[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 111 (Tuesday, June 9, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35362-35368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12443]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration


Notice of Funding Opportunity for Railroad Trespassing Suicide 
Prevention Grant Program

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT or Department).

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (notice or NOFO).

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SUMMARY: This notice details the application requirements and 
procedures to obtain funding for eligible projects under the Railroad 
Trespassing Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Railroad Trespassing 
Suicide Prevention Grant Program funding totaling $293,000 is provided 
in this NOFO by the 2019 and 2020 consolidated appropriations acts, 
which require the FRA to implement a railroad trespasser prevention 
strategy. This program is part of the FRA's implementation of railroad 
trespass prevention efforts. The opportunities described in this notice

[[Page 35363]]

are available under Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 
20.301, ``Rail Safety Grants.''

DATES: Applications for funding under this solicitation are due no 
later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), on August 10, 2020. 
Applications for funding received after 5:00 p.m. ET on August 10, 2020 
will not be considered for funding. See Section D of this notice for 
additional information on the application process.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted via www.Grants.gov. Only 
applicants who comply with all submission requirements described in 
this notice and submit applications through Grants.gov will be eligible 
for award. For any supporting application materials that an applicant 
is unable to submit via Grants.gov, an applicant may submit an original 
and two (2) copies to Matthew Lorah, Office of the Chief Financial 
Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Room W36-103, Washington, DC 20590; email: matthew.lorah@dot.gov; 
phone: 202-493-6186. However, due to delays caused by enhanced 
screening of mail delivered via the U.S. Postal Service, applicants are 
advised to use other means of conveyance (such as courier service) to 
assure timely receipt of materials.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information regarding this 
program, please contact Michail Grizkewitsch, Office of Railroad 
Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Room W33-446, Washington, DC 20590; email: 
Michail.grizkewitsch@dot.gov; phone: (202) 493-1370. Application 
submission and processing questions should be addressed to Matthew 
Lorah, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Federal Railroad 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W36-103, Washington, DC 
20590; email: matthew.lorah@dot.gov; phone: 202-493-6186.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Notice to applicants: FRA recommends that applicants read this 
notice in its entirety prior to preparing application materials. 
Definitions of key terms used throughout the NOFO are provided in 
Section A(2) below. These key terms are capitalized throughout the 
NOFO. There are several administrative prerequisites and eligibility 
requirements described herein with which applicants must comply. 
Additionally, applicants should note that the required Project 
Narrative component of the application package may not exceed 25 pages 
in length.

Table of Contents

A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration Information
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
H. Other Information

A. Program Description

1. Overview

    An average of 289 individuals commit suicide each year on the U.S. 
rail system. This represents nearly a third of the fatalities related 
to railroad operations in the U.S. Grade crossing safety and trespass 
prevention are incorrectly considered by some as challenges to be 
addressed by Railroad Carriers alone, when in fact the prevention of 
grade crossing and trespasser fatalities is most effectively addressed 
through thoughtful and consistent collaboration between all 
stakeholders, including the Railroad Carriers, communities, law 
enforcement, educators, and mental health organizations. Funding under 
this NOFO is intended to facilitate this collaboration, specifically as 
pertains to suicide prevention.
    Trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related casualties 
(injuries and fatalities) in the U.S. and many of these trespass deaths 
are the result of an intentional act of suicide. The increasing number 
of fatalities resulting from trespassing prompted Congress to direct 
FRA to create a National Trespass Prevention Strategy. In its strategy, 
FRA identified approaches to reduce the occurrence of trespassing, 
including collaboration with stakeholders to address the issue of 
suicide.
    Suicides related to railroad operations represent a small, but 
continually increasing, percentage of the total suicides that occur in 
the U.S. each year. Funding under this NOFO is intended to identify and 
fund partnerships between organizations focused on suicide prevention 
and/or mental health assistance and Railroad Carriers to develop and 
implement a targeted Outreach Campaign (as defined below) to reduce the 
number of railroad-related suicides.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for the 
competitive Railroad Trespassing Suicide Prevention Grant Program 
funding provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, Div. G, 
Title I, Public Law 116-6 and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, 
Div. H, Title I, Public Law 116-94. Grants \1\ under this NOFO are 
authorized in 49 U.S.C. 103(i), pursuant to FRA's implementation of 49 
U.S.C. 20151(b).
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    \1\ The term ``grant'' used throughout this document is intended 
to reference funding awarded through a grant agreement, as well as 
funding awarded through a cooperative agreement.
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    Rural transportation networks play a vital role in supporting our 
national economic vitality. Addressing the deteriorating conditions and 
disproportionately high fatality rates on our rural transportation 
infrastructure is of critical interest to the Department, as rural 
transportation networks face unique challenges in safety, 
infrastructure condition, and passenger and freight usage. Consistent 
with the R.O.U.T.E.S. Initiative, the Department will consider how 
projects would address the challenges faced by Rural Areas.

2. Definitions of Key Terms

    a. ``Railroad Carrier'' means a person providing railroad 
transportation. For the purpose of this definition, ``railroad'' is 
defined under 49 U.S.C. 20102(2).
    b. ``Outreach Campaign'' means any coordinated communication and 
assistance effort focused on a specific population, in this case 
individuals suffering from mental health issues who may be 
contemplating suicide.
    c. ``Rural Area'' means any area not in an urbanized area as 
defined by the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau defines Urbanized Area 
(UA) as an area with a population of 50,000 or more people. Updated 
lists of UAs as defined by the Census Bureau are available on the 
Census Bureau website at http://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/UAUC_RefMap/ua/.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Award Amount

    The total funding available for awards under this NOFO is $293,000. 
Should additional funds become available after the release of this 
NOFO, FRA may elect to award such additional funds to applications 
received under this NOFO not to exceed $100,000 per project. Any 
selection and award under this NOFO is subject to the availability of 
appropriated funds.

2. Award Size

    The maximum dollar threshold for awards is $100,000 per project. 
There is no predetermined minimum dollar threshold, and FRA may choose 
to select one or more eligible projects for funding. FRA may not be 
able to award grants to all eligible applications, nor

[[Page 35364]]

even to all applications that meet or exceed the stated evaluation 
criteria (see Section E, Application Review Information).

3. Award Type

    FRA will make awards for projects selected under this notice 
through grant agreements. Grant agreements are used when FRA does not 
expect to have substantial Federal involvement in carrying out the 
funded activity. The funding provided under this NOFO will be made 
available to grantees on a reimbursable basis. Applicants must certify 
that their expenditures are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and 
necessary to the approved project before seeking reimbursement from 
FRA. See an example of standard terms and conditions for FRA grant 
awards at https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/notice-grant-award-example. This template is subject to revision.

C. Eligibility Information

    This section of the notice explains the requirements for submitting 
an eligible grant application. Applications that do not meet the 
requirements in this section will be considered ineligible for funding. 
Instructions for conveying eligibility information to FRA are detailed 
in Section D of this NOFO.

1. Eligible Applicants

    The following entities are eligible applicants permitted under this 
notice. See Section C(3). Applicants for this grant must be an 
organization in the U.S. that focus on suicide prevention and/or mental 
health assistance that can implement an Outreach Campaign for reducing 
suicide involving railroad trespassing or be a Railroad Carrier 
interested in starting or expanding efforts to prevent trespass 
suicide. Ideally, an organization without direct rail domain knowledge 
would coordinate with a particular Railroad Carrier, as shown through a 
letter of support. A similar letter of support from a suicide 
prevention and/or mental health assistance focused organization would 
be ideal should a Railroad Carrier apply for funding.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Neither cost sharing nor matching is a requirement for this grant 
program. The funds provided under this NOFO are available only for 
eligible project costs of eligible Railroad Trespassing Suicide 
Prevention Grant Program projects. The estimated total cost of a 
project must be based on the best available information.

3. Project Eligibility

    Projects eligible for funding under this NOFO implement a proposed 
Outreach Campaign for reducing suicides that involve railroad 
trespassing. The Outreach Campaign may involve training staff to 
identify individuals at risk and intervene, raising awareness of 
services via signage or public awareness campaigns, or implementing 
other strategies. Projects must be specifically tailored to directly 
reduce railroad suicide incidents. At least 1 mile of FRA-regulated 
railroad track must be within the boundaries of the planned outreach 
activities.
    Funding under this NOFO may not be used for costs that are included 
in, or used to meet cost sharing or matching requirements of, any other 
Federally-financed award or program.
    FRA will consider a project to be in a Rural Area if all or the 
majority of the project (determined by geographic location(s) where the 
majority of the project funds will be spent) is located in a Rural 
Area. However, in the event FRA elects to fund a component of the 
project, then FRA will reexamine whether the project is in a Rural 
Area.

D. Application and Submission Information

    Required documents for the application are outlined in the 
following paragraphs. Applicants must complete and submit all 
components of the application. See Section D(2) for the application 
checklist. FRA welcomes the submission of additional relevant 
supporting documentation, such as letters of support from partnering 
organizations and references to previous work on suicide prevention 
Outreach Campaigns that will not count against the Project Narrative 
25-page limit.

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Applicants must submit all application materials through http://www.Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. ET, on August 10, 2020. 
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to ensure that all 
materials are received before the application deadline. General 
information for submitting applications through Grants.gov can be found 
at: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0270. FRA is committed to ensuring 
that information is available in appropriate alternative formats to 
meet the requirements of persons who have a disability. If you require 
an alternative version of files provided, please contact Matthew Lorah, 
Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W36-103, Washington, DC 20590; email: 
matthew.lorah@dot.gov; phone: 202-493-6186.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    FRA strongly advises applicants to read this section carefully. 
Applicants must submit all required information and components of the 
application package to be considered for funding. Required documents 
for an application package are outlined in the checklist below.

     Project Narrative (see D.2.a)
     Statement of Work (see D.2.b.i)
     SF424--Application for Federal Assistance
     424A--Budget Information for Non-Construction projects
     SF 424B--Assurances for Non-Construction projects
     FRA's Additional Assurances and Certifications
     SF LLL--Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
a. Project Narrative
    This section describes the minimum content required in the Project 
Narrative of the grant application. The Project Narrative must follow 
the basic outline below to address the program requirements and assist 
evaluators in locating relevant information.

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I. Cover Page............................  See D.2.a.i
II. Project Summary......................  See D.2.a.ii
III. Applicant Eligibility Criteria......  See D.2.a.iii
IV. Project Eligibility Criteria.........  See D.2.a.iv
V. Detailed Project Description..........  See D.2.a.v
VI. Evaluation and Selection Criteria....  See D.2.a.vi
VII. Project Implementation and            See D.2.a.vii
 Management.
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    The above content must be provided in a narrative statement 
submitted by the applicant. The Project Narrative may not exceed 25 
pages in length (excluding cover pages, table of contents, and 
supporting documentation.) FRA will not review or consider Project 
Narratives beyond the 25-page limitation. If possible, applicants 
should submit supporting documents via website links rather than hard 
copies. If supporting documents are submitted, applicants must clearly 
identify the page number of the relevant portion of the supporting 
documentation in the Project Narrative. The Project Narrative must 
adhere to the following outline.
    i. Cover Page: Include a cover page that lists the following 
elements in either a table or formatted list:

Project Title
Applicant

[[Page 35365]]

Total project cost
Amount of Federal funding requested
City(ies), State(s) where the project is located
Congressional district(s) where the project is located

    ii. Project Summary: Provide a brief 4-6 sentence summary of the 
proposed Outreach Campaign. Include challenges and summarize the 
intended outcomes and anticipated benefits that will result from the 
proposed project.
    iii. Applicant Eligibility Criteria: Explain how the applicant 
meets the applicant eligibility criteria outlined in Section C(1) of 
this notice.
    iv. Project Eligibility Criteria: Explain how the project meets the 
project eligibility criteria in Section C(3) of this notice.
    v. Detailed Project Description: Include a detailed project 
description of the suicide prevention Outreach Campaign proposed for 
implementation that expands upon the brief summary required above. This 
detailed description should provide, at a minimum: How the proposed 
campaign will be implemented along with additional background on the 
challenges the project aims to address, the expected users, 
beneficiaries, and outcomes of the project, and any other information 
the applicant deems necessary to justify the proposed project. Describe 
how and to what extent rail trespass suicide is expected to be reduced, 
including proposed measures to assess this reduction. Specify the 
relevance or relationship of the proposed project to other investments, 
if applicable, as well as the changes that are anticipated to result 
from the project. Provide a detailed summary of all related outreach 
completed to date, if applicable. Include previous accomplishments and 
funding history including Federal financial assistance, and a 
chronology of key documents produced.
    If applicable, explain how the project will benefit communities in 
Rural Areas. If all or a majority of a project is located in a Rural 
Area, identify the Rural Area(s) and estimated percentage of project 
costs that will be spent in the Rural Area.
    vi. Evaluation and Selection Criteria: Include a thorough 
discussion of how the proposed project meets all of the evaluation and 
selection criteria, as outlined in Section E of this notice. If an 
application does not sufficiently address the evaluation criteria and 
the selection criteria, it is unlikely to be a competitive application.
    vii. Project Implementation and Management: Describe proposed 
project implementation and project management arrangements for the 
project, including the activities proposed in this application. Include 
descriptions of the expected arrangements for project contracting, 
contract oversight, risk management, and conformance to Federal 
requirements for project progress reporting (see https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0274). Describe past experience in managing and 
overseeing similar projects.
    viii. Procurement System. A statement that the lead applicant has a 
system for procuring property and services under a Federal award 
provided under this NOFO that supports the provisions in 2 CFR part 200 
Subpart D-Procurement Standards at 2 CFR 200.317-326 and 2 CFR 
1201.317.
    ix. Applicant Statement. A statement indicating whether the 
applicant or any of its principals:
    (A) is presently suspended, debarred, voluntarily excluded, or 
disqualified;
    (B) has been convicted within the preceding 3 years of any of the 
offenses listed in 2 CFR 180.800(a); or had a civil judgment rendered 
against the organization or the individual for one of those offenses 
within that time period;
    (C) is presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly 
charged by a governmental entity (Federal, state or local) with, 
commission of any of the offenses listed in 2 CFR 180.800(a); or,
    (D) has had one or more public transactions (Federal, state, or 
local) terminated within the preceding 3 years for cause or default 
(including material failure to comply).
b. Additional Application Elements
    Applicants must include the following documents in the application 
package:
    i. A Statement of Work (SOW) addressing the scope, schedule, and 
budget for the proposed project if it were selected for award. The SOW 
must contain sufficient detail so FRA, and the applicant, can 
understand the expected outcomes of the proposed work to be performed 
and can monitor progress toward completing project tasks and 
deliverables during a prospective grant's period of performance. 
Applicants must use FRA's standard SOW, schedule, and budget templates 
to be considered for award. The templates are located at: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0325. When preparing the budget, the total cost 
of a project must be based on the best available information as 
indicated in cited references.
    ii. SF 424--Application for Federal Assistance;
    iii. SF 424A--Budget Information for Non-Construction;
    iv. SF 424B--Assurances for Non-Construction;
    v. FRA's Additional Assurances and Certifications; and
    vi. SF LLL--Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.
    Forms needed for the electronic application process are at 
www.grants.gov.
c. Post-Selection Requirements
    See Section F(2) for post-selection requirements.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

    To apply for funding through Grants.gov, applicants must be 
properly registered in SAM before submitting an application, provide a 
valid unique entity identifier in its application, and continue to 
maintain an active SAM registration as described in detail below. 
Complete instructions on how to register and submit an application can 
be found at Grants.gov. Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time 
process; however, it can take up to several weeks for first-time 
registrants to receive confirmation and a user password. FRA recommends 
that applicants start the registration process as early as possible to 
prevent delays that may preclude submitting an application package by 
the application deadline. Applications will not be accepted after the 
due date. Delayed registration is not an acceptable justification for 
an application extension.
    FRA may not make a grant award to an applicant until the applicant 
has complied with all applicable Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
and SAM requirements, and if an applicant has not fully complied with 
the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to 
make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that 
the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that 
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another 
applicant. (Please note that if a Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number must be 
obtained or renewed, this may take a significant amount of time to 
complete.) Late applications that are the result of a failure to 
register or comply with Grants.gov applicant requirements in a timely 
manner will not be considered. If an applicant has not fully complied 
with the requirements by the submission deadline, the application will 
not be considered. To submit an application through Grants.gov, 
applicants must:

[[Page 35366]]

a. Obtain a DUNS Number
    A DUNS number is required for Grants.gov registration. The Office 
of Management and Budget requires that all businesses and nonprofit 
applicants for Federal funds include a DUNS number in their 
applications for a new award or renewal of an existing award. A DUNS 
number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal 
standard for the government in identifying and keeping track of 
entities receiving Federal funds. The identifier is used for tracking 
purposes and to validate address and point of contact information for 
Federal assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. The DUNS 
number will be used throughout the grant life cycle. Obtaining a DUNS 
number is a free, one-time activity. Applicants may obtain a DUNS 
number by calling 1-866-705-5711 or by applying online at http://www.dnb.com/us.
b. Register With the SAM at www.SAM.gov
    All applicants for Federal financial assistance must maintain 
current registrations in the SAM database. An applicant must be 
registered in SAM to successfully register in Grants.gov. The SAM 
database is the repository for standard information about Federal 
financial assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. 
Organizations that have previously submitted applications via 
Grants.gov are already registered with SAM, as it is a requirement for 
Grants.gov registration. Please note, however, that applicants must 
update or renew their SAM registration at least once per year to 
maintain an active status. Therefore, it is critical to check 
registration status well in advance of the application deadline. If an 
applicant is selected for an award, the applicant must maintain an 
active SAM registration with current information throughout the period 
of the award.
    Information about SAM registration procedures is available at 
www.sam.gov.
c. Create a Grants.gov Username and Password
    Applicants must complete an Authorized Organization Representative 
(AOR) profile on www.Grants.gov and create a username and password. 
Applicants must use the organization's DUNS number to complete this 
step. Additional information about the registration process is 
available at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.
d. Acquire Authorization for Your AOR From the E-Business Point of 
Contact (E-Biz POC)
    The E-Biz POC at the applicant's organization must respond to the 
registration email from Grants.gov and login at www.Grants.gov to 
authorize the applicant as the AOR. Please note there can be more than 
one AOR for an organization.

4. Submission Dates and Times

    Applicants must submit complete applications in their entirety to 
www.Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. ET, August 10, 2020. Applicants 
will receive a system-generated acknowledgement of receipt. FRA reviews 
www.Grants.gov information on dates/times of applications submitted to 
determine timeliness of submissions. Late applications will be neither 
reviewed nor considered. Delayed registration is not an acceptable 
reason for late submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply 
early to ensure that all materials are received before this deadline.
    To ensure a fair competition of limited discretionary funds, the 
following conditions are not valid reasons to permit late submissions: 
(1) Failure to complete the registration process before the deadline; 
(2) failure to follow Grants.gov instructions on how to register and 
apply as posted on its website; (3) failure to follow all instructions 
in this NOFO; and (4) technical issues experienced with the applicant's 
computer or information technology environment.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requires applicants from State and local 
units of government or other organizations providing services within a 
State to submit a copy of the application to the State Single Point of 
Contact (SPOC), if one exists, and if this program has been selected 
for review by the State. Applicants may contact their State SPOC to 
determine if the program has been selected for State review. As of 
October 1, 2018, Intergovernmental Review was not required for this 
program.

6. Funding Restrictions

    Consistent with 2 CFR 200.458, FRA will only approve pre-award 
costs if such costs are incurred pursuant to the negotiation and in 
anticipation of the grant agreement and if such costs are necessary for 
efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Under 2 CFR 
200.458, grantees must seek written approval from the FRA for pre-award 
activities to be eligible for reimbursement under the grant. Activities 
initiated prior to the execution of a grant or without written approval 
may not be eligible for reimbursement or included as a grantee's 
matching contribution. Further, funding under this NOFO may not be used 
for costs that are included as a cost or used to meet cost sharing or 
matching requirements of any other Federally financed project or 
program. Cost sharing or matching may be used only for authorized 
Federal award purposes. Indirect costs will not be reimbursed under 
this grant program.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    For any supporting application materials that an applicant cannot 
submit via Grants.gov, an applicant may submit an original and two (2) 
copies to Matthew Lorah, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Federal 
Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W36-103, 
Washington, DC 20590. However, due to delays caused by enhanced 
screening of mail delivered via the U.S. Postal Service, FRA advises 
applicants to use other means of conveyance (such as courier service) 
to assure timely receipt of materials before the application deadline. 
Additionally, if documents can be obtained online, providing 
instructions to FRA on how to access files on a referenced website may 
also be sufficient.

    Note:  Please use generally accepted formats such as .pdf, .doc, 
.docx, .xls, .xlsx and .ppt, when uploading attachments. While 
applicants may embed picture files, such as .jpg, .gif, and .bmp, in 
document files, applicants should not submit attachments in these 
formats. Additionally, the following formats will not be accepted: 
.com, .bat, .exe, .vbs, .cfg, .dat, .db, .dbf, .dll, .ini, .log, 
.ora, .sys, and .zip.

    If an applicant experiences difficulties at any point during this 
process, please call the Grants.gov Customer Center Hotline at 1-800-
518-4726, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed on Federal holidays). 
For information and instructions on each of these processes, please see 
instructions at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. See Section D(1) of this NOFO for information on where 
applications must be submitted if sent by postal mail, electronic means 
or hand delivery.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

a. Eligibility, Completeness and Applicant Risk Review
    FRA will first screen each application for eligibility (eligibility 
requirements

[[Page 35367]]

are outlined in Section C of this notice), completeness (application 
documentation and submission requirements are outlined in Section D of 
this notice) and applicant risk.
b. Evaluation Criteria
    FRA subject-matter experts will evaluate all eligible and complete 
applications against the following evaluation criteria:
    i. Technical Merit. FRA will evaluate application information for 
the degree to which:
    (E) The application is thorough and responsive to all the 
requirements outlined in this NOFO.
    (F) The tasks outlined in the SOW and described in the project 
narrative are appropriate to achieve the expected benefits of the 
proposed project.
    (G) The technical qualifications and experience of key personnel 
proposed to lead and perform the technical efforts, and the 
qualifications of the primary and supporting organizations to fully and 
successfully execute the proposed project within the proposed timeframe 
and budget are demonstrated.
    ii. Project Benefits. FRA intends to award funds to projects that 
achieve the maximum benefits possible. FRA will evaluate the extent to 
which:
    (A) The application contains data and/or supporting information to 
support the proposed suicide prevention Outreach Campaign. This 
information could include:
     Data from prior suicide prevention or public safety 
initiatives which demonstrate the ability to implement a mitigation 
strategy and document impact.
     Examples of prior collaborative efforts with 
transportation entities, state/local government, communities, and/or 
other suicide prevention or safety organizations.
     Examples of prior efforts to address suicide and or mental 
health awareness.
    (B) The applicant describes the expected benefit of the project, 
namely how the funded project will prevent rail-related suicide 
including how and to what extent rail trespass suicide is expected to 
be reduced.
    (C) The applicant demonstrates a cooperative relationship with 
stakeholders (e.g., Railroad Carriers).
c. Selection Criteria
    In addition to the eligibility, completeness and applicant risk 
review and the evaluation criteria outlined in this section, the FRA 
Administrator (or his designee) will determine the final selection of 
projects for program funding.
    i. FRA will take into account the following key Departmental 
objectives:
    (A) Using innovative approaches to improve safety and expedite 
project delivery; and,
    (B) Holding grant recipients accountable for their performance and 
achieving specific, measurable outcomes identified by grant applicants.
    ii. In determining the allocation of program funds, FRA will also 
consider geographic diversity, diversity in the size of the systems 
receiving funding, the applicant's receipt of other competitive awards, 
projects located in or that support transportation service in a 
qualified opportunity zone designated pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 1400Z-1.
    iii. Consistent with the Department's R.O.U.T.E.S. Initiative, the 
DOT recognizes that rural transportation networks face unique 
challenges. To the extent that those challenges are reflected in the 
applicant's response to the criteria listed in this section, the FRA 
will consider how the activities proposed in the application will 
address those challenges, regardless of the geographic location of 
those activities.

2. Review and Selection Process

    FRA will conduct a three-part application review process, as 
follows:
    a. Screening applications for completeness, eligibility and 
applicant risk (completed by FRA grants staff);
    b. Evaluating the technical merit of eligible applications 
(completed by subject matter experts applying the evaluation criteria); 
and
    c. Selection of projects for award by the FRA Administrator for the 
Secretary's review and approval.

3. Reporting Matters Related to Integrity and Performance

    Before making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share 
greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (see 2 CFR 200.88 
Simplified Acquisition Threshold), FRA will review and consider any 
information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and 
performance system accessible through SAM (currently the Federal 
Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)). See 41 
U.S.C. 2313.
    An applicant, at its option, may review information in the 
designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and 
comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency 
previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and 
performance system accessible through SAM.
    FRA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the 
other information in the designated integrity and performance system, 
in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, 
and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the 
review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.205.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notice

    FRA will announce applications selected for funding in a press 
release and on the FRA website after the application review period. FRA 
will contact applicants with successful applications after announcement 
with information and instructions about the award process. This 
notification is not an authorization to begin proposed project 
activities. FRA requires satisfaction of applicable requirements by the 
applicant and a formal agreement signed by both the grantee and the 
FRA, including an approved scope, schedule, and budget, to obligate the 
grant.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    In connection with any program or activity conducted with or 
benefiting from funds awarded under this notice, recipients of funds 
must comply with all applicable requirements of Federal law, including, 
without limitation, the Constitution of the United States; the 
conditions of performance, nondiscrimination requirements, and other 
assurances made applicable to the award of funds in accordance with 
regulations of the Department of Transportation; and applicable Federal 
financial assistance and contracting principles promulgated by the 
Office of Management and Budget. In complying with these requirements, 
recipients, in particular, must ensure that no concession agreements 
are denied or other contracting decisions made on the basis of speech 
or other activities protected by the First Amendment. If the Department 
determines that a recipient has failed to comply with applicable 
Federal requirements, the Department may terminate the award of funds 
and disallow previously incurred costs, requiring the recipient to 
reimburse any expended award funds.
    Examples of administrative and national policy requirements 
include: 2 CFR part 200; procurement standards at 2 CFR part 200 
Subpart D--Procurement Standards, 2 CFR 1207.317 and 2 CFR 200.401; 
compliance with Federal civil rights laws and regulations; 
disadvantaged business enterprises; debarment and suspension; drug-free 
workplace; FRA's and OMB's Assurances and Certifications;

[[Page 35368]]

Americans with Disabilities Act; safety requirements; NEPA; 
environmental justice and the Buy American Act, 41 U.S.C. 8301-8305. 
Unless otherwise stated in statutory or legislative authority, or 
appropriations language, all financial assistance awards follow the 
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR part 1201.
    Grantees must comply with applicable appropriations act 
requirements and all relevant requirements of 2 CFR part 200. Rights to 
intangible property under grants awarded under this NOFO are governed 
in accordance with 2 CFR 200.315. Unless otherwise stated in the 
Federal award, FRA will not consider non-federal entities as that term 
is used in 2 CFR part 200 to include for-profit entities. See an 
example of standard terms and conditions for FRA grant awards at 
https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L05285. This template is subject 
to revision.

3. Reporting

a. Progress Reporting on Grant Activity
    Each applicant selected for a grant will be required to comply with 
all standard FRA reporting requirements, including quarterly progress 
reports, quarterly Federal financial reports, and interim and final 
performance reports, as well as all applicable auditing, monitoring and 
close out requirements. Reports may be submitted electronically.
b. Additional Reporting
    Applicants selected for funding are required to comply with all 
reporting requirements in the standard terms and conditions for FRA 
grant awards including 2 CFR 180.335 and 2 CFR 180.350. See an example 
of standard terms and conditions for FRA grant awards at: https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L05285. This template is subject to 
revision.
c. Performance Reporting
    Each applicant selected for funding must report on the project's 
performance using measures mutually agreed upon by FRA and the grantee 
to assess progress in achieving strategic goals and objectives. The 
information should include indicators of success (e.g., anticipated 
reach of messaging efforts or contacts made by personnel with 
individuals at risk or reduced suicide incidents.) The FRA maintains 
the rights to re-publish and use information under this grant for the 
advancement of safety.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

    For further information regarding this notice and the Railroad 
Trespassing Suicide Prevention Grant Program, please contact Michail 
Grizkewitsch, Office of Railroad Safety, Federal Railroad 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W33-446, Washington, DC 
20590; email: Michail.grizkewitsch@dot.gov; phone: (202) 493-1370. 
Grant application submission and processing questions should be 
addressed to Matthew Lorah, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, 
Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W36-
103, Washington, DC 20590; email: matthew.lorah@dot.gov; phone: 202-
493-6186.

H. Other Information

    All information submitted as part of or in support of any 
application shall use publicly available data or data that can be made 
public and methodologies that are accepted by industry practice and 
standards, to the extent possible. If the application includes 
information the applicant considers to be a trade secret or 
confidential commercial or financial information, the applicant should 
do the following: (1) Note on the front cover that the submission 
``Contains Confidential Business Information (CBI)''; (2) mark each 
affected page ``CBI''; and (3) highlight or otherwise denote the CBI 
portions.
    The DOT regulations implementing the FOIA are found at 49 CFR part 
7 Subpart C--Availability of Reasonably Described Records under the 
Freedom of Information Act which sets forth rules for FRA to make 
requested materials, information and, and records publicly available 
under FOIA. Unless prohibited by law and to the extent permitted under 
the FOIA, contents of application and proposals submitted by successful 
applicants may be released in response to FOIA requests.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
Quintin Kendall,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020-12443 Filed 6-8-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P


