DOT - Project Initiation Accelerator - MRAS

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), through its Volpe Center, is seeking technical support services to implement the Project Initiation Accelerator (PIA) program. This initiative aims to provide targeted assistance to at-risk grant recipients and projects during their pre-construction and procurement phases, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements to secure funding obligations. The PIA program supports a variety of USDOT Operating Administrations, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Rail Administration (FRA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and Maritime Administration (MARAD). The overarching goal is to enhance project readiness and compliance with federal guidelines across multiple transportation grant programs.

The scope of work for this contract involves providing off-site staff who will support DOT grant recipients in executing administrative and national policy requirements. Key focus areas include project management, right-of-way technical compliance, engineering, environmental review with an emphasis on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, financial capacity development, and adherence to federal administrative policies such as procurement standards and domestic preference requirements. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring quality control through a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan while working closely with Volpe Center project managers.

Participants in the PIA program will be selected from a range of USDOT grant initiatives such as the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG), Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN), Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), and Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART). The contractor's role includes developing budget worksheets, assisting with cost estimates amidst economic changes like inflation or bid variations, ensuring financial systems are in place for federal fund reception, and complying with labor laws like Davis-Bacon requirements.

Throughout the period of performance ending December 31, 2026, the contractor is expected to support up to 15 grant recipients. They must facilitate ongoing meetings for updates on progress or issues encountered while maintaining formal documentation procedures. No security clearances are required for this task order; however, contractors should demonstrate familiarity with USDOT grant programs' specific needs such as NEPA regulations management experience or knowledge about federal financial reporting systems.