“Technical Assistance for Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Discretionary Grant Program”

Potential Sources Sought. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is conducting a market survey to identify potential sources for an anticipated contract or cooperative agreement to establish and implement the Department of Transportation (DoT) Reconnecting Communities Learning Institute. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information, for planning purposes, regarding: the availability and capability of qualified sources to perform the work.

Pursuant to 48 C.F.R. Part 10, the Government is conducting market research to:
•Determine what sources exist that are capable of satisfying the Government’s requirements listed below,
•Determine the capabilities of potential contractors,
•Determine the size and status of potential sources, and
•Determine the level of competition (i.e. 8(a), set-aside or full and open).

This SOURCES SOUGHT is issued solely for informational, market research, and planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to any further contract actions, i.e., solicitation and/ or contract. Respondents are advised that the United States Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in responding to this SOURCES SOUGHT. Not responding to this SOURCES SOUGHT does not preclude participation in any future RFP that may be issued. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S Government to form a binding contract.

BACKGROUND

This requirement will secure technical assistance for Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) discretionary grant program eligible entities, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL-117-59 §11509), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The RCP Program is the first-ever program to help reconnect communities harmed and cut off from opportunity by transportation infrastructure—such as highways, rail lines, pipelines, and more—through solutions like high-quality public transportation, infrastructure removal, remediation, and community and main street revitalization. A Notice of Funding Opportunity to receive RCP Program planning or construction grant applications is now underway in which projects will be evaluated on whether they are from economically disadvantaged communities, have a focus on equity and environmental justice, have strong community engagement and stewardship, and demonstrate a commitment to shared prosperity and equitable development.

Furthermore, DOT intends to pursue the principle or idea of community reconnection and restoration beyond the RCP grant program, with other discretionary grants and formula funds, at DOT and at other federal agencies.

The award will be for the establishment and implementation of the DOT Reconnecting Communities Learning Institute, with a physical location or a virtual/technological presence, providing the technical assistance, training, and other eligible forms of support summarized in the tasks below and and provide translation and other interpretive services to make this assistance available to those not fluent in English or that have limited English proficiency. Priority would be placed to support program participants from undeserved communities on how to prepare, develop, and implement DOT Reconnecting Communities projects.

See attached Sources Sought Notice for additional details and response requirements.