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> U.S. Department
>
> of Transportation
>
> **Federal Transit**
>
> **Administration**

April 20, 2007

RE: Becoming a FTA Grantee

Dear Recipient of the FTA's Tribal Transit Program Funds:

Congratulations! Through the competitive project selection process, your
Tribe or Alaska Native Village's proposed project has been selected to
receive FY 2006 FTA Section 5311(c) funds as part of the Tribal Transit
Program (TTP) established under SAFETEA-LU Section 3013. The Notice of
Award was published in the Federal Register dated April 4, 2007, titled
"Federal Transit Administration -- Public Transportation on Indian
Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program"
(<http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-6192.pdf>).

**PROJECT ELIGIBILITY:** FTA Section 5311(c) TTP funds can be used for
any purpose authorized under the Section 5311 program, including public
transportation capital projects, operating cost of equipment and
facilities for use in public transportation, planning, and the
acquisition of public transportation services, including service
agreements with private providers of public transportation. The
federal/non-federal match ratio is 100:0. All FY 2006 Section 5311(c)
funds must be obligated (i.e. approved in a grant) by September 30,
2008.

This letter describes and summarizes the forms and processes that you
need to complete in order to access your FTA funds. Listed below are the
documents that FTA needs to establish your tribe or village as an
eligible grantee, and for you to access FTA's computer systems
(Transportation Electronic Award Management System or **TEAM**) for
applying for grants and drawing down awarded funds.

### **1. Legal -- One-Time Files for applicants**

> Please provide a letter from your attorney covering the points below:

a)  For Indian tribe, Alaska Native village, or Native Alaskan
    Corporation, a copy of the statutory authority providing for its
    formation or other document establishing that the tribe, village, or
    Native Corporation is federally recognized.  For Native Alaskan
    Corporations, please provide a copy of the articles of
    incorporation. (Attached is a link to the November 25, 2005 Federal
    Register titled "Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive
    Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs; Notice":
    <http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-23268.pdf>.)

b)  A letter from the applicant's attorney stating that the tribe or
    Native Corporation has the authority to apply for and receive
    Federal Transit Administration funds.

c)  For applicants operated by councils or boards, a letter from their
    attorney stating whether council or board resolutions are needed to
    apply for and accept Federal grants.

d)  For applicants that require council or board authorization to apply
    for and accept Federal grants, a copy of the council or board
    resolution authorizing a delegated representative to apply for and
    accept the Federal grant. [***Attachment
    A***](../05%20-%20Attachment%20A%20-%20Sample%20Tribal%20Council%20Resolution.doc)
    is a sample resolution for your use.

> In addition, please be sure to include a cover letter stating that you
> are planning to apply for FTA Section 5311 Tribal Transit Program
> funds. Please send these documents for your one-time file to the
> attention of:
>
> Theodore (Ted) Uyeno
>
> Legal Counsel
>
> Federal Transit Administration, Region 10
>
> 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3142
>
> Seattle, WA 98174-1002.
>
> (Ted's contact information: Phone 206-220-7958, FAX 206-220-7959;
> e-mail: <ted.uyeno@dot.gov>)

### 

#### 2.  FTA Annual Certifications and Assurances and Master Agreement

> [***Attachment
> B***](../06%20-%20Attachment%20B%20-%20FY2007%20Certs%20and%20Assurances.doc)
> is a copy of the "FY 2007 FTA Certifications and Assurances" (C&A),
> which must be signed [first]{.underline} by an agency official
> (usually the General Manager or equivalent) and [then]{.underline} by
> the agency attorney. The part that has to be filled out and signed is
> on the last couple of pages. FTA strongly prefers that you indicate
> agreement with the C&A by "PINNing" them in FTA's TEAM system -- see
> #4 "FTA TEAM computer system" below). When you fill out the C&A form,
> please check only the items that apply to your grant. For example, if
> you are only applying for a planning grant, you would not check the
> Charter Bus item. However, if you are going to be purchasing rolling
> stock or building a bus facility, you would check the Charter Bus
> item. Also, please note that some of the statutory references
> contained in this standard Certifications and Assurances form will not
> apply to the Tribal Transit Program. The Federal statutory
> requirements of the Tribal Transit Program are reflected in FTA's FY
> 2007 "Tribal Transit Program Master Agreement for Tribal Transit
> Program Grants" -- see [***Attachment
> C***](../07%20-%20Attachment%20C%20-%20FFY%202007%20TTP%20Master%20Agreement.doc).

## **3.** **DUNS number**

> DUNS stands for \"Data Universal Numbering System.\" It is a unique
> nine-digit numbering system that is used to identify a business. As
> part of the selection criteria and process, your tribe or village was
> required to have a DUNS number. FTA has input this number in our TEAM
> system under your recipient profile. Please verify this information in
> TEAM. If you need additional information on DUNS number, please see
> [***Attachment
> D***](../08%20-%20Attachment%20D%20-%20Dear%20Colleague%20Letter%20for%20DUNS%20Nuumbers.doc)
> or visit the following website:
> <http://ftateamweb.fta.dot.gov/teamweb/duns_info.html>

## **4.**  **FTA TEAM computer system**

> The TEAM system is used to apply for grants and to enter and submit
> the required annually financial and narrative reports. This means that
> persons in your agency who will perform these tasks will need access
> to TEAM. FTA also awards grants through TEAM, so the agency
> official(s) who would normally sign grant applications and contracts
> needs to have a PIN (personal identification number), which he or she
> will use to submit grant applications and/or execute grant contracts.
> The agency attorney and general manager will also need access to TEAM
> and PIN numbers for the annual Certifications & Assurances.
>
> TEAM may be accessed on the web at
> [http://ftateamweb.fta.dot.gov](http://ftateamweb.fta.dot.gov/). You
> must have Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher. It helps to have high-speed
> internet access. FTA provides regular training on how to use the
> system via telephone conference. This takes about two hours and is
> helpful. FTA will send you information about the TEAM training
> opportunities after you have submitted your user request forms. As of
> now, FTA has input your proposal in TEAM for you and is available to
> walk through the application process with you at your request.
>
> In order to get user accounts set up in TEAM, please use the
> following:
>
> 1\) [***Attachment
> E***](../09%20-%20Attachment%20E%20-%20Request%20for%20addition%20to%20vendor%20file.xls)
> is the "Request for Addition to Vendor File Award (TEAM)" form, which
> is used to request a vendor number for your agency. FTA has completed
> this form for all tribes and villages.
>
> 2\) [***Attachment
> F***](../10%20-%20Attachment%20F%20-%20TEAM%20User%20Acces%20Request%20Forms%20&%20Instructions.pdf),
> which is the "TEAM User Request Form & Instructions**".** This form
> must be filled out to set up an account for each person who will be
> using TEAM.
>
> These forms should be accompanied by a letter from the appropriate
> agency official authorizing each of the TEAM users to have access to
> TEAM for the specific functions specified on the form. When completed,
> please mail these forms to Elizabeth (Beth) Sier at the FTA Region 10
> address above. For further information, please contact:
>
> Elizabeth (Beth) Sier
>
> Transportation Program Specialist
>
> Federal Transit Administration, Region 10
>
> Phone: 206-220-7956
>
> FAX: 206-220-7959
>
> E-mail at <elizabeth.sier@dot.gov>

### 

### **5.** **FTA Electronic Clearing House Operation (ECHO) computer system**

> ECHO is the FTA's web-based application that is used after a grant has
> been awarded to draw down funds for reimbursement of expenses. Below
> is a list of attachments related to the ECHO-Web system:

-   *[**Attachment
    G**](../11%20-%20Attachment%20G%20-%20ECHO-Web%20Registration%20Letter(9-1-04).doc)*
    contains the information regarding the ECHO-Web application.

-   *[**Attachment
    H**](../12%20-%20Attachment%20H%20-%20Instruction%20for%20ECHO%20User%20Setup%20Forms.doc)*
    contains instructions for completing the ECHO-Web User Setup Form.

-   *[**Attachment
    I**](../13%20-%20Attachment%20I%20-%20ECHOWeb%20User%20Auth%20and%20Cert%20Form.doc)*
    contains ECHO-Web User Authorization and Certification Form.

-   *[**Attachment
    J**](../14%20-%20Attachment%20J%20-%20ECHO-Web%20User%20Request%20Form.xls)*
    contains ECHO-Web User Request Form

-   *[**Attachment
    K**](../15%20-%20Attachment%20K%20-%20ECHO-Web%20Rules%20of%20Conduct%20Form.pdf)*
    contains ECHO-Web Rules of Conduct certification form.

-   *[**Attachment
    L**](../16%20-%20Attachment%20L%20-%20ECHOWeb%20User%20Manual%20Oct2005.pdf)*
    contains ECHO-Web User Manual

-   [***Attachment
    M***](../17%20-%20Attachment%20M%20-%20Payment%20Information%20Form%20&%20Instructions.doc)
    contains "Payment Instruction Form" and instructions for drawing
    down funds using ECHO/ACH systems.

### 

### **6.**  **Grant Application**

> For tribal/village applications, FTA has entered the proposal in TEAM.
> Typically, basic information needed for a grant application include:

-   Recipient information

-   Project description

-   Project budget

-   Project milestone/schedule

-   Fleet Status

-   Documentation of environmental review approval by FTA, if applicable

> Please verify the information FTA has entered in TEAM regarding your
> application. If you have any questions regarding your grant
> application in TEAM, please contact:
>
> Linda Gehrke
>
> Deputy Regional Administrator
>
> Federal Transit Administration, Region 10
>
> Phone: 206-220-4463
>
> FAX: 206-220-7959
>
> E-mail: <linda.gehrke@dot.gov>

**7. Environment**

> FTA must consider the environmental impacts of your project under the
> National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). You will need to provide
> environmental analysis and review documentation for any project
> involving construction. [***Attachment
> N***](../18%20-%20Attachment%20N%20-%20DCE%20Worksheet%20Apr05.doc) is
> the Documented Categorical Exclusion (DCE) Checklist that FTA Region
> 10 has prepared for your use as a screening tool for the level of
> environmental analysis. [***Attachment
> O***](../19%20-%20Attachment%20O%20-%20ESA%20Screening%20Checklist%20(incl.%20PBA%20list).doc)
> is the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Screening Checklist, which is also
> included if the project might have impacts to the endangered species.
> For more information about NEPA requirements for your specific
> project, please contact:
>
> Mr. Dan Drais
>
> Environmental Manager
>
> Federal Transit Administration, Region 10
>
> Phone: 206-220-4307
>
> E-mail: <daniel.drais@dot.gov>

**8. Procurement**

> In order for grantees to be reimbursed for project costs incurred as a
> result of procurement of equipment or professional services, the
> grantee must comply with the procurement requirements set forth by the
> FTA. [***Attachment
> P***](../20%20-%20Attachment%20P%20-%20Procurement%20Requirements%20&%20Sources%20of%20Info.doc)
> is a list of FTA website links containing information in this area. If
> you have any information, please contact:
>
> Pat Hendrix
>
> Grants Manager
>
> Federal Transit Administration, Region 10
>
> Phone: 206-220-4465
>
> E-mail: <patricia.hendrix@dot.gov>

**9. Timeline for Grant Approval**

> You grant application has been drafted by FTA staff and entered into
> TEAM. FTA will walk you through the process to verify the information
> and prepare for the submittal process. You cannot officially "PIN to
> Submit" the grant application in TEAM until FTA determines that you
> have completed all the required documentation. Once the application
> has been officially submitted, grant approval generally takes about 36
> days. For more information, please contact Linda Gehrke. (See above
> for Linda's contact information.)

**10. Program Guidance Circulars**

> For the complete program guidance document for FTA Section 5311
> program, please use the following link to access FTA's website:
> <http://www.fta.dot.gov/laws/circulars/leg_reg_6519.html>
> (Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program Guidance and Grant Application
> Instruction, FTA Circular 9040.1F). For grants management guidelines,
> please refer to FTA Circular 5010.1C:
> <http://www.fta.dot.gov/laws/circulars/leg_reg_4114.html>.

For further information about FTA regulations and guidance, please go to
FTA's website, [www.fta.dot.gov](http://www.fta.dot.gov/). It contains a
lot of useful information, including links to the applicable
regulations, Federal Registers, and FTA circulars (program guidance).

If you have any questions about any information described in this
letter, please don't hesitate to contact Linda Gehrke at 206-220-4463 or
by e-mail at <linda.gehrke@dot.gov>.

**[Attachments:]{.underline}**

A.  [Sample Tribal Council
    Resolution](../05%20-%20Attachment%20A%20-%20Sample%20Tribal%20Council%20Resolution.doc)

B.  [FY 2007 Certifications &
    Assurances](../06%20-%20Attachment%20B%20-%20FY2007%20Certs%20and%20Assurances.doc)

C.  [FY 2007 Tribal Transit Program Master Agreement for Tribal Transit
    Program
    Grants](../07%20-%20Attachment%20C%20-%20FFY%202007%20TTP%20Master%20Agreement.doc)

D.  ["Dear Colleague" Letter on DUNS
    Number](../08%20-%20Attachment%20D%20-%20Dear%20Colleague%20Letter%20for%20DUNS%20Nuumbers.doc)

E.  [Request for Addition To Vendor File Award
    (TEAM)](../09%20-%20Attachment%20E%20-%20Request%20for%20addition%20to%20vendor%20file.xls)

F.  [TEAM New User Request
    Form](../10%20-%20Attachment%20F%20-%20TEAM%20User%20Acces%20Request%20Forms%20&%20Instructions.pdf)

G.  [ECHO-Web Registration
    Letter](../11%20-%20Attachment%20G%20-%20ECHO-Web%20Registration%20Letter(9-1-04).doc)

H.  [ECHO-Web User Setup
    Instructions](../12%20-%20Attachment%20H%20-%20Instruction%20for%20ECHO%20User%20Setup%20Forms.doc)

I.  [ECHO-Web User Authorization and Certification
    Form](../13%20-%20Attachment%20I%20-%20ECHOWeb%20User%20Auth%20and%20Cert%20Form.doc)

J.  [ECHO-Web User Request
    Form](../14%20-%20Attachment%20J%20-%20ECHO-Web%20User%20Request%20Form.xls)

K.  [ECHO-Web Rules of Conduct Certification
    Form](../15%20-%20Attachment%20K%20-%20ECHO-Web%20Rules%20of%20Conduct%20Form.pdf)

L.  [ECHO-Web User
    Manual](../16%20-%20Attachment%20L%20-%20ECHOWeb%20User%20Manual%20Oct2005.pdf)

M.  [ECHO/ACH Payment Information
    Form](../17%20-%20Attachment%20M%20-%20Payment%20Information%20Form%20&%20Instructions.doc)

N.  [Documented Categorical Exclusion (DCE)
    Worksheet](../18%20-%20Attachment%20N%20-%20DCE%20Worksheet%20Apr05.doc)

O.  [Endangered Species Act (ESA) Screening
    Checklist](../19%20-%20Attachment%20O%20-%20ESA%20Screening%20Checklist%20(incl.%20PBA%20list).doc)

P.  [Procurement Requirements & Sources of
    Information](../20%20-%20Attachment%20P%20-%20Procurement%20Requirements%20&%20Sources%20of%20Info.doc)