The full suite of DOT technical assistance resources can be accessed at Search Technical Assistance Resources | US Department of Transportation.
New & Notable
- Opening Soon! Applications for the next round of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants are anticipated to open in February 2024. Federally recognized Tribal governments that apply can use Tribal Transportation Funds for non-Federal match. Subscribe to email updates to be notified when additional information is available.
Opportunities Closing in March 2024
- DOT is offering $2.97 million through its new Mobility Equity Research Initiative, which seeks to advance research and technologies that support the Department’s goal of expanding accessibility and mobility to underserved communities, including people with disabilities, older Americans, and rural and disadvantaged communities. DOT is seeking proposals that will produce research results and tools that build on or complement existing data and systems such as those found on https://equity-dot.gov/. This competition is open to institutions of higher education, public research entities, 501(c)3 nonprofit research entities, and consortia thereof. Applicants must be established and located in the United States or its territories or on Tribal lands. Applications are due by March 5, 2024.
- DOT is offering a $25 million funding opportunity for its Rural Autonomous Vehicle (RAV) research program. Accredited universities are eligible to apply for this competitive, six-year cooperative agreement program. Recipients will use RAV program funding to conduct research regarding the benefits and responsible application of automated vehicles and associated mobility technologies in rural and Tribal communities. The RAV program funds collaborative research and pilot deployment activities to support a future rural transportation system that is safe, advances American competitiveness, and supports good-paying jobs. More information about the competition is posted on the RAV NOFO Questions and Answers page, and you can find a recording from the informational webinar held in January here. Applications are due by March 13, 2024.
- FHWA is accepting applications for $9.7 billion in multi-year funding to improve the nation’s bridges through the competitive Bridge Investment Program’s “Planning” and “Bridge Project” categories, which fund bridge planning, repair, and replacement projects under $100 million. FHWA has provided a Bridge Project Application Template and Planning Grant Application Template and highly encourages applicants to use the templates for their applications. Visit FHWA’s Website to find more information, including an informational webinar recording. Technical assistance is also available to recipients who receive Bridge Investment Program grants. Applications for this round of planning and bridge project funding must be submitted by March 19, 2024 via Grants.gov.
USDOT Navigator Grant Application Resources
- The DOT Navigator provides a Discretionary Grant Preparation Checklist for Prospective Applicants to help local governments prepare for the year ahead and chart a strategic pathway to take advantage of these historic infrastructure investments to build good projects well. The checklist, also available in Spanish, includes 10 important steps that your organization and/or community can undertake to be well positioned to apply for DOT discretionary funding. This includes working with your metropolitan planning organization, for those cities and towns in an urbanized area over 250,000, and your state department of transportation to ensure coordination and inclusion of local projects with metropolitan and statewide planning documents. These transportation partners, along with transit agencies are provided federal transportation formula funding which may also be a potential source to help fund your project. Decisions on how formula funds are spent are made by these organizations that receives the funds directly from USDOT. An overview of DOT funding and financing resources can be found and is available on the DOT Navigator.
- The new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Incorporating Accessibility in Transportation Projects is intended to help grant applicants understand accessibility-related requirements and best practices through the transportation project planning process. The FAQs provide insight on how USDOT initiatives such as ADA Transition Maps, the Department’s Disability Policy Priorities, and the Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision making guide can be used to advance accessibility in the many projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Non-USDOT Capacity Building Resources & Opportunities
- The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the White House Domestic Policy Council hosted a day-long arts and culture summit: Healing, Bridging, Thriving. Among the resources shared is a new publication by the National Assembly of State Art Agencies providing best practices on incorporating the arts in transportation projects and planning processes.
- Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) announced that EPA is launching its first ever artist-in-residence program, in partnership with the NEA. EPA anticipates embedding a minimum of six artists within national estuary or urban water locations over 18 months with the goal of integrating arts and culture into key EPA program areas, deepening local relationships and trust, increasing community buy-in and support, and elevating the voices of underrepresented people.
- EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) is accepting applications for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds for environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments. The deadline to apply is November 21, 2024, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a $6 million opportunity through its Rural Capacity Building (RCB) program. Eligible national non-profit entities may apply to the RCB program, which enhances the capacity and ability of rural housing development organizations, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), rural local governments, and Indian tribes (eligible beneficiaries) to carry out affordable housing and community development activities in rural areas for the benefit of low- and moderate-income families and persons. The program aims to empower and strengthen communities in rural areas. Questions regarding specific program requirements for this program should be directed to Anupama Abhyankar at CapacityBuilding@hud.gov. Applications are due by March 25, 2024.
- HUD’s Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program maintains a library of resources relevant to DCTA recipients and smaller distressed communities. It features a wide range of reports, webinars, guidance, and funding opportunities useful to small governments, tribal organizations, and non-profits. The resources and new additions can be found on the DCTA Program Resources page. Local governments can also request in-depth technical assistance tailored to their specific needs via this form available through the DCTA webpage.