Tools/Resources for 

FRA Discretionary Grant Applicants

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) supports the nation’s rail network through a variety of 

competitive discretionary and dedicated grant programs designed to develop safety improvements 

and encourage the expansion and upgrade of passenger and freight rail infrastructure and services. 

This document provides potential grant applicants with information on pre-application 

considerations and planning steps prior to submitting a grant application to FRA. 

December 2021

Is the proposed project on the 

State Rail Plan?

Although rail projects are not required to be included in State Rail Plans in order to be 

eligible for Federal funding under the competitive discretionary grant programs, 

working with the State Department of Transportation to establish the proposed 

project on the State Rail Plan can assist in project development. 

Is the proposed project on a 

Regional Rail Plan?

Although rail projects are not required to be included on a Regional Rail Plan in order 

to be eligible for Federal funding under the competitive discretionary grant programs, 

working with the regional rail authorities to establish the proposed project can assist in 

project development. A Regional Rail Plan serves two main purposes: 

• It identifies and describes a common, long-term vision for regional passenger rail 

service and the required infrastructure network based on existing conditions, 

projections of future travel demand, and the optimal role for rail service in a multimodal transportation context. 

• It identifies the potential institutional arrangements, financial requirements, and 

planning and development activities needed to achieve the vision. 

Where can I learn more about 

the environmental process, 

training opportunities or other 

general guidance about the grant 

application process?

Information can be found on our website about the following:

• Environmental process

• Training opportunities or other general guidance

Where can I learn about FRA’s 

discretionary competitive 

grant process?

Information about the competitive grant application process as well as those 

competitive grant programs that are currently accepting applications can be found 

on our website.

Where can a potential grant 

applicant find information on a 

specific FRA discretionary grant 

program prior to submitting an 

application?

Potential grant applicants can reference the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 

The NOFO includes the criteria for eligibility and selection as well as the materials 

that each application must include. The NOFO is the best source of information 

regarding each of FRA’s discretionary grant programs and an understanding of these 

criteria can help position a potential applicant for success. NOFOs are published in 

the Federal Register. 

What are some reasons 

applications aren’t selected and 

how can they be avoided?

FRA has identified three primary areas where applications that are not selected 

typically demonstrate deficiencies in three main areas:

• Project Narrative

• Statement of Work

• Benefit Cost Analysis

Each of these areas, as well as some general “best practices” are explained on slides

26 – 52 within the FY21 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety

Improvements (CRISI) Grants NOFO Webinar.

Where can I find information 

about the grant agreement terms 

and conditions?

Information about the grant agreement terms and conditions can be found on our 

website.

FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, VISIT FRA’S WEBSITE: https://railroads.dot.gov/BIL