One year before resubmission, the agency shall work with OIRA to remove potential collections covered by this ICR that are also cleared by Grants.gov. Those collections will be submitted as request for common forms.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2024
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2021
6,496
0
5,468
88,295
0
87,529
0
0
0
This is a voluntary reporting collection open to all Railroads and local and statement governments, and is used for administering the FRA Grants Management Program. Frequency of reporting varies depending upon the stage of the grant process (award, maintenance or close out). All reporting is directed to FRA when submitted. This is a revision to a currently approved collection.
The purpose of the program: FRA solicits grant applications for viable projects including, but not limited to, preconstruction planning activities, safety improvements, congestion relief, improvement of grade crossings, rail line relocation, as well as projects that encourage development, expansion, and upgrades to passenger and freight rail infrastructure and services. Funded projects are those that meet FRA and government wide evaluation standards and align with the Presidentâs key strategic transportation goals to create safe and efficient transportation choices, build a foundation for economic competitiveness, promote energy efficiency and environmental quality, and support interconnected livable communities. FRA administers award agreements for both construction and non-construction projects that will result in service benefits or other tangible improvements in rail corridors. These projects include completion of preliminary engineering, environmental research and development, final design, and construction.
FRA is requesting the initiation of the use of two (2) new forms. The first form is FRA F 251, Applicant Financial Capability questionnaire. The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance) requires Federal agencies to evaluate the risk posed by Federal assistance applicants before they receive a Federal award (see 2 CFR 200.205). FRA is implementing the Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire to more efficiently receive and evaluate the risks associated with financial assistance applicants. FRA is requesting organization level financial information from applicants who have not previously completed the form or not had a current/active grant award with FRA within the last three (3) years. This new form has increased the burden of this collection by 336 hours.
The second form is FRA F 252, Payment Summary Spreadsheet. FRA is now requiring awardees to complete this form, as utilizing this new form will assist FRA to manage and monitor awardeesâ requests for payment at a more detailed level than contained in the SF-270. This document allows awardees and the FRA to track expenditures against the approved project budget for each task. The sheet captures the amounts previously requested, the amounts the awardee is currently requesting, total amount requested to date, and remaining balance at the task level and by federal and matching shares. This new form has increased the burden of this collection by 430 hours.
Additionally, in calculating the cost to the government, updated hourly wages were used for a GS-14, Step 2.
This ICR utilizes existing SF forms for administering and managing the Grants program. There are no requested changes to these forms. The use of these forms is necessary to accurately accept proposed grants (applications) and administer and maintain such grants.
Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters, Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Payment Summary Spreadsheet