May 31, 2023

RAIL

MOVING AMERICA FORWARD

Presented by:

Michele Geary • Tarek Omar • Ryan Arbuckle

FY 2022–2023 Rail Research & Development Center of 

Excellence NOFO Webinar 
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Welcome:

FRA Administrator

Amit Bose
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FRA Presenters

Michele Geary

Senior Advisor, 

Office of Research, 

Development, and 

Technology

Tarek Omar

Program Manager,

Office of Research, 

Development, and 

Technology

Ryan Arbuckle

Chief, Program 

Coordination & 

Strategy
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• Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence Program Overview

• How to Apply

• Best Practices 

o Program Narrative

o Statement of Work

Q & A 

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2

3

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Agenda
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Rail Research & 

Development Center of 

Excellence 
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• To fund a Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence (CoE) to advance research and 

development that improves the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail 

transportation. 

• Published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2023 

• Applications due by 5 PM ET on July 3, 2023

Program Purpose & Funding Overview

Purpose

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
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Eligible Applicants and Activities

• Possess a strong past performance related 

to rail research, education, and workforce 

development activities

• Would involve public- and private-sector 

passenger and freight railroad operators in 

establishing and maintaining the CoE

• Would have regional and national impacts 

that align with DOT Strategic Goals

Applicants
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Eligible Activities Under the Center of Excellence NOFO

• Establishing a center to advance research and development (the Center of 

Excellence) that involves the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and 

freight rail transportation;

• Maintaining the Center of Excellence which involves the safety, efficiency, and 

reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation; and

• Administering grants through the Center of Excellence

Activities 
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Eligible Activity Areas of Research for the Center of Excellence to Fund

• Safety

• Sustainability of urban commuter, intercity high-speed, and freight rail transportation

• Rolling stock

• Positive Train Control

• Human Factors

• Rail infrastructure

• Grade crossings

• Inspection technology/remote sensing

• Rail system maintenance

• Energy efficiency

• Network resiliency

Activity Areas
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Award Information

$

2 years

Funds need to be spent within

No more than

1 Award

Non-Federal 50% match required 

$5,000,000

FY22/23 from Research 

& Development Funding
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Key Program Definitions

Consortium

• For the purposes of the NOFO, consortium means a meaningful arrangement with all members 

involved in planning and implementing the proposed activity or activities. 

Institution of Higher Education (IHE)

• Educational institution in any State that meets specific requirements set forth under 20 U.S.C. 

1091(d) (see NOFO for full definition).

Minority-Serving Institution 

• An IHE whose enrollment of a single minority or a combination of minorities exceeds 50 percent of 

the total enrollment, as defined in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 

1067k).

Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

• Institutions established prior to 1964 whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black 

Americans and who satisfy specific requirements (see NOFO for full definition).
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Rail-Related Research and Other BIL Grant Programs 

• Additional opportunities to conduct 

rail-related research:

o Consolidated Rail Infrastructure 

and Safety Improvements (CRISI) 

Grant Program

o More information on new and 

enhanced grant programs under the 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: 

https://railroads.dot.gov/BIL
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• The applicant's demonstrated leadership capacity to address rail transportation problems 

and advance rail transportation expertise and technology. This should include:

• Examples of applicant's high standing within the national arena of rail transportation 

research

• The extent to which the CoE Program will have regional and national impact

• Demonstrated leadership in the development and delivery of programs—this includes 

innovative rail transportation education, workforce development, technology transfer, 

and research activities.

• The extent to which the applicant will involve public- and private-sector passenger and 

freight railroad operators and the composition of any existing or planned stakeholder 

engagement and/or other entity expected to provide technical input as research is being 

conducted.

Program Evaluation & Selection Criteria

Program Benefits
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• The degree to which the applicant's proposed activities are multimodal and 

multidisciplinary in scope, and how such an emphasis improves or expands the quality of 

the research

• The extent of the applicant's background in education and workforce development 

efforts:

• How the applicant's management of the CoE and proposed projects will result in the 

development of a transportation workforce that is prepared to design, deploy, 

operate, and maintain the complex transportation systems of the future

• How the applicant's engagement in this Program will be leveraged to support 

education and workforce development activities

Program Evaluation & Selection Criteria

Program Benefits
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• Evidence of a commitment to working with underrepresented/

underserved communities. This commitment can be 

demonstrated if the applicant is an MSI or HBCU;

• Or, evidence that applicant is partnering with an 

MSI or HBCU and/or that the applicant has a 

demonstrated association with other stakeholder 

group or groups representing or serving 

underrepresented/underserved communities

• The extent to which a proposal incorporates Executive Order 14008 (January 27, 2021) 

in its research plans

• The extent to which the application demonstrates the applicant's ability and preparation 

to support meaningful research soon after the grant is awarded

Program Evaluation & Selection Criteria

Program Benefits

Non-MSI or non-HBCU 

applicants are encouraged to 

partner with an MSI or HBCU 

or other organization 

representing underserved/

underrepresented 

communities through a joint 

application.
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Program Evaluation & Selection Criteria

• Applicant’s existing expertise and ability to evaluate, support, and, as applicable, 

conduct any proposed research activities

• Research resources and existing programs already available to evaluate, conduct, and 

oversee any proposed research activities

• Demonstrated experience and approach to successfully selecting, managing, and 

overseeing subawards and contracts consistent with 2 CFR part 200 and the DOT 

Strategic Goals

• Performance metrics that the applicant proposes to assess its performance and 

subrecipient performance

• Applicant’s management approach and procedures, and how planning activities will be 

implemented

Technical Merit
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• Extent to which an applicant demonstrates strong past performance in rail 

research, education, and workforce development

• Extent to which an application proposes a non-Federal share of total Program 

costs greater than 50 percent

• DOT Strategic Goals

• Safety

• Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness

• Equity

• Climate and Sustainability

• Transformation

Program Evaluation & Selection Criteria

Selection Preferences

Selection Criteria
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Program Evaluation & Selection Criteria

Key Departmental Objectives

Safety

FRA will assess the Program's ability to foster a safe transportation system for the movement 

of goods and people, consistent with the Department's strategic goal to reduce 

transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries across the transportation system. 

Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness 

FRA will assess the Program's ability to contribute to economic progress stemming from 

infrastructure investment and associated job creation in the industry. 

Equity

FRA will assess the Program's ability to address equity and barriers to opportunity, to the 

extent possible within the program and consistent with law.

DOT will assess the Program’s ability to meet one or more of these objectives. Such considerations 

can include, but are not limited to, the extent to which an application promotes:
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NOFO Overview

& How to Apply
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What is a NOFO?

A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): 

• Announces the grant opportunity

• Contains details about the application 

requirements and procedures to request Federal 

funding for eligible Programs

• Is the authoritative source of all information 

related to the funding opportunity. 

Key Parts of a NOFO
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What information is in a NOFO?

• Program Summary

• Key Dates

• Addresses

• FRA Contact Information

Key Parts of a NOFO

• Table of Contents

o Program Description

o Federal Award Information

o Eligibility Information

o Application and Submission Information

o Application Review Information

o Federal Award Administration 

Information

o Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

o Other Information
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Where do I start?

Check the FRA Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs webpage

• https://railroads.dot.gov/grants-loans/competitive-discretionary-grant-programs/competitivediscretionary-grant-programs

Click the link 

to access the 

NOFO
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Where is the FY22 Partnership Program NOFO? 

NOFO in the Federal Register

• https://www.federalregister.gov/d

ocuments/2023/05/02/2023-

09240/notice-of-fundingopportunity-for-rail-research-anddevelopment-center-of-excellence

• https://www.federalregister.gov/d

ocuments/2023/05/23/2023-

10959/notice-of-fundingopportunity-for-rail-research-anddevelopment-center-ofexcellence-correction
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Search Grants tab on Grants.gov: 

Click the Opportunity 

Number to see the Synopsis

Where do I find “How to Apply” information?
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Summary information about the grant opportunity in Grants.gov: 

What is the Synopsis?
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How do I apply?

• Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier

• Register early in the Federal government's 

System for Award Management (SAM)

• For Grants.gov, complete an Authorized 

Organization Representative profile and 

create a username and password

• Submit an application addressing all 

requirements outlined in the NOFO

Key Steps

NOTE:

• SAM registration can take up to 2 

weeks (longer if you do not have an 

Employer Identification Number)

• FRA does not control or have the 

authority to expedite SAM renewal 

requests

• GSA reported that as of December 6, 

2022, the average time to complete 

a manual review otherwise known as 

Entity Validation is thirteen (13) 

business days.
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What do I include in my application?

• Program Narrative

• Statement of Work 

o Scope, Schedule, Budget and Performance Measures

• Curriculum vitae for key personnel 

o Limited to two pages per individual

• Environmental compliance documentation 

o After selection, FRA will work with grantee(s) to ensure compliance with National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements 

Required Documents
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What forms are required?

• SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance)

oEither: SF 424A or 424C – Budget info for Non-Construction OR Construction

oEither: SF 424B or 424D – Assurances for Non-Construction OR for 

Construction

• FRA’s Additional Assurances and Certifications (FRA F 30)

• FRA’s Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire (FRA F 251)

• SF LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (only required if reportable lobbying 

activities exist)

Required Forms
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Where do I find additional information and help?

Find Additional Information about the grant opportunity in Grants.gov at the 

bottom of the Synopsis page: 
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Each application is reviewed for completeness and 

eligibility to determine which applications move to 

the evaluation stage

Each complete and eligible application is evaluated 

by a panel of DOT subject matter experts using 

criteria outlined in the NOFO 

Final funding decisions are made by taking into 

account the evaluation and selection criteria 

outlined in the NOFO 

1. Intake and Eligibility

2. Evaluation

3. Selection

4. Announcement

FRA press release announces selections approximately 

7 to 9 months following application due date

Application Review and Selection Process

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FRA’s Competitive Grants Application Process webpage

Grant Application Process
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Best Practices—

Program Narrative
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 Structure your program narrative 

in accordance with the outline 

specified in the NOFO

 Include all elements identified in 

the outline

 Follow the instructions for 

each element

 Adhere to 40-page limit – Cover 

Page does not count against limit

Program Narrative Outline

Best Practices – Program Narrative

I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management
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I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management

Best Practices – Program Narrative

 List the following elements in 

either a table or formatted list: 

title; location (i.e., city, State, 

congressional district); applicant 

organization name; name of any 

other institutions the applicant 

proposed to be members of the 

CoE; any participating MSIs and/or 

HBCUs; Federal funding requested 

under this NOFO; and proposed 

non-Federal match; other sources 

of Federal funding, if applicable; 

and total CoE Program cost.

Program Narrative Outline
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Best Practices – Program Narrative

Program Narrative Outline

 In 4 to 6 sentences, describe the 

proposed CoE Program and what 

it will entail, including the types 

of projects the applicant intends 

to conduct or cause to be 

conducted.

 Include challenges the proposed 

CoE Program aims to address and 

summarize the intended 

outcomes and anticipated 

benefits that will result. 

 This is your “elevator pitch” for 

the program to the DOT 

Secretary and FRA Administrator.

I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management
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Best Practices – Program Narrative

Program Narrative Outline

 Only include eligible costs

 Specify each source of 

non-Federal match

 Provide details about in-kind match

 Indicate public- vs. private-sector 

match 

 Describe the non-Federal 

funding arrangements

 Attach funding commitment letters

 Identify if the proposed match will not 

be available until a certain date or if 

funds must be spent by a deadline

I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management
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Best Practices – Program Narrative

Program Narrative Outline

 Address of the lead applicant and 

all other members in the 

consortium, if applicable 

 The location of potential research 

activities, if known

I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management
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Best Practices – Program Narrative

Program Narrative Outline  Detailed CoE Program description 

that expands upon the brief 

program summary. 

 Background on the challenges the 

CoE Program aims to address; 

 The expected users and 

beneficiaries of the CoE Program, 

including all railroad operators, if 

applicable; 

 The suggested basic and applied 

research and its potential 

impacts; 

 how the applicant would conduct 

any research in-house as well as 

in collaboration with consortium 

members (if applicable); 

I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management
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Best Practices – Program Narrative

Program Narrative Outline

 Include a separate section in the 

program narrative focused on how 

the proposed program meets each of 

the evaluation and selection criteria

 DO NOT rely solely on the contents 

of the Detailed CoE Description and 

Research Plan section to satisfy this 

requirement—it is OK to repeat key 

points in this section

 Quantify benefits whenever possible

I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management
40

Best Practices – Program Narrative

Program Narrative Outline

 Describe expected arrangements for 

project contracting, contract 

oversight, change-order 

management, risk management, and 

conformance with Federal 

requirements for progress reporting.

 Describe past experience in 

managing and overseeing similar 

projects.

 Describe the technology transfer 

activities that the applicant will 

undertake.

I. Cover Page

II. Program Summary

III. Program Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

V. Program Eligibility Criteria

VI. Location

VII. Detailed CoE Description and Research Plan

VIII. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

IX. Program Implementation and Management
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Best Practices
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 Read the NOFO completely and carefully to 

understand the criteria for eligibility and 

selection, and what information each 

application must include 

 FRA has identified several focus areas where 

applications that are not selected often 

demonstrate deficiencies: 

o Program Narrative

o Statement of Work (SOW)

Best Practices & Helpful Hints
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Best Practices—

Statement of Work
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 See FRA’s Statements of Work webpage:

https://railroads.dot.gov/grants-loans/

grant-administration/statements-work

 Use templates for the 

o SOW (Attachment 2)

o Schedule (Attachment 3) 

o Budget (Attachment 4)

o Performance Measures 

(Attachment 5)

Best Practices – Statement of Work
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 Organize the scope of work into discrete and logically sequenced tasks  Provide appropriate timing for tasks  Identify the deliverables required to communicate progress and 

completion of tasks to FRA

 Check the budget to ensure numbers are consistent with cost information 

submitted in forms and other areas of 

the application

Best Practices – Statement of Work
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Recap &

Reminders
47

Recap & Reminders

• Always read the NOFO carefully

• Determine what a successful Program 

looks like

• Ensure you submit all required documents

• Address all the evaluation and selection criteria 

on which you will be rated

o Be clear and direct in responding to criteria

o Make your application easy to read and 

evaluate

o Don’t bury key points!

Submit your application on time! Late applications will not be reviewed.
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Recap & Reminders

• Verify funding and budget amounts for consistency! 

o Ensure amounts match in different parts of your application package 

(e.g., cover sheet, SOW, Program Narrative, SF-424)

o Numbers in columns and rows should add up properly in budget tables

o Only include Program costs that are expected to be incurred after 

grant selection 

• Name key partners, indicate in-place agreements, and include letters of support

• Have an objective “cold reader” — i.e., an individual unfamiliar with the grant 

application — review your final document before submission
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Pre-Obligation Post-Obligation

Pre-Obligation Post Obligation Closeout

Program Selected 

for Award Obligated Period of PerformanceEnds Closed

Grant Agreement (NGA): 

• Scope, schedule, and 

budget

• Performance measures

Terms and Conditions

NEPA Requirements 

Grant Administration 

• Meetings with FRA

• Quarterly Progress and Financial Reports

• Invoicing schedule of eligible expenses per NGA

• Invoice and Deliverable Reviews 

Monitoring

• Routine monitoring

• Annual monitoring reviews/Site visits

Final Invoice 

• Financial 

reconciliation

Final Performance 

Report

• Documentation 

of results, 

outcomes, and 

public benefits

6 to 15 months 2 to 5 years 1 to 3 months

Grant Lifecycle and Approximate Time Frames
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QUESTIONS?
Contact Us

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Connect with us USDOTFRA

FRA-NOFO-Support@dot.gov

FRA Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs 

Webpage https://www.fra.dot.gov/grants