RCP FY24 NOFO.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary of Transportation

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Discretionary Grant Program

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Assistance Listing #20.940

SUMMARY:

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION:

Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program grants

Issuing Agency Office of the Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation

Program Overview The purpose of this notice is to request applications for Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program grants. RCP Program is awarded on a competitive basis for projects that reconnect communities by removing, retrofitting, or mitigating highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity, including to mobility, access, or economic development.

Goals and Objectives As established in “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” or “BIL” projects funded by RCP Program advance community-centered transportation connection projects, with a priority for projects that benefit disadvantaged communities. RCP Program focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and provide technical assistance to further these goals.

The Department will prioritize grant funding applications that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Equity and Justice40 (i.e., will benefit economically disadvantaged communities)

• Access

• Facility Suitability

• Community Engagement, and Community-based Stewardship, Management, and Partnerships

• Equitable Development

• Climate Change Mitigation and/or Adaptation and Resilience

• Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity

• Planning Integration

Eligible Applicants Community Planning Grants:

• a State

• a unit of local government

• a Tribal government

• a Metropolitan Planning Organization

• a non-profit organization

Capital Construction Grants:

• owner(s) of the eligible facility proposed in the project for which all necessary feasibility studies and other planning activities have been completed; or

• eligible Community Planning Grant applicant may submit the application in partnership with the facility owner to carry out the proposed project.

Eligible Facility Highway or other surface transportation facility that creates a barrier to community connectivity, including barriers to mobility, access, or economic development due to high speeds, grade separations, or other design factors. Eligible facilities include limited access highways, viaducts, any other principal arterial facilities, and other facilities such as transit lines and rail lines.

Eligible Projects Planning Grants fund the study of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing facility to restore community connectivity; public engagement; and other transportation planning activities.

Capital Construction Grants fund a project to remove, retrofit, mitigate, or to replace an existing eligible facility with a new facility that reconnects communities.

Funding Amount For the period covered by this NOFO BIL allocates a total of $607 million. FY 2024 ($200 million), 2025 ($202 million), and 2026 ($205 million)

• Planning Grants and Technical Assistance funding - $150 M ($50 million annually)

• Capital Construction Grant funding $457 million total If additional funding is provided for the RCP program during FY 2024 or FY 2025, DOT intends to use those funds for projects selected to receive a grant under this NOFO.

Cost Share • Community Planning Grants: 80% RCP funds and 20% local match

• Capital Construction Grants: 50% RCP funds and 50% local match. Other Federal funds may be used to bring the total Federal share up to a maximum of 80% of the total cost of the project

Deadline Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET: Application Due

DATES: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Late applications will not be accepted.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted via Valid Eval, an online proposal submission system used by USDOT, at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup for Community Planning https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup

Grants and at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signup for Capital Construction Grants. Customer support for Valid Eval can be reached at support@valideval.com.

Only applicants who comply with all submission requirements described in this notice and submit applications through Valid Eval on or before the application deadline will be eligible for award. Opportunity number, DOT-RCP-FY24-01.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ongoing updates, webinar notices, FAQs: https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting.

Email: reconnectingcommunities@dot.gov Contacts:

• RCP Program: Andrew Emanuele at andrew.emanuele@dot.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Each section of this notice contains information and instructions relevant to the application process for the RCP Program. All prospective applicants should read this notice in its entirety to understand how to submit eligible and competitive applications.

A PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

B FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

C ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

D APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

E APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

F FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

G FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

H OTHER INFORMATION

A. Program Description

1. Overview

The purpose of the RCP Program is 1) to advance community-centered transportation connection projects, with a priority for projects that benefit disadvantaged communities (See Section H.1. Definitions), that improve access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and 2) to provide technical assistance to further these goals.

The RCP Program provides grant funding and technical assistance for planning and capital construction to address infrastructure barriers, restore community connectivity, and improve peoples’ lives. The variety of transformative solutions to knit communities back together can include infrastructure removal, pedestrian walkways and overpasses, capping and lids, roadway redesigns, complete streets conversions, and main street revitalization.

The RCP Program welcomes applications from diverse local, State, Tribal, and regional communities regardless of size, location, and experience administering Federal funding awards.

The total amount of funding available in this NOFO for FY 2024, 2025, and 2026 is up to $607 million.1 The FY 2024, 2025, and 2026 funding will be implemented as appropriate and

1 Sections 11101(d)(3) and 11509 of Division A of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021, “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” or “BIL”) authorized a total of $500 million of contract https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signup mailto:support@valideval.com https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting mailto:reconnectingcommunities@dot.gov mailto:andrew.emanuele@dot.gov consistent with the priorities in Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (86 FR 64355).2 The FY 2025 and 2026 RCP awards are subject to availability of funds. If additional funding is provided for the RCP program during FY 2024, FY 2025, and FY 2026, DOT intends to use those funds for projects selected to receive a grant under this NOFO.

2. RCP Grant Types and Deliverables

The RCP Program provides funding for two types of grants. Planning Grants fund the study of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing facility to restore community connectivity;

conduct public engagement, and other transportation planning activities. Capital Construction Grants are to carry out a project to remove, retrofit, mitigate, or replace an existing eligible facility with a new facility that reconnects communities. See Section C for further eligibility information.

3. RCP Grant Priorities and Policy Priorities

The primary goal of the RCP Program is to reconnect communities harmed by past transportation infrastructure decisions, through community-supported planning activities and capital construction projects that are championed by those communities. The RCP Program aligns with Biden-Harris Administration policies and priorities, including the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT or Department) Strategic Plan goals. The Department seeks to fund projects that advance the Departmental priorities of safety, equity, climate and sustainability, workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation as described in the USDOT Strategic Plan, Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan, and in executive orders.3

A cornerstone of the RCP program is DOT’s Equity Strategic Goal, which is to reduce inequities across our transportation systems and the communities they affect. The RCP Program seeks to redress the legacy of harm caused by transportation infrastructure, including barriers to opportunity, displacement, damage to the environment and public health, limited access, and other hardships. In pursuit of this goal, the program will support and engage economically disadvantaged communities to increase affordable, accessible, and multimodal access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration.

authority from the Highway Trust Fund to be awarded by the DOT for the FY 2022-2026 RCP Program. Title VIII, Division J appropriated an additional $500 million from the General Fund to be awarded by the DOT for the FY 2022-2026 RCP Program. Of the total amount of the FY 2024 RCP funding available in this notice (FY 2024, 2025, and 2026), $307 million is authorized contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and $300 million is appropriations from the General Fund (GF). Due to the imposition of the obligation limitation on the HTF, approximately $260.5 million is available for award. Due to the Federal Highway Administration’s 1.5% administrative take-down from GF funds, $295.5 million is available for award.

2 The priorities of Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act are: to invest efficiently and equitably, promote the competitiveness of the U.S. economy, improve job opportunities by focusing on high labor standards and equal employment opportunity, strengthen infrastructure resilience to hazards including climate change, and to effectively coordinate with State, local, Tribal, and territorial government partners.

3 Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (86 FR 7619). Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (86 FR 7009). Executive Order 14025, Worker Organizing and Empowerment (86 FR 22829), and Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (86 FR 64335).

https://www.transportation.gov/dot-strategic-plan https://www.transportation.gov/dot-strategic-plan https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023-01/USDOT%20RDT%20Strategic%20Plan%20FY22-26_010523_508.pdf

Thus, the program will be implemented consistent with the policy goals highlighted in DOT Equity Action Plan4; Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government; Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations;

Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad; Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice40 Initiative (July 2021) and Addendum (January 2023);

Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, the America the Beautiful initiative, the Interagency Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Equitable Access to Nature in Nature-Deprived Communities signed by DOT.5

In addition, the program will highlight these additional equity-related objectives: Housing Supply5—by encouraging an increase in housing supply, particularly location-efficient affordable housing, locally-driven land use and zoning reform, rural main street revitalization, growth management, and transit-oriented development—and rural and Tribal communities—by seeking to award funding to rural and Tribal communities which face unique challenges related to mobility and economic development, including isolation, transportation cost burden, and traffic safety, consistent with DOT’s Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) initiative.

See Section E.1.i for more detail on merit criteria and/or selection considerations that implement priorities discussed above.

4. Technical Assistance

DOT will provide technical assistance for grantees and potential grantees under the RCP Program, including through Reconnecting Communities Institute (RCI)6. A RCI technical assistance opportunity is to participate in a Reconnecting Communities Community of Practice, which provides an interactive training opportunity to advance the planning and delivery of projects intended to reconnect communities. All applicants selected for funding through RCP will have an opportunity to participate in the RCI Community of Practice, along with any recommended or highly recommended applicants that are not selected.

Potential applicants who are interested in pursuing a reconnecting type project but are not prepared to apply can submit a request for technical assistance. These potential applicants are encouraged to submit a request for technical assistance through Reconnecting Communities Institute. Those communities will be able to join one or more Communities of Practice, receive other technical assistance, and facilitation toward the creation of planning and construction projects that may be eligible for funding under formula programs, including federal-aid programs such as: National Highway Performance Program; Surface Transportation Block Grant Program;

Highway Safety Improvement Program; or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, or

4 https://www.transportation.gov/priorities/equity/actionplan 5 https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/news-updates/2022/09/23/fact-sheet-biden-%e2%81%a0harris-administration-advances-commitment-to-create-more-equitable-access-to-parks-and-nature-in-communities/ 6 The mission of the RCI will be to serve as DOT’s center for learning to restore and reconnect communities that have been harmed, isolated, and cut off from opportunity by transportation infrastructure. Enrollment into the RCI will be open to States, local and tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and nonprofit organizations. For more information about the RCI, please visit https://www.transportation.gov/grants/reconnecting-communities/reconnecting-communities-institute-rci https://www.transportation.gov/priorities/equity/actionplan https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/news-updates/2022/09/23/fact-sheet-biden-%e2%81%a0harris-administration-advances-commitment-to-create-more-equitable-access-to-parks-and-nature-in-communities/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/news-updates/2022/09/23/fact-sheet-biden-%e2%81%a0harris-administration-advances-commitment-to-create-more-equitable-access-to-parks-and-nature-in-communities/ https://www.transportation.gov/grants/reconnecting-communities/reconnecting-communities-institute-rci https://www.transportation.gov/grants/reconnecting-communities/reconnecting-communities-institute-rci under eligible discretionary grant programs such as: Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, Thriving Communities, Safe Streets and Roads For All, or Multimodal Project Discretionary Grants. DOT or its partners may also organize convenings to facilitate the creation of a multi-year pipeline of projects that address reconnecting communities.

For more information, please visit RCP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Reconnecting Communities Institute (RCI) | US Department of Transportation or email at RCI@dot.gov.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Total Funding Available

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) (Pub. L. 117-58) allocates up to $607 million over the period of this NOFO. $200 million in 2024, $202 million in 2025, and $205 million in 2026 for the RCP program. BIL allocates $50 million annually for Planning Grants, which includes funding for technical assistance: $150 million in 2024, $152 million in 2025, and $155 million in 2026 for Capital Construction Grant funds. In addition to the FY 2024 funding, the Department intends to make award decisions for the FY 2025 and 2026 funding, subject to availability of funding. FY 2025 funds cannot be obligated before October 1, 2024, and FY 2026 funds cannot be obligated before October 1, 2025. See Section C – Eligibility Information. If additional funding is provided for the RCP program during FY 2024, FY2025, or FY 2026, DOT intends to use those funds for projects selected to receive a grant under this NOFO.

DOT understands that the amount allocated for Capital Construction Grants may not cover the recipient’s full request. If a Capital Construction Grant recipient does not receive the full funds requested, the funded RCP project will receive a ‘Reconnecting Extra’ designation which encourages and facilitates RCP Program recipients’ pursuit of supplemental DOT discretionary program funding. If a project designated ‘Reconnecting Extra’ applies for FY 2024 – FY 2026 DOT funding and is determined eligible, DOT will deem the RCP project application ‘Highly Recommended’ subject to evaluation with the relevant program’s merit criteria. The Department will still consider the RCP project’s alignment with the relevant program’s requirements and any project risks before awarding that RCP project. Projects with this designation that apply for DOT financing programs, such as the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program and the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program, will be considered for assistance to the extent permissible under law.

2. Availability of Funds

RCP Program grant funds are available until expended. However, to ensure that projects are started and completed in an efficient manner, DOT encourages all projects awarded with FY 2024 RCP Program grant funds to be obligated by September 30, 2027. DOT encourages all projects awarded with FY 2025 RCP Program grant funds to be obligated by September 30, 2028. DOT encourages all projects awarded with FY 2026 RCP Program grant funds to be obligated by September 30, 2029. DOT retains the right to prioritize projects for selection that are most likely to achieve this timeline and choose from which source to award funds to recipients, as applicable. If additional funding is provided for the RCP program during FY 2024, FY 2025, or FY 2026, applicants selected will be informed of the obligation and expenditure deadlines.

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rcnprogram/reconnecting-communities-institute-rci https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rcnprogram/reconnecting-communities-institute-rci mailto:RCI@dot.gov

Obligation occurs when a selected applicant and DOT enter into a written grant agreement after the applicant has satisfied applicable administrative requirements. Unless authorized by DOT in writing after DOT’s announcement of RCP Program awards, any costs incurred prior to DOT’s obligation of funds for a project (“pre-award costs”) are ineligible for reimbursement per 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1.9.7 In order to meet this timeline, DOT will prioritize project readiness and the likelihood that obligation can occur by this deadline when making project selections.

DOT will pay for or count toward cost sharing or matching funds only costs incurred after a grant agreement has been executed. At its sole discretion and in limited circumstances, DOT may establish “pre-award” authority for recipients. If approved by DOT, pre-award authority permits DOT, after a grant agreement is executed, to pay for or count toward cost sharing or matching funds specific, identified costs that were incurred before that grant agreement was executed.

In general, RCP Program funds are administered on a reimbursement basis. Grant recipients will generally be required to pay project costs upfront using their own funds, and then request reimbursement for those costs through billings. If a recipient cannot complete a project on a reimbursement basis, DOT will—on a case-by-case basis—consider recipient requests to use alternate payment methods as described in 2 CFR 200.305(b), including advance payments and working capital advances.

Because award recipients under the RCP program may be first-time recipients of Federal funding, DOT is committed to implementing the program as flexibly as permitted by statute and helping award recipients through the process of securing a grant agreement and delivering both Planning Grants and Capital Construction Grants.

3. Award Size

i. Planning Grants

DOT may award up to $150 million for eligible public engagement, feasibility studies, and other planning activities. BIL specifies that the maximum RCP Program Planning Grant award is $2 million.

ii. Capital Construction Grants

DOT may award up to $457 million for eligible construction activities necessary to carry out a project to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an existing eligible facility or replace an existing eligible facility with a new facility that reconnects communities. BIL specifies that the minimum capital construction grant award is $5 million. DOT anticipates that Capital Construction Grants may range from $5 million to $100 million. If a project is partially funded, project components executed through the RCP award must demonstrate independent utility.

7 Pre-award costs are only costs incurred directly pursuant to the negotiation and anticipation of the RCP Program award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work, as determined by DOT. Costs incurred under an advance construction (23 U.S.C. 115) authorization before the DOT announces that a project is selected for a FY 2024 RCP Program award cannot be charged to FY 2024 RCP funds. Likewise, costs incurred under an FTA Letter of No Prejudice under Chapter 53 of title 49 U.S.C. before the DOT announces that a project is selected for a FY 2024 RCP Program award, cannot be charged to FY 2024 RCP Program funds.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

The designated lead applicant will serve as the recipient to administer and implement the project. If the applicant seeks to transfer the award to another entity, that intention should be made clear in the application and a letter of support from the otherwise eligible, designated entity should be included in the application.

Applicants without experience in DOT funding requirements may opt to jointly apply with a partner in the same State or region, that has an established financial relationship with DOT and has knowledge of Federal grant administration requirements, to minimize delays in establishing and implementing funding agreements. For joint application partners that would also receive grant funds through the recipient (lead applicant), or if the recipient seeks to transfer the award to another agency, the recipient must determine whether such arrangement would be contractual (example, with philanthropic or community-based organizations), or if the partners would be treated as a sub-recipient (example, with other governmental entities). Ultimately, the recipient is responsible for compliance with all Federal requirements applicable to the award.

i. Planning Grants

Eligible applicants are: (1) a State; (2) a unit of local government; (3) a Tribal government;

(4) a Metropolitan Planning Organization; and (5) a non-profit organization.

ii. Capital Construction Grants

Eligible applicants must be the owner(s) of the eligible facility proposed in the project for which adequate planning activities, such as engaging with the public to understand the public’s needs and interests, evaluating relevant data, and/or developing a conceptual design have been completed.8 Owners of an eligible facility, for the purposes of submitting a grant application, may submit a joint application with: (1) a State; (2) a unit of local government; (3) a Tribal government; (4) a Metropolitan Planning Organization; and (5) a non-profit organization.

2. Cost Sharing and Matching

i. Match Requirements

Matching funds may include non-Federal sources such as:

• State funds originating from programs funded by State revenue,

• Local funds originating from State or local revenue-funded programs,

• Philanthropic funds, or

• Private funds.

Grant recipients may also use in-kind or cash contributions toward local match requirements so long as those contributions meet the federal legal requirements. In-kind contributions may

8 DOT interprets this statutory prerequisite (See Pub. L. 117-58, Section 11509 (d)(1)) to mean the capital construction project is included in the applicable Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and / or Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP) or equivalent, as applicable, by the time of the obligation of the award. Public transportation projects should be included in the applicable Transit Asset Management Plan.

include compensation for community members’ time, materials, pro bono work provided to the project by third parties, and donations from private sponsors.9 For additional guidance, visit Understanding Non-Federal Match Requirements | US Department of Transportation

ii. Federal Share

a) Planning Grants Federal Share

Planning Grants may not exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the project for which the grant is awarded. Recipients are required to contribute a local matching share of no less than 20 percent of eligible activity costs. As noted above, the local matching share may consist partially or entirely of in-kind contributions, as well as contributions from the private sector and/or philanthropic organizations.

b) Capital Construction Grants Federal Share

Capital Construction Grants may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project for which the grant is awarded. Federal assistance other than the RCP Program award (such as DOT formula funds, Tribal Transportation Program funds, or other Federal grants) may be used to partially satisfy the match requirement so long as total Federal assistance (all Federal sources), does not exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the project. Recipients are required to contribute a local matching share of no less than 20 percent of eligible activity costs. As noted above, the local matching share may consist partially or entirely of in-kind contributions as well as contributions from the private sector and/or philanthropic organizations.

3. Eligible Facilities, Activities, and Costs10

The proposed project must address an “eligible facility,” which is defined as a highway or other transportation facility that creates a barrier to community connectivity, including barriers to mobility, access, or economic development due to high speeds, grade separations, or other design factors. Eligible facilities include, limited access highways, viaducts, any other principal arterial facilities, and other facilities such as transit lines, and rail lines. See Section H - Definitions for “highway” and Section D - Key Information table for a suggested list of other facilities.

i. Eligible Planning Grant Activities and Costs:

a) Public engagement activities, including community visioning or other place-based strategies for public input and meaningful involvement into project plans.

b) Planning studies to assess the feasibility of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible facility to reconnect communities, including assessments of:

• Current traffic patterns on the facility and the surrounding street network.

• Capacity of existing transportation networks to maintain mobility needs.

9 Any in-kind contributions used to fulfill the cost-share requirement for Planning Grants and Capital Construction Grants must: be in accordance the cost principles in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E; including 2 CFR § 200.306(b) Cost Sharing or Matching; include documented evidence of completion within the period of performance; and support the execution of the eligible activities in Section C.3. See 23 CFR § 710.505 for requirements related to the donation of real property.

10 Eligible activity costs must comply with the cost principles set forth in with 2 CFR Subpart E (i.e., 2 CFR §

200.403 and § 200.405). DOT reserves the right to make cost eligibility determinations on a case-by-case basis.

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/understanding-non-federal-match-requirements

• Alternative roadway designs or other uses for the right-of-way.

• The project’s impact on mobility of freight and people.

• The project’s impact on safety.

• The estimated cost to restore community connectivity and to convert the facility to a different design or use, compared to any expected maintenance or reconstruction costs.

• The project’s anticipated economic impact and development opportunities.

• The project’s environmental, public health, and community impacts.

c) Other planning activities in advance of the project, such as:

• Conceptual and preliminary engineering, or design and planning studies that support the environmental review for a construction project.

• Associated needs such as locally-driven land use and zoning reform, transit-oriented development, housing supply, in particular affordable housing, managing gentrification and neighborhood change, proposed project impact mitigation, climate resilience and sustainability, green and open space, local history and culture, access and mobility barriers, jobs and workforce, or other necessary planning activities as put forth by the applicant that do not result in construction.

ii. Eligible Capital Construction Grant Projects and Costs:

Eligible projects include those for which adequate planning activities, such as engaging with the public to understand the public’s needs and interests, evaluating relevant data, and/or developing a conceptual design have been completed. Projects must be consistent with the Long- Range Statewide Transportation Plan, included in the Metropolitan Long-Range Plan (if applicable), and in the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and / or Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP) or equivalent, as applicable, prior to the obligation of the award. Transit projects must be included in the investment prioritization of the relevant Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan by the time of the obligation of the award.

Eligible construction grant activities include: preliminary and detailed design activities and associated environmental studies; preconstruction; construction; permitting activities including the completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process; the removal, retrofit, or mitigation of an eligible facility; the replacement of an eligible facility with a new facility that restores community connectivity; meaningful public involvement throughout the project delivery process; delivering community benefits and the mitigation of impacts identified through the NEPA process or other planning and project development for the capital construction project.

iii. Prohibited Use

Funds may not be used to support or oppose union organizing.

4. Data Collection Requirements

Performance indicators used in reporting (See Section F.3) should align with project goals at least two of the merit criteria defined in Section E.1.i. DOT funds may be used for data collection and performance reporting and should be accounted for in the applicant’s budget.

DOT will work with grant recipients to determine the most appropriate indicators and metrics to assess project benefits before the grant agreement is established. Areas of measurement will relate to: 1) mobility, 2) access, 3) safety, 4) environmental impacts, 5) congestion, 6) economic development, 7) quality of life, and 8) community engagement. Indicators may document changes from an established baseline such as: new or improved physical pathways and crossings;

new transportation options and services; population changes in the project area; employment opportunities for residents; partnerships formed; reduction of fatalities and serious injuries in the project area; location-efficient affordable housing units preserved and created; changes in land value; and monetary commitments for reinvestment in the project area.

For Planning Grants, the planning process could be used to collect data and establish a baseline of existing conditions and populations in the project area. For Capital Construction Grants, DOT will request a baseline report on existing conditions prior to the start of construction. (See Section F.3 – Reporting for specific requirements for deliverables and timelines.)

5. Application Limit

DOT encourages joint applications from place-based partnerships headed by a lead applicant.

A lead applicant may submit no more than three applications. Unrelated project components (spatially or functionally unrelated) should not be bundled in a single application for the purpose of adhering to the limit. If a lead applicant submits more applications, only the last three received will be reviewed.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

Applicants must submit their applications via Valid Eval at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup for Community Planning Grants, and at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signupfor Capital Construction Grants.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Community Planning Grants and Capital Construction Grants have distinct application submission and supporting document requirements. DOT strongly recommends use of the template provided below. All applicants must submit the following: Standard Forms, Key Information Questions, Narrative, and Budget. This information must be submitted via Valid Eval at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup for Community Planning Grants, and at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signup for Capital Construction Grants. More detailed information about each application material is provided below. The necessary file formats for each application component will be displayed on the Valid Eval intake site.

Sharing of Application Information – The Department may share application information within the Department or with other Federal agencies if the Department determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives. The Department may share application information with contractor staff with the Reconnecting Communities Institute for technical assistance purposes.

https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signup https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signup

For more information on the application submission, including FAQs and a tool to check eligibility, please visit https://www.transportation.gov/grants/RCPprogram.

i. Standard Forms

All applicants must submit the following Standard Forms (SF):

• All applicants must submit the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

• For Planning Grants:

o Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) o Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)

• For Capital Construction Grants:

o Budget Information for Construction Programs (SF-424C) o Assurances for Construction Programs (SF-424D)

ii. Key Information Questions

Below is a preview of the questions asked on DOT’s automated proposal website, Valid Eval, at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup for Community Planning Grants and at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signup for Capital Construction Grants. After registering in the system, the applicant will be prompted to answer these questions on the website.

iii. Key Information Table

Title Instructions Lead Applicant Name This should be consistent with Q. 8.a. of the SF-424.

Organization Type Select from State or U.S. territory, Unit of local government, Political Subdivision of a State, Tribal government, Metropolitan Planning Organization, or Nonprofit organization.

Lead Applicant State Select listed states, D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Virgin Islands.

Lead Applicant Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

See Section D.3. below for more information about obtaining a UEI from SAM.gov.

Points of Contact Provide information for primary and, if possible, secondary points of contact.

2020 Census Tract 11-digit geographic identifier(s)

Enter the census tract(s) using the 11-digit Census geographic identifier [Understanding Geographic Identifiers (GEOIDs) (census.gov)] for each census tract the project is located within or directly benefitting from the project. The 11-digit number identifies the location using the State, County, County Subdivision, Place, and Census Tract. Please visit the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/) or Census Demographic Viewer https://maps.geo.census.gov/ddmv/map.html to identify census tract(s).

Grant Type Select Community Planning Grant or Capital Construction Grant.

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rcnprogram https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_community_planning_fy24/signup https://usg.valideval.com/teams/rcp_capital_construction_fy24/signup https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/guidance/geo-identifiers.html https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/guidance/geo-identifiers.html https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/ https://maps.geo.census.gov/ddmv/map.html

Project Title Enter a concise, descriptive title for the project consistent with the narrative. This should include the location and transportation issue that the project intends to address. For example, ‘Interstate 123 removal in Z City’ for a construction application or ‘Interstate 123 crossing study in Z County’ for a planning application. The title should be less than 10 words, and it is a quick reference to differentiate between applications.

All eligible projects are ‘reconnecting’ projects, so the title doesn’t need the ‘reconnecting’ related indication.

Project Description Describe the project in 2-3 sentences. For example: The Interstate 123 crossing study would advance an equitable corridor vision using community and stakeholder engagement to identify a set of concept proposals to improve access to daily destination and reduce environmental, social, and economic burdens for disadvantaged communities. The Study between A Street and B Street will advance those proposals through conceptual design to remedy the I-123 barrier.

Match Question Select whether you are seeking a 50-50 or 80-20 match. See Section C.2. for Cost Sharing and Matching information.

What is the preferred federal fiscal year to implement the grant?

Select one or more of the preferred federal Fiscal Year 2024, 2025, 2026, or No Preference for funding and implementation.

Note: DOT will consider the applicant’s preference in determining the funding year of the award. The DOT award decision may be different from the preference.

Is the lead applicant the Facility Owner?

Select Yes or No.

Note: For Capital Construction Grants, the owner of the eligible facility is required to be the eligible entities and the lead applicant. See FAQs for more information.

Name of the Facility Owner(s) of the eligible facility creating the barrier, if not the Lead Applicant

See Section C.3.i. for Eligible Facilities information.

If the lead applicant is not the Eligible Facility Owner, does the application include a Facility Owner endorsement?

Select Yes or No.

Note: In its endorsement, for Capital Construction Grants, the Facility Owner should explicitly acknowledge an understanding of the proposed project and the intent to carry out a construction action on the facility that it owns. The Facility Owner should also acknowledge an understanding that if DOT makes the award, the Facility Owner agrees to act as the recipient and administer the award. The Facility Owner may ultimately choose to administer the award through a sub-recipient. See FAQs for more information.

If a joint application, please provide organizational names of sub-recipients that

If necessary, provide organizational names of sub-recipients and key partners.

will receive funds and other key partners What is/are the Eligible Facility Type(s) that create(s) a barrier, that your application intends to address?

Select all that apply from Interstate highway, State highway, Arterial roadway, Other street or road, Bridge or viaduct, Transit, Rail, or Other eligible transportation facility. See Section C.3.i. for Eligible Facilities information.

Is the project located in an economically disadvantaged community?

Select Yes or No. See Section H. for definition of economically disadvantaged community, and FAQs for more information.

Is the project located in a rural area?

Select Yes or No. See Section H. for definition of rural, and FAQs for more information.

Does the project directly benefit a federally recognized tribe?

Select Yes or No.

Is the Eligible Facility aged and likely to need replacement or significant reconstruction within 20 years?

Select Yes or No. See FAQs for more information.

What is the primary proposed solution for the transportation barrier facility?

Select one solution from these options: Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations; Complete Streets; Transit Services;

Roadway Connections; Eligible Facility Removal; Through Lane Removal; Interchange Ramp(s) Removal; Bridge or Tunnel; Cap, Deck, or Lid; Rail; or Other infrastructure.

What are the additional proposed solutions for the transportation barrier facility?

Select any additional solutions from these options: Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations; Complete Streets; Transit Services; Roadway Connections; Eligible Facility Removal;

Through Lane Removal; Interchange Ramp(s) Removal; Bridge or Tunnel; Cap, Deck, or Lid; Rail; or Other infrastructure.

Does the project expand roadway lane capacity or is a lane capacity expansion planned within the vicinity of the project?

Select Yes or No. If yes, please provide additional context related to the lane capacity expansion.

Is the project included in a Climate Action Plan?

Select Yes or No.

Total RCP Program grant request amount

Note: For Community Planning Grants, the maximum RCP grant award is $2 million. For Capital Construction Grants, the minimum RCP grant award is $5 million.

Total Project Cost See Section C.2. for Cost Sharing and Matching information.

Key Information Table – Additional Question for Capital Construction Grants Title Instructions Is the proposed project already included in the

Select Yes or No. If yes, please provide a link or include it as a supplemental document. If no, please provide additional details

STIP, TIP, or equivalent?

For transit projects, is the project in the Transit Asset Management Plan?

in the Project Readiness portion of the application describing how the project will be in such plan/program by the time of obligation of the award.

Note: For RCP, Capital Construction Grant projects must be included in the STIP, TIP, or equivalent or, for transit projects, in the TAM Plan by the time of the obligation of the award

iv. Narrative

The Narrative is for the applicant to state their case for meeting the merit criteria laid out in Section E. For Planning Grants, the narrative should not exceed 12 pages; for Capital Construction Grants, the narrative should not exceed 20 pages. The Narrative should be in PDF format, with font size of no less than 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced, minimum 1-inch margins on all sides, and page numbers. Title page and table of contents are not required, but if included, these parts of the document do not count against the page limits. Supplemental Project Readiness and Benefit Cost Analysis information for Capital Construction Grants may be included as hyperlinks, appendices, or additional attachments, and will not count against this page limit.

Suggested Narrative Structure:

Planning & Capital Construction

Overview D.2.iv.a

Planning & Capital Construction

Location & Map D.2.iv.b

Planning & Capital Construction

Response to Merit Criteria D.2.iv.c

Capital Construction Project Readiness: Environmental Risk D.2.iv.d Capital Construction Benefit Cost Analysis D.2.iv.e

a) Overview

This section should provide an introduction to the scope of the project, describe the barrier(s), harms, or burdens posed by the eligible facility(ies) or transportation infrastructure, describe the history and character of the community most impacted by the facility(ies) or transportation infrastructure, describe how the proposed project will address any burdens/harm consistent with the characteristics of the community, and any other high-level background information that would be useful to understand the rest of the application.

Following is a list of suggested section headings and prompts to assist the applicant in structuring the project overview discussion. Other headings may be added as desired by the applicant to provide a complete project overview.

• Introduction: Provide general background information on the applicant (and any partners), grant request, proposed improvements, and community(ies) where the project is located.

• Project History: Describe the history and character of the community and transportation facility(ies) relevant to understanding the transportation needs and proposed improvements.

• Transportation Needs: Describe the transportation need(s)/ barrier(s)/ harm(s) to be investigated (Planning Grants) and/or addressed (Capital Construction Grants). Where possible, include data, visualizations, and/or other evaluations that describe the transportation needs in greater detail; these may be hyperlinked, separately attached, or included as appendices, if desired.

• Proposed Improvements:

o Planning Grants: Describe the eligible planning activities proposed to be funded and how they will contribute to addressing the transportation needs identified above. Describe any other planning or evaluation activities related to the project not proposed to be funded under this grant.

o Capital Construction Grants: Describe the overall project and each of the proposed transportation improvements that comprise the project. Describe how the proposed improvements will address the transportation needs identified above.

Describe any related projects or improvements delivered in the recent past, present, or near future and any interdependencies between the related projects and the project covered by this proposal. Attach a project map that clearly identifies the project end points (i.e., logical termini), locations of key proposed improvements, and any related or interdependent projects. If desired, this may be integrated with the map described in the section below.

b) Location & Map

This section should describe the location of the eligible facility that creates barriers to community connectivity, including to mobility, access, or economic development, as well as a description of the surrounding community impacted by the facility. This section should include a detailed geographic description and map of the facility location and identify elements of the existing transportation network. The general location map may be integrated with the map of project termini and proposed improvements described in the section above.

c) Response to Merit Criteria

This section should describe how the project addresses each of the merit criteria: Equity and Justice40; Access; Facility Suitability; Community Engagement, and Community-based Stewardship, Management, and Partnerships; Equitable Development; Climate Change Mitigation and/or Adaptation and Resilience; Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity; and Planning Integration. See Section E.1.i for detailed criteria descriptions.

d) Project Readiness

There is no narrative requirement for Project Readiness for Planning Grants. See Section E.1.ii for details on how Planning Grant applications are reviewed for Project Readiness.

There are narrative requirements for the Environmental Risk element of Project Readiness for Capital Construction Grants. This section should include sufficient information for DOT to assess the project’s likelihood of being included in the STIP or equivalent by the time of award obligation, and in the TAM Plan for transit projects, and can be reasonably expected to begin construction in a timely manner. As DOT will perform an Environmental Risk review, the applicant should provide a project schedule and address required approvals and permits, NEPA class of action and status, public involvement, right-of-way acquisition plans, risk assessment, and risk mitigation strategies.

Following is a list of suggested section headings and prompts to assist the applicant in structuring the project readiness discussion to thoroughly describe the environmental risk. Other headings may be added as desired by the applicant to provide a complete description of readiness.

• Planning & Constructability:

o STIP / TIP / TTIP / TAM Plan: Is the project already listed in the STIP, TIP, TTIP, and/or TAM Plan (if applicable)? If so, provide links or attachments that show the project listing in the applicable plans/programs.