Opportunity Information: Apply for FTA 2012 007 TPM TRTR
Apply for FTA 2012 007 TPM TRTR
- The DOT/Federal Transit Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program Tribal Transit Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.509 Formula Grants for Rural Areas.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 12, 2012 and posted on Mar 12, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 10, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $15,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $15,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 150 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
- Federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). As evidence of Federal recognition, a tribe may submit a copy of the most up to date Federal Register notice published by DOI, BIA Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Service from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. To be an eligible recipient, a tribe must have the requisite legal, financial and technical capabilities to receive and administer Federal funds under this program. Applicants must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database and maintain an active CCR registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by FTA.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, commonly called the Tribal Transit Program (TTP), is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). It was created when SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59) amended 49 U.S.C. 5311(c) to allow FTA to make direct grants to Indian tribes under terms set by the Secretary of Transportation. The central purpose is to support public transportation in rural and nonurban areas on or serving Indian reservations and tribal communities, using the same general eligibility framework as FTA's Section 5311 Nonurbanized Area Formula Program.
Funding for this particular notice was expected to be about $15 million in total for competitive allocation, with the final amount dependent on Congressional authorization before awards are selected. The announcement also notes that, depending on timing, available dollars could include additional discretionary transit funds and potentially funds appropriated for Fiscal Year 2013. While the estimated total is $15,000,000, the listing indicates no fixed minimum award amount (award floor of $0) and shows an award ceiling up to the total available funding. The opportunity anticipated a large number of awards (estimated 150), suggesting many grants could be relatively small and spread across numerous tribes, though actual award sizes would depend on applications, eligibility, and selection decisions.
A key policy point in the notice is that TTP funding is intended to supplement, not replace, Section 5311 funding tribes may already receive through states. The conference report language cited alongside SAFETEA-LU emphasizes that the tribal set-aside should not reduce or substitute for state-administered Section 5311 assistance. In practice, this means tribes can pursue TTP funds as a complement to other rural transit dollars, potentially allowing them to expand service, build capacity, or stabilize operating budgets rather than having one source offset the other.
Eligible projects follow what is generally eligible under Section 5311. The notice describes the money as competitively allocated to support planning, capital, and operating assistance for tribal public transit. Planning can include activities such as service design, needs assessments, coordination efforts, and preparation work needed to launch or improve transit. Capital generally refers to tangible investments like vehicles, related equipment, facilities, and supporting infrastructure. Operating assistance can help cover day-to-day costs of providing transit service, which is often a major need in rural areas where fare revenue is limited and trip distances are long. The overall intent is to strengthen tribal public transportation options, improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services, and support mobility in communities that frequently face geographic isolation and limited transportation alternatives.
Applicants must be federally recognized Indian tribes, or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. The notice indicates that proof of federal recognition can be demonstrated by submitting the most up-to-date Federal Register notice from DOI/BIA listing entities recognized and eligible for services. Beyond recognition status, applicants must also be able to demonstrate the legal, financial, and technical capacity to receive and manage federal grant funds, which typically involves having appropriate governance authority, financial management systems, procurement practices, and the ability to comply with federal grant requirements.
There are also basic administrative prerequisites. Applicants were required to be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database and maintain an active, current registration for the duration of the application review process and throughout any active federal award. CCR has since been replaced by SAM.gov in later years, but for this 2012 opportunity CCR was the system referenced, and the core point remains that applicants must keep federal registration current to be eligible for award and to manage grant payments.
This opportunity was categorized as discretionary funding, with a grant as the funding instrument type, and it is associated with CFDA 20.509 (Formula Grants for Rural Areas), reflecting its link to Section 5311 rural transit eligibility. The listing states there was no cost sharing or matching requirement, which is notable because many federal transit programs commonly require some form of local match; this notice, as summarized, indicates none was required for this competition. The funding opportunity number was FTA-2012-007-TPM-TRTR, it was posted March 12, 2012, and the application deadline was May 10, 2012, with an archive date of June 9, 2012.
For full program requirements, selection criteria, and application instructions, the notice points to the Federal Register Notice (FRN) published March 9, 2012, and also references FTA's current Notices of Funding Availability page. The listed program contact for access issues or questions was Cathy Monroe of the Tribal Transit Program, reachable by phone at (816) 329-3929 and by email at cathy.monroe@dot.gov.
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program) - FAQs
What is the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program or TTP)?
The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, commonly called the Tribal Transit Program (TTP), is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Its purpose is to support public transportation in rural and nonurban areas on or serving Indian reservations and tribal communities, using the same general eligibility framework as FTA's Section 5311 Nonurbanized Area Formula Program.
What law created or authorized the Tribal Transit Program?
The program was created when SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59) amended 49 U.S.C. 5311(c) to allow FTA to make direct grants to Indian tribes under terms set by the Secretary of Transportation.
Is this a formula grant or a competitive/discretionary grant?
This notice describes the TTP funding as competitively allocated, and the opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.
What is the total amount of funding expected under this notice?
The total amount expected for competitive allocation under this particular notice was about $15 million, with the final amount dependent on Congressional authorization before awards are selected.
Could the total funding amount change?
Yes. The notice indicates the final amount depends on Congressional authorization. It also notes that, depending on timing, available dollars could include additional discretionary transit funds and potentially funds appropriated for Fiscal Year 2013.
Is there a minimum award amount?
No fixed minimum award amount is listed. The opportunity shows an award floor of $0.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?
The award ceiling is listed up to the total available funding for the notice.
How many awards were expected?
The opportunity anticipated a large number of awards, estimated at 150. This suggests awards could be relatively small and distributed across many tribes, although actual award sizes depend on eligibility, applications, and selection decisions.
What is the main purpose of TTP funding?
The central purpose is to support planning, capital, and operating assistance for tribal public transit in rural and nonurban areas on or serving Indian reservations and tribal communities. The broader intent is to strengthen tribal transportation options and improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services.
What types of projects are eligible for TTP funding?
Eligible projects generally follow what is eligible under Section 5311. The notice describes eligible uses as planning, capital, and operating assistance for tribal public transit.
What does "planning" mean in this program?
Planning can include activities such as service design, needs assessments, coordination efforts, and preparation work needed to launch or improve transit.
What does "capital" mean in this program?
Capital generally refers to tangible investments such as vehicles, related equipment, facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
What does "operating assistance" cover?
Operating assistance can help cover day-to-day costs of providing transit service, which is often critical in rural areas where fare revenue is limited and trip distances can be long.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be federally recognized Indian tribes, or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (DOI/BIA).
How can an applicant prove it is federally recognized?
The notice indicates proof of federal recognition can be demonstrated by submitting the most up-to-date Federal Register notice from DOI/BIA listing entities recognized and eligible for services.
Are there capacity requirements beyond federal recognition?
Yes. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the legal, financial, and technical capacity to receive and manage federal grant funds. The notice summarizes this as having appropriate governance authority, financial management systems, procurement practices, and the ability to comply with federal grant requirements.
Does TTP funding replace Section 5311 funding tribes may receive through states?
No. A key policy point in the notice is that TTP funding is intended to supplement, not replace, Section 5311 funding tribes may already receive through states. The cited conference report language emphasizes that the tribal set-aside should not reduce or substitute for state-administered Section 5311 assistance.
Can tribes pursue TTP funds even if they already receive Section 5311 funds through a state?
Yes. The notice frames TTP as a complement to other rural transit dollars, potentially allowing tribes to expand service, build capacity, or stabilize operating budgets rather than having one source offset the other.
Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?
The listing states there was no cost sharing or matching requirement for this competition.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed as a grant, and it is categorized as discretionary funding.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA 20.509 (Formula Grants for Rural Areas), reflecting its link to Section 5311 rural transit eligibility.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is FTA-2012-007-TPM-TRTR.
When was this opportunity posted and when were applications due?
The opportunity was posted March 12, 2012. The application deadline was May 10, 2012. The archive date was June 9, 2012.
Were there any registration requirements to apply?
Yes. Applicants were required to be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database and to maintain an active, current registration during the application review process and throughout any active federal award.
Is CCR still used?
The notice references CCR for this 2012 opportunity. It also notes that CCR was replaced by SAM.gov in later years, but the core requirement described is to keep federal registration current to be eligible and to manage grant payments.
Where can applicants find full program requirements and application instructions?
The notice points to the Federal Register Notice (FRN) published March 9, 2012 for full program requirements, selection criteria, and application instructions. It also references FTA's current Notices of Funding Availability page.
Who is the program contact listed for this opportunity?
The listed program contact was Cathy Monroe of the Tribal Transit Program.
How can the program contact be reached?
Cathy Monroe could be reached by phone at (816) 329-3929 and by email at cathy.monroe@dot.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Transportation
Next opportunity: Research on the Science and Technology Enterprise Statistics and Surveys
Previous opportunity: CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANT
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for FTA 2012 007 TPM TRTR
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FTA 2012 007 TPM TRTR) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FTA Alternatives Analysis Program Solicitation of Project Proposals Apply for FTA 2012 008 TPE AA Funding Number: FTA 2012 008 TPE AA Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| 2013 PHMSA HMIT Apply for HM HMI 13 001 Funding Number: HM HMI 13 001 Agency: PHMSA Hazmat Grants Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| 2013 PHMSA SPSTG Apply for HM SPS 13 001 Funding Number: HM SPS 13 001 Agency: PHMSA Hazmat Grants Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Hatcheville Road Phase III Reconstruction Project Apply for A12AC00746 Funding Number: A12AC00746 Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Tonkawa Truck Stop Access Improvements Project Apply for A12AC00747 Funding Number: A12AC00747 Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Southern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00008 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00008 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Western Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00009 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00009 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Alaska Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Center Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00010 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00010 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Support for High Performance Concrete Views Newsletter Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00013 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00013 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $287,282 |
| Notice of Intent to Single Source Award for Shuttle Service Apply for NPS NOIP12AC10623 Funding Number: NPS NOIP12AC10623 Agency: National Park Service Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Capital and Training Assistance for Over the Road Bus Accessibility Program Apply for FTA 2012 009 TPM OTRB Funding Number: FTA 2012 009 TPM OTRB Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Small Community Air Service Development Program Apply for DOT OST 2012 0069 Funding Number: DOT OST 2012 0069 Agency: DOT Office of Aviation Analysis Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Core Program Services for a Highway Research, Development, and Technology Program Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00011 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00011 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $37,500,000 |
| Technology Transfer of Concrete Pavement Technologies Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00014 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00014 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,005,000 |
| State Judicial Outreach Liaisons Apply for DTNH22 12 R 00533 Funding Number: DTNH22 12 R 00533 Agency: DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Demonstration Project to Enhance Medical Review Practices Apply for DTNH22 12 R 00609 Funding Number: DTNH22 12 R 00609 Agency: DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Provide shuttle transportation to visitors in White Rock, New Mexico, located in Los Alamos County, to Bandelier NM, also located in Los Alamos County Apply for NPSNOINAND120043 Funding Number: NPSNOINAND120043 Agency: National Park Service Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Origin Destination Database of Border Traffic Flows for Transportation Planning Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00015 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00015 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Transit Safety Research Pedestrian Collision Warning Pilot Project Apply for FTA 2012 010 TRI Funding Number: FTA 2012 010 TRI Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Off Hours Freight Delivery Pilot Project Apply for DTFH61 12 RA 00016 Funding Number: DTFH61 12 RA 00016 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $450,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "FTA 2012 007 TPM TRTR", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.