20.760 UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION CENTERS |
(University Transportation Centers) |
FEDERAL AGENCY |
RESEARCH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION |
AUTHORIZATION |
49 U.S.C. 5338, 5505, and 5506. |
OBJECTIVES |
To provide grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning for the purpose of establishing and operating university transportation centers that conduct research, education, and technology transfer programs addressing regional and national transportation issues. |
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE |
Project Grants. |
USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS |
The University Transportation Centers will address surface transportation problems and issues and will seek solutions to both long-range and immediate transportation problems. See below for information about grant matching requirements. |
Applicant Eligibility |
For the program's competitive grants, public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning that have established transportation research programs. Non-competitive grants must also be to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning but may or may not have established programs. |
Beneficiary Eligibility |
For the program's competitive grants, public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning that have established transportation research programs. Non-competitive grants must also be to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning but may or may not have established programs. |
Credentials/Documentation |
A formal application outlining in detail how the institution meets program mission and goals; proposed management of the center; detailed delineation of organization, staff, faculty, and budget. |
Preapplication Coordination |
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. |
Application Procedure |
Two competitive selections for new grants will be held during 2006 for 1) one grant in each of ten standard Federal regions of the U.S. and 2) ten other grants with no locational restrictions. Applications will consist of standard Federal grant application and related forms and a proposal prepared to specifications that the agency will provide. |
Award Procedure |
Applications will be reviewed by a Departmental panel. Selection will be made by the RITA Administrator. |
Deadlines |
Not available at this time. |
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time |
Six weeks. |
Appeals |
Not applicable. |
Renewals |
Competitive grants are for a three-year period; noncompetitive grants are for periods stated in the authorizing legislation. Grants are renewable each year upon satisfactory completion of prior-year work. |
Formula and Matching Requirements |
The Federal share of a grant shall be 50 percent of the costs of establishing and operating the university transportation center. |
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance |
Three, four, or five years as designated in the authorizing legislation. |
Reports |
Semi-annual and annual progress and financial reports; final technical report at the end of each research project. |
Audits |
Consistent with OMB Circular No. A-133. |
Records |
Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all grant products, financial records, and supporting documents. |
Account Identification |
69-1136-0-1-401; 69-8083-0-7-401. |
Obligations |
FY 07 $76,700,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported. |
Range and Average of Financial Assistance |
Between $300,000 and $3,500,000 per center per fiscal year depending upon language in authorizing legislation. |
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
The University Transportation Centers Program began in fiscal year 1988. Each center is extensively involved in research directly related to regional and national transportation issues. The centers also educate hundreds of students each year and built partnerships with state and local government as well as industry. |
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE |
Posted on the University Transportation Centers Program website at http://utc.dot.gov. |
Regional or Local Office |
None. |
Headquarters Office |
Research and Innovative Technology Administration; Office of Innovation, Research, and Education (RDT-30); Department of Transportation; 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 2440; Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-4434. |
Web Site Address |
http://utc.dot.gov |
RELATED PROGRAMS |
None. |
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS |
See Agency website. |
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS |
Resources available to conduct work of center; leadership in transportation; established transportation programs in prior years; ability to disseminate results (full text found in authorizing legislation at 49 U.S.C. 5506). |
General Services Administration Office of Chief Acquisition Officer Regulatory and Federal Assistance Division (VIR) |