Broad Agency Announcement for Innovative Small Research Projects to Advance Public Participation Related to Public Transportation Planning

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is soliciting proposals for applied research in the area of public participation as it relates to the planning of public transportation projects and programs. The purpose of the Public Transportation Participation (PTP) Program, as called for under Section 3046 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), is to support the research and development of innovative approaches to enhance the quality and level of public participation in public transportation planning. FTA has budgeted approximately $750,000 for conducting research under this fourth phase of the PTP Program. Funding for future years of the Program will be based on availability of funds. In keeping with that concept, FTA anticipates awarding 6-10 proposals for work to be completed within 12-18 months of receipt of the funding award. FTA also may choose to fund only a part of a proposed project. FTA will consider projects of longer duration, but the work activities and product delivery must be phased in such a way as to produce a viable first-phase product. After the first phase of a project, funding for subsequent phases will be contingent on availability of funds and satisfactory progress against planned work to that point. FTA also reserves the right to not fund proposed projects. FTA also may withdraw its obligation to provide Federal assistance if the recipient does not submit the formal application (to be completed after selection) within 90 days following the date of the offer.