectives, statutory and regulatory provisions, and financial requirements of this grant program.

RECOMMENDATION

FMCSA recommends that the Acting Secretary and General Counsel approve the attached proposed FY 2021 HP-ITD NOFO.

Attachment

FY 2021 HP-ITD NOFO

The Acting Secretary and General Counsel:

APPROVED: ___________________

DISAPPROVED: ___________________

COMMENTS: ___________________

DATE: ___________________

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Summary Information

Federal Agency Name:

U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Grants Management Office (GMO); MC-BG 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE West Building Washington, DC 20590

Funding Opportunity Title:

High Priority Program – Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD)

Announcement Type:

Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: FM-MHP-21-2002

Assistance Listing:

20.237

Key Dates: Application Due Date – March 15, 2021 5:00pm EST

Point of Contact:

Financial/Application:

James Ross 202-366-0133 James.Ross@dot.gov

Programmatic:

Thomas Kelly 202-480-5240 Thomas.Kelly@dot.gov mailto:Bettina.conroy@dot.gov

SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Overview and Authorizing Legislation

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 High Priority grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Funding Opportunity Number FM-MHP-21-2002, to solicit applications from eligible entities to support the High Priority - Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD) activities.

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act Pub. L. No. 114-94, § 5101 (2015), as extended by P.L. 116-159, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (2020) authorized FY 2021 HP-ITD program funding, and 49 U.S.C. §§ 31102(l) and 31104 and 49 CFR part 350 govern the HP-ITD financial assistance program.

2. HP-ITD Goals and Objectives

Relevant Assistance Listings include 20.237.

As the lead government agency responsible for the regulation and safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles (CMV), FMCSA awards HP-ITD funds to support innovative and impactful projects that advance its mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Funding is available for the support of innovative projects that improve safety and compliance with CMV regulations, are national in scope, demonstrate new technologies, and reduce the number of CMV crashes.

The objective of the HP-ITD program is to advance the technological capability and promote the deployment of intelligent transportation system applications for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations, including CMV, commercial driver, and carrier-specific information systems and networks, and to support/maintain CMV information systems/networks to (i) link Federal motor carrier safety information systems with State commercial motor vehicle systems; (ii) to improve safety and productivity of CMVs and commercial drivers; (iii) and to reduce of costs associated with CMV operations and regulatory requirements.

HP-ITD awards may be used for the deployment and development of new and innovative advanced technology solutions that support commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks, for planning activities, including the development or updating of program or top level design plans in order to become eligible or maintain eligibility for the HP-ITD awards; and for the operation and maintenance costs associated with innovative technology.

HP-ITD awards are supported in alignment with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s strategic goals of:

i. SAFETY: Reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries across the transportation system.

ii. INFRASTRUCTURE: Invest in infrastructure to ensure safety, mobility and accessibility and to stimulate economic growth, productivity and competitiveness for American workers and businesses.

iii. INNOVATION: Lead in the development and deployment of innovative practices and technologies that improve the safety and performance of the Nation’s transportation system.

iv. ACCOUNTABILITY: Serve the Nation with reduced regulatory burden and greater efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability.

This NOFO provides important information about the HP-ITD safety priorities, highlighting the critical information related to preparing and submitting an application.

3. HP-ITD Award Performance Goals

Applicants should include expected performance goals related to the national priorities under subsection 4.

i. Baseline Data

FMCSA will measure the success of a HP-ITD award’s performance goals by examining data available in Aspen, roadside inspection application and Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW), or equivalent, that houses and exchanges State credential and safety data with the national Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) database, the International Registration Plan (IRP) clearinghouse, the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) clearinghouse, crash and safety statistics reported by the applicant, and any other data reported by the applicant for consideration.

ii. Performance Indicators

FMCSA will also measure whether an HP-ITD award meets the performance goals outlined in the application by assessing performance indicators.

In general, performance indicators of successful HP-ITD award projects may include, but are not limited to:

a. CMV Safety Improvement: Activities conducted under the HP-ITD award improves CMV and non-CMV safety, including high-risk areas and for high-risk drivers.

b. Improvement of Data Sharing: HP-ITD award activities share data among safety, credentialing, and screening systems. FMCSA requires conformance tests as a performance indicator for all State to demonstrate that data is shared and transferred through the applicable systems to carry out the desired function.

c. System Connectivity: FMCSA requires certification before a State Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW) system is permitted to connect to the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system to ensure that the systems comply with all interface and security requirements, accuracy and quality of the data exchanged, efficient communications, and prevention of system corruption.

d. Collaborative Process and Shared Results: Activities developed or implemented under the HP-ITD award have the potential to be more widely adapted by public and private stakeholders, including government agencies and motor carriers.

e. Electronic Credentials Administration: States should be handling at least 10 percent of transaction volume electronically.

In addition to the performance indicators above, all States have specific performance indicators tailored to their State performance goals included in the State’s Program Plan/Top Level Design (PP/TLD). FMCSA approves each of these PP/TLDs. The PP/TLD is a technical document that provides management framework and system architecture to guide program deployment and to advise policy and decision makers regarding the funding and technical resources required for successful program implementation. The PP/TLD describes the various systems and networks at the State level that must be refined, revised, upgraded, or built to accomplish Core or Expanded capabilities. This State submitted PP/TLD are tailored to each State’s performance goals, projects to achieve those goals, performance indicators, and schedules and milestones. Grant applications should, where possible, relate their application performance goals to their currently approved PP/TLD.

Finally, performance indicators may vary based on the national priority related to the award under subsection 4. If applicable, such performance indicators are more specifically addressed under Section 4.

4. National Priorities Descriptions

Below are descriptions of the programmatic activities listed in order of priority. The national priorities support the HP-ITD goals and objectives.

Please note that additional information regarding cost eligibility may be found within the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) Grant Comprehensive Policy (MCP). An electronic copy of the MCP may be found at:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy

Note: A project consists of one or more activities that work towards achieving a defined goal and objective(s). If an applicant chooses to propose multiple HP-ITD projects within a single application, each application must contain separate and distinct project narratives, budget narratives, line item budgets, and project subtitles for each subproject proposed in that

The applications received for HP-ITD projects will be given consideration for funding as follows:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy

i. Core Compliance HP-ITD Program Priorities

a. Applications received from State agencies to meet Core compliance (as defined within Section 6 of the MCSAP Comprehensive Policy), which includes, but is not limited to:

1) Program Plan/Top Level Design (PP/TLD), including the development or updating a PP/TLD that describes the various systems and networks that must be refined, revised, upgraded or built to accomplish Core capabilities as defined in the MCP. Please note that any award for funds to develop or revise an ITD PP/TLD shall not exceed $100,000 of Federal funding.

2) Safety Information Exchange, including the development of Commercial

Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW), which houses the national Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) database. CVIEW is a key mechanism to share CMV credential and safety information within the State and with other jurisdictions across the country. This interstate data exchange enables numerous critical safety programs to check for high risk motor carriers and Federal out-of-service orders. This also provides real-time electronic screening of interstate vehicles for safety, International Fuel Tax Agreement, International Registration Plan, oversize/overweight permits, and other compliance information critical to a State’s safety program. Note: All Core ITD performance measures related to electronic safety information exchange must be maintained to remain Core certified.

3) Electronic Credentials Administration, projects that automate the application, processing, and issuance of commercial vehicle operating credentials, including International Registration Plan (IRP) license renewals and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license renewals/IFTA quarterly taxes. Note: All Core ITD performance measures related to electronic credential administration must be maintained to remain Core certified.

4) Electronic Screening (E-Screening), including projects that electronically identify a commercial vehicle, verify its size, weight, and credentials information, and review its carrier’s past safety performance while the vehicle is in motion and then communicate safely to the driver to either pull in or bypass the roadside inspection station.

ii. Expanded HP-ITD Program Priorities

a. Applications that deploy a work-zone, incident, or traffic queue electronic notification system that will safely notify the driver within the cab of the CMV of an active work zone, traffic congestion, or an incident ahead. The alert system must be able to be safely broadcasted through the CMVs’ transponders, electronic on-board systems, cell phones, and/or motor carrier routing and dispatching systems.

b. Applications that deploy electronic screening technology used in detecting Federal Out-of-Service (OOS) orders.

c. Applications that deploy electronic screening technology used in detecting vehicle OOS issues, including, but not limited to; inoperable, defective, or deficient brakes, tires, exhaust systems, or any defect that may cause an unsafe condition. This electronic screening technology would be used while the vehicle is in motion and would provide the ability to alert or provide an indicator to an electronic screening system.

d. Applications that deploy a CMV parking project that safely demonstrates real-time dissemination to a CMV driver of parking space availability by using dynamic message signs, interactive voice recognition, smartphone app, or other proven technology.

e. Applications that improve credentialing data quality when information is uploaded from the State to FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system. Grant application should include projects that ensure CVIEW systems capture updates sent to and from the SAFER system in real-time, or near real-time. Such applications should describe the performance measures used to ensure the accuracy and quality of the data exchanged, promote efficient system communication, and prevent system corruption or performance degradation, and the ability to tie the electronic screening of CVIEW data to inspection results.

iii. More ITD Program Priorities

a. Other typical projects and costs associated with HP-ITD funded by

FMCSA are outlined in section 6 and Appendix H of the MCP.

b. Any innovative technology solutions meeting the goals established within the ITD program, but not listed in the MCP, may be submitted for consideration if the particular project is in the approved PP/TLD.

c. A project in an approved PP/TLD is not an indication that any funding requested for that project within an application will be approved.

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Funding and Number of Awards

FMCSA anticipates making approximately 35 award(s) totaling $20,000,000, subject to the availability of funds, as a result of responses to this NOFO. FMCSA reserves the right to allocate additional funds for awards based on the number and quality of applications. Awards under the HP-ITD program are subject to the availability of funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

The FMCSA will limit Federal funding to a total amount of $2,000,000 per award.

2. Type of Award

Awards under this NOFO will be issued as a grant or cooperative agreement. The FMCSA will determine the appropriate award type based on the proposed project and the degree of Federal involvement.

These award types are for new FMCSA awards only. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing awards are not eligible.

3. Period of Performance

The period of performance is the Federal fiscal year in which the award is made plus four additional fiscal years.

4. Degree of Federal Involvement

i. Cooperative Agreement

In accordance with 31 U.S.C. § 6305, FMCSA will award a cooperative agreement when substantial involvement between FMCSA and the recipient is anticipated when carrying out the activity outlined in the Notice of Grant Agreement.

In general, substantial involvement includes, but is not limited to:

a. Project initiation meeting to establish broad objectives and timetables to complete activities as provided in the original application.

b. Quarterly scheduled calls to discuss project progress and potential road blocks;

c. Joint development and prior approval of education materials, reports, etc. as listed in the original application and part of an approved project.

d. Coordination of FMCSA involvement in outreach and other activities relating to the publication of materials (including but not limited to the reference and use of FMCSA/DOT logos).

Under a cooperative agreement, FMCSA agrees to assign professionally qualified staff to serve as a liaison between the recipient and FMCSA local offices when event coordination is needed; provide technical assistance to the Recipient; assist with the exchange of ideas and information as necessary and permissible; and other actions relating to the monitoring of performance activities under this award.

The recipient also agrees to designate a project manager or key point of contact to work with FMCSA and act as a liaison between the awardee and the Federal Government; and comply with all terms and conditions set forth in this agreement.

The FMCSA will further outline the nature of Federal involvement at the time of award and include additional details, as relevant, in the award documentation.

ii. Grant

FMCSA will award a grant when substantial involvement is not expected between FMCSA and the recipient when carrying out the activity outlined in the agreement.

The FMCSA provides financial assistance, technical expertise, and oversight.

Grant recipients provide the effort and expertise necessary to carry out the approved activities to improve CMV safety. The FMCSA grant recipients are responsible for achieving the work described in their grant award, complying with the grant requirements in the grant award’s terms and conditions, the local administration of the grant, and monitoring and oversight of any sub-recipients and/or sub-contractors.

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The HP-ITD awards are available to States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FMCSA may award HP-ITD funds to eligible applicants that have an approved program plan as outlined in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Individuals and businesses are not eligible to apply for HP-ITD funding.

To be eligible for HP-ITD funding, the State applicant shall:

i. have a commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks program plan (the Program Plan/Top Level Design (PP/TLD) approved by the Secretary that describes the various systems and networks at the State level that need to be refined, revised, upgraded, or built to accomplish deployment of commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks capabilities;

ii. certify to the Secretary that its commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks deployment activities, including hardware procurement, software and system development, and infrastructure modifications:

a. are consistent with the national intelligent transportation systems and commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks architectures and available standards; and

b. promote interoperability and efficiency to the extent practicable;

iii. agree to execute interoperability tests developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to verify that its systems conform with the national intelligent transportation systems architecture, applicable standards, and protocols for commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks;

iv. for deployment activities applications, submit the ITD PP/TLD approval letter, which includes the projects in which funds are being requested; and

v. certify that the State agency is the lead agency responsible for the PP/TLD, or if it is not the State agency responsible for the PP/TLD, demonstrate that it has a Memorandum of Understanding or other agreement with the ITD lead agency and confirm that the applicant has coordinated with the ITD lead agency regarding all projects requested in the application to ensure State-wide effectiveness and efficiency and to avoid any duplication of effort or other wastefulness in Federal funding initiatives.

2. Cost-Sharing and Matching Requirements

FMCSA will reimburse approved costs at the rate of 100 percent (no match/cost-share required) in the deployment of an HP-ITD CVIEW for States that have not achieved Core ITD certification and have not been reimbursed for a CVIEW project previously by FMCSA.

All other approved projects will be reimbursed at the rate of 85 percent of eligible costs, requiring a match/cost share of 15 percent. Applicants should include in their application a budget including the 15 percent match to demonstrate the State’s commitment to meet the 15 percent cost-sharing requirement.

Cash, in-kind, and third-party contributions are acceptable in meeting the matching share if they represent necessary, reasonable, allowable and allocable costs as established by 2 CFR part 200. The MCP, applying 2 CFR part 200, includes some specific costs allowed under the HP-ITD program.

SECTION D - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Potential applicants may obtain all forms at www.Grants.gov.

Applicants may also request paper copies of materials at:

Telephone: (202) 366-0621 (Grant Management Help Desk)

Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Grants Management Office (MC-BG), 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E., West Building Washington, D.C. 20590.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Application packages must contain the below elements and all documentation described in Appendix A to be considered for an award. Appendix B contains example formats that may, but are not required to be used.

i. Formatting

The application must follow the format and limitation stated below:

a. Application must be prepared in 8 1/2 x 11-inch format;

b. Margins (Top, Bottom, Right and Left) no smaller the 1” on all pages

(Header and Footer are allowed in the margins);

c. Time New Romans 12pt. must be used for all text, including tables and graphs;

d. Application must be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, or in text searchable PDF formats (as applicable);

e. Attach an approval letter indicating the Program Plan (PP/TLD) was approved by the Secretary as outlined in FAST Act (Pub. L. No. 114-94);

and

f. The application narrative is limited to 35 total pages. FMCSA will not read or consider any materials beyond the specified page limit in the application review process. NOTE: The 35-total page limit will apply to this section only. Submission of documentation and forms described in Appendix A will not count against the application page limit.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://our.dot.gov/office/fmcsa.mc-e/State%20Programs/FY2019/FY%202019%20High%20Priority%20Grant/NOFO/HP-CMV%20-%20DRAFT%20NOFO%20-%20FY2019%20High%20Priority.docx#_bookmark1 http://our.dot.gov/office/fmcsa.mc-e/State%20Programs/FY2019/FY%202019%20High%20Priority%20Grant/NOFO/HP-CMV%20-%20DRAFT%20NOFO%20-%20FY2019%20High%20Priority.docx#_bookmark2

g. The application shall not include more than 4 projects.

ii. Brief Introduction 5-page maximum

Include a description of the goal(s) of the application and the applicable program priority(s) met by the application’s projects. Include in this introduction specific information about the outputs the application proposes to achieve. For each goal identified, the applicant must provide a problem statement, performance objective, program activity plan, and performance measurement plan.

iii. Problem Statement 5-page maximum

Provide a quantitative description of the identified problem. Include details on the data used to identify the problem and to establish the baseline (include data source, date, and explain how the applicant collects, maintains, and analyzes the data). Data should support proposed project(s).

iv. Performance Objective 5-page maximum

Provide a description of the applicant’s quantifiable goal(s) related to the above problem statement. This can be measured in numbers, percentages, or other forms that accurately measure the outputs and outcomes the applicant anticipates will result from implementing the strategies and activities proposed.

v. Program Activity Plan 5-page maximum

Provide a description of the activities the applicant believes will help mitigate the problem. The description should include details such as the number and frequency of activities.

vi. Performance Measurement Plan 5-page maximum

Provide a description of how the applicant will measure progress towards the performance objective goal, such as quantifiable and measurable outputs (hours, carrier contacts, inspections, etc.) and in terms of performance outcomes. The measure must include specific benchmarks that can be reported on in the quarterly progress report, if practicable, or as annual outcomes. A pre-deployment baseline performance metric shall be established for each project, with a post-deployment outcome included in final performance report.

vii. Monitoring and Reporting Plan 5-page maximum

Provide a description of the applicant’s method for ongoing monitoring of the progress of the project. This should include who will conduct the monitoring, the frequency with which it will be carried out, and how and to whom reports will be made.

viii. Budget Narrative 5-page maximum

A budget narrative is a description, by budget category (object class), that details the costs necessary to complete the proposed projects. A well-written budget narrative ensures that the applicant has properly documented proposed costs.

The level of detail must be sufficient to justify the funding requested. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the sample budget narrative format included in Appendix B.

The budget narrative should reflect the allocability of project activities to the grant.

Budgets should reflect the appropriate Federal and non-Federal match amounts.

Exceeding the required match will not favorably influence the evaluation of an application. FMCSA may adjust the applicant’s budget or adjust funding to reflect the appropriate match.

For instructions on completing these forms, please go to Grants.gov https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

SF 424 Field 18 box (a) - Estimated Funding is required and must contain the 85% Federal funding request, box (b) must contain the 15 percent applicant program match, and box (g) the sum of boxes (a) and (b), total project amount. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable.

SF 424a - Section A – Budget Summary shows the 85 percent Federal, 15 percent non-Federal and 100 percent total per project. Section B – Budget Categories captures 100 percent total amount per object class categories. In the column headings

(1) through (4), enter the titles for each of the proposed projects. If five or more projects are proposed, download an additional 424a from Grants.gov. Please note, the 424a covers the life of the project costs, and not just the first year (as stipulated in the 424a instructions).

All costs in the budget narrative, SF-424 and SF-424-A must be rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount.

ix. Requirements when One or More Projects are Proposed

When there are multiple projects, each project must include the following sections in consecutive order: Brief Introduction, Problem Statement, Performance Objectives, Project Activity Plan, Performance Measurement Plan, Monitoring and Reporting Plan, and Budget Narrative. For example, with multiple projects, project 1 includes the above sections in consecutive order, followed by project 2 including the above sections in consecutive order.

http://our.dot.gov/office/fmcsa.mc-e/State%20Programs/FY2019/FY%202019%20High%20Priority%20Grant/NOFO/HP-CMV%20-%20DRAFT%20NOFO%20-%20FY2019%20High%20Priority.docx#_bookmark2 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

3. SAM.Gov requirement

The applicant must:

i. Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov before submitting an application; and

ii. Provide a valid Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number on the

SF-424. If you do not have a DUNS number, you can get one free through the D&B website: https://fedgov.dnbd.com/webform/displayHomePage.do.

The applicant must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the applicant is required to review and update the registration at least every 12 months from the date of initial registration or subsequently update its information in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete.

If an applicant has not fully complied with these requirements by the time FMCSA is ready to make a Federal award, FMCSA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

4. Submission Dates and Times

i. Deadline

FULL AND COMPLETE APPLICATIONS FOR High Priority Program – ITD Financial Assistance ARE DUE ON March 21, 2021 by 5:00 pm EST.

Once Grants.gov has received your submission, you will receive email messages to advise you of the progress of your application through the system. Over the next two business days, you should receive two emails: 1) confirms application receipt by the Grants.gov system; and 2) indicates that the application has either been successfully validated by Grants.gov prior to transmission to FMCSA or has been rejected due to errors. The applicant assumes all responsibility for a timely and complete application submission.

Click here for more information.

ii. Consideration of Applications

Only applicants who comply with all submission deadlines described in this NOFO and electronically submit valid applications through Grants.gov will be eligible for consideration of award. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make submissions well in advance of the deadline.

iii. Late Applications

FMCSA will not consider a late application except under extraordinary circumstances. A late application will only be accepted if there is a large scale https://www.sam.gov/ https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html natural disaster or a Grants.gov system issue that threatens the timely submission of a grant application. Problems with computer systems at the applicant organization, failure to follow the application instructions or failure to submit or complete the program application or complete required registrations by the submission deadline are not considered system issues.

5. Intergovernmental Review

The Innovative Technology Deployment grant program and this funding opportunity are subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” The States with a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) and therefore required to comply with E.O. 12372 are listed at the Office of Management and Budget's website. www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

6. Funding Restrictions

HP-ITD funds are awarded through a competitive evaluation process and are not guaranteed. All funding decisions will be made based on FMCSA’s priorities and the merits of the respective applications.

All cost elements of an application must be necessary, reasonable, allocable, and allowable to accomplish the goals of the project. Cost eligibility standards are described in the applicable cost principles and administrative requirements:

i. 2 CFR part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; and

ii. The FMCSA’s MCP, as revised in March 2018, available from FMCSA's Division Offices, and on the FMCSA MCSAP Website at:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy.

In accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR § 350.417 and the Federal Uniform Administrative Requirements Cost Principles, additional guidance on eligible expenses under MCSAP is included in the MCP. The eligibility of all expenditures is subject to review by FMCSA.

FMCSA is not obligated to approve costs incurred before the award period of performance. These costs are incurred at the risk of the applicant and impose no obligation on FMCSA to make an award or to increase the amount of the approved budget.

FMCSA will not approve reimbursement requests for indirect costs if an approved indirect cost rate (IDC) agreement was not in place for the period the indirect cost expenses were incurred. If claiming indirect cost charges, the grant recipient must include an active approved IDC agreement with the application submitted for funding. Should the grant recipient fail to provide an approved agreement during the pre-award phase and a grant is awarded, the grant recipient will have 90 days from the date of award acceptance to provide a copy of the IDC agreement. If FMCSA http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/grants/motor-carrier-safety-assistance-program-grant-comprehensive-policy does not receive the required documentation within the allocated time frame, the grant recipient will not be reimbursed for indirect charges for that fiscal year. Once an approved rate is provided to FMCSA, the grant recipient will then be allowed to claim indirect cost in the following fiscal year of the award. 2 CFR § 200.414 (c)

Any non–Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, except for those non–Federal entities described in appendix VII of 2 CFR part 200, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs, which may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate. 2 CFR § 200.414(f).

All FMCSA grant programs are cost reimbursable, which means that grant recipients must first expend their own money before submitting a request for reimbursement to FMCSA for approved costs associated with approved activities identified in the grant agreement. Recipients will be reimbursed by FMCSA for actual costs incurred, provided that the costs are reasonable, approved, allowable, and allocable in accordance with the OMB regulations and FMCSA policy, within the approved budget, and supported by documentation. Recipients must request reimbursement at least once each quarter.

Recipients must submit requests for reimbursement electronically through the Delphi eInvoicing System (iSupplier). Additional information is available at:

https://www.transportation.gov/cfo/delphi-einvoicing-system

FMCSA will not provide reimbursement for salary-related bonus payments, either as a direct or indirect cost. Bonus costs are not an allowable expense under FMCSA awards. 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E: 2 CFR §§ 200.403 – 200.405

7. Other Submission Requirements

Applications must only be submitted electronically via https://www.Grants.gov as described above in this section. In the event of system problems or technical difficulties with the application submittal, please call Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or e-mail support@Grants.gov 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed on Federal holidays).

To submit an application through Grants.gov, applicants must:

i. Create a username and password.

ii. Establish an E-Business point of contact (POC) to respond to the registration emails.

iii. Establish at least one Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); more than one AOR can be established.

Please note the registration process in Grants.gov usually takes 2-4 business weeks to complete. FMCSA will not consider late applications due to failure to register or comply with Grant.gov requirements.

https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov

In addition, applicants should also state within their Project Activity Plan narrative whether the proposed project(s) is/are located in a qualified opportunity zone designated pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 1400Z-1.

SECTION E - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

i. Eligibility Criteria

FMCSA will first screen all applications received by the due date to determine if the application is eligible. In addition to the eligibility criteria under Section C, FMCSA will review the application for the following below criteria.

Application Requirement Instructions

Deadline submission was met Section D.4(i) Applicant eligibility was met Section C.1

SAM Registration Section D.3 SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance Section D.1

SF-424 includes a DUNS Number Section D.3 SF-424 lists any cost sharing or match amounts on line 18b Section C.2

SF-424A, Budget Information Form Section D.1 Budget Narrative Section D.2 (viii)

Application/Project Narrative Section D.2 (i-vi) Any other applicable Grant.gov document or attachment listed in Appendix A Appendix A

ii. Merit Evaluation Criteria

FMCSA subject matter experts will review all eligible applications using the following Merit Evaluation Criteria: Technical Merit Criteria; Budget Cost Analysis Criteria;

Program-Specific Criteria; Past Performance Criteria; and Other Review Information.

These criteria are further explained below.

a. Technical Merit

The criteria are related to the technical//programmatic merit of an application.

FMCSA will consider the extent to which the applications:

1) Describe a program that will meet the stated objectives of the NOFO funds to support innovative and impactful projects that advance its mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses achieve the other listed goals of the program;

2) Include components that address specific program priorities;

3) Propose methodology that meets the stated objectives of the NOFO;

4) Propose work that identifies and/or makes progress on new/existing technological improvements;

5) Propose work based on sound principles to gauge performance and project success;

6) Include staffing resource allocation is sufficient to achieve the program objectives;

7) Demonstrate that the approach will ensure the maximum effectiveness of HP- ITD activities;

8) Demonstrate appropriateness, rationale, and completeness of the proposed statement of project objectives;

9) Include clearly identified performance goals and measurements;

10) Demonstrate ability to develop performance-based metrics that adhere to FMCSA monitoring and reporting requirements;

11) Demonstrate that the proposed project/program is reasonable in scope, adequate to address existing and emerging information technology;

12) Have an identified geographical or national scope that the project will affect; and

13) Demonstrate efforts that are complementary and not duplicative, which, when taken together, will best achieve the programs goals and objectives.

b. Budget /Cost Analysis Criteria

This category of criteria involves the budget: whether costs are allowable in accordance with Federal grant requirements, including the appropriateness and reasonableness of the budget estimate and the resources to be dedicated to the project; and the reasonableness and feasibility of the schedule relative to the application timeline. The budget should describe specific activities that support the objective(s) of the program. FMCSA will evaluate HP-ITD applications and other information, including, but not limited to:

1) Elements of work included in the application have associated budget costs and, conversely, all elements in the applicant’s budget have corresponding work elements included in the application;

2) Budget costs are allowable, allocable, necessary, and reasonable per 2 CFR Part 200;

3) Costs in a particular cost category have been properly identified as allowable, with the necessary detail for its use, and are not duplicative to the other budget line items;

4) The appropriate match is documented, as applicable;

5) All equipment, training, and travel components are clearly linked to the project goal and are necessary to adequately compensate, equip, train, and enable personnel to conduct the activities included in the project plan;

6) A suspension and debarment review that included a review of the applicant’s administrative capability self-certification form and a check against the records in SAM (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System) ensures that the applicant is not suspended or debarred and does not have any unpaid Federal tax liability. Please note that an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

7) Any applicant included comments, which FMCSA will review, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR § 200.206 (Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants);

8) An evaluation of the applicant’s Single Audit in accordance with the Single Audit Act. FMCSA may, at its discretion, request further information and/or conduct an audit to confirm compliance as indicated on the SF-LLL – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form, as provided for in the United States Code or the Code of Federal Regulations.

c. Program Specific Criteria

The application must include clearly identified performance goals and measurements that are supported by an appropriate and identified data source and that includes benchmarks and timelines that will facilitate evaluating the applicant’s progress towards project completion.

FMCSA will also consider whether the application indicates how the recipient will continuously contribute to the success of the project by evaluating performance goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes and make adjustments as necessary.

d. Past Performance Criteria

Applicants that have previously received FMCSA grant funding will be evaluated in part on their ability to complete prior year awards on time, their compliance with those grant terms and conditions, including review of any financial and performance quarterly reports, and the results of any FMCSA grant monitoring activities to include budget execution, original budget vs.

final budget, and unexpended balances.

Applicants that have not previously received grant funding from FMCSA are not subject to this review and their applications will not be eliminated from funding consideration.

FMCSA will evaluate applications and past performance to determine the extent to which:

1) The applicant used Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as a guide to review prior personnel and budgetary practices, and past performance to judge if the proposed expenditures are reasonable and necessary to conduct the proposed projects and if costs are allowable under applicable Federal regulations;

2) The applicant successfully performs and manages current project tasks (e.g., within budget and on schedule);

3) There are any issues or findings from monitoring activities (e.g., audit, program or process reviews) where the applicant violated the grant terms and conditions;

4) The applicant’s previous performance and financial reports were submitted late, incomplete or incorrectly; and/or has the applicant consistently requested additional time to complete the reports; and

5) Whether the recipient has high undelivered order (UDO) balances from prior grants awarded for similar activities.

e. Other Review Information

After applying the above criteria, FMCSA will consider the following key Departmental objectives.

1) Consistent with the Department’s R.O.U.T.E.S. Initiative

(https://www.transportation.gov/rural), the Department recognizes that rural transportation networks face unique challenges. To the extent that those challenges are reflected in the merit criteria listed in this section, the Department will consider how the activities proposed in the application will address those challenges;

2) Supporting economic vitality at the national and regional level;

3) Utilizing alternative funding sources and innovative financing models to attract non-Federal sources of infrastructure investment;

4) Accounting for the life-cycle costs of the project to promote the state of good repair;

5) Using innovative approaches to improve safety and expedite project delivery;

6) Holding grant recipients accountable for their performance and achieving specific, measurable outcomes identified by grant applicants;

7) Whether a project is located in a qualified opportunity zone designated pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 1400Z-1; and

8) The Department will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this NOFO in accordance with the President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities, consistent with guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and the Attorney General and with all applicable laws.

2. Review and Selection Process

i. Review Process

FMCSA will review all eligible applications received before the application deadline.

The review and selection process will consist of Intake/Eligibility Criteria review, a Technical Review Panel phase, a Program Office Review phase, and an awards Selection Process. During the Technical Review Panel phase, FMCSA technical experts evaluate and analyze applications applying the evaluation criteria. During the Program Office Review, the Program Office will consider the Technical Review Panel evaluation, review the application against the criteria, and apply ratings, consistent with the descriptions in this NOFO. The Program Office will recommend initial selection of projects for the FMCSA Administrator’s review. Finally, the FMCSA Administrator will select recommended awards for the Secretary’s review and approval.

ii. Ratings

FMCSA prioritizes applications using the ratings shown below based on the applicability of the merit criteria and other preferences to the application.

a. Highly Responsive: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates that it will meet the Government’s performance requirements, and demonstrates minimal or no weaknesses.

b. Responsive: Applicant addresses most aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's performance requirements but contains weaknesses. These weaknesses may be addressed by recommending the award and including a specific programmatic or administrative post-award term and condition or a reduction to requested funding. Applicant otherwise fully addresses all aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the likelihood of meeting the Government's expectations and requirements.

c. Not Responsive: Applicant does not sufficiently address the criterion and/or failed to submit required documentation. For example, the application is missing a budget, the project narrative lacks a clearly defined problem statement, omission of the PP/TLD Program Plan Approval Letter (if required), missing objectives/goals, etc. The information that the applicant has presented indicates a strong likelihood of failure to meet the Government’s requirements and/or adherence to application submission requirements.

iii. Applicant Information

As determined necessary to support the evaluation and selection process, FMCSA may conduct discussions with Applicants to clarify elements of the technical and budget applications, seek additional information as to whether the project can be completed with a reduced award, and request additional detailed and itemized cost information.

3. Additional Information: Risk Assessment

Prior to award, each selected applicant will be subject to a risk assessment, as required by 2 CFR § 200.206. Depending on the level and severity of FMCSA’s risk assessment findings, FMCSA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive the award. The FMCSA may also impose additional grant award terms and conditions above its customary general terms and conditions.

The risk assessment is conducted in several parts:

i. A debarment and suspension review that includes a…