[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 7, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41017-41019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15254]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


State Coordination Grants; Solicitation for Proposals

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: This solicitation is for states to submit proposals for the 
State Coordination Grants component of the United We Ride initiative 
(UWR). The intent of the UWR initiative is to break down the barriers 
among Federal programs as they relate to transportation and set the 
stage for local partnerships. State Coordination Grants may be used to 
assist states in (1) conducting a comprehensive state assessment using 
the UWR Framework for Action; (2) developing a comprehensive state 
action plan for Coordinating Human Service Transportation; or (3) for 
those states who already have a comprehensive state action plan, grants 
can be used for implementing one or more of the elements identified 
within the Framework for Action (for those states that have an 
established Action Plan).

[[Page 41018]]

The UWR Framework for Action is a self-assessment tool for states and 
communities to conduct comprehensive state assessments to identify 
areas of success and highlight the actions still needed to improve the 
coordination of human service transportation. The self-assessment tool 
is designed to address the needs of people with disabilities, older 
adults, and individuals with lower-incomes. For further information on 
the Framework for Action, please visit: www.fta.dot.gov.

DATES: Proposals must be submitted August 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Proposals are to be submitted electronically to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Solomon at PH: 202-366-0242; 
FAX: 202-366-3136; United We Ride Grants, 400 7th Street, SW., Room 
9114, Washington, DC; or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Departments of Transportation 
(DOT), Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor (DOL) and Education 
(DoED), have launched United We Ride (UWR), a five part initiative to 
enhance the coordination on human service transportation. UWR intends 
to break down the barriers between programs and set the stage for local 
and state partnerships that generate common sense solutions and deliver 
A-plus performance for those individuals who depend on transportation 
services to participate fully in community life. The UWR five 
initiatives include: (1) The Framework for Action, (2) A National 
Leadership Forum on Human Service Transportation Coordination, (3) 
State Leadership Awards, (4) State Coordination Grants, and (5) Help 
Along the Way.
    The Congress and the Executive Branch are interested in ensuring 
that various human service transportation activities funded by various 
Federal programs are better coordinated. The General Accounting Office 
issued a report on ``Transportation Disadvantaged Populations'' (June 
2003) that identified 62 different Federal Programs across eight 
Federal agencies that provide funding that may be used to support 
community transportation services. The Report points out that there are 
multiple public and private agencies that provide human service 
transportation in any one community, and services vary greatly in terms 
of eligibility requirements, hours or scope of operation, specific 
destinations and quality.
    Given the multiplicity of programs and the significant dollar 
amounts spent, more effective coordination is needed to ensure better 
service to more people. This is especially true when Federal, state, 
and local budgets for human service activities are under extreme 
financial pressure.
    As also indicated by GAO, many objectives have been achieved; 
however the fragmentation and lack of coordination within supporting 
agencies continue to be a challenge.

Program Goals for State Coordination Grants

    1. Increase overall capacity of states to deliver comprehensive and 
coordinated human service transportation that meet the needs of 
transportation-disadvantaged population (i.e., individuals with lower 
incomes, older adults, and persons with disabilities across the 
lifespan).
    2. Increase cross agency/department collaboration to facilitate 
coordination, enhance services, at the same time address duplication 
and redundancies of programs and services.

Eligibility of Applicants

    We will accept an electronic proposal from each state. The proposal 
must include a clear demonstration of collaboration among multiple 
state agencies.
    The multiple state agencies within each state should designate a 
``lead'' agency. The ``lead'' agency is responsible for the 
application, implementation, reporting and evaluation process.

Purpose

    State Coordination Grants are intended to assist states that want 
to strengthen or jump start efforts to coordinate human service 
transportation. The Framework for Action and its accompanying 
Facilitator's Guide enables leaders at the state level to guide a 
coordinating council, an interagency working group, through a 
transportation coordination assessment and action planning process. 
State grants may be used to assist states in (1) Conducting a 
comprehensive state assessment using the UWR Framework for Action; (2) 
developing a comprehensive State Action Plan for Coordinating Human 
Service Transportation; or (3) implementing one or more of the elements 
identified within the Framework for Action (for those states that have 
an established Action Plan).

Examples of how states may use state coordination grants funds:

     Conduct a statewide assessment of current needs, resources 
and services related to human service transportation using the 
Framework for Action.
     Base on the Framework for Action assessment, develop 
Action Plans that improve coordination of human service transportation 
for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and persons with lower 
incomes.
     States may help local communities complete the Framework 
for Action.
     Address one or more elements identified in the State 
Action Plan.
     Conduct statewide seminars/conferences to establish 
statewide dialogue that leads to effective action steps for future 
coordination of human service transportation issues.
     Replicate a successful model in one or more communities 
across the state (i.e., Transit Pass program; Volunteer Driver; Travel 
Training; etc.).
     Integrate technology into present transportation system to 
address the needs of coordination of human service transportation.
     Integrate technology to address the needs of coordination 
on human service transportation.
     Test a mobility management strategy.

Assistance to Grantee

    States receiving grants may also receive technical assistance from 
technical assistance centers funded by the four U.S. Departments. 
Specific centers include the Community Transportation Assistance 
Program (CTAP), the Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP), 
Easter Seals Project ACTION, Intelligent Transportation Systems Peer to 
Peer Program, and the Multi-State Technical Assistance Program. The 
range of services available include, but are not limited to, assistance 
with coalition building, assessment, strategic planning, training, 
policy development, customer outreach, implementation strategies, and 
evaluation. Technical assistance is provided via phone, e-mail, and 
during on-site visits when appropriate.

Proposal Submission

    Your proposal should be sent electronically and typed in Microsoft 
Word. The proposal should include responses to the following questions. 
Submit your response to all six questions double-spaced, Times Roman, 
12-point font not exceeding 5 pages (not including the budget). E-mail 
your proposals to [email protected].
    1. Briefly describe the state's mission as it relates to the 
coordination of human service transportation.
    2. Briefly describe how this grant will address and support your 
plans to (a) Conduct a comprehensive state

[[Page 41019]]

assessment using the UWR Framework for Action; (b) develop a 
comprehensive State Action Plan for Coordinating Human Service 
Transportation; or (c) for those states that have a comprehensive 
action plan, the grant can be used to implement one or more of the 
elements identified within the Framework for Action. For those states 
that have a comprehensive statewide action plan, and will be 
implementing elements outlined in the Framework for Action, include 
Page 41 of the Framework for Action Self Assessment Tool and a copy of 
the State's Action Plan.
    3. Describe the level of coordination/collaboration with any other 
partners (providers, advocates, private for profit, non-profit 
organizations, or government).
    4. Briefly describe how the state plan will meaningfully involve 
consumers in the development and implementation of human service 
transportation grant activities.
    5. Submit a narrative of your proposed project and a budget that 
includes line items.

    Note: Grant funds may not be used to support capital equipment, 
the provision of services, or operating cost for services.

    6. States that did not participate in the United We Ride Leadership 
Forum in February (2004) must include a letter of commitment from the 
Governor's office.

Criteria for Rating and Selecting Proposals

    1. The extent to which the project's goals, objectives, and 
measurable outcomes for improving human service transportation are 
included in a grant implementation plan to (a) Conduct a comprehensive 
state assessment using the UWR Framework for Action; (b) develop a 
comprehensive state action plan for Coordinating Human Service 
Transportation; or (c) implement one or more of the elements identified 
within the Framework for Action (for those states that have an 
established Action Plan).
    2. The extent to which the proposal is based on the elements 
identified in the Framework for Action: Building the Fully Coordinated 
Human Service Transportation System.

    Note: This criteria only applies to states that have a 
comprehensive state action plan and are choosing the option ``c'', 
which is to implement elements outlined in the Framework for Action.

    Those elements include:
    a. Making Things Happen by Leadership and Partnership, in which the 
Governor and state officials would serve as catalysts for envisioning, 
organizing, and sustaining a coordinated system that provides mobility 
and access to transportation for all who need it.
    b. Taking Stock of State Needs and Moving Forward, in which a 
completed and regularly updated transportation assessment process will 
identify assets, expenditures, services provided, service gaps, 
duplication of services, specific mobility needs of the various target 
populations, and opportunities for improvement.
    c. Putting Customers First, in which customers and their advocates 
and local agencies systematically would engage in the assessment, 
planning, resource allocation, and decision making for coordinating 
transportation services.
    d. Adapting Funding for Greater Mobility, in which state agencies 
will work together to create funding mechanisms that support shared 
ownership of funding responsibilities while completing reporting and 
tracking requirements for various funding streams.
    e. Technology Moves Coordination to the Next Level, in which 
technology would be used to design and manage coordinated 
transportation systems in real time with greater efficiency and 
effectiveness.
    3. The extent to which applicants have or propose a plan that will 
demonstrate a high level of executive leadership and commitment, shared 
decision making, and policy adoption among agencies within the state. 
States should address how the plan will foster efforts to build 
collaboration and involvement with stakeholder organizations, including 
consumer and advocacy groups. Applicants should submit letters of 
commitment from partner agencies. Letters of commitment should be 
submitted in addition to the five-page application.
    4. The extent to which the plan's proposal address issues across 
populations, which include people with disabilities, older adults, and 
individuals with lower-incomes.
    5. The extent to which each applicant submits items requested in 
the Proposal Submission section.

Eligibility/Expenses

    Grants funds may not be used for capital purchases, provision of 
services, or operation of services. Grant funds may be used to support 
personnel for planning, training, coordination, and other 
administration activities required to enhance coordination among and 
across agencies within the state. Supplies, small equipment (computers, 
etc.), and travel are also eligible expenses.

Review and Award Process

    Interagency panels from DOT/FTA, HHS, DOL, and DoED Regional 
offices will review each grant application. The Federal Transit 
Administrator will notify successful applicants. [The anticipated 
notification of grantee selections is 60 days from the Federal Register 
announcement date.] Regional offices will work with respective 
Washington based offices and technical assistance staff to assist 
states with implementation after the selections are announced. Selected 
recipients have pre-award authority as of the date of the announcement.

Grant Periods and Awards

    One-year grant period (starting on the date of the grant contract 
obligation date and ending one year from that date)
    Grants will be given to all states that submit proposals and meet 
the requirements outlined in the guidance. The total amount available 
for grants will be at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for up to 
50 awards. Funding will range from Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) to 
Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000) per grant.

    Issued on: June 29, 2004.
Jennifer L. Dorn,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 04-15254 Filed 7-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P