National Service; Announcement of Request for Proposals; Notice DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (the

``Corporation'') offers support for national service activities

designed to help address the Nation's human, educational, environmental

and public safety needs. The President has urged all Federal agencies

to incorporate national service into their Federal programs. The

Department of Transportation will join the Corporation in its effort by

supporting and promoting transportation-related national service

programs. This request solicits proposals for transportation-related

national service projects, and describes what kind of local service

organizations might wish to apply. It also lists specific program areas

in which DOT encourages proposals. DOT will evaluate all the proposals

received. After programs have been selected, DOT may enter into a

formal agreement to establish a partnership with their sponsors and

include those programs as part of DOT's application to the Corporation

for operating funds and for the funding of educational awards.

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul B. Larsen, Office of the General

Counsel, telephone (202) 366-9161; or CDR Timothy Beltz, Military

Assistant to the Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Department of

Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, telephone

(202) 366-5742.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIFIC PROGRAMS: Contact the persons indicated

in the programs described in this announcement.

SEND PROPOSALS TO: Mrs. Brenda L. Harris, Office of Small and

Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of Transportation,

400 7th Street, SW., room 9414, Washington, DC 20590.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS: March 23, 1994, 4 p.m. EST.

Dated: February 16, 1994.

Federico Pena,

Secretary of Transportation.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Programs and Purpose

1.3 General Program Requirements

1.4 Eligibility Requirements

2. Program Descriptions

2.1 Overview

2.2 Rehabilitation, Reclamation, and Beautification of

Transportation-Related Facilities

2.3 Transit Ambassadors

2.4 Operation Lifesaver

2.5 Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Preparedness

Assistance

2.6 Youth Traffic Safety Education Programs

3. Submission of Proposals

3.1 Content and Format for Proposals

3.2 Address, Number of Copies, Deadline for Submission

3.3 Coordination with State Community Service Plan

4. Selection Criteria

4.1 General Criteria

4.2 Priority Consideration

4.3 Priorities for Specific DOT Programs

4.4 Preferences Applying to Urban Youth Corps Programs

5. Funding

5.1 Direct Funding from DOT

5.2 National Service Corporation Funding

5.3 Matching Funds

5.4 Restrictions on Use of Federal and Corporation Funds

Application Form for Proposals--Appendix A

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

On September 21, 1993, the President signed into law the National

and Community Service Trust Act (the ``Act''). The purpose of the Act

is to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in community-based

service to address the Nation's educational, public safety, human, and

environmental needs. The Act establishes several different types of

service programs designed to accomplish these goals, and establishes

the Corporation for National and Community Service (the ``National

Service Corporation'') to administer these programs.

The service program that this Request for Proposals (``RFP'')

addresses is the ``AmeriCorps'' program. The AmeriCorps program will

enable dedicated individuals to work on a variety of community and

national service programs on a full-time or part-time basis for a

period of at least nine months. In exchange for their contribution,

participants will receive living stipends and, at the end of their

terms of service, may receive educational awards to pay for further

education or to pay off student loans.

In order to further the goals of his national service initiative,

the President has urged all Federal agencies to explore ways in which

to incorporate national and community service into their Federal

programs. To encourage the integration of national and community

service with Federal programs, the National Service Corporation has

earmarked up to $16.3 million that may be available specifically for

the planning and operation of national and community service programs

to be operated by Federal agencies or by other eligible entities (as

defined in Section 1.4.1, ``Eligible Service Organizations,'' of this

RFP) in partnership with Federal agencies. Federal agencies may also

apply for educational awards for program participants.

At the Department of Transportation (``DOT''), we intend to fully

embrace this opportunity to use national and community service programs

to further our transportation-related community, state, and national

goals. It is our mission to provide future generations with a

transportation system that is safer, more environmentally sound, and

more efficient. The strategic goals that we have set to accomplish this

mission go hand-in-hand with the goals of the National and Community

Service Trust Act. At DOT, we are striving to:

--Tie America together through an effective intermodal transportation

system;

--Promote safe and secure transportation;

--Actively enhance our environment through wise transportation

decisions;

--Put people first in our transportation system by making it relevant

and accessible to users.

We believe that national and community service can contribute

effectively to the achievement of all of these transportation-related

goals.

1.2 Programs and Purpose

Since DOT is new to the community service field, our intent is to

tap the resources of existing community service organizations to

implement our national and community service programs. The purpose of

this RFP is to solicit proposals from eligible service organizations

for transportation-related national and community service projects.

Applicants may submit proposals involving activities within one or a

combination of the five transportation-related programs that have been

developed by DOT as being particularly suitable for national and

community service projects:

1. Rehabilitation, Reclamation and Beautification of

Transportation-Related Facilities;

2. ``Transit Ambassadors''--providing assistance to the elderly,

disabled, and children in Head Start programs in using public

transportation systems;

3. ``Operation Lifesaver''--making rail/highway crossings safer;

4. Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Preparedness

Assistance; and

5. Youth Traffic Safety Education Programs.

Each of these five programs are explained in more detail later in

this RFP and are referred to throughout as the ``DOT Programs.''

DOT will evaluate all of the proposals that it receives based on

the criteria and priorities set forth in Section 4 of this RFP, and

will enter into formal agreements to establish partnerships with

service organizations that submit the proposals that are selected.

Initially, these projects will most likely be concentrated in

geographic areas of the greatest need based on the criteria set forth

in the regulations issued under the National and Community Service

Trust Act (see ``Needs'' under Section 4.1, ``General Criteria'' in

this RFP). However, DOT views these initial projects to be the

beginning of a broader, more comprehensive program.

DOT plans to fund the initial projects in these programs through

two sources. First, DOT funds appropriated to DOT agencies will be

available to partially finance projects in some of the five DOT

Programs in fiscal year 1994. In addition, DOT may apply to the

National Service Corporation for additional funding for operational

costs and for educational awards (if requested) from the funds set

aside by the National Service Corporation for Federal agency programs.

(Since there is no guarantee that DOT will receive funding from the

National Service Corporation, a proposal selected by DOT ultimately

might not be fully funded or funded at all if DOT's request for funding

from the National Service Corporation is not granted.) The service

organizations sponsoring the project will have to provide matching

funds for a portion of project costs.

Any funds that DOT receives from the National Service Corporation

will be from the $16.3 million that has been earmarked for Federal

agencies. Therefore, the DOT Programs may provide service organizations

with access to a source of funds for which they are otherwise not

eligible.

DOT will inform applicants prior to April 15, 1994, as to whether

they have been selected to receive DOT funding and whether they will be

included in DOT's application to the National Service Corporation. DOT

anticipates that notification of National Service Corporation awards

for Federal agency programs will occur in May or June of 1994.

1.3 General Program Requirements

Any proposal submitted under this RFP must comply with the general

requirements for service programs that are set forth in the National

and Community Service Trust Act and related regulations. These

requirements include:

1. Employing participants on a full-time basis (1700 hours for a

period of not less than nine months and not more than a year); or on a

part-time basis (900 hours for a period of not more than two years, or,

if the individual is enrolled in an institution of higher education

while performing all or part of the service, not more than three

years).

2. Employing at least 20 full time equivalent participants unless

an explanation is provided as to why a smaller number is appropriate.

3. Paying participants a living allowance of at least $7,440 for

fiscal year 1994 (but not more than twice that amount).

4. Providing participants with health care benefits and, if

necessary, child care benefits during the term of service.

5. Providing for participants to receive educational awards (either

from the National Service Corporation or from some other source) in an

amount of $4,725 for one full-time term of service or $2,360 for one

part-time term of service, for up to two terms of service. (If

educational awards will not be received by all participants, the

program must ensure that the distribution of educational awards is

performed in an equitable manner that treats equally all participants

doing the same or essentially similar work. Distribution based solely

on economic needs of participants is not encouraged.)

6. Not displacing other employees or positions, nor supplanting the

hiring or promotion of employees. The written concurrence of any local

labor organization representing employees engaged in the same or

substantially similar work must be obtained.

If a proposal is selected and funded, the service organization will

be required to enter into a formal agreement to establish the

partnership with DOT, which will set forth the specific terms and

conditions of the partnership arrangement, including provisions for

monitoring and evaluating the project. The selected service

organization will also be required to enter into formal agreements with

the participants in its project to spell out the terms and conditions

of service.

1.4 Eligibility Requirements

1.4.1 Eligible Service Organizations

Subdivisions of states, Indian Tribes, public or private nonprofit

organizations (including labor organizations), institutions of higher

education, or a consortia of entities that propose to administer or

operate a national or community service program are eligible to submit

proposals for the DOT Programs.

1.4.2 Eligible Participants

Eligibility for individual participation in community and national

service projects is limited to participants who: (1) are 17 years of

age or older at the commencement of service, unless the individual is

in a youth corps program, in which case the participant must be between

the ages of 16 and 25; (2) either have received a high school diploma

or its equivalent, including an alternative diploma or certificate for

those individuals with mental and physical disabilities for whom such

alternative diploma or certificate is appropriate, or agree to obtain a

high school diploma or its equivalent. (However, if the program

conducts an independent evaluation demonstrating that the potential

participant is incapable of obtaining a high school diploma or its

equivalent, this requirement may be waived); (3) have not dropped out

of elementary or secondary school in order to enroll as a national

service participant, unless the participant is enrolled in an

institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and is

considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education

Act of 1965; (4) are citizens or nationals of the United States; and

(5) meet the task-related eligibility requirements established by the

program.

2. Program Descriptions

2.1 Overview

To implement its national and community service program, DOT has

identified five specific national and community service programs that

combine the goals and priorities of the National and Community Service

Trust Act and the goals and priorities of DOT. Applicants may submit

proposals falling within one or a combination of DOT Programs. The

proposals should tailor the selected DOT Program(s) to the specific

needs of the community to be served. The following is a description of

the five DOT Programs:

2.2 Rehabilitation, Reclamation, and Beautification of Transportation-

Related Facilities

2.2.1 Description of Program

The DOT program for ``Rehabilitation, Reclamation and

Beautification of Transportation-Related Facilities'' has been

developed to implement the provisions of section 106(d) of the Act,

which establishes an urban youth corps in DOT, and authorizes the

Secretary of Transportation to enter into formal agreements to form

partnerships with qualified urban youth corps. The Secretary may make

grants of DOT funds to States (and through States to local governments)

for the purpose of supporting qualified urban youth corps projects. In

addition, proposals for qualified urban youth corps projects to be

conducted by eligible service organizations (as defined in Section

1.4.1 of this RFP) may be included in DOT's application for funding

from the National Service Corporation. These include projects that the

Secretary is authorized to carry out under other authority of law

involving public works resources or facilities.

Section 106(d) is based on the finding of Congress that public

works and transportation resources are in need of labor intensive

rehabilitation, reclamation, and beautification work that has been

neglected in the past and cannot be adequately carried out by Federal,

State, and local government at existing personnel levels.

Rehabilitation, reclamation, and beautification of public roads and

public works facilities through the efforts of young people in the

United States participating in urban youth corps can benefit these

youths and their communities.

An urban youth corps project that would qualify under this DOT

Program is one that is established by an eligible service organization

(as defined under Section 1.4.1 of this RFP) and that:

a. Is capable of offering meaningful, full-time, productive work

for individuals between the ages of 16 and 25, inclusive, in an urban

public works or transportation setting;

b. Gives participants a mix of work experience, basic and life

skills, education, training, and support services; and

c. Provides participants with the opportunity to develop

citizenship values and skills through service to their communities and

the United States.

Although any project proposed under this Program should involve an

urban youth corps in a significant portion of the work, the proposal

may also include other eligible groups of community service

participants that will work along with the urban youth corps.

Potential projects include organizing and managing community

beautification projects to plant trees and flowers adjacent to highways

and transportation terminals and corridors; coordinating with railroad

companies to organize clean up campaigns and work days along railroad

tracks and rights of way; working with local artists to beautify

terminals and facilities with art work; and clean up and beautification

of roadsides, transportation corridors, and access to transportation

facilities. Community service projects will be associated with at least

one mode of transportation, i.e., rail, transit, or highway.

All projects will need to be coordinated with the organizations

having authority over the relevant transportation facilities (such as

State Departments of Transportation, local Metropolitan Planning

Organizations (MPOs), or transit authorities). As part of its proposal

under this DOT Program, an applicant will need to show that the project

is acceptable to the relevant transportation organizations.

2.2.2 Goals and Priorities

This program addresses the following national priorities

established by the National Service Corporation:

a. Education--Urban youth corps projects will include specific

project-related and general job skills training that will prepare

participants for future employment opportunities. Training will also

include specific skills related to the project being undertaken, such

as carpentry, landscaping, and environmental planning.

b. Public Safety--Recruiting at-risk youths in urban settings for

participation in youth corps activities will provide opportunities for

youths to be productively involved in community activities, reducing

the inclination to turn to activities such as drug dealing or other

crimes. In addition, cleaner transportation facilities will make the

facilities more attractive, drawing more users, and in turn, making

them safer for use by all.

c. Human Needs--Urban youth corps projects will provide job skills

training that will help individuals become self-sufficient. Job skills

will include basics such as taking responsibility for attendance, being

accountable for work products, and dealing with supervisors. In

addition, these projects will be targeted at improving communities and

neighborhoods.

d. Environment--Rehabilitation, reclamation and beautification of

transportation facilities will enhance neighborhoods as well as assist

in conserving and restoring the environment.

2.2.3 Anticipated Outcomes and Results

Urban youth corps projects will result in benefits to communities,

neighborhoods, and transportation facilities in the form of renovated,

restored, and cleaner facilities and areas. Participants will not only

have the opportunity to perform community service but will learn job

skills that will prepare them for future employment opportunities.

2.2.4 Funding

The Federal share of funding for urban youth corps projects may be

provided from existing DOT program funds and state Federal-aid funds.

DOT intends to apply for any additional funds needed for program costs,

including living allowances, educational awards, health insurance, and

child care costs, from the National Service Corporation. It is

anticipated that direct funding for the Rehabilitation, Reclamation,

and Beautification of Transportation-Related Facilities Program may be

available from DOT in future years.

2.2.5 DOT Agency Involvement and Expertise Available

DOT agencies involved in this Program include the Federal Highway

Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal

Railroad Administration. For the selected proposals, DOT

representatives will work with sponsoring organizations to contact

State DOTs, MPOs, transit authorities, etc., with authority over the

relevant transportation facilities to assist with project arrangements

and agreements.

2.2.6 DOT Contacts

Karen Kabel, Federal Highway Administration (HMS-31) (202) 366-9074,

FAX (202) 366-3235

Gordon Smith, Federal Railroad Administration (RAD-10.1) (202) 366-

0589, FAX (202) 366-7439

Roger Tate, Federal Transit Administration (TTS-31) (202) 366-0235, FAX

(202) 366-3765

Address: 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20950.

2.3 Transit Ambassadors

2.3.1 Description of Program

The DOT Federal Transit Administration's program for ``Transit

Ambassadors'' proposes to use participants in community service

programs to help elderly and disabled persons learn to use public

transportation systems in their communities. Program participants,

called ``transit ambassadors'', would assist these targeted individuals

in locating bus stops, understanding how the fare system works, and

identifying potential destinations, such as grocery stores, medical

facilities, etc. Transit ambassadors would teach individuals how to use

public transportation, and how to read maps and time schedules. In

addition, transit ambassadors will accompany persons who need such

assistance to navigate their way on conventional, fixed route public

transportation service.

Assistance may be of a one-time nature to acquaint an individual

with public transportation routes and services. Transit Ambassadors may

also provide regular or scheduled guide services. The most minimal sort

of service the transit ambassador could provide would simply be

visiting an individual and providing schedule and fare information, and

answering questions about a pending trip or series of trips. The

service would include training individuals about their neighborhood and

the shops within it, increasing the confidence level for those who then

could move around independently and provide overall better security in

the affected neighborhoods.

As part of this program, transit ambassadors will assess the local

transportation facilities to identify obstacles that prevent disabled

and elderly persons from safely and easily traveling on public

transportation, and will work with local transportation authorities to

remove these obstacles. The transit ambassadors will also work with the

local transit authorities to develop and distribute information that

will facilitate and encourage the use of public transportation by the

elderly and disabled (such as more easily readable bus schedules,

community maps showing routes to locations of particular interest, or

information on special fares or rates available for the elderly or

disabled).

This program also has the potential for developing partnerships

with other Federal agencies (such as the Department of Health and Human

Services or the Department of Education) to accompany youths to and

from Head Start Programs and, in addition, provide assistance to Head

Start teachers during class. In such a partnership, transit ambassadors

could also be trained as aides on transportation vehicles to and from

Head Start facilities/programs. Transit ambassadors could instruct Head

Start children and their parents on the routes to bus stops, and teach

the children about proper behavior and safety procedures while riding

on a bus. Transit ambassadors could also act as aides to Head Start

teachers during the remainder of the day.

2.3.2 Goals and Priorities

Transit Ambassadors will address the following national priorities:

a. Public Safety. By providing escorts and training for elderly and

disabled persons, this program will help decrease potential violence to

elderly and disabled citizens; transportation assistance for the Head

Start program will also increase safety to and from bus stops and on

those buses.

b. Health and Human Needs. Transportation assistance for elderly

and disabled persons will enable them to get to medical and other

facilities more readily and more independently.

c. Mitigate the impact of unfunded mandates. The Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all public transit systems to provide

supplementary door-to-door paratransit service for those individuals

who are unable to use even fully accessible public transit. The Transit

Ambassador Program will help instill confidence in elderly and disabled

persons in the use of conventional public transportation and limit the

call for more expensive door-to-door paratransit to individuals with

mobility difficulties.

d. Education. Transit ambassador participating in programs with the

elderly and disabled will learn about the needs of those populations

and will help to integrate them into mainstream society.

In addition, if cooperative partnerships are formed with other

Federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services

and the Department of Education, the Transit Ambassadors Program will

provide aides for Head Start programs and help make children more

``school ready.'' In such a partnership, transit ambassadors will be

able to work with children on the bus and in class, and provide

information to them and their parents.

2.3.3 Anticipated Outcomes and Results

a. The program will benefit the local community and transit

operators. Elderly and disabled citizens will be able to participate in

the community. Transit Ambassadors will develop knowledge of needs of

the populations served and increase skills for dealing with these

populations.

b. Disciplines learned in this program can be carried over into

careers in the medical field, social services, transportation and

education.

2.3.4 Funding

Funding for this proposal will be available from the Federal

Transit Administration at an anticipated level of up to $235,000 for

program costs. DOT intends to apply for any additional funds needed for

program costs, including living allowances, educational awards, health

insurance, and child care costs, from the National Service Corporation.

It is anticipated that direct funding for the Transit Ambassadors

Program may be available from DOT in future years.

2.3.5 DOT Agency Involvement and Expertise Available

The Federal Transit Administration will be the agency within DOT

that will implement the Transit Ambassador Program.

2.3.6 DOT Contact

Roger Tate, Federal Transit Administration, Room 6100 A, 400 7th Street

SW., Washington, DC 20590, Phone: (202) 366-0235.

2.4 Operation Lifesaver

2.4.1 Description of Program

``Operation Lifesaver'' is an active, continuous national public

information and education program that works in conjunction with the

DOT Federal Railroad Administration. This program provides help in

preventing and reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities and in

improving driver performance at the nation's 300,000 public and private

rail/highway grade crossings. Operation Lifesaver originated in Idaho

in 1972 after Union Pacific Railroad and community leaders in the state

decided to band together and fight the growing number of rail/highway

grade crossing crashes, injuries and fatalities with a public education

program. At the end of the first year the rail/highway grade crossing

fatality rate dropped a resounding 39 percent.

The program is now national in scope as all states have their own

Operation Lifesaver programs. It is at the grassroots level--in the

cities, in rural communities, and in the schools--where Operation

Lifesaver has been most effective. States have reported fatality

reductions at rail/highway grade crossings ranging from 28 percent to

100 percent one year after establishing the program.

There are two concepts through which Operation Lifesaver may be

incorporated within the umbrella of the DOT National Service program:

a. The first would use a community service organization to assess

the number and location of railroad/street, road, and highway

intersections within the defined geographic area. Based upon the data

developed, the community service organization would be responsible for

developing and presenting an educational program suitable for

elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges, civic organizations,

service organizations and fraternal groups.

b. The second would address the provision of organizational and

administrative assistance to the various state Operation Lifesaver

offices through the recruitment and placement of assistant program

coordinators. These individuals would enhance the ability of the State

office to acquire information and establish geographic databases;

organize and plan educational programs and campaigns; coordinate media

initiatives and relationships; and systematize internal procedures and

processes. This concept involves placement of individuals in single

positions in a number of different states, and would be part of a

multi-state program that would fall under the national service

provisions of the Act. This portion of the program would be implemented

incrementally based upon fiscal considerations.

Organizations that could participate in the first concept include

community service organizations eligible to participate under the

National and Community Service Trust Act (see Section 1.4.1 of the

RFP).

Implementation of the second concept would be coordinated through

the national Operation Lifesaver headquarters office located in

Alexandria, Virginia. This second concept would facilitate individual

recruitment of National Service volunteers at the local level and would

provide participants with opportunities to provide service to their

local communities and states and to participate in the development of

viable transportation safety programs.

2.4.2 Goals and Priorities

This program addresses the following national priorities:

a. Education--Participants will be exposed to a variety of project

specific tasks and general job skills that could prepare participants

for future employment opportunities.

b. Public Safety--Operation Lifesaver assists in promoting public

awareness of the dangers associated with rail crossings, trespassing on

railroad properties, and improper use of motor vehicles around rail

facilities. Further, it will bring the audiences into contact with

local police and other law enforcement agencies, which will open the

lines of communication and create opportunities for cooperation.

c. Human Needs--This Program will stimulate awareness of rail and

highway safety-related problems within local and State communities and

bring people together to address them. The programs will also provide

safety training to a wide audience, ranging in age from pre-schoolers

to senior citizens.

d. Environment--Operation Lifesaver has been successful in reducing

community environmental hazards associated with rail crossings.

2.4.3 Anticipated Outcomes and Results

a. The utilization of a community service organization would result

in benefits to the local communities and provide needed public

education in the area of rail safety to the specifically targeted

audiences and the general public. As past records have shown, there

should be a downward trend in accidents, injuries, and trespasser

violations in conjunction with the Operation Lifesaver Program. The

statistics developed would be readily available for program evaluation,

cost analysis, and community acceptance and adoption.

b. The hiring and placement of assistant administrative

coordinators throughout the Operation Lifesaver system would result in

better coordination of the program with railroad companies, law

enforcement agencies, local and state governments, the various

informational media and the general population. The opportunity to

function within an established program would enhance the job skills and

personal marketability for the participants for future endeavors.

Both concepts will expose the participants to the opportunity to

perform community service, and enhance the development of personal

qualities, educational values and positive work ethics.

2.4.4 Funding

DOT intends to apply for funding for program costs, including

living allowances, educational awards, health insurance, and child care

costs, from the National Service Corporation. A budgetary review is

ongoing at this time to seek other sources of funding within DOT. The

National and Community Service Act will be an item in the Fiscal Year

1996 budget submission of the Federal Railroad Administration, and it

is anticipated that direct funding for national service involvement in

the Operation Lifesaver program may be available from DOT in future

years.

2.4.5 DOT Agency Involvement and Expertise Available

The Operation Lifesaver and adjunct trespasser programs are

addressed by several of the DOT modal administrations, specifically the

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Federal Highway

Administration (FHWA).

2.4.6 DOT Contacts

Gordon J. Smith, Federal Railroad Administration, Office of

Administration, (202) 366-0589, FAX (202) 366-7439

Bruce George, Highway Rail Crossing and Trespasser Division, Federal

Railroad Administration, (202) 366-0533

Mailing Address: Room 8232, 400 7th St. SW., Washington DC 20590

2.5 Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Preparedness

Assistance

2.5.1 Description of Program

a. Background. The DOT Research and Special Programs

Administration, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS), currently

carries out a national safety program to protect against the risks to

life, health, property, and the environment inherent in the

transportation of hazardous materials by water, air, highway and

railroad. OHMS plans, implements, and manages hazardous materials

regulatory, enforcement, and outreach programs, and administers a user

fee funded grant program to States and Indian tribes for planning and

training for hazardous materials emergencies.

The number and type of entities regulated by OHMS have increased

dramatically since 1990, when the Hazardous Materials Transportation

Act (HMTA) was amended. Prior to 1990, the office had jurisdiction over

approximately 40,000 hazardous materials shippers and carriers. In the

future, the inclusion of intrastate shippers and carriers will bring an

additional 110,000 newly regulated shippers and carriers mandated by

the HMTA amendment under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

Certain shippers and carriers are required to register with the

Department and pay an annual fee. The Hazardous Materials Registration

Program, which began in September 1992, funds emergency preparedness

grants to States and Indian tribes for training and preparing to

respond to hazardous materials emergencies.

The HMTA Grant Program was presented to Congress in 1990 during the

legislative process reauthorizing the Hazardous Materials

Transportation Act of 1974. Grant funds were first distributed in

Fiscal Year 1993. The HMTA grant program is carefully crafted to build

upon existing programs and relationships. It has increased the emphasis

on improving the capability of communities to plan for the full range

of transportation related hazardous materials risks they face.

Forty-seven States are participating in the HMTA grant program--an

overwhelming first year response. Fifty-eight grants, totaling

approximately $8.4 million, were given to States, Tribes, and

Territories in the first grant budget period. 180,000 emergency

responders will be trained with HMTA grant funds in the first year of

the program; 81% of these responders are either paid or volunteer

firefighters.

The existing grant process begins with each participating State's

Governor determining which agency within the State receives the HMTA

grant. The selected agency distributes funds in accordance with HMTA

grant rules and required certifications, ensuring the assistance is

provided to intended recipients. The grant distribution system allows

each State's Governor to make decisions on funding based on local

factors, and allows DOT to leverage resources, thereby operating the

HMTA grant program efficiently. The HMTA grant distribution system is

lean, and gives exceptionally responsive service to State grantees.

b. National Service Corps. Under the OHMS's ``Hazardous Materials

Transportation Emergency Preparedness Assistance'' Program, national

service funding will be used to employ national service participants as

assistants to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local

Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and State Emergency Management

Agency levels. This Program will reinforce the Nation's Hazardous

Materials Transportation Emergency Response/State Emergency Response

structure, one of the objectives of the existing HMTA grant program.

Local SERC/LEPC/emergency management national service participants

may serve as assistants to prepare local emergency plans, perform

hazardous materials commodity flow studies, and coordinate exercise of

plans. These jobs, requiring little previous experience, could be

learned mainly through on-the-job training.

Use of national service funds to increase the effectiveness of the

nationally recognized HMTA grant program would not only help the nation

and localities, but also give national service participants experience

in, and access to, an industry which is experiencing growth. The

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, a reaction

in part to the Bhopal, India tragedy, created SERCs and LEPCs to plan

for emergency response, including feedback and coordination from

broadly based local groups; many responsibilities were levied on states

and localities with little funding. This program can provide assistance

not previously available. Similarly, state emergency management

agencies need assistance with hazardous materials planning and training

grants.

It is proposed that national service participants be involved as

follows:

1. A day in the life of a national service participant might

include assignment to an LEPC. For this participant the day might

include working under the LEPC chairperson's supervision to gather data

at the state police inspection point for a commodity flow study. The

participant might use the data while interacting with LEPC members at

an evening meeting. As a result of the meeting the LEPC might modify

their emergency plan.

2. At other times the participant might distribute material safety

data sheets to the public, conduct community outreach meetings, or

receive notification of a hazardous materials release and provide

support for the SERC/LEPC or the community. At a state emergency

information center, the participant might assist the watch officer in

preparing and distributing the daily situation report.

3. Daily activities provide on-the-job training. For example, data

may have indicated heavy transport of gasoline indicating the need for

training in response to tanker incidents. The participant learns from

experience the interaction between data, planning, and training. The

participant might also be mentored by the members of the LEPC, the

response community, or the trucking industry. In this way, the public

good is served and the participant receives valuable training.

2.5.2 Goals and Priorities

The proposed program meets all criteria for funding under the

President's National Service program; it improves public safety and

health, guards the environment, and educates program participants. The

program addresses national service priorities while at the same time

provides an opportunity for public service and giving participants

training that may enable them to gain employment later. It specifically

addresses the following national priorities:

a. Environment. The program will help eliminate environmental risks

through education of communities and through risk preparation/

prevention. Development of currently unavailable databases could

provide the information especially helpful in accident avoidance and

response. Hazardous materials planning and training assistant positions

at SERC/LEPCs and HMTA State grantee offices are currently going

unfilled.

b. Education. If students are selected for these positions, this

program will meet the ``Education'' national priority. On-the-job

training will provide unparalleled opportunities for individuals to

learn skills leading to diplomas or equivalent recognition of

accomplishment.

In addition, this program addresses two Department of

Transportation Strategic Goals: (1) Promoting safe and secure

transportation, and (2) enhancing the environment through wise

transportation decisions.

2.5.3 Anticipated Outcomes and Results

Communities and individuals will benefit from national service

participation. Participants can contribute to an increased awareness of

environmental protection and emergency response. Community outreach, a

possible activity for participants, can help involve residents in

discussion of issues and formulation of policy that can directly

benefit the community.

An ultimate goal of individual programs would be improved emergency

response. Schools and community groups can be targets for educational

programs, thereby increasing the knowledge level in the community.

2.5.4 Funding

Up to $60,000 of the Federal share of living allowances for

participants may be provided by the Research and Special Programs

Administration in DOT. DOT intends to apply for any additional funds

needed for program costs, including living allowances, educational

awards, health insurance, and child care costs, from the National

Service Corporation.

2.5.5 DOT Agencies Involved and Expertise Available

The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety within the Research and

Special Programs Administration will be the office in DOT that will

implement this Program.

2.5.6 DOT Contact

The primary contact for DOT for the Hazardous Materials

Transportation Emergency Preparedness Assistance Program will be:

Charles Rogoff, HMTA Grants Manager, Office of Hazardous Materials

Safety, the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA). (202)

366-0001,

The National Service Program contact is:

Jim Kabel, Office of Policy and Program Support, RSPA (202) 366-6714.

2.6 Youth Traffic Safety Education Programs

2.6.1 Description of Program

a. Background and purpose. The DOT National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration's program for Youth Traffic Safety Education offers the

opportunity to train young volunteers aged 16 to 25 to be proficient in

traffic safety and then become positive role models for traffic safety

behaviors for both younger children and their young adult peers. The

children, youth, and young adult populations are over-represented in

fatal motor vehicle crashes and are therefore at very high risk of

being involved in potentially life-threatening or debilitating motor

vehicle incidents.

In the U.S., injury is the leading cause of death for people ages 1

to 44. Traffic crashes alone are consistently the leading cause of

death for persons between the ages of 5 and 34. Many of the deaths and

injuries that occur on our roads are not the result of unavoidable

incidents. By and large, these consequences are the result of failure

to take proper precautions such as wearing safety belts and bicycle

helmets as well as unsafe behaviors such as speeding and impaired

driving. These losses strike particularly hard on young families and

young children.

Attempts to improve chances of survival focusing on injury

prevention call for traffic safety programs to increase safe behaviors.

Increasing safe behaviors depends largely on educating individuals

about precautionary measures and rules of the road such as using child

safety seats to transport young children, buckling up all motor vehicle

passengers, practicing safe bicycle and pedestrian behaviors, not

speeding, and never driving impaired or riding with an impaired driver.

b. Scope of work. This project calls for a two-phase activity for

the grantee to train young adult volunteer participants on critical

traffic safety issues and to conduct educational activities using

trained volunteers to promote highway safety for children and youth

from prekindergarten through eighth grade. The educational activities

use peer and cross-age mentoring as a teaching technique that has been

found quite effective with this age group. Phase one is the development

and conduct of training. Phase two is the program implementation.

Prior to applying, the potential applicant shall conduct a

preliminary assessment and problem identification, to the extent

possible, of the current status of community traffic fatalities and

injuries as well as safety activities and resources, consulting sources

such as the state office of highway safety, law enforcement agencies,

hospitals, health clinics, and local chapters of other organizations

involved with traffic safety efforts such as SAFE KIDS Coalition,

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Students Against Driving

Drunk (SADD). The state office of highway safety may be able to provide

a general outline of the problem and many of the activities underway

within a designated area. The applicant shall use the preliminary

assessment to help design a complementary plan of educational

activities, providing both the preliminary community assessment and the

educational activity plan as part of the application.

i. Program Phase One. Phase one will entail completing the

preliminary community assessment, finalizing the educational program

plan, and developing and implementing the training component. In

preparation for dealing with the complex and technical highway safety

issues, a training program for community service volunteers including

specialized training and experiential learning will be the integral

part of the preparation for conducting educational safety activities.

The training program will be developed and implemented with the

consultation and coordination of the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (``NHTSA'') and community experts corresponding with the

educational activity plan. The training program must also be

coordinated with and approved by the traffic unit of the local law

enforcement department. Ideally, local law enforcement will be

represented in training sessions to the extent possible. All

participating program volunteers will complete initial training

demonstrating a minimum level of knowledge and skills before beginning

traffic safety education activities. The training program may extend

into the program implementation phase as appropriate for continued

instruction and consultation with experts.

ii. Program Phase Two. The grantee will then utilize trained

volunteers to implement key traffic safety programs to meet local needs

using available resources. Programs should incorporate one or more of

the following traffic safety areas: child passenger safety, pedestrian

safety, bicycle safety, safety belt use, and alcohol impairment.

Several activities may be done concurrently or consecutively for added

impact in a given traffic safety area or increased exposure to distinct

traffic safety issues. Subjects may also be combined for a more

comprehensive traffic-safety message. Suggested activities in the

corresponding traffic safety areas include but are not limited to the

following:

Child Passenger Safety

Bounty Program

A Bounty Program utilizes volunteers to work with merchants and

others to remove no-longer-safe child safety seats from the reuse and

resale markets. No-longer-safe car seats include those manufactured

before current standards; no longer containing labeling identifying

model and manufacturer; missing parts; containing broken, cracked,

frayed, or rusted parts; under recall; or previously involved in a

motor vehicle crash. Volunteers could work with local newspapers to

publish public service announcements in the classified sections

alerting the garage sale market about the program. Safe child car seats

are available at low cost in many areas through discount stores, car

seat loaner programs, insurance companies, and other sources.

Additional child passenger safety activities could include working with

local distributors to develop a local shopping guide specifying sites

with child safety seat model availability and price lists. A ``how to''

manual is available from NHTSA to help establish a bounty program. (Can

be conducted in conjunction with hospitals, police departments, fire

departments, and day care centers.)

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian Safety Elementary Education Program

Two programs are available to reach young children with safe

pedestrian information. The ``Willy Whistle'' program can be conducted

in one or two pedestrian safety lessons. Resources include an age

appropriate video for children from kindergarten through third grade or

fourth through seventh grade and teaching guides with discussion

questions, activity ideas, and a parent letter. Both videos teach

critical behaviors needed by young pedestrians to avoid dangerous

situations. ``Wary Walker'' is a pedestrian safety school-based

curriculum consisting of five classroom lessons, an outdoor field day,

and a two-part parent/child activity workbook to be completed at home

by the family. The focus is on teaching elementary school children

basic pedestrian skills emphasizing street crossing while encouraging

independent thinking, making safe choices, and evaluating themselves

and others as pedestrians using a variety of props including

instructional videos, worksheets, cartoon characters, a pedestrian

safety rap song, and a Map to Safety. (Can be conducted in conjunction

with schools.)

School Crossing Guard Program

Adult school crossing guard programs have been developed to help

safely expedite the movement of children to and from school by creating

gaps in traffic. Crossing guards act in identified high risk

intersections separately from school student safety patrols who assist

students on school property. The crossing guard program is used in

cities of all sizes and has become an integral part of school crossing

protection programs across the country. Most crossing guard programs

are organized and administered by local law enforcement units in

cooperation and coordination with school authorities and require strict

reliability of participants. State or local legislation may establish

procedures and guidelines pertaining to school crossing guards which

could include minimum age, education requirements, and uniform attire

for guards. Training materials available through the American

Automobile Association (AAA) and other sources may be used if standard

training materials are not already established in a particular

locality. (Can be conducted in conjunction with law enforcement and

schools. Note that this project can only be implemented if it will not

displace other employees.)

Bicycle Safety

Bicycle Helmet Program

Despite the effectiveness of wearing helmets in preventing death

and serious head injury, only a very small percentage of cyclists wear

them for many reasons including misperceptions of helmets being uncool,

ugly, too hot, and too heavy. Purchasing bicycle helmets may also be

cost prohibitive to consumers not fully aware of their potential life-

saving benefits. Bicycle videos promoting safe cycling through

increased use of helmets and videos demonstrating the proper fit of

helmets are available through the American Academy of Pediatrics and

other organizations. Potential program activities could include bicycle

helmet demonstrations allowing first-hand helmet use, the distribution

of bicycle helmet discount coupons obtained with the cooperation of

local merchants or manufacturers, and the development and distribution

of local shopping guides specifying area stores with model

availability, sizes, and price lists. (Can be conducted in conjunction

with parent and teacher organizations, civic groups, and schools.)

Bicycle Rodeo

Bicycle rodeos are half or full-day events requiring fairly

extensive planning and design which teach children of all ages how to

ride their bikes safely and correctly. The rodeo allows participants to

ride their bicycles while they practice and improve bicycle safety

skills and learn about traffic situations while rotating through

several activity stations. Some of the skills are also transferable to

situations in which children are pedestrians. Complete guides for

conducting rodeos are available for assistance. (Can be conducted in

conjunction with law enforcement, schools, and youth centers.)

Safety Belts

School Safety Belt Use Program

Young drivers and passengers have the lowest safety belt use rates

of any age group. Their reasons often include not wanting to wrinkle

their clothes, not wanting to appear uncool or wimpy in front of

friends, and include myths such as ``I could never be involved in a

crash,'' ``I'd rather be thrown clear from the car in a crash,'' and

``I don't want to be trapped if the car catches on fire.'' Safety belt

use programs can be designed to correct the misperceptions with facts

and include activities that will raise awareness about the importance

of wearing a safety belt properly every time a person rides in a motor

vehicle. Activities can include taking children out to a car to

instruct them how to properly buckle up in both the front and back

seats and allowing them to practice, conducting a safety belt speed

challenge to show that buckling up only takes a couple of seconds that

could save a life, demonstrating the effectiveness of safety belts

through a carefully designed egg experiment, taking an observational

safety belt use survey of people arriving and departing school

property, and having students sign pledge cards to wear safety belts

and encourage others to do the same. (Can be conducted in conjunction

with schools and student clubs.)

Alcohol

Teen Courts

Teen courts represent an intervention approach that employs the

dramatic role of peer influence responding to youth problem behaviors

often prompted by peer pressure, such as underage drinking, impaired

driving, and other antisocial behaviors. Teen courts could supplement

the traditional juvenile justice system in which volunteers (teens or

young adults) could work with the local justice system to implement and

administer a teen court system, serving as bailiffs, clerks,

prosecuting and defense attorneys, and, in some cases, judges.

Volunteers would also coordinate recruiting youth jurors from the

community to sit on juries for individual cases. Information on how to

set up a teen court is available from NHTSA. On the whole, teen courts

help provide a diversion from the juvenile justice system, appear to

reduce recidivism, and capitalize on peer influence to alleviate

illegal behaviors. Additional alcohol-awareness activism for volunteers

could include efforts to utilize youth as court room monitors to

collect data and make recommendations to solve problems, conduct

intergenerational issue presentations, and use impaired driving victim

impact panels in presentations. (Can be conducted in conjunction with

juvenile justice system, schools, law enforcement, and Mothers Against

Drunk Driving.)

c. Volunteer Participant and Program Requirements. Due to the

highly technical nature of the program and the limitation of available

funds, this project is designed as a pilot program to train the

equivalent of 10 full-time youth or young adult volunteers. Volunteers

should be between the ages of 16 and 25, with a high school diploma or

its equivalent, working in a single city or community. The volunteers

should be proficient speaking the dominant language or languages of the

area. Volunteers should be divided into two teams of five with two

volunteers designated as team leaders. Team leaders should be full-time

volunteers with a college diploma or some college experience.

Preference will be given to volunteers, especially team leaders, with

experience or interest in education, public safety, public health,

recreation, physical education, marketing, public relations,

journalism, or media relations.

Eligible applicants will be required to demonstrate, through a

letter of cooperation, the support of the traffic division of the local

law enforcement agency for the implementation of the planned program.

Additional support organizations might include: Highway safety

agencies, emergency medical services units, motor vehicle

administration, educational institutions, public health officials, and

private industry representatives. The applicant shall also provide both

the preliminary community assessment and the educational activity plan

as part of the application. The program shall incorporate evaluation

measurements to determine the level of success of the program

activities.

2.6.2 Goals and Priorities

This program addresses the following national service priorities:

a. Human Needs.--Motor vehicle crashes cost the nation nearly $14

billion in health care expenditures each year. With each serious injury

prevented saving approximately $35,000 in health care costs, as much as

$1 billion could be saved nationally through the prevention of traffic

deaths and injuries. U.S. Transportation Secretary Federico Pena has

called for stepped-up national efforts to reduce the proportion of

alcohol involved traffic crashes to 43 percent and increase safety belt

use to 75 percent by 1997 as part of President Clinton's health care

initiative and year 2000 objectives.

b. Education.--Traffic safety education for children and youth ages

3 through 13 (prekindergarten through grade 8) aims to increase school

readiness and further early childhood development. Before children are

able to learn in school, they must be able to arrive at school safely

each day. With traffic incidents as the leading cause of death and

disability for school age children, they face a risk every day in their

transport to and from school and other activities.

c. Public Safety.--Through better education and peer mentoring,

traffic-related crimes can be reduced.

2.6.3 Anticipated Outcomes and Results

Young adult volunteers as mentors can make a constructive

contribution to a national and community traffic safety problem while

gaining practical learning experiences. The objective of these efforts

is to improve the quality of life for young citizens by raising public

awareness, reducing the severity and frequency of traffic safety

problems, and providing highway safety experiences which could lead to

related future career field choices. This program will allow volunteers

to work cooperatively with law enforcement and other organizations

within a designated community developing a positive, visible, outcome-

oriented relationship to decrease death and injury due to motor vehicle

crashes. The educational program will expose young children to

appropriate behaviors which can become habits they will model to others

and will practice to help keep themselves and others safe now and in

the future. If the program proves beneficial to the community and

agency, future expansion of a refined program with an increased number

of participants may be explored.

2.6.4 Funding

Funding available from DOT for program development, implementation,

and administration is $50,000. Application will be made to the National

Service Corporation for any additional program costs, living allowance,

education awards, health insurance, and child care costs as appropriate

for participating volunteers. It is anticipated that direct funding of

the Youth Traffic Safety Education Programs may be available from DOT

in future years.

2.2.5 DOT Agency Involvement and Expertise Available

NHTSA will act as the project monitor working directly with the

grantee to develop and implement a traffic safety training program

through the local law enforcement department and facilitate additional

state and community contacts with other organizations interested in and

working on similar efforts. NHTSA may also provide access to additional

materials, training, technical assistance, and data as appropriate. In

addition to its headquarters staff, NHTSA has ten regional offices that

work directly with the states to implement highway safety programs to

reduce motor vehicle crashes including related fatalities, injuries,

and economic loss.

2.2.6 DOT Contact

Ms. Susan Gorcowski, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,

Office of Occupant Protection, 400 7th Street, SW., NTS-11, Washington,

DC 20590, (202) 366-2712/FAX (202) 366-2766.

3. Submission of Proposals

3.1 Content and Format for Proposals

Each proposal submitted to DOT must be in the format and must

contain the information set forth in the application form attached as

Appendix A to this RFP. DOT may need to seek additional information

from applicants as a result of changes in the proposed regulations

issued by the National Service Corporation or to more fully clarify and

define specific proposals.

3.2 Address; Number of Copies; Deadline for Submission

Any eligible organization (as defined in Section 1.4.1 of this RFP)

may submit one or more proposals for consideration by DOT. Each

proposal may involve activities under a single DOT Program or may

combine related activities under more that one of the DOT Programs set

forth in Section 2 of this RFP.

Applications should be double sided, double spaced, and printed in

a font size not smaller than 12 points. One unbound copy of the

proposal with original signatures suitable for reproduction, plus two

bound copies, should be submitted. All pages should be numbered and the

specific DOT Program or Programs to be addressed should be identified

at the top of each page. All documentation, attachments, or other

information pertinent to the application must be included in a single

submission.

Proposals should be submitted to: Brenda L. Harris, Office of Small

and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Transportation,

400 7th Street S.W., Room 9414, Washington, D.C. 20590.

Proposals must be received at DOT no later than March 23, 1994, 4

p.m. EST.

3.3 Coordination With State Community Service Plan

The proposed regulations issued under the National and Community

Service Trust Act require that all community service projects be

coordinated with their state community service plan in order to assure

that the projects build on existing programs and that they are not

duplicative.

Any service organization submitting a proposal for a DOT program

must show evidence that the proposal has been reviewed and approved by

the community service commission for the state(s) in which the project

will be performed.

In addition, DOT requests that each proposal include a preliminary

evaluation by the state on national and community service for the state

in which the project is to be performed (the ``state commission''). An

evaluation form to be completed by the state commission is included as

``Attachment 6'' to the attached application form. The evaluation by

the state commissions are not mandatory and are not binding on DOT.

However, DOT believes that any information from the state commissions

would be extremely helpful in our review and, therefore, we strongly

encourage all applicants to obtain an evaluation from the state

commission.

4. Selection Criteria

4.1 General Criteria

The following criteria and weights will be used by DOT to select

national and community service proposals:

1. Need (10%).

DOT will take into consideration the extent to which both the

overall program and its particular projects will address needs

important to the community and be conducted in areas of need as defined

in the National and Community Service Trust Act. These areas of need

are:

a. Communities designated by the Federal government or states as

empowerment zones or redevelopment areas, targeted for special economic

incentives, or otherwise identifiable as having high concentrations of

low-income people.

b. Areas that are environmentally distressed.

c. Areas adversely affected by Federal actions related to the

management of Federal lands that result in significant regional job

losses and economic dislocation.

d. Areas adversely affected by reduction in Defense spending or the

closure or realignment of military installations.

e. Areas that have unemployment rates greater than the national

average unemployment for the most recent 12 months for which

satisfactory data are available.

2. Program Design (40%).

DOT will consider the quality of the program based on: the

potential impact of using proposed national service participants to

meet the community needs being addressed; inclusion of a clear and

compelling mission statement; identification of specific objectives and

indicators of success; development of an effective recruitment,

selection, and training plan for staff and participants, including

recruitment of participants and staff from the community to be served;

ability to provide appropriate supervision, counseling, service-

learning and other education opportunities, and outplacement to

participants; the involvement of participants and community residents

in the design, operation, and leadership of the program; development of

a sound plan for continually improving the program based on self-

assessment and monitoring of community and participant satisfaction

with work performed; inclusion of an appropriate organization and

staffing plan; and the program's cost-effectiveness in achieving

identified outcomes, including per participant cost.

3. Organizational Capacity (30%).

DOT will consider organizational capacity based on: the quality of

the leadership of the national service program; the past performance of

the organization or program; the organization's connection to the

community; the extent to which the program builds on existing programs;

evidence of strong and broad-based community support for the program;

and availability of additional funding sources for the program.

An application proposing the replication of an existing program

will also be evaluated based on the success of the program in its

original site, including the results of any evaluation undertaken; the

program's analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the original

program; reasons for selecting the replication site and discussion of

adjustments needed for adaptation to a new site; and the qualification

of the leaders of the program at the new site.

4. Sustainability (10%).

DOT will consider the ability of the program to sustain itself

beyond the period of support from DOT or from the National Service

Corporation as evidenced by strong and broad-based community support;

presence of multiple or private funding sources; and cost-

effectiveness. Additional consideration will be given to programs that

significantly exceed the regional match with non-Federal funds.

5. Innovation and Replication (10%).

DOT will consider the degree to which needs coincide to program

design, the innovative aspects of the program, and the appropriateness

of replicating the program in the future.

4.2 Priority Consideration

In addition to the criteria on which individual applications will

be rated, DOT may give priority consideration to all or some of the

following issues:

1. Early Start Date. DOT is interested in programs that will be

able to start up quickly after completing an appropriate planning phase

(ideally by September of 1994).

2. Participant Diversity.

DOT seeks a broadly diverse participant pool that includes a large

representation of young adults; a mixture of individuals who have not

attended college and those with college-education experience;

approximately equal numbers of men and women; individuals of all races

and ethnicities; and individuals with physical and cognitive

disabilities.

3. Location.

While DOT will attempt to assure that programs funded are

geographically diverse, at the same time, for the first year of

funding, DOT may give priority consideration to fund programs in any or

all of the areas of greatest need as determined by criteria set forth

in the regulations issued under the National and Community Service

Trust Act (see ``Need'' in Section 4.1. ``General Criteria,'' of this

RFP).

4. Matching Funds in Excess of Requirements. Priority consideration

will be given to any proposals that provide funding from other sources

in excess of the required match amounts (see Section 5.3, ``Matching

Funds,'' in this RFP).

5. Overall Compliance and Consistency with the National and

Community Service Trust Act and related regulations and all other

applicable laws and regulations.

6. Ability to Achieve Transportation-Related Goals.

DOT is particularly interested in programs that will address one or

more of the following transportation-related goals:

a. Tying America together through an effective intermodal

transportation system;

b. Promoting safe and secure transportation;

c. Actively enhancing our environment through wise transportation

decisions;

d. Putting people first in our transportation system by making it

relevant and accessible to users.

4.3 Priorities for Specific DOT Programs

For each specific DOT Program, priority consideration will be given

for proposals with the following characteristics:

a. Priorities for Rehabilitation, Reclamation, and Beautification

of Transportation-Related Facilities Program:

1. Proposal's balance between work experience, basic and life

skills, education, training, and support services.

2. Ability to adequately oversee and supervise crews of youths.

3. Demonstrated ability to network with other organizations and

proposed coordination with and use of other available organizational

resources.

4. Demonstration of how participation will address currently unmet

needs in community.

b. Priorities for Transit Ambassadors Program:

1. Ability to deal with the elderly, disabled, and Head-Start

populations;

2. Ability to deal with minor emergency medical situations, or to

provide training in this area;

3. Knowledge of the types of transportation and the schedules

available in the community, such as bus, subway, light rail, and taxis;

4. Procedures for summoning (such as a two-way communication)

emergency medical services and police for assistance;

5. Understanding of the community lifestyles;

6. Knowledge of the layout of the community being served, for

example, major intersections, street lights, and traffic patterns.

7. Knowledge of the location of destination points such as medical

facilities, supermarkets, recreational facilities, etc.

c. Priorities for Operation Lifesaver Program:

1. Knowledge of railroad and road network in geographical areas.

2. Demonstrated ability to network with other organizations,

including local law enforcement units and proposed coordination and

collaboration with other organizations.

3. Ability to coordinate and implement a training and certification

program, along with local law enforcement departments, and appropriate

education departments.

4. Feasibility of the proposed approach or work plan and the extent

to which the project addresses traffic safety objectives.

5. Administrative capabilities and staff expertise required to

successfully complete the proposed project.

6. Past and present organizational experience in the performance of

similar projects.

7. Ability to provide sound evaluative information.

d. Priorities for Hazardous Materials Transportation Assistance

Program:

1. Feasibility and utility of work program planned for National

Service participants.

2. Ability of program to assist local agencies responsible for

hazardous materials planning and training.

3. Ability of program to address the National Service priorities of

Environment and Education, and the DOT Strategic Goals of promoting

safe and secure transportation and enhancing the environment through

wise transportation decisions.

4. Ability of program to address currently unmet hazardous

materials needs.

5. Demonstrated strength of current state or local planning and

response structure to effectively use national service participation to

its full advantage.

e. Priorities for Youth Traffic Safety Education Programs:

1. Knowledge of basic traffic safety issues and status of related

state and community efforts within designated locality.

2. Demonstrated ability to network with other organizations

including local law enforcement units and proposed coordination and

collaboration with other organizations.

3. Ability to coordinate and implement a training and certification

program along with local law enforcement departments.

4.4 Preferences Applying to Urban Youth Corps Programs

Preferences will be given to the following types of projects if

urban youth corps are used to implement the projects:

a. Projects that will provide long-term public benefits

b. Projects that will instill in the participant a work ethic and a

sense of public responsibility.

c. Projects that will be labor intensive.

d. Projects that can be planned and initiated promptly.

e. Projects that will provide academic, experiential, or community

education opportunities.

5. Funding

5.1 Direct Funding from DOT

Funds appropriated to DOT agencies will be available to partially

finance initial national and community service projects in some of the

five DOT programs in fiscal year 1994 (see individual discussions on

funding in the individual DOT Program descriptions set forth in Section

2). These funds also may be allocated to finance portions of projects

involving activities in more than one program area.

Appropriations for fiscal year 1995, which begins October 1, 1994,

are not expected to be enacted until September 1994, and it is not

possible to verify the availability of follow-on funding at this time.

However, it is anticipated that direct funding of all DOT national and

community service Programs identified in this RFP may be available from

DOT in future years.

Depending on the nature of the proposal and the DOT Program to be

implemented, it may be necessary for DOT funding to be given to State

or local agencies, which will in turn pass the funding through to the

service organization implementing the projects. DOT officials will

advise and assist a service organization in arranging such coordination

if its proposal is selected, and this coordination should not be viewed

as an obstacle to the submission of an application at this time.

Other restrictions on the use of Federal funds are discussed in

Section 5.4 below.

5.2 National Service Corporation Funding

DOT will submit a multi-program application containing all of the

selected proposals and related partnership agreements to the National

Service Corporation in order to request funding for the remaining

program costs that cannot be covered by direct funding from DOT and

matching funds from the service organization. Any funding provided by

the National Service Corporation will come from the funds earmarked for

Federal agencies. Since there is no guarantee that DOT will receive

funding from the National Service Corporation, a proposal accepted by

DOT ultimately may not be fully funded or funded at all if DOT's

request for funding from the National Service Corporation is not

granted.

5.3 Matching Funds

Each selected applicant must provide matching funds equal to at

least 25% of the cost of the program. Where authorized, other federal,

state or local sources (not including funds provided directly by DOT or

the National Service Corporation) may be counted as matching funds. In-

kind contributions, including facilities, equipment, goods or services,

may also be counted as matching funds. (In-kind contributions to be

used as a match in more that one program must be divided between the

programs in proportion to use.) Note that a preference will be given to

proposals that provide the match through non-federal sources and

matches that exceed the minimum match requirement.

5.4 Restrictions on Use of Federal and Corporation Funds

a. Restrictions on Benefits

No more than 85% of the living stipend for participants may be paid

from federal sources (including funds received from the National

Service Corporation and any other federal funds received, including DOT

funds). No more than 85% of the costs of the most affordable health

care policy that provides minimum benefits may be paid from with

National Service Corporation funds. Payment of the 15% of the living

stipend from non-federal sources and 15% of health care benefits from

non-Corporation sources will be included as part of the overall match

for the program.

b. Restrictions on Administrative Costs

Not more than 5% of the National Service Corporation funds may be

used to pay for administrative costs. Administrative costs are costs

associated with the overall administration of the program. Such costs

include the following: (1) Indirect costs (i.e., costs identified with

two or more cost objectives but not identified with a particular cost

objective) as described in applicable provisions of Office of

Management and Budget Circulars that relate to indirect costs; (2)

costs for financial, accounting, or contracting functions; (3) costs

for insurance that protects the entity that operates the program; and

(4) costs related to the evaluation of the program; and (5) costs for

salaries and benefits of staff who recruit, train, place, or supervise

participants.

Particular costs such as those associated with staff who perform

both administrative and program functions may be prorated between

administrative costs and costs directly related to program operations.

c. Restrictions on Equipment Purchases.

Not more than 10% of National Service Corporation funds may be used

to purchase equipment to be used for programmatic operation.

d. Compliance with OMB Circulars

Programs must comply with all applicable Office of Management and

Budget circulars for grant management, including Circulars A-133, A-128

and A-110, and with all applicable Federal, State and local laws.

Appendix A--Application Form for Proposals for the Department of

Transportation National and Community Service Program

Proposals for the DOT National and Community Service Program

should contain all of the following information and should be

submitted in the following format. DOT may need to seek additional

information from applicants as a result of changes in the proposed

regulations issued by the National Service Corporation or to more

fully clarify and define specific proposals.

Applications should be double sided, double spaced, and printed

in a font size not smaller than 12 points. One unbound copy of the

proposal with original signatures suitable for reproduction, plus

two bound copies, should be submitted. All pages should be numbered

and the specific DOT Program or Programs to be addressed should be

identified at the top of each page. All documentation, attachments,

or other information pertinent to the application should be included

in a single submission, forwarded directly to the address listed

below. Proposals should be submitted to:

Brenda L. Harris

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Department of Transportation

400 7th Street SW., room 9410

Washington, DC 20590

Proposals must be received by DOT no later than March 23, 1994,

4 p.m. EST.

1. Title page (to be completed on the attached form identified

as ``Attachment 1''), along with a Table of Contents for the

proposal.

2. Application summary page, providing a one page overview of

the following:

a. Identification of which of the five DOT Programs the

applicant intends to implement.

b. The specific needs to be met, particularly as they relate to

the national priorities identified for the individual DOT

Program(s).

c. Key elements of the program design.

d. Recruitment goals, including the percentage of participants

(if any) to be drawn from the national recruitment system

established by the National Service Corporation.

e. Description of the administering organization and

identification of primary program partners.

3. Program mission statement and annual objectives (to be

completed on the attached form identified as ``Attachment 2''). The

National Service Corporation has identified three goals of National

Service:

a. Community service. Meeting community needs by getting things

done through direct and demonstrable service in education, public

safety, human needs, and the environment.

b. Participant development. Positively impacting participants by

developing leadership skills, fostering active, productive

citizenship, and enhancing educational opportunities.

c. Community building. Strengthening communities by bringing

together both institutions and individuals to cooperate in affecting

lasting and constructive change.

Each applicant will need to articulate a program mission

statement that expresses the program's vision and must specify

primary objectives to be achieved with respect to each of these

three goals. (Applicants should complete three separate forms to

address each goal.) More specific directions can be found on the

back of the form.

4. Program narrative. In approximately 10 pages, organized and

labeled in the stipulated categories, provide the following

information in a narrative form with as much specificity as

possible.

a. DOT program to be addressed. Identify the DOT Program or

Programs to be implemented (see section 2 of the RFP).

b. Needs to be met and appropriateness for national service.

Identify the nature of the specific needs to be met by the proposed

national service program, including how and why these needs are

appropriately or uniquely addressed by a national service program.

(i) Needs

--Identify the specific needs that the program will address.

--Explain how these needs relate to the priorities and goals of the

selected DOT Program.

(ii) Process

--Describe the process by which the needs were identified.

--Explain who was involved in identifying the needs.

--Explain the extent to which the residents of the community to be

served were involved in the needs assessment.

c. Programs design. Describe the concept and design for the

program, including the nature of specific service activities to be

performed by participants and how these activities address the

identified needs and meet the program objectives.

(i) Program concept.

--Explain the basic concept of the program.

--Describe how the program will be structured.

--Describe where it will be located.

--Describe any institutional or programmatic collaborations or

partnerships that will be involved in operating the program,

including the extent to which the program builds on existing

infrastructure.

--Explain how the program will be cost-effective and how

participants will be fully and effectively utilized.

(ii) Service activities.

--Describe the projects or activities that the participants will

conduct.

--Explain how these projects or activities will result in direct,

measurable service that addresses the identified needs.

--Describe a typical week in the life of program participants,

giving concrete examples of the types of activities or duties

participants will perform. (Please note that projects must do more

than just keep participants busy, offer temporary solutions, or

provide free labor to organizations.)

--State the length of time required to complete the projects or

activities (must be at least one year and cannot be more than three

years)

--State an estimated date when the activities could begin. (Note

that DOT will inform applicants as to whether they have been

selected to receive DOT funding and/or to be included in DOT's

application to the National Service Corporation prior to April 15,

1994, and anticipates that notification of awards of National

Service Corporation funds will occur in May or June of 1994.)

(iii) Relation to need.

--Explain how the service activities respond to the identified

needs.

(iv) Participant training and support.

--Explain how participants will be trained, supported, or otherwise

prepared for their assignments.

--Describe the key elements of the participant training, in-service

education, or service-learning curriculum employed to improve

participants' skills, prepare them for placement, and foster

positive civic values, and promote an ongoing interest in community

service. (Note that the program must, in a non-partisan manner,

encourage participants to vote.)

(v) Participant placement and supervision.

--Explain how participants will be placed (in teams or individually)

and matched with assignments.

--Describe how service sponsors or host-sites will be oriented and

prepared for that placement.

--Explain how participants will be supervised.

--Outline the standards of conduct for participants (all community

and national service programs will be required to establish a

standard of conduct to be stringently enforced.)

(vi) Nondisplacement.

--Explain what steps have been taken to ensure that no displacement

or supplantation of other employees will occur as a result of the

project, or the project will not result in other employees not being

hired or not receiving promotions. Include a summary of any

discussions or contacts with labor organizations in related fields

of work. The written concurrence of any local labor organization

representing employees engaged in the same or substantially similar

work must be obtained.

d. Participant profile, recruitment strategy, and benefits.

Provide a description of the total number (full- or part-time) of

participants to be recruited in the program, including the expected

characteristics, attributes or skills of participants. Describe the

benefits these participants will receive.

(i) Number and characteristics of participants.

--State the expected number and characteristics of participants,

including racial or ethnic background, socio-economic status,

gender, and educational attainment.

--If the program will recruit fewer than 20 participants, please

explain why this smaller number is appropriate to the purpose and

design of the program.

(ii) Participant recruitment.

--Explain the methods that will be used or the strategies undertaken

to recruit participants.

--Explain what measures will be taken to recruit diverse

participants based on economic background, race, ethnicity, age,

gender, marital status, education levels, and disabilities.

(iii) Participant selection.

--Explain the methods or strategy that you will use to select

participants.

--Describe selection criteria, including minimum qualifications for

participants.

--Identify any specialized skills that participants will be required

to possess in order to carry out service assignments.

(iv) Participant benefits.

--Identify the benefits that the participants will receive. (Note

that all participants must receive health benefits and, if needed,

child care.)

--Describe the amount of the living allowance provided to each

participant. (Note that the living allowance must be at least $7,440

for fiscal year 1994 for full-time participants and must be at least

$3,960 for each part-time participant, and cannot exceed twice these

amounts.)

--Describe the amount of the educational awards to be provided to

each participant. (Note that proposals should provide for

participants to receive educational awards (either from the National

Service Corporation or from some other source) in an amount of

$4,725 for one full-time term of service or $2,360 for one part-time

term of service, for up to two terms of service.)

--Describe how national service educational awards will be

apportioned among program participants if not provided to all

participants. (In general, the distribution should treat equally all

participants doing the same or essentially similar work.

Distribution based solely on economic needs of participants is not

encouraged.)

--Describe any alternative post-service benefits that might be used

(e.g., tuition credits at an institution of higher education or

transition assistance).

(v) Participant welfare.

--Describe what measures will be taken to ensure the safety and

well-being of participants while working on service projects.

e. Internal Evaluation and Monitoring Activities. Describe

internal evaluation and monitoring activities.

(i) Internal evaluation and monitoring.

--Explain how you will monitor progress toward your program

objectives (Note that monitoring approaches such as community

advisory councils, participant advisory councils, peer reviews,

quality control inspections, and customer participant surveys are

encouraged).

--Explain how you will assess, on an ongoing basis, the quality of

services and the satisfaction of both the participants and the

individuals or institutions served.

--Explain how you will collect required descriptive and demographic

data (e.g., reporting requirements will include data regarding the

characteristics of participants and data regarding services to be

conducted in areas of economic or environmental distress.)

(ii) Previous evaluations.

--If your proposal is to replicate an existing program in other

areas, state whether the original program has been evaluated.

--Explain who conducted the evaluation and describe the results of

the evaluation regarding community and participant impact.

--If the original program has not been evaluated, explain what

evidence exists of successful performance or of a track record to

demonstrate its appropriateness for replication or expansion.

f. Institutional and personnel information. Provide a

description of the administering organization's past experience and

institutional capacity to operate or coordinate a program comparable

to the program(s) proposed, including the organization's ability to

recruit and train staff.

(i) Principal staff.

--Describe the background, experience and major accomplishments of

the program director and principal staff, and how their

qualifications relate to their duties in and responsibilities for

the proposed programs. (Attach resumes if appropriate.)

--If the staff has not yet been hired, explain what qualifications

the candidates must fulfill.

--Give a name, address, and telephone number of a contact person for

the program who can address any questions about the program.

(ii) Training.

Describe what kind of orientation and training, if any, will be

provided for the staff.

(iii) Institutional strengths.

Explain what institutional resources or expertise the

administering organization(s) provide that will contribute to the

overall success of the program.

g. Achievement of Transportation Goals.

(i) DOT community service goals and objectives.

Explain how the program will meet any of the following

transportation-related community service goals:

--Tie America together through an effective intermodal

transportation system;

--Promote safe and secure transportation;

--Actively enhance our environment through wise transportation

decisions;

--Put people first in our transportation system by making it

relevant and accessible to users.

(ii) Consultation with State DOTs and local MPOs.

--Consultation with your local Metropolitan Planning Organization

(``MPO'') (or State Department of Transportation if you have no

local MPO) is highly recommended. Explain in what manner you have

consulted with the State DOT and local MPO in developing your

proposal. (For information concerning the contact person for your

local Metropolitan Planning Organization, please call Ms. Susan

Gaskins at 202-366-5781.)

--Explain in what way you will involve State DOTs and local MPOs

and/or keep them informed as the program progresses.

--For projects to be performed under the ``Rehabilitation,

Reclamation, and Beautification of Transportation-Related

Facilities'' Program, explain what coordination has been conducted

with the organization having authority over the relevant

transportation facility (such as the State Department of

Transportation, the local MPO, the transit authority, etc.) to

determine that the project is acceptable.

(iii) DOT expertise.

Explain to what extent you will use expertise or rely on

information provided by the Federal DOT, your State DOT, or other

local transportation agency.

5. Budget form page and budget narrative.

Complete the provided budget form identified as ``Attachment

3.'' A separate budget form must be completed for each proposal. A

budget narrative should be attached to the form with containing any

necessary explanatory information. Applicants must identify either

on the form or in an attached narrative the source of its matching

funds and whether it has a firm commitment for those funds.

If activities under two or more DOT Programs are combined in a

single proposal, separate budget forms must be completed to show

program costs for each DOT Program, along with a separate aggregate

budget form for the entire proposal.

6. Assurances Signature Form. Complete the attached form

identified as ``Attachment 4.''

7. Certification Signature Form. Complete the attached form

identified as ``Attachment 5.''

8. State Coordination and Evaluation Form.

The proposed regulations issued under the National and Community

Service Trust Act require that all community service projects be

coordinated with their state community service plan in order to

assure that the projects are building on existing programs and that

they are not duplicative. Any community service organization

submitting a proposal for a DOT Program must show evidence that the

proposal has been reviewed and approved by the community service

commission for the state in which it is located. Evidence of

coordination can be shown by completion of the attached evaluation

form (identified as ``Attachment 6'') by the state community service

commission, by written correspondence from the state community

service commission, or by documentation of a meeting with the state

community service commission.

In addition, DOT also asks that each proposal include a

preliminary evaluation of the project by the state commission on

national and community service for the state in which the project

will be performed (the ``state commission''). An evaluation form to

be completed by the state commission is attached (``Attachment 6'').

Evaluations by the state commissions are optional and are not

binding on DOT. However, DOT believes that any information from the

state commissions would be extremely helpful in our review, and

therefore strongly encourages all applicants to obtain an evaluation

from their state commission.

9. Standard Form 424 (Request for Federal Assistance). Complete

the attached Standard Form 424 identified as ``Attachment 7.''

Please be sure that all forms have been signed by an authorized

official who can legally represent the organization.

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