FTA’s State Safety Oversight Oversight Certification Toolkit provides guidance to states in managing the new SSO certification process. Each state will be required to submit an application to FTA to initiate the certification process.

FTA will review each state’s application and issue: 

• A certification of compliance, 
• A request for additional information, or 
• A denial of certification. 

FTA’s toolkit is a guide for activities and requirements that clearly address FTA’s SSO program requirements. Using the guidance in this toolkit, states will be able to complete their applications and demonstrate general conformance with 49 CFR Part 674 requirements. States may propose other methods for meeting these requirements, however, these alternate methods must adequately address 49 CFR Part 674 provisions.

Certifications of compliance will be issued based on the SSO agency’s readiness and ability to oversee the rail transit systems within its jurisdiction using the criteria set forth in 49 CFR Part 674 and outlined in this toolkit. Similar to the SSO Certification Work Plans used in the SSO Formula Grant program to lay out each state’s roadmap for meeting 49 U.S.C. §5329 requirements, state program certifications will proceed on a case-by-case basis, recognizing the need for flexibility when dealing with a diverse set of state legislatures, chief executives, constitutional and statutory constructs, and SSO regulations. FTA will continue to provide customized, targeted assistance to each SSO agency as appropriate.