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Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) - FAQs (FY 2016 Notice)

What is the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP)?

SCASDP is a discretionary U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant program designed to help smaller communities improve and strengthen their commercial air service. It exists to support communities that struggle to sustain reliable air service, competitive fares, or adequate flight options.

Which federal agency administers this grant opportunity?

The administering agency is the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary (OST).

What is the legal authority for SCASDP?

The program is codified at 49 U.S.C. 41743 and was created under the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century. It has been reauthorized through subsequent aviation laws, including Vision 100 and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

What is the purpose of the funding?

The funding is intended to help small communities implement targeted strategies to attract, retain, or strengthen commercial air service. In practical terms, it is meant to help communities develop and carry out credible, data-driven approaches to improve flight options, reliability, and/or fare competitiveness.

Is SCASDP a competitive program?

Yes. SCASDP is described as a competitive (discretionary) pot of federal dollars where award sizes and selections depend on the merits and design of proposals and on the availability of funds.

How is the funding provided (upfront or reimbursement)?

Funding is provided as monetary grants paid on a reimbursable basis. Recipients generally incur eligible costs first and then seek reimbursement according to the grant terms.

How much total funding was expected to be available for the FY 2016 round?

For the FY 2016 round (Funding Opportunity Number DOT OST 2016 0037), DOT indicated that up to $5,000,000 total could be available for awards, subject to the availability of funds.

Is the $5,000,000 total guaranteed to be awarded?

No. The notice states DOT cannot issue awards until required federal steps are in place, including authorizing legislation, an appropriations act, budget authority, and apportionment from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Because of these constraints, the total amount ultimately available can be affected by later appropriations or spending limits.

Can DOT make partial awards if full funding is not yet available?

Yes. DOT noted it may choose to make partial awards up to whatever level is authorized at the time, and that later appropriations or spending limits could affect how much reimbursement is ultimately available.

Is there a maximum amount for an individual SCASDP award?

There is no fixed cap on the size of an individual award beyond the overall amount available for the program in that fiscal year. Award sizes are expected to vary based on the merits and design of the proposals submitted.

What range of award sizes has DOT reported historically for SCASDP?

Historically, DOT reports that individual SCASDP grants have ranged from about $20,000 to nearly $1.6 million, indicating awards can support relatively modest efforts or larger, more comprehensive service development activities.

About how many awards did DOT anticipate making under this FY 2016 posting?

DOT anticipated making around 40 awards, dependent on available funding and the quality of applications received.

What types of projects might SCASDP support?

Based on the description and historical grant sizes, projects may range from relatively modest activities (such as planning, marketing, or small-scale incentives) to larger, more comprehensive air service development efforts aimed at improving a community's commercial air service.

Who is eligible to apply?

The listing identifies eligible applicants broadly as "Others" and notes that applicants are expected to consult the detailed eligibility language in the full notice. The description also indicates that SCASDP competitions often allow certain local governments, airport sponsors, regional authorities, and similar community-based entities, sometimes including consortia.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 20.930.

What is the funding activity category?

The opportunity is categorized as a transportation funding activity and uses the standard federal grant instrument.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for the FY 2016 notice described?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DOT OST 2016 0037.

When was the opportunity posted and when was it due?

The opportunity was posted on March 29, 2016, and had a closing deadline of May 2, 2016.

Why does SCASDP exist in practical terms?

The program exists because many smaller markets have difficulty sustaining reliable service, competitive fares, or adequate flight options. SCASDP provides federal funding intended to help communities implement targeted strategies to address those challenges.

What factors can affect the timing of awards and reimbursements?

The notice explains that awards cannot be issued until required federal steps are completed (authorizing legislation, appropriations, budget authority, and OMB apportionment). It also notes that later appropriations or spending limits may affect how much reimbursement is ultimately available.