R -- Minority Institutions of Higher Education Competitive Assistance Program

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES - The Office of Acquisition Management has established a competitive technical assistance (CAP) program limited to participation by Minority Institutions of Higher Education (MIHE) which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)*, Hispanic Serving Institutions*, American Indian Serving Institutions*, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions*, and other postsecondary minority institutions as defined under The Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) [20 U.S.C.?1135 d-5]. The purpose of this program is to foster MIHE participation in research and development activities that contribute substantially to the Federal Highway Administration?s (FHWA) mission and to help prepare the faculty and students at MIHE?s to successfully participate in the competitive research arena. The program is established in accordance with Section 5001 (a)(1) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), and authority to enter into awards with MIHE?s is granted at: 23 U.S.C. ?403; 49 CFR ?1.48; and Executive Orders 13021, 13125, 13230, and 13256. *HBCU is defined at 34 CFR ?608.2 as an accredited college or university, established prior to 1964, whose principle mission was and is, the education of African-Americans. *Indian Serving Institution, which includes Tribal Colleges, as well as Bureau of Indian Affairs affiliated institutions is defined at 34 CFR ?410.2. *Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) is defined at 34 CFR ?606.2. *Native Hawaiian Serving Institution is defined at 20 U.S.C.?1135 d-5(3). A minimum of 20 percent cost sharing by the recipient is a requirement under this initiative. All awards made under this program will be relevant to one or more of the FHWA?s five strategic goals of mobility, safety, productivity, human and natural environment, and national security. The MOBILITY goal concerns the continual improvement of the public?s access to activities, goods, and services through the preservation, improvement, and expansion of the highway transportation system and enhancement of its operations, efficiency, and intermodal connections. The SAFETY goal concerns continual improvement of highway safety by reducing the number of fatalities and injuries. The PRODUCTIVITY goal concerns the continual improvement of the economic efficiency of the Nation?s transportation system to enhance America?s position in the global economy. The HUMAN AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT goal concerns the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and communities affected by highway transportation. The NATIONAL SECURITY goal seeks the improvement of the capacity and operation of the highway system to support defense mobilization. Our strategic plan recognizes the inherent nature of cross-cutting goals, under which success in one area flows directly to success under a second or third goal. As such, our Corporate Management Strategies that embody the principles contained in the Quality Journey, provide the overarching framework that will enable us to achieve our vision under all goals. On or about April 4, 2002, the FHWA will issue a Request for Applications (RFA) for its Fiscal Year 2002 program. The solicitation will include specific projects for consideration. Eligible offerors will be invited to submit applications for one or more of the projects. THE RFA WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY AT: http://www.eps.gov UNDER DOT/FHWA. It is the applicant?s responsibility to monitor the internet site for the release of the RFA and amendments (if any). Potential applicants will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the RFA and amendments (if any). Point of contact: Frank Waltos, Agreement Officer. e-mail: [email protected], Telephone: 202-366-4205, or FAX: 202-366-3705. All technical questions pertaining to the RFA must be in writing. It is preferred that questions be e-mailed to Frank Waltos at the above address.