Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program - NOFO Reissuance

Background
The Build America Bureau (Bureau) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications from eligible U.S. public entities for $20 million in Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) grants. The goal of these grants is to assist entities in developing improved infrastructure priorities and financing strategies for accelerated project development under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Credit Program.

The Bureau aims to support RIAs that serve defined geographic areas, act as resources to qualified entities, and demonstrate effectiveness in expediting project delivery.

Grant Details
The RIA cooperative agreements will assist in various tasks including:
1) Project planning;
2) Studies and analysis such as feasibility studies, market analysis, project costs, value for money assessments, public benefit evaluations, and environmental reviews;
3) Revenue forecasting and funding analyses;
4) Preliminary engineering and design work;
5) Statutory and regulatory compliance analyses;
6) Assessment of opportunities for private financing, project bundling, or phasing;
7) Enhancement of rural project sponsors’ capacity to utilize TIFIA credit programs and other innovative financing methods;
8) Other direct project-specific support as necessary.

The Bureau anticipates awarding between six and ten cooperative agreements ranging from $975,000 to $2 million based on application strength.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. public entities such as states, multi-state groups, counties, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), regional transportation planning organizations, Tribal governments, and others. No prior RIA designation is required, but priority will be given to new applicants. Partnerships between eligible applicants and private entities are allowed if one public entity is designated as the lead applicant.

Period of Performance
The funding will be provided for a base period of two years with an option for a third year based on performance metrics and availability of funds.

Grant Value
$20 million total available for the program with individual awards anticipated between $975,000 and $2 million depending on the number of RIAs selected.

Place of Performance
The geographic location(s) must be within the United States and its territories.