ii. Additional Restrictions on Eligibility 7
iv. Other Factors That May Disqualify An Applicant 8
ii. Program Goals and Objectives 10
4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT 12
ii. Grants.gov Lobbying Form 13
iii. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form (SF-LLL) 13
iv. Required Forms for Construction Projects 13
A. Basic Project Information – Project Description, Location, and Parties 14
B. Grant Funds, Sources, and Uses of Project Funds 15
D. Project Readiness and Permitting 16
E. FHWA Priority Selection Considerations 19
F. Process for Resubmittal of a Bridge Investment Program Application to CHBP 19
5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES 21
i. Address to Request Application Package 21
ii. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) 22
A. Consideration of Applications 22
iv. Intergovernmental Review 23
v. Compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 24
vi. Scalable project options 24
6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 24
ii. Merit Criteria Ratings Definitions 29
iii. Project Readiness Rating 29
iv. Overall Application Rating 31
v. FHWA Priority Selection Considerations 32
iv. Other Information and Guidance 32
vii. Review and Selection Process 32
vii. Applicant Risk Assessment 34
i. How Project Selections Are Announced 34
Publication and Sharing of Application Information 35
8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION 35
i Administrative and National Policy Requirements 35
A. Administrative Requirements 35
A. Progress Reporting on Grant Activities 37
B. Performance and Program Evaluation 37
C. CHBP Project Specific Reporting Requirements 38
D. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance 38
The applicant should read this notice in its entirety so that they have the information they need to submit eligible and competitive applications. |
|
Federal Agency Name |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Funding Opportunity Title |
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and FY 2025 Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) |
Announcement Type
|
This grant program is not associated with the FY 2018 CHBP or any other previous grant program. The requirements for eligibility, application, and award provided under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are unique to the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP.
NOTE: An application that was previously submitted for the FHWA Bridge Investment Program (BIP) for a FY 2023-2026 Bridge Project grant* and was not selected for award may be eligible for resubmittal to the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP. The applicant and the project must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO, See Section 4.F for resubmittal procedures. The project must be a highway bridge replacement and/or rehabilitation project that includes the construction phase and must be a bridge bundle as defined in Section 3. Reference Section 1 and Section 2 for information on eligible applicants and projects. Reference Section 4 which further describes when an application may be resubmitted and the process for resubmittal.
*This does not apply to applications for a BIP Large Bridge Project or a BIP Planning grant. |
Funding Opportunity Number
|
693JJ325NF00010 |
Assistance Listing Number(s) |
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction |
Funding Details
|
For FY 2024, up to $250 million is available for CHBP awards under this NOFO, including $200 million of this funding provided through the Highway Trust Fund as Contract Authority, and $50 million is provided through general fund appropriations.
For FY 2025, up to $250 million is available for CHBP awards under this NOFO, including $200 million of this funding provided through the Highway Trust Fund as Contract Authority, and $50 million is provided through general fund appropriations.
There is no minimum or maximum award size. The anticipated number of Federal awards is approximately 30.
Funds must be obligated by September 30, 2027, and the general fund portion of the program expended no later than September 30, 2032 for projects with FY 2024 CHBP funds.
Funds must be obligated by September 30, 2028, and the general fund portion of the program expended no later than September 30, 2033 for projects with FY 2025 CHBP funds. |
Key Dates
|
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on [insert month, date, and year] (the “application deadline”). Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and awards will not be made, until after the application deadline. |
Executive Summary
|
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, Pub. L. 118-42, Section 126, March 9, 2024, provides $250 million to be awarded by FHWA for the CHBP. The purpose of the CHBP is to provide grants to States that have a population density of less than 115 individuals per square mile and less than 26 percent of total bridges classified as in good condition or greater than or equal to 5.2 percent of total bridges classified in poor condition for highway bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects on public roads that demonstrate cost savings by bundling multiple highway bridge projects. States meeting the population criteria and that have greater than 14 percent of total bridges classified as in poor condition are eligible to receive no less than $32.5 million, pursuant to a determination that projects are eligible and sufficient to fund such amount.
Population density is calculated based on the latest available data from the decennial census conducted under 13 United States Code (U.S.C.) 14(a) as of March 9, 2024, the date on which the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, became law. Resident population density is used. Percentages of bridge counts are based on the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) as of June 2023. The percentages are based on number of bridges throughout the State regardless of ownership, e.g., total number of bridges classified as in poor condition compared to the total number of bridges in the NBI that meet the definition of a bridge on a public road.
Based on these requirements, eligible applicants are the States of Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. States that are eligible to receive no less than $32.5 million include Iowa, Maine, South Dakota, and West Virginia.
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 provides an additional $250 million to be awarded by FHWA for CHBP with the same provisions under the FY 2024 CHBP requirements.
FHWA seeks to award projects that best satisfy the merit criteria, project readiness, and priority selection considerations described in Section 6. These reflect the Program Goals and Objectives described in Section 3. |
Amendment No. 1
|
Purpose of the amendment is to:
|
Agency contact information
|
Derek Constable Office of Bridges and Structures Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Email: [email protected] (preferred) Phone: 202-366-4606
Alternate: Douglas Blades Office of Bridges and Structures Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Email: [email protected] (preferred)
Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. |
The amount of funding per Federal award, on average, experienced in previous years
Whether this is a new program or a one-time initiative |
This grant program is not associated with any previous grant programs, eligibility and award criteria, or application requirements including the FY 2018 CHBP. The eligibility and award criteria and application requirements provided under this NOFO are unique to the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP.
|
Eligible Applicants
|
Based on these requirements, eligible applicants are State departments of transportation (State DOT) for Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. States eligible to receive no less than $32.5 million for each year funding is available include Iowa, Maine, South Dakota, and West Virginia.
A State DOT may submit no more than five applications including applications submitted in partnership with a non-State DOT. If a State DOT submits multiple applications the State shall clearly identify their order of ranking in each application narrative and in the project title, i.e., State DOT rank #1 application and State DOT rank #2 application. The basis for the ranking shall be presented in the narrative. |
Cost-Share
|
The Federal share of the cost is in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 120. See Section 2.iii for more details. |
Questions |
FHWA will not review applications in advance, but FHWA staff are available for general questions about the CHBP and NOFO. FHWA will not provide technical assistance to any applicant including providing guidance on how to address any information that should be included in an application. FHWA will post answers to questions and requests for clarifications at Grants.gov under this NOFO’s page, at the CHBP Website at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/chbp.cfm. To ensure applicants receive accurate information about eligibility or the program, the applicant is encouraged to email FHWA directly at [email protected], rather than through intermediaries or third parties, with questions.
Applicants are encouraged to submit questions to [email protected] no later than [insert month, date, and year] to ensure FHWA has adequate time to respond prior to the application deadline.
FHWA cannot guarantee that questions received after that date will be answered prior to the application deadline. |
Webinar |
FHWA plans to post a recorded presentation on FHWA’s Website at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/chbp.cfm. The presentation will give an overview of the CHBP and discuss the goals, eligibility requirements, merit criteria, and rating and selection process. |
How to Apply |
FHWA uses www.grants.gov for receipt of all applications. Applicants must register and use the system to submit applications electronically. Applicants are encouraged to register in advance of the submission deadline and to register to receive notifications of updates/amendments to this notice. Approval of user registrations for the site may take multiple weeks.
It is the Applicant’s responsibility to monitor for any updates to this notice. |
See Section 1.
Awards will be made only for highway bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects on public roads that demonstrate cost savings by bundling multiple highway bridge projects.
Awards will be made only to a State DOT. Applications for projects that will be delivered by a non-State DOT entity must be submitted by the State DOT in which they are located. If a State DOT submits multiple applications, including a combination of State DOT and non-State DOT delivered projects, the State shall clearly identify their order of ranking in each application narrative and in the project title, i.e., State DOT rank #1 application and State DOT rank #2 application. The basis for the ranking shall be presented in the project narrative.
The
standard Federal share of the cost of the project is up to 80
percent. A bridge that is on the Interstate System is eligible for
up to 90 percent. For States on the sliding scale, the Federal share
of the cost of the project is up to 95 percent in accordance with 23
U.S.C. 120(b). States on the sliding scale can find the maximum
Federal share for a project in FHWA Notice
N 4540.12 (Sliding
Scale Rates In Public Land States - Rates Effective March 17, 1992).
The notice is located at:
(https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/notices/n4540-12.cfm).
Non-Federal sources of income include State funds originating from programs funded by State revenue or local revenue funding programs, or private funds. FHWA will not consider previously incurred costs or previously expended or encumbered funds toward the matching requirements for any project.
Additional information on non-Federal matching requirements can be found at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/policy/memonfmr_tapered20190515.htm
The 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act removes the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 144(j)(5), that projects bundled shall have the same financial characteristics, including (A) the same funding category or subcategory; and (B) the same Federal share.
For each project that receives a grant under this NOFO, FHWA requires the project to be completed using at least the level of non-Federal funding that was specified in the application.
Applications that are determined to be late, duplicates of applications submitted for the same round of applications, or incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Each eligible applicant may submit no more than five applications.
The CHBP Grant Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding towards highway bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects on public roads that demonstrate cost savings by bundling at multiple highway bridge projects. Eligible phases of work must include construction however an application may also include environmental clearance, preliminary engineering, and/or final design.
Construction is defined in Title 23 U.S.C. 101. Any funds provided under the CHBP Grant Program that are less than the requested funding amount shall first be applied to the estimated construction costs with any difference applied to other eligible project phases.
Bridge bundling is defined in 23 U.S.C. 144(j) as two or more similar bridge projects that are eligible projects under Sections 119 or 133; included as a bundled project in a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) under Section 134(j) or a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) under Section 135, as applicable; and awarded to a single contractor (for construction in the case of the CHBP). The 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act removes the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 144(j)(5), that projects bundled shall have the same financial characteristics, including (A) the same funding category or subcategory; and (B) the same Federal share.
“Public road” is defined in 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(22) as any road or street under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public authority and open to public travel. “Highway” is defined in 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(11) as a road, street, and parkway; a right-of-way, bridge, railroad-highway crossing, tunnel, drainage structure, including public roads on dams, sign, guardrail, and protective structure, in connection with a highway; and a portion of any interstate or international bridge or tunnel and the approaches thereto, the cost of which is assumed by a State transportation department, including such facilities as may be required by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services in connection with the operation of an international bridge or tunnel.
“Bridge” is defined in 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 650.305 as a structure including supports erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, highway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads, and having an opening measuring along the center of the roadway of more than 20 feet between under copings of abutments or spring lines of arches, or extreme ends of openings for multiple boxes; it includes multiple pipes, where the clear distance between openings is less than half of the smaller contiguous opening.
“Replacement” is defined in Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory as total replacement of a bridge with a new facility constructed in the same general traffic corridor. A nominal amount of approach work, sufficient to connect the new facility to the existing roadway or to return the grade line to an attainable touchdown point in accordance with good design practice, is also eligible. Please refer to the Additional Guidance on approach work: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/0650dsup.cfm. The replacement structure must meet the current geometric, construction and structural standards required for the types and volume of projected traffic on the facility over its design life.
“Rehabilitation” is defined in 23 CFR 650.305 as the major work required to restore the structural integrity of a bridge as well as work necessary to correct major safety defects. Examples of bridge rehabilitation include but are not limited to partial or complete deck replacement, superstructure replacement, substructure/culvert strengthening or partial/full replacement, structure widening, or major modification to substantial portions of the bridge.
The
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, Public Law 118-42, Section
126, March 9, 2024, provides $250 million to be awarded by FHWA for a
CHBP. Eligible applicants are States that have a population density
of less than 115 individuals per square mile and less than 26 percent
of total bridges classified as in good condition or greater than or
equal to 5.2 percent of total bridges classified in poor condition.
States meeting the population criteria and that have greater than
14
percent of total bridges classified as in poor condition are eligible
to receive no less than $32.5 million. The funds shall be used for
highway bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects on public roads
that demonstrate cost savings by bundling multiple highway bridge
projects. Population density is calculated based on the latest
available data from the decennial census conducted under section
14(a) of title 13, U.S.C. Percentages of bridge counts are based on
the NBI as of June 2023. (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,
Public Law 118-42, Section 126, March 9, 2024).
The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Public Law 119-4, March 15, 2025, provides $250 million to be awarded by FHWA for a CHBP with the same requirements as The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, Public Law 118-42, Section 126.
Population density is calculated based on the latest available data on March 9, 2024, the date which the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, became law. Resident population density is used. The percentages are based on number of bridges.
State of Good Repair: To minimize public agency costs that are needed to keep the bridges in service over their lifecycle while maintaining the bridges in Good and Fair condition.
Mobility: To minimize highway user impacts, including pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations if the bridge is located on a highway on which pedestrians or bicyclists are permitted to operate at each end of the bridge,1 over the lifecycle of the bridges, from substandard geometry, inadequate accommodation, or service interruptions from extreme weather, geologic events, or other hazards.
Safety: To maintain or improve highway user safety, including pedestrian and bicyclist.
Innovation: To reduce costs and achieve other efficiencies in project delivery, including construction, through bundling.
Section 6 of this NOFO, which outlines the CHBP Grant Program awards selection criteria and describes the process for selecting projects. Section 8 describes progress and performance reporting requirements for selected projects, including the relationship between that reporting and the program’s selection criteria.
Obligation of a CHBP grant occurs when a grant agreement is executed in the FHWA financial systems by both the recipient and FHWA which authorizes the project to proceed. For construction, this is generally after the applicant has satisfied applicable administrative requirements, including transportation planning and environmental review requirements and compliance with 23 CFR 635 subpart C “Physical Construction Authorization” for State DOT sponsors or 2 CFR 200.318 – 327 for non-State DOT sponsors.
CHBP Grant Program awards are subject to the following obligation and expenditure deadlines:
Fiscal Year Funding |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Obligation deadline for Highway Trust Funds and General Funds |
September 30, 2027 |
September 30, 2028 |
Expenditure deadline for Highway Trust Funds |
Available until fully expended |
Available until fully expended |
Expenditure deadline for general funds |
September 30, 2032 |
September 30, 2033 |
CHBP projects may only be administered by State DOTs. Accordingly, costs incurred prior to FHWA’s obligation of funds for a project may be eligible for reimbursement under an Advance Construction authorization project agreement in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 115. Grant funds may not be used to support or oppose union organizing, whether directly or as an offset for other funds.
There is no minimum or maximum award size. The anticipated number of Federal awards is approximately 15.
Note: States with more than 14 percent of total bridges classified as in poor condition shall receive not less than $65 million in funding ($32.5 million for each fiscal year of available funding), pursuant to a determination that projects are eligible and sufficient to fund such amount. Iowa, Maine, South Dakota, and West Virginia qualify for this consideration.
The anticipated award(s) will be cost-reimbursable grant agreements.
The start of the period of performance will begin on the date the grant agreement is executed by FHWA and end on the period of performance end date in the grant agreement.
Each applicant selected for CHBP grant funding must collect and report to FHWA information on the project’s performance using performance indicators supplied by FHWA that relate to the program goals and objectives identified in this Section 3. Reference Section 8 for further explanation.
This grant
program is not associated with any previous grant programs,
eligibility and award criteria, or application requirements including
the FY 2018 CHBP. The eligibility and award criteria and application
requirements provided under this NOFO are unique to the FY 2024 and
FY 2025 CHBP.
All applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov.
Note: DOT may share application information within DOT or with other Federal Agencies if DOT determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives.
The application package must consist of the following in this order. For the CHBP, only the construction project forms apply.
Required Forms for Construction Project Applications: |
Standard Form (SF) 424 (Application for Federal Assistance) |
Grants.gov Lobbying Form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) |
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form (SF-LLL) |
SF 424C (Budget Information for Construction Programs) |
SF 424D (Assurances for Construction Programs) |
Note: All mandatory SFs of the 424 family are available for download at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-mandatory-family.html.
Note: Applicants may leave fields 5a, 5b, 6, 7, and 13 blank on the form.
Note: A number of separate PDF flat files must be attached in Item 15 to provide required project information that is not included in the body of the SF-424.
Instructions for adding Item 15 Attachments:
Click on “Add Attachments” in Item 15 to open the first pop-up window. Click “Add Attachment” and a second pop-up File Explorer/Directory window will appear, from which you can choose files to attach. Attachments can be added one at a time or all at once by holding down the CTRL key and selecting multiple files. Select “Open” to add the selected files as attachments.
Click “Done” to finalize the attachments.
Click “View Attachments” to see a list of files that have been added as attachments.
Required attachment(s) to the SF 424: the Project Narrative (see Section D.2.e) must be added as attachments to Item 15 of the SF-424:
Applicants proposing construction-related projects must submit the following forms:
SF 424C (Budget Information Construction Programs); and
SF 424D (Assurances for Construction Programs).
Note: SF 424C should be supported by a budget narrative explaining each element of cost.
Protection of Confidential Business Information
All information submitted as part of or in support of any application shall use publicly available data or data that can be made public and methodologies that are accepted by industry practice and standards, to the extent possible. If the applicant submits information that the applicant considers to be a trade secret or confidential commercial or financial information, the applicant must provide that information in a separate document, which the applicant may cross-reference from the application narrative or other portions of the application. For the separate document containing confidential information, the applicant must do the following: (1) State on the cover of that document that it “Contains Confidential Business Information (CBI)”; (2) mark each page that contains confidential information with “CBI”; (3) highlight or otherwise denote the confidential content on each page; and (4) at the end of the document, explain how disclosure of the confidential information would cause substantial competitive harm. The DOT will protect confidential information complying with these requirements to the extent required under applicable law. If DOT receives a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for the information that the applicant has marked in accordance with this section, DOT will follow the procedures described in its FOIA regulations at 49 CFR 7.29. Only information that is in the separate document, marked in accordance with this section, and ultimately determined to be confidential under § 7.29 will be exempt from disclosure under FOIA.
The project narrative should provide information, including a table of contents, maps, and graphics as appropriate, necessary for FHWA to determine that the project satisfies the eligibility criteria described in Section 2 for the grant program and to evaluate the application using the criteria specified in Section 6. FHWA recommends that the project narrative follow the outline below. Following the outline will also assist evaluators in locating relevant information.
i. Basic Project Information – Description, Location, and Parties |
|
ii. Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of all Project Funding |
|
iii. Merit Criteria |
|
iv. Project Readiness and Permitting Risk |
|
v. FHWA Priority Selection Considerations |
To the extent practicable, applicants should provide supporting data and documentation in a form that is directly verifiable by FHWA. FHWA may, but is not required to, request additional information, including additional data to clarify supporting documentation submitted in an application. To ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation of applications submitted under this notice, FHWA will not request additional information to perfect incomplete applications.
FHWA recommends that the project narrative be prepared with standard formatting preferences (i.e., a single-spaced document, using a standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins). The project narrative should not exceed 25 pages in length, appendices may include documents supporting assertions or conclusions made in the project narrative and do not count toward the 25-page limit. If possible, Website links to supporting documentation should be provided rather than copies of these supporting materials. If supporting documents are submitted, applicants should clearly identify within the project narrative the relevant portion of the project narrative that each supporting document supports. FHWA recommends using appropriately descriptive final names (e.g., “Project Narrative,” “Maps,” “Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Support,” etc.) for all attachments.
Project Description
The application should provide a concise description of the project, the transportation challenges it is expected to address, and how it will address those challenges. The description should include a list of the bridges in the bundling project and the type of work planned for each bridge. This list should include relevant NBI data, including the structure number, condition data, load rating and posting information, functional classification, current average daily traffic, current average daily truck traffic, and other relevant data to support the need for the type of work planned.
Project Location
The application should provide a concise description of the project including a detailed geographical description of the proposed project, a map of the project’s location and connections to existing transportation infrastructure, and geospatial data describing the project location (shapefiles will be accepted under 200MB file size).
Lead Applicant
This section of the application should provide details about the lead applicant. Eligible applicants are identified in Section 1. The details should include the lead applicant’s demonstrated experience with receipt and expenditure of Federal-aid highway program funds under Title 23 U.S.C. FHWA will consider the degree of experience as part of the project readiness evaluation. If an application is rated highly under other criteria, but the applicant has no or limited experience with the receipt and expenditure of Federal-aid highway program funds, FHWA may contact the applicant prior to final selection of FY 2024 and FY 2025 applications selected to receive program awards to discuss technical resources that may be available to assist the applicant in obtaining the capacity and expertise to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal requirements and timely delivery of the project.
Other Public and Private Parties
The applicant should describe in detail all the other public and private parties who are involved in delivering the project, including a specific description of the role of each entity in delivering the project.
The applicant should state whether a private or non-private entity will receive a direct and predictable financial benefit if the project is selected for award. This includes, but is not limited to, private and non-private entities directly benefitting from completion of the proposed project. If this project directly involves or benefits a specific private corporation, a non-public entity, or a public entity, please identify the full name of each entity, separated by a comma.
The applicant should describe the project’s budget in detail and the plans for covering the full cost of the project from all sources. The project budget should show how different funding sources will share in each major project activity and present those data in dollars and percentages. The budget should identify other Federal funds the applicant is applying for or has been awarded, if any, that the applicant intends to use. When the application is for a project that will be delivered by a non-State DOT, the budget should identify other Federal funds the non-State DOT is applying for or has been awarded, if any, that the non-State DOT intends to use. Funding sources should be grouped into three categories: (1) Non-Federal; (2) CHBP; and (3) Other Federal funds with specific amounts from each funding source.
The applicant should provide an estimate of the budget required for each bridge in the project bundle and denote if the funding sources vary by bridge.
The project budget should identify all Federal funds to be used for future eligible costs of the project, including the requested CHBP grant amount, other Federal grants that have been awarded to the project or for which the project intends to apply in the future, and any Federal formula funds that have already been programmed for the project or are planned to be programmed for the project. For each category of Federal funds to be used for future eligible project costs, identify the amount, nature, and source of any required non-Federal match for those funds.
FHWA recognizes that applicants may be seeking funding from multiple competitive grant programs and opportunities. An applicant may seek the same award amounts from multiple DOT competitive opportunities or seek a combination of funding from multiple DOT opportunities. The applicant should identify any other DOT programs and opportunities they intend to apply for (or utilize if the Federal funding is already available to the applicant), and what award amounts they will be seeking.
If the project includes phases of work that precede construction, the budget should separate the costs of each project delivery phase. The budget should be detailed enough to demonstrate that the project satisfies the CHBP statutory cost-sharing requirements described in Section 2 and those associated with each category of Federal funding.
The application should include information showing sufficient contingency amounts have been budgeted to cover unanticipated cost increases. In addition to the information enumerated above, this section should provide complete information on how all project funds may be used, availability and funding commitments. For example, if a source of funds is available only after a condition is satisfied, the application should identify that condition and describe the applicant’s control over whether it is satisfied. Similarly, if a source of funds is available for expenditure only during a fixed period, the application should describe that restriction. Complete information about project funds will ensure that FHWA’s expectations for award execution align with any funding restrictions unrelated to FHWA, even if an award differs from the applicant’s request.
The applicant should describe how the proposal meets the merit criteria listed in Section 6.
FHWA encourages applicants to address each criterion. Insufficient information to assess any criterion will negatively impact the project rating. Applicants should note that merit reviewers will focus on the project narrative section of the application and will not be required to reference the other sections in the application package; therefore, all relevant information to demonstrate alignment with the merit criteria as described in Section 6 should be included in this section of the application. Applicants should describe the merit criteria in the order in which they are described in the NOFO and address each criterion separately. Guidance describing how FHWA will evaluate projects against the merit criteria is in Section 6 of this notice. Applicants should review that section before considering how to organize their application.
The application should include information that, when considered with the project budget information, is sufficient for FHWA to evaluate whether the project is reasonably expected to begin construction in a timely manner. To assist FHWA’s project readiness assessment, the applicant should provide the information requested on technical feasibility, project schedule, project approvals, and project risks, each of which is described in greater detail in the following sections. Applicants should address how an award that is less than requested may impact project readiness while still delivering a completed construction project that satisfies the definition of a project bundle, i.e., includes at least two bridge projects. Applicants are not required to follow the specific format described here, but this organization, which addresses each relevant aspect of project readiness, promotes a clear discussion that assists project evaluators.
Applicants should include a detailed statement of work that focuses on the technical and engineering aspects of the project and describes in detail the project to be constructed. The applicant should demonstrate the technical feasibility of the project with engineering and design studies and activities; the development of design criteria and/or a basis of design; the basis for the cost estimate presented in the application, including the identification of contingency levels appropriate to its level of design; and any scope, schedule, and budget risk-mitigation measures.
The applicant should also demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to successfully deliver the project in compliance with applicable Federal requirements.
The applicant should include a detailed project schedule that identifies all major project milestones. Examples of such milestones include State and local planning approvals (programming on the STIP); start and completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Federal environmental reviews and approvals, including permitting, design completion, right-of-way acquisition, approval of plans, specifications and estimates; procurement; State and local approvals; project partnership and implementation agreements including agreements with railroads; and construction. The project schedule should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that:
All necessary activities will be complete to allow CHBP funds to be obligated timely and that any unexpected delays will not put the funds at risk of expiring before they are obligated.
All real property and right-of-way acquisition necessary for the project will be completed in a timely manner in accordance with 49 CFR part 24, 23 CFR part 710, and other applicable legal requirements or a statement that no acquisition is necessary. A plan for securing any required right-of-way agreements should be included. If applicable, this section should describe a right-of-way acquisition plan that minimally disrupts communities and maintains community cohesion.
Environmental Permits and Reviews
The application should provide documentation of receipt (or the schedule for anticipated receipt) of all environmental approvals and permits necessary for the project to meet the project delivery timeline specified in the project schedule, and necessary to meet the statutory obligation deadline if applicable, including satisfaction of all Federal, State, and local requirements and completion of the NEPA process. Specifically, in this section the applicant may elaborate on the NEPA evaluation process. If the final agency action with respect to NEPA occurred more than 3 years before the planned construction date, the applicant should describe a proposed approach for updating this material in accordance with applicable NEPA reconsideration requirements. This section should also provide:
Any information on reviews, approvals, and permits by other Federal and State agencies. An application should indicate whether the proposed project requires reviews or approval actions by other agencies, indicate the status of such actions, and provide detailed information about the status of those reviews or approvals and should demonstrate compliance with any other applicable Federal, State, or local requirements, and when such approvals are expected. Applicants should provide a Website link or other reference to copies of any reviews, approvals, and permits prepared.
Environmental studies or other documents – preferably through a Website link – that describe in detail known project impacts, and possible mitigation for those impacts.
A description of discussions with FHWA regarding the project’s compliance with NEPA and other applicable Federal environmental reviews and approvals.
A description of public engagement about the project that has occurred, including details on the degree to which public comments and commitments have been integrated into project development and design.
State and Local Approvals
The applicant should demonstrate receipt (or the schedule for anticipated receipt) of State and local approvals on which the project depends, such as State and local environmental and planning approvals, and STIP or TIP funding. Additional support from relevant State and local officials is not required; however, an applicant should demonstrate that the project has broad public support, including support from impacted communities.
Federal Transportation Requirements Affecting State and Local Planning
The planning requirements applicable to the Federal-aid highway program apply to all CHBP projects.2 Applicants should demonstrate that a project that is required to be included in the relevant State, metropolitan, and local planning documents has been or will be included in such documents. If the project is not included in a relevant planning document at the time the application is submitted, the applicant should submit a statement from the appropriate planning agency that actions are underway to include the project in the relevant planning document. Applicants should provide links or other documentation supporting this consideration.
Because projects have different schedules, the construction start date for each grant will be specified in the project-specific agreements signed by FHWA and the grant recipients will be based on critical path items that applicants identify in the application and will be consistent with relevant State and local plans.
Assessment of Project Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Project risks, such as procurement delays, environmental uncertainties, increases in real estate acquisition costs, uncommitted local match, pushback from stakeholders or impacted communities, or lack of legislative approval, affect the likelihood of successful project start and completion. To ensure the project schedule is reasonable and that there are no risks of delays in satisfying the prerequisites for timely obligation of grant funding, the applicant should identify all material risks to the project and the strategies that the lead applicant and any project partners have undertaken or will undertake to mitigate those risks.3 The applicant should assess the greatest risks to the project and identify how the project parties will mitigate those risks.
The applicant should describe how the proposal meets the FHWA Priority Selection Considerations listed in Section 6. The applicant should include a section to highlight any priority considerations the project will address. Detailed information demonstrating how the project supports the priority consideration(s) and references to earlier sections of the narrative along with supporting documentation should be included in the application.
The BIP consists of three types of grants, Large Bridge, Bridge, and Planning. An application that was previously submitted for the FHWA BIP for a FY 2023-2026 Bridge Project grant, and which has not been selected for award may be eligible for resubmittal to the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP. Applicants who were not selected for a BIP Large Bridge or BIP Planning grant are not eligible for resubmittal to the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP.
If an applicant decides to resubmit their FY 2023-2026 Bridge Project application, then the project must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO. The project must be a highway bridge replacement and/or rehabilitation project that includes the construction phase and must be a bridge bundle as defined in Section 3. Reference Section A and Section B for information on eligible applicants and projects.
The process for resubmittal of a BIP Bridge Project application:
Submit a separate and new document that serves as an addendum to the original application. The document should be titled FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP Addendum to the BIP Application. The addendum should discuss the following in sequential order.
Previous Awards (see Section 3): applicant should identify changes to the information provided on previous awards or acknowledge that there are no changes.
Project Narrative (See Section 4): applicant should;
Identify changes to the project description and scope or acknowledge that there are no changes. Applicant should ensure the project scope meets the eligibility requirements of the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP including that the project work types are bridge replacement and/or rehabilitation (excludes preservation) and the project meets the definition of a bridge bundle as defined in Section 3.
Identify changes to the lead applicant and project parties or acknowledge that there are no changes.
Provide a new and complete section that addresses the requirements of the CHBP NOFO section on Grant Funds, Sources, and use of Project Funds. The new section may borrow from the narrative provided in the BIP Bridge Project grant application but should be updated as appropriate.
Describe how the project description or scope have changed or acknowledge that it has not changed. If the project description or scope have changed address how this either affects or does not affect the merit criteria discussion that is presented in the BIP Bridge Project grant application. Reducing the scope, e.g., reducing the number of bridges or downscaling the work types, will likely affect one or more BIP Bridge Project merit criteria. The effects on BIP merit criteria #` State of Good Repair, #2 Safety and Mobility, and #6 Innovation should be addressed relative to the merit criteria presented in the BIP NOFO. Note: The BIP Bridge Project grant and CHBP merit criteria have multiple differences.
Provide a new and complete section that addresses the requirements of the CHBP NOFO section on Project Readiness and Permitting Risk. The new section may borrow from the narrative provided in the BIP Bridge Project grant application but should be updated as appropriate and with consideration of the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP fund obligation deadline of September 30, 2027.
Submission Requirements and Deadlines (See Section 5): Applicant should provide an update that addresses Scalable Project Options. Include options that (1) scale the project scope, while still meeting the eligible project requirements of this NOFO (bundled replacement and/or rehabilitation) and which does not affect the merit criteria compared to the non-scaled project application, and (2) that scale the source of funds and/or fund amounts. Financially, the CHBP is a smaller program than BIP with lesser expected award amounts. Referencing Section A, there are four States that are eligible to receive no less than $32.5 million for each fiscal year which amounts to $130 million of the $250 million authorized for the FY 2024 CHBP and $130 million of the $250 million authorized for the FY 2025 CHBP.
Identify if there are any other changes to the original BIP project application which are not addressed in the above or acknowledge that there are no changes.
Using the separate document that serves as an addendum, the project readiness rating criteria for CHBP and BIP Bridge Project grant are consistent, therefore, if project readiness remains the same, the project readiness rating will remain the same. Because there are differences in the CHBP and BIP Bridge Project grant merit criteria, if a resubmitted BIP Bridge Project has changes that will affect the merit criteria rating, FHWA will reevaluate the merit criteria rating using the CHBP grant merit criteria in this NOFO. Only BIP merit criteria #1 State of Good Repair, #2 Safety and Mobility, and #6 Innovation, and the application content related to these criteria, will be used to evaluate merit for CHBP. These merit criteria are aligned with CHBP.
Applicants may obtain application forms on Grants.gov under the NOFO number cited herein.
Once at Grants.gov, select the Search Grants tab. Then enter one of the following:
Opportunity Number: 693JJ325NF00010
Opportunity Name: Competitive Highway Bridge Program
Assistance Listing Number: 20.205 Highway Planning and Construction
When at one of these pages, select the opportunity, which will open to a page with several tabs. The first tab is a synopsis of the opportunity. Select the Application Package tab to download the forms needed to submit a FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP Grant Program application. The applicant must complete and submit all forms included in the application package for this notice as contained at Grants.gov.
For a Telephone Device for the Deaf, please call (202) 366-3993.
Should applicants have any difficulties in accessing any standard forms and require paper copies, please contact Angela Jones by either of the means below:
Phone: 202-366-4255
Email: [email protected]
Each applicant must:
Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application;
Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and
Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal Agency.
Please note that the SAM registration process takes several weeks to complete, if not longer.
All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
The Department does not accept applications via mail, fax machine, email, or other means.
Each applicant must:
Create a Grants.gov username and password; and
The E-Business Point of Contact (POC) at the applicant’s organization must respond to the registration email from Grants.gov and login at Grants.gov to authorize the applicant as the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Please note that there can be more than one AOR for an organization.
Failure to register for SAM or comply with Grants.gov applicant requirements in a timely manner will not be considered for exceptions to the submission requirements and deadlines.
The Department is not able to assist with technical issues related to Grants.gov registration or application submission. For information and instructions, please see Grants.gov. If applicants experience difficulties at any point during the registration or application submission process, please call the Customer Service Support Hotline at 1-800-518-4726 or email [email protected].
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern on [insert month, date, and year]. Grants.gov attaches a time stamp to each application at the time that submission is complete.
Only applicants who comply with all submission deadlines described in this notice and electronically submit valid, on-time applications through Grants.gov will be eligible for evaluation and possible selection for award.
The Grants.gov registration process usually takes 2-4 weeks to complete. DOT will not consider late applications that are the result of failure to register or comply with Grants.gov applicant requirements in a timely manner. For information and instruction on each of these processes, please see instructions at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs. If applicants experience difficulties at any point during the registration or application process, please call the Grants.gov Customer Service Support Hotline at (800) 518–4726, Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applicants experiencing technical issues with Grants.gov that are beyond the applicant’s control must contact the Grants.gov help desk prior to the application deadline with the username of the registrant and details of the technical issue experienced. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered except in the case of unforeseen technical difficulties with Grants.gov that are beyond the applicant’s control. After the submission deadline, the applicant must email the FHWA contact listed in Section A. In either scenario the applicant must provide:
Details of the technical issue experienced;
Screen capture(s) of the technical issues experienced along with corresponding Grants.gov “Grant tracking number;”
The “Legal Business Name” for the applicant that was provided in the SF-424;
The Authorized Representative’s name submitted in the SF-424 (this person may be referred to as the AOR in grants.gov);
The SAM UEI number associated with the application; and
The Grants.gov Help Desk Tracking Number.
To ensure a fair competition of limited competitive funds, the following conditions are not valid reasons to permit late submissions: (1) failure to complete the registration process before the deadline; (2) failure to follow Grants.gov instructions on how to register and apply as posted on its Website; (3) failure to follow all instructions in this NOFO; and (4) technical issues experienced with the applicant’s computer or information technology environment. After DOT reviews all information submitted and contacts the Grants.gov Help Desk to validate reported technical issues, DOT staff will contact late applicants to approve or deny a request to submit a late application through Grants.gov. DOT will not accept appeals of DOT’s decision to approve or deny a request for a late application. If the reported technical issues cannot be validated, late applications will be rejected as untimely.
This program is not subject to EO 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.
The Department encourages applicants to submit documents that are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (see Section 508 guidelines).
Applicants are encouraged to identify scaled funding options in case insufficient funding is available to fund a project at the full requested amount. If an applicant advises that a project is scalable, the applicant must provide an appropriate minimum funding amount that will fund an eligible project that achieves the objectives of the program and meets all relevant program requirements. The applicant must provide a clear explanation of how the project budget would be affected by a reduced award. FHWA may award a lesser amount whether or not a scalable option is provided.
FHWA will award CHBP grants based on an evaluation of the merit criteria, project readiness, and FHWA priority selection considerations described in this Section 6.
FHWA will evaluate the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP grant application using the following merit criteria. FHWA will use the Merit Criteria to assess state of good repair, safety and mobility, and innovation.
Criterion #1: State of Good Repair
FHWA will assess how the project supports achieving and maintaining a bridge inventory that is in a state of good repair. The application should include the following information: (1) how the selected work types and scopes are the most cost effective over the long-term compared to alternative work types and scopes; (2) how the design, details, and material technologies will contribute to lower maintenance and preservation costs over the long-term; (3) how the completed project is expected to be low risk for damage and is functionally sustainable under naturally occurring and human related hazards and extreme events; (4) how the project will be maintained after construction and included in preventive maintenance programs as appropriate. Examples of naturally occurring hazards are flood, seismic, hurricane, debris flow, etc. Examples of human related hazards are truck impact, vessel impact, fire, etc.
Selection Criteria |
Non-Responsive |
Responsive |
Highly Responsive |
State of Good Repair |
The application did not address the State of Good Repair criterion; or the application contains insufficient information to assess each of the following: (1) how the selected work types and scopes are the most cost effective over the long-term compared to alternative work types and scopes; (2) how the design, details, and material technologies will contribute to lower maintenance and preservation costs over the long-term and a sustained improvement in condition; (3) how the completed project is expected to be low risk for damage and is functionally sustainable under naturally occurring and human related hazards and extreme events; (4) how the project will be maintained after construction and included in preventive maintenance programs as appropriate. |
The application describes in detail how the project supports the State of Good Repair criterion for each of the following: (1) how the selected work types and scopes are the most cost effective over the long-term compared to alternative work types and scopes; (2) how the design, details, and material technologies will contribute to lower maintenance and preservation costs over the long-term and a sustained improvement in condition; (3) how the completed project is expected to be low risk for damage and is functionally sustainable under naturally occurring and human related hazards and extreme events; (4) how the project will be maintained after construction and included in preventive maintenance programs as appropriate.
|
The application describes in detail how the project supports the State of Good Repair criterion for each of the following, and the application contains quantifiable data and/or analysis to assess how the project supports the State of Good Repair criterion for two or more of the following: (1) how the selected work types and scopes are the most cost effective over the long-term compared to alternative work types and scopes; (2) how the design, details, and material technologies will contribute to lower maintenance and preservation costs over the long-term and a sustained improvement in condition; (3) how the completed project is expected to be low risk for damage and is functionally sustainable under naturally occurring and human related hazards and extreme events; (4) how the project will be maintained after construction and included in preventive maintenance programs as appropriate. |
Criterion #2: Safety and Mobility
FHWA will assess
how the project will improve safety on the bridges and associated
approach and under roadway sections within the project limits and
potentially beyond from secondary benefits, and how the project will
improve mobility within the project limits and potentially beyond
from secondary benefits. The application should include the
following information:
(1) new and continued safety benefits
that will be achieved in reducing accidents, injuries, or fatalities
due to the project; (2) how the project will target known and
documented, if any, safety problems with the bridges, approaches, and
under roadways including for example geometry, grades, alignments,
safety rail and other traffic safety features; (3) how the project
will address safety while the project is under construction including
for example innovative methods to provide accelerated construction,
public notification about work zones, work zone speed enforcement,
and signing and detours; (4) how the project will address
deficiencies that affect mobility including for example clearances on
or under the bridge, hydraulic openings that cause overtopping, load
capacity, or other attributes that may cause detouring of certain
vehicular classes, intermittent service disruptions, or other
mobility effects; (5) if applicable, how the project will address
safety and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists, and the disabled
including the addition of, or continuation of safety and mobility
features in the project area. Applicants are encouraged to support
actions and activities identified in the (National
Roadway Safety Strategy | US Department of Transportation).
Selection Criteria |
Non-Responsive |
Responsive |
Highly Responsive |
Safety and Mobility |
The application did not address the Safety and Mobility criterion; or the application contains insufficient information to assess whether each of the following is a project need, and how each is addressed by the project when it is a project need: (1) new and continued safety benefits that will be achieved in reducing accidents, injuries, or fatalities due to the project; (2) how the project will target known and documented, if any, safety problems with the bridges, approaches, and under roadways including for example geometry, grades, alignments, safety rail and other traffic safety features; (3) how the project will address safety while the project is under construction including for example innovative methods to provide accelerated construction, public notification about work zones, work zone speed enforcement, and signing and detours; (4) how the project will address deficiencies that affect mobility including for example clearances on or under the bridge, hydraulic openings that cause overtopping, load capacity, or other attributes that may cause detouring of certain vehicular classes, intermittent service disruptions, or other mobility effects; (5) if applicable, then how the project will address safety and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists, and the disabled including the addition of, or continuation of safety and mobility features in the project area. |
The application describes in detail whether each of the following is a project need, and how each is addressed by the project when it is a project need: (1) new and continued safety benefits that will be achieved in reducing accidents, injuries, or fatalities due to the project; (2) how the project will target known and documented, if any, safety problems with the bridges, approaches, and under roadways including for example geometry, grades, alignments, safety rail and other traffic safety features; (3) how the project will address safety while the project is under construction including for example innovative methods to provide accelerated construction, public notification about work zones, work zone speed enforcement, and signing and detours; (4) how the project will address deficiencies that affect mobility including for example clearances on or under the bridge, hydraulic openings that cause overtopping, load capacity, or other attributes that may cause detouring of certain vehicular classes, intermittent service disruptions, or other mobility effects; (5) if applicable, then how the project will address safety and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists, and the disabled including the addition of, or continuation of safety and mobility features in the project area. |
The application describes in detail whether each of the following is a project need, and how each is addressed by the project when it is a project need, and the application contains quantifiable data and/or analysis to assess how the project supports the Safety and Mobility criterion for two or more of the following: (1) new and continued safety benefits that will be achieved in reducing accidents, injuries, or fatalities due to the project, supported by data from the current/historic and projected number and type of crashes including serious injuries, and fatalities on or affected by the bridge; (2) how the project will target known and documented, if any, safety problems with the bridges, approaches, and under roadways including for example geometry, grades, alignments, safety rail and other traffic safety features; (3) how the project will address safety while the project is under construction including for example innovative methods to provide accelerated construction, public notification about work zones, work zone speed enforcement, and signing and detours; (4) how the project will address deficiencies that affect mobility including for example clearances on or under the bridge, hydraulic openings that cause overtopping, load capacity, or other attributes that may cause detouring of certain vehicular classes, intermittent service disruptions, or other mobility effects; (5) if applicable, then how the project will address safety and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists, and the disabled including the addition of, or continuation of safety and mobility features in the project area. |
Criterion #3: Innovation
FHWA will assess how the project uses innovation to reduce project delivery costs and/or time, including construction, or improve project delivery efficiency including during construction, from bundling. The application should include the information on one or more of the following: (1) estimated savings in contractor and agency construction costs from bundling and their basis; (2) bundling compatibility of the work performed on each bridge including for example the compatibility of work types, materials, technologies, labor, equipment, site locations, and/or construction schedules that will achieve bundling efficiencies; (3) estimated savings in cumulative construction time due to bundling and the basis; (4) other estimated project delivery efficiencies from innovation.
DOT will assign a Merit Criteria rating of high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, or low according to the following table:
Rating |
Description |
High |
All three (3) Criteria are rated Highly Responsive |
Medium-High |
Two (2) Criteria are rated Highly Responsive, including State of Good Repair, and one (1) Criteria is rated Responsive |
Medium |
One (1) Criteria is rated Highly Responsive, including State of Good Repair, and two (2) Criteria are rated Responsive |
Medium-Low |
All three (3) Criteria are rated Responsive |
Low |
One or more Criteria are rated Non Responsive |
Only those applications that receive a medium-low or higher rating for Merit Criteria will receive a Project Readiness evaluation.
For applications that received a medium-low or higher rating for the Merit Criteria, FHWA will consider project readiness to assess the likelihood of a successful project. In that project readiness analysis, DOT will consider three evaluation ratings: Technical Assessment, Financial Completeness Assessment, and Permitting Risk Assessment. The application should contain a section that explicitly addresses Permitting Risk Assessment, while the Technical Assessment and Financial Completeness Assessment will be based on information contained throughout the application.
The Technical Assessment will assess the applicant’s capacity to successfully deliver the project in compliance with applicable Federal requirements.
This review is partially based on information submitted with the application and partially based on FHWA’s knowledge of the applicant’s performance. The Technical Assessment will also assess the technical feasibility of the project as described in Section 4. Technical Assessment ratings will be one of the following: “Certain,” “Somewhat Certain or Unknown,” or “Uncertain.” DOT will assign the highest rating of “Certain,” if the application demonstrates that: the applicant has extensive experience with Federal funds; the applicant has extensive experience completing projects with similar scope; the applicant has the resources to deliver the project; the project has minimal or no incomplete right-of-way acquisition; the project will comply with all applicable Federal requirements; and the applicant demonstrates the technical feasibility of the project in detail.
The Financial Completeness Assessment reviews the availability of matching funds and whether the applicant presented a complete funding package, and will receive a rating of “Complete, “Partially Complete,” or “Incomplete.” For projects that receive a rating of “Complete” and include funding estimates that are based on early stages of design (e.g., less than 30 percent design) or outdated cost estimates, without specified contingency, evaluators may add a comment to note the potential for uncertainty in the estimated project costs. All applicants should describe a plan to address potential cost overruns and future maintenance and preservation costs and how those costs will be funded.
The Permitting Risk assessment reviews the project’s environmental approvals and likelihood of the necessary approvals affecting project obligation, and results in a rating of “High Risk,” “Moderate Risk,” or “Low Risk.”
The Project Readiness Ratings described above will be translated to a High, Medium-High, Medium, Medium-Low, or Low rating using the table below:
Rating |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Technical Assessment |
Uncertain:
The team is not confident in the applicant’s capacity to deliver this project in a manner that satisfies Federal requirements. Or, the team is not confident in the technical feasibility of the project or if the project will be successfully completed. |
Somewhat Certain/Unknown:
The team is moderately confident in the applicant’s capacity to deliver the project in a manner that satisfies Federal requirements. Or, the team is moderately confident in the technical feasibility and completion of the project. |
Certain:
The team is confident in the applicant’s capacity to deliver the project in a manner that satisfies Federal requirements. And, the team is confident in the technical feasibility and completion of the project. |
Financial Completeness Assessment |
Incomplete:
The project lacks full funding, or one or more Federal or non-Federal match sources is still uncertain as to whether it will be secured in time to meet the project’s construction schedule. Plan to address potential cost overruns is not provided. |
Partially Complete:
Project funding is not fully committed but appears stable and highly likely to be secured in time to meet the project’s construction schedule. Plan to address potential cost overruns is not fully provided. |
Complete:
The project’s Federal and non-Federal sources are stable and fully committed and there is demonstrated funding available to cover contingency/cost increases. Plan to address potential cost overruns is provided. |
Permitting Risk Assessment |
High Risk:
The project has not completed or begun NEPA or secured necessary Federal permits and there are known environmental, or litigation concerns associated with the project. |
Moderate Risk:
The project has not completed NEPA or secured necessary Federal permits, and it is uncertain whether they will be able to complete NEPA or secure necessary Federal permits in the time necessary to meet their project schedule. |
Low Risk:
The Project has completed NEPA and secured necessary Federal permits, or it is highly likely that the applicant will be able to complete NEPA and secure necessary Federal permits and other environmental reviews in the time necessary to meet their project schedule. |
The Project Readiness Ratings described above will be translated to a High, Medium-High, Medium, Medium-Low, or Low rating using the table below:
Rating |
Description |
High |
All 3’s |
Medium-High |
Two 3’s, one 2 |
Medium |
One 3, two 2’s |
Medium-Low |
All 2’s |
Low |
Any 1’s |
FHWA will assign each eligible application an overall rating of Highly Recommended, Recommended, or Not Recommended. The rating will be assigned on the following basis:
A rating of “Highly Recommended” will be assigned to a project that:
Meets all of the eligibility requirements; and
Received no less than a Medium-High rating for Merit Criteria and Project Readiness Rating.
A rating of “Recommended” will be assigned to a project that:
Meets all of the eligibility requirements; and
Received no less than a Medium-Low rating for Merit Criteria and Project Readiness Rating.
A rating of “Not Recommended” will be assigned to a project that:
Does not meet one or more of eligibility requirements; or
Received a Low rating for Merit Criteria or Project Readiness Rating; or
Is not otherwise assigned a “Highly Recommended” or “Recommended” rating.
After completing the merit review and project readiness review, among projects of similar overall application rating, FHWA will prioritize FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP projects that meet one or more of the following:
Plans to improve the condition of a bundle of bridges in poor condition as demonstrated by having one or more components in condition rating 4 or less, or in fair condition and at risk of falling into poor condition as demonstrated by having one or more components in condition rating 5, based on NBI data as of June 2023.
The project will be ready to obligate funds for construction within 18 months of an CHBP grant award.
Replacement bridges provide safety and/or mobility benefits from the improvement of traffic safety features, geometry, and/or hydraulics.
Rehabilitation bridges are demonstrated as being more cost effective over the long-term than replacement and do not have safety and mobility needs that are not addressed by rehabilitation.
For additional information and guidance about the Administration goals and application process, applicants may refer to the DOT Strategic Plan and the DOT Navigator. DOT Navigator is a tool to assist applicants in applying for DOT funding.
FHWA will conduct an application intake and eligibility review by providing an initial eligibility screening based on the criteria in Section 2. Only eligible projects will be evaluated against the Merit Criteria and for Project Readiness described in this Section 6. The CHBP application evaluation and selection process consists of (1) a Technical Review and (2) an FHWA Senior Review.
The evaluation of eligible applications will be conducted by a Technical Review Team (TRT) who may consist of individuals from FHWA Headquarters and division offices. The TRT will evaluate each eligible application against the Merit Criteria and for Project Readiness and assign an Overall Application Rating as defined in this Section 6.
All Highly Recommended and Recommended applications will be reviewed by the FHWA division office in the State in which the project is located. The division offices will review the respective applications and evaluate whether there are any aspects in the delivery of the proposed project that may prevent the project from moving forward.
The TRT will also evaluate each Highly Recommended and Recommended application against its responsiveness to the FHWA Priority Selection Considerations.
The TRT will send to the FHWA Senior Review Team (SRT) the Overall Application Rating for each Highly Recommended and Recommended application and the evaluation of responsiveness to the FHWA Priority Selection Considerations.
The FHWA SRT consists of senior FHWA officials who have been requested to serve by the FHWA Administrator. The FHWA SRT, which may include the FHWA Administrator’s participation in the review process, advises which projects the FHWA Administrator should select for funding.
The FHWA SRT will determine which Highly Recommended projects to advance to the FHWA Administrator. The FHWA SRT may also recommend for selection a project that is rated Recommended over a Highly Recommended project. When recommending a project that is rated Recommended over a Highly Recommended project, the FHWA SRT will select Recommended projects by considering the responsiveness to the FHWA Priority Selection Considerations and number of Merit Criteria rated Highly Responsive.
The FHWA Administrator makes final project selections. Among the projects recommended to the Administrator for selection, the Administrator may select projects they determine would ensure the most effective use of Federal funding and will advance Administration priorities set forth in DOT Order 2100.74. The review process gives the FHWA Administrator the discretion to determine which applications best address CHBP requirements and should be selected.
FHWA is not obligated to make any award as a result of this NOFO.
FHWA may, during the selection process, enter into discussions with an applicant that may include mutually agreeing upon a lesser amount of a potential award than originally requested in the application, if necessary, because of the quantity, size, and scope of the applications received in response to this notice and the results of the application review process. Discussions may include scalable project options as described under Section 5 of this NOFO.
Prior to award, each selected applicant will be subject to a risk assessment as required by 2 CFR 200.206. DOT must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). An applicant may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding Agency previously entered. FHWA will consider comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants.
Following the evaluation outlined in Section 6, the FHWA Administrator will announce awarded projects by posting a list of selected projects at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/bripro.cfm. Notice of selection is not authorization to begin performance or to incur costs for the proposed project. Following that announcement, FHWA will contact the POC listed in the SF-424 to initiate negotiation of the project agreement for authorization.
Recipients of CHBP Grant Program grant awards will not receive lump-sum cash disbursements at the time of award announcement or obligation of funds. Instead, FHWA will primarily administer grants on a reimbursement basis. Recipients do have the option to request alternative funding arrangements. Under the reimbursement approach, program funds will reimburse recipients only for costs incurred after execution of grants that DOT determines to be allowable, reasonable, and allocable, as defined under 2 CFR Part 200, and after the recipient submits valid requests for reimbursement. If the recipient requests alternative funding arrangements, FHWA will consider these arrangements and determine allowance at its sole discretion and in accordance with 2 CFR 200.305.
Unless authorized by DOT in writing after the announcement of the FY 2024 and FY 2025 CHBP Grant Program grant awards, any costs that a recipient incurs before FHWA executes a project agreement for that recipient’s project are ineligible for reimbursement and are ineligible match for cost share requirements.
Following the completion of the selection process and announcement of awards, DOT intends to publish a list of all applications received along with the names of the applicant organizations and funding amounts requested. Except for the information properly marked as described in this Section 4.v. The DOT may make application narratives publicly available or share application information within the DOT or with other Federal Agencies if the DOT determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives.
All awards will be administered pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards found in 2 CFR Part 200, as adopted by DOT at 2 CFR Part 1201. Applicable Federal laws, rules, and regulations set forth in title 23, U.S.C., and title 23 and 49 of the CFR, shall apply to awards provided under this program.
In connection with any program or activity conducted with or benefiting from funds awarded under this notice, recipients of funds must comply with all applicable requirements of Federal law, including, without limitation, the Constitution of the United States; the conditions of performance, non-discrimination requirements, and other assurances made applicable to the award of funds in accordance with regulations of DOT and FHWA; and applicable Federal financial assistance and contracting principles promulgated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). In complying with these requirements, recipients, in particular, must ensure that no concession agreements are denied, or other contracting decisions made on the basis of speech or other activities protected by the First Amendment. If DOT determines that a recipient has failed to comply with applicable Federal requirements, DOT may terminate the award of funds and disallow previously incurred costs, requiring the recipient to reimburse any expended award funds.
In particular, EO 14005, Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers (86 FR 7475), directs the Executive Branch Departments and Agencies to maximize the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States through the terms and conditions of Federal financial assistance awards. If selected for an award, grant recipients must be prepared to demonstrate how they will maximize the use of domestic goods, products, and materials in constructing their project. Any grant projects involving vehicle acquisition must involve only vehicles that comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations (FMCSR), or vehicles that are exempt from FMVSS or FMCSR in a manner that allows for the legal acquisition and deployment of the vehicle or vehicles.
The Department intends to use CHBP to support the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union and the incorporation of strong labor standards, such as through the use of project labor agreements, registered apprenticeship programs, and other training and placement programs.5
Critical Infrastructure Security, Cybersecurity and Resilience
It is the policy of the United States to strengthen the security and resilience of its critical infrastructure against all threats and hazards, including physical and cyber risks, consistent with National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (NSM-22) to Secure and Enhance the Resilience of U.S. Critical Infrastructure. Each applicant selected for Federal funding must demonstrate, prior to the signing of the grant agreement, effort to consider and address physical and cyber security risks relevant to the transportation mode and type and scale of the project. Projects that have not appropriately considered and addressed physical and cyber security and resilience in their planning, design, and project oversight, as determined by DOT and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will be required to do so before receiving funds.
Domestic Preference Requirements
Consistent with law, recipients will maximize the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States. Funds made available under this notice are subject to FHWA’s steel, iron, and manufactured product domestic requirements at 23 U.S.C. 313 and 23 CFR 635.410, and the construction materials domestic preference requirement at Pub. L. No 117-58, div. G §§ 70901–70927, as implemented by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) at 2 CFR part 184. FHWA expects all applicants to comply with those requirements.
Civil Rights and Title VI
As a condition of a grant award, grant recipients should demonstrate that the recipient has a plan for compliance with civil rights obligations and nondiscrimination laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and implementing regulations (49 CFR § 21), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, all other civil rights requirements, and accompanying regulations. This should include a current Title VI Plan, completed Community Participation Plan, and a plan to address any legacy infrastructure or facilities that are not compliant with ADA standards. DOT’s and FHWA’s Office of Civil Rights may work with awarded grant recipients to ensure full compliance with Federal civil rights requirements.
Each applicant selected for CHBP Grant Program grant funding must submit semi-annual progress reports and Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) to monitor project progress and ensure accountability and financial transparency in the CHBP Grant Program.
As a condition of a grant award, grant recipients may be required to participate in an evaluation undertaken by FHWA or another agency or partner. The evaluation may take different forms such as an implementation assessment across grant recipients, an impact and/or outcomes analysis of all or selected sites within or across grant recipients, or a benefit/cost analysis or assessment of return on investment. FHWA may require applicants to collect data elements to aid the evaluation and/or use information available through other reporting. As a part of the evaluation, as a condition of award, grant recipients must agree to: (1) make records available to the evaluation contractor or FHWA staff; (2) provide access to program records, and any other relevant documents to calculate costs and benefits; (3) in the case of an impact analysis, facilitate the access to relevant information as requested; (4) access to right-of-way to contractor or FHWA staff for long-term data and observation collection; and (5) follow evaluation procedures as specified by the evaluation contractor or FHWA staff.
Recipients and subrecipients are also encouraged to incorporate program evaluation including associated data collection activities from the outset of their program design and implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress towards meeting an agency priority goal(s). Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act), Pub. L. No. 115-435 (2019) urges Federal awarding Agencies and Federal assistance recipients and subrecipients to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, to improve equitable delivery, and to elevate program service and delivery across the program lifecycle. Evaluation means “an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.” 5 U.S.C. § 311. Credible program evaluation activities are implemented with relevance and utility, rigor, independence and objectivity, transparency, and ethics (OMB Circular A-11, Part 6 Section 290).
For grant recipients receiving an award, evaluation costs are allowable costs (either as direct or indirect), unless prohibited by statute or regulation, and such costs may include the personnel and equipment needed for data infrastructure and expertise in data analysis, performance, and evaluation. (2 CFR Part 200).
Each applicant selected for CHBP grant funding must collect and report to FHWA information on the project’s performance using performance indicators supplied by FHWA that relate to program goals and objectives (reference Section 3 for CHBP program goals and objectives) and report other information as requested by FHWA. Performance indicators will include measurable goals or targets that FHWA will use internally to determine whether the project meets program goals, and grant funds achieve the intended long-term outcomes of the CHBP. FHWA will work with the grant recipient to establish a recommended two to four performance measures that enable FHWA to measure and evaluate the outcomes of the individual grant. Performance reporting continues for several years after project construction is completed.
If the total value of a selected applicant’s currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding Agencies exceeds $10 million for any period of time during the period of performance of this Federal award, then the applicant during that period of time must maintain the currency of information reported to the SAM that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system (currently FAPIIS) about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in paragraph 2 of this award term and condition. This is a statutory requirement under section 872 of Public Law 110-417, as amended (41 U.S.C. § 2313). As required by section 3010 of Public Law 111-212, all information posted in the designated integrity and performance system on or after April 15, 2011, except past performance reviews required for Federal procurement contracts, will be publicly available.
FHWA reserves the right to request additional information, if deemed needed, to better understand the status of the project. The successful applicant will provide additional financial reporting beyond the semi-annual reporting if such statements are necessary to address FHWA’s Stewardship and Oversight responsibility of the funds. The successful applicant also agrees to allow periodic project inspections and FHWA will provide notice for such inspections.
1 23 U.S.C. 217 (e) Bridges.-In any case where a highway bridge deck being replaced or rehabilitated with Federal financial participation is located on a highway on which pedestrians or bicyclists are permitted to operate at each end of such bridge, and the Secretary determines that the safe accommodation of pedestrians or bicyclists can be provided at reasonable cost as part of such replacement or rehabilitation, then such bridge shall be so replaced or rehabilitated as to provide such safe accommodations. For additional information about this requirement, please see the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Questions and Answers (Q&As) section on “Compliance with 23 U.S.C. 217(e) and Safe Accommodations for Bicyclists and Pedestrians” Q&A #35 and #36. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/bip/qa.cfm.
2 In accordance with 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135, all projects requiring an action by FHWA must be in the applicable plan and programming documents (e.g., metropolitan transportation plan (MTP), TIP, and STIP). Further, in air quality non-attainment and maintenance areas, all regionally significant projects, regardless of the funding source, must be included in the conforming MTP and TIP. Inclusion in STIP is required under certain circumstances. To the extent a project is required to be on an MTP, TIP, and/or STIP, it will not receive a grant until it is included in such plans. Projects not currently included in these plans can be amended by the State and metropolitan planning organization. Projects that are not required to be in long range transportation plans, STIPs, and TIPs will not need to be included in such plans to receive a grant.
3 FHWA considers an applicant’s lack of experience with receipt and expenditure of Federal-aid highway funds under Title 23 U.S.C. a material risk.
4 DOT Order 2100.7: Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Activities
5 These agreements may include pre-hire collective bargaining agreements between unions and contractors that govern terms and conditions of employment for all workers on a construction project.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| File Title | 3.14.25 Memo for OST review |
| Author | Williams, Tammi (FHWA) |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2025-08-15 |