Funding Details
The funding available under the 2023 solicitation is approximately $10.8 million in federal funds which must be matched 50 percent for operating projects and 20 percent for capital or mobility management projects. Grant applications must be a minimum of $150,000 (including the match and over a two-year period), however, there is no cap on the amount of funding for which applicants may apply.
At the time of application, applicants must have identified and secured the necessary matching funds for the project proposal. Sources of matching funds can include organization funds (general funds, cash on hand), state or local government funds or grants, non-U.S. Department of Transportation federal funds, private sources (donations), state agency funds, transit agency funds, income from service contracts, In-kind contributions, like but not limited to non-cash shares (donations, volunteer services, etc.), are not an allowable source of match.
Funding is limited, and as such is intended to be used to support proven projects in meeting the unmet transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Federal rules also limit the types of agencies and projects eligible for Enhanced Mobility funds. (See FTA’s program circular for detail on eligible capital and operating expenses and eligible organizations.)
Project Selection
For every solicitation, a Selection Committee reviews, selects projects, and makes funding recommendations to the Transportation Planning Board. The Selection Committee makes these recommendations based on the selection criteria listed in the Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan. The selection committee will include local and national experts in the field of transit and human services who are familiar with the travel needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Selection criteria include:
- Coordination among agencies
- Responsiveness to TPB's Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan
- Institutional capacity to manage and administer an FTA grant
- Project feasibility
- Regional need
- Inclusion of Equity Emphasis Areas
- Customer focus
Post-Award Information
The Selection Committee typically meets after the solicitation period of the application year to recommend projects for funding. The TPB will be asked to approve recommended projects, staff will notify agencies in writing that their projects have been selected for funding, and then awardees will have approximately 30 days from the date of the written award notification to complete and submit required FTA documentation, such as Certifications and Assurances, and proof of compliance with Title VI, Americans with Disabilities Act, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, and Equal Employment Opportunity regulations.
FTA must approve the grant projects before COG can enter into a grant agreement with the applicant, which can take six to eight months. Following FTA approval and the signing of the sub-grant agreement between COG and the recipient, projects can begin, often 12-13 months after notification of award.
The program reimburses subrecipients for pre-approved budget items. Subrecipients must submit monthly invoices documenting spending and confirming payment in order to be reimbursed, generally within 30 days of submitting an invoice.
Monthly Invoices, quarterly progress and, if applicable, quarterly taxi data and response time reports, are required. Reimbursement is contingent upon complete and timely submission of invoices and reports. Grantees will also be required to submit annual performance measures reports and an Annual Rolling Stock and Equipment Inventory report. Final grant reports, due 30 days from project end, include project evaluation, lessons learned, and sustainability. A reporting schedule is available under Resources and will be provided to all grantees with the award notification letter. Please contact Daniel Sheehan at dsheehan@mwcog.org or (202) 962-3287 if you are interested in seeing reporting templates.