July 14, 2022

RAIL

MOVING AMERICA FORWARD

Presented By:

Doug Gascon, Deborah Kobrin, Sergio Coronado, Lana Lau, Mariam Ouhamou, James Payne

FY 2022 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program 

Webinar
2

Welcome:

FRA Deputy Administrator

Jennifer Mitchell
3

Presenters

Doug Gascon Deborah Kobrin Sergio Coronado Lana Lau Mariam Ouhamou James Payne
4

Agenda

1. Railroad Crossing Elimination Program Overview

2. How to Apply

3. Best Practices

• Project Narrative

• Statement of Work

• Environmental Readiness

4. Question and Answers 
5

Railroad Crossing 

Elimination Program 

Overview 
6

Railroad Crossing Elimination – Program Overview 

• To fund highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the 

safety and mobility of people and goods.

• Published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2022 

• $573 million available

• Applications due by 5pm EST on October 4, 2022

• Please read this NOFO carefully and follow all instructions for completing and submitting your 

application. 

• Applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be considered for funding. 

There are no exceptions. 

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

CRISI: Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program

RAISE: Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grants
7

Rural and Tribal Set Aside

• Not less than 20% of total funding ($114,652,800) is reserved for 

projects located in rural areas or on Tribal lands.

o Not less than 5% of these funds ($5,732,640) are reserved 

for projects in counties with 20 or fewer residents per 

square mile.

Program Purpose and Funding Overview

Grant Conditions

• No grant awarded shall be smaller than $1M, except for planning grants.

State Limitation

• No more than 20% of total funding ($114,652,800) in any fiscal year may 

be selected for projects in a single State.

Planning

• Not less than 3% of total funding ($18,000,000) is for planning 

projects.

o Not less than 25% of these funds ($4,500,000) is for 

planning projects in rural areas or on Tribal lands.

Crossing Safety Information and Education Program

• At least $1,500,000 will be made available for highway-rail grade 

crossing safety information and education programs
8

Railroad Crossing Elimination – Program Conditions 

Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA)

• BCAs are not required, although applicants must at the very least provide sufficient qualitative 

information on the project’s benefits for FRA to evaluate.

• Note that applicants would need to provide a BCA if interested in applying for CRISI for the same 

project.

Pre-Award Costs

• Applicants may count costs incurred for preliminary engineering associated with an eligible project if

such costs were incurred before project selection for award and no earlier than Nov. 15, 2021 (date 

of BIL enactment). These costs must also be compliant with 2 CFR part 200 and RCE requirements.

Commuter Rail Projects

• Commuter rail passenger transportation projects are eligible, but commuter rail authorities are not.

• Selected projects must be transferred to FTA to administer.

Differences with other FRA Programs
9

Key Program Definitions

Grade Separation or Closure

Improvement Project

• A project related to an existing highway or pathway-rail crossing including:

o installation, repair, or improvement of crossings, grade separations, railroad crossing signals, gates, bells, audible 

warning devices and related technologies; 

o highway traffic signalization, lighting, crossing approach signage, and roadway improvements such as medians or 

other barriers; 

o pathway improvements such as bollards; railroad crossing panels and surfaces; and other safety engineering 

improvements, or highway-rail programs to reduce risk.

• An underpass or overpass to eliminate level crossings between railroad and highway users at an 

existing highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing.

• The closing of a highway-rail grade crossing to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
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• States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories 

and possessions.

• Political subdivision of a State.

• Federally recognized Indian Tribe.

• A unit of local government or a group of local governments.

• A public port authority.

• A metropolitan planning organization.

• A group of the entities described above.

Railroad Crossing Elimination – Eligible Applicants

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
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• Grade separation or closure including through-use of a bridge, 

embankment, tunnel or combination thereof.

• Track relocation.

• Improvement or installation of protective devices, signals, signs, or other 

measures to improve safety, provided that such activities are related to a

separation, or relocation project.

• Other means to improve the safety and mobility of people and goods at 

highway-rail grade crossings (including technological solutions).

• A group of related projects, described above, that would collectively 

improve the mobility of people and goods.

• The planning, environmental review, and design of an eligible project type.

Railroad Crossing Elimination – Eligible Projects

ELIGIBLE PROJECT CRITERIA
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Evaluation and Selection Criteria

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Technical Merit:

 • Quality of statement of work and application 

materials

 • readiness and completion of prerequisites

 • applicant past performance, technical 

capacity, and financial contributions

 • private-sector participation

 • qualifications and experience of key personnel 

and organizations

 • consistency with planning documents

Project Benefits:

• • improvements to safety at highway-rail or 

pathway rail grade crossings

• • proposals to grade separate, eliminate, or close 

one or more highway-rail/pathway rail grade 

crossings

• • improvements to the mobility of both people 

and goods

• • reductions in emissions, protects the 

environment and provides community benefits

• • improvements to access emergency services

• • improvements to access communities; 

economic benefits

• • contracting incentives to employ local labor, to 

the extent permissible under Federal law
13

Railroad Crossing Elimination – Selection Criteria

• Safety

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit safety justifications for a project that relies on standardized, 

objective safety metrics and data, if available, including data from sources such as: GradeDec.Net; National 

Risk Index; safety metrics found in Appendix D of 49 C.F.R. Part 222; the FRA crossing incident 

dashboard (FRA Safety Data & Reporting | dot.gov); or other relevant safety data or metrics.

• Equitable Economic Strength and Improving Core Assets

• Equity and Barriers to Opportunity

• Climate Change and Sustainability

• Transformation of Our Nation’s Transportation Infrastructure

DEPARTMENTAL GOALS

Program Preference

• Grade separations, closing crossings through track relocation, and corridor-wide 

grade crossing improvements
14

For FRA-funded Projects - the steel, iron, 

construction materials, and manufactured goods 

used in the project must be produced in the 

United States

FRA Buy America applies to materials purchased 

with FRA funds and with non-Federal funds

Consider FRA Buy America requirements in 

project planning, design, and budget

Include FRA Buy America requirements in all 

procurement documents and obtain any 

necessary certifications to document compliance

Waivers are granted only in limited circumstances 

and can result in significant delay

FRA Buy America

FRA Buy America includes new requirements enacted by the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act

https://railroads.dot.gov/legislation-regulations/buyamerica/buy-america
15

NOFO Overview

and How to Apply
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What is a NOFO

KEY PARTS OF 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 projects
17

What information is in a NOFO?

KEY PARTS OF A NOFO

• Program Summary

• Key Dates

• Required Documents

• Addresses

• FRA Contact Information

• Table of Contents

• Program Description

• Federal Award Information

• Eligibility Information

• Application and Submission Information

• Application Review Information

• Federal Award Administration

• Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
18

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
19

Where is the FY22 RCE Program NOFO? 
20

Search Grants tab on Grants.gov: 

Click the Opportunity 

Number to see the Synopsis

Where Do I Find “How to Apply” Information?
21

Summary information about the grant opportunity in Grants.gov: 

What is the Synopsis?
22

How Do I Apply?

• Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

• Register early in the Federal government's System for Award Management (SAM) 

oNOTE: SAM registration can take up to 2 weeks (longer if you do not have an 

Employer Identification Number)

• 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
23

What Do I Include in My Application?

• Project Narrative

• Statement of Work

• Environmental Compliance (NEPA) Documentation

o Note: The Applicant may include a draft document that will require development, review, and approval 

by FRA, or an existing completed NEPA document approved by FRA or another Federal agency that covers 

the proposed project scope

• Draft Use/Ownership Agreement (if applicable)

o Note: FRA requires a written agreement exist between the applicant and the railroad regarding use and 

ownership consistent with 49 U.S.C. 22905(c)(1) for projects using rights-of-way owned by a railroad that 

is not the applicant

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
24

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
25

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: 
26

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 

4 to 5 months following application due date

Application Review and Selection Process

26
27

FRA’s Competitive Grants Application Process webpage

Grant Application Process
28

Best Practices
29

 Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity 

(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 Project Narrative

o Statement of Work

o Environmental Readiness

Best Practices and Helpful Hints
30

Best Practices –

Project Narrative
31

 Structure your project 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 25-page limit

Project Narrative Outline

Best Practices – Project Narrative

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
32

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 Indicate if an application for the 

project has been submitted 

previously to another Federal 

grant program – include the 

program and year

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
33

Best Practices – Project Narrative

Project Narrative Outline

 Briefly describe the project in 

4 to 6 sentences, its anticipated 

benefits, and the transportation 

challenges the project will 

address

 Think of this section of the 

application as your elevator pitch 

for the project to the DOT 

Secretary and FRA Administrator

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
34

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 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

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
35

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 Thoroughly discuss the 

transportation challenges and 

benefits

 Include data to support project 

benefits

 Describe how project 

components are related and will 

be sequenced

 Include photographs or diagrams

 Identify all host railroads, 

operators, and beneficiaries

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
36

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 Identify cities, counties, and 

states where project is located

 Include a map of the project

 Identify railroad mileposts

 Geospatial data – longitude and 

latitude 

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
37

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 Cite specific DOT National Grade 

Crossing Inventory information, 

including:

• Railroad that owns infrastructure

• Primary railroad operator

• DOT crossing inventory number

• Roadway at the crossing

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
38

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 Include a separate section in the 

project narrative focused on how 

the project meets each of the 

evaluation and selection criteria

 DO NOT rely solely on the 

contents of the “detailed project 

description” section to satisfy this 

requirement — it is OK to repeat 

key points in this section

 Quantify benefits whenever 

possible

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
39

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 Strongly encouraged to submit 

safety justifications for the 

project that rely on standardized, 

objective safety metrics and data

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
40

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 Highlight applicant’s past 

experiences managing and 

overseeing similar projects, 

including FRA- or DOT-funded 

projects

 Describe expected arrangements 

for project contracting, contract 

oversight, change-order 

management, risk management, 

and conformance with Federal 

requirements for progress 

reporting

Project Narrative Outline

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
41

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 For FD/Construction Grant 

Application:

• If NEPA is complete: Provide copy 

of NEPA document or link.

• If NEPA is not started: Provide 

detailed project description and 

description of setting/land use, 

with visuals.

• If NEPA is underway: Provide 

current status, expected 

completion date, and type of 

document.

Project Narrative Outline *For more information on the NEPA process, access FRA’s recent webinar, Introduction 

to NEPA and FRA’s Categorical Exclusions Webinar, on FRA’s Webinars webpage.

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
42

Best Practices – Project Narrative

 For FD/Construction Grant 

Application:

• Identify any other environmental 

permits or approvals that may be 

needed. 

• Provide current status, expected 

completion date, and/or copy of 

permit or approval.

Project Narrative Outline *For more information on the NEPA process, access FRA’s recent webinar, Introduction 

to NEPA and FRA’s Categorical Exclusions Webinar, on FRA’s Webinars webpage.

I. Cover Page

II. Project Summary

III. Project Funding

IV. Applicant Eligibility

V. Detailed Project Description

VI. Project Location

VII. Grade Crossing Information

VIII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria

IX. Safety Benefit

X. Project Implementation & Management

XI. Environmental Readiness
43

 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
44

 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
45

Best Practices –

Environmental Readiness
46

Environmental Readiness - NEPA

Environmental review is required for all FRA grant-funded projects, including:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106

• Section 4(f)

• Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7

• Environmental Justice

• Others, as applicable
47

Environmental Readiness - NEPA

• FRA reviewers will determine environmental readiness based only on the 

information provided with the application.

• Provide as much known project information/documentation as possible in the 

grant application:

o Project Description

o Location

o Project planning done to date

o Past/present environmental studies (e.g., NEPA documentation)

o Past or anticipated public outreach or agency meetings

o Anticipated environmental impacts

o Anticipated local/state/federal permits and/or coordination/consultation
48

Environmental Readiness - NEPA

• Consider providing a draft categorical exclusion (CE) with your grant application

• If unable to complete a draft CE worksheet, FRA recommends, at a minimum, 

identifying the anticipated CE category that the project may fall under (FRA’s CEs 

are found at 23 CFR 771.116) 

• For certain proposals not requiring ground disturbance (e.g. training and research) 

simplified CE documentation may be considered
49

Environmental Readiness - NEPA

• If your project does not fit clearly within a CE category, an EA or EIS might be 

needed depending on potential for significant environmental impacts.

• FRA will make the final class of action determination. We can provide assistance to 

grantees on determining NEPA class of action – contact our experts at 

FRAenvironment@dot.gov
50

Environmental Readiness - NEPA

• FRA NEPA Procedures

https://railroads.dot.gov/rail-network-development/environment/fra-legislationregulations

• FRA’s Categorical Exclusion Worksheet

https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/categorical-exclusion-worksheet-0

• FRA CE Companion Guide

https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/fra-categorical-exclusion-companion-guide

• U.S.DOT NEPA Resources

https://www.transportation.gov/policy/transportation-policy/environment
51

Environmental Readiness - NEPA

• Council on Environmental Quality Website

https://ceq.doe.gov

• A Citizen’s Guide to the NEPA

• AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence Practitioner’s Handbook

https://environment.transportation.org/resources/practitioners-handbooks/
52

Environmental Readiness - NEPA

• Section 106 Regulations (36 CFR Part 800)

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2021-title36-vol3/pdf/CFR-2021-title36-vol3-part800.pdf

• Section 106 Review Process

https://www.achp.gov/sites/default/files/2018-05/Section%20106%20Review%20Process.Handout.2017.jpg

• A Citizen’s Guide to Section 106 Review

https://www.achp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2019-04/CitizenGuide2015v4-spreads%20layout.pdf

• Section 106 and Infrastructure Projects

https://www.achp.gov/section-106-and-Infrastructure-Projects

• Program Comment

https://railroads.dot.gov/rail-network-development/environment/final-section-106-program-comment-railrights-way
53

Additional Resources
54

FRA Blocked Crossing Portal

• Blocked crossings pose potential safety 

risks, specifically in locations where 

trains routinely hinder roadway and 

pedestrian movement for extended 

periods. 

• To address this potential safety risk, 

FRA established the Blocked Crossing 

Portal in 2019.

• Portal requests specific information 

from users reporting blocked 

crossings— including date, time, 

location and duration that crossing is 

blocked.

• Report a Blocked Crossing: 

http://www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings

• Provide Feedback on the Portal: 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/06/14/

2022-12785/request-for-information-regarding-fraspublic-blocked-crossing-portal
55

Recap and

Reminders
56

Recap and Reminders

• Always read the NOFO carefully 

• Determine what a successful project 

looks like

• Ensure you submit all required documents

• Address all of 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!
57

Recap and Reminders

• Verify funding and budget amounts for consistency! 

o Ensure amounts match in different parts of your application package 

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

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

o Only include project 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
58

Pre-Obligation Post-Obligation

Pre-Obligation Post Obligation Closeout

Project Selected 

for Award - Pre-Obligation 

Process

Obligated Period of Performance Ends 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 4 months

Grant Lifecycle and Approximate Time Frames
Contact Us

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Connect with us USDOTFRA

Railroad Crossing Elimination Program:

Douglas Gascon

Douglas.Gascon@dot.gov

Sergio Coronado

Sergio.Coronado@dot.gov

Deborah Kobrin

Deborah.Kobrin@dot.gov

Application Process: Mariam Ouhamou

Mariam.Ouhamou@dot.gov

Environmental Readiness: Lana Lau

Lana.Lau@dot.gov

Railroad Safety: James Payne

James.Payne@dot.gov

FRA Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs 

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