Frequently Asked Questions
This page provides responses to frequently asked questions about the 2024 Rural Community Innovations: Transportation Planning Grant. Review questions and answers about grant application processes, eligibility criteria, objectives and more. We will update this FAQ page with common questions as we receive them.
How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted through the SM Apply application portal by Friday, June 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET (8:59 p.m. PT). All applications must be completed through the online portal; no emailed or mailed applications will be accepted.
What if I am having technical difficulties with the login or the online application?
We have developed step-by-step instructions to reference on how to use the SM Apply system. You are also always welcome to email nadtcgrant@nadtc.org or contact NADTC staff at 866-983-3222 with any questions.
My organization has previously received an NADTC grant. Are we eligible to apply?
Applicants will not be eligible if they were recipients of the NADTC 2021 Planning and 2022 Implementation Grants. If you received funding prior to 2021, you are eligible to apply.
My organization applied and did not receive an NADTC grant previously. Are we eligible to apply again?
Yes. You are eligible to apply again. Please review the eligibility requirements provided in the Request for Proposal (RFP) to help inform your application.
How do I know if my community is considered rural?
We are using FTAs definition of rural, defined as a non-urbanized area with population of less than 50,000. A regional organization located outside of rural area can be the applicant for these grant funds if the project will focus on an eligible rural area.
What advice do you have when creating a workplan or budget that meets the expectations of the application?
We have created some general guidance that may help you as you create your application, along with a sample budget. These documents should be helpful to you as you create your application.
Can we use the funding to pay for a planning consulting firm?
Yes, but you will need to provide a detailed plan of what the consulting firm will be doing. If able, name the consultant in your application as well. See pg. 11 Section 4B.2, Proposal Narrative Questions in the RFP. You will identify your consultant in your answer to question 5, Demonstration of Capacity.
Does the applicant need to receive Section 5310 funding to be eligible? How do I know if my organization receives Section 5310 funding?
No, the applicant does not need to receive Section 5310 funding to be eligible for this grant opportunity. However, if the applicant is not the 5310 provider in the community, a letter of commitment should be included from that entity indicating willingness to participate in the project. Check with your State Department of Transportation to find out who receives 5310 in your community. Read more about Section 5310 funding.
Will there be an Implementation Grant opportunity for people who completed the planning grant?
Should sufficient funds be available from FTA to support NADTC Community Grants in FY 2025, grantees will have the opportunity to receive implementation funding.
Is there an allowable percentage or max percentage for indirect costs?
Indirect costs may be included in the budget but details regarding how indirect costs are calculated, including a copy of the organization’s approved Indirect Rate, will be required of selected grantees.
Can you include the salary/hourly rate for a staff member to manage the grant project?
Yes. You are encouraged to allocate adequate funds to complete all the grant requirements which include carrying out planned activities, reporting, attending meetings, fiscal administration, etc. A detailed explanation is needed for how you calculated the amount. Back-up will be required for all staff costs for chosen grantees.
Who would be good partner agencies to have for this grant?
- This grant program encourages partnerships among transportation, aging and disability organizations, and other key stakeholders with an interest in improving community transportation accessibility and equity, such as healthcare, housing, employment programs, and educational institutions.
- The agency who receives 5310 funds is highly recommended as a partner. If the applicant is not the 5310 provider in the community, a letter of commitment should be included from that entity indicating willingness to participate in the project. If this letter cannot be obtained, the reason why should be stated in response to Narrative Question 5.
What are the scoring criteria?
Eligible projects will be assessed on the following (this information is available on page 7, Section 3B of the RFP.)
Applications that meet minimum requirements will be reviewed and assessed by a review committee. They will then be rated on the basis of Highly Recommended (HR), Recommended (R), and Not Recommended (NR) in the following areas:
- Community Need
- Planning Process
- Anticipated Outcomes
- Demonstration of Capacity
- Workplan
The review committee will follow these guidelines:
- Highly Recommended (HR) applications provide thorough and detailed responses to questions and offer evidence to support the likely success of the proposed project. HR applications stand out among other submissions due to their clarity, feasibility, and potential for meaningful outcomes.
- Recommended (R) applications show several major strengths, provide evidence of probable success in achieving goals, objectives, and requirements of the grant program.
- Applications rated as Not Recommended (NR) do not respond fully to all questions, leave out key information and show few strengths. An NR rating indicates significant shortcomings or weaknesses in the application, such as lack of clarity, feasibility issues, or insufficient alignment with the grant’s priorities.
When will applicants be notified that they have received a grant award?
The review and selection process can take considerable time. NADTC will follow an extensive review process that consists of internal eligibility confirmation, a panel of independent reviewers, and obtaining approval from the Federal Transit Administration. It is possible that the project selection may take several months, though we are committed to selecting projects and entering into agreements as expeditiously as possible. All applicants will receive notice of their application status when selections are made.
What is the anticipated start date for projects?
We are unable to provide a firm start date for the grant projects. When the review and selection process has been completed and FTA approval has been received, NADTC will notify all applicants using the contact information provided in your application. Awarded grantees will then begin the process of entering into a funding agreement contract with NADTC. After all contracts are finalized, grant work can commence. NADTC will communicate a more specific timeline and an anticipated start date of the grant project when applicants receive a notification of grant award.
When will grant funding be distributed?
This grant program will operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning agencies must spend the money as designated in their approved budget and submit a monthly report to request reimbursement. NADTC grant managers will work closely with selected recipients to ensure that the correct narrative and financial reporting process is followed.
Can we talk to someone at NADTC to see if what we are thinking fits with what you are looking for?
Yes, use the nadtcgrant@nadtc.org email to connect with someone if you have specific questions. We cannot do a review of a draft application. You are encouraged to join the Interested Applicant webinar that will be held May 9, 2024 at 3pm Eastern. Webinar Registration is available.
I don’t see the answer to my question here. Who can I contact?
If the information you seek is not covered by these FAQs, please email us at nadtcgrant@nadtc.org or contact NADTC staff at 866-983-3222.