CALL FOR PROJECTS

2016 Grant Application

FTA Section 5310: Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

All applications are to be submitted to the

Regional Transportation Commission

Attn: Jennifer Meyers

1105 Terminal Way, Suite 200

Reno, NV 89502

OR

jmeyers@rtcwashoe.com

SUBMITTED BY

Insert Applicant Name Here

Table of ContentsSection 5310 Grant Program Overview...............................................................................................................3

Application Submission & Deadline....................................................................................................................7

Project Selection Criteria.....................................................................................................................................8

PROJECT APPLICATION.......................................................................................................................................10

A. Applicant, Existing Services, and Service Area.........................................................................................10

B. Proposed Project.........................................................................................................................................10

C. Responsiveness to Project Selection Criteria.............................................................................................11

D. Project Budget............................................................................................................................................13

E. Sources of Project Funding.........................................................................................................................14

F. Project Scalability.......................................................................................................................................14

G. Project Timeline and Milestones................................................................................................................15

H. Civil Rights – Title VI Requirements (Nondiscrimination)........................................................................16

Certification of Application..................................................................................................................17

Application Attachment Checklist.........................................................................................................17

Attachment 1: Vehicle Inventory..........................................................................................................18

Attachment 2: Maintenance of Vehicles and Vehicle Being Replaced......................................................19

Attachment 3: Local Governmental Authority Certification.....................................................................20

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Section 5310 Grant Program Overview

A. Program PurposeThe Section 5310 Program provides capital and operating grants to assist communities or agencies in meeting the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities and older adults when the existing transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate toward meeting those needs.

B. Eligible RecipientsThere are three categories of eligible sub-recipients of Section 5310 funds: a) private non-profit organizations; b) state or local government authorities; and c) operators of public transportation services. If applying for a vehicle, equipment, or mobility management projects, state or local government authorities need to be approved by the State to coordinate services or must certify that there are no nonprofit organizations readily available in the area to provide that service.

C. Eligible ProjectsEligible projects must be derived from and included in the Coordinated Human Services Public Transportation Plan (CPT) which is a federally required document guiding the use of Section 5310 program funds. This plan explains the region’s approach to coordinated human services transportation and can be found on the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) website at: http://www.rtcwashoe.com/Planning/pdfs/CTP/F_CTPdocument.pdf:

Section 5310 funds are available for capital and operating project expenses exceeding $50,000 or more that meet the project selection criteria set forth on Page 8, and as outlined in the Program Management Plan (PMP) located on RTC’s website at www.rtcwashoe.com.

Submitted projects must improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expand upon transportation mobility options currently available. Transportation services must be planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities

The following is a list of project types and examples of projects that are eligible for funding under the Section 5310 Program:

“Traditional” Section 5310 Capital Projects Rolling Stock

Replacement vehicles; New service vehicles; and Expanded service vehicles.

Non-Rolling StockRadios or other communication equipment; Computer hardware and software; Transit-related intelligent transportation systems (ITS); Wheelchair restraints; Wheelchair lifts; Benches, shelters, and other passenger amenities; Wayfinding and signage; and Dispatch systems.

Mobility Management and Coordination ProgramsPromotion, enhancement, and facilitation of access to transportation services, including the integration and coordination of services for individuals with disabilities and seniors; Support for short-term management activities to plan and implement coordinated services; Development and operation of one-stop transportation

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traveler call centers to coordinate transportation information on all travel modes and to manage eligibility requirements and arrangements for customers among supporting programs; Operational planning for the acquisition of intelligent transportation technologies to help plan and operate coordinated systems inclusive of geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, global positioning system technology, coordinated vehicle scheduling, dispatching and monitoring technologies, as well as technologies to track costs and billing in a coordinated system, and single smart customer payment systems; and Funding to support the administrative costs of sharing services provided to clients along with other seniors and/or individuals with disabilities and the coordinated usage of vehicles with other nonprofits.

“Other” Section 5310 Operating Projects

These are identified as those public transportation projects that:

a. Exceed the ADA minimum requirements,b. Improve access to fixed-route service and decrease reliance by individuals with disabilities

on ADA-complementary paratransit service, orc. Provide alternatives to public transportation that assist seniors and individuals with

disabilities with transportation.

Some examples include: Expansion of paratransit service parameters beyond the three-fourths mile required by the ADA; Expansion of current hours of operation for ADA paratransit services that are beyond those provided on the fixed-route services; Incremental cost of providing same day service; Incremental cost of making door-to-door service available to all eligible ADA paratransit riders, but not on a case-by-case basis for individual riders in an otherwise curb-to-curb system; Enhancement of the level of service by providing escorts or assisting riders through the door of their destination; Support of administration and expenses related to voucher programs for transportation services offered by human service providers; Mileage reimbursement as part of a volunteer driver program, taxi trips or trips provided by human service agencies; and support for volunteer driver programs.

D. Local Match Requirements For capital costs, the local share is 20%. For operating costs, the local share is 50%.

For any matching funds coming from a source other than the Applicant’s own budget, a Letter of Commitment (LOC) must be submitted. The LOC must be signed by the individual(s) with authority to grant matching funds to the Applicant, and should include the amount of the matching funds, as well as the date the funds are available.

E. Funding Availability Section 5310 funds are available for capital and operating expenses as shown below. Year Capital

(55%)Operating (45%)

Total

1 $264,475 $153,615 $418,0902 $181,605 $148,586 $330,1903 TBD TBD TBD

Total $748,280

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F. Additional ResourcesThe 5310 program provides transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Only projects addressing these needs will be considered for funding. More information about the 5310 program can be found in the Federal Circular 9070.1G at the following web address: http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/C9070_1G_FINAL_circular_4-20-15(1).pdf

G. VehiclesVehicles acquired under the Section 5310 program must be used primarily for elderly persons and/or persons with disabilities. Services are to be provided only within the legal jurisdiction of the grantee. Vehicles may be used by the private non-profit organization or the public agency for transportation services-related activities only. Vehicles must be procured through the RTC Procurement Department utilizing the State of Nevada contract/list of approved vendors.

A comprehensive maintenance plan is required after receiving notification of award. This plan should include documented vehicle maintenance/accident repairs and ensure oversight for routine scheduled or non-scheduled maintenance activities. Additionally, all vehicles used for services must meet ADA requirements.

The private non-profit organization or public agency remains the registered owner of the vehicle and remains fully responsible for program compliance including, but not limited to, operation oversight, reporting, insurance, maintenance and monitoring. RTC will maintain titles until grantee request’s disposal. A Certificate of Insurance must be provided at time of agreement execution. This shall be maintained through the useful life of the vehicle and until RTC releases lien of the title.

H. Driver TrainingA training policy is required: At a minimum the policy should contain the frequency, the type and who will be trained in safety, substance abuse awareness, passenger sensitivity, and customer service.

I. Customer Satisfaction & Community SupportProvide any current (within the past 12 months) letters of support, if available, for the services. Include any other indications of community support for the program. This can include considerations for funding from groups, strong rider interest, documentation of high levels of interest by client groups at City Council/Commissioners meetings, etc.

J. Certifications and Assurances/Authorizing ResolutionSubrecipients of Section 5310 Program funds are required to comply with all FTA requirements.Specifically, the applicant is required to sign FTA’s “Certifications and Assurances” for the specific funding programs for which its organization is applying after receiving notification of award.

The “Certifications and Assurances” are based on federal and state requirements, and may not be altered in any way. Therefore, these documents shall be submitted by the applicant as originally signed in hardcopy only. In addition and where noted, the “Certifications and Assurances” must be signed and dated by the local attorney and the agency’s authorized official.

Organizations unable to complete these certifications and assurances will not receive funding and should not apply for funding.

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Project Selection CriteriaProjects applied for through Section 5310 will be selected through a review and selection process led by RTC staff through a Selection Committee comprised of representatives from the Cities of Reno and Sparks, Washoe County, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and low income and human services agencies, presented to the public, and approved by the RTC Board of Commissioners. More detail about the review process can be found in the Program Management Plan for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities available at www.rtcwashoe.com.

Application Review and Evaluation

RTC reviews and evaluates all applications utilizing the following criteria:

COORDINATION, PARTNERSHIP & OUTREACH (maximum of 20 points)

To what extent the project demonstrates coordination among various entities. To what extent the project involves the private sector.

NEEDS & BENEFITS (maximum of 50 points)

To what extent the project meets a regional transportation need. To what extent the project responds to the federal evaluation criteria To what extent the project demonstrates a new or innovative idea that cannot be replicated elsewhere

in the region. The number of seniors, persons with disabilities and/or those with limited incomes the project

proposes to serve or benefit. The number of trips this project will provide.

PROJECT READINESS (maximum of 30 points)

The project’s overall cost-effectiveness. To what extent the application identifies reasonable strategies for on-going funding. The feasibility of the project and the project’s ability to meet/comply with federal reporting

requirements.

Total maximum points available equals 100. Projects may be fully funded up to the dollar amount requested on the application, based on the review and evaluation described above and on the available funding in a given project category.

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Application Submission & Deadline

The 5310 Call for Projects and project selection will adhere to the following schedule: FFY 2016 ~ 5310 Project Solicitation Schedule

Action Date

Call for Projects Announced February 22, 2016

Project Application Available February 22, 2016Pre-Application Information Meeting Date Change March 11, 2016

Project Applications Due April 1, 2016Project Application Review (Project Manager) Week of April 1

Project Selection with Project Selection Committee (RTC staff plus third-party not affiliated with the projects). Week of April 4

Interviews (Optional)Site Visits (Optional) – new subrecipient applicationsRTC Board Adoption of 5310 Projects, update to CTP May 20, 2016

RTIP Amendment to include updated CTP Projects June 17, 2016STIP Amendment to include updated CTP Projects June 17, 2016Proposed Project Award Notifications Beginning of JulySubmit Section 5310 Grant Applications to FTA No later than July 31FTA Grant Award Aug/Sept 2016Execute Project Agreements with subrecipients October 2016

Completed applications are due to RTC no later than April 1, 2016 by 5:00pm.

They can be mailed, faxed, hand delivered, or e-mailed.

Mailing Address: Attention: Jennifer MeyersContract AdministratorPublic Transportation & Operations DepartmentRTC1105 Terminal Way, Suite 200Reno, NV 89502

Fax: (775) 348-3285

E-mail: jmeyers@rtcwashoe.com

Please make sure your application is complete.

In order for a project to qualify for funding it must provide service in the Reno/Sparks urbanized area of Washoe County. Any proposed project providing service outside of this area will not be considered for funding.

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Questions regarding this program or the application process can be submitted via e-mail to Jennifer Meyers at jmeyers@rtcwashoe.com or by phone (775) 332-9513.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

GENERALThis is an interactive form and designed to be filled out in Microsoft Word. Use the Tab key to move between fields or click directly in a text box to begin entering your information.

PROPOSED PROJECT Please be sure to identify each component of the project for which funding is being requested (i.e., This

project is requesting capital funding for a new mini-van and dispatching software for same-day reservations, and operating funding to hire a driver and run the service).

To determine the estimated annual number of trips generated, use one of the following equations which best suits your project (please note that a trip is defined as each time a passenger boards):

If estimate is based on trips per hour:No. of trips per hour X hours of service operated per day X no. of days service is operated per yearExample: 3(trips/hour) X 13(hours/day) X 312(days/year) = 12,168 passenger trips

generated per year

If estimate is based on trips per day:No. of trips per day X no. of days service is operated per yearExample: 8(trips/day) X 220(days/year) = 1,760 passenger trips generated per year

PROJECT BUDGET Please manually total the project budget and review the required match calculations: All numbers are to

be entered manually.

The match requirement for capital projects (including mobility management) is 80% federal / 20% local.

The match requirement for operating projects is 50% of the net project cost. Please note that revenues are not an eligible operating expense and should not be included in the net operating cost of the project.

For operating projects, outline the costs for the duration of the project (1-3 years). When estimating your cost over the three-year period, be sure to factor in cost escalations. Please identify all ‘other expenses’ (under operating budget) in the space provided.

Total Project Costs and Local Match must be entered manually.

SOURCES OF LOCAL MATCH Indicate all sources of local match and status. Status could be noted as secured or dependent upon grant

approval.

SCALABILITY

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Describe whether or not the project for which you are applying can be implemented on (a) a more limited scope or if it can (b) be implemented in phases. This question will help the selection committee decide on funding amounts for the projects selected.

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ENHANCED MOBILITY OF SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ~ SECTION 5310 APPLICATION

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Legal Name of Applicant:      Contact Person:      Address:      City/State/Zip:      Telephone:      Email:      Applicant Type:

☐ State or Local Government (Is either approved by the State to coordinate services OR certifies non-profits readily available to provide the service: Attachment 3)

☐ Private Non-Profit ~ 501(c)(3) Yes ☐ No ☐

☐ Public Transportation Provider ☐ Private Taxi Company (providing shared-ride taxi service)

Federal ID Number:      Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS):      

Funding Requested For:      

“Traditional” 5310 Projects: “Other” 5310 Projects:

☐ Rolling Stock (Capital) ☐ Non-Rolling Stock (Capital) ☐ Mobility Management (Capital) ☐ Operating

(80/20) (80/20) (80/20) (50/50)

Project Information

Services Generally Provided by Applicant:      

Intended area in the community to be served:      

Is this a new grant or a continuation of an existing grant: ☐ New Grant ☐ Continuation of Existing GrantIf continuation, please list name and date of original grant:       Date:      

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PROJECT APPLICATION

A. Applicant, Existing Services, and Service Area1. Please provide a brief description of the applicant and its background with implementing this type of project.

     

2. Provide a brief description of the applicant’s existing services and clients.

     

3. Provide a description of the applicant’s service area. Attach any maps if necessary.

     

B. Proposed Project1. Describe the proposed project, indicating the specific service to be provided to implement, support, or

maintain transportation service for elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities.

     

2. Identify the number of estimated individuals with disabilities and older adults to be served by the project and describe how this estimate was derived.

     

3. Describe how the project will increase accessibility for older adults or individuals with disabilities.

     

4. Estimate the number of one-way passenger trips per year this service will generate (if applicable). A trip is defined by each time a person boards a vehicle. A round trip would be counted as two passenger trips.

     

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5. Identify the service area to be covered by the project (if applicable). Attach maps if necessary.

     

To assist in understanding the population to be served, please fill in the table below:

Estimate the annual number of clientele for each category below:

SPECIFIC CLIENTELETotal number       Senior Citizens      

Individuals with Disabilities      Veterans      

RIDERSHIP: Annual Trips (These figures will be used to calculate ridership projections)Last Year (indicate year)       Actual number of trips      Next Year (indicate year)       Projected number of trips      Percentage of type of trips to be provided (% of use should equal 100)Medical       Education       Nutrition      Recreation       Shopping       Employment      Other (describe)      

C. Responsiveness to Project Selection Criteria1. Describe how the project responds to one or more of the strategies identified in the CTP. This includes

service gaps, challenges of the project area, or other issues:

     

2. What goals of the CTP does this project achieve? (check all that apply & explain below)

Improves mobility for elderly persons, those with disabilities and those seeking employment and independence. ☐Improves access to transportation services getting to employment and to employment-related activities for the under-employed. ☐Provides tools to overcome existing barriers facing those with disabilities and seniors seeking integration into the workforce and community activities. ☐Includes veterans and military service families in the region with transportation suited to their needs. ☐Provides the basis for drawing multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplined stakeholders together to collaborate on how best to provide transportation services to include unmet needs. ☐Facilitates coordination for providing human service transportation to fill unmet needs and gaps in the transportation system. ☐

Explain how project goals will be achieved:     

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3. Document the section and page in the CTP that identifies the project or need your agency is filling.

Section:       Page:      

4. Describe any coordination activities that your organization participates in. (e.g. coordinated meetings, obtaining customer input, joint driver training, coordination of client rides, vehicle sharing, etc.)

     

5. What efforts have been undertaken to identify and obtain local funding for this project? What local funding sources have been committed to the project? (Attach documentation if necessary).

     

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D. Project BudgetCapital Equipment

(Rolling Stock, Non-Rolling Stock, Mobility Management)Total Capital Cost

Rolling Stock

           

Non-Rolling Stock

           

Mobility Management

           

Total Capital Cost (1)      

Federal Share Capital Cost (80%) (2)      

Local Share Capital Cost (20%) (3)      

Operating Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total OperatingCost

Labor                        

Fringe Benefits                        

Indirect Costs                        

Fuel and Oil                        

Maintenance                        

Vehicle Insurance                        

Purchased Transportation                        

Other Expenses*                        

Total Operating Expenses (A) (5)                        

Total Operating Revenue (B) (6)                        

Net Operating Project Cost (A-B) (7)                        

Note: The amount of eligible Operating expense does not include revenues.

Federal Share Operating (50%) (8)                        

Local Share Operating (50%) (9)                        

PROJECT COST SUMMARY**Enter sum of all sub-totals for entire project (capital and operating) in the boxes below:

Total Project Cost (1+7)      

Total Federal Share (2+8)      

Total Local Share (3+9)      

Total Revenue (6)      

* Please Indicate Other Expenses Here:     

     

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E. Sources of Project FundingPlease list the source of local matching funds. Include specific dollar amounts for each. Please note that fare box revenue cannot be used as a source of local match.

Agency Name/Source Type Amount

Matching Project

Rolling Stock 20%

Non-Rolling Stock20%

Mobility Management

20%

Operating50%

Example Agency Donation $5,000 X

TOTAL

F. Project Scalability

1. Could the project be implemented on a more limited scope with less funding?

Yes No

If “Yes” please describe:

     

2. Could the project be implemented in phases depending upon the availability of project funding?

Yes No

If “Yes” please describe:

     

3. Are there alternative sources of funding which would be used to support this project? Be specific. Include an audit report or letters with financial commitment as justification of other funding sources.

     

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G. Project Timeline and MilestonesProvide an estimated operational plan for providing the service including timeline and milestones

Timeline and Project and MilestonesDescribe briefly the major steps that will be followed from project start through project end. For the Date, please indicate estimated Completion of each task after grant approval.

Milestone Date

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

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H. Civil Rights – Title VI Requirements (Nondiscrimination)Please provide a list of any active law suits or complaints naming your organization/agency with allegeddiscrimination on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, or national origin with respect to service or other transit benefits. If there have not been any lawsuits or complaints, please respond “NONE.”     

Also provide a summary of all civil rights compliance review activities conducted during the last three (3) years. The summary shall include:

1. Purpose or reason for review:      2. Name of organization performing the review:      3. Summary of findings and recommendations of the review;       and4. Report on the findings and recommendations of the review.      

Please respond “N/A” if not applicable.

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Certification of ApplicationI certify, as the legal signatory for the agency, the above information is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that our agency has, or has made arrangements for, the required non-Federal match and is prepared to proceed with implementation of the project upon grant approval.

Please be aware that if your application is selected for funding, you will be required to submit signed copies of the FTA Certifications and Assurances.

     ______________________________ ______________________________(Authorized signatory) (Printed name)

           ______________________________ ______________________________(Title) (Email)

     ______________________________(Date)

Application Attachment Checklist

All attachments MUST be submitted with application and in the order shown:

☐ Completed Grant ApplicationPrivate Non-profit Agency:

☐ Articles of Incorporation ☐ Non-profit Status Documentation IRS 501(c)(3)☐ Governing Body Names, Titles, Race & Gender☐ Current Letters of Support for project☐ Letter of Commitment – for matching funds from other than applicant☐ Last three (3) years of financial audits

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Attachment 1: Vehicle InventoryTo be completed if 5310 funding will be used to fund capital purchase of a new or used vehicle.

Current Vehicle Inventory

Type Current Mileage

Year of purchase

Fuel Type1

Passenger Capacity

ADA Equipped

Condition of Vehicle2

On-Board Communication3

Annual Trips

Funding Type4

1.                                                            2.                                                            3.                                                            4.                                                            5.                                                            Are all of your vehicles covered by insurance? ☐ YES ☐ NODo any of your vehicles require a CDL? ☐ YES ☐ NO If yes, how many vehicles require a CDL?      

Proposed Capital Vehicle Purchase

Type New or Used5

Year of purchase

Fuel Type1

Passenger Capacity

ADA Equipped

Condition of Vehicle2

On-Board Communication3

Insurance Coverage6 CDL Required

1.                                                            2.                                                            3.                                                            4.                                                            5.                                                            

1 - Gasoline, Diesel, Electric, Hybrid, Etc. 2 - New, good, fair, poor condition of vehicle 3 - Radio, AVL, Other (please specify)

4 - Source of funds (State, Local, Federal) used to purchase vehicle. 5 - If vehicle is used, note the mileage at the time of purchase. 6 - Minimum amount of insurance required to operate the vehicle.

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Attachment 2: Maintenance of Vehicles and Vehicle Being Replaced(For vehicle requests only)

To assure that vehicles acquired with Federal Transit Assistance funds are maintained in optimal operating condition, it is required that they be maintained in accordance with the vehicle manufacture’s recommended maintenance schedule. Applicants must verify by certifying below:

Maintenance Certification     ___________________ certifies that vehicles purchased under Section 5310 will be maintained in accordance with the detailed maintenance and inspection schedule provided by the manufacturer.

     _____________________________________(Printed Name of Person Signing)

           __________________________________ _____________________ __________________(Signature of Authorized Representative) (Title) (Date)

Vehicle Being ReplacedThis vehicle will be taken out of service (can be used as backup).

Applicant:      

Year of Vehicle Being Replaced:      

(Vehicle must have been in service for at least four years or has a minimum of 100,000 miles.)

Make:       Model:       Vehicle Identification Number:       Mileage (indicate date of mileage):             (date)

Vehicle Condition:      

Identify the type of vehicle requested that will replace the vehicle listed above:      

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Attachment 3: Local Governmental Authority Certification(For Government Entities Only)

For governmental entities to be eligible for the “Traditional – Capital” 5310 funding, the state or local government authority needs to be approved by the State to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities or certify that there are no non-profit organizations readily available in the area to provide the service. See 49 U.S.C. 5310(b)(1) and (b)(2).

As the authorized representative of _     __________________________, I certify that:

☐ Our agency is approved by the State to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities

OR

☐ There are no nonprofit organizations readily available in the area to provide the service as described in the 5310 application.

_     ____________________________________(Printed Name of Person Signing)

_____________________________________ _     _________________________ _     __________(Signature of Authorized Representative) (Title) (Date)

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