Competitive Grants Application Process

In compliance with President Trump's Management Agenda E-Gov initiative, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) posts grant opportunities, cooperative agreements, as well as modifications to current grants or cooperative agreements on Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a "one-stop shop" for all potential grantees to electronically find and apply for grants and cooperative agreements.

Four key phases in the application process:

PHASE 1 – Typical time frame: Up to 1 Month

STEP 1 — Obtain a Dun and Bradstreet number (DUNS) by calling (866) 705-5711 or by visiting the Dun and Bradstreet website.

STEP 2 — Register your organization in the Federal government's System for Award Management (SAM). A DUNS number is needed for SAM registration. After registering, send SAM 1) a notarized letter, and 2) An Employer Identification Number (EIN)/Tax Identification Number (TIN).

STEP 3 — Register at Grants.gov, creating a username and password. Then complete an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) profile. The E-Biz POC at the applicant’s organization must respond to the registration email from Grants.gov and login at Grants.gov to authorize the applicant as the AOR.

PHASE 2 – Typical time frame: 1 Month

STEP 4 — Complete and submit an application addressing all requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in Grants.gov. The Grants.gov portal for completing an application is called “Workspace.” It allows flexibility for multiple organization members to work on an application. It also can help reduce technical issues when you are submitting an application. Learn more about Workspace.

Additional application resources: 

• FRA NOFO (Discretionary Grants page)
• FRA Training and Guidance
• support@grants.gov

NOTE: FRA will not accept paper grant applications. Grant applications for FRA’s Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs must be submitted electronically at Grants.gov.  For up-to-date information on upcoming changes, please check the Grants.gov Notices section.

PHASE 3 – Typical time frame: 4–5 Months

STEP 5 — Receive a tracking number from Grants.gov after you submit your application. Use the “Track My Application” webpage to confirm that your application was submitted and then received by FRA. 

STEP 6 — Project selections are announced via press release, typically 4 to 5 months after application submission.

PHASE 4 – Typical time frame: 6–15 Months

STEP 7 — Work with FRA to complete required documentation before funds can be obligated. Allow 6 to 15 months for this step. Grantees submit to FRA 1) Grant Agreement, 2) Terms and Conditions, and 3) NEPA Requirements.

STEP 8 — Submit invoices to FRA for reimbursement for eligible expenses. Once funds are obligated, grantee follows Grant Agreement/Terms and Conditions to ensure grant compliance.

GRANT APPLICATION FORMS:  

Forms that are needed for the electronic application process can be accessed via Grants.gov.