High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Program Track 1 Projects (Final Design/Construction) | Apply Online

FAQs: HSIPR Program Track 1 (Final Design/Construction) - Funding Opportunity Number FR-HSR-09-002

What is the HSIPR Program Track 1 opportunity (FR-HSR-09-002)?

HSIPR Program Track 1 (Final Design/Construction), Funding Opportunity Number FR-HSR-09-002, is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). It was part of the federal initiative announced on April 16, 2009 to accelerate development of a national network of high speed rail corridors through coordinated investment by the federal government, states, railroads, and other stakeholders.

What is the main purpose of Track 1?

Track 1 is focused on projects that are ready for the later stages of delivery: final design and construction. The intent is to advance visible, buildable rail improvements quickly, while also helping lay groundwork for a longer-term national rail program.

Is Track 1 meant for early planning or conceptual projects?

No. Track 1 is aimed at final design and construction rather than early planning concepts. It targets projects that can move into delivery stages rather than projects that are still in initial planning.

Who runs this grant program?

The program is run by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What does it mean that this is a "discretionary" grant program?

"Discretionary" means awards are competitive and selected based on criteria described in the notice, rather than being distributed automatically by formula.

What federal funding sources were tied to this opportunity?

The notice ties the funding framework to major federal funding sources available at the time, especially the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and the FY 2008 and FY 2009 Department of Transportation Appropriations Acts. The notice explains how applicants should seek funding under these authorities and how FRA would evaluate projects competing for those dollars.

The listing shows estimated total funding and award floor/ceiling as zero. Does that mean there was no funding?

Not necessarily. Based on the narrative description, the zero values appear to reflect how the opportunity was recorded in the database rather than an indication that no funds existed. The narrative states the intent to allocate available HSIPR funds using the procedures and criteria in the notice.

What kinds of outcomes does FRA prioritize when selecting projects?

The selection approach is structured to prioritize projects that produce strong public benefits and can realistically be delivered. The evaluation and selection criteria emphasize transportation outcomes and near-term economic recovery benefits (a key purpose of ARRA), along with broader national goals such as improved energy independence, better environmental quality, and support for "livable communities" through more efficient and attractive travel options.

How does ARRA relate to this grant competition?

ARRA (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) is explicitly connected to the funding framework and evaluation focus, particularly the emphasis on near-term economic recovery benefits. Track 1 is described as delivery-focused, consistent with stimulus-era priorities to get projects moving.

What does FRA look for to assess whether a project can be delivered successfully?

FRA indicates it will favor proposals that show clear evidence of project success factors, including credible project management capacity, sound financial planning, and firm commitments from key stakeholders such as states, host railroads, service operators, and other partners.

Do partnerships and stakeholder commitments matter for this opportunity?

Yes. The notice signals a preference for projects supported by firm commitments from key stakeholders, including states and rail partners (such as host railroads and service operators).

What does "portfolio balance" mean in the context of selection?

The opportunity describes a goal of balance across the overall portfolio of awards. This means FRA intended to consider variety in project types, geographic distribution, innovation, and timing, rather than funding only one kind of investment or concentrating awards in a narrow set of locations.

Who is eligible to apply for HSIPR Track 1?

Eligible applicants include states, groups of states, interstate compacts, public agencies established by one or more states with responsibility for providing intercity passenger rail service, and Amtrak.

Why are states and state-led entities emphasized as eligible applicants?

The eligibility framework reflects a corridor-based approach where state-led coalitions and state-created rail authorities often lead project delivery, sometimes in partnership with Amtrak and freight railroads that own or control much of the infrastructure.

Were applications submitted through Grants.gov?

No. Applications were not submitted through Grants.gov for this opportunity. Applicants were required to apply through GrantSolutions (grantsolutions.gov).

What is the submission portal for this opportunity?

The required submission portal is GrantSolutions, available at grantsolutions.gov.

Where can applicants get help with GrantSolutions?

The notice directs applicants to the GrantSolutions Help Desk at 1-800-618-0223 or help@grantsolutions.gov during weekday business hours (Eastern Time).

When was this funding opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on June 25, 2009.

What was the application deadline for this opportunity?

The application deadline was August 25, 2009.

What does it mean that the opportunity was archived?

The opportunity was archived on September 24, 2009, which indicates it was a time-limited competitive round rather than an open-ended or continuously available program notice.

What stage of project delivery is Track 1 designed to fund?

Track 1 is designed to support projects in final design and construction stages, meaning projects expected to be sufficiently developed to move into build-out rather than early conceptual planning.

What is the broader policy context behind HSIPR Track 1?

HSIPR Track 1 is described as part of a 2009 federal push to jump-start a national network of high speed rail corridors. The program’s approach blends near-term stimulus and job-related goals with longer-term transportation performance and environmental/energy objectives.

Does FRA indicate anything about working with applicants and stakeholders?

Yes. The opportunity description notes that it acknowledges the complexity of rail projects and the mix of statutory and administrative requirements involved, and it commits FRA to working collaboratively with applicants and stakeholders to the maximum extent allowed by law and procedure.