Rail and Transit Security Grant Program (97.075)
Program
97.075 Rail and Transit Security Grant Program
Federal Agency
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
Authorization
U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56; DHS Appropriations Act of 2005, Public Law 108-334.
Program Number
97.075
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
The objective of the Rail and Transit Security Grant Program (RTSGP) is to create a sustainable program for the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorism, especially explosives and non-conventional threats which would result in major loss of life and severe disruption.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Allowable costs are detailed in the Program Guide and Application Kit. 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 planning, organizational activities, equipment acquisitions, training, exercises, management and administrative activities, and other costs the Secretary deems appropriate. No more than 3 percent of the grant award may be used for management and administrative purposes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The Governor of each State has designated a State Administrative Agency (SAA) to apply for and administer funds under this program. The SAA for each designated transit system is the only agency eligible to apply for transit mode (rail and bus transit and ferry service) funds and is responsible for obligating transit mode funds to local units of government and designated recipients. Eligible applicants for intercity passenger rail transportation and freight rail funds will be determined based on appropriate criteria.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Eligible rail and transit operators and industry associations.
Credentials/Documentation
To apply for grant funds, the applicant must submit an online application through the Grants Management System (GMS) for funding under this program.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process to be followed as required by the State in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted online using GMS at https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov/ and must contain the information and meet the requirements outlined in the Program Guidelines and Application Kit. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency will be used for this program. Each application must contain a signed Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), assurances and certifications, NEPA information, and a copy of the approved indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable).
Award Procedure
Funding recommendations, based upon a process that is developed utilizing a federal interagency team, will be forwarded to the Secretary or his designee for approval. Applicants will be notified by the Office for State and Local Government Coordination Preparedness, Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) if they have received funding.
Deadlines
Contact the Office for State and Local Government Coordination Preparedness, Office for Domestic Preparedness (OSLGCP/ODP), Transportation Infrastructure Security Division, for application deadlines. Notice will be published on the Internet at http://www.fedgrants.gov.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
The funds for the transit portion of this program will be distributed according to formulas developed by OSLGCP /ODP in coordination with other Federal agencies as appropriate. There is no match requirement.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
This award period is for 30 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Recipients of funding are required to submit quarterly financial reports and semi-annual performance report 30 days following the end of each reporting period. Final performance and financial reports are due 120 days after the end date of the grant.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit 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 A-133. These audits are due not later than 9 months after the end of the grantee's fiscal year.
Records
Recipients must maintain project related materials for three (3) years following submission of the final financial status report or until any pending litigation, claim, or audit is resolved and final action taken.
Program Accomplishments
This is a new program created with no funding history. It is anticipated that 24 awards will be approved during FY 2005.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0560-0-1-999.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 04 $0; FY 05 est $150,000,000; and FY 06 est not available. (Note: This is a new program with no prior year obligations.)
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
For information on requirements and guidance please refer to the OJP Financial Guide and FY 2005 Rail and Transit Program Guide and Application Kit.
Related Programs
97.067, Homeland Security Grant Program; 97.008, Urban Areas Security Initiative.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Homeland Security, Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), Transportation Infrastructure Security Division, 245 Murray Lane - Bldg. #410, Washington, DC 20523. Telephone: 800-368-6498.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
None.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Each grant application will be reviewed for documentation required in the Program Guidelines and Application Kit.
