University Transportation Centers Program (20.701)
Program
20.701 University Transportation Centers Program
Federal Agency
RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Authorization
49 U.S.C. 5505.
Program Number
20.701
Last Known Status
Deleted 11/14/2005 (Authorization for the program terminated in FY 2003.)
Objectives
To provide grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning for the purpose of establishing and operating university transportation centers that conduct research, education and technology transfer programs concerning regional and national transportation issues.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The University Transportation Centers will address surface transportation problems and issues and will seek solutions to both long-range and immediate transportation problems. The Department's role will be to furnish a mission and goals to the centers, manage the program and assure that no unnecessary duplication of effort exists.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
For the programs's competitive grants, public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning that offer baccalaureate or higher degrees related to transportation, have established transportation research programs, and are accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations in the United States. The grant recipients must have established surface transportation programs encompassing several modes of transportation with regularly budgeted institutional funds of at least $200,000 per year. Participation in the program by minority colleges and universities is encouraged. For non- competitive grants, limited to those public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning designated in 49 U.S.C. 5505(j).
Beneficiary Eligibility
Public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning.
Credentials/Documentation
A formal application outlining in detail how the institution meets program mission and goals; proposed management of the center; detailed delineation of organization, staff, faculty, and budget. Costs are determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
No new grants will be awarded during the program's remaining authorization (through 2003).
Award Procedure
If the program is reauthorized in 2003, applications will be reviewed by a Departmental panel. Ten competitive grants will be awarded, one in each of the ten Standard Federal Regions. Twenty-three non-competitive grants will be awarded to the institutions named in 49 U.S.C. 5505(j).
Deadlines
See Application Procedures.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
The Federal share of a grant shall be 50 percent of the costs of establishing and operating the university transportation center.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
4 or 6 years, as designated in 49 U.S.C. 5505(i).
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Semiannual progress reports, annual center reports, and a final technical report at the end of each research project.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "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 No. A-133.
Records
Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all grant products, financial records, and supporting documents.
Program Accomplishments
The University Transportation Centers Program started in fiscal year 1988. Each Center is extensively involved in research directly related to local and regional transportation issues. The Centers also educate hundreds of students each year and build partnerships with State and local government as well as industry.
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-1136-0-1-401, 69-8083-0-7-401.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $29,627,850; FY 03 est $29,286,600; and FY 04 est $28,500,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Between $300,000 and $2,000,000 per center per fiscal year.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Regulations and delegations of authority are or will be published in the Federal Register, and on Program website at "http://utc.dot.gov/".
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of University Research and Education (DIR-1), Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8417, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-4434.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
See University Transportation Centers Program Projects and Publications, 1987-1996 (available at Headquarters Office); UTC Program website at http://utc.dot.gov/".
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
