Intercity Bus Security Grants (97.057)
Program
97.057 Intercity Bus Security Grants
Federal Agency
HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT
Authorization
FY 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery From and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States, Public Law 107-206, 116 Stat. 820.
Program Number
97.057
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To support intercity bus operators and the industry to: 1) improve protection or isolation of the driver; 2) implement effective monitoring, tracking, and communication technologies; 3) implement and operate passenger and baggage screening programs at terminals and on over-the-road buses; 4) develop effective security assessments/security plans that identify critical security needs and vulnerabilities; and 5) train drivers, dispatchers, ticket agents, and other personnel in recognizing and responding to criminal attacks and terrorist threats, evacuation procedures, passenger screening procedures, and baggage inspection.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Allowable costs are detailed in the Request for Applications (RFA). Cost principles applicable to the awards are OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, with OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations, and with 48 CFR Part 31 for commercial organizations. In general, funds may be used for equipment, supplies, services or consultants, travel, audits, other direct costs, and facilities and administrative costs (i.e., indirect costs) in meeting the program objectives. Grant funds may not be used for personnel costs, maintenance costs, purchase of additional buses, or reimbursement of security investments/enhancements incurred prior to grant award budget period.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
1) Private operators of over-the-road buses, including operators of regular route, charter, tour, and other services; 2) public operators of over-the-road buses; 3) bus associations; and 4) other associations related to the intercity bus industry, i.e., transportation industry organizations that have been involved directly in training and technical assistance with an emphasis on security for the intercity bus industry.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Immediate beneficiaries include the eligible public and private over-the-road bus operators and industry associations. Passengers will also benefit from enhanced intercity bus security procedures implemented through the grant program.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must submit a cost-sharing letter of commitment and a copy of a Federally approved indirect cost agreement.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency must be used for this program. Each application must contain a signed Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), signed cost share commitment letter, assurances and certifications, and indirect cost rate agreement. Each proposal must contain a technical project plan, budget breakdown, and budget justification.
Award Procedure
Funding recommendations based upon a federal interagency review process will be forwarded to the Secretary for approval. Awards will be sent to the successful applicants following discussions with them. TSA anticipates providing full or partial funding awards for approved projects.
Deadlines
Contact Transportation Security Administration, TSA-8, Maritime and Land Security, Grants/Contracts Management Branch for application deadlines. Written notice will be published in the Federal Register (http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html) and "FederalGrant Opportunities" for Grants (http://www.fedgrants.gov).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula and no matching requirements. TSA encourages grant recipients to consider cost sharing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The award period is for 12 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Request for Advance or Reimbursement (SF 270) submissions, quarterly Financial Status Reports (SF 269), and quarterly technical progress reports are required.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997 and June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 (or $500,000 for fiscal years after December 31, 2003) or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 or $500,000, as applicable, a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133 or the award document.
Records
Applicants must maintain project related materials for 3 years following submission of the final financial status report.
Program Accomplishments
TSA selected 60 awards totaling $19,800,007 for 67 projects during fiscal year 2003.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0508-0-1-402.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $14,850,000; FY 03 est $5,000,000; and FY 04 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
TSA FY 2002 and FY 2003 award amounts ranged from $9,900 to $9,074,357. The average award amount was $330,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Department of Transportation (DOT) grant related regulations include 49 CFR Parts 17-21, 26 and 29. DOT regulations may be superseded by corresponding or applicable new regulations issued by the Department of Homeland Security for this program. Cost principles applicable to the awards are OMB Circular A-21 for institutions of higher education, with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, with OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations, and with 48 CFR Part 31 for commercial organizations.
Related Programs
Not applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Queries may be directed to Transportation Security Administration Headquarters, Office of Maritime and Land Security, Grants/Contracts Management Branch, TSA-8, 701 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals will be selected based on the availability of funding, the quality of the proposals submitted, and the evaluation criteria established in the program announcement. In general, proposals will be evaluated based on project relevance and importance, quality of the technical proposal, competence of the principal partner and project team to perform the work, appropriateness and reasonableness of the budget, and stakeholder involvement.
