State Traffic Safety Information System Improvement Grants
The State Traffic Safety Information System Improvement Grants provide funding to improvement of State data systems, the evaluation of efforts to make improvements, link State data systems, including traffic records with other data systems that contain medical, roadway, and economic data; and improve the compatibility and interoperability of the States data systems with national traffic safety data systems and data systems of other States and enhance NHTSA's ability to observe and analyze national trends in crash occurrence, rates, and circumstances.
The Department of Transportation's mission is to ensure fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.
Program Accomplishments
In FY 2007, 49 States, the District of Columbia and 4 Territories received Section 408 grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
A State may use grant funds only to implement data improvement programs.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
To qualify for a first-year grant, a State must demonstrate that it has an established multi-disciplinary highway safety data and traffic records coordinating committee; a developed multi-year safety data and traffic records strategic plan, approved by the coordinating committee and containing performance-based measures; certify that the State has adopted and is using the model data elements determined by the Secretary to be useful, or certify that grant funds will be used toward adopting and using the most elements practicable.
To qualify for a subsequent-year grant, a State must certify that an assessment or audit of the State traffic records system has been conducted or updated within the preceding 5 years; certify that the coordinating committee continues to operate and supports the multi-year plan; specify how the grant funds and any other funds of the State will support the multi-year strategic plan; demonstrate measurable progress toward achieving the goals and objectives identified in the multi-year plan; and submit a report, showing measurable progress in the implementation of the multi-year plan.
The 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Indian tribes through the Bureau of Indian Affairs are eligible to apply for a grant.
Beneficiary Eligibility
State Highway Safety Agencies.
Credentials/Documentation
A State would submit information unique to each criterion for which it chooses to demonstrate compliance. After being informed by NHTSA that it is eligible for a grant, the state submits to the agency a plan that describes the programs the state will implement using these funds.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
To apply for a first fiscal year grant, a State must submit the certification required by Appendix 1, signed by the Governor's Representative for Safety, to the appropriate NHTSA Administrator no later than June 15 of the fiscal year. To apply for a successive fiscal year grant, a State must submit the certification required by Appendix 2, signed by the Governor's Representative for Highway Safety, to the appropriate NHTSA Administrator no later than June 15 of the fiscal year.
Award Procedures
NHTSA will review each State's application for compliance with section 408 and notify qualifying States in writing of grant awards. SAFETEA-LU provides that the amount of each first fiscal year grant shall be the higher of $300,000 or an amount determined by multiplying the amount appropriated to carry out the section 408 Program for that fiscal year by the ratio that the funds appropriated to the State under Section 402 for FY 2003 bears to the funds apportioned to all eligible States under Section 402 for FY 2003. Each State that qualifies for a successive fiscal year shall be eligible to receive the higher of $500,000 or an amount determined by multiplying the amount appropriated to carry out the Section 408 Program for that fiscal year by the ratio that the funds apportioned to all eligible States under Section 402 for FY 2003.
Deadlines
States must submit their certifications by June 15 (each year).
Authorization
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) of 2005, Section 406, 23 U.S.C. 408.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Applicant should receive a response, from the agency, between 30 to 90 days.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
States are eligible for this grant for up to four years.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
SAFETEA-LU provides that the amount of each first fiscal year grant shall be the higher of $300,000 or an amount determined by multiplying the amount appropriated to carry out the Section 408 Program for that fiscal year by the ratio that the funds appropriated to the State under Section 402 for FY 2003 bears to the funds apportioned to all eligible States under Section 402 for FY 2003. Each States that qualifies for a successive fiscal year shall be eligible to receive the higher of $500,000 or an amount determined by multiplying the amount appropriated to carry out the Section 408 Program for that fiscal year by the ratio that the funds apportioned the State under Section 402 for FY 2003.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Federal share is reimbursed on claims submitted in vouchers covering costs incurred. All participants have converted to the Electronic Transfer of Funds method. Funds placed in obligation are available until expended.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
The Annual Report required under Section 402 State and Community Highway Safety formula grant program must include a progress report on the prior year's program and accomplishments.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of State and Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities (including universities) that expend $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, with certain exceptions as Stated in OMB Circular No. A-133. For direct procurement contracts, audits will be conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Records
Project sponsor shall retain records for 3 years following submission of a final expenditure report and other project deliverables, all project contract documents, financial records, and supporting documents pending resolution of audit findings.
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-0605-0-1-401.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $34,500,000; FY 08 est $34,500,000; and FY 09 est $34,500,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
FY 07-FY 09 Range: $300,000 - $2,255,376.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) of 2005, Public Law 109-59; 23 U.S.C. 408.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog for the addresses of the Regional Offices of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Headquarters Office
For program issues, Jack Oates, Office of Regional Operations and Program Delivery, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, by telephone at (202) 366-2121 or by E-mail at jack.oates@dot.gov. For legal issues, Dana Sade, Office of Chief Counsel, NCC-113, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, by telephone (202) 366-1834 or by E-ail at dana.sade@dot.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
SAFETEA-LU provides that a State may qualify for a grant under the section 408 by demonstrating that it has an established Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC), a multi-year safety data and traffic records strategic plan approved by the TRCC, certify that the State has adopted and is using the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) or certify that it will use grant funds toward adopting and using the most elements practicable. To qualify in subsequent years, a State must certify that an assessment or audit of the State traffic records system has been conducted in the past five years, certify that the TRCC continues to support and operate the multi-year plan and submit a report showing measurable progress in the implementation of the multi-year plan.
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