81 FR 46758 - Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funding
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 137 (July 18, 2016)
Federal Highway Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 137 (July 18, 2016)
| Page Range | 46758-46764 | |
| FR Document | 2016-16875 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 137 (Monday, July 18, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 46758-46764] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-16875] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funding AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces a funding opportunity and requests grant applications for FHWA's Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds (TTPSF). In addition, this notice identifies selection criteria, application requirements, and technical assistance during the grant solicitation period for the TTPSF. The TTPSF is authorized within the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The FHWA will distribute these funds as described in this notice on a competitive basis in a manner consistent with the selection criteria. DATES: Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 p.m., e.t. on September 16, 2016 (the ``application deadline''). Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and awards will not be made until after the application deadline. The FHWA plans to conduct outreach regarding the TTPSF in the form of a Webinar on August 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., e.t. To join the Webinar, please click this link then enter the room as a guest: https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/tribaltrans/. The audio portion of the Webinar can be accessed from this teleconference line: TOLL FREE 1-888- 251-2909; ACCESS CODE 4442306. The Webinar will be recorded and posted on FHWA's Web site at: http://www.flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/. A TDD is available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 202-366-3993. ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted electronically through the Web site: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information concerning this notice please contact Russell Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via email at [email protected]; by telephone at 202-366-9815; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For legal questions, please contact Ms. Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963-3445; by email at [email protected]; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. m.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 5, 2013, FHWA published the first notice of funding availability for the TTPSF (78 FR 47480). On November 13, 2013, FHWA awarded 183 tribes a total of $8.6 million for 193 safety projects. On May 14, 2014, FHWA published the second notice of funding availability for the TTPSF (79 FR 27676). On March 10, 2015, FHWA awarded 82 tribes a total of $8.5 million for 94 projects to improve transportation safety on tribal lands. On June 26, 2015, FHWA published the third notice of funding availability for the TTPSF (80 FR 36885). On December 9, 2015, FHWA awarded 36 tribes a total of $449,500 for 36 projects for developing tribal safety plans. On April 26, 2016, FHWA awarded 35 tribes a total of $8 million for 54 projects. The FHWA is publishing this fourth notice to announce an additional round of funding and request grant applications for Fiscal Year 2016. Table of Contents A. Program Description B. Federal Award Information C. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants 2. Cost Sharing or Matching D. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package 2. Content and Form of Application Submission 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) 4. Submission Dates and Time 5. Intergovernmental Review 6. Funding Restrictions 7. Other Submission Requirements E. Application Review Information [[Page 46759]] 1. Criteria i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities (Funding Goal 40 Percent of TTPSF) ii. Other Eligible Activities as Listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) (Funding Goal 60 Percent of TTPSF) 2. Review and Selection Process i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities ii. Other Eligible Activities as Listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Federal Award Notice 2. Administrative and National Policy 3. Reporting G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) H. Other Information 1. Protection of Confidential Business Information A. Program Description Since the TTPSF was created under Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), FHWA has awarded $17.1 million to 336 Indian tribes for 377 projects, including development of safety plans, to address safety issues in Indian country over three rounds of competitive grants. The intent of the TTPSF is to prevent and reduce deaths or serious injuries in transportation-related crashes on tribal lands where statistics are consistently higher than the rest of the Nation as a whole. The TTPSF emphasizes the development of strategic Transportation Safety Plans using a data-driven process as a means for tribes to determine how transportation safety needs will be addressed in tribal communities. Tribal Transportation Safety Plans are a tool used to identify risk factors that lead to serious injury or death and organize various entities to strategically reduce risk; projects submitted must be data-driven, must be consistent with a comprehensive safety strategy, and must correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature or address a highway safety problem. Throughout the past three grant cycles, TTPSF awards have supported safety planning, engineering, enforcement and emergency services, and education (the 4Es) projects. Successful TTPSF projects leverage resources, encourage partnership, and have the data to support the applicants' approach in addressing the prevention and reduction of death or serious injuries in transportation-related crashes. A listing of the safety projects/activities that tribes previously submitted and were awarded TTP safety funds, as well as additional safety-related information can be found on the TTP Safety Web site at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm. However, the FAST Act made some changes to the types of projects and activities that will be eligible for TTPSF grants in Fiscal Year 2016 and future years. Under MAP-21, the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) included a range of eligible HSIP projects. The list of eligible projects was non-exhaustive, and a State could use HSIP funds on any safety project (infrastructure-related or non-infrastructure) that met the overarching requirements that the project be consistent with the State's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature or address a highway safety problem. Although the FAST Act continued these overarching requirements under HSIP, it limited eligibility to the projects and activities listed in section 148(a)(4) of title 23, United States Code, most of which are infrastructure-safety related. As a result of the FAST Act amendments, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, the TTPSF will only fund highway safety improvement projects eligible under the HSIP as listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4). For purposes of awarding funds under this program in FY 2016, FHWA has identified two eligibility categories and intends to focus approximately 40 percent of the funding on safety plans and safety planning activities, and the remaining 60 percent on other eligible activities as listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4). B. Federal Award Information The FAST Act authorized TTPSF as a set aside of not more than 2 percent of the funds made available under the TTP for FY 2016. This notice of funding opportunity solicits proposals under the TTPSF for FY 2016. Section 202(e) of title 23, United States Code, provides that the Secretary shall allocate funds based on an identification and analysis of highway safety issues and opportunities on tribal lands, as determined by the Secretary, on application of the Indian tribal governments for HSIP eligible projects described in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4). Eligible projects described in section 148(a)(4) include strategies, activities, and projects on a public road that are consistent with a State strategic highway safety plan and correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature, or address a highway safety problem. Under 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4), eligible projects are limited to the following: (i) An intersection safety improvement. (ii) Pavement and shoulder widening (including addition of a passing lane to remedy an unsafe condition). (iii) Installation of rumble strips or another warning device, if the rumble strips or other warning devices do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists and pedestrians, including persons with disabilities. (iv) Installation of a skid-resistant surface at an intersection or other location with a high frequency of crashes. (v) An improvement for pedestrian or bicyclist safety or safety of persons with disabilities. (vi) Construction and improvement of a railway-highway grade crossing safety feature, including installation of protective devices. (vii) The conduct of a model traffic enforcement activity at a railway-highway crossing. (viii) Construction of a traffic calming feature. (ix) Elimination of a roadside hazard. (x) Installation, replacement, and other improvement of highway signage and pavement markings, or a project to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity, that addresses a highway safety problem consistent with an SHSP. (xi) Installation of a priority control system for emergency vehicles at signalized intersections. (xii) Installation of a traffic control or other warning device at a location with high crash potential. (xiii) Transportation safety planning. (xiv) Collection, analysis, and improvement of safety data. (xv) Planning integrated interoperable emergency communications equipment, operational activities, or traffic enforcement activities (including police assistance) relating to work zone safety. (xvi) Installation of guardrails, barriers (including barriers between construction work zones and traffic lanes for the safety of road users and workers), and crash attenuators. (xvii) The addition or retrofitting of structures or other measures to eliminate or reduce crashes involving vehicles and wildlife. (xviii) Installation of yellow-green signs and signals at pedestrian and bicycle crossings and in school zones. (xix) Construction and operational improvements on high risk rural roads. (xx) Geometric improvements to a road for safety purposes that improve safety. (xxi) A road safety audit. (xxii) Roadway safety infrastructure improvements consistent with the recommendations included in the publication of the Federal Highway Administration entitled ``Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians'' (FHWA-RD-01-103), [[Page 46760]] dated May 2001 or as subsequently revised and updated. (xxiii) Truck parking facilities eligible for funding under section 1401 of the MAP-21. (xxiv) Systemic safety improvements. (xxv) Installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment. (xxvi) Pedestrian hybrid beacons. (xxvii) Roadway improvements that provide separation between pedestrians and motor vehicles, including medians and pedestrian crossing islands. (xxviii) A physical infrastructure safety project not described in clauses (i) through (xxvii). For more information regarding eligible activities under HSIP, please see FHWA guidance at: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/legislationandpolicy/fast/guidance.cfm http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/rulemaking/docs/hsip_ig42216_final.pdf Section 202(e) further specifies that in applying for TTPSF, an Indian tribal government, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior and, as appropriate, with a State, local government, or metropolitan planning organization, shall select projects from the transportation improvement program (TIP), subject to the approval of the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Interior. Upon award, successful applicants will receive the TTPSF funds through their existing TTP contracting methodology with either the FHWA or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Upon completion of a TTPSF project, funds that are not expended are to be recovered and returned to the FHWA to be made available for the following year's TTPSF grant cycle. C. Eligibility Information To be selected for a TTPSF award, an applicant must be a federally recognized Indian tribe and the project must be an eligible project. 1. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants for TTPSF discretionary grants are federally recognized tribes identified on the list of ``Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs'' (published at 81 FR 26826). Other entities may partner with a tribal government to submit an application, but the eligible applicant must be a federally recognized Indian tribe. A tribe may submit more than one application; however, only one project may be included in each application. Recipients of prior TTPSF funds may submit applications during this current round according to the selection criteria. However, to be competitive, the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which the previously funded project or projects has been able to meet estimated project schedules and budget, as well as the ability to realize the outcomes for previous awards. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching There is no matching requirement for the TTPSF. However, if the total amount of funding requested for applications rated ``highly qualified'' or ``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give priority consideration to those projects that show a commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF funding request. Therefore, leveraging a TTPSF request with other funding sources identified in Section E is encouraged. D. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package Application package can be downloaded from the TTPSF Web site: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm. Applicants may also request a paper copy of this application package by contacting Russell Garcia at 202-366- 9815. For a Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) please call 202-366-3993. The applications must be submitted electronically through the following Web site: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and awards will not be made until after the application deadline. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission The FHWA may request additional information, including additional data, to clarify an application, but FHWA encourages applicants to submit the most relevant and complete information they can provide. The FHWA also encourages applicants, to the extent practicable, to provide data and evidence of project merits in a form that is publicly available or verifiable. The applicants should include the following information in their applications: i. Fill out an online form similar to SF-424 at: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm ii. Narrative Applicants must attach a supplemental narrative to their submission to successfully complete the application process. Applicants must include the supplemental narrative in the attachments section of the form. Applicants must identify the eligibility category for which they are seeking funds in the project narrative. In addition, applicants should address each question or statement in their applications. It is recommended that applicants use standard formatting (e.g., a single- spaced document, using a standard 12-point font, such as Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins) to prepare their application narratives. An application must include any information needed to verify that the project meets the statutory eligibility criteria in order for the FHWA to evaluate the application against TTPSF rating criteria. Applicants should demonstrate the responsiveness of their proposals to any pertinent selection criteria with the most relevant information that applicants can provide, and substantiated by data, regardless of whether such information is specifically requested, or identified, in the final notice. Applicants should provide evidence of the feasibility of achieving certain project milestones, financial capacity, and commitment in order to support project readiness. Consistent with the requirements for an eligible highway safety improvement project under 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4), applicants must describe clearly how their project would correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature, or would address a highway safety problem. The application must include supporting data. For ease of review, FHWA recommends that the project narrative generally adhere to the following basic outline, and include a table of contents, project abstract, maps, and graphics: a. Project Abstract: Describe project work that would be completed under the project, the hazardous road location or feature or the highway safety problem that the project would address, and whether the project is a complete project or part of a larger project with prior investment (maximum five sentences). The project abstract must succinctly describe how this specific request for TTPSF would be used to complete the project. b. Project Description: Include information on the expected users of the project, a description of the hazardous road location or feature or the highway safety problem that the project would address, and how the project would address these challenges; [[Page 46761]] c. Applicant information and coordination with other entities: Identify the Indian tribal government applying for TTPSF, a description of cooperation with other entities in selecting projects from the TIP as required under 23 U.S.C. 202(e)(2), and information regarding any other entities involved in the project; d. Grant Funds and Sources/Uses of Project Funds: Include information about the amount of grant funding requested for the project, availability/commitment of funds sources and uses of all project funds, total project costs, percentage of project costs that would be paid for with the TTPSF, and the identity and percentage shares of all parties providing funds for the project (including Federal funds provided under other programs); e. Include a description of how the proposal meets the Selection Criteria identified in Section E, Subsection 1 Criteria. 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) The TTPSF requires applicants to provide their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number with their application. 4. Submission Dates and Time i. Deadline--Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 p.m., e.t. on September 16, 2016 (the ``application deadline''). ii. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and awards will not be made until after the application deadline. iii. Upon submission of the applications electronically through the following Web site: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm, the applicants will receive automatic reply confirming transmittal of the application to the FHWA. Please contact Russell Garcia at 202-366-9815, should you not receive any confirmation from the FHWA. iv. Late Applications--Applications received after the deadline will not be considered except in the case of unforeseen technical difficulties that are beyond the applicant's control. The FHWA will consider late applications on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit additional information documenting the technical difficulties experienced, including a screen capture of any error messages received. 5. Intergovernmental Review The TTPSF is not subject to the Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. 6. Funding Restrictions There are no funding restrictions on any applications. However, FHWA anticipates high demand for this limited amount of funding and encourages applications with scalable requests that allow more tribes to receive funding and for requests that identify a commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF funding request. Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed request in a timely manner, and ensure that cost estimates and timelines to complete deliverables are included in their applications. 7. Other Submission Requirements Applications must be submitted electronically through the following Web site: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm. E. Application Review Information 1. Criteria The FHWA will award TTPSF funds based on the selection criteria and policy considerations as outlined below. However, to be competitive, the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which a previously funded project or projects has been able to meet estimated project schedules and budget, as well as the ability to realize the outcomes for previous awards. The FHWA intends to allocate the TTPSF between two categories as follows: (1) Safety plans and safety planning activities (40 percent); and (2) other eligible activities as listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) (60 percent). These proposed allocation amounts provide substantial funding for tribal safety plans and planning activities to reflect the strong need that has been identified in this area and to ensure that all tribes have an opportunity to assess their safety needs and prioritize safety projects. These percentages are only funding goals and may be adjusted to reflect the amounts requested in the applications received in response to this notice. i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities (Funding Goal 40 Percent of TTPSF) The development of a tribal safety plan that is data-driven, identifies transportation safety issues, prioritizes activities, is coordinated with the State SHSP (all State SHSPs can be found at: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/shsp/state_links.cfm), and promotes a comprehensive approach to addressing safety needs by including all 4Es, is a critical step in improving highway safety. Additional information on developing a tribal safety plan can be found at: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/. Accordingly, FHWA will award TTPSF for developing and updating tribal safety plans, and other safety planning activities. The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of TTPSF funding requests for tribal safety plans: (1) Development of a tribal safety plan where none currently exists, and (2) age or status of an existing tribal safety plan. The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of TTPSF funding requests for safety planning activities: (1) Inclusion of the activity in a completed State SHSP or tribal transportation safety plan that is no more than 5 years old; (2) submission of supporting data that demonstrates the need for the activity; (3) leveraging of private or other public funding; or (4) the project is part of a comprehensive approach to safety which includes other safety efforts. Examples of eligible safety planning activities include:Development or Updating of Tribal Safety Plans; Collection, analysis, and improvement of safety data; and Road safety audits/assessments. ii. Other Eligible Activities as Listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) (Funding Goal 60 Percent of TTPSF) The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of funding requests under this category: (1) Inclusion of the project or activity in a completed State SHSP or tribal transportation safety plan that is no more than 5 years old, or inclusion of the activity in a completed road safety audit, engineering study, impact assessment or other engineering document; (2) submission of supporting data that demonstrates the need for the project; (3) ownership of the facility, if applicable; (4) leveraging of private or other public funding; (5) years since the tribe has last received funding for a TTPSF engineering improvement project, if applicable; or (6) the project is part of a comprehensive approach to safety which includes other safety efforts. Examples of other eligible activities as identified in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) include: An intersection safety improvement; [[Page 46762]] Pavement and shoulder widening (including addition of a passing lane to remedy an unsafe condition); Installation of rumble strips or another warning device, if the rumble strips or other warning devices do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists and pedestrians, including persons with disabilities; Installation of a skid-resistant surface at an intersection or other location with a high frequency of crashes; An improvement for pedestrian or bicyclist safety or safety of persons with disabilities; Construction and improvement of a railway-highway grade crossing safety feature, including installation of protective devices; The conduct of a model traffic enforcement activity at a railway-highway crossing; Construction of a traffic calming feature; Elimination of a roadside hazard; Installation, replacement, and other improvement of highway signage and pavement markings, or a project to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity that addresses a highway safety problem consistent with a Tribal or State strategic highway safety plan; Installation of a priority control system for emergency vehicles at signalized intersections; Installation of a traffic control or other warning device at a location with high crash potential; Planning integrated interoperable emergency communications equipment, operational activities, or traffic enforcement activities (including police assistance) relating to work zone safety; Installation of guardrails, barriers (including barriers between construction work zones and traffic lanes for the safety of road users and workers), and crash attenuators; The addition or retrofitting of structures or other measures to eliminate or reduce crashes involving vehicles and wildlife; Installation of yellow-green signs and signals at pedestrian and bicycle crossings and in school zones; Construction and operational improvements on high risk rural roads; Geometric improvements to a road for safety purposes that improve safety; Roadway safety infrastructure improvements consistent with the recommendations included in the FHWA publication entitled ``Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians'' (FHWA-RD-01-103, dated May 2001 or as subsequently revised and updated; Truck parking facilities eligible for funding under section 1401 of MAP-21; Systemic safety improvements; Installation of a vehicle to infrastructure communication equipment; Pedestrian hybrid beacons; Roadway improvements that provide separation between pedestrians and motor vehicles, including medians and pedestrian crossing islands; and Other physical infrastructure safety projects. 2. Review and Selection Process The TTPSF grant applications will be evaluated in accordance with evaluation process discussed below. The FHWA will establish an evaluation team to review each application received by FHWA prior to the application deadline. The FHWA will lead the evaluation team, which will include members from the BIA. The evaluation team will include technical and professional staff with relevant experience and expertise in tribal transportation safety issues. The evaluation team will be responsible for evaluating and rating all eligible projects. The evaluation team will review each application against the evaluation criteria in each of the categories and assign a rating of ``Highly Qualified,'' ``Qualified,'' or ``Not Qualified'' to each application for the FHWA Administrator's review. The FHWA Administrator will forward funding recommendations to the Office of the Secretary. The final funding decisions will be made by the Secretary of Transportation. All applications will be evaluated and assigned a rating of ``Highly Qualified,'' ``Qualified,'' or ``Not Qualified.'' The ratings, as defined below, are proposed within each priority funding category as follows: i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities \1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The development of a tribal safety plan is the cornerstone for all future tribal safety activities. Because of the importance of developing, completing, or updating a tribal safety plan and for this one category only, applications will be deemed either ``highly qualified'' or ``not qualified.'' All applications to develop a new tribal safety plan, update an incomplete safety plan, or update an existing tribal safety plan more than 3 years old are deemed to be highly qualified. Applications not directed to developing, updating or completing existing a tribal safety plan or which address a plan not older than 3 years are deemed ``Not Qualified.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Development of Tribal Safety Plans a. Highly Qualified: Requests (up to a maximum of $12,500) for development of new tribal safety plans or to update incomplete tribal safety plans; and requests (up to a maximum of $7,500) to update existing tribal safety plans that are more than 3 years old. b. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility requirements; any request to update an existing tribal safety plan that is less than 3 years old. II. Other Safety Planning Activities a. Highly Qualified: Requests for other safety planning activities that are in a current State SHSP or tribal safety plan that is not more than 5 years old; submission of data that demonstrates the need for the activities; and significant leveraging of TTPSF fund with private or public funding or are part of a comprehensive approach to safety which includes other safety efforts. If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as ``highly qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent components of a highly qualified project. To be eligible, a component must meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation safety project that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a project, instead of the full project described in the application, only if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready for its intended use upon completion of that component. Applicants should be aware that while it is anticipated that most of these projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not lead to construction or have potentially significant traffic or other impacts, depending on the relationship between the overall project and the independent component, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for the independent component may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project in a timely manner. b. Qualified: Requests for other safety planning activities that are in a current State SHSP or tribal safety plan that is more than 5 years old; submission of some data that demonstrates the need for the activity; and some leveraging of TTPSF funds with private or public funding or is part of a comprehensive [[Page 46763]] approach to safety which includes other safety efforts. If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as ``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent components of a qualified project. To be eligible, a component must meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation safety project that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a project, instead of the full project described in the application, only if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready for its intended use upon completion of that component. Applicants should be aware that while it is anticipated that most of these projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not lead to construction or have potentially significant traffic or other impacts, depending on the relationship between the overall project and the independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project in a timely manner. c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility requirements; or projects that are not included in a State SHSP or tribal safety plan. ii. Other Eligible Activities as Listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) a. Highly Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or tribal safety plan that is less than 5 years old, or the project is in a current road safety audit, or impact assessment, or other safety engineering study; data included in the application that directly supports the project; projects located on a BIA or tribal facility; and significant leveraging of TTPSF funds with other funding; and the tribe has not received funding for a TTPSF transportation safety construction project in more than 10 years or the project is part of a comprehensive approach to safety which includes three or more other safety efforts. If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as ``highly qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent components of a highly qualified project. To be eligible, a component must meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation improvement that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a project, instead of the full project described in the application, only if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready for its intended use upon completion of that component's construction. Applicants should be aware that, depending on the relationship between the overall project and the independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project in a timely manner. b. Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or tribal safety plan, but the plan is more than 5 years old, or the project is in a road safety audit, or impact assessment, or other safety engineering study that is more than 5 years old; some data included in the application that supports the project; project is located on a transportation facility not owned by a tribe or BIA; and some leveraging of TTPSF funds with other funding; or is part of a coordinated approach with one or two other safety efforts; the tribe has not received funding for a TTPSF transportation safety construction project in the last 2 to 10 years. If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as ``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent components of a qualified project. To be eligible, a component must meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation improvement that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a project, instead of the full project described in the application, only if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready for its intended use upon completion of that component's construction. Applicants should be aware that, depending on the relationship between the overall project and the independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project in a timely manner. c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility requirements; are not included in a State SHSP or tribal safety plan; no data provided in the application to support the request; are not included in a road safety audit, impact assessment, or other safety engineering study; have received funding for a TTPSF transportation safety construction project within the last 2 years; or do not have a comprehensive approach to safety with other partners. F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Federal Award Notice The FHWA will announce the awarded projects by posting a list of selected projects at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/. Following the announcement, successful applicants and unsuccessful applicants will be notified separately. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements All awards will be administered pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards found in 2 CFR part 200. Applicable Federal laws, rules, and regulations set forth in title 23, U.S.C., and title 23 of the CFR apply. The TTPSF will be administered the same way as all TTP funds: FHWA Agreement tribes will receive funds in accordance with their Program Agreement through a Referenced Funding Agreement (RFA); BIA Agreement tribes will receive their funds through their BIA Regional Office; and Compact tribes will receive their funds through the Department of the Interior's Office of Self Governance. [[Page 46764]] 3. Reporting Required reporting follows the requirements for regular TTP funds. G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) For further information concerning this notice please contact Russell Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via email at [email protected]; by telephone at 202-366-9815; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For legal questions, please contact Ms. Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963-3445; by email at [email protected]; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. m.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. H. Other Information 1. Protection of Confidential Business Information All information submitted as part of or in support of any application shall use publicly available data or data that can be made public and methodologies that are accepted by industry practice and standards, to the extent possible. If the application includes information you consider to be a trade secret or confidential commercial or financial information, the applicant should do the following: (1) Note on the front cover that the submission ``Contains Confidential Business Information (CBI),'' (2) mark each affected page ``CBI,'' and (3) highlight or otherwise denote the CBI portions. Authority: Section 1118 of Pub. L. 114-94; 23 U.S.C. 202(e). Issued on: July 11, 2016. Gregory G. Nadeau, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration. [FR Doc. 2016-16875 Filed 7-15-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
![46758 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 137 / Monday, July 18, 2016 / Notices
Battery Systems Twenty-Fourth listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION individuals who are deaf or hard of
Meeting. CONTACT section. Members of the public hearing at 202–366–3993.
may present a written statement to the ADDRESSES: Applications must be
SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice committee at any time. submitted electronically through the
to advise the public of a meeting of Web site: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/
RTCA Special Committee 225, Issued in Washington, DC, on July 13,
2016. programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm.
Rechargeable Lithium Battery and
Mohannad Dawoud, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
Battery Systems Twenty-Fourth
Management & Program Analyst, Partnership further information concerning this
Meeting.
Contracts Branch, ANG–A17, NextGen, notice please contact Russell Garcia,
DATES: The meeting will be held August Procurement Services Division, Federal TTPSF Program Manager, via email at
9, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Aviation Administration. russell.garcia@dot.gov; by telephone at
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at: [FR Doc. 2016–16926 Filed 7–15–16; 8:45 am] 202–366–9815; or by mail at Federal
https://rtca.webex.com/rtca/j.php BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Highway Administration, 1200 New
?MTID=m49080be6d09ca112b2f0aaef27 Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC
e66d49. 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m.
Meeting number: 630 710 609. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday through
Meeting password: August 2016. Friday, except Federal holidays. For
Join by phone 1–877–668–4493 Call- Federal Highway Administration legal questions, please contact Ms.
in toll-free number (U.S./Canada), 1– Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief
650–479–3208 Call-in toll number (U.S./ Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963–
Canada), Access code: 630 710 609. Tribal Transportation Program Safety 3445; by email at vivian.philbin@
Funding dot.gov; or by mail at Federal Highway
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer Iversen at jiversen@rtca.org or AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands
(202) 330–0662 or The RTCA Administration (FHWA), Department of Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota
Secretariat, 1150 18th Street NW., Suite Transportation (DOT). Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office
910, Washington, DC 20036, or by ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.
hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
telephone at (202) 833–9339, fax at (202) m.t., Monday through Friday, except
833–9434, or Web site at http:// SUMMARY: This notice announces a Federal holidays.
www.rtca.org. funding opportunity and requests grant SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August
applications for FHWA’s Tribal 5, 2013, FHWA published the first
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
Transportation Program Safety Funds notice of funding availability for the
to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal
(TTPSF). In addition, this notice TTPSF (78 FR 47480). On November 13,
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
identifies selection criteria, application 2013, FHWA awarded 183 tribes a total
463, 5 U.S.C., App.), notice is hereby
requirements, and technical assistance of $8.6 million for 193 safety projects.
given for a meeting of the RTCA Special
during the grant solicitation period for On May 14, 2014, FHWA published the
Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium
the TTPSF. second notice of funding availability for
Battery and Battery Systems Twenty-
The TTPSF is authorized within the the TTPSF (79 FR 27676). On March 10,
Fourth Meeting. The agenda will
Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) 2015, FHWA awarded 82 tribes a total
include the following:
under the Fixing America’s Surface of $8.5 million for 94 projects to
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 Transportation (FAST) Act. The FHWA improve transportation safety on tribal
1. Introductions and administrative will distribute these funds as described lands. On June 26, 2015, FHWA
items (including DFO & RTCA in this notice on a competitive basis in published the third notice of funding
Statement) (15 min) a manner consistent with the selection availability for the TTPSF (80 FR
2. Review agenda (5 min) criteria. 36885). On December 9, 2015, FHWA
3. Review and approve summary from DATES: Applications must be submitted awarded 36 tribes a total of $449,500 for
the last Plenary (10 min) electronically no later than 11:59 p.m., 36 projects for developing tribal safety
4. Review and approve Multi-Cell e.t. on September 16, 2016 (the plans. On April 26, 2016, FHWA
Thermal Runaway test (3.5 hours) ‘‘application deadline’’). Applicants are awarded 35 tribes a total of $8 million
5. Lunch (1:00 p.m. EDT) encouraged to submit applications in for 54 projects. The FHWA is publishing
6. Final review of document including: advance of the application deadline; this fourth notice to announce an
(3.5 hr) however, applications will not be additional round of funding and request
—Changes made to document evaluated, and awards will not be made grant applications for Fiscal Year 2016.
between plenary 23 and 24 until after the application deadline. Table of Contents
—Document reformat The FHWA plans to conduct outreach
—Requirements (section 2.2) regarding the TTPSF in the form of a A. Program Description
—Test Procedures (section 2.4) Webinar on August 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., B. Federal Award Information
7. Approve document for Final Review C. Eligibility Information
e.t. To join the Webinar, please click 1. Eligible Applicants
and Comment (FRAC) (10 min) this link then enter the room as a guest: 2. Cost Sharing or Matching
8. Establish Agenda, location, and time https:// D. Application and Submission Information
for next Plenary (10 min) connectdot.connectsolutions.com/
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
1. Address To Request Application Package
9. Adjourn tribaltrans/. The audio portion of the 2. Content and Form of Application
Attendance is open to the interested Webinar can be accessed from this Submission
public but limited to space availability. teleconference line: TOLL FREE 1–888– 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for
251–2909; ACCESS CODE 4442306. The Award Management (SAM)
With the approval of the chairman,
4. Submission Dates and Time
members of the public may present oral Webinar will be recorded and posted on 5. Intergovernmental Review
statements at the meeting. Persons FHWA’s Web site at: http:// 6. Funding Restrictions
wishing to present statements or obtain www.flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/ 7. Other Submission Requirements
information should contact the person safety/. A TDD is available for E. Application Review Information
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![46764 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 137 / Monday, July 18, 2016 / Notices
3. Reporting DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION manufactured between December 10,
2010 1 and September 9, 2013.
Required reporting follows the National Highway Traffic Safety
requirements for regular TTP funds. Administration III. Noncompliance
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) CTA explains that due to a mold
[Docket No. NHTSA–2016–0003; Notice 2] error, the number of tread plies
For further information concerning indicated on the sidewall of the subject
this notice please contact Russell Continental Tire the Americas, LLC, tires does not match the actual number
Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via Grant of Petition for Decision of of plies in the tire construction. The
email at russell.garcia@dot.gov; by Inconsequential Noncompliance tires are marked ‘‘PLIES: TREAD: 2
telephone at 202–366–9815; or by mail POLYESTER + 2 STEEL + 2
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic POLYAMIDE’’ whereas the correct
at Federal Highway Administration,
Safety Administration (NHTSA), marking should be: ‘‘PLIES: TREAD: 2
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Department of Transportation (DOT). POLYESTER + 2 STEEL + 1
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are
from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday ACTION: Grant of petition. POLYAMIDE.’’ As a consequence, these
tires do not meet requirements specified
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUMMARY: Continental Tire the in paragraph S5.5(f) of FMVSS No. 139.
For legal questions, please contact Ms.
Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief Americas, LLC (CTA), has determined IV. Rule Text
Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963– that certain CTA tires do not fully
comply with paragraph S5.5(f) of Paragraph S5.5(f) of FMVSS No. 139
3445; by email at vivian.philbin@ states, in pertinent part:
dot.gov; or by mail at Federal Highway Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) No. 139 New Pneumatic S5.5 Tire Markings. Except as specified in
Administration, Central Federal Lands paragraph (a) through (i) of S5.5, each tire
Radial Tires for Light Vehicles. CTA
Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota must be marked on each sidewall with the
filed a report dated December 11, 2015,
Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office information specified in S5.5(a) through (d)
pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and
hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Noncompliance Responsibility and and on one sidewall with the information
m.t., Monday through Friday, except specified in S5.5(e) through (i) according to
Reports. CTA then petitioned NHTSA the phase-in schedule specified in S7 of this
Federal holidays. under 49 CFR part 556 requesting a standard . . .
H. Other Information decision that the subject noncompliance (f) The actual number of plies in the
is inconsequential to motor vehicle sidewall, and the actual number of plies in
1. Protection of Confidential Business safety. the tread area, if different.
Information
ADDRESSES: For further information on V. Summary of CTA’s Petition
All information submitted as part of this decision contact Abraham Diaz,
or in support of any application shall Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, the CTA described the subject
use publicly available data or data that National Highway Traffic Safety noncompliance and stated its belief that
can be made public and methodologies Administration (NHTSA), telephone the noncompliance is inconsequential to
that are accepted by industry practice (202) 366–5310, facsimile (202) 366– motor vehicle safety.
and standards, to the extent possible. If 5930. In support of its petition, CTA
the application includes information submitted the following information
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: pertaining to the subject
you consider to be a trade secret or
I. Overview noncompliance:
confidential commercial or financial
(a) CTA stated that the tires covered
information, the applicant should do the
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and by this petition are labeled with
following: (1) Note on the front cover 30120(h) (see implementing regulations incorrect information regarding the
that the submission ‘‘Contains at 49 CFR part 556), CTA submitted a number of tread plies. The company
Confidential Business Information petition for an exemption from the noted that while the number of
(CBI),’’ (2) mark each affected page notification and remedy requirements of polyester and steel plies indicated on
‘‘CBI,’’ and (3) highlight or otherwise 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the basis that the sidewall is accurate, the number of
denote the CBI portions. this noncompliance is inconsequential polyamide plies indicated is incorrect.
Authority: Section 1118 of Pub. L. 114– to motor vehicle safety. The company contended, however, that
94; 23 U.S.C. 202(e). Notice of receipt of the petition was this mislabeling has no impact on the
published, with a 30-day public operational performance of these tires or
Issued on: July 11, 2016.
comment period, on March 25, 2016 in on the safety of vehicles on which these
Gregory G. Nadeau, tires are mounted. The company
the Federal Register (81 FR 16269). No
Administrator, Federal Highway comments were received. To view the asserted that the tires meet or exceed all
Administration. of the performance requirements of
petition and all supporting documents
[FR Doc. 2016–16875 Filed 7–15–16; 8:45 am] log onto the Federal Docket FMVSS No. 139.
BILLING CODE 4910–22–P Management System (FDMS) Web site (b) CTA noted that NHTSA has
at: http://www.regulations.gov/. Then concluded in response to numerous
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
follow the online search instructions to other petitions that this type of
locate docket number ‘‘NHTSA–2016– noncompliance is inconsequential to
0003.’’ motor vehicle safety. CTA referenced
notices that NHTSA has published in
II. Tires Involved
1 Subsequent to the original filing, CTA informed
Affected are approximately 1,800
NHTSA that the original manufacture start date as
General Tire brand Grabber size LT265/ stated in their part 573 should in fact be November
75R16 112/109 Q LRC tires that were 7, 2010.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:52 Jul 15, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\18JYN1.SGM 18JYN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_46895/page/7.svg)
Document Created: 2016-07-16 02:28:20
Document Modified: 2016-07-16 02:28:20
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of funding opportunity. | |
| Dates | Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 p.m., e.t. on September 16, 2016 (the ``application deadline''). Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and awards will not be made until after the application deadline. | |
| Contact | For further information concerning this notice please contact Russell Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via email at [email protected]; by telephone at 202-366-9815; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For legal questions, please contact Ms. Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963-3445; by email at [email protected]; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. m.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 46758 |
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