Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program

1
Disclaimer

2

The contents of this presentation do not have the force and effect of law and are not 

meant to bind States or the public in any way. This presentation is intended only to 

provide information regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. 

However, compliance with applicable statutes or regulations cited in this presentation 

is required.
3

This is a webinar for the Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program (WCPP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Posted: April 4, 2023

Applications Due: August 1, 2023

Website Link: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs/wildlife-crossings

NOFO Link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288

Funding Opportunity Number: 693JJ323NF00011
Agenda

4

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Program Overview

• Application Review Process

• Application Process

• Resources

• Questions

Source: Adobe Stock
Agenda

5

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Program Overview

• Application Review Process

• Application Process

• Resources

• Questions

Source: Adobe Stock
Welcome and Opening Remarks

6

The U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Welcomes You!

Source: FHWA
Agenda

7

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Program Overview

• Application Review Process

• Application Process

• Resources

• Questions

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Overview

8

Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions (WVCs) present a 

danger to human safety and wildlife survival.

• There are more than 1,000,000 WVCs 

annually (23 U.S.C. § 171(a)(1)). 

• WVCs result in a total estimated annual cost 

of $8.38 billion (23 U.S.C. § 171(a)(3)). 

• WVCs result in tens of thousands of serious 

injuries and hundreds of fatalities within 

the United States (23 U.S.C. § 171(a)(2)(B)). 

• WVCs threaten the survival of species (23 

U.S.C. § 171(a)(4)). Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Overview

9

WCPP was established in Section 11123(b) 

of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 

of 2021 (Pub. L. No. 117-58, November 15, 

2021), also known as the Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law (BIL), and codified at 23 

U.S.C. § 171.

The WCPP provides competitive grants for 

projects that seek to reduce the number of 

WVCs and, in doing so, improve habitat 

connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species 

(23 U.S.C. § 171(b)). Source: Adobe Stock
10

WCPP Funding

Program Funding

Fiscal Year 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Total

Available $60M $65M $70M $75M $80M $350M

NOFO Section B.1

Funds are authorized under BIL § 11101(d)(1) and appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund. 
11

WCPP Funding

Program Funding

Fiscal Year 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Total

Available $60M $65M $70M $75M $80M $350M

NOFO Section B.1

The total amount available to be awarded for this NOFO is 

$111,850,000 combining FY22 and FY23 funds, minus 

reductions due to the imposition of the annual limitation on 

FHWA contract authority.
WCPP Funding

12

At least 60% of funds will be awarded 

to rural areas (23 U.S.C. § 171(g)).

• Rural areas are all areas that are not 

urban (23 USC 101(a)(25)).

• Urban areas are FHWA Adjusted Urban 

Area. A map of urban areas can be 

found here:

• https://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/fhwagis/

ViewMap.aspx?map=MPO+Boundarie

s|FHWA%20Adjusted%20Urban%20A

rea

NOFO Section B.3.a
Agenda

13

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Program Overview

• Application Review Process

• Application Process

• Resources

• Questions

Source: Adobe Stock
14

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections
15

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Is the application Complete? 

Is the application Eligible? 

 Eligible Applicant

 State DOT Consultation Requirement met, if 

applicable

 Cost Share
WCPP Eligible Applicants

16

NOFO Section C.1

Eligible Applicants are the following entities or a group of 

such entities (23 U.S.C. § 171(c)):

1. A State Department of Transportation (State DOT);

2. A metropolitan planning organization (MPO);

3. A unit of local government; 

4. A regional transportation authority; 

5. A special purpose district or public authority with a 

transportation function; 

6. An Indian Tribe; or

7. A Federal land management agency (FLMA).

For a group of entities, a lead applicant must be identified, and requirements are based on the lead applicant. 

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP State DOT Consultation

17

Eligible Applicants are the following entities 

or a group of such entities: 

1. A State DOT; 

2. An MPO; 

3. A unit of local government; 

4. A regional transportation authority; 

5. A special purpose district or public 

authority with a transportation function; 

6. An Indian Tribe; or

7. An FLMA.

NOFO Section C.3.b

Must consult with the 

State DOT where the 

applicant is located 

(23 U.S.C. § 171 (d)(2))

For a group of entities, a lead applicant must be identified, and requirements are based on the lead applicant. 

Tribes are only required to 

consult for projects that are 

not located on Tribal Lands 

(23 U.S.C. § 171 (d)(2))
WCPP Grant Administration

18

NOFO Section B.5

Grants administered by 

the State DOT for the State 

in which the project is 

located (23 U.S.C. §

171(f)(2)(A)(ii))

Eligible Applicants are the following entities 

or a group of such entities: 

1. A State DOT; 

2. An MPO; 

3. A unit of local government; 

4. A regional transportation authority; 

5. A special purpose district or public 

authority with a transportation function; 

6. An Indian Tribe; or

7. An FLMA.

For a group of entities, a lead applicant must be identified, and requirements are based on the lead applicant. 
WCPP Grant Administration

19

NOFO Section B.5

Grants administered by 

the State DOT 

Grants administered by 

FHWA (23 U.S.C. §

171(f)(2)(A)(i))

Eligible Applicants are the following entities 

or a group of such entities: 

1. A State DOT; 

2. An MPO; 

3. A unit of local government; 

4. A regional transportation authority; 

5. A special purpose district or public 

authority with a transportation function; 

6. An Indian Tribe; or

7. An FLMA.

For a group of entities, a lead applicant must be identified, and requirements are based on the lead applicant. 
WCPP Eligible Partners

20

Eligible Applicants can provide funding to the following 

Eligible Partners (23 U.S.C. § 171(f)(2)(B)):

• An MPO;

• A unit of local government;

• A regional transportation authority;

• A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation 

function;

• An Indian Tribe;

• An FLMA;

• A foundation, nongovernmental organization, or institution of higher 

education;

• A Federal, Tribal, regional, or State government entity; or

• A group of the above eligible entities

Eligible Applicants can also provide funding to subrecipients 

and contractors.

NOFO Section C.1

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Eligible Project Types

21

Non-Construction and Construction 

Projects are Eligible. 

• Construction projects include all activities 

that lead to a built project, while nonconstruction projects include all other 

projects, such as research projects and 

planning studies

• Applicants must determine if the project 

is Non-Construction or Construction, then 

submit the corresponding forms with 

their application.

NOFO Section C.3.c

Source: Microsoft Office Stock Images
WCPP Eligible Project Types

22

NOFO Section B.4

Examples of Non-Construction Projects

•Research on safety innovations to reduce WVCs; 

•Research and monitoring on the effectiveness of 

WVC mitigation;

•Development of mapping tools to document WVCs; 

•Analysis of impacts of WVCs and best practices to 

reduce WVCs;

• Planning studies to identify terrestrial and aquatic 

wildlife migration corridors and roadway barriers to 

habitat that lead to WVCs;

• Tracking wildlife and mapping WVCs; or

•Outreach campaign to educate the public on the 

hazards of WVCs.

Examples of Construction Projects

•Design and pre-construction of an underpass or 

overpass for wildlife passage; 

• Environmental permitting and right-of-way 

acquisition to construct a wildlife crossing 

structure; 

•Adaptation or replacement of a culvert or bridge 

structure to accommodate connectivity for 

terrestrial species that are experiencing WVCs; 

•Construction of a wildlife overpass or underpass 

and fencing; 

• Preservation or restoration of habitat necessary to 

secure the effectiveness of a crossing project; or 

•Construction of multiple crossing structures in an 

area to connect habitat for terrestrial or aquatic 

species.
WCPP Eligible Project Costs

23

Eligible Project Costs include the following: 

Projects may consist of subsets of activities that are eligible (e.g. only environmental reviews and permitting).

Funds cannot be used for pre-award costs. All project costs must conform to 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E and FHWA 

reserves the right to make cost eligibility determinations on a case-by-case basis.

NOFO Section C.3.c

Examples of Non-Construction 

Project Costs

Examples of Construction Project Costs

• Planning

• Research

• Public outreach

• Feasibility analyses

• Environmental review

• Preliminary engineering 

and design work

• Preservation

• Replacement

• Reconstruction

• Rehabilitation

• Acquisition of real property 

and rights-of-way

• Environmental 

mitigation

• Permitting

• Public outreach

• Project monitoring

• Construction 

contingencies

• Operations
WCPP Eligible Project Size

24

There is no minimum or maximum project 

size. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit for 

large scale projects of $200,000 or greater. 

NOFO Section B.2

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Eligible Project Duration

25

There is no required project duration.

Research and monitoring efforts may occur for several years.

Once a grant agreement is executed, and funds are obligated, 

they are available until expended.

For grants to State DOTs, or administered by State DOTs, 

the DOT Payment System will be “Current Bill” in FMIS and 

the start of the period of performance will begin on the 

date that WCPP funds are authorized in FMIS and end on 

the project end date in FMIS.

For grants to Tribes or FLMAs, the DOT Payment System will 

be “DELPHI iSupplier” and the start of the period of 

performance will begin on the effective date of the grant 

agreement as executed by FHWA and the recipient and 

end on the project end date of the period of 

performance that is listed in the grant agreement.

FHWA is reporting program progress annually to Congress on 

this pilot program.

NOFO Section B

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Cost Sharing

26

All projects and applicants are subject to cost share requirements per 23 

U.S.C. § 120.

• Applicants must provide at least 20 percent of the total project cost. 

• The match must come from non-Federal sources unless specified by 

Congress. 

There are some exceptions per 23 U.S.C. § 120.

• Certain safety projects may be 100% federal share (23 U.S.C. § 120 

(c)(1)).

• Projects on the interstate may be 90% or more federal share (23 

U.S.C. § 120(a)(1)).

• Projects in states containing Federal and nontaxable Indian lands may 

be more than 80% federal share (23 U.S.C. § 120 (b)(1)).

• Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) and Tribal Transportation 

Program (TTP) funds may be used as non-federal match (23 U.S.C. 

§ 120(k)).

NOFO Section C.2

Federal 

Share

80%

NonFederal 

Match

20%

COST SHARE

More info on match: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/fedshare_fact_sheet.cfm
27

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Applications that are complete and eligible will 

be evaluated further. 
28

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Does the application either 

Align or Strongly Align with 

the 2 primary merit criteria? 

 Reduce WVCs

 Improve habitat 

connectivity
WCPP Primary Merit Criteria

29

Criterion # 1.1: Reduction of Wildlife Vehicle 

Collisions. 

The FHWA will assess the extent to which the 

proposed project is likely to protect motorists 

and wildlife by reducing the number of WVCs.

Include available and relevant information on: 

• WVC problem

• Proposed solution, expected impact, and 

timeframe

• Transportation facilities in the area

• Affected species

• Long term maintenance needs

NOFO Section E.1.a

23 USC 171(e)(1)

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Primary Merit Criteria

30

Criterion #1.2: Improvement of Terrestrial and 

Aquatic Habitat Connectivity. 

The FHWA will assess the extent to which the 

proposed project is likely to improve terrestrial 

and aquatic habitat connectivity. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• Habitat connectivity problem

• Affected species and the impact to them

• Surrounding land use

• Expected benefit of the project

NOFO Section E.1.a

23 USC 171(e)(1)

Source: Adobe Stock
31

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Applications will receive the following category rating:

 Strongly Recommended applications have (1) Strong 

Alignment with both Primary Merit Criteria; or (2) Strong 

Alignment with one Primary Merit Criteria and Alignment 

with the other Primary Merit Criteria.

 Recommended applications have Alignment with both 

Primary Merit Criteria. 

 Not Recommended applications have No Alignment with one 

or both Primary Merit Criteria, and will not be evaluated 

further.
32

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Does the application either Align

or Strongly Align with at least 3 of 

the 6 Secondary Merit Criteria? 

 Leveraging Investments

 Economic Development and 

Visitation Opportunities

 Innovation

 Education and Outreach

 Monitoring and Research

 Survival of Species
WCPP Secondary Merit Criteria

33

Criterion #2.1: Leveraging Investments. 

FHWA will assess the extent to which the 

proposed project is expected to leverage Federal 

investment by encouraging non-Federal 

contributions to the project, including projects 

from public-private partnerships. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• Extent of contributions

• Source and availability of contributions

NOFO Section E.1.b

23 USC 171(e)(2)(A)

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Secondary Merit Criteria

34

Criterion #2.2: Economic Development and 

Visitation Opportunities. 

FHWA will assess the extent to which the 

proposed project is expected to support local 

economic development and improve visitation 

opportunities. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• How the project equitably supports economic 

development, including from visitation

• How the improvements will not conflict with 

the WCPP goals of reducing WVCs and 

improving habitat connectivity

NOFO Section E.1.b

23 USC 171(e)(2)(B)

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Secondary Merit Criteria

35

Criterion #2.3: Innovation. 

FHWA will assess the extent to which the proposed 

project will incorporate innovative technologies, 

including advanced design techniques and other 

strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in 

reducing WVCs and improving habitat connectivity 

for terrestrial or aquatic species. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• How new technologies and innovations will be 

utilized

• Impact to reducing WVCs

• Impact to improving habitat connectivity 

NOFO Section E.1.b

23 USC 171(e)(2)(C)

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Secondary Merit Criteria

36

Criterion #2.4: Education and Outreach. 

FHWA will assess the extent to which the 

proposed project will provide educational and 

outreach opportunities. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• How education and outreach will be provided

• How the education and outreach relates to 

WVCs and habitat connectivity

NOFO Section E.1.b

23 USC 171(e)(2)(D)

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Secondary Merit Criteria

37

Criterion #2.5: Monitoring and Research. 

FHWA will assess the extent to which the 

proposed project will include monitoring and 

research to allow FHWA or others to evaluate, 

compare effectiveness of, and identify best 

practices in selected projects. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• Baseline conditions

• Monitoring methodology

• Data collection, evaluation and sharing

NOFO Section E.1.b

23 USC 171(e)(2)(E)

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Secondary Merit Criteria

38

Criterion #2.6: Survival of Species. 

FHWA will assess the extent to which the 

proposed project is expected to benefit birds, 

fish, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians that 

are Federally Threatened or Endangered Species 

and species that are Proposed or Candidates for 

listing. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• Affected Federally Threatened or Endangered 

Species, or species that are Proposed or 

Candidate for listing.

• How the project will benefit those species.

NOFO Section E.1.b

23 USC 171(e)(2)(F)

Source: Adobe Stock
39

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Applications will receive the following category rating:

 Strongly Recommended applications have (1) Strong 

Alignment with two or more of the six Secondary Merit 

Criteria; and (2) Alignment with all the remaining 

Secondary Merit Criteria. 

 Recommended applications are applications that are not 

evaluated as Strongly Recommended and which have 

Alignment or Strong Alignment with at least three of the 

six Secondary Merit Criteria.

 Not Recommended applications have No Alignment with 

four or more of the six Secondary Merit Criteria and will 

not be evaluated further. 
40

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Does the application have a 

Medium or High project 

readiness rating? 

 Technical Assessment

 Environmental Review 

and Permitting Risk

 Financial Completeness
WCPP Project Readiness

41

Technical Assessment. 

The Technical Assessment will assess the 

applicant’s capacity to successfully deliver the 

project in compliance with applicable Federal, 

State, and local requirements based on factors 

including, but not limited to, the recipient’s 

experience working with Federal agencies, civil 

rights compliance, previous experience with 

FHWA discretionary grant awards, the technical 

experience and resources dedicated to the 

project, and the ability for applicants to 

maintain the project in accordance with Federal 

law. 

NOFO Section E.1.c

Include available and relevant 

information on: 

• Ability to execute a grant 

agreement, manage the funding, 

fulfill requirements, and deliver 

the project

• Support from State DOT to 

administer the project if the State 

DOT will be administering the 

grant. 
WCPP Project Readiness

42

Environmental Review and Permitting Risk. 

The FHWA will assess the project’s 

environmental approvals and likelihood of the 

necessary approvals affecting project obligation 

and completion. 

Include available and relevant information on: 

• Environmental review process and timeline

• Status of NEPA or plans and other approvals

• Potential obstacles and proposed responses

NOFO Section E.1.c

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Project Readiness

43

Financial Completeness. 

FHWA will review the availability of matching 

funds and whether the application presents a 

complete funding package.

Include available and relevant information on: 

• Matching and leveraged funding

• Cost estimates and contingencies

• Plans to address potential overruns

• Plans to fund maintenance and operations

NOFO Section E.1.c

Source: Adobe Stock
WCPP Project Readiness

44

NOFO Section E.1.c

Component 

Rating

1 2 3

Technical 

Assessment

Uncertain Somewhat 

Certain

Certain

Environmental 

Review and 

Permitting 

Risk

High Risk Moderate 

Risk

Low Risk

Financial 

Completeness

Incomplete Partially 

Complete

Complete

Applications are ranked in each 

component of project readiness
45

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Applications will receive the 

following category rating:

 High applications have (1) All 

3s; or (2) two 3s and one 2. 

 Medium applications have (1) 

One 3 and two 2s; or (2) all 2s. 

 Low applications have any 1s 

and will not be evaluated 

further. 
46

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Does the application have an 

overall rating of Recommended 

or Highly Recommended? 

 Complete and Eligible

 Primary Merit Criteria 

Category Rating

 Secondary Merit Criteria 

Category Rating

 Project Readiness 

Evaluation Category 

Rating
WCPP Application Review Process

47

NOFO Section E.2.b

• Strongly Recommended in Primary Merit Criteria; AND

• Either Strongly Recommended or Recommended in Secondary Merit Criteria; AND

• Either High or Medium in Project Readiness. 

Highly 

Recommended 

• Recommended in Primary Merit Criteria; AND

• Either Strongly Recommended or Recommended in Secondary Merit Criteria; AND

• Either High or Medium in Project Readiness.

Recommended

• Not Recommended in Primary Merit Criteria; OR

• Not Recommended in Secondary Merit Criteria; OR

• Low in Project Readiness.

Not 

Recommended
48

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Applications that receive an 

overall rating of Highly 

Recommended or 

Recommended will be sent to 

the Senior Level Review Team
49

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Makes recommendations 

to the FHWA Administrator
50

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections

Makes final selections and 

awards WCPP grants
51

WCPP Application Review Process NOFO Section E.2

Intake 

and 

Eligibility 

Review

Primary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review

Secondary 

Merit 

Criteria 

Review 

Project 

Readiness 

Evaluation

Overall 

Rating

Senior 

Level 

Review

Administrator 

Selections
Agenda

52

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Program Overview

• Application Review Process

• Application Process

• Resources

• Questions

Source: Adobe Stock
Application Process

53

Getting 

Oriented

Getting 

Account 

Access

Preparing 

the 

Documents

Submitting 

the 

Documents

NOFO Section D
Application Process

54

Getting 

Oriented

Getting 

Account 

Access

Preparing 

the 

Documents

Submitting 

the 

Documents

NOFO Section D
Application Process: Getting Oriented

55

• Funding Opportunity Number: 693JJ323NF00011

• Funding Opportunity Title: Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Wildlife Crossings 

Pilot Program (WCPP)

• All applications must be submitted electronically through 

Grants.gov by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday August 1, 2023.

NOFO Section D.4

Direct Link to NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288
56

Application Process: Getting Oriented NOFO Section D.3-4

Direct Link to grants.gov video: https://youtu.be/sj3X2XPAQ5g

Grants.gov Resources: 

Video on how to register, 

set up a profile, and 

navigate grants.gov
57

Application Process: Getting Oriented NOFO Section D.3-4

Direct Link to grants.gov support center: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

Grants.gov Resources: 

Grants.gov Support Center

Links to: 

• FAQs

• Grants Learning Center

• Online Help
58

Application Process: Getting Oriented NOFO Section D.3-4

Direct Link to grants.gov Online Help: 

https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm#t=GetStarted%2FGetStarted.htm

Grants.gov Resources: 

Grants.gov Online Help

Step by Step Instructions
59

Grants.gov Resources: 

Grants.gov information for 

applicants

Direct Link to grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html

Application Process: Getting Oriented NOFO Section D.3-4
60

Application Process: Getting Oriented NOFO Section D.3-4

Direct Link to grants.gov training: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Grants.gov Resources: 

Grants.gov online training for 

applicants
61

Application Process: Getting Oriented NOFO Section D.3-4

Grants.gov Helpdesk

• 1-800-518-4726 (U.S.) 

• 1-606-545-5053 (International) 

• support@grants.gov

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

(excluding Federal holidays).
Application Process

62

Getting 

Oriented

Getting 

Account 

Access

Preparing 

the 

Documents

Submitting 

the 

Documents

NOFO Section D
Application Process: Getting Account Access

63

NOFO Section D.3-4

Direct Link to SAM: https://sam.gov/content/home or https://sam.gov

• Must be registered in 

SAM.gov

• Must have an UEI (Unique 

Entity Identifier) (replaces 

DUNS Number)

• These processes can take 

several weeks to complete, so 

should be started well before 

the application deadline.

Grants.gov registration information: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html
Application Process

64

Getting 

Oriented

Getting 

Account 

Access

Preparing 

the 

Documents

Submitting 

the 

Documents

NOFO Section D
Application Process: Preparing the Documents

65

Applications must include the following (submitted as individual PDFs): 

Forms are available for download at: 

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-mandatory-family.html. 

Non-Construction Projects Construction Projects

Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance)

Grants.gov Lobbying Form (Certification Regarding Lobbying)

Standard Form LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities)

Standard Form 424A (Budget Information 

for Non-Construction Programs)

Standard Form 424C (Budget Information 

for Construction Programs)

Standard Form 424B (Assurances for NonConstruction Programs)Standard Form 424D (Assurances for 

Construction Programs)

Project Abstract

Project Narrative

In addition, the Key Contacts form 

is optional for all applications. 

NOFO Section D.2.a
Application Process: Preparing the Documents

66

The Project Abstract should: 

• Be one page with standard 

formatting

• Summarize the project type, 

scope, and goals

• Describe how the project supports 

program and policy goals

NOFO Section D.2

Source: Microsoft Office Stock Images
Application Process: Preparing the Documents

67

The Project Narrative should: 

• Be no more than 25 pages with standard 

formatting. Appendices do not count 

towards the 25 page limit

• Include information necessary for FHWA to 

determine that the project satisfies program 

requirements, primary and secondary merit 

criteria, and project readiness. 

• Provide supporting data and documentation 

in a form that is directly verifiable by DOT (to 

the extent practicable).

NOFO Section D.2

FHWA recommends that the Project 

Narrative follow the outline below:

• Basic Project Information –

Description, Location, and Parties

• Budget Narrative - Grant Funds, 

Sources and Uses of all Project 

Funding

• Project Merit Criteria 

• Project Readiness 

• Administration Priorities
68

Application Process: Preparing the Documents NOFO Attachment A

FHWA recommends that applicants use the 

Application Checklist to develop their project 

narrative. 

• A tool to assist applicants provide the required 

information laid out in the NOFO:

• Basic Project Information

• Project Costs

• Project Merit Criteria

• Project Readiness

• NOT required for submission

• Only providing information in the checklist DOES 

NOT guarantee application completeness 

• Found under Related Documents with NOFO at 

grants.gov

Direct Link to NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288
Application Process

69

Getting 

Oriented

Getting 

Account 

Access

Preparing 

the 

Documents

Submitting 

the 

Documents

NOFO Section D
Application Process: Submitting the Documents

70

Direct Link to NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288

Click Here to 

Subscribe for 

Updates!

Apply 

Here!

NOFO Section D

Select Apply to 

submit the 

application. 

Once you have an 

account, you can 

stay informed by 

clicking Subscribe 

to subscribe to 

grant opportunity 

updates. 
71

See Related 

Documents to view 

the NOFO and Final 

Application 

Checklist

Click Here 

for the NOFO 

documents

Application Process: Submitting the Documents NOFO Section D

Direct Link to NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288
72

Click Here for 

the NOFO 

package of 

forms

Click Here 

to see the 

forms for 

this NOFO 

Application Process: Submitting the Documents NOFO Section D

Under the Package 

tab, select Preview 

to view the NOFO 

Forms

Direct Link to NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288
73

Mandatory for 

Non-Construction 

Project 

Applications

Mandatory for 

Construction 

Project 

Applications

Application Process: Submitting the Documents NOFO Section D

Refer to the list 

of required forms in 

Section D.2.a of the 

NOFO for each 

project type, as 

some forms listed 

as Optional Forms 

on this 

webpage are 

actually required 

based on the 

project type.

Direct Link to NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288
Application Process

74

Getting 

Oriented

Getting 

Account 

Access

Preparing 

the 

Documents

Submitting 

the 

Documents

NOFO Section D
Agenda

75

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Program Overview

• Application Review Process

• Application Process

• Resources

• Questions

Source: Adobe Stock
76

Resources NOFO Attachment A

Wildlife Crossings Program 

Webpage

• Links to NOFO, guidance, resources, etc. 

• Information will be updated as it 

becomes available

• Sign up to receive email updates

• Email the program contact

Direct Link to Program Webpage: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs/wildlife-crossings
77

Resources NOFO Section H.5

Related safety and conservation federal funding

• FHWA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Competitive Grant Programs; 

• FHWA’s Bridge Investment Program; 

• FHWA’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, 

Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program; 

• FHWA’s Tribal Transportation Program; 

• FHWA’s Federal Lands Transportation Program;

• FHWA’s National Culvert Removal, Replacement and Restoration 

(Culvert AOP) Grants; 

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fish passage 

initiatives; and

• US Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program. Source: Microsoft Office Stock Images
78

Resources NOFO Section D.2.c.iv.1

FHWA Program Resources

• Wildlife Vehicle Collision Reduction Study: Report to 

Congress (2008)

• Wildlife Vehicle Collision Reduction Study: Best Practices 

Manual (2008)

• Wildlife Crossing Structure Handbook (2011)

• Wildlife Vehicle Collision Reduction and Habitat 

Connectivity Pooled Fund Study (2022)

• Environmental Review Toolkit

• Proven Safety Countermeasures

• Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP)

Source: Microsoft Office Stock Images
79

Resources NOFO Section D.2.c.iv.1

Prior to submission of their application, applicants may obtain 

guidance from:

• An agency in the State with jurisdiction over fish and wildlife to ensure accurate, current, 

and reliable data and understand the State agency’s priorities with respect to habitat 

connectivity; 

• A Federal Agency with jurisdiction for the protection of species and habitat; 

• The State DOT or other State agency responsible for maintaining trend analysis and statistics 

on WVCs;

• The State DOT responsible for updating the State Freight Plan that includes strategies and 

goals to decrease the impacts of freight movement on wildlife habitat loss; 

• Institutions of higher education regarding landscape ecology, and current data; 

• Experts in landscape ecology and habitat connectivity;

Source: Microsoft Office Stock Images
Questions?

80

Website Link: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs/wildlife-crossings

NOFO Link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347288

Email: wildlifecrossings@dot.gov