Attachment I
FY 2002 TCSP Grant Application Format

Project Submission and Formatting Requirements

1. The application may be no more than 15 pages in length following the format described below.
2. DO NOT submit additional supporting materials. Each application must stand on its own without the assistance of supplemental materials. Exception: site maps, plans, and photographs are encouraged, but should be reproducible in black and white.
3. DO NOT submit letters of support. Do include references to State and local support in the application (Part F. Partners).
4. General Information:
• Page Size: 8-1/2" x 11" (including maps), portrait orientation.
• Typeface: 11 point.
• Printing: single sided only.
• Binding: DO staple only the top left corner of each copy. No other method of binding other than a simple staple should be used.
• Labeling: On each page provide the project title and page number.
5. File format for electronic submission:
• File Format: WordPerfect version 6/7/8 or Word version 2000 or earlier on a 3.5 -inch disk labeled with the project title and name.
• No watermarks, embedded text, or graphics in the document.
6. Check your disks for viruses.
7. Submit four (4) printed copies of the application and a disk with the application file to the FHWA Division office in the your State by COB Wednesday, January 31, 2001.
8. Applications, once submitted, become the property of the United States Department of Transportation.

Application Organization and Format

Page 1. Project Information & Project Abstract

Part A. Project Information

Abstract (Maximum 1 paragraph)

The abstract should capture your project's main purpose. Describe the project and the expected results. Identify the scale of activity, such as, rural, urban, statewide, etc., and provide information on the types of populations affected by the project (i.e., size of population, commuter, disadvantaged, minority, etc.).

EXAMPLE: AThis project forms a unique partnership among the regional air pollution control district, local government, the building industry, business alliances, farming organizations, and non-profit groups to promote smart growth in California's San Joaquin Valley. The partners have come to recognize that without a change in patterns of development, the agricultural economic base of the region will decline, transportation infrastructure will become increasingly congested and poorly maintained, and people will continue to be exposed to harmful levels of air pollution. This project fulfills requests from Valley communities for assistance in implementing the principles through model ordinances, design guidelines and implementation strategies. After completion of this first phase, the City of Fresno, the largest city in the San Joaquin Valley, and the City of Reedley, representing small cities, will participate in pilot projects to implement the new ordinances and strategies in their communities. During the project and after its completion, the Local Government Commission will use its extensive livable communities network to share the project Valley-wide and nationally.@

Pages 2-4. Project Narrative

Part B. Project Narrative (Maximum 3 pages)

The narrative is the long description of your project goals and tasks. In it you will need to:

• Identify the geographic scale of the proposed activity (system, region, corridor, etc.).
• Identify the demographics of the people who will benefit from the project (low income, minority, mixed).
• Identify the project's expected results in the short- and longer-term (20-40 years).
• Describe the expectations or vision for the ultimate impact of the activity.
• Identify how the project partners will help accomplish the goals

Pages 5-6. Project Objectives and Meeting TCSP

Part C. Objective, Purpose, and Criteria

Describe how the project meets each TCSP objective and how the objectives will be accomplished by the project activities. See Section II. Grant Program Purposes, above, for further explanation.

1. Improve the efficiency of the transportation system.
2. Reduce the impacts of transportation on the environment.
3. Reduce the need for costly future investments in public infrastructure.
4. Ensure efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade.
5. Examine development patterns and identify strategies to encourage private sector development
patterns that achieve the goals of the TCSP.

Pages 7-8. Applicant Category, Planning Coordination, and Partners

Part D. Applicant Category

Indicate the category under which your project falls: (a) planning or (b) implementation. See explanation under Section II, Applicant Category, above. Then discuss (in a paragraph or two) how the project will further the intended or established community preservation practices within your community or jurisdiction.

Part E. Coordination

Indicate how you have coordinated with the appropriate MPO or State Department of Transportation. Identify how the project activities are consistent with the State or MPO planning processes.

If the project is for construction, identify when and from whom the proposed project received the necessary environmental approvals. These must have been given prior to the application and will help indicate that the project is ready for bidding or implementation. Construction projects should be included in the State or Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Part F. Partners

List and briefly describe the agencies, organizations, and companies who are on the project team. Their roles should correspond to the work plan activities indicated under Part H below. Describe the role and functions of the non-traditional partners participating on the project team. Describe plans for public involvement or education of the private and public sector.

Pages 9-11. Project Evaluation Plan

Part G. Project Evaluation Plan

The FHWA has developed guidance on preparing evaluation plans for TCSP. Evaluation plans should include goals and objectives and evaluation methodologies, including means of monitoring, indicators and measures of performance, and plans for reporting results. Within the limits of space allowed for the proposal, applicants should provide initial ideas on evaluation approaches, which can be expanded and formalized in more complete evaluation plans after awards are made. Copies of this guidance and other related materials on evaluation can be found on the FHWA TCSP web site Evaluation page or from the FHWA's Division office in the applicant's State (see Attachment III).

Pages 12-13. Work Plan and Schedule of Activities

Part H. Work Plan and Schedule of Activities

Provide a schedule for completing the project's major steps or milestones. This information should include key project activities and identify a timeline for written project evaluation reports. The work plan activities must directly relate to the budget line items activities identified under Part I. Budget and Resources.

Pages 14-15. Budget and Resources

Part I. Budget and Resources

List all funding, both Federal and non-Federal, and in-kind resources for the project using a table, similar to the one below. List the major costs by project activity following the order of activities identified in Part H. Work Plan Activities and Schedule. The budget should also show how the TCSP funds and other matching funds are used for these activities. The budget may include the costs for travel for one representative of the project team to participate and present the status and results of the project at two national conferences.

Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a commitment of non-Federal resources. Clearly describe the use of in-kind and direct funding contributions and distinguish contributions made directly for the proposed projects from those made for other related activities.

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