Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (20.237)
Program
20.237 Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks
Federal Agency
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FMCSA)
Authorization
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act' a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA LU), Section 4126(f), Public Law 109-59.
Program Number
20.237
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) Program is a key component of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) drive to improve commercial motor vehicle safety, and is directly aligned with both the United States Department of Transportation's (U.S. DOT) and FMCSA's performance goals. The goals and objectives for the CVISN program include: Improve highway safety and security CVISN will enable safety inspectors to target their resources on the highest risk carriers, drivers, and vehicles. These changes are expected to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents that involve commercial vehicles. CVISN will also support future initiatives in security, recognizing that homeland security has become a more critical issue for the nation's transportation system. Streamline credentials and tax administration CVISN will enable government agencies and motor carrier to conduct business transactions electronically, enabling reduced administrative costs, paperwork, and time. Reduce congestion costs for motor carriers "Automated vehicle screening systems will reduce congestion and delays at weigh stations and international border crossings. These changes are expected to improve freight mobility and reduce delivery costs. Ensure regulatory compliance and equitable treatment" Motor carrier compliance with credentials and a tax regulation is expected to increase as the process becomes less burdensome. In addition, automated screening systems and better targeted safety inspections are expected to catch a greater number of illegal or unsafe drivers. As all carriers are brought into regulatory compliance, the playing field industry-wide will become more level. The CVISN Program supports these goals by focusing safety enforcement on high-risk operators; enabling more effective hazmat safety compliance and enforcement; integrating data systems to improve the accuracy, integrity, and verifiability of credentials; improving efficiency through electronic screening of commercial vehicles; and enabling on-line application and issuance of credentials.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Core CVISN Deployment funds can be used to implement Core CVISN functionality in accordance with a State's FMCSA approved Core CVISN Program Plan and Top Level Design. Up to $100,000 in Expanded CVISN grants can be used to support State's development of its Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top Level Design. States also may use Expanded CVISN grants to deploy Expanded CVISN functionality in accordance with their FMCSA-approved Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top Level Designs, to augment/redeploy Core CVISN capabilities, and/or to deploy multi-state initiatives. These funds will be distributed to states based on the CVISN funding they received under TEA-21, their current CVISN deployment status, and at the discretion of FMCSA.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States and the District of Columbia.
Beneficiary Eligibility
States and the District of Columbia are eligible to apply for CVISN deployment funds provided they meet the following criteria: Demonstrate both programmatic and technical/architectural conformance with the national CVISN program in order to be eligible for funding; Prepare a Core CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level design in order to be eligible to receive core CVISN funding; Prepare an Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level design in order to be eligible to receive Expanded CVISN funding; Track their performance against a series of CVISN performance measures developed by FMCSA; Agree to execute interoperability tests developed by the FMCSA to verify that its systems conform with the CVISN architecture, standards, and protocols; and Agree to promote interoperability and efficiency to the extent practicable.
Credentials/Documentation
Core CVISN - In order to be eligible for these funds, a state must have a FMCSA-accepted Core CVISN Program Plan and Top Level Design. Expanded CVISN - In order to be eligible for these funds, a state must have a FMCSA-accepted Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top Level Design and certification of it being Core CVISN Compliant.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded From coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
A State CVISN Team/CVISN Program Manager is responsible for the following steps in the application process: Complete required CVISN planning documentation. Core CVISN Program Plan/Top-Level Design accepted by FMCSA for states in Planning/Deployment Phase; and Expanded CVISN Program Plan/Top-Level Design accepted by FMCSA for Core CVISN Compliant states. Complete FY 2006 CVISN Deployment Grant Application. Note: A single application may be used for multiple proposed projects (e.g., CVIEW and automating the processing of IRP credentials). Submit completed FY 2006 CVISN Deployment Grant Application to state's FMCSA Division Administrator in time for application to be forwarded to FMCSA HQ by June 1, 2006. Review and sign a CVISN Deployment Program Agreement. Note: A separate CVISN Deployment Program Agreement will be executed for each proposed/approved project (e.g., CVIEW and automated the processing of IRP credentials). CVISN Deployment Program Agreement will be drafted by FMCSA and forwarded to State CVISN Program Manager by state's FMCSA Division Administrator. Complete an Automated Clearing House (ACH) Payment Form, SF 3881, if the grant recipient desires direct deposit for reimbursements of expenditures. Submit requests for reimbursement for expenditures to the FMCSA Division Administrator (or a designee) for review and recommendation for payment. FMCSA Division Administrator will notify state CVISN Program Manager when requests for reimbursement can be submitted. FMCSA Division Administrator will notify state CVISN Program Manager of the project code that must be referenced on the requests for reimbursement.
Award Procedure
accounting system for the grant funds. Notify the FMCSA Division Administrator (or a designee) of the project code associated with the grant. Members of the FMCSA, FHWA, and FAA accounting, legal, and acquisitions departments also will play key roles in the grant management process.
Deadlines
Completed grant applications should be submitted to Office of Research and Analysis within 90 days after the date of notice.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
SAFETEA-LU, Section 4126(f). This program has no statutory formula. Matching Funds: SAFETEA LU dictates that Federal CVISN deployment funds cannot be used to fund more than 50 percent of a project's total budget. As such, states must identify matching funds that total 50 percent of a project's total budget. The majority of these matching funds (60 percent of the match; 30 percent of the total project cost) can be drawn from other Federal sources (e.g., Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grants, Performance Registration Information System Management funds, border crossing grants, Commercial Driver License improvement grants, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds). A minimum of 20 percent of the project's total cost of the project (40 percent of the required match) must be derived from non-Federal funding sources. This portion of a state's match may be derived from private sector partners, or state and local government and must consist of one or more of the following three forms of contribution: Contributions of equipment or facilities that are substantial and utilized entirely as an integral part of the project; Personnel services dedicated to the project for a substantial period and not supported by other Federal funds; and/or Cash. SAFETEA LU limits the total Federal contribution (i.e., deployment and matching funds) to (no more than) 80 percent of a project's total budget.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The funds are available for expenditure for as long as the period of performance stipulated in the grant agreement negotiated between the state and the FMCSA State Administrator. The funds are "NO-YEAR" money they do not expire. If a state wants to use the funds after the period of performance, it may do so after it negotiates a no-cost extension of the grant agreement with the FMCSA State Administrator.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
State grant recipients must provide quarterly progress reports to FMCSA. One electronic file of the quarterly progress report must be submitted to the state's FMCSA Division Administrator, and the FMCSA Office of Research and Technology, Technology Division on or before the 20th of the month following the end of the quarter being reported. At a minimum, the quarterly report should be 10 pages or less and contain the following: - The project number or contract number, project name, a brief description of the project, major project partners, names and phone numbers of the partners project contacts, and the reporting period. - Budget and scheduling information, including the date the project was initiated, the estimated completion date, cost estimate, and expenditures during the reporting period. - A brief description of the activities conducted during the reporting period, including any milestones attained and significant events. - A discussion of any problems encountered or anticipated (e.g., scope changes, changes in project limits, funding requirements, technological constraints, institutional issues, project schedule delays) together with recommended solutions to such problems.
Audits
Independent Evaluation - The FMCSA may conduct an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the project in achieving Federal and State program goals. The independent evaluation would be conducted using existing Federal resources. Participants of projects that are selected for independent evaluations shall cooperate with the independent evaluators and participate in evaluation planning and progress review meetings to ensure a mutually acceptable, successful implementation of the independent evaluation. The FMCSA may contract with one or more independent evaluation contractor(s) to evaluate the projects. Self-Evaluation - States will be required to complete/update their on-line CVISN self-evaluation form annually. This form collects the following information: Lessons learned in the areas of institutional issues, technical challenges, innovative financing, public-private partnering, implementing applicable standards, and achieving consistency with the National CVISN and ITS Architectures; Benefits of deployment; and Cost data for deployment.
Records
Upon request, the State will provide copies of technical documents and/or procurement documents to FMCSA.
Program Accomplishments
It is anticipated that 45 applications will be received and 45 awards will be granted in fiscal year 2006. States not receiving awards are those that are not eligible to receive funding in accordance with SAFETEA-LU (i.e., those states that have not yet submitted a FMCSA-approved Core CVISN Program Plan/Top Level Design).
Financial Information
Account Identification
090-2750-0-1-050.
Obligations
SAFETEA-LU authorized up to $100 million ($25 million per year) in CVISN deployment funding in fiscal years 2006-2009. Each fiscal year's funds are appropriated by Congress as part of the Annual Transportation appropriation. In fiscal year 2006, Congress authorized $25 million in CVISN deployment funding.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
State's eligibility for CVISN deployment funding is based on the Federal funds it received for its CVISN program under TEA-21, as well as its current CVISN deployment status. Typical awards range from $100,000 to $750,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
References: - Core and Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top Level Design Templates (obtained from FMCSA's Technology Division see below for contact information) - CVISN Guides (available at http://cvisn.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/Document_Nav_Frame_Page_documents.s html) - Introductory Guide to CVISN (POR-99-7186 P.2, February 2000) - CVISN Guide to Program and Project Planning (POR-99-7188 V1.0, November 2001) - CVISN Guide to Phase Planning and Tracking (POR-99-7189 V1.0, November 2001) - CVISN Guide to Top-Level Design (POR-99-7187 V1.0, February 2001) - CVISN Guide to Integration and Test (POR-99-7194 D.1, May 2001) - CVISN Guide to Safety Information Exchange (POR-99-7191, V1.0, February 2002) - CVISN Guide to Credentials Administration (POR-99-7192 P.2, August 2000) - CVISN Guide to Electronic Screening (POR-99-7193 V1.0, March 2002).
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
States may contact their states FMCSA's Division Administrator.
Headquarters Office
States may contact Jeff Secrist or Quon Kwan for inquiries. Jeff Secrist FMCSA Office of Research & Analysis 400 Virginia Ave., SW, Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20024 Phone: (202) 385-2367 Fax: (202) 385-2422 Email: jeff.secrist@fmcsa.dot.gov Quon Kwan FMCSA Office of Research & Analysis 400 Virginia Ave., SW, Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20024 Phone: (202) 385-2389 Fax: (202) 385-2422 Email: quon.kwan@fmcsa.dot.gov.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Typical projects funded under this program will include: - Develop and deploy automated credentialing for International Registration Plan (IRP); - Develop and deploy automated credentialing for International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA); - Develop and deploy a Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW); - Develop Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top Level Design; and - Deploy Driver Information Sharing functionality.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Criteria for selecting proposals include: - Consistency with the national ITS and CVISN architecture and standards; - Consistency with Program Plan and Top Level Design approved by FMCSA; - Agreement to incorporate interoperability and efficiency to the extent practicable; and - Agree with reporting and programming oversight requirements contained in CVISN deployment program agreement.
