Q&A_Advancing Sustainability and Resilience in Pavements NOFO_v6.14.23.pdf

Q&A for NOFO "Advancing Sustainability and Resilience in Pavement - 693JJ323NF00006

1. Can mul�ple DOTs with common interests collaborate to pursuit this grant?

Answer: As indicated in SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION, 1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: “This notice is open to all entities.” Also, as indicated in SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION, 1. FUNDING AND NUMBER OF AWARDS: “The FHWA anticipates making one (1) award as a result of this Notice of Funding Opportunity.” Finally, as stated in the NOFO, section E, the technical evaluation of applications will include “Demonstration of sound partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders.”

2. With this being a poten�al five-year extension on this grant, will there be another opportunity to apply next year / prior to the five-year period being over?

Answer: As indicated in the NOFO, SECTION B; 1. FUNDING AND NUMBER OF AWARDS: “The FHWA anticipates making one (1) award as a result of this Notice of Funding Opportunity”. Furthermore, it indicates in SECTION B; 3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: “The period of performance for this Agreement will be sixty (60) months from the effective date”. Currently, the FHWA does not anticipate another funding opportunity announcement.

3. Do the example projects need to exhibit the 1) applicant’s experience with sustainable and resilient pavement technologies or 2) experience conduc�ng research, or both?

Answer: Please refer to the NOFO, SECTION D, Volume 1 - Technical Application, b.

Part II – EXPERIENCE for the required informa�on to provide on the lis�ng of projects to demonstrate the Applicant’s relevant experience. As explained in NOFO Sec�on E, the technical evalua�on will consider the applica�on’s “demonstra�on of experience with issues and opportuni�es related to the tasks and requirement, as well as relevant prior experience with work of similar size, scope, and complexity of work required under this Agreement.”

4. Can the applicant rely on the experience of a partnering organiza�on or consultant to illustrate past work experience?

Answer: Please refer to the NOFO SECTION D, Volume 1 - Technical Application, b.

Part II – EXPERIENCE: “A summary of the Applicant’s experience relevant to this project, lis�ng projects of similar size and complexity over the past five years, and show which of the named key staff, were involved in those projects…” There are no restric�ons; it is up to the applicant to provide the examples of experience deemed to meet the NOFO expecta�ons.

5. Are all aspects of the project (e.g., design, construction, research, and development of manuals/BMPs, etc.) eligible for reimbursement?

Answer: Please refer to the NOFO, SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, 1.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: “The purpose of this cooperative agreement (Agreement) is to further the SPP by exploring topics related to sustainability and resilience, including, but not limited to, sustainable and resilience infrastructure, equity, life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), LCA, social LCA, vulnerability assessment, use of low-carbon materials that are suitable to use in the US public road system, and other related topics. In addition, a key area of the SPP is the development and deployment of new technologies and as such, products may include developing technical documents, case studies and tech brief, marketing/implementation plans, engaging subject matter experts, developing training tools, marketing of case studies, data analysis, compilation of findings, and supporting stakeholder engagement.” Also, please refer to SECTION F – FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION, K.

DESIGNATION AS RESEARCH OR NON-RESEARCH AGREEMENT: “This agreement is designated as: NON-RESEARCH” and Table A. List of Areas of Interest. Prior to award, the FHWA will conduct a budget review to ensure the proposed costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable; thus, in compliance with 2 CFR 200 Cost Principles .

6. Can unused money from a grant year be applied to a future year?

Answer: Budget revisions will be reviewed and processed in accordance with 2 CFR 200 § 200.308, “Revision of budget and program plans.

7. While this is FHWA sponsored funds, could any airside roadways / pavement be considered for this project?

Answer: As described in the NOFO, SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, 5.

STATEMENT OF WORK. “The Recipient shall submit proposed annual work plans to support subtasks 1.2 and 1.3 for items identified in Table A below. Annual work plans shall be submitted to the AOR for review in order to determine and prioritize which needs shall be addressed each year.”

Also, please refer to SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, 1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: “The purpose of this cooperative agreement (Agreement) is to further the SPP by exploring topics related to sustainability and resilience, including, but not limited to, sustainable and resilience infrastructure, equity, life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), LCA, social LCA, vulnerability assessment, use of low-carbon materials that are suitable to use in the US public road system, and other related topics.”

8. Is the expectation that it is one project for the potential five-year duration, or can this be submitted as multiple projects during that time?

Answer: As indicated in SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION, 1. FUNDING AND NUMBER OF AWARDS: “The FHWA anticipates making one (1) award as a result of this Notice of Funding Opportunity.” After award, and as described in the NOFO, SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, 5. STATEMENT OF WORK. “The Recipient shall submit proposed annual work plans to support subtasks 1.2 and 1.3 for items identified in Table A below. Annual work plans shall be submitted to the AOR for review in order to determine and prioritize which needs shall be addressed each year.”

9. What are the expecta�ons for the marke�ng of the project in terms of order of magnitude for effort? We have completed marke�ng of projects and innova�ons at different levels for agencies, communi�es, general commu�ng public; we are looking to iden�fy the overall order of magnitude for these efforts.

Answer: The order of magnitude will depend on the Recipient’s technical approach.

In addition, as described in the NOFO, SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, 5.

STATEMENT OF WORK. “The Recipient shall submit proposed annual work plans to support subtasks 1.2 and 1.3 for items identified in Table A below. Annual work plans shall be submitted to the AOR for review in order to determine and prioritize which needs shall be addressed each year.”

10. Is it possible to arrange for a call with you to discuss your expecta�ons for this grant? I would like to invite our team and some of our SMEs as part of this conversa�on.

Answer: Any questions must be submitted in writing.

11. Can SP&R funds be used as part of the 20% match / cost share?

Answer: As described in the NOFO, Section C.2, Federal funds cannot be used as a match/cost share unless otherwise supported by statute. Thus, State Planning and Research Funds cannot be used as match /cost share.

12. For clarifica�on: Can an en�ty par�cipate on more than one proposal (i.e., join teams from two different organiza�ons that will be compe�ng).

Answer: As stated in the NOFO, section E, the technical evaluation of applications will include “Demonstration of sound partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders.” An organization/entity may participate on more than one application.

For instance, as a subcontractor/subrecipient on multiple applications.

13. Should the proposal include the work plan for year one, with year two, etc. being planned during year one and subsequent years?

Answer: As stated in the NOFO, SECTION D, Volume 1 - Technical Application, a. Part I – TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT APPROACH, applicants are to submit “A detailed technical and management plan describing in detail how you would proceed if awarded this Agreement. Discuss and describe the ability of the proposed project to meet the purpose and objectives of this program, and the manner in which they will be addressed by your project.”

14. Sec�on 5, 1.1 – It is stated that the kickoff loca�on will be determined by FHWA but could be virtual or in person. How should we es�mate for the budge�ng purposes since the different scenarios would have a difference in cost (i.e., travel vs no travel)?

Answer: For purposes of completing the Budget application, please refer to the NOFO, SECTION D, Volume 2 - Budget Application. As noted in that section, travel is considered a direct cost. As noted in SECTION F, A. TRAVEL: “Travel and per diem authorized under the cooperative agreement will be reimbursed in accordance with the travel cost section of 2 CFR 200.475.” For budgeting purposes, the applicant may include travel costs for key personnel to attend an in-person meeting.

15. It seems that the Sec�on 5 State of Work task numbers are misaligned. For example,

1.2 –create an annual work plan to support subtasks 1.2 and 1.3? Does FHWA mean

1.3 and 1.4? 1.4 – findings of the subtasks associated with Task 1.1 Task 1.1 is the kickoff? Does FHWA really mean 1.2&1.3? 2.1 - Task 1.1 is kick off. Does FHWA mean task 1.2 which is the workplan.

Answer(s):

Currently it reads: “1.2 The Recipient shall submit proposed annual work plans to support subtasks 1.2 and 1.3 for items identified in Table A below.” However, the sentence should read: “1.2 The Recipient shall submit proposed annual work plans to support subtasks 1.3 and 1.4 for items identified in Table A below.” It is herein modified and changed.

Currently it reads: “1.4 Reporting – The Recipient shall submit an interim report on an annual basis, summarizing the activities, actions, and findings of the subtasks associated with Task 1.1.” However, the sentence should read: “1.4 Reporting – The Recipient shall submit an interim report on an annual basis, summarizing the activities, actions, and findings of the subtasks associated with Task 1.2.” It is herein modified and changed.

Currently it reads: “2.1 The Recipient shall conduct the agreed-upon annual work plan(s) according to Task 1.1 for innovations identified and prioritized from Table A.”

However, the sentence should read: “2.1 The Recipient shall conduct the agreed-upon annual work plan(s) according to Task 1.2 for innovations identified and prioritized from Table A.” It is herein modified and changed.

16. Can the total required cost share be provided partly by the prime and the sub-contractors?

Answer: The cost share must follow 2 CFR § 200.306 Cost sharing or matching. And it may be provided by the prime recipient and may include in-kind contribu�on. As stated in the NOFO, SECTION D, Volume 2 - Budget Application, “provide detail and support for cost share as part of overall project budget; and clearly delineate cost share match versus Federal share.”

17. For review criteria, “• Demonstra�on of sound partnerships with other organiza�ons and stakeholders.” Are leters of support required or demonstrated engagement in past experience is accepted?

Answer: The NOFO, SECTION D, Volume 1 - Technical Application, b. Part II – EXPERIENCE requires that for the listing of projects of similar size and complexity the following information regarding the Sponsor/customer is provided:

sponsor/customer name, point of contact name, title, email address, and phone number.

Also refer to:

1) The background in section A.3 which states, “In addition, the FHWA requires the assistance of an entity with access to a network of engineers, technical experts, and subject matter experts across the United States to successfully carry out tasks, field projects, and demonstration projects that will provide valuable information to improve sustainability and resilience of pavements.”

2) The budget proposal requirement in D.2 which states, “Letter of commitment from each sub-recipient/contractor(s) (this includes any sub-recipient/contractor(s) that will be included in the Federal share, the non- Federal share or in a non-paid (volunteer) capacity).”

18. Regarding Task 1.3.11, our understa�ng of the descrip�on of this item on Page 8 is that the awardee will develop the content and curriculum for the training but will not be giving or organizing the courses and the webinars, etc. Please confirm this is correct.

Answer: NOFO Section A.5 includes the following work plan process: 1.3.11:

“Training – Identify and address training needs for deployment in cooperation with FHWA…” The delivery and/or deployment (including coordinating/organizing the training) is an eligible activity under this section.

19. Regarding the COI sec�on (copied below), I read this to say that you are NOT asking for a comprehensive list of all current and pending projects of the PI or Co-PIs whether or not a COI exists. Is this correct? Instead, you are asking for any past, present, or planned projects that MIGHT contain a COI. So if the PI assesses that no ac�ve current and pending project cons�tutes any possibility of a COI, then to comply with this sec�on we would assign, "Not applicable" or "None". Correct?

Answer: The understanding is correct. NOFO Section D.2 volume 2 – Budget Application,

b. Part II, states that “the Applicant must disclose in writing any actual or potential personal or organizational conflict of interest in its application that describes in a concise manner all past, present or planned organizational, contractual or other interest(s), which may affect the Applicants' ability to perform the proposed contract in an impartial and objective manner.”