Opportunity Information: Apply for FTA 2013 002 TPM TRTR
Apply for FTA 2013 002 TPM TRTR
- The DOT/Federal Transit Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Transportation on Indian Reservations" 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 May 14, 2013 and posted on May 8, 2013.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 8, 2013. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $5,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 70 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.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations opportunity, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is part of the Tribal Transit Program (TTP) authorized under Section 5311(j) of MAP-21 (Public Law 112-41, July 6, 2012) for FY 2013 and FY 2014. It provides direct grant funding to federally recognized Indian tribes for public transportation projects that are eligible under the FTA Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (49 U.S.C. 5311). In practical terms, this means tribes can seek support for many of the same rural transit activities that states and rural providers fund under Section 5311, but through a tribal-focused program designed to strengthen and expand transit services on tribal lands.
MAP-21 modified the Tribal Transit Program so it continues as a set-aside from the broader Section 5311 rural program, but it is split into two components: a $25 million formula program and a $5 million discretionary (competitive) grant program, both subject to appropriations. The formula portion is distributed using factors that include vehicle revenue miles and the number of low-income individuals living on tribal lands, aligning funding with both service levels and community need. The discretionary portion is competed annually, allowing tribes to apply directly for projects that may not be fully addressed through formula allocations or that require targeted startup or expansion support.
For this specific notice (Funding Opportunity Number FTA-2013-002-TPM-TRTR), the opportunity is categorized as discretionary grant funding within the transportation activity area. The total estimated funding available under this competitive round is $5,000,000, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $1,000,000. FTA anticipated making around 70 awards, which suggests many grants would be relatively small to mid-sized, potentially aimed at launching service, supporting operations, improving planning capacity, or purchasing essential capital items.
Eligible applicants are Native American tribal governments that are federally recognized, including Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Applicants are expected to provide evidence of federal recognition, such as the most current Federal Register notice from DOI/BIA listing entities recognized and eligible to receive services from BIA. This eligibility framing keeps the program focused on sovereign tribal entities and ensures awards go to communities formally recognized by the federal government.
The purpose of the funding is to support tribal public transit through planning, capital investments, and operating assistance, all within the bounds of what Section 5311 allows. While the announcement does not list every eligible line item, Section 5311 eligibility generally covers the kinds of costs rural transit systems face: developing transit plans and service strategies; purchasing or rehabilitating vehicles; installing transit-related equipment; supporting service operations; and other activities needed to provide public transportation in rural areas. The core idea is to strengthen access to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services where distances are long, resources are limited, and transportation barriers can be severe.
An important policy point in the announcement is that Tribal Transit Program funds are intended to complement, not replace, Section 5311 funds that tribes may already receive through state-administered rural transit programs. In other words, Congress and FTA designed TTP so that states should not reduce or offset a tribe's existing Section 5311 support just because the tribe receives tribal transit funds. The program is meant to add capacity, fill gaps, and allow tribes to build or expand transit in ways that are responsive to local needs.
This opportunity falls under CFDA 20.509 (Formula Grants for Rural Areas) and includes a cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning recipients are generally expected to contribute a non-federal share consistent with applicable FTA rules for the type of expenses funded (for example, typical FTA matching structures vary by whether costs are capital, operating, or planning). The announcement was posted May 8, 2013, created May 14, 2013, with a closing date of July 8, 2013 (originally July 9, 2013). The opportunity was later archived on August 7, 2013.
For applicants needing help accessing the full announcement or navigating the program, the listed point of contact is Elan Flippin in FTA's Tribal Transit Program, Office of Program Management, reachable at (202) 366-3800. The notice also references an additional information link to the FTA Tribal Transit Program page, where applicants would typically find program guidance, current funding notices, and related resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit Program - Discretionary)
What is the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations opportunity?
This opportunity is a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding notice under the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is part of FTA's Tribal Transit Program (TTP) and provides direct grant funding to federally recognized Indian tribes for public transportation projects that are eligible under the FTA Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (49 U.S.C. 5311).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this notice?
The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is FTA-2013-002-TPM-TRTR.
Is this a formula grant or a competitive grant?
This specific notice is for the discretionary (competitive) component of the Tribal Transit Program.
How does the Tribal Transit Program fit within MAP-21 and Section 5311?
The Tribal Transit Program (TTP) is authorized under Section 5311(j) of MAP-21 (Public Law 112-41, July 6, 2012) for FY 2013 and FY 2014. MAP-21 continued TTP as a set-aside from the broader Section 5311 rural program and split it into two components: a $25 million formula program and a $5 million discretionary (competitive) program, both subject to appropriations.
How much funding is available under this competitive round?
The total estimated funding available under this competitive round is $5,000,000.
What is the minimum and maximum award size?
Individual awards range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $1,000,000.
How many awards did FTA expect to make?
FTA anticipated making around 70 awards under this notice.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are Native American tribal governments that are federally recognized, including Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
What proof of eligibility or federal recognition is expected?
Applicants are expected to provide evidence of federal recognition, such as the most current Federal Register notice from DOI/BIA listing entities recognized and eligible to receive services from BIA.
What types of projects can this funding support?
The purpose of the funding is to support tribal public transit through planning, capital investments, and operating assistance, consistent with what Section 5311 allows. The notice describes eligible purposes broadly as planning, capital, and operations that support rural public transportation services on tribal lands.
What are examples of the kinds of activities Section 5311 generally supports?
While the announcement does not list every eligible line item, it indicates that Section 5311 eligibility generally covers rural transit needs such as developing transit plans and service strategies; purchasing or rehabilitating vehicles; installing transit-related equipment; supporting service operations; and other activities needed to provide public transportation in rural areas.
What is the main goal of the program?
The program is designed to strengthen and expand transit services on tribal lands and improve access to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services, especially in rural areas where distances can be long and transportation barriers can be severe.
Does this funding replace other Section 5311 rural transit funds tribes may already receive?
No. The notice emphasizes that Tribal Transit Program funds are intended to complement, not replace, Section 5311 funds that tribes may already receive through state-administered rural transit programs. The program is meant to add capacity, fill gaps, and support service development or expansion aligned with local needs.
How is the Tribal Transit Program structured overall (formula vs. discretionary)?
MAP-21 split the Tribal Transit Program into two parts: (1) a $25 million formula component and (2) a $5 million discretionary (competitive) component. The formula portion is distributed using factors that include vehicle revenue miles and the number of low-income individuals living on tribal lands. The discretionary portion is competed annually and allows tribes to apply directly for targeted startup, expansion, or other needs that may not be fully addressed through formula allocations.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
This opportunity falls under CFDA 20.509 (Formula Grants for Rural Areas).
Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?
Yes. The notice states there is a cost sharing or matching requirement. Recipients are generally expected to contribute a non-federal share consistent with applicable FTA rules for the type of expenses funded (for example, typical FTA matching structures vary by whether costs are capital, operating, or planning).
What is the activity area and grant category for this notice?
The activity area is transportation, and the opportunity is categorized as discretionary grant funding.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The notice was posted on May 8, 2013, created on May 14, 2013, and had a closing date of July 8, 2013 (originally July 9, 2013).
Is this funding opportunity still open?
No. The opportunity was archived on August 7, 2013.
Who can applicants contact for help or questions about the announcement?
The listed point of contact is Elan Flippin in FTA's Tribal Transit Program, Office of Program Management, reachable at (202) 366-3800.
Is there a program webpage referenced for additional information?
Yes. The notice references an additional information link to the FTA Tribal Transit Program page, where applicants would typically find program guidance, current funding notices, and related resources.
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