Assistance Listings National Railroad Passenger Corporation Grants
Overview
Objectives
To provide financial assistance to support the operation of and capital investment in intercity passenger rail service in the United States.
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2024: In FY 2024, FRA continues to fund the National Network and Northeast Corridor’s operations and to conduct routine maintenance, construct infrastructure projects, service debt and conduct ADA Stations Program activities through directed grants.
Fiscal Year 2025: In FY 2025, FRA continues to fund the National Network and Northeast Corridor’s operations and to conduct routine maintenance, construct infrastructure projects, service debt and conduct ADA Stations Program activities through directed grants.
Assistance Listing Description
Financial Information
Obligation(s) | FY 23 | FY 24 (est.) | FY 25 (est.) |
---|---|---|---|
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements) Total | $6,802,643,199 | $6,726,308,186 | $6,866,000,000 |
Awards under this program ranged from $1,684,000 to $3,143,000,000 in FY 2023/2024 with an average of $614,952,336. | $6,802,643,199 | $6,726,308,186 | $6,866,000,000 |
Totals | $6,802,643,199 | $6,726,308,186 | $6,866,000,000 |
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Awards under this program ranged from $1,684,000 to $3,143,000,000 in FY 2023/2024 with an average of $614,952,336.
Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2024: In FY 2024, Amtrak defined and identified capital investment and annualized maintenance programs for its National Network and Northeast Corridor accounts. The programs combined consists of approximately 500 projects for implementation along the National Network and Northeast Corridor. For example, the recipient’s maintenance and capital improvement program includes but is not limited to Bridges, Culverts, and Tunnels, Track Replacement, Railway Infrastructure Equipment, Locomotive Program, Mechanical Facility Improvements, ADA and Debt Service. The aim of the recipient’s ADA Stations Program is to ensure all train stations and passenger facilities comply with Federal ADA guidelines, regulations and statutory requirements.
Fiscal Year 2025: In FY 2025, FRA intends to continue to fund the National Network and Northeast Corridor’s operations and to conduct routine maintenance, construct infrastructure projects, service debt and conduct ADA Stations Program activities through directed grants, dependent upon appropriations.
Account Identification
69-1774-0-1-401
69-1775-0-1-401
Criteria for Applying
Types of Assistance
B - Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements)
Credentials and Documentation
See Application Procedures 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Applicant Eligibility
Designations
Profit organizationAs directed by authorizing and appropriating statute, assistance is available only to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).
Beneficiary Eligibility
Designations
Sponsored organization, Other public institution/organizationAs directed by authorizing and appropriating statute, assistance is available only to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Length and time phasing of assistance is dependent on the specific appropriating and/or authorizing law governing the grant opportunity. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: The award is determined by legislation.
Use of Assistance
Designations
TransportationAs specified in individual Grant Opportunity announcements, assistance may be used to fund operating expenses, capital investment activities, and/or payment of debt service obligations.As directed by authorizing and appropriating statute, assistance is available only to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
Applying for Assistance
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Environmental clearance is required for the capital portion of this program.
Application Procedures
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for this listing will be posted on Grants.gov (opens in new window) (opens in new window). Section 11202 of FAST Act, 49 U.S.C 24319 applies to this program.
The applicant must submit the following information: A description of projected operating and capital cost for the upcoming fiscal year activities in comparison to prior fiscal year actual financial performance; A description of the capital projects to be funded, with cost estimates and an estimated timetable for completion of the projects covered by the request; An assessment of Amtrak’s financial condition; A description of the status of efforts to improve safety and security on the Northeast Corridor main line, including a description of any efforts to implement recommendations of relevant railroad safety advisory committees; Application for Federal Assistance SF-424; US Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration Assurances and Certification forms (https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L05284); Certification Regarding Debarment, suspension, and other Responsibility Matters - Primary Covered Transactions; Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Certification Regarding Lobbying; Assurances - Non-Construction Programs, SF 424B or Assurances – Construction, SF424D (whichever is specified in the announcement); Certificate of Indirect Costs; Detailed project descriptions, statement of work, and budgets.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals for projects must support the stated strategic goals of the applicant organization, align with the priorities identified in authorization or appropriation statutes, and of the Secretary of Transportation, and be accompanied by detailed scope and budget documentation. Quantitative or qualitative justification of project prioritization must be provided.
Award Procedure
Review the application package to ensure that all required documents have been submitted and are complete and signed by the appropriate person. Review the statement of work (SOW) and budget to ensure the appropriation language requirements are met. Review SOW for technical issues and budget for appropriate costs, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and related laws and orders. After the application package is acceptable to both parties, a grant agreement is drafted, reviewed, and signed upon agreement by both parties.
Date Range for Approval/Disapproval
Timing of Approval/Disapproval typically ranges from between 2-6 weeks.
Renewals
Not Applicable.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Compliance Requirements
Policy Requirements
Subpart B, General provisions
Subpart C, Pre-Federal Award Requirements and Contents of Federal Awards
Subpart D, Post Federal; Award Requirements
Subpart E, Cost Principles
Subpart F, Audit Requirements
Not Applicable
Additional Information:
Reports
Program Reports: The grantee submits the following reports: Monthly/Quarterly progress reports giving an account of significant progress (findings, events, trends, etc.) made during the reporting period, and a description of any technical and/or cost problems encountered or anticipated that will affect completion of the grant. The grantee submits additional program reports monthly/quarterly and annually to comply with mandatory regulatory and statutory requirements or other related laws and orders. A comprehensive list of the grantee’s reporting requirements can be found in the annual grant agreements. Cash Reports: SF-270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement Progress Reports: Monthly/Quarterly progress reports. Expenditure Reports: Amtrak submits Monthly Expenditures Reports and Quarterly Federal Financial Reports; using the Standard Form 425. Performance Reports: Monthly detailed reports regarding performance against project budgets and schedules, and forecasts of future performance. Final reports provide details of the results and benefits of the grantee's operational improvement efforts and annual capital investment and maintenance programs. Additional monitoring efforts include scheduled monitoring of corporate and specific program/project activities as well as Quarterly Meetings to discuss progress and results on the grantee’s capital and maintenance investment programs and IT and marketing projects.
Audits
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F
Additional audit requirements:
No additional audit requirements.
Records
During the course of its activities under a grant agreement and for three years thereafter, the applicant must agree to retain intact and to provide any data, documents, reports, records, contracts, and supporting materials relating to its performance under the agreement as FRA may require. Reporting and record-keeping requirements are set forth in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 for private non-profit and for-profit Grantees. Closeout does not alter these requirements.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Not Applicable.
Formula and Matching Requirements
Contact Information
Regional or Local Locations:
None. Not applicableHeadquarters Office:
Acting Chief, Grant & Loan Program Development Division, Office of Rail Program Development 1200 New Jersey Ave SE,
Washington, DC 20590
mariam.ouhamou@dot.gov
(202) 493-6437