81_FR_17609 81 FR 17549 - Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants

81 FR 17549 - Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 60 (March 29, 2016)

Page Range17549-17553
FR Document2016-07008

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of approximately $5.3 million of funding from two programs to support the Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants (R2W Demonstration Grants). The funding sources are: Section 3006(b) of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST), Pub. L. 114-94, which authorizes a pilot program for innovative coordinated access and mobility; and 49 U.S.C. 5312 (Section 5312). The goal of the competitive R2W Demonstration Grants is to find and test promising, replicable public transportation healthcare access solutions that support the following goals: increased access to care, improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Eligible applicants include: States, Tribes, and Designated or Direct Recipients for funds under 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5310 or 5311. Proposers must serve as the lead agency of a local consortium that includes stakeholders from the transportation, healthcare, human service or other sectors. Members of this consortium are eligible as subrecipients. Further, proposers must demonstrate that the proposed project was planned through an inclusive process with the involvement of the transportation, healthcare and human service industries. Eligible projects must have implementation-ready capital and operating projects that enhance access, such as: mobility management; health and transportation provider partnerships; technology; and other actions that drive change. These R2W Demonstration Grants will develop best practice solutions that other communities can replicate. This announcement is available on the FTA Web site at: http:// www.fta.dot.gov/legislation_law/federal_register_notices.php. A synopsis of this funding opportunity will be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web site at http:// www.GRANTS.GOV. FTA will announce final selections on the FTA Web site and may also announce selections in the Federal Register.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17549-17553]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07008]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative Coordinated Access 
and Mobility Grants

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.
Funding Opportunity Number: FTA-2015-012-TPM-RTW
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 20.514

ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity (NOFO): solicitation of project 
proposals for Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative 
Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the 
availability of approximately $5.3 million of funding from two programs 
to support the Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative 
Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants (R2W Demonstration Grants). The 
funding sources are: Section 3006(b) of the Fixing America's Surface 
Transportation Act (FAST), Pub. L. 114-94, which authorizes a pilot 
program for innovative coordinated access and mobility; and 49 U.S.C. 
5312 (Section 5312).
    The goal of the competitive R2W Demonstration Grants is to find and 
test promising, replicable public transportation healthcare access 
solutions that support the following goals: increased access to care, 
improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Eligible 
applicants include: States, Tribes, and Designated or Direct Recipients 
for funds under 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5310 or 5311. Proposers must serve as 
the lead agency of a local consortium that includes stakeholders from 
the transportation, healthcare, human service or other sectors. Members 
of this consortium are eligible as subrecipients. Further, proposers 
must demonstrate that the proposed project was planned through an 
inclusive process with the involvement of the transportation, 
healthcare and human service industries. Eligible projects must have 
implementation-ready capital and operating projects that enhance 
access, such as: mobility management; health and transportation 
provider partnerships; technology; and other actions that drive change. 
These R2W Demonstration Grants will develop best practice solutions 
that other communities can replicate.
    This announcement is available on the FTA Web site at: http://www.fta.dot.gov/legislation_law/federal_register_notices.php. A 
synopsis of this funding opportunity will be posted in the FIND module 
of the government-wide electronic grants Web site at http://www.GRANTS.GOV. FTA will announce final selections on the FTA Web site 
and may also announce selections in the Federal Register.

DATES: Complete proposals must be submitted electronically through the 
GRANTS.GOV ``APPLY'' function by May 31, 2016. Prospective applicants 
should initiate the process by registering on the GRANTS.GOV Web site 
promptly to ensure completion of the application process before the 
submission deadline. Instructions for applying can be found on FTA's 
Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/15066.html and in the 
``FIND'' module of GRANTS.GOV. Mail and fax submissions will not be 
accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Danielle Nelson, FTA Office of Program 
Management, 202-366-2160, or Danielle.Nelson@dot.gov.

Table Of Contents

A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact

A. Program Description

    FTA announces the availability of funding from two programs to 
support the R2W Demonstration Grants. The funding sources are: Section 
3006(b) of the FAST Act, which authorizes a pilot program for 
innovative coordinated access and mobility; and the 49 U.S.C. 5312 
Research Program.
    Current changes in the healthcare industry, from the passage of the 
Affordable Care Act to the increasing focus on preventive care, present 
an opportunity for public transportation to address transportation-
related challenges to reduce healthcare costs, increase access to care 
and improve health outcomes for people. The healthcare industry's 
increasing focus on prevention and other improvements to the 
effectiveness and efficiency of care has resulted in an increased 
understanding of the value of partnerships between health and 
transportation.
    R2W Demonstration Grants are part of a series of activities to 
support FTA's Rides to Wellness Program (R2W Program). The R2W Program 
seeks to address challenges for the transportation disadvantaged in 
getting access to healthcare, such as getting to the doctor, returning 
home from a hospital procedure; getting to rehabilitation services; 
getting to behavioral health services; getting to the pharmacy; and 
getting to free health screenings. Across the country, communities are 
experimenting with ways to overcome barriers to these essential 
services by leveraging partnerships across transportation, health, and 
wellness providers.
    Through the R2W Demonstration Grants, FTA will fund projects with

[[Page 17550]]

strategies that enhance access, such as mobility management, health and 
transportation provider partnerships, technology, and other actions 
that drive change. For historically disadvantaged populations, there 
are many challenges to maintaining optimal health. Through community 
partnerships that break down industry silos, leverage existing 
resources, enhance mobility for targeted groups, and develop a person-
centric model, these projects will provide ladders of opportunity that 
improve the health of our citizens.
    The goals of the R2W Program are to:

    1. Increase access to care;
    2. Improve health outcomes; and
    3. Reduce healthcare costs.

    To support these goals, the R2W Demonstration Grants will:

    1. Develop replicable, innovative, sustainable solutions to 
healthcare access challenges.
    2. Foster local partnerships between health, transportation, 
home and community-based services and other sectors to 
collaboratively develop and support solutions that increase 
healthcare access.
    3. Demonstrate the impacts of transportation solutions on 
improved access to healthcare and health outcomes and reduced costs 
to the healthcare and transportation sectors.

Building upon previous planning activities and private or federally 
funded research activities, R2W Demonstration Grants will be awarded to 
communities ready to implement a public transportation healthcare 
access solution.
    FTA's goal for these demonstration grants is to select and test 
promising transportation healthcare access solutions that other 
communities can replicate. It is expected that successful projects will 
work collaboratively and leverage partnerships among Federal agencies 
of the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM), including 
the Department of Health and Human Services' operating divisions such 
as the Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and 
Services Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 
Services. Partnerships that cross health and transportation sectors 
facilitate better health for communities through increased access to 
health/wellness services through transportation. The R2W Demonstration 
Grants will operate as pilots for up to eighteen (18) months. Within 
the first year, projects must be able to demonstrate impacts related to 
the goals of R2W: Increased access to care, improved health outcomes, 
and reduced healthcare costs.
    This notice solicits proposals for funding under two programs:
     Approximately $2 million in fiscal year (FY) 2016 funds 
under Section 3006(b) of the FAST Act, which authorizes a pilot program 
for innovative coordinated access and mobility.
     Approximately $3.3 million in FY 2015 funds for research 
projects under Section 5312, authorized by the Moving Ahead for 
Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP 21), Public Law 112-141.
    Section 3006(b) of the FAST Act authorizes a pilot program for 
innovative coordinated access and mobility. Under this program, the 
Secretary may make grants to eligible recipients to assist in financing 
innovative projects for the transportation disadvantaged that improve 
the coordination of transportation services and non-emergency medical 
transportation services, including:

    (A) The deployment of coordination technology;
    (B) Projects that create or increase access to community One-
Call/One-Click Centers, and;
    (C) Such other projects as determined appropriate by the 
Secretary.

    49 U.S.C. 5312, as amended by MAP-21 and continued in the FAST Act, 
authorizes research, development, demonstration and deployment 
projects. Through this program, FTA may make grants, or enter into 
contracts, cooperative agreements and other agreements for research, 
development, demonstration and deployment projects, and evaluation of 
research and technology of national significance to public 
transportation that the Secretary of Transportation determines will 
improve public transportation. A demonstration and deployment project 
that receives assistance under this section must seek to build on 
successful research, innovation, and development efforts to facilitate:

    (A) The deployment of research and technology development 
resulting from private efforts or Federally funded efforts, and;
    (B) The implementation of research and technology development to 
advance the interests of public transportation.

    This notice includes priorities established by FTA for these 
competitive funds, criteria FTA will use to identify meritorious 
projects for funding, and the process to apply for funding.

B. Federal Award Information

    Only proposals from eligible recipients for eligible activities 
will be considered for funding. Due to funding limitations, proposers 
that are selected for funding may receive less than the amount 
originally requested. In those cases, applicants must be able to 
demonstrate that the proposed projects are still viable and can be 
completed with the amount awarded.
    Type of Award: Competitive Grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $5,300,000. Contingent upon the 
availability of funds and the quality of applications, FTA may make 
additional awards in FY 2016 if additional resources become available.
    There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount; however, FTA 
intends to fund as many meritorious projects as possible at funding 
levels necessary to conduct meaningful pilot testing.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible proposers for awards must be:
    i. States, Tribes, Designated or Direct Recipients under 49 U.S.C. 
5307, 5310 or 5311.
    Proposers must serve as the lead agency of a local consortium that 
includes stakeholders from the transportation, healthcare, human 
service or other sectors. Members of this consortium are eligible as 
subrecipients. Further, proposers must demonstrate that the proposed 
project was planned through an inclusive process with the involvement 
of the transportation, healthcare and human service industries. An 
implementation plan and schedule must be submitted as part of the 
proposal.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The federal share of project costs for R2W Demonstration Grants is 
80%, with the applicant providing a local share of 20% of the net 
project cost and documenting the source of the local match in the grant 
application.
    The local match may include:
    i. Cash from non-governmental sources other than revenues from 
providing public transportation services;
    ii. Non-farebox revenues from the operation of public 
transportation service, such as the sale of advertising and concession 
revenues. A voluntary or mandatory fee that a college, university, or 
similar institution imposes on all its students for free or discounted 
transit service is not farebox revenue;
    iii. Amounts received under a service agreement with a State or 
local social service agency or private social service organization;
    iv. Undistributed cash surpluses, replacement or depreciation cash 
funds, reserves available in cash, or new capital;

[[Page 17551]]

    v. Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to a department 
or agency of the Federal Government (other than the U.S. Department of 
Transportation);
    vi. In-kind contribution such as the market value of in-kind 
contributions integral to the project may be counted as a contribution 
toward local share; and
    vii. Value capture revenue (revenue generated from value capture 
financing mechanisms).

3. Other

    Eligible projects under this program are implementation-ready 
capital and operating projects that enhance public transportation 
access such as: Mobility management; health and transportation provider 
service partnerships; technology; and other activities. These 
demonstration grants are meant to build upon previous private or 
federally funded efforts such as: projects developed through the 
National Center for Mobility Management's Healthcare Access Mobility 
Design Challenge; the Administration for Community Living's Inclusive 
Coordinated Transportation Project, Round 2; the Veterans 
Transportation and Community Living Initiative (VTCLI); the Mobility 
Services for All Americans (MSAA) Initiative; or similar efforts. FTA's 
goal for these demonstration grants is to identify and test promising 
healthcare access solutions that other communities can replicate.

D. Application And Submission Information

    All proposals must be submitted electronically through the 
GRANTS.GOV APPLY function. Any agency intending to apply should 
initiate the process of registering on the GRANTS.GOV site immediately 
to ensure completion of registration before the submission deadline. 
Instructions for applying can be found on FTA's Web site at http:/
www.fta.dot.govbus, and in the ``FIND'' module of GRANTS.GOV.
    A complete proposal submission will consist of at least two files: 
(1) The SF 424 Mandatory form (downloaded from GRANTS.GOV); and (2) the 
Applicant and Proposal Profile supplemental form for R2W Pilot program 
(supplemental form) found on the FTA Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/15926.html. The supplemental form provides 
guidance and a consistent format for proposers to respond to the 
criteria outlined in this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Once 
completed, the supplemental form and business plan must be placed in 
the attachments section of the SF 424 Mandatory form. Proposers must 
use the supplemental form designated for the R2W Pilot program and 
attach it to their submission in GRANTS.GOV to successfully complete 
the application process. A proposal submission may contain additional 
supporting documentation as attachments.
    Within 24-48 hours after submitting an electronic application, the 
applicant should receive three email messages from GRANTS.GOV: (1) 
Confirmation of successful transmission to GRANTS.GOV, (2) confirmation 
of successful validation by GRANTS.GOV and (3) confirmation of 
successful validation by FTA. If confirmations of successful validation 
are not received and a notice of failed validation or incomplete 
materials is received, the applicant must address the reason for the 
failed validation, as described in the email notice, and resubmit 
before the submission deadline. If making a resubmission for any 
reason, include all original attachments regardless of which 
attachments were updated and check the box on the supplemental form 
indicating this is a resubmission.
    Complete instructions on the application process can be found at 
http://www.fta.dot.gov/about/15035.html. Important: FTA urges proposers 
to submit their applications at least 72 hours prior to the due date to 
allow time to receive the validation messages and to correct any 
problems that may have caused a rejection notification. FTA will not 
accept submissions after the stated submission deadline. GRANTS.GOV 
scheduled maintenance and outage times are announced on the GRANTS.GOV 
Web site at http://www.GRANTS.GOV. Deadlines will not be extended due 
to scheduled maintenance or outages.
    Proposers are encouraged to begin the process of registration on 
the GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of the submission deadline. 
Registration is a multi-step process, which may take several weeks to 
complete before an application can be submitted. Registered proposers 
may still be required to take steps to keep their registration up to 
date before submissions can be made successfully: (1) Registration in 
the System for Award Management (SAM) is renewed annually and (2) 
persons making submissions on behalf of the Authorized Organization 
Representative (AOR) must be authorized in GRANTS.GOV by the AOR to 
make submissions. Instructions on the GRANTS.GOV registration process 
are listed in Appendix A.
    Information such as proposer name, Federal amount requested, local 
match amount, description of areas served, etc. may be requested in 
varying degrees of detail on both the SF 424 form and supplemental 
form. Proposers must fill in all fields unless stated otherwise on the 
forms. Proposers should use both the ``Check Package for Errors'' and 
the ``Validate Form'' validation buttons on both forms to check all 
required fields on the forms, and ensure that the federal and local 
amounts specified are consistent.

1. Address To Request Application Package

    To request a paper copy of the application materials for this 
program, contact Danielle Nelson, Federal Transit Administration, 
phone: (202) 366-2160, fax: (202) 366-3475, or email: 
Danielle.Nelson@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339 
(TDDFIRS).

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    For complete and up to date guidance on the project information and 
project evaluation criteria that must be documented, refer to the Rides 
to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative Coordinated Access and 
Mobility Grants program on the FTA Web site: http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13077.html.
    At a minimum, every proposal must:
     Submit an SF-424 with the correct supplemental form 
attached.
     Submit the supplemental form that clearly shows how the 
proposed project will meet FTA's goal to find and test promising public 
transportation healthcare access solutions that other communities can 
replicate.
     Include all relevant letters of commitment or support 
(these will not count against the page limit for the solicitation 
response).
     Provide a project timeline, including significant 
milestones.
     Provide Congressional district information for the 
project's place of performance.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

    Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal 
awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 
25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding 
agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM 
before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity 
identifier in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active 
SAM registration with current information at all times during which it 
has an active grant or an application or plan under consideration. FTA 
may not make an

[[Page 17552]]

award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all 
applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an 
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time FTA 
is ready to make a Federal award, the FTA may determine that the 
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that 
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another 
applicant.

4. Submission Dates and Times

    Project proposals must be submitted electronically through http://www.GRANTS.GOV by 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2016. Mail and fax 
submissions will not be accepted.

5. Intergovernmental Review--Not Applicable

6. Funding Restrictions

    Eligible expenditures include capital and operating expenses such 
as mobility management activities, equipment, software and information 
systems; as well as the acquisition of services as part of a pilot 
demonstration.
    The FTA will issue specific guidance to recipients regarding pre-
award authority at the time of selection. The FTA does not provide pre-
award authority for competitive funds until projects are selected and 
even then there are Federal requirements that must be met before costs 
are incurred. For more information about FTA's policy on pre-award 
authority, please see the FY 2016 Apportionment Notice published on 
February 16, 2016. http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/12853.html.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    Project proposals must be submitted electronically through http://www.GRANTS.GOV by 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2016. Mail and fax 
submissions will not be accepted.

E. Application Review Information

1. Project Evaluation Criteria

    FTA will evaluate proposals submitted according to the following 
criteria: (i.) Demonstration of need; (ii.) demonstration of benefits; 
(iii.) planning and partnership; (iv.) local financial commitment; (v.) 
project readiness; and (vi.) technical, legal and financial capacity. 
Each proposer is encouraged to demonstrate the responsiveness of a 
project to any and all criteria with the most relevant information that 
the proposer can provide, regardless of whether such information has 
been specifically requested, or identified in this notice.
i. Demonstration of Need
    FTA will evaluate proposals on the scale of the local healthcare 
access challenge addressed through the project. Both the scope of the 
overall challenge, as well as the size of the specific segment of the 
population served by the proposed project will also be considered.
ii. Demonstration of Benefits
    FTA will evaluate proposals on the basis of the benefits from the 
proposed project. Benefits will be tied to the R2W Program's goals of 
increased access to care; improved health outcomes; and reduced 
healthcare costs. Benefits identified in the proposals will be 
evaluated at both the individual level, and that of the local health 
and transportation providers. Proposals will be judged on the extent to 
which the proposed project demonstrates a benefit to the healthcare 
access challenge demonstrated above. Projects will be evaluated on the 
ability of the proposed project to yield data demonstrating impacts on 
the goals of FTA's R2WProgram: To increase access to care, improve 
health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Proposals must show an 
ability to provide impactful data during and at the conclusion of the 
pilot project. Applicants need to be aware that if chosen for award, an 
independent evaluation of the demonstration grant may occur at various 
points in the deployment process and at the end of the pilot project.
iii. Planning and Partnership
    Proposers must provide a description of the eligible project and 
outline project partners and their specific role in the project--
including private entities and nonprofit entities involved in the 
coordination of nonemergency medical transportation services for the 
transportation disadvantaged. Include a description of how the eligible 
project would improve local coordination, or access to coordinated 
transportation service; reduce duplication of service, if applicable; 
and provide innovative solutions in the State and/or community. 
Proposers should provide evidence of strong commitment from key 
partners, including letters of support from relevant local 
stakeholders. An eligible recipient may submit an application in 
partnership with other entities that intend to participate in the 
implementation of the project. Applicants are advised that any changes 
to the proposed partnership will require FTA advance approval, and 
would need to be consistent with the scope of the approved project.
iv. Local Financial Commitment
    Applicants must identify the source of the local share and describe 
whether such funds are currently available for the project or will need 
to be secured if the project is selected for funding. FTA will consider 
the availability of the local share as evidence of local financial 
commitment to the project. In addition, an applicant may propose a 
local share that is greater than the minimum requirement or provide 
documentation of previous local investment in the project as evidence 
of local financial commitment.
v. Project Readiness
    FTA will evaluate the project on the proposed schedule and the 
consortium's ability to implement it. Proposers should indicate the 
short-term, mid-range and long-term goals for the project. Proposers 
also should provide a description of how the project will help the 
transportation disadvantaged and improve the coordination of 
transportation services and non-emergency medical transportation 
services, such as--the deployment of coordination technology; projects 
that create or increase access to community One-Call/One-Click Centers; 
mobility management; etc. Proposals should provide specific performance 
measures the eligible project will use to quantify actual outcomes 
against expected outcomes. FTA will evaluate the project on the extent 
to which it was developed inclusively, incorporating meaningful 
involvement from key stakeholders including consumer representatives of 
the target groups and providers from the healthcare, transportation and 
human service sectors, among others. Significant, ongoing involvement 
of the intended target population of the intervention must be shown.
vi. Technical, Legal and Financial Capacity
    FTA will evaluate proposals on the capacity of the lead agency and 
any partners to successfully execute the pilot effort. There should be 
no outstanding legal, technical, or financial issues with the proposer 
that would make this a high-risk project. FTA will evaluate each 
proposal (including the business plan, financial projections, and other 
relevant data) for feasibility and longer-term sustainability of both 
the pilot project as well as the proposed project at full deployment. 
It is FTA's intent to select projects with a high likelihood of long-
term success and sustainability.

[[Page 17553]]

2. Review and Selection Process

    In addition to other FTA staff that may review the proposals, an 
inter-agency technical evaluation committee with membership from one or 
more agencies of the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility may 
review proposals under the project evaluation criteria. Members of the 
technical evaluation committee and other involved FTA staff reserve the 
right to screen and rate the applications received and to seek 
clarification from any applicant about any statement in its application 
that FTA finds ambiguous and/or request additional documentation to be 
considered during the evaluation process to clarify information 
contained within the proposal.
    After consideration of the ratings of the technical evaluation, the 
FTA will determine the final selection and amount of funding for each 
project. Geographic diversity and the applicant's receipt of other 
Federal funding may be considered in FTA's award decisions. FTA may 
provide reduced funding or fund only part of an application.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

    FTA may publish awards in a Federal Register Notice and on the FTA 
public Web site.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

i. Pre-Award Authority
    The FTA will issue specific guidance to recipients regarding pre-
award authority at the time of selection. The FTA does not provide pre-
award authority for competitive funds until projects are selected and 
even then there are Federal requirements that must be met before costs 
are incurred. For more information about FTA's policy on pre-award 
authority, please see the FY 2016 Apportionment Notice published on 
February 16, 2016. http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/12853.html.
ii. Grant Requirements
    If selected, awardees will apply for a grant through FTA's 
electronic grant management system and adhere to the customary FTA 
grant requirements. All competitive grants, regardless of award amount, 
will be subject to the congressional notification and release process. 
The FTA emphasizes that third-party procurement applies to all funding 
awards, as described in FTA.C.4220.1F. However, FTA may approve 
applications that include a specifically identified partnering 
organization(s) (2 CFR part 200, Section 200.320, sub paragraph (f)). 
When included, the application, budget and budget narrative should 
provide a clear understanding of how the selection of these 
organizations is critical for the project and of sufficient detail to 
understand the costs involved.
iii. Planning
    The FTA encourages proposers to engage the appropriate State 
Departments of Transportation, Regional Transportation Planning 
Organizations, or Metropolitan Planning Organizations in areas likely 
to be served by the project funds made available under this programs.
iv. Standard Assurances
    The applicant assures that it will comply with all applicable 
Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, FTA circulars, and 
other Federal administrative requirements in carrying out any project 
supported by the FTA grant. The applicant acknowledges that it is under 
a continuing obligation to comply with the terms and conditions of the 
grant agreement issued for its project with FTA. The applicant 
understands that Federal laws, regulations, policies, and 
administrative practices might be modified from time to time and may 
affect the implementation of the project. The applicant agrees that the 
most recent Federal requirements will apply to the project, unless FTA 
issues a written determination otherwise. The applicant must submit the 
Certifications and Assurances before receiving a grant if it does not 
have current certifications on file.

3. Reporting

    Post-award reporting requirements include submission of Federal 
Financial Reports and Milestone Reports in FTA's electronic grants 
management system.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact

    For questions about applying for the programs outlined in this 
notice, please contact Danielle Nelson, Federal Transit Administration, 
phone: (202) 366-2160, fax: (202) 366-3475, or email, 
Danielle.Nelson@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339 
(TDDFIRS).

Ellen Partridge,
Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2016-07008 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am]
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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Notices                                           17549

                                                  exempt from the break requirement. A                     Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance                should initiate the process by registering
                                                  Notice of Final Determination granting                     (CFDA) Number: 20.514                               on the GRANTS.GOV Web site promptly
                                                  the OTA exemption was published on                       ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity                 to ensure completion of the application
                                                  March 18, 2015 [80 FR 14227].                            (NOFO): solicitation of project proposals             process before the submission deadline.
                                                     The substance of the exemption is not                 for Rides to Wellness Demonstration                   Instructions for applying can be found
                                                  affected by this extension. The                          and Innovative Coordinated Access and                 on FTA’s Web site at http://
                                                  exemption covers only the 30-minute                      Mobility Grants.                                      www.fta.dot.gov/grants/15066.html and
                                                  break requirement [49 CFR                                                                                      in the ‘‘FIND’’ module of
                                                  395.3(a)(3)(ii)]. The exemption is                       SUMMARY:    The Federal Transit                       GRANTS.GOV. Mail and fax
                                                  restricted to drivers operating CMVs                     Administration (FTA) announces the                    submissions will not be accepted.
                                                                                                           availability of approximately $5.3
                                                  engaged in interstate logging originating                                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  in Oregon forestlands during periods in                  million of funding from two programs to
                                                                                                                                                                 Danielle Nelson, FTA Office of Program
                                                  which the Oregon Department of                           support the Rides to Wellness
                                                                                                                                                                 Management, 202–366–2160, or
                                                  Forestry (ODOF) imposes Industrial Fire                  Demonstration and Innovative
                                                                                                                                                                 Danielle.Nelson@dot.gov.
                                                  Precaution Level 3 (IPFL3) on those                      Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants
                                                  lands, restricting the transportation of                 (R2W Demonstration Grants). The                       Table Of Contents
                                                  logs to certain hours of the day because                 funding sources are: Section 3006(b) of               A. Program Description
                                                  of an elevated risk of forest fire.1 Drivers             the Fixing America’s Surface                          B. Federal Award Information
                                                  operating under this exemption must be                   Transportation Act (FAST), Pub. L. 114–               C. Eligibility Information
                                                  released from duty no more than 12                       94, which authorizes a pilot program for              D. Application and Submission Information
                                                  consecutive hours after the time they                    innovative coordinated access and                     E. Application Review Information
                                                  come on duty following 10 consecutive                    mobility; and 49 U.S.C. 5312 (Section                 F. Federal Award Administration
                                                                                                           5312).                                                G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact
                                                  hours off duty. They must maintain a
                                                  record of duty status (‘‘log book’’) for the                The goal of the competitive R2W
                                                                                                                                                                 A. Program Description
                                                                                                           Demonstration Grants is to find and test
                                                  days on which they travel outside a 100                                                                           FTA announces the availability of
                                                                                                           promising, replicable public
                                                  air-mile radius of their normal work                                                                           funding from two programs to support
                                                                                                           transportation healthcare access
                                                  reporting location. If an individual                                                                           the R2W Demonstration Grants. The
                                                                                                           solutions that support the following
                                                  chose to forego this short-haul                                                                                funding sources are: Section 3006(b) of
                                                                                                           goals: increased access to care,
                                                  exemption either by travelling outside                                                                         the FAST Act, which authorizes a pilot
                                                                                                           improved health outcomes and reduced
                                                  the 100 air-miles or by working a 14                                                                           program for innovative coordinated
                                                                                                           healthcare costs. Eligible applicants
                                                  hour day instead of the 12 hours                                                                               access and mobility; and the 49 U.S.C.
                                                                                                           include: States, Tribes, and Designated
                                                  required by the exemption, he or she                                                                           5312 Research Program.
                                                                                                           or Direct Recipients for funds under 49
                                                  would be required to maintain a logbook                                                                           Current changes in the healthcare
                                                                                                           U.S.C. 5307, 5310 or 5311. Proposers
                                                  for that day and also to comply with the                 must serve as the lead agency of a local              industry, from the passage of the
                                                  30-minute rest break provision.                          consortium that includes stakeholders                 Affordable Care Act to the increasing
                                                     The FMCSA does not believe the                                                                              focus on preventive care, present an
                                                                                                           from the transportation, healthcare,
                                                  safety record of any driver operating                                                                          opportunity for public transportation to
                                                                                                           human service or other sectors.
                                                  under this exemption will deteriorate.                                                                         address transportation-related
                                                                                                           Members of this consortium are eligible
                                                  However, should deterioration in safety                                                                        challenges to reduce healthcare costs,
                                                                                                           as subrecipients. Further, proposers
                                                  occur, FMCSA will take all steps                                                                               increase access to care and improve
                                                                                                           must demonstrate that the proposed
                                                  necessary to protect the public interest,                project was planned through an                        health outcomes for people. The
                                                  including revocation of the exemption.                   inclusive process with the involvement                healthcare industry’s increasing focus
                                                  The FMCSA has the authority to                           of the transportation, healthcare and                 on prevention and other improvements
                                                  terminate the exemption at any time the                  human service industries. Eligible                    to the effectiveness and efficiency of
                                                  Agency has the data/information to                       projects must have implementation-                    care has resulted in an increased
                                                  conclude that safety is being                            ready capital and operating projects that             understanding of the value of
                                                  compromised.                                             enhance access, such as: mobility                     partnerships between health and
                                                    Issued on: March 23, 2016.                             management; health and transportation                 transportation.
                                                  T. F. Scott Darling, III,                                provider partnerships; technology; and                   R2W Demonstration Grants are part of
                                                  Acting Administrator.                                    other actions that drive change. These                a series of activities to support FTA’s
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–07041 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am]              R2W Demonstration Grants will develop                 Rides to Wellness Program (R2W
                                                  BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                                                                                           best practice solutions that other                    Program). The R2W Program seeks to
                                                                                                           communities can replicate.                            address challenges for the transportation
                                                                                                              This announcement is available on                  disadvantaged in getting access to
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             the FTA Web site at: http://                          healthcare, such as getting to the doctor,
                                                                                                           www.fta.dot.gov/legislation_law/                      returning home from a hospital
                                                  Federal Transit Administration                           federal_register_notices.php. A synopsis              procedure; getting to rehabilitation
                                                                                                           of this funding opportunity will be                   services; getting to behavioral health
                                                  Rides to Wellness Demonstration and                      posted in the FIND module of the                      services; getting to the pharmacy; and
                                                  Innovative Coordinated Access and                        government-wide electronic grants Web                 getting to free health screenings. Across
                                                  Mobility Grants                                          site at http://www.GRANTS.GOV. FTA
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                                                                                                                                                                 the country, communities are
                                                  AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration                   will announce final selections on the                 experimenting with ways to overcome
                                                  (FTA), DOT.                                              FTA Web site and may also announce                    barriers to these essential services by
                                                  Funding Opportunity Number: FTA–                         selections in the Federal Register.                   leveraging partnerships across
                                                    2015–012–TPM–RTW                                       DATES: Complete proposals must be                     transportation, health, and wellness
                                                                                                           submitted electronically through the                  providers.
                                                     1 Neither IFPL 1 nor IFPL 2 restricts the             GRANTS.GOV ‘‘APPLY’’ function by                         Through the R2W Demonstration
                                                  transportation of timber.                                May 31, 2016. Prospective applicants                  Grants, FTA will fund projects with


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                                                  17550                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Notices

                                                  strategies that enhance access, such as                    • Approximately $2 million in fiscal               amount originally requested. In those
                                                  mobility management, health and                         year (FY) 2016 funds under Section                    cases, applicants must be able to
                                                  transportation provider partnerships,                   3006(b) of the FAST Act, which                        demonstrate that the proposed projects
                                                  technology, and other actions that drive                authorizes a pilot program for                        are still viable and can be completed
                                                  change. For historically disadvantaged                  innovative coordinated access and                     with the amount awarded.
                                                  populations, there are many challenges                  mobility.                                               Type of Award: Competitive Grants.
                                                  to maintaining optimal health. Through                     • Approximately $3.3 million in FY                   Estimated Available Funds:
                                                  community partnerships that break                       2015 funds for research projects under                $5,300,000. Contingent upon the
                                                  down industry silos, leverage existing                  Section 5312, authorized by the Moving                availability of funds and the quality of
                                                  resources, enhance mobility for targeted                Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century                applications, FTA may make additional
                                                  groups, and develop a person-centric                    Act (MAP 21), Public Law 112–141.                     awards in FY 2016 if additional
                                                  model, these projects will provide                         Section 3006(b) of the FAST Act                    resources become available.
                                                  ladders of opportunity that improve the                 authorizes a pilot program for                          There is no minimum or maximum
                                                  health of our citizens.                                 innovative coordinated access and                     grant award amount; however, FTA
                                                     The goals of the R2W Program are to:                 mobility. Under this program, the                     intends to fund as many meritorious
                                                     1. Increase access to care;
                                                                                                          Secretary may make grants to eligible                 projects as possible at funding levels
                                                     2. Improve health outcomes; and                      recipients to assist in financing                     necessary to conduct meaningful pilot
                                                     3. Reduce healthcare costs.                          innovative projects for the                           testing.
                                                                                                          transportation disadvantaged that
                                                    To support these goals, the R2W                                                                             C. Eligibility Information
                                                                                                          improve the coordination of
                                                  Demonstration Grants will:                                                                                    1. Eligible Applicants
                                                                                                          transportation services and non-
                                                     1. Develop replicable, innovative,                   emergency medical transportation
                                                  sustainable solutions to healthcare access
                                                                                                                                                                   Eligible proposers for awards must be:
                                                                                                          services, including:                                     i. States, Tribes, Designated or Direct
                                                  challenges.
                                                     2. Foster local partnerships between                   (A) The deployment of coordination                  Recipients under 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5310
                                                  health, transportation, home and community-             technology;                                           or 5311.
                                                  based services and other sectors to                       (B) Projects that create or increase access            Proposers must serve as the lead
                                                  collaboratively develop and support                     to community One-Call/One-Click Centers,              agency of a local consortium that
                                                  solutions that increase healthcare access.              and;                                                  includes stakeholders from the
                                                     3. Demonstrate the impacts of                          (C) Such other projects as determined
                                                                                                          appropriate by the Secretary.
                                                                                                                                                                transportation, healthcare, human
                                                  transportation solutions on improved access                                                                   service or other sectors. Members of this
                                                  to healthcare and health outcomes and                      49 U.S.C. 5312, as amended by MAP–
                                                  reduced costs to the healthcare and                                                                           consortium are eligible as subrecipients.
                                                                                                          21 and continued in the FAST Act,                     Further, proposers must demonstrate
                                                  transportation sectors.
                                                                                                          authorizes research, development,                     that the proposed project was planned
                                                  Building upon previous planning                         demonstration and deployment projects.                through an inclusive process with the
                                                  activities and private or federally                     Through this program, FTA may make                    involvement of the transportation,
                                                  funded research activities, R2W                         grants, or enter into contracts,                      healthcare and human service
                                                  Demonstration Grants will be awarded                    cooperative agreements and other                      industries. An implementation plan and
                                                  to communities ready to implement a                     agreements for research, development,                 schedule must be submitted as part of
                                                  public transportation healthcare access                 demonstration and deployment projects,                the proposal.
                                                  solution.                                               and evaluation of research and
                                                     FTA’s goal for these demonstration                   technology of national significance to                2. Cost Sharing or Matching
                                                  grants is to select and test promising                  public transportation that the Secretary                 The federal share of project costs for
                                                  transportation healthcare access                        of Transportation determines will                     R2W Demonstration Grants is 80%, with
                                                  solutions that other communities can                    improve public transportation. A                      the applicant providing a local share of
                                                  replicate. It is expected that successful               demonstration and deployment project                  20% of the net project cost and
                                                  projects will work collaboratively and                  that receives assistance under this                   documenting the source of the local
                                                  leverage partnerships among Federal                     section must seek to build on successful              match in the grant application.
                                                  agencies of the Coordinating Council on                 research, innovation, and development                    The local match may include:
                                                  Access and Mobility (CCAM), including                   efforts to facilitate:                                   i. Cash from non-governmental
                                                  the Department of Health and Human                                                                            sources other than revenues from
                                                                                                            (A) The deployment of research and
                                                  Services’ operating divisions such as the               technology development resulting from                 providing public transportation
                                                  Administration for Community Living,                    private efforts or Federally funded efforts,          services;
                                                  the Health Resources and Services                       and;                                                     ii. Non-farebox revenues from the
                                                  Administration, and the Centers for                       (B) The implementation of research and              operation of public transportation
                                                  Medicare and Medicaid Services.                         technology development to advance the                 service, such as the sale of advertising
                                                  Partnerships that cross health and                      interests of public transportation.                   and concession revenues. A voluntary
                                                  transportation sectors facilitate better                  This notice includes priorities                     or mandatory fee that a college,
                                                  health for communities through                          established by FTA for these                          university, or similar institution
                                                  increased access to health/wellness                     competitive funds, criteria FTA will use              imposes on all its students for free or
                                                  services through transportation. The                    to identify meritorious projects for                  discounted transit service is not farebox
                                                  R2W Demonstration Grants will operate                   funding, and the process to apply for                 revenue;
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                                                  as pilots for up to eighteen (18) months.               funding.                                                 iii. Amounts received under a service
                                                  Within the first year, projects must be                                                                       agreement with a State or local social
                                                  able to demonstrate impacts related to                  B. Federal Award Information                          service agency or private social service
                                                  the goals of R2W: Increased access to                     Only proposals from eligible                        organization;
                                                  care, improved health outcomes, and                     recipients for eligible activities will be               iv. Undistributed cash surpluses,
                                                  reduced healthcare costs.                               considered for funding. Due to funding                replacement or depreciation cash funds,
                                                     This notice solicits proposals for                   limitations, proposers that are selected              reserves available in cash, or new
                                                  funding under two programs:                             for funding may receive less than the                 capital;


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Notices                                           17551

                                                    v. Amounts appropriated or otherwise                  Proposers must use the supplemental                   may be requested in varying degrees of
                                                  made available to a department or                       form designated for the R2W Pilot                     detail on both the SF 424 form and
                                                  agency of the Federal Government                        program and attach it to their                        supplemental form. Proposers must fill
                                                  (other than the U.S. Department of                      submission in GRANTS.GOV to                           in all fields unless stated otherwise on
                                                  Transportation);                                        successfully complete the application                 the forms. Proposers should use both
                                                    vi. In-kind contribution such as the                  process. A proposal submission may                    the ‘‘Check Package for Errors’’ and the
                                                  market value of in-kind contributions                   contain additional supporting                         ‘‘Validate Form’’ validation buttons on
                                                  integral to the project may be counted                  documentation as attachments.                         both forms to check all required fields
                                                  as a contribution toward local share;                      Within 24–48 hours after submitting                on the forms, and ensure that the federal
                                                  and                                                     an electronic application, the applicant              and local amounts specified are
                                                    vii. Value capture revenue (revenue                   should receive three email messages                   consistent.
                                                  generated from value capture financing                  from GRANTS.GOV: (1) Confirmation of
                                                  mechanisms).                                            successful transmission to                            1. Address To Request Application
                                                                                                          GRANTS.GOV, (2) confirmation of                       Package
                                                  3. Other
                                                                                                          successful validation by GRANTS.GOV                      To request a paper copy of the
                                                     Eligible projects under this program                 and (3) confirmation of successful                    application materials for this program,
                                                  are implementation-ready capital and                    validation by FTA. If confirmations of                contact Danielle Nelson, Federal Transit
                                                  operating projects that enhance public                  successful validation are not received                Administration, phone: (202) 366–2160,
                                                  transportation access such as: Mobility                 and a notice of failed validation or                  fax: (202) 366–3475, or email:
                                                  management; health and transportation                   incomplete materials is received, the                 Danielle.Nelson@dot.gov. A TDD is
                                                  provider service partnerships;                          applicant must address the reason for                 available at 1–800–877–8339
                                                  technology; and other activities. These                 the failed validation, as described in the            (TDDFIRS).
                                                  demonstration grants are meant to build                 email notice, and resubmit before the
                                                  upon previous private or federally                      submission deadline. If making a                      2. Content and Form of Application
                                                  funded efforts such as: projects                        resubmission for any reason, include all              Submission
                                                  developed through the National Center                   original attachments regardless of which                 For complete and up to date guidance
                                                  for Mobility Management’s Healthcare                    attachments were updated and check                    on the project information and project
                                                  Access Mobility Design Challenge; the                   the box on the supplemental form                      evaluation criteria that must be
                                                  Administration for Community Living’s                   indicating this is a resubmission.                    documented, refer to the Rides to
                                                  Inclusive Coordinated Transportation                       Complete instructions on the                       Wellness Demonstration and Innovative
                                                  Project, Round 2; the Veterans                          application process can be found at                   Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants
                                                  Transportation and Community Living                     http://www.fta.dot.gov/about/                         program on the FTA Web site: http://
                                                  Initiative (VTCLI); the Mobility Services               15035.html. Important: FTA urges                      www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13077.html.
                                                  for All Americans (MSAA) Initiative; or                 proposers to submit their applications at                At a minimum, every proposal must:
                                                  similar efforts. FTA’s goal for these                   least 72 hours prior to the due date to                  • Submit an SF–424 with the correct
                                                  demonstration grants is to identify and                 allow time to receive the validation                  supplemental form attached.
                                                  test promising healthcare access                        messages and to correct any problems                     • Submit the supplemental form that
                                                  solutions that other communities can                    that may have caused a rejection                      clearly shows how the proposed project
                                                  replicate.                                              notification. FTA will not accept                     will meet FTA’s goal to find and test
                                                                                                          submissions after the stated submission               promising public transportation
                                                  D. Application And Submission
                                                                                                          deadline. GRANTS.GOV scheduled                        healthcare access solutions that other
                                                  Information
                                                                                                          maintenance and outage times are                      communities can replicate.
                                                     All proposals must be submitted                      announced on the GRANTS.GOV Web                          • Include all relevant letters of
                                                  electronically through the                              site at http://www.GRANTS.GOV.                        commitment or support (these will not
                                                  GRANTS.GOV APPLY function. Any                          Deadlines will not be extended due to                 count against the page limit for the
                                                  agency intending to apply should                        scheduled maintenance or outages.                     solicitation response).
                                                  initiate the process of registering on the                 Proposers are encouraged to begin the                 • Provide a project timeline,
                                                  GRANTS.GOV site immediately to                          process of registration on the                        including significant milestones.
                                                  ensure completion of registration before                GRANTS.GOV site well in advance of                       • Provide Congressional district
                                                  the submission deadline. Instructions                   the submission deadline. Registration is              information for the project’s place of
                                                  for applying can be found on FTA’s Web                  a multi-step process, which may take                  performance.
                                                  site at http:/www.fta.dot.govbus, and in                several weeks to complete before an
                                                  the ‘‘FIND’’ module of GRANTS.GOV.                      application can be submitted. Registered              3. Unique Entity Identifier and System
                                                     A complete proposal submission will                  proposers may still be required to take               for Award Management (SAM)
                                                  consist of at least two files: (1) The SF               steps to keep their registration up to                   Each applicant (unless the applicant
                                                  424 Mandatory form (downloaded from                     date before submissions can be made                   is an individual or Federal awarding
                                                  GRANTS.GOV); and (2) the Applicant                      successfully: (1) Registration in the                 agency that is excepted from those
                                                  and Proposal Profile supplemental form                  System for Award Management (SAM)                     requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or
                                                  for R2W Pilot program (supplemental                     is renewed annually and (2) persons                   (c), or has an exception approved by the
                                                  form) found on the FTA Web site at                      making submissions on behalf of the                   Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR
                                                  http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/                          Authorized Organization Representative                25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be
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                                                  15926.html. The supplemental form                       (AOR) must be authorized in                           registered in SAM before submitting its
                                                  provides guidance and a consistent                      GRANTS.GOV by the AOR to make                         application; (ii) provide a valid unique
                                                  format for proposers to respond to the                  submissions. Instructions on the                      entity identifier in its application; and
                                                  criteria outlined in this Notice of                     GRANTS.GOV registration process are                   (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM
                                                  Funding Opportunity. Once completed,                    listed in Appendix A.                                 registration with current information at
                                                  the supplemental form and business                         Information such as proposer name,                 all times during which it has an active
                                                  plan must be placed in the attachments                  Federal amount requested, local match                 grant or an application or plan under
                                                  section of the SF 424 Mandatory form.                   amount, description of areas served, etc.             consideration. FTA may not make an


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                                                  17552                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Notices

                                                  award to an applicant until the                         i. Demonstration of Need                              iv. Local Financial Commitment
                                                  applicant has complied with all                           FTA will evaluate proposals on the
                                                  applicable unique entity identifier and                                                                         Applicants must identify the source of
                                                                                                          scale of the local healthcare access                  the local share and describe whether
                                                  SAM requirements. If an applicant has                   challenge addressed through the project.
                                                  not fully complied with the                                                                                   such funds are currently available for
                                                                                                          Both the scope of the overall challenge,              the project or will need to be secured if
                                                  requirements by the time FTA is ready                   as well as the size of the specific
                                                  to make a Federal award, the FTA may                                                                          the project is selected for funding. FTA
                                                                                                          segment of the population served by the               will consider the availability of the local
                                                  determine that the applicant is not                     proposed project will also be
                                                  qualified to receive a Federal award and                                                                      share as evidence of local financial
                                                                                                          considered.
                                                  use that determination as a basis for                                                                         commitment to the project. In addition,
                                                  making a Federal award to another                       ii. Demonstration of Benefits                         an applicant may propose a local share
                                                  applicant.                                                 FTA will evaluate proposals on the                 that is greater than the minimum
                                                                                                          basis of the benefits from the proposed               requirement or provide documentation
                                                  4. Submission Dates and Times                                                                                 of previous local investment in the
                                                                                                          project. Benefits will be tied to the R2W
                                                    Project proposals must be submitted                   Program’s goals of increased access to                project as evidence of local financial
                                                  electronically through http://                          care; improved health outcomes; and                   commitment.
                                                  www.GRANTS.GOV by 11:59 p.m.                            reduced healthcare costs. Benefits                    v. Project Readiness
                                                  E.D.T. on May 31, 2016. Mail and fax                    identified in the proposals will be
                                                  submissions will not be accepted.                       evaluated at both the individual level,                  FTA will evaluate the project on the
                                                  5. Intergovernmental Review—Not                         and that of the local health and                      proposed schedule and the consortium’s
                                                  Applicable                                              transportation providers. Proposals will              ability to implement it. Proposers
                                                                                                          be judged on the extent to which the                  should indicate the short-term, mid-
                                                  6. Funding Restrictions                                 proposed project demonstrates a benefit               range and long-term goals for the
                                                    Eligible expenditures include capital                 to the healthcare access challenge                    project. Proposers also should provide a
                                                  and operating expenses such as mobility                 demonstrated above. Projects will be                  description of how the project will help
                                                  management activities, equipment,                       evaluated on the ability of the proposed              the transportation disadvantaged and
                                                  software and information systems; as                    project to yield data demonstrating                   improve the coordination of
                                                  well as the acquisition of services as                  impacts on the goals of FTA’s                         transportation services and non-
                                                  part of a pilot demonstration.                          R2WProgram: To increase access to care,               emergency medical transportation
                                                    The FTA will issue specific guidance                  improve health outcomes and reduce                    services, such as—the deployment of
                                                  to recipients regarding pre-award                       healthcare costs. Proposals must show                 coordination technology; projects that
                                                  authority at the time of selection. The                 an ability to provide impactful data                  create or increase access to community
                                                  FTA does not provide pre-award                          during and at the conclusion of the pilot             One-Call/One-Click Centers; mobility
                                                  authority for competitive funds until                   project. Applicants need to be aware                  management; etc. Proposals should
                                                  projects are selected and even then there               that if chosen for award, an independent              provide specific performance measures
                                                  are Federal requirements that must be                   evaluation of the demonstration grant                 the eligible project will use to quantify
                                                  met before costs are incurred. For more                 may occur at various points in the                    actual outcomes against expected
                                                  information about FTA’s policy on pre-                  deployment process and at the end of                  outcomes. FTA will evaluate the project
                                                  award authority, please see the FY 2016                 the pilot project.                                    on the extent to which it was developed
                                                  Apportionment Notice published on                       iii. Planning and Partnership                         inclusively, incorporating meaningful
                                                  February 16, 2016. http://                                                                                    involvement from key stakeholders
                                                  www.fta.dot.gov/grants/12853.html.                         Proposers must provide a description
                                                                                                                                                                including consumer representatives of
                                                                                                          of the eligible project and outline
                                                  7. Other Submission Requirements                                                                              the target groups and providers from the
                                                                                                          project partners and their specific role
                                                                                                                                                                healthcare, transportation and human
                                                                                                          in the project—including private
                                                    Project proposals must be submitted                                                                         service sectors, among others.
                                                                                                          entities and nonprofit entities involved
                                                  electronically through http://                                                                                Significant, ongoing involvement of the
                                                                                                          in the coordination of nonemergency
                                                  www.GRANTS.GOV by 11:59 p.m.                                                                                  intended target population of the
                                                                                                          medical transportation services for the
                                                  E.D.T. on May 31, 2016. Mail and fax                                                                          intervention must be shown.
                                                                                                          transportation disadvantaged. Include a
                                                  submissions will not be accepted.
                                                                                                          description of how the eligible project               vi. Technical, Legal and Financial
                                                  E. Application Review Information                       would improve local coordination, or                  Capacity
                                                                                                          access to coordinated transportation
                                                  1. Project Evaluation Criteria                                                                                   FTA will evaluate proposals on the
                                                                                                          service; reduce duplication of service, if
                                                    FTA will evaluate proposals                           applicable; and provide innovative                    capacity of the lead agency and any
                                                  submitted according to the following                    solutions in the State and/or                         partners to successfully execute the
                                                  criteria: (i.) Demonstration of need; (ii.)             community. Proposers should provide                   pilot effort. There should be no
                                                  demonstration of benefits; (iii.) planning              evidence of strong commitment from                    outstanding legal, technical, or financial
                                                  and partnership; (iv.) local financial                  key partners, including letters of                    issues with the proposer that would
                                                  commitment; (v.) project readiness; and                 support from relevant local                           make this a high-risk project. FTA will
                                                  (vi.) technical, legal and financial                    stakeholders. An eligible recipient may               evaluate each proposal (including the
                                                                                                                                                                business plan, financial projections, and
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                                                  capacity. Each proposer is encouraged                   submit an application in partnership
                                                  to demonstrate the responsiveness of a                  with other entities that intend to                    other relevant data) for feasibility and
                                                  project to any and all criteria with the                participate in the implementation of the              longer-term sustainability of both the
                                                  most relevant information that the                      project. Applicants are advised that any              pilot project as well as the proposed
                                                  proposer can provide, regardless of                     changes to the proposed partnership                   project at full deployment. It is FTA’s
                                                  whether such information has been                       will require FTA advance approval, and                intent to select projects with a high
                                                  specifically requested, or identified in                would need to be consistent with the                  likelihood of long-term success and
                                                  this notice.                                            scope of the approved project.                        sustainability.


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Notices                                             17553

                                                  2. Review and Selection Process                         CFR part 200, Section 200.320, sub                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                     In addition to other FTA staff that                  paragraph (f)). When included, the
                                                  may review the proposals, an inter-                     application, budget and budget narrative              Federal Transit Administration
                                                  agency technical evaluation committee                   should provide a clear understanding of
                                                                                                                                                                FY16 Competitive Funding
                                                  with membership from one or more                        how the selection of these organizations
                                                                                                                                                                Opportunity: Grants for Buses and Bus
                                                  agencies of the Coordinating Council on                 is critical for the project and of                    Facilities and Low or No Emission
                                                  Access and Mobility may review                          sufficient detail to understand the costs             Grant Programs; 5339(b) Grants for
                                                  proposals under the project evaluation                  involved.                                             Buses and Bus Facilities Program and
                                                  criteria. Members of the technical                                                                            5339(c) Low or No Emission Program
                                                  evaluation committee and other                          iii. Planning
                                                  involved FTA staff reserve the right to                                                                       AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration
                                                                                                            The FTA encourages proposers to
                                                  screen and rate the applications                                                                              (FTA), DOT.
                                                                                                          engage the appropriate State
                                                  received and to seek clarification from                                                                       ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity
                                                                                                          Departments of Transportation, Regional
                                                  any applicant about any statement in its                                                                      (NOFO).
                                                                                                          Transportation Planning Organizations,
                                                  application that FTA finds ambiguous
                                                  and/or request additional                               or Metropolitan Planning Organizations                SUMMARY:     The Federal Transit
                                                  documentation to be considered during                   in areas likely to be served by the                   Administration (FTA) announces the
                                                  the evaluation process to clarify                       project funds made available under this               availability of approximately $211
                                                  information contained within the                        programs.                                             million of Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 funds
                                                  proposal.                                                                                                     for the Section 5339(b) Grants for Buses
                                                                                                          iv. Standard Assurances                               and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant
                                                     After consideration of the ratings of
                                                  the technical evaluation, the FTA will                     The applicant assures that it will                 Program (Bus Program) and
                                                  determine the final selection and                       comply with all applicable Federal                    approximately $55 million for 5339(c)
                                                  amount of funding for each project.                                                                           Low or No Emission Bus Competitive
                                                                                                          statutes, regulations, executive orders,
                                                  Geographic diversity and the applicant’s                                                                      Grant Program (Low-No Program).
                                                                                                          FTA circulars, and other Federal
                                                  receipt of other Federal funding may be                                                                       Funds awarded for the Bus Program will
                                                                                                          administrative requirements in carrying               finance capital projects to replace,
                                                  considered in FTA’s award decisions.                    out any project supported by the FTA
                                                  FTA may provide reduced funding or                                                                            rehabilitate, purchase or lease buses and
                                                                                                          grant. The applicant acknowledges that                related equipment and to rehabilitate,
                                                  fund only part of an application.
                                                                                                          it is under a continuing obligation to                purchase, construct or lease bus-related
                                                  F. Federal Award Administration                         comply with the terms and conditions                  facilities, including programs of bus and
                                                  Information                                             of the grant agreement issued for its                 bus-related projects for subrecipients
                                                  1. Federal Award Notices                                project with FTA. The applicant                       that are public agencies, private
                                                                                                          understands that Federal laws,                        companies engaged in public
                                                     FTA may publish awards in a Federal                  regulations, policies, and administrative             transportation, or private non-profit
                                                  Register Notice and on the FTA public                   practices might be modified from time                 organizations. Funds awarded for the
                                                  Web site.
                                                                                                          to time and may affect the                            Low-No Program will finance the
                                                  2. Administrative and National Policy                   implementation of the project. The                    purchase or lease of low or no emission
                                                  Requirements                                            applicant agrees that the most recent                 vehicles that use advanced technologies,
                                                  i. Pre-Award Authority                                  Federal requirements will apply to the                including related equipment or
                                                                                                          project, unless FTA issues a written                  facilities, for transit revenue operations.
                                                     The FTA will issue specific guidance                 determination otherwise. The applicant                Projects may include costs incidental to
                                                  to recipients regarding pre-award                                                                             the acquisition of buses or to the
                                                                                                          must submit the Certifications and
                                                  authority at the time of selection. The                                                                       construction of facilities, such as the
                                                                                                          Assurances before receiving a grant if it
                                                  FTA does not provide pre-award                                                                                costs of related workforce development
                                                  authority for competitive funds until                   does not have current certifications on
                                                                                                          file.                                                 and training activities, and project
                                                  projects are selected and even then there                                                                     development. FTA may award
                                                  are Federal requirements that must be                   3. Reporting                                          additional funding that is made
                                                  met before costs are incurred. For more                                                                       available to the program prior to the
                                                  information about FTA’s policy on pre-                    Post-award reporting requirements                   announcement of project selections.
                                                  award authority, please see the FY 2016                 include submission of Federal Financial
                                                                                                                                                                DATES: Complete proposals must be
                                                  Apportionment Notice published on                       Reports and Milestone Reports in FTA’s                submitted electronically through the
                                                  February 16, 2016. http://                              electronic grants management system.                  GRANTS.GOV ‘‘APPLY’’ function by
                                                  www.fta.dot.gov/grants/12853.html.
                                                                                                          G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact                    May 13, 2016. Prospective applicants
                                                  ii. Grant Requirements                                                                                        should initiate the process by registering
                                                     If selected, awardees will apply for a                 For questions about applying for the                on the GRANTS.GOV Web site promptly
                                                  grant through FTA’s electronic grant                    programs outlined in this notice, please              to ensure completion of the application
                                                  management system and adhere to the                     contact Danielle Nelson, Federal Transit              process before the submission deadline.
                                                  customary FTA grant requirements. All                   Administration, phone: (202) 366–2160,                Instructions for applying can be found
                                                  competitive grants, regardless of award                 fax: (202) 366–3475, or email,                        on FTA’s Web site at http://
                                                                                                          Danielle.Nelson@dot.gov. A TDD is                     transit.dot.gov/howtoapply and in the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  amount, will be subject to the
                                                  congressional notification and release                  available at 1–800–877–8339                           ‘‘FIND’’ module of GRANTS.GOV. Mail
                                                  process. The FTA emphasizes that third-                 (TDDFIRS).                                            and fax submissions will not be
                                                  party procurement applies to all funding                                                                      accepted.
                                                                                                          Ellen Partridge,
                                                  awards, as described in FTA.C.4220.1F.                                                                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
                                                  However, FTA may approve                                Chief Counsel.                                        the Bus Program, contact Sam Snead,
                                                  applications that include a specifically                [FR Doc. 2016–07008 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am]           FTA Office of Program Management,
                                                  identified partnering organization(s) (2                BILLING CODE P                                        202–366–1089, or samuel.snead@


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Document Created: 2016-03-30 08:29:23
Document Modified: 2016-03-30 08:29:23
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of funding opportunity (NOFO): solicitation of project proposals for Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants.
DatesComplete proposals must be submitted electronically through the GRANTS.GOV ``APPLY'' function by May 31, 2016. Prospective applicants should initiate the process by registering on the GRANTS.GOV Web site promptly to ensure completion of the application process before the submission deadline. Instructions for applying can be found on FTA's Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/15066.html and in the ``FIND'' module of GRANTS.GOV. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted.
ContactDanielle Nelson, FTA Office of Program Management, 202-366-2160, or [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 17549 

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