Region 2 Short NOFO FINAL.pdf

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FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Region 2 Small Business Transportation

Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) Program

Date Posted: July 31,2026

Closing Date: August 30,2026

Opportunity ID: OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC-Region 2-FY2026-1

Grant Program: SBTTAC

Opportunity Announcement PDF: [Region 2 NOFO]

View the full NOFO online here and scroll to the appropriate section.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information

Eligibility

Program Descriptions

Application Contents and Format

Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Review Information

Award Notices

Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Basic Information

The total funding to be awarded across the six regions is $2.3 million. Region 2 will be awarded

$444,652.00. The Office of the Secretary (OST), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business

Utilization (OSDBU) announce the competition for the Region 2 Small Business Transportation

Technical Assistance Center to provide technical support to small businesses in the States of

District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virgin

Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia through Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number

OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC-Region 2-FY2026-1. The cooperative agreement is for one award for up to 12 months that will consist of one base year with two option years, based on performance.

To learn more, click here and scroll to the appropriate section.

Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Office of the Secretary (OST), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), announces the availability of funding under

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC-Region 2-FY2026-

1 to establish and operate the Region 2 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center

(SBTTAC) formerly known as the Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC).

Authorized under Public Law 95-507 and codified at 15 U.S.C. § 644(k) and 49 U.S.C. 332

(4), the SBTTAC Program is designed to strengthen the capacity, competitiveness, and https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-2-nofo-document https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-1-nofo-document https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-2-nofo-document

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In alignment with the Department’s priority on Deregulation and Accountability, the program is committed to reducing unnecessary barriers for small businesses while maintaining rigorous financial oversight and full regulatory compliance.

Under this NOFO, OSDBU will award one (1) cooperative agreement to an eligible organization located within Region (2) to operate and administer a coordinated delivery system providing technical assistance and business development support to small businesses in the designated states.

The total Period of Performance is a twelve (12)-month operating period. The Base Year award may include up to two (2) additional option years, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SBTTAC recipients are required to deliver measurable, outcome-driven services that include:

• Capital infusion assistance and transactional support for loans, bonding, and other financing instruments;

• Individualized business counseling and technical assistance;

• Structured training workshops and transportation-focused educational programming;

• Outreach and stakeholder engagement across the regional transportation ecosystem;

• Referrals to USDOT programs, including the National Bonding Education Program

(BEP)

• Full documentation of services, outcomes, and performance metrics monitored by the

OSDBU office via a designated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Topic Description

Prior Awards The SBTTAC Program is in its inaugural year and has no prior funding history under this model.

Dates Applicants must apply via grants.gov by 11:59 pm EST on

August 30, 2026. Application Opens July 31, 2026

Eligible

Activities

Capital infusion assistance, training, counseling, and other technical assistance, referral to the USDOT’s National Bonding

Education Program (BEP), and outreach and stakeholder engagement.

https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-2-nofo-document file://///ostfile01.ad.dot.gov/ostfile01_Share/S40/REGIONAL%20ASSISTANCE%20DIVISION/FINAL%20NOFO%20docs%202026/Templates%20June%202026/grants.gov

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Application

Instructions

Instructions for applying can be found on OST/OSDBU’s website here and in the “FIND” module of grants.gov The funding opportunity ID is OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC- Region 2-FY2026-1. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted.

For Further

Information, Contact:

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, at SBTTAC@dot.gov.

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2. Eligibility

To be eligible for this Cooperative Agreement, an applicant must be an established nonprofit, community-based organization, transportation-related trade association, chamber of commerce, college or university, community college, faith-based institution; Historically Black College and

Universities (HBCUs), or any other transportation-related nonprofit organization that has the documented experience and capacity necessary to operate and administer a coordinated delivery system that prepares small businesses to compete for transportation-related contracts.

In addition, to be eligible, the applicant organization must:

1. Be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) tax-exempt organization and provide documentation as verification. No application will be accepted without proof of tax-exempt status.

2. Be registered and active in SAM.gov at the time of grant award (including a valid UEI).

3. Have an office physically located within one of the States in the region for which services will be provided.

4. Not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal financial assistance under 2 CFR Parts 180 and 1200.

5. Demonstrate adequate governance, internal controls, and financial management systems consistent with 2 CFR 200.303 and 2 CFR 200 Subpart D.

Demonstrated Subject-Matter Expertise in Transportation Contracting

The applicant organization must demonstrate verifiable expertise in the transportation sector, including:

1. Experience Supporting Transportation-Focused Small Businesses. Applicants must have:

● At least one year of documented and continuous experience prior to the application date providing outreach and technical assistance to small businesses in the region.

https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-2-nofo-document http://www.sam.gov/

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● Prior experience serving the transportation community is highly preferable.

Additionally, applicants should demonstrate experience – preferably 5 years or more – in:

o Federal, State, or local transportation procurement, o USDOT-funded contracting (e.g. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), etc.) and o Bonding, certification, and capital access support relevant to transportation contracting.

2. Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs) on Staff or Under Contract. Applicants must have personnel with demonstrable expertise in:

● Transportation procurement and compliance,

● Federal regulations including FAR and 2 CFR 200,

● Small business program requirements, and

● One senior-level SME with a minimum of 5 years of experience directly related to transportation contracting.

3. Organizational Capacity to Perform Program Deliverables. Applicants must demonstrate the organizational capacity to:

● Provide a coordinated service delivery system offering technical assistance, to transportation-related small businesses,

● Support multi-state regional service delivery, and

● Maintain sufficient staff and infrastructure to meet required performance metrics, and other requirements.

Organizations must also show evidence of:

● Adequate facilities and staffing,

● Past performance managing Federal or State-funded technical assistance programs, and

● Systems capable of handling financial, administrative, and reporting responsibilities.

Ineligible Activities

In accordance with Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-

Based Opportunity, Federal funds awarded under this NOFO may not be used to fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate:

● Racial preferences or discrimination, including the use of race or proxies for race as a selection criterion for employment or program participation,

● The notion that sex is not binary or that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic,

● Illegal immigration, or

● Initiatives that compromise public safety or promote anti-American values.

Any proposal that includes activities prohibited under Executive Order 14173 will be deemed ineligible for funding.

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A complete listing of applicable Federal Barred Funding Activities is set forth in Appendix I, incorporated herein by reference.

Funding Restrictions

All costs must be eligible, allowable, reasonable, and allocable under 2 CFR 200 Subpart E.

● Costs incurred before award announcement are not reimbursable.

● Costs incurred after award announcement but before a Cooperative Agreement is fully executed are not eligible for reimbursement without explicit written approval under 2

CFR 200.458 (pre-award costs).

● Additional restrictions apply to equipment purchases, lobbying, construction, and any cost prohibited under Federal regulations.

Eligible Applicant Type A nonprofit, community-based organization, transportation-related trade association, chamber of commerce, college or university, community college, or non-profit organization 501 C

(3) or 501 C (6) tax-exempt organization located in Region 2 of the U.S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and faith-based institutions are encouraged to apply.

Eligible Projects To operate and administer a coordinated delivery system that provides access for small businesses to prepare and compete for transportation-related contracts.

Cost Sharing and Match

Requirement

The Recipient is responsible for a cost-sharing contribution totaling 15% of the Federal Award. This ensures a committed partnership in the execution of the SBTTAC mission. To meet this requirement, the following composition rules apply:

● At least 50% of the required match must be provided as a cash contribution. These funds must be documented in accordance with 2 CFR 200.306.

● Allowable In-Kind Contributions: Up to 50% of the total match may consist of allowable in-kind contributions, such as third-party donations of equipment, space, or professional services.

Under no circumstances may the in-kind portion exceed 50% of the total non-Federal share.

https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-1-nofo-document

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3. Program Description

Purpose The purpose of the SBTTAC Program

(formerly the SBTRC program) is to strengthen the capacity, competitiveness, and readiness of small businesses to compete for and perform on Federal, State, local, and private transportation contracts.

Program Objectives The objectives of the program are to:

Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery, accurate and timely data reporting;

compliance with Federal requirements, achievement of program goals and Key

Performance Indicators (KPIs), and expansion of small business access to capital and financing opportunities needed to compete for and perform on transportation-related contracts.

Legislative Authority Under Public Law 95-507, codified at 15

U.S.C. § 644(k) , each Federal agency with procurement powers is required to have an

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business

Utilization (OSDBU) to make Federal procurement more readily accessible to all small businesses.

OSDBU also administers the provisions of

Section 332 of Title 49, which includes the duties of advocacy, outreach, and financial services on behalf of small businesses and the development of programs to encourage, stimulate, promote, and assist small businesses to become better prepared to compete for, obtain, and manage transportation-related contracts and subcontracts.

Program Deliverables Capital Infusion Assistance

Provide transactional support for loans, lines of credit, bonding, working capital, and other approved financing instruments, resulting in a minimum of

(Insert) distinct financing http://grant.gov/?req=%28title%3A15%2Bsection%3A644%29&utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title15/html/USCODE-2018-title15-chap14A-sec644.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2024-title49/USCODE-2024-title49-subtitleI-chap3-subchapII-sec332/context

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● Offer both individual and group counseling each month, delivered in person or virtually (i.e., conference calls and video conferences).

Counseling must support clients’ ability to pursue transportation-related contracting opportunities and strengthen their business operations.

**Required Targeted Capital Infusion

Transactions

Base/Baseline Year

Counseling and Technical Assistance

● Deliver a minimum of (Insert) hours of one-on-one business counseling to small business clients in areas such as procurement readiness, capability statements, business planning, compliance, certifications, marketing, and access to transportation-related opportunities.

● Offer both individual and group counseling each month, delivered in person or virtually (i.e., conference calls and video conferences).

Counseling must support clients’ ability to pursue transportation-related contracting opportunities and strengthen their business operations.

**Required Targeted Counseling and Technical

Assistance Hours

Base/Baseline Year

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Training

● Conduct a minimum of 10 structured workshops, webinars, cybersecurity, digital interoperability or training programs focused on transportation-related business development, procurement readiness, financial management, bonding, safety, contracting, and other approved

OSDBU topics. At least three (3) in-person training sessions, with no more than one (1) in the host State.

Administrative Requirements General Management, Program Operations &

Administration

● The Recipient must effectively manage day-to-day program operations to ensure high-quality service delivery, strong administrative controls, and full alignment with

OSDBU program expectations.

Responsibilities include:

● Complete an intake form (SF4500) for each small business being provided counseling and training and upload form to designated CRM.

● Utilize the OSDBU CRM to track, report, and document all activities, including counseling hours, technical assistance, outreach, contract awards, training, and all other services provided.

● Support OSDBU’s quarterly and annual evaluation processes by ensuring data accuracy and completeness, and by providing supplemental narrative information upon request.

● Maintain comprehensive electronic client records that include client type, dates of assistance, services provided, outcomes achieved, and all required supporting documentation.

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● Distribute USDOT and OSDBU informational materials to the regional small business community and key stakeholders.

● Maintain regular communication with the OSDBU Program Manager to provide program updates, seek guidance, elevate issues, and ensure consistency with Federal expectations.

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

Requirements

● Participate in local, State, regional, and national conferences, seminars, workshops, and events on behalf of

OSDBU to promote program visibility and engagement.

● Coordinate with OSDBU and regional partners to support the administration, implementation, and integration of applicable programs, initiatives, and outreach efforts.

Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement

Requirement

● Participate in: local, State, regional, and national conferences, seminars, workshops, and events on behalf of

OSDBU to promote program visibility and engagement.

● Coordinate with OSDBU and regional partners to support the administration, implementation, and integration of applicable programs, initiatives, and outreach efforts.

Data/CRM Requirements The Recipient must use the OSDBU-designated CRM system as the official system of record for all SBTTAC activities. All clients must be entered into the CRM, and all program operations –including counseling, outreach, technical assistance, training, engagement, capital infusion support, partnership coordination, deliverables, KPIs, and other measurable outcomes–must be fully, accurately, and timely documented. The recipient must ensure that all clients information, deliverables, events, and tracked

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Supplemental Client Activities are updated in real time and, at the latest, by 5:00 p.m. on the

28th of each month to support OSDBU’s monthly data pull and maintain compliance with OSDBU requirements. All data entered the CRM, including client, programmatic, financial, and performance data, is the property of USDOT OSDBU and may not be used, transferred, or disclosed for any non-program purpose.

Supplemental Client Activities

In addition to the required KPIs/deliverables, applicants will be encouraged to track supplemental client activities that provide a comprehensive view of the Center’s overall impact. These indicators help demonstrate how technical assistance contributes to real-world business growth, expanded market participation, and increased economic opportunity for small businesses in the transportation sector.

Although tracking these Supplemental Client

Activities is optional, applicants should identify which indicators they intend to track, if any, and describe how they will implement, monitor, and report these activities throughout the Period of Performance (PoP).

Tracking these supplemental outcomes enables OSDBU and the Centers to:

● Assess broader program impact beyond core KPIs.

● Identify emerging business needs and refine service offerings.

● Strengthen future program planning and strategic decision making.

● Demonstrate the return on investment

(ROI) of Federal technical assistance.

● Capture success stories that highlight growth, readiness, and competitiveness.

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These outreach, engagement, and business pipeline development activities may include the following, each of which constitutes a distinct and independently countable option:

Opportunity alignment for client firms

● Identify procurement opportunities for clients that align with their capabilities, readiness, and strategic growth plans. Centers should document the matching process, including the opportunity identified, the rationale for the match, follow-up actions, and resulting outcomes.

Conference identification and participation planning:

● Identify transportation-related conferences at the national, regional, State, or local levels.

● Provide a participation plan that highlights anticipated benefits for small businesses and recommends opportunities for OSDBU involvement when appropriate.

Targeted outreach at transportation events

● Conduct outreach at sector-specific events to increase awareness of

SBTTAC services, expand the small business pipeline, and promote transportation readiness.

● Conference sponsorship and collaboration with prior OSDBU approval, collaborate with USDOT recipients or subrecipients to sponsor or co-sponsor transportation-related events. including by leveraging

USDOT tools, platforms & technical assistance. These may include

Connections MarketPlace (CMP) and

USDOT Procurement Forecast.

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Direct Procurement Support & Navigation

● Refer clients to OSDBU’s

Procurement Team for targeted guidance. Facilitate introductions to

Modal Contracting Officers, Contract

Specialists, or other acquisition personnel who can provide insight into requirements and improve client readiness for competition.

Bonding Readiness & Capacity Outcomes

For clients referred to the USDOT National

Bonding Education Program, track:

● Completion of program requirements o Bonding secured or increased capacity o Total bonding value obtained o Contract awards, capital, and financial growth o Number and dollar value of contracts secured by assisted businesses across Federal, State, local, and private sectors.

Document financial outcomes such as:

● Financial Capacity Building Support

Document measurable financial outcomes resulting from engagement with OSDBU’s Technical Assistance

Network—including sister Federal agencies, State and local governments, and financial institutions—such as increased capital access, improved financial readiness, and enhanced business competitiveness

Job Creation & Broader Economic Impact

● Capture and report job creation resulting from SBTTAC-assisted businesses during the PoP.

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4. Application Contents and Format

Address to Request/Submit Application Package

Applications are located on Grants.gov, and each proposal must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.

Content and Form of Application Submission Application. Any eligible organization, as defined in Sections A and B of this announcement, may submit only one proposal per region for consideration by OSDBU.

Application Format Requirements

Applications must:

● Use 1-inch margins on all sides,

● Be single-spaced and printed in a 12 points font (e.g. Times Roman),

● Not exceed 35 single-sided pages, excluding any requested attachments, and

● Include page numbers at the top of each page.

Submit all required documentation, attachments, and supporting materials in a single application package. Files must be in PDF format.

Required Application Components

At a minimum, applications must include the following components:

Required Component Description

Implementation Plan Applicants must submit an Implementation Plan describing how the applicant will carry out all required program activities during the PoP. The Implementation Plan must address, at a minimum, the applicant’s approach, implementation timeline, staffing and management structure, partnerships, performance targets, and delivery of all required services identified in

Section C of this NOFO https://www.grants.gov/

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Budget Narrative/Justification Applicants must submit a budget narrative/justification that clearly explains and supports each cost category included in the proposed project budget. The budget narrative must describe how proposed Federal and matching costs are reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to carry out the activities described in the applicant’s implementation plan.

The narrative must clearly identify the source, type, and amount of required cash and allowable in-kind matching contributions.

Financial Statements Each application must include the most recent two (2) years of the applying organization’s financial statements. Audited financial statements are preferred; however, reviewed financial statements are acceptable.

Conflict of Interest Applicants must submit signed statements from key personnel and all organizational principals certifying that they, or members of their immediate family, do not have relationships with local or State transportation agencies that could create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award

Management (SAM)

Each applicant must:

● Be registered in SAM.gov prior to application submission,

● Provide a valid UEI with the proposal, and

● Maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the period during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

Standard Form 424 (SF-424):

Application for Federal

Assistance

All applicants must submit a completed and signed SF-424.

This form is the primary authorized signature for the application and must be signed by an authorized representative of the applicant organization. The SF-424 must include a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) that matches the organization's registration in sam.gov.

Standard Form 424A (SF-

424A): Budget Information for Non-Construction

Programs

In addition to the Budget Narrative, applicants must complete the SF-424A to provide a structured breakdown of costs by object class category. The totals on the SF-424A must match the totals provided in the Budget Narrative and the SF-424.

https://sam.gov/

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Proof of Tax-Exempt Status

(if applicable / required)

All proposals must include a copy of the IRS Tax Exempt

Status notification. Applications that do not include this will not be considered complete.

Cybersecurity and Physical

Security Risk Planning

(NSM-22)

Consistent with National Security Memorandum-22 (NSM-

22), Enhancing the Security and Resilience of United States

Critical Infrastructure, applicants must address cybersecurity and physical security risks associated with the proposed project.

Applicants must:

● Identify and assess relevant cyber and physical risks,

● Implement appropriate safeguards and mitigation measures,

● Protect sensitive data, systems, facilities, and personnel,

● Ensure continuity of operations in the event of disruptions, and

● Develop a concise Cybersecurity and Physical

Security Risk Plan (maximum 2–3 pages) must be included in the application narrative or as an attachment.

To learn more about Application Contents and Format, click here and scroll to the appropriate section.

5. Submission Table/Checklist

To ensure your application is processed efficiently and meets all Federal requirements, please refer to the table below. This Submission Table serves as a mandatory checklist outlining all required files, their specific naming conventions, and any applicable page limits.

Document Name Requirement Format Notes

SF-424: Application for

Federal Assistance

Required

Form

Standard form found in the application package.

SF-424A: Budget Information

(Non-Construction)

Must align with amounts requested in the budget narrative.

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Project Narrative

PDF

Submission must address all evaluation criteria using standardized lead clauses (e.g., “Within the application, demonstrate the extent to which…).”

Budget Narrative and Detail

PDF/Excel

Itemized breakdown of costs by year and category. Must include language regarding grant funds, sources, and uses of project funds.

Regional Service Plan

Detailed map and strategy for the specific SBTTAC region.

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

If Applicable

Required if claiming indirect costs (unless using de minimis).

SF-LLL: Disclosure of

Lobbying Activities

Required even if no lobbying is being reported.

Resumes of Key Personnel

Required for the project director and primary technical staff.

Cybersecurity & Risk Plan

Must include physical and cyber risk planning language per NSM-

22; 2-3 pages

Proof of Tax-Exempt Status (if applicable/ required)

PDF

Please use a single

PDF file

Letters of Support/Commitment

Optional

Please consolidate into a single PDF file.

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Submission Instructions & Naming Conventions

To ensure your application is processed efficiently, please adhere to the following file naming conventions and departmental requirements:

1. Naming Format

Format: [Lead Organization Name]_[Document Name]Region X_SBTTAC2026.pdf

Example: ABC_University_Project_Narrative_SBTTAC2026.pdf

2. Integration of Departmental Priorities

Applications should not list Administration priorities as a separate section. Instead, incorporate these priorities into the program description and project narrative. Key categories for alignment include:

Infrastructure Investment and Economic Growth.

Workforce Development and Regulatory Reform

Performance, Accountability, and Small Business Participation

Proposal Deadline Date August 30, 2026

Submission Method and

Time

Submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time

Accepted Formats Electronic submissions only (no mail, email, and fax submissions)

Late/Incomplete

Submissions

Incomplete, partially uploaded, or late applications will not advance to the merit review process. Failure to submit a complete application package by the deadline will result in the application being deemed ineligible and it will not be reviewed.

Required Attachments Applications must include all required forms, narratives, and attachments identified in this NOFO and in the submission requirements checklist.

Submission Confirmation Within 48 hours after submitting an electronic application, you should receive an email from Grants.gov saying the application has been received by www.grants.gov/ and sent to OSDBU, the

“receiving agency.”

If you receive a notice from Grants.gov or OSDBU that the application is incomplete, then you must fix the application and resubmit it before the submission deadline. OSDBU’s rejection email will come from the email address (SBTTAC@dot.gov).

To avoid processing errors when re-submitting, you must include all original attachments (even if only some of them were updated) and you must check the resubmission box on the updated Supplemental Form.

Intergovernmental Review This program is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:steronica.mattocks@dot.gov https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12372

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6. Application Review Information

Eligibility Review

OSDBU will award the cooperative agreement using a best-value approach. This section describes the evaluation criteria, scoring structure, and the three-phase review and selection process used to assess applications for completeness, responsiveness, technical merit, and overall value.

Phase I: Merit Review Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Criteria 1 Approach & Strategy (25 points)

Criteria 2 Stakeholder & Technical Assistance Network (25 points)

Criteria 3 Organizational & Staff Capability (20 points)

Criteria 4 Cost Proposal & Budget Effectiveness (20 points)

Criteria 5 Risk Management & Program Compliance (10 points)

Review and Selection Process

Applications submitted will undergo a three-phase evaluation process. Phase I will consist of a Merit

Review, During the Merit Review, each criterion will be assigned one of the following ratings:

Highly Recommended (HR)

Recommended (R)

Not Recommended (NR)

Applications will then receive an overall proposal rating of either Highly Recommended, Recommended, and not Recommend. Applicants with an overall rating of Highly Recommended

(HR) will advance to Phase II.

Phase II: Presentation to OSDBU

Applicants advancing from Phase I must participate in a Formal Presentation to OSDBU to further assess organizational and staff capabilities, budget effectiveness, and risk management and program compliance approaches. Qualified applicants will be notified within five (5) business days following the completion of Phase I scoring. Presentations may occur in-person at the applicant’s office, at USDOT Headquarters, or virtually via Zoom or another Department-approved platform. OSDBU reserves the right to conduct a site visit or request additional information. Applicants should plan for a 60-minute presentation and up to a 15-minute Q&A session. To ensure consistency and fairness, each applicant will be asked the same three (3) standardized questions. The presentation's purpose is to validate alignment between the written proposal and operational approach, confirm staffing and organizational readiness, and allow

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OSDBU to ask clarifying questions regarding the applicant’s implementation strategy and overall capacity to successfully execute the SBTTAC Program.

Phase III: Senior Review Team (SRT)

In the final phase of the review process, Highly Recommended (HR) applicants may advance to evaluation by the Senior Review Team (SRT). The SRT consists of senior Departmental officials who conduct a strategic assessment of HR applicants, evaluating demonstrated capacity to successfully advance the SBTTAC mission and alignment with the Administration’s priorities and the Secretary’s Strategic Plan.

The SRT will review materials and findings developed throughout the merit review process and provide strategic assessments to support final funding recommendations.

Following completion of all three phases of the review process, final award selections will be made by the OSDBU Director.

In the event that no application receives a rating of “Highly Recommended,” the Department will consider applications rated “Recommended” for potential award.

Risk Review

Prior to making an award, the Department will review applicant eligibility and financial integrity information in accordance with 2 CFR 200.206.

The Department intends to apply principles from DOT Order 2100.7 (Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound

Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and Activities) and DOT Order 2100.9 (Ensuring

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and

Activities) when evaluating applications and making award selections. To the maximum extent permitted by law, DOT will prioritize projects aligned with these principles.

In the final phase of the review process, the Senior Review Team (SRT) conducts a strategic assessment of the Highly Recommended (HR) applicants. The SRT assesses each applicant’s demonstrated capacity to effectively advance the successful execution of the SBTTAC mission, as well as their understanding of, and alignment with, the Administration’s priorities and the

Secretary’s Strategic Plan.

Following completion of all three phases of the review process, final award selection will be made by the OSDBU Director.

To learn more about Application Review, Eligibility Requirements, Phases I, II, and III, and the

Selection Process, click here and scroll to the applicable section

7. Award Notices

How Project Selections Are Announced:

https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-nondiscrimination-and-equal-opportunity-department-transportation-policies https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-nondiscrimination-and-equal-opportunity-department-transportation-policies https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-nondiscrimination-and-equal-opportunity-department-transportation-policies https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-2-nofo-document

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Following the evaluation, OSDBU will announce the selected applicant with a written Notice of Funding Award. The notice will also include the cooperative agreement for signature.

Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified.

Financial Management and Payment

Procedures

Awards under this NOFO are administered strictly on a reimbursement basis. Funds shall not be disbursed in advance. To receive payment for allowable costs incurred, recipients must adhere to the following procedures:

● Utilize Delphi: Recipients must register in and utilize the Delphi Financial

Management System, the official financial management system used by the U.S.

Department of Transportation

Invoice Upload: Itemized invoices must be uploaded directly to the Delphi eInvoicing portal (the agency’s official financial management system) for review and approval by the OSDBU Program Manager

Supporting Documentation: Recipients must maintain and provide all necessary supporting documentation to verify that costs are eligible, allowable, reasonable, and allocable under 2 CFR 200 Subpart E

Approval Process: Payments will be processed only after the successful verification of required deliverables and the approval of invoices within the Delphi system.

All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

To learn more about Award Details, click here and scroll to the appropriate section.

8. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

Critical Infrastructure Control Systems. Each applicant selected for Federal funding must demonstrate, prior to the signing of the cooperative agreement, effort to consider and address physical and cyber security risks relevant to the transportation mode and type and scale of the project. Projects that have not appropriately considered and addressed physical and cyber security and resilience in their planning, design, and project oversight, as determined by the

Department and the Department of Homeland Security, will be required to do so before receiving funds.”

Domestic Preference Requirements: As expressed in Executive Order 14005, ‘Ensuring the

Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers’ (86 FR 7475), the executive branch should maximize, consistent with law, the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States. Funds made available under this notice are subject to the domestic preference requirement at the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), Public

Law 117-58, §§ 70901-52. The Department expects all applicants to comply with that https://cms.dot.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/region-2-nofo-document

21 21 requirement.

Performance and Program Evaluation: Program Evaluation is an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency (5 U.S.C. § 311). Recipients and subrecipients are encouraged to incorporate program evaluation including associated data collection activities from the outset of their program design and implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress. Allowable data and evaluation costs are specified in 2 CFR

200.455(c).21 As a condition of grant award, grant recipients may be required to participate in an evaluation undertaken by DOT or another agency or partner. The evaluation may take different forms such as an implementation assessment across grant recipients, an impact and/or outcomes analysis of all or selected sites within or across grant recipients, or a benefit/cost analysis or assessment of return on investment. DOT may require applicants to collect data elements to aid the evaluation and/or use information available through other reporting. Grant recipients must agree to: (1) make records available to the evaluation contractor or DOT agency staff; (2) facilitate and provide access to program records, and any other relevant documents to calculate costs and benefits; (3) in the case of an impact analysis, facilitate the access to relevant information as requested; and (4) follow evaluation procedures as specified by the evaluation contractor or DOT agency staff.

Compliance with Federal Law and Policies: Except where prohibited by court order the applicant assures and certifies, with respect to any application and awarded Project under this

NOFO, that it will comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, policies, guidelines, and requirements as they relate to the application, acceptance, and use of

Federal funds and will cooperate with Federal officials in the enforcement of Federal law, including cooperating with and not impeding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Federal offices and components of the Department of Homeland Security in the enforcement of Federal law.

Federal Anti-Discrimination:

Except where prohibited by court order, pursuant to Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal

Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, as a condition of grant award, each

Recipient must agree that its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section

3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code.

Except where prohibited by court order, “pursuant to Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal

Discrimination and Restoring Merit- Based Opportunity, as a condition of grant award, each

Recipient must certify that it does not operate any programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.”

APPENDIX I

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

EXHIBITS TO OFFICE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGE BUSINESS UTILIZATION

(OSDBU) AGREEMENTS UNDER THE

FISCAL YEAR 2026 SMALL BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL

ASSISTANCE CENTERS (SBTTAC) PROGRAM

March 30, 2026

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EXHIBIT A

APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

By entering into this agreement for a cooperative agreement to serve as a regional Small

Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC), the Recipient assures and certifies, with respect to this cooperative agreement, that it will comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, policies, guidelines, and requirements as they relate to the application, acceptance, and use of Federal funds for this Program. Performance under this agreement shall be governed by and in compliance with the following requirements, as applicable, to the type of organization of the Recipient and any applicable sub-recipients. The applicable provisions to this agreement include, but are not limited to, the following:

Federal Legislation (CFRs) and DOT Orders

a. Federal Travel and Vehicle Use Policies (if employees operate vehicles for program purposes)

a. Reference relevant DOT/agency-specific vehicle and safety policies.

b. Davis-Bacon Act - 40 U.S.C. §§ 3141, et seq.

c. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act - 29 U.S.C. §§ 201, et seq.

d. Hatch Act - 5 U.S.C. §§ 1501, et seq.

e. DOT Order 3902.10, “Text Messaging While Driving

Executive Order

● Executive Order 13513 – Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging While

Driving (2009)

● Executive Order 12549 – Debarment and suspension

● Executive Order 14005 – Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of

● America’s Workers

● Executive Order 14025 – Worker Organizing and Empowerment Executive

Order 14149, Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship

● Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy

● Executive Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and

Preferencing

● Executive Order 14168 Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and

● Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

● Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based

Opportunity

● Executive Order 12372 – Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

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General Federal Regulations

a. Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for

Federal Awards – 2 CFR Parts 200, 1201

b. Non-procurement Suspension and Debarment – 2 CFR Parts 180, 1200

c. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving

Federal Financial Assistance – 49 CFR Part 25

d. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Receiving or

Benefiting from Federal Financial Assistance – 49 CFR Part 27

e. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities

Conducted by the Department of Transportation – 49 CFR Part 28

f. Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance) – 49

CFR Part 32

g. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Equal Employment

Opportunity Requirements – 41 CFR Part 60 et seq.

h. DOT’s Implementation of DOJ’s ADA Title II Regulations – 28 CFR Part 35

i. DOT’s ADA Implementing Regulations for Transit Services and Transit Vehicles

j. New Restrictions on Lobbying – 49 CFR Part 20

k. Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation –

Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – 49 CFR Part 21, including any amendments thereto

l. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or

Benefiting from Federal Financial Assistance – 49 CFR Part 27

m. DOT’s implementation of DOJ’s ADA Title II regulations compliance procedures for all programs, services, and regulatory activities relating to transportation under 28 CFR Part

n. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities

Conducted by the Department of Transportation – 49 CFR Part 28

o. Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance) – 49

CFR Part 32

Specific assurances required to be included in the FY 2026 OSDBU SBTTAC agreement by any of the above laws, regulations, or circulars are hereby incorporated by reference into this agreement.

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EXHIBIT B

ADDITIONAL STANDARD TERMS

All provisions contained in Exhibit B, titled Additional Standard Terms, are incorporated into and made part of this Agreement with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein

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TERM B.1

TITLE VI ASSURANCE

(Implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended)

ASSURANCE CONCERNING NONDISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY-ASSISTED

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING OR BENEFITING FROM FEDERAL

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

(Implementing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans With Disabilities

Act, as amended)

49 CFR Parts 21, 25, 27, 37 and 38

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)

Standard Title VI/Non-Discrimination Assurances

DOT Order No. 1050.2A

By signing and submitting the Technical Application and by entering into this agreement under the FY 2026 OSDBU SBTTAC Program, the Recipient HEREBY AGREES THAT, as a condition to receiving any Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of

Transportation (DOT), through the Office of the Secretary, it is subject to and will comply with the following:

Statutory/Regulatory Authorities

● Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., 78 stat. 252), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin);

● 49 CFR Part 21, including any amendments thereto (entitled Non-discrimination In

Federally-Assisted Programs Of The Department Of Transportation—Effectuation Of

Title VI Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1964);

● 28 CFR section 50.3 (U.S. Department of Justice Guidelines for Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964);

The preceding statutory and regulatory cited hereinafter are referred to as the “Acts” and

“Regulations,” respectively.

General Assurances

In accordance with the Acts, the Regulations, and other pertinent directives, circulars, policy, memoranda, and/or guidance, the Recipient hereby gives assurance that it will promptly take any measures necessary to ensure that:

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“No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity,” for which the

Recipient receives Federal financial assistance from DOT.

The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 clarified the original intent of Congress, with respect to

Title VI and other Non-discrimination requirements (The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), by restoring the broad, institutional-wide scope and coverage of these non-discrimination statutes and requirements to include all programs and activities of the Recipient, so long as any portion of the program is Federally assisted.

Specific Assurances

More specifically, and without limiting the above general Assurance, the Recipient agrees with and gives the following Assurances with respect to its Federally assisted FY 2026 SBTTAC

Program:

1. The Recipient agrees that each “activity,” “facility,” or “program,” as defined in §§ 21.23

(b) and 21.23 (e) of 49 CFR Part 21, including any amendments thereto, will be (with regard to an “activity”) facilitated, or will be (with regard to a “facility”) operated, or will be (with regard to a “program”) conducted in compliance with all requirements imposed by, or pursuant to the Acts and the Regulations.

2. The Recipient will insert the following notification in all solicitations for bids, Requests

For Proposals for work, or material subject to the Acts and the Regulations made in connection with the FY 2026 SBTTAC Program and, in adapted form, in all proposals for negotiated agreements regardless of funding source:

“The Recipient, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights

Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that for any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.”

3. The Recipient will insert the clauses of Appendix A and E of this Assurance in every contract or agreement subject to the Acts and the Regulations.

4. The Recipient will insert the clauses of Appendix B of this Assurance, as a covenant running with the land, in any deed from the United States effecting or recording a transfer of real property, structures, use, or improvements thereon or interest therein to a

Recipient.

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5. That where the Recipient receives Federal financial assistance to construct a facility, or part of a facility, the Assurance will extend to the entire facility and facilities operated in connection therewith.

6. That where the Recipient receives Federal financial assistance in the form, or for the acquisition of real property or an interest in real property, the Assurance will extend to rights to space on, over, or under such property.

7. That the Recipient will include the clauses set forth in Appendix C and Appendix D of this Assurance, as a covenant running with the land, in any future deeds, leases, licenses, permits, or similar instruments entered into by the Recipient with other parties:

a. for the subsequent transfer of real property acquired or improved under the applicable activity,…