Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BridgeNY 2018 Last Updated 01-17-19

FAQs Added on January 17th, 2019

Can a sponsor be provided with the points received in each scoring category for their applications? NYSDOT will not be providing scores to sponsors. Notice of Funding Availability

What is the Bridge NY Program? The BRIDGE NY program provides enhanced assistance for local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts. Particular emphasis will be provided for projects that address poor structural conditions; mitigate weight restrictions or detours; facilitate economic development or increase competitiveness; improve resiliency and/or reduce the risk of flooding.

Who can apply for this funding?

Any city, county, town, village or other political subdivision, including tribal governments and public benefit corporations, authorized to receive and administer State and federal transportation funding.

How many projects can be funded under this program per Applicant?

Applicants may submit up to two (2) applications per year for bridge projects and up to three (3) applications per year for culvert projects, however, only one (1) bridge project and up to three (3) culvert projects will be funded per year.

Do the municipalities have to pay for the work first and then get reimbursed?

Yes. BRIDGE NY is a reimbursement program. May a municipality apply for, and receive, grant monies even though the project may be completed before the grant is awarded?

No. Funding may not be used to supplant an existing local commitment. Are municipalities allowed to apply for state owned bridges that carry local roads (i.e., Erie Canal bridges)?

Yes. NYSDOT has the bridge data for state owned bridges and the existing bridge worksheet will not be required to be submitted. NYSDOT would administer any project on the state- owned system.

What can constitute match for this grant program (i.e. In-Kind, land, etc.)?

Project sponsors will need to identify local funds for project matching shares.

What is the difference between a critical-path infrastructure need versus an adjunct need? A critical-path need implies that the structure is on the only route to a certain facility and is essential. An adjunct need implies that the structure is on one of several routes to a certain facility.

Please clarify the use of consultants?

Federal regulations require a qualifications-based selection (QBS) process for procuring/obtaining/hiring engineering services. Price cannot be a factor in the selection process. The fee for services is negotiated along with the scope of services AFTER selection has been made. See the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association’s web site https://www.countyhwys.org/ under 2016-2019 LDSA Consultant Selection Results. This web page and section 6.3.2 of the Procedures for Locally Administered Federal Aid Projects Manual (Chapter 6) describe how to make a “project specific selection” of a firm using the Local Design Services Agreement (LDSA) list. Section 6.3.1 describes the selection process if a Sponsor would like to pursue a project specific selection.

Please clarify phases of work and conflict of interest?

A consultant is only eligible to perform the phases of work named in the solicitation. Example of recommended language: “BridgeNY project application development, with the option for design and construction inspection if the application is successful.” If later phases are not referenced, and the Sponsor must go through another competitive, qualifications-based selection process, the original consultant cannot be considered due to a conflict of interest. The firm preparing the application would have an unfair advantage as they would have knowledge not available to others as they developed the project application. See Procedures for Locally Administered Federal Aid Projects Manual (Chapter 6, Section 6.7.2). The application includes the preparation of the PE certification letter.

Application

If I have a project where I am going to replace a 15 ft culvert with a 25 ft long bridge, which application should I choose, bridge or culvert?

The application type should be determined by the span length of the existing structure. An existing culvert with a 15 ft span will require a culvert application regardless of the span of the replacement structure.

I would like NYSDOT to design and let a culvert project for me. Do I need to submit a draft application by the pre-review deadline?

Yes, submitting a draft application for the coordinated pre-review process is a requirement if a sponsor wants NYSDOT to design and let a culvert project for them.

In the suggested values table on page 4 of the application, the Low Range value for construction inspection is listed as 10%, but the value calculated is more than 10%?

The construction cost used in the Suggested Values Table includes 5% for field change payment and 4% for mobilization.

I have a project where the Construction Inspection Costs / Design Costs / Right of Way Costs will not fall within the suggested values in the table. Do I need to adjust my costs so the fit within the range?

No. The cost values input into the application are the responsibility of the sponsor. If your CI, Design, or ROW costs fall outside the suggested values given in the table, then it is highly recommended that the sponsor provide an explanation why this is the case. Cost explanations can be provided in the detailed costs estimate or on page 7 of the application under project scope description.

What is the Culvert Identification Number/Identifier requested in the application? The culvert identifier is a name or number provided by the sponsor. Some sponsors may already have unique identifiers for their culverts, which should be used. If sponsors do not already have unique identifiers, they can make one up for BridgeNY. This information will be used for determining a unique name for each application. See question below for application naming convention.

For example: If County X wants to submit three culvert applications and does not already have an identifier for each culvert, they can simply label it culvert1, culvert2, culvert 3.

Why do I have to size my culvert project based on 1.5 times the existing waterway opening?

To mitigate risks for culvert projects the sponsors are required to take one of two actions when determining the size of the proposed culvert for the application: 1. Provide a preliminary culvert analysis performed and stamped by a NYS Professional and

determine cost and scope based on the sized shown in the analysis. 2. Determine cost and scope of the project on a minimum culvert span length of 1.5 times the

existing waterway opening.

The actual span length of the culvert will be determined during final design. The 1.5 times the existing waterway opening is not a design requirement. It is an application requirement to mitigate the risk of having not enough money in the project because the culvert size increased more than expected during final design.

What file name should I use for my draft/final application?

A file name is determined for you based on the information you supplied in your application. For example:

A bridge project submitted by Albany County for BIN 1011111 should be named:

B-R1-Albany County-BIN 101111.pdf

A culvert project submitted by Albany County for culvert with an identifier given as culv25 should be named:

C-R1-Albany County-culv25.pdf I am having trouble attached files directly to the PDF. What else can I do?

Attaching files directly to the PDF is strongly encouraged. If this is not possible, you may attach files to the submission email along with the PDF.

How do I submit my draft application for pre-review?

Draft applications for pre-review must be submitted to: bridgeny@dot.ny.gov

How do I submit my final application? Final applications must be submitted to: bridgeny@dot.ny.gov

Existing Bridge Information Worksheet

Is there a key for the bridge table that explains what some of the titles mean like AADT, General Recommendation, Etc.

• AADT - Average Annual Daily Traffic

• General Recommendation – professional assessment of overall bridge condition on 1-7scale

• Structural Deficiency - a federal rating of structural adequacy of a bridge

• Model Recommendation - DOT BMS recommended work strategy for a bridge based on its condition

• LBPI (Local Bridge Priority Index) - defined in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

• Feature Carried - facility carried by the bridge i.e. Main Street

• Feature Crossed – facility crossed by the bridge i.e. Trout Brook.

How exactly is the LBPI index calculated? The LBPI will use 2016 Inspection data as described in NOFA.

Can you please provide more detail on the "Model Recommendation” in the scoring metric for the Bridge NY program?

The Model Recommendation is the DOT recommended work strategy based on the condition of the various bridge elements. Most categories are self-explanatory with one exception: “vert down” is shorthand for bridge joint replacement with concrete repairs to areas affected by leakage.

What is the overall scale for Hyd. Vuln. Rating (Hydraulic Vulnerability Rating) and which number is ideal (the low end or the high end of the scale)?

The Hydraulic scale is from the DOT Bridge Safety Assurance Manual and is a 1 to 5 scale with 5 being no action required and 1 being a priority.

The new bridge inspection reports do not give condition ratings. How will the updated condition ratings be calculated for inclusion on the application form?

The application uses 2016 NYS General Recommendation. Note General Recommendation continues to be collected. This is a change from application for previous round of Bridge NY which did use Condition Rating.

What is the meaning of Structural Deficiency Yes/No?

This is a federal definition primarily based on NBI ratings. A structure will be rated deficient if NBI deck, superstructure, substructure or culvert is rated 4 or less.

Why is a Detour length shown for dead end? Should I comment?

For dead end structures a code of 99 is used. Adding a comment describing unusual feature is prudent.

FAQs Added on February 2, 2018

Clarify how many applications sponsors can submit for BridgeNY 2018. Does the year for which year each application is applying for need to be identified? Do applications for both years need to be submitted by April 13th, 2018 for culverts and April 27th, 2018 for bridges?

BridgeNY 2018 solicitation is for 2 years of funding which means sponsors may submit at most

• 4 applications for 4 bridge projects

• 6 applications for 6 culvert projects

BridgeNY 2018 solicitation is for 2 years of funding which means sponsors may receive funding for at most

• 2 bridge projects

• 6 culvert projects

There is one submission date for both years of funding. All applications are due on specified dates as stated in the BridgeNY 2018 program deadlines, applicant does not need to indicate which year each application is for.

This is a 2-year program. Does the letting date for a project need to be in a specific year?

The letting date should be based on your proposed project schedule. Is the project priority dependent on the year of the letting?

No. Enter your project priority based on the priority for your total number of bridge submissions or total number of culvert submissions. So, if you are submitting two bridge projects and three culvert projects, the bridges should have a priority listed as 1 and 2. The culverts should have a priority listed as 1, 2 and 3.

The Bridge NY Notice of Funding Availability says, “railroad bridges are not eligible for Bridge NY funds.” Does that exclude both undergrade and overgrade bridges from eligibility?

Bridges that carry railroads (train is on the bridge) are not eligible. Bridges carrying public roadways with vehicular traffic over railroads (train is not on the bridge) are eligible.

Can a bridge be replaced with a box culvert or three-sided structure and be eligible under the culvert portion of BridgeNY?

The application type is dependent on the existing span of the structure. A bridge application is required if the existing span length is greater than or equal to 20 ft. A culvert application is required if the existing span length is less than 20 ft.

The proposed structure may be any structure type as long as all design requirements, including hydraulic requirements are met.

Is a letter signed by a NYS Professional Engineer required as part of the BridgeNY application?

A signed certification letter stating that the NYS PE performed a Quality Assurance review of the application will receive additional weight during the scoring process for Bridge applications. Providing a letter is encouraged, but is not required. A sample of a PE Certification Letter is available on the BridgeNY website. https://www.dot.ny.gov/bridgeny/repository/BridgeNY_PE_Certification_Sample_Letter.docx

A signed certification letter stating that the NYS PE performed a Quality Assurance review of the application will not receive additional weight during the scoring process for Culvert applications and is not required.

Does the signed certification letter need to be “stamped” by a NYS Professional Engineer?

No. The Notice of Funding Availability states that the letter must be signed by a NYS Professional Engineer. A sample of a PE Certification Letter is available on the BridgeNY website. https://www.dot.ny.gov/bridgeny/repository/BridgeNY_PE_Certification_Sample_Letter.docx

Must a bridge be on a federal-aid eligible road or simply be eligible to receive federal-aid (i.e. off-system bridge)?

Eligible bridge projects must be on a public roadway carrying vehicular traffic, be eligible for federal aid, and shall follow the federal aid process. Culvert projects must be on a public highway and shall follow the State-aid process. The Department may consider bridge projects that incorporate sensors to monitor structural integrity. Bridges and/or culverts that are on a toll

collection facility are excluded from eligibility for Bridge NY funds. Multiuse (Pedestrian/Bicycle) and railroad bridges are not eligible for Bridge NY funds.

Any city, county, town, village or other political subdivision, including tribal governments and public benefit corporations, authorized to receive and administer State and federal transportation funding.

The FAST Act makes provision for “off-system bridges” which are not on the federal aid highway system. As such, federal funding (STBG Off System Bridges) may also be used for bridges on highways with classifications 08,09 and 19.

“Federal-aid highways" means highways on the Federal-aid highway systems and all other public roads not classified as local roads or rural minor collectors. As such, the following roadways are not on the Federal aid system:

8 - Rural - Minor Collector 9 - Rural - Local (Including Unclassified) 19 - Urban – Local

What is the Grants Gateway ID and where do I get one?

Grants Gateway is a “one stop shop” for State grant information. Registration in Grants Gateway is required for any entity applying for or receiving state grant funds. A grantee must register as a user on the system and designate a Delegated Administrator who will manage their user account. This requires submission of a Registration form. Note that your Registration form must be signed, notarized and mailed to Gateway Administrators. Plan accordingly to avoid potential delays in applying for upcoming grant opportunities.

To find out if your organization is registered in Grants Gateway please visit: https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/IntelliGrants_NYSGG/module/nysgg/goportal.aspx?NavItem1=9. Once you enter your SFS Vendor ID you will know whether or not you need to register in Grants Gateway. The registration form is also available at this link for those organizations who need to register in Grants Gateway. All Grants Gateway ID #’s follow the format of “GDV-XXX-00000.”

Is having a NYS Grants Gateway ID required for the pre-review submission?

A NYS Grants Gateway ID is not required for the pre-review submission

FAQs Added on February 6, 2018

For a culvert project, is it possible to utilize a NYSDOT consultant to perform the design, and then allow the sponsor to let and construction the project?

No. If a sponsor wants to utilize the NYSDOT consultant to perform the design, NYSDOT will be letting and administering the construction contract including construction inspection.

NYSDOT is offering the option to have a NYSDOT procured consultant provide design and construction inspection services for culvert projects. How do I estimate the cost of design and construction inspection?

The sponsor should estimate the design and construction inspection costs assuming the project is administered by the sponsor.

If a sponsor would like NYSDOT to design, let, and construct their culvert project and they receive a BridgeNY award, does the sponsor need to use the awarded amount to pay NYSDOT?

No. NYSDOT will take the awarded amount of money and administer the project from design through construction. The sponsor will not have to first instance funds.

For a culvert project designed and let by NYSDOT, will NYSDOT be responsible for meeting M/WBE goals?

Yes.

Will there be any consideration given to moving the application submission deadlines to provide more time for the RFP, audit, contract negotiation and contract execution processes?

No.

Can a consultant be used to prepare the application and design plans?

Yes. Consultants must be selected through a competitive, qualifications-based selection (QBS) process within the last 3 years which comply with state and federal if state or federal funds will be sought for the reimbursement of consultant services. If seeking reimbursement, a Sponsor may use their existing procurement procedures if they meet state and federal procurement procedures. Consultants are only eligible to work on the phases (application, design, and/or construction) that are named in the request for proposals/solicitation. See the Procedures for Locally Administered Federal Aid Projects Manual (Chapter 6, Section 6.1.1). If you are unsure if your consultant selection process meets federal and state requirements, please contact your RLPL.

If state or federal reimbursement for consultant services will not be sought, the Sponsor may use their own procurement procedures complying with applicable state and local laws.

Is application development an eligible project cost?

Application development is not an eligible project cost as this activity occurs prior to federal authorization.

FAQs Added on February 7, 2018

Will there be any other opportunities for sponsor training?

Yes. A recording of the training presentation has been posted to the BridgeNY website.

FAQs Added on February 9, 2018

The NOFA is clear that multiuse (pedestrian/bicycle) bridges are not eligible. Are multiuse (pedestrian/bicycle) culverts eligible for BridgeNY Funds?

As The funds are intended for bridge and culvert projects that carry vehicular traffic, the addition of a sidewalk or shoulder on the culvert to address pedestrian/bicycle use and meet design standards is permitted.

Can county forces can do the design and construction of either bridge or culvert replacements without the requirement of DBE and/or MWBE? Also, if there are requirements for DBE/MWBE is there a cost threshold associated with that?

As noted on Page 7 of the Bridge NY Notice of Funding Availability, Sponsors can progress project construction through use of Force Account. Bridge projects will be progressed with federal funds, therefore the Procedures for Locally Administered Federal Aid Projects (PLAFAP) Manual applies. For bridge projects, there must be a demonstration that proceeding by Force Account is more effective than letting a contract. See the Procedures for Locally Administered Federal Aid Projects (PLAFAP) Manual, Section 12.5.1 Force Account Work by Sponsors. A Public Interest Finding (PIF) must be prepared and approved by FHWA and/or NYSDOT before a Sponsor may progress bridge projects with their own forces. If permission is granted, DBE goals do not apply to the Sponsors work force.

What is the anticipated date for BridgeNY award notification to sponsors?

The tentative schedule for BridgeNY award notifications is late summer of 2018.

Is it possible to set up a meeting with NYSDOT staff to discuss our possible applications?

NYSDOT will not be able to participate in a meeting with any specific sponsor(s) regarding a BridgeNY application(s).

In-person training sessions and webinars are scheduled as shown below to provide consistent information to all sponsors. Please visit our website to register for either the in-person training or webinar. Training videos are also posted on the website if you cannot attend the in-person or webinar. NYSDOT is also offering sponsors an opportunity to submit a draft application for pre- review prior to the final submission. See the Notice of Funding Availability, program deadlines, and Frequently Asked Questions for more information. www.dot.ny.gov/bridgeny

FAQs Added on February 16, 2018

I have an existing culvert which will no doubt become a bridge. It is clear that a culvert application is required to apply for funding. Will the maximum cost of the project be that for the culvert ($1 million) or that for a bridge ($5 million)?

The category of funding, Bridge or Culvert, is determined by the span length of the existing structure. If the existing structure is greater than or equal to 20 feet, then the funding will be federal money and the maximum and minimum funding limits, matching funds, and eligibility are as described in the Notice of Funding Availability for bridges. If the existing structure is less than 20 feet, then the funding will be state money and the maximum and minimum funding limits, matching funds, and eligibility are as described in the Notice of Funding Availability for culverts.

A municipality with an existing bridge project that has non-construction phases programmed on the STIP; specifically, preliminary and detailed design scheduled for FFY 2020, with right- of-way in 2021, and construction in 2022. Can the municipality apply for BRIDGE NY funds to move this project forward, onto the STIP, so that construction can occur before 2022 (e.g. 2020)?

Yes, the municipality can apply for BRIDGE NY funds to move this project forward, onto the STIP.

Are culvert replacement projects funded by BridgeNY required to prepare a NYSDOT Design Report?

As stated in the Notice of Funding Availability, all projects advanced through this process must conform to the NYSDOT Bridge Design Specifications and Standards. Therefore, all projects will require the preparation of a design report.

FAQs Added on February 21, 2018

Can a municipality bundle several projects together?

As stated in the Notice of Funding Availability, applications for bridges and/or culverts must be submitted individually and will be scored on an individual basis. A municipality may choose to submit several projects that are in close proximity to each other, however costs for each individual project should be determined assuming that the projects are not bundled. If both projects receive BridgeNY awards, they may be bundled in the same construction project. If only one project receives an award it will have sufficient funding to be progressed on its own. Alternatively, the municipality may choose to bundle the two projects in one construction contract if the municipality has another funding source for the non-selected project.

FAQs Added on February 27, 2018

If a municipality selects a consultant to assist in the development of a BridgeNY application only (using their own procurement process and not seeking reimbursement for these consultant services), is that firm excluded from being a sub-contractor of a primary firm who may undertake additional phases of the project?

The consultant may not be a sub-consultant for the prime selected for subsequent phases of the project.

Will a ROW certification be provided? Will all projects need this certification? Will all projects need to prove what their ROW is in the application?

By signing the application, the sponsor is certifying that they will acquire ROW or obtain any property rights to advance a construction project. A failure to identify needed property rights in your application may negatively impact your application evaluation. After award of your project, if right of way or property rights are not acquired/obtained in accordance with the agreed upon project schedule, your BridgeNY award may be rescinded. All projects must begin construction no later than 24 months after award (execution of SLA).

In accordance with PLAFAP, Chapter 11, Section 11.4.4, all federal aid projects must undergo a Right of Way Clearance process which demonstrates the Sponsor has clear ownership or property rights to advance the proposed construction project. See Appendix 11-5 Right of Way Clearance Certificate, once this certificate has been completed and approved, notice to proceed

may be issued for the construction phase. If we do not have town right of way is it ok to simply get an easement over private property?

Sponsors should contact their NYSDOT Regional Local Project Liaison (RLPL) to discuss.

How will the Department consider/rate projects that do not have the required documentation of property rights necessary for the project?

Inconclusive information regarding ROW ownership and needs will increase the deliverability risks and therefore may impact the project score.

By signing the application, the sponsor is certifying that they will acquire ROW or obtain any property rights to advance a construction project. Refer to the NOFA on ROW requirements.

What is the deadline for executing a BridgeNY State Local Agreement (SLA) after the awards are announced.

Sponsors are expected to process the agreement in a timely manner. Typical time frame to execute an SLA is 3 to 6 months. If the sponsor is not showing sufficient progress, they will receive a letter from NYSDOT stating that they are expected to move the project forward to letting in the next 24 months even though they do not have an executed SLA and must execute an SLA.

Is there any difference in scoring between culvert projects that are where a sponsor chooses to have NYSDOT design and let the contract versus the Sponsor administering the project?

No.

Can a sponsor stay involved in a culvert project that is going to be designed and let by NYSDOT?

Yes. NYSDOT will share information at key milestones (e.g. design approval) with the project sponsor, and will consider feedback if provided in a timely manner. However, sponsors should understand that delivery for these bundled projects may result in decisions made to optimize the entire project as opposed to individual solutions tailored to unique preferences.

Is there any difference in scoring between culvert projects that are submitted with a preliminary hydraulic analysis vs. those that are conservatively oversized for initial budgeting at a factor or 1.5?

No.

Asking for a stamped preliminary hydraulic analysis is overkill. Typically, Professional Engineers will not stamp a preliminary analysis or designs.

The requirement is for sponsors to provide either a stamped preliminary hydraulic analysis, or to base the culvert size and scope on 1.5 times the existing waterway opening. If providing a stamped preliminary hydraulic analysis is not feasible, it is suggested to base the culvert size and scope on 1.5 times the existing waterway opening to meet the requirement.

Are there minimum size requirements for culvert projects?

There are no minimum culvert dimension requirements, only minimum cost requirements on culvert projects as indicated in the NOFA.

If a Sponsor elects to use NYSDOT for the design, letting and construction inspection of a culvert project that goes over budget, who is responsible for the cost overruns? Costs incurred beyond an authorized project scope/award shall be the sole responsibility of the project sponsor.

Are culverts located under a railroad which are under a Municipality’s maintenance jurisdiction eligible for Bridge NY funds?

No. NOFA states culverts must be on public highways.

Are combined feature bridges eligible for funding through BridgeNY (i.e.-a city owned bridge that carries both a railroad and a vehicle roadway)?

Generally, railroad bridges are not eligible, but in certain circumstances you would need to submit the question to BridgeNY@dot.ny.gov to know if it is eligible or not.

Is painting a bridge considered an eligible project?

Bridge painting is not considered an eligible as a stand-alone project scope. It is a permissible part of a larger bridge rehabilitation project where appropriate.”

Can in-kind services from the Sponsor be used to offset the 5% local match requirement for bridge projects?

Project sponsors are required to identify local funds for project matching shares. Sponsors interested in using in-kind services are strongly encouraged to discuss the proposed activities with your Regional Local Projects Liaison to determine eligibility.

Can CHIPS funding be used for local match to Bridge NY funding?

CHIPS funding is considered a local fund source and eligible to match Bridge NY funding.

Are the administration costs included in the suggested low end and high end percentages given in the table in the application?

Yes, administration costs are included.

Is there a cut-off for the local bridge priority index (LBPI) that is calculated in the Existing Bridge Information Worksheet?

No. The LBPI should be used as a guide for initial sorting of projects and will not dictate acceptability or rejection of a project.

The application requires a Detailed Project Estimate to be attached. How much detail needs to be included?

Include information showing how each cost (construction, CI, design, ROW) included in the

application was determined.

FAQs Added on March 1, 2018

Is there a preferred "Project Deliverables" status that is more highly rated? For example, would it be better if the project has already initiated the design report phase?

While a project which has begun the design phase clearly demonstrates a commitment on behalf of the Applicant to advance the project, as noted in the NOFA, well developed applications which include projects that can be delivered on budget and schedule are important aspects of the program. (see page 8)

If a sponsor has a load posted bridge and wishes to obtain funding to remove the posting, and the first choice is to replace the bridge, can 2 separate applications be submitted for the same bridge? The first would be for replacement (priority 1) and the second would be to install monitoring with the hope that the results would allow the posting to be removed (priority 2), if an award is not made to replace it.

Only one applications per structure will be accepted. The application should reflect the anticipated work to be accomplished. If the work is unknown at the time of application, include the cost for all work which may be required. Unused funds may be returned.

FAQs Added on March 6, 2018

Who is the lead for the SEQR process if projects are bundled and being progressed by NYSDOT?

NYSDOT

As part of the NYSDOT Design / let / construct option would the Sponsor be exempt from the project deliverable schedule on the application?

No. The sponsor should fill out the project deliverable schedule on the application assuming the project is administered by the sponsor.

When sponsoring a project for a bridge or culvert owned or partially owned by a railroad, is a letter of support from the owner required?

While a letter of support is not required, it will help address deliverability concerns. Inconclusive information regarding owner project support will increase the deliverability risks and therefore may impact the project score.

Can a sponsor use funds that have already been spent (prior to the application) as part of the 5% local match requirement for bridge projects? For example, if a sponsor is requesting funds only for construction, can they use the funds that they spent on the design as the local match?

As noted in the NOFA, costs incurred prior to project award, defined as an executed SLA, will be ineligible for reimbursement.

FAQs Added on March 9, 2018

Is bonding of a project eligible for reimbursement?

Costs related to bonding to finance a project are not eligible for reimbursement.

Is Multi-Modal funding eligible to match federal funds?

Multi-Modal funds are statutorily prohibited to be used for the local match for a bridge project.

As a potential project sponsor, through the NYSCHSA LDSA I received consultant proposals for a potential BridgeNY project that indicated they would prepare the application for free. Is this allowed?

No, this is not allowed.

In accordance with 23 U.S.C. § 112, 23 C.F.R. Part 172, and New York State Finance Law §136- a, Architectural/Engineering (AE) services must be obtained through a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) process. Proposals for potential project must not include any discussion of a fee nor should it include an option for services be provided for free. Either of these may influence the potential project sponsor to select the firm that indicated they would provide the services for free rather than the firm that is best qualified for the proposed work.

If a potential project sponsor receives a consultant proposal containing cost related information, the proposal must be returned to the consultant requesting they remove all cost related information prior to resubmitting the proposal.

If the consultant fails to revise the proposal as directed, it may result in the proposal being found non-responsive.

What is a "Public Interest Finding"?

A Public Interest Finding (PIF) is a request which seeks approval for the use of Sponsor forces (force account work) on a federal aid project. NYSDOT or FHWA MUST approve ALL requests to use Force Account Work on Local let construction projects. The Sponsor’s “Public Interest Finding” request MUST justify why a "no bid force account work" is included in the contract. This can be justified by showing how it is cost effective to use the force account method vs. the competitive bidding (i.e., during emergency conditions).

Sample PIF letters may be found in the PLAFAP, Appendix 12-4.

For additional information on competitive bidding requirements for federal aid construction contracts, see 23 CFR 635.104.

Is the sponsor required to pass a resolution for the application?

A resolution is not required at the time of application. Is the sponsor required to hold a public hearing on the application?

NYSDOT does not require a public hearing for application submission.

How does an owner access inspection reports and additional data for their bridges?

Contact the Highway Superintendent to request copies. If the information is unavailable, contact your NYSDOT Regional Local Project Liaison (RLPL). Additional bridge information may also be available.

Would an application’s score be impacted negatively if its total project cost exceeded the maximum funding amount ($1 million) for culverts?

No, as long as the sponsor demonstrates they can fund the remaining cost. Will the Right-of-Way acquisition process need to follow the flowcharts shown in section 11.2 GUIDELINES FOR ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY BY SPONSORS (LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCIES) of the PLAFAP Guidelines or can we follow our County process for Eminent Domain.

The Right-of-Way acquisition process should follow Section 11.2 of the PLAFAP Guidelines.

Where can I get help completing the Grants Gateway ID application? Where do I find the NYS Grants Gateway ID that has been assigned to my organization once I am signed up and logged in?

If you have any questions or issues relating to Grants Gateway ID and login, contact the Grants Gateway help Desk:

Help Desk Availability Hours: Monday thru Friday 8am to 8pm Phone: 1-800-820-1890 Email: helpdesk@agatesoftware.com

FAQs Added on March 12, 2018

A sponsor has an existing highway bridge that they would like to demolish and replace with a pedestrian bridge. It is clear from the NOFA that the proposed pedestrian bridge would not be eligible for funding under BridgeNY. Would the demolition of the existing bridge be eligible for funding?

Bridge demolition is not considered eligible as a stand-alone project scope. It is a permissible as part of a larger bridge replacement project.

Can a sponsor submit more than 6 draft culvert applications for review with the understanding that they can only submit 6 final culvert applications?

No, the program application requirements are the same for draft applications as it is for final applications.

BridgeNY 2018 solicitation is for 2 years of funding which means sponsors may submit at most

· 4 applications for 4 bridge projects · 6 applications for 6 culvert projects

BridgeNY 2018 solicitation is for 2 years of funding which means sponsors may receive funding for at most

· 2 bridge projects · 6 culvert projects

Does the sponsor have the opportunity to re-prioritize their submissions between draft and final submissions?

Yes, the Sponsor may edit their application up to their final submission.

FAQs Added on March 14, 2018

Does the sponsor have the opportunity to change their application between the draft application submission and the final submission? For example, if a sponsor requests NYSDOT to design and construct a culvert on the draft application, can the sponsor change the final application so that the sponsor designs the culvert?

Yes, the Sponsor may edit their application up to their final submission.

How does a sponsor/owner prove it owns the bridge?

The grant applicant should provide the basis of its assertion of ownership of the bridge, including any documentary support. Absent conflicting evidence, a substantive and rational basis of ownership will be deemed sufficient for purposes of these grants

Does a culvert lining project require a hydraulic analysis?

Culvert lining projects do not require a hydraulic analysis with the BridgeNY application, however, the application should clearly identify how the lining will not increase flooding at the structure. All culvert lining projects will require a hydraulic analysis during final design of the project to show that design flows can be accommodated.

BridgeNY is a reimbursement program. What is the turnaround time for reimbursement to municipalities?

The reimbursement process is as follows:

1. Sponsor receives authorization to proceed 2. Work is performed 3. Sponsor pays contractor/consultant for completed work 4. Sponsor submits payment documentation to NYSDOT 5. NYSDOT reimburses sponsor for eligible costs

The average time between the sponsor submitting payment documentation to NYSDOT and NYSDOT sending out reimbursement is 4 to 8 weeks.

FAQs Added on March 27, 2018

Do I have to purchase Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to complete my application?

No. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC can be used to maximize the functionality of the application, however other versions of Adobe Acrobat that are newer than version 9 are also acceptable.

Note that there is a software incompatibility with Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro. Do not use Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro to fill out the application.

If you do not have access to Adobe Pro DC or other compatible versions, then you can download Adobe Reader DC for free. If you are using Adobe Reader DC, you will need to request the reader version of the application. Requests for the reader version of the application can be made by contacting BridgeNY@dot.ny.gov. The reader version of the application does not have the functionality to attach documentation directly to the PDF. You must attach your documents

to the email when submitting the application. You may also attach a scanned version of the application for backup in addition to the electronic copy.

I am having trouble getting the digital signature to work properly. How should I proceed?

If you have technical issues with the digital signature, it is acceptable to sign and scan the final page of the application and attach this page to the application PDF or email.

FAQs Added on April 10, 2018

Is having a NYS Grants Gateway ID required for the final submission?

Grants Gateway ID is not required for final submission, however sponsors should have or have requested Grants Gateway ID prior to final submission as Grants Gateway ID is required for all Bridge NY funded projects.

FAQs Added on October 4, 2018 When will the next round of BridgeNY funding become available?

Upon award of the current solicitation, NYSDOT will have fully implemented the landmark $500 million five-year local commitment for the Bridge-NY program. The program and funding levels moving forward will be negotiated as part of the Department’s next Capital Program period which begins on April 1, 2020.