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ISSUE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON ~ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

THERESE W. MCMILLAN CHIEF PLANNING OFFICER

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MAY 11, 2016

MOBILITY ON DEMAND SANDBOX DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM/PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION GRANT OPPORTUNITY

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Mobility on Demand (MOD) Sandbox Demonstration Program. A total of $8 million is available nationwide to fund projects that will develop innovative approaches to integrated MOD solutions within a public transportation framework. The FTA deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, July 5, 2016. We are identifying potentially eligible projects that can best compete for the MOD Sandbox Demonstration funds.

DISCUSSION

Through Section 5312 of Title 49, United States Code, as amended by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century Act (MAP-21) and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST), the FTA is authorized to award grants, or enter into cooperative agreement for research, development, demonstration and deployment projects, and evaluation of research and technology of national significance that are deemed to improve public transportation by providing a replicable model for other communities. MOD Sandbox projects are to be funded under this program authority, and federal funds may cover up to 80% of project costs. All activities leading to the demonstration of the innovative MOD and transit integration concept, such as planning and developing business models, obtaining equipment and service, acquiring/developing software and hardware interfaces to implement the project, and operating the demonstration are eligible for funding. FTA provides examples of potential MOD applications in the NOFO, which may be found at https://www.transit.dot.gov/research-innovation/mobility-demand-mod-sandbox-program.

Eligible applicants under this notice are providers of public transportation, including public transit agencies, state/local government DOTs, and federally recognized Indian tribes. Eligible applicants must identify one or more strategic project partner(s) with a substantial interest and involvement in the project. Grant applicants must satisfy all applicable federal requirements and be able to implement the project within 12 months from program award.

As funding for this program is limited, we anticipate that this will be a very competitive process that may not allow a single applicant to receive a grant for more than one project. FTA encourages applicants to propose projects that would deliver high quality, innovative mobility options to all travelers. Projects also can increase their competitiveness by demonstrating significant non-federal financial contributions. Funds under the program may not be used to reimburse projects for otherwise eligible expenses incurred before FTA award of a Grant Agreement or Cooperative Agreement. Also, funds expended before such an award may not be used as local match.

Internal Process for Requesting, Evaluating, and Selecting Proiects

We have requested input from all Metro departments to identify projects that could be eligible and competitive for the grant opportunity. In reviewing each candidate project, we will assess the extent to which each project meets the requirements of the NOFO. After follow-up meetings with Department staff who have proposed projects, and with any input received from the Board of Directors, we will identify those projects that are the most competitive and that can best meet the FTA selection criteria.

NEXT STEPS

We will be fielding recommended candidate projects through Friday, May 27, 2016. We will assess the input received and inform the Board of our assessment results. We also will submit grant applications for those projects that can best compete for the federal funding.

MOD Sandbox Demonstration Program/Public Transportation Innovation Grant Opportunity