High Speed Ground Transportation-Next Generation High Speed Rail Program

 

To stimulate the implementation of High Speed Passenger Rail Systems.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Deleted 11/01/2009 (Archived.)
Program Number
20.312
Federal Agency/Office
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements or Contracts).
Program Accomplishments
This program was initiated in fiscal year 1995, and focuses on technology development in (a) High Speed, High Acceleration Fossil-Fueled Locomotives; (b) Advanced Communications Based Train Control Systems; (c) Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Sensor and Warning Systems; and (d) Low Cost, Innovative Technologies. Federal Register Notice was issued on September 8, 1994, requesting applications for a demonstration of High Speed Positive Train Control (HSPTC) on one or more corridors designated under Section 1010 of ISTEA. Awards totaling $20 million have been made in fiscal 1995 through fiscal year 2001 to the State of Michigan. Awards totaling $28 million have been made to the State of Illinois. Four Advanced Locomotive Awards totaling $12.5 million of Federal funding have been made to the State of New York with 50/50 matching provided by the New York State Department of Transportation. A cooperative agreement has produced a 150 mph turbine-powered locomotive with Federal funding totaling $13 million to Bombardier Transit, Inc. with 50/50 matching by Bombardier. Awards totaling over $20 million have been made to various contractors and States for technology to mitigate grade crossing hazards.
Authorization
Department of Transportation Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2002; Public Law 107-87; Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, Public Law 105-178.
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Any United States private business, educational institution located in the United States, State or local government or public authority, or agency of the Federal government is eligible for assistance relating to Next Generation High Speed Passenger Rail Systems.
Beneficiary Eligibility
No restrictions.
Credentials/Documentation
As specified in program solicitations and Federal Register Notices.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
The FRA will announce specific pre- application coordination activities for each project area in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
As specified in NOTICES for specific project areas.
Award Procedure
As specified in notices for specific project areas.
Deadlines
As specified in notices for specific project areas.
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
Four to 16 weeks after application.
Appeals
To Deputy Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration.
Renewals
Grants, cooperative agreements or contracts contemplated in this program are predominantly project-oriented rather than on-going efforts and are therefore non-renewable.
How are proposals selected?
For technology development activities: (1) Overall scientific and/or technical merit; (2) Degree to which the overall technical effort will advance U.S. High Speed Passenger Rail Technology; (3) Technical qualifications and demonstrated experience of key personnel proposed to perform technical efforts; (4) Administrative qualifications and demonstrated experience of the proposing organization(s); (5) Reasonableness and realism of proposed costs and fee (if any); and, (6) The degree to which Federal funds are leveraged by private, nonfederal, and/or Federal funds from sources other than this program.
How may assistance be used?
Projects must show a demonstrable benefit to the research, development, design, or ultimate operation of incremental High Speed Passenger Rail Systems.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
A final report detailing the work conducted and the progress accomplished will be required for all projects.
Auditing
For projects assisting States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-133. For projects assisting private businesses in accordance with 48 CFR Chapter I Subpart 31.2, Contracts with Commercial organizations. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
In accordance with requirements of the specific project agreement.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable to technology development efforts.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
As specified in individual project NOTICES.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Office of Railroad Development, RDV-13, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20590.
Website Address
http://www.fra.dot.gov
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-0722-0-1-401; 69-9973-0-7-401.
Obligations
(Grants/Cooperative Agreements/Contracts) FY 02 $28,100,000; FY 03 est $21,500,000; and FY 04 est $21,500,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$100,000 to $7,000,000. Average: $250,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
DOT Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2002, Public Law 107-87. Prospective applications should note that the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriation Acts and associated congressional report language may have designated applications of program funding. Broad Agency Announcement BAA-2001-02, Funds Availability for Research Projects and Technology Advancements under the NGHSR Program, June 2001.
Examples of Funded Projects
Examples are described in the paragraph on program accomplishments.

 



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