FR 2024-28271

The document from the Federal Register discusses a funding opportunity offered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which is part of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The FTA is providing $5 million as part of the Public Transportation Innovation Program to establish a new Technology Transfer (T2) Program. The T2 Program is designed to facilitate the deployment of innovative research in the field of public transportation. Eligible applicants for this funding include federal and local governmental entities, transportation providers, non-profits, private organizations, and educational institutions in the United States. Interested parties must submit their applications through grants.gov by February 11, 2025.

General Summary

The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to foster innovation in public transportation by advancing the commercialization and practical application of research findings funded by the FTA. The T2 Program aims to assist transit agencies in deploying new technologies and solutions by overcoming barriers to adoption. The program also seeks to enhance U.S. manufacturing, support small businesses, and ensure that the benefits of federally funded research are realized broadly. The document outlines extensive requirements for eligible applicants, including detailed submission guidelines, eligibility criteria, and evaluation measures.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the document, beginning with the decision to award the entire $5 million to a single applicant. This could raise concerns about equitable distribution and limit the competitive nature of the program. Exclusively allowing U.S. entities to apply may prevent international applicants, who might offer innovative perspectives, from participating. Moreover, the optional nature of a non-Federal share as a match suggests a potential for over-reliance on Federal resources without balanced local contributions, making the budget appear strained.

The administratively dense requirements—compliance with various regulations, numerous forms, detailed narratives, and understanding specialized guidelines—could deter smaller entities that may lack the resources for such an intensive application process. Broad definitions of conflicts of interest and vague descriptions of roles for management and coordination might reduce clarity and restrict capable applicants. Additionally, the lack of specific success metrics could lead to a lack of accountability.

Impact on the Public

The broader impact on the public hinges on the effectiveness and reach of the T2 Program. If managed well, the public could benefit from improved public transport systems through practical innovations and enhanced efficiency in service delivery. The focus on U.S. manufacturing and job creation aligns with broader economic goals, potentially boosting local economies and providing employment opportunities.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The T2 Program impacts various stakeholders differently. Transit agencies stand to benefit significantly from the practical implementation of innovative research findings. However, they might also encounter challenges in accessing the resources needed for implementation if the application process is prohibitive for smaller entities.

For agencies, organizations, and schools eligible to apply, the program offers a significant opportunity but also presents formidable challenges in navigating application and compliance processes. Entities already familiar with the FTA's procedures may find themselves at an advantage when completing the complex application requirements.

In summary, while the FTA's funding opportunity sets a promising agenda for advancing innovation in public transportation, its implementation criteria may inadvertently favor larger, more established organizations over smaller, potentially more innovative groups. Ensuring ease of application and clearer guidelines could help broaden participation and enhance the program's overall impact.

The Federal Register document in question outlines a $5,000,000 funding opportunity provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Public Transportation Innovation Program. This sum is intended to support one competitively selected cooperative agreement aimed at developing and managing a new Technology Transfer (T2) Program. The financial allocations span multiple fiscal years (2022, 2023, and 2024) and are designated for a minimum performance period of 48 months.

The financial allocation raises several concerns regarding equitable distribution and competition. Since only one applicant will receive the entire $5,000,000, there is a potential issue of limited accessibility and opportunity for a broader range of organizations and institutions. This could lead to an extensive competition, which might discourage participation from smaller entities or those with fewer resources from applying due to the anticipated high level of competition. This exclusivity might also impact the diversity of expertise and innovation, as international entities are excluded by the criteria limiting eligibility to United States-based applicants.

Further complicating the scenario is the encouragement for applicants to provide non-Federal matching funds, either in cash or in-kind. While this aspect is not mandatory, it introduces a possibility of budget imbalance for some applicants. Entities reliant solely on Federal funding may face difficulties if they are unable to secure additional resources or if the Federal allocation does not cover all necessary costs.

There are financial documentation requirements outlined, such as the necessity to submit a Consolidated Budget Form that aligns with the SF-424 and other specified forms. These administrative requirements could pose a significant barrier for smaller organizations due to their complexity and volume, potentially deterring these entities from participating in the program. These onerous documentation expectations, combined with the need to detail both Federal and non-Federal shares, contribute to a potential administrative burden that might impact the decision-making process of potential applicants.

Moreover, the FTA's substantial involvement in the cooperative agreement's administration could be seen as a source of concern. Although the FTA's engagement suggests a robust level of oversight, which might assure effective use and transparency of the $5,000,000, it might also limit the autonomy of the successful applicant, as the document's language around "substantial involvement" could suggest micromanagement.

Lastly, while the document emphasizes the commercialization of research findings, it does not provide specific guidelines or limitations on how commercialization profits should be managed, nor does it suggest any requisite reinvestment into public interests. This absence of clarity could lead to discrepancies in how profits derived from successful commercialization are utilized, which could impact the public benefit originally intended by the funding.

Overall, while the initiative presents a significant financial opportunity aimed at advancing public transportation innovations, it simultaneously introduces various financial and administrative challenges that should be carefully considered by potential applicants.