Zero Emission Research Opportunity (ZERO)

On November 22, 2016, FTA announced the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to conduct research, demonstrations, testing, and evaluation of zero emission and related technology for public transportation applications. The deadline for applications is February 21, 2017. Questions? See our ZERO Program FAQs.

Overview

Since 2008, FTA has provided more than $150 million to support the research, development and deployment of cleaner, more efficient public transit vehicles. FTA's Low and No Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Deployment Program has proven the interest of transit agencies to procure and operate innovative and efficient models, including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses. The purpose of ZERO is to support the industry as it examines the potential of larger fleets and improved vehicles.  

In implementing ZERO, FTA will use a cooperative research model similar to FTA’s successful National Fuel Cell Bus Program. Under this model, research and demonstration projects are defined and conducted by pre-selected non-profit consortia that, under FTA direction, assemble and manage project teams. Teams, comprised of transit agencies, vendors, suppliers, and others, will introduce an enhanced level of research management, program continuity, and flexibility to federally funded transit research. Through ZERO, FTA seeks to create a research environment that results in greater industry involvement and more innovative and successful projects.

FTA intends to enter into cooperative agreements with up to three nonprofit consortia. Eligibility for future ZERO funding opportunities in fiscal years 2017-2020 will be limited to those nonprofit consortia selected under the initial fiscal year 2017 notice. Potential research partners such as transit agencies, other nonprofits, vendors, suppliers and systems integrators may work with multiple consortia.

Objective

FTA’s objective for ZERO is to work with the public transportation industry to solve challenges, increase efficiency, and reduce the costs and risks of deploying zero-emission vehicles in transit service.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities and projects include research, innovation and development, demonstration, deployment, and evaluation. These areas are defined under 49 U.S.C. Section 5312(c), (d), and (e). Projects will build on successful research, innovation, and development to facilitate the deployment of low- or no-emission vehicles, zero-emission vehicles, or associated advanced technology.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible applicants and recipients under this program are limited to nonprofit organizations leading a consortium of entities. All consortia must include at least one provider of public transportation. The following entities may be part of a consortium:

• Departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, including federal laboratories;
• State and local governmental entities;
• Providers of public transportation;
• Private or nonprofit organizations;
• Institutions of higher education; and
• Technical and community colleges.

If future funding becomes available, the selected nonprofit organization(s) will have the opportunity to compete for future project funding for the duration of the FAST Act authorization – through fiscal year 2020. 

Statutory References

49 U.S.C. 5312

Allocation of Funding

$2.75 million initially. Additional funding may be provided in FY17-FY20, subject to appropriations  and FTA discretion.

Match

Local match (or share) is required.  FTA share may not exceed 80 percent of project costs.

Metropolitan & Statewide Planning and NonMetropolitan Transportation Planning - 5303, 5304, 5305

Provides funding and procedural requirements [23 CFR part 450] for multimodal transportation planning in metropolitan areas and states. Metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes adhere to a cooperative, continuous and comprehensive framework for the development of long-range plans and short-range programs reflecting transportation investment priorities. 

Eligible Recipients

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Federal planning funds are first apportioned to State DOTs. State DOTs then allocate planning funding to MPOs.

Eligible Activities

FTA’s Metropolitan Planning Program and State Planning and Research Program funds are available for transportation planning activities that:

• support the economic vitality of the states, metropolitan areas, and nonmetropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
• increase the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
• increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
• protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth, housing, and economic development patterns;
• enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system across and between modes for people and freight;
• promote efficient system management and operations;
• emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system; and
• improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system. 

Major new fixed guideway projects, or extensions to existing systems seeking funding through FTA’s discretionary Capital Investment Grants program typically receive these funds through a construction grant agreement that defines the scope of the project and specifies the total multi-year federal commitment to the project. 

Statutory References

• 49 USC §5303 – Metropolitan Planning
• 49 USC §5304 – Statewide Planning
• 49 USC §5305 – Planning Programs

Funding Availability

Funds are available for four years.

Allocation of Funding

Funds are apportioned to states by a formula that includes each state’s urbanized area population in proportion to the total urbanized area population for the nation, as well as other factors. States can receive no less than .5 percent of the amount apportioned. These funds, in turn, are sub-allocated by states to MPOs by a formula that considers each MPO’s urbanized area population, planning needs and a minimum distribution.

Match

Generally, the federal share is not to exceed 80% of the cost of the projects funded under the program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  amended 49 U.S.C. 5305(f) to allow a federal share of up to 100 percent for eligible planning activities that help communities with lower population densities or lower average incomes, compared to surrounding areas, expand access to public transportation. 

Public Transportation Innovation - 5312

Program Overview

Provides funding to develop innovative products and services assisting transit agencies in better meeting the needs of their customers. 

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients are determined for each competition, and may include: universities, public transportation systems, state DOTs, non-profit and for-profit entities, amongst others.

Funding Opportunities

Funds may be allocated on a discretionary basis. Grant opportunities are posted on http://www.grants.gov/ under the CFDA Number 20.514. Interested parties may subscribe on that website to receive notification of all FTA research opportunities by entering 20.514 where it requests the CFDA Number.

• Current Notices of Funding Availability 

Eligible Activities

Research, development, demonstration and deployment projects, and evaluation of technology of national significance to public transportation.

Research Grant Program Requirements

FTA Research, Technical Assistance and Training Program Requirements

Additional information

Research & Technology

Grant Authorization

49 U.S.C. 5312

Mobility on Demand (MOD) Sandbox Demonstration Program - 5312

Funds projects that promote innovative business models to deliver high quality, seamless and equitable mobility options for all travelers.

Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program - 5324

Helps states and public transportation systems pay for protecting, repairing, and/or replacing equipment and facilities that may suffer or have suffered serious damage as a result of an emergency, including natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. It provides authorization for Section 5307 and 5311 funds to be used for disaster relief in response to a declared disaster.

Human Resources & Training - 5314 (b)

Under this new program, FTA may make grants or enter into contracts for human resource and workforce development programs as they apply to public transportation activities. Such programs may include:

• Employment training;
• An outreach program to increase minority and female employment in public transportation activities;
• Research on public transportation personnel and training needs; and
• Training and assistance for minority business opportunities.

Flexible Funding Programs - Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program - 23 USC 149

CMAQ provides funding to areas in nonattainment or maintenance for ozone, carbon monoxide, and/or particulate matter. States that have no nonattainment or maintenance areas still receive a minimum apportionment of CMAQ funding for either air quality projects or other elements of flexible spending.  Funds may be used for any transit capital expenditures otherwise eligible for FTA funding as long as they have an air quality benefit.

Flexible Funding Programs - National Highway Performance Program - 23 USC 119

Provides support for the condition and performance of the National Highway System (NHS), for the construction of new facilities on the NHS, and to ensure that investments of Federal funds in highway construction are directed to support progress toward the achievement of performance targets established in a State’s asset management plan for the NHS.

Flexible Funding Programs - Surface Transportation Block Grant Program - 23 USC 133

Provides funding that may be used by states and localities for a wide range of projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance of surface transportation, including highway, transit, intercity bus, bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Mobility for All Pilot Program Grant Announcement of Project Selection and Implementation Guidance