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Council of the District of Columbia
Notice of Funds Availability
Comprehensive Rail Plan
Overview
The Council of the District of Columbia is seeking grant applications from regional organizations to develop a comprehensive rail plan (“Plan”) for the District of Columbia. The Plan will be consistent with policies, priorities, and performance measures set by the District and other regional transportation planning organizations and will address a broad spectrum of rail issues, including:
1) identification of the District’s freight and passenger rail objectives;
2) an inventory of the rail system’s transportation infrastructure;
3) an analysis of rail-related economic and environment impacts;
4) an assessment of intermodal infrastructure, safety, and security issues; and
5) a long-range investment program for current and future passenger and freight rail infrastructure that will accommodate regional rail transit needs.
The produce the Plan, the selected applicant will consult and coordinate with various industry stakeholders, including freight and passenger rail owners and operators, governmental and non-governmental entities (including municipalities and regional planning organizations), the general public, elected officials, and interest groups to produce a long-range strategic rail plan that fosters growth throughout the District’s rail network.
The final product will be a document that the Council will use to inform its oversight and policymaking regarding advancements in the District’s rail transportation network. The Plan may serve either as a “state rail plan” as defined in the Passenger Rail investment and Improvement Act of 2008, or as a planning document to inform future policy making.
Eligibility: Regional organizations (non-profit or private) located in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan statistical area with expertise in governmental planning, transportation/transit issues and infrastructure investment are eligible to apply. The applications will be ranked based on the applicant’s capacity and ability to demonstrate: 1) a record of success in developing transportation/transit studies and/or plans for other jurisdictions or organizations; and 2) a record of working collaboratively with and/or partnering with at least two (2) of the following: a) state and local governments, b) private corporations, and c) non-profit organizations.
Length of Award: The grant period will be for twelve (12) months from the date of execution of a Grant Agreement with the Council. At the discretion of the Council, a maximum of one (1) one-year option may be granted based on performance and the availability of funding. Option periods may consist of a year, a fraction thereof, or multiple successive fractions of a year.
Available Funding for Awards: The total amount of funding available for this award is up to $500,000 maximum, pending availability of funds. The funds for the Comprehensive Rail Plan are made available through District of Columbia appropriations (See Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Act of 2014, D.C. Act 20-424, § 6082, enacted September 23, 2014)
Anticipated Number of Awards: The Council anticipates making up to one (1) award depending on funding availability and responsiveness of applicants.
How to Obtain the RFA: The Request for Application (FRA) will be released on Monday, October 6, 2014. The RFA will be available on the following website:
· The Council of the District of Columbia: www.dccouncil.us
