Transportation Law and Policy Training NOFO additional Q&A 8.11.26.pdf

8/11/26

Law and Policy Training NOFO – Questions and Answers (Version 2.0)

1. Task Numbering: The NOFO includes a Task 6 in Phase 2 and another Task 6 in Phase 3. Could USDOT clarify whether both activities are required and whether the Task 6 listed in Phase 3 is intended to be Task 7?

• Yes, both activities are required. Under Phase 3, the first listed task is designated as "Task 6", creating a typographical duplication with "Task 6" in Phase 2. Phase 3's Task 6 represents a distinct deliverable and is intended as Task 7. Applicants should explicitly address both activities in their Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal to ensure all scope items are covered.

2. Regional Training: How does USDOT define a “regional training” for the purposes of this NOFO?

Does USDOT have anticipated participant numbers or other expectations for the three required regional training courses? For example, does USDOT have preferred locations, geographic regions, specific participants or other considerations for planning these trainings? If so, we would appreciate any additional guidance.

Can USDOT clarify the expected primary audience and approximate number of participants for each of the three regional training courses?

• The NOFO requires "three additional regional trainings for both the one-day and one-hour training modules" under Phase 3 (Task 8). USDOT does not specify geographic locations, prescribed participant counts, or fixed venues in the text.

• Because USDOT leaves specific regional locations open-ended, applicants are expected to propose a reasonable geographic distribution (e.g., covering distinct regional corridors or UTC partner regions) and justify participant numbers in their Program Methods and Design and Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline sections.

3. Federal Participation and Cost Share: If USDOT personnel participate in workshops, working groups, or curriculum development, can their participation be considered an in-kind contribution toward the required non-Federal cost share, or is Federal personnel time excluded from the match?

Will USDOT coordinate the participation of Federal subject matter experts and offices, or should applicants budget staff time for recruiting and coordinating Federal participants?

• In-Kind Contribution / Cost Share: No, Federal personnel time cannot be counted toward the required 50% non-Federal cost share. Per Section B.2 and federal grant regulations (2 CFR § 200.306), cost sharing must be provided from non-Federal sources. Funds or services originating from a federal source, including federal staff time, are strictly excluded from being counted toward the match.

• The NOFO states that for Phase 2, Task 6, pilot sessions will be held for a Subject Matter Expert Working Group "chosen in coordination with OST-R". While USDOT will assist in facilitating internal DOT modal contacts (e.g., OCIO, OST-P, OGC), applicants must budget staff time for outreach, recruitment, scheduling, and coordinating both Federal and non-Federal participants across all tasks.

4. Congressional Engagement: Are there any restrictions or special requirements concerning the use of Federal funds for outreach, engagement, training, or communications involving Members of Congress, Congressional staff, state legislators, or other elected officials?

• Grant recipients are subject to statutory lobbying restrictions under the Anti-Lobbying Act (18 U.S.C. § 1913) and 2 CFR § 200.450 (Lobbying), as well as the standard Form SF-LLL disclosure included in the application requirements.

• Permissible Activities: Grant funds (and required matching funds) may be used for neutral, non-partisan educational outreach, curriculum development, and technical training intended for Congressional staff and state/local legislators as specifically mandated by the NOFO

• Prohibited Activities: Award funds cannot be used for direct or grassroots lobbying, such as attempting to influence pending federal or state legislation, advocating for specific legislative actions, or encouraging public campaigns to influence lawmakers.

5. Key Personnel Resumes: The NOFO requests the names, titles, roles, experience/qualifications, and anticipated level of effort of key personnel but does not specifically identify resumes or CVs as a required application component. Can USDOT confirm whether separate resumes/CVs for key personnel are required, or may applicants include them as supplemental information if desired?

• Section D.2.2 requires applicants to detail the "names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel" along with their proportion of time devoted to the project in the body of the Technical Proposal. Separate full-length CVs or resumes are not strictly mandated as standalone attachments. The Technical Proposal/Application including cover page, narratives, and any attached resumes/CVs must not exceed 25 pages in length. If applicants choose to include condensed resume summaries or full CVs, they must ensure the entire submission remains within the strict 25-page limit.