Technical Assistance and Workforce Development

The goals and objectives for Technical Assistance and Workforce Development projects vary according to the type of project. Eligible activities include: Technical assistance and Standards to more effectively and efficiently provide public transport

FTA's technical assistance and workforce development program statute's overarching goal is to provide technical assistance, standards development, human resources, workforce development, and training projects to more effectively and efficiently provide public transportation service to improve public transportation. FTA's mission is to improve public transportation for America's communities, and the vision is that America will have world-class Public Transportation Systems that ensure access and mobility for all. Thus, FTA's research mission is to enable a robust public transportation network that connects communities and protects the environment. This research mission is achieved by developing, demonstrating, evaluating, and deploying transformative technologies and processes that enable connected, climate friendly communities. The strategic research goals for FTA are to facilitate equitable accessible mobility, support the deployment of environmentally sustainable systems, and enable a safe and secure public transit system. These goals support the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) strategic goals to ensure a safe national transportation system, economic strength, equity, climate sustainability, and transformation.

Federal Government departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government; Metropolitan Planning Organizations; State and local governmental entities; providers of public transportation; and national non-profit organizations (that have the appropriate demonstrated capacity to provide public transportation-related technical assistance); public four-year degree-granting institutions of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) to carry-out the duties of the institute.

State, Local, Public nonprofit institution/organization and Private nonprofit institution/organization. Specific applicant eligibility may vary with different program areas within this section.

FTA will specify the credentials and documentation required in an online application system, at the program manager direction and/or in the individual notices of funding opportunity published to support the various sections and program purposes. Applicants must provide proof or establish a copy of their negotiated approved indirect cost rate agreement from their cognizant agency prior to or along with their application for assistance. At a minimum, applications for funding should follow requirements listed in FTA Circular 6100.1E, "Research, Technical Assistance and Training Program: Application Instructions and Program Management Guidelines" and include the standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications ("Instructions for Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Form"), project objectives, goals, tasks, background, and project description, including schedule, budget, a data management plan, and applicant's organizational experience. Applicants approved must do a resolution by an authorized body approving the filing of an application; and complete certifications and assurances as compiled in FTA's Annual List of Certifications and Assurances. Legal opinion and compliance with labor requirements are required later.

See Objectives. Generally, the program supports technical assistance, training, workforce projects, and standards development not undertaken by the private sector. Funding will provide for training and educational programs which may include courses in recent developments, techniques, and procedures related to intermodal and public transportation planning; management; environmental factors; acquisition and joint use rights-of-way; engineering and architectural design; procurement strategies for public transportation systems; new technologies; emission reduction technologies; ways to increase public transportation access to individuals with disabilities; construction, construction management, insurance, and risk management, maintenance; contract administration; inspection; innovative finance; workplace safety; and public transportation security. This program funds technical assistance to assist providers of public transportation to: Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); comply with human services transportation coordination requirements and enhance the coordination of related Federal resources; meet the transportation needs of elderly individuals; and address transportation equity. The program can also fund innovative workforce development activities in the areas with special emphasis on targeting areas with high unemployment; provide advanced training related to maintenance of alternative energy efficient or zero emission vehicle; and address current or projected workforce shortages in areas that require technical expertise. In addition, it will provide for the development of voluntary and consensus-based standards and best practices by the public transportation industry, including standards and best practices for safety, fare collection, Intelligent Transportation Systems, accessibility, procurement, security, asset management to maintain a state of good repair, operations, maintenance, vehicle propulsion, communications, and vehicle electronics. Depending on the specific funding program, the eligibility of recipients, projects, and federal share may vary. To the extent FTA allocates the funding through a competitive notice of funding availability, FTA will specify eligibility and requirements in a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).

The period of time varies with the complexity of the project. FTA projects are programmatically approved for support in their entirety (generally for up to 5 years) but assistance is awarded in annual increments called budget periods. Terms and conditions are agreed on between FTA and the applicant. Funds are available until expended.

Applicants should consult FTA Circular 6100.1E, "Research, Technical Assistance and Training Program: Application Instructions".

FTA outlines the application requirements and merit process in each grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicitation for proposals. Applicants are required to use Grants.gov to apply for funds. Accepted competitive applications are subject to evaluation. Applications are made to the Headquarters office of the Federal Transit Administration. Grant Agreement or Cooperative Agreement payments are made in a monthly web-based e-Invoicing system upon approval by the Program Manager. This program is subject to the provisions of FTA Circular 6100.1E, "Research, Technical Assistance and Training Program: Application Instructions and Program Management Guidelines." FTA Circular 5010.1E, "Award Management Requirements," assist recipients in administering, managing and reporting responsibilities. Potential applicants should follow the instructions in these Circulars, which may be found at the FTA website at https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/fta-circulars/final-circulars.

Selection criteria may vary depending upon the type of program being selected. Competitive selection information is contained in the Federal Register Notices or published Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Directed agreement criteria are established by program managers and noted in application instructions.

FTA's method of entering into an Award (obligation) of Federal assistance (funds) is through: grant agreements, cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, and/or use contracts as a procurement mechanism (to purchase services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government). Grants and cooperative agreements are awarded electronically using FTA's online systems - the Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). To access this web-based system, a user name and password are needed and can be obtained by contacting the appropriate FTA staff. The Federal Transit Administrator makes the final decision to approve a project. To access funds, the recipient must execute the Agreement and be set-up in FTA's e-Invoicing financial system. Technical assistance and standards activities funded under this section require an evaluation of the project activities and reporting of measurable outcomes and impacts of the programs' results.

Date range varies.

This assistance listing is renewed annually. Recipients are required to update their statement of work for projects of an ongoing nature and submit a current year budget. A project amendment may be requested for additional time to complete a project.