04-23871. Fiscal Year 2005 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit Administration Grants and Cooperative Agreements

AGENCY:

Federal Transit Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Appendix A of this Notice contains the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) comprehensive compilation of the Federal Fiscal Year 2005 certifications and assurances to be used in connection with all Federal assistance programs FTA administers during Federal Fiscal Year 2005, in compliance with 49 U.S.C. 5323(n).

EFFECTIVE DATE:

These certifications and assurances became effective on October 1, 2004, the first day of fiscal year 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

FTA staff in the appropriate Regional Office listed below. For copies of other related documents, see the FTA Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov or contact FTA's Office of Administration at [phone].

Region 1: Boston

States served: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Telephone # [phone].

Region 2: New York

States served: New Jersey, New York, and the Virgin Islands. Telephone # [phone].

Region 3: Philadelphia

States served: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and District of Columbia. Telephone # [phone].

Region 4: Atlanta

States served: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Telephone # [phone].

Region 5: Chicago

States served: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Telephone # [phone].

Region 6: Dallas/Ft. Worth

States served: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Telephone # [phone].

Region 7: Kansas City

States served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Telephone # [phone].

Region 8: Denver

States served: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Telephone # [phone].

Region 9: San Francisco

States served: American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Telephone # [phone].

Region 10: Seattle

States served: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Telephone # [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Before FTA may award Federal financial assistance through a Federal grant or cooperative agreement, the Applicant must submit all certifications and assurances pertaining to itself and its project as required by Federal laws and regulations. These certifications and assurances must be submitted to FTA irrespective of whether the project is financed under the authority of 49 U.S.C. chapter 53, or Title 23, United States Code, or another Federal statute.

The Applicant's Annual Certifications and Assurances for Federal Fiscal Year 2005 cover all projects for which the Applicant seeks funding during Federal Fiscal Year 2005 through the next fiscal year until FTA issues annual Certifications and Assurances for Federal Fiscal Year 2006. An Applicant's Annual Certifications and Assurances applicable to a specific grant or cooperative agreement generally remain in effect for either the duration of the grant or cooperative agreement to project closeout or the duration of the project or project property when a useful life or industry standard is in effect, whichever occurs later; except, if the Applicant provides certifications and assurances in a later year that differ from certifications and assurances previously provided, the later certifications and assurances will apply to the grant, cooperative agreement, project, or project property, unless FTA permits otherwise.

Background: Since Federal Fiscal Year 1995, FTA has been consolidating the various certifications and assurances that may be required of its Applicants and the projects into a single document for publication in the Federal Register. FTA intends to continue publishing this document annually, often in conjunction with its publication of the FTA annual apportionment Notice, which sets forth the allocations of funds made available by the latest U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) annual appropriations act.

Federal Fiscal Year 2005 Changes: Apart from minor editorial revisions, changes include the following:

(1) Added a new introductory paragraph explaining that:

(a) Not all certifications and assurances apply to all Applicants.

(b) The certifications and assurances are pre-award requirements and do not encompass all Federal requirements that may apply to the Applicant and its project.

(c) A comprehensive list of Federal requirements is contained in FTA Master Agreement for fiscal year 2005 at http://www.fta.dot.gov/​16000_​16002_​ENG.HTML.htm.

(2) Certification 13A(1)(j) has been revised to explain that in the case of an Applicant serving an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or more, only capital security projects may be funded with the 1% of the urbanized area formula funds set aside by 49 U.S.C. 5307(d)(1)(J)(i) for transit security projects.

(3) The Affirmation of the Applicant portion of the Signature Page has been edited to clarify that the criminal fraud provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001 apply to all certifications, assurances, agreements, and other submissions to FTA.

Text of Federal Fiscal Year 2005 Certifications and Assurances: The text of the certifications and assurances in Appendix A of this Notice also appears in TEAM-Web (http://ftateamweb.fta.dot.gov/​) in the “Recipients” option at “View/Modify Recipients,” at the “Cert's & Assurances” tab. The certification and assurances also appear on the FTA public Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/​grant_​programs/​applying_​for_​managing_​grants/​3946_​ENG_​HTML.htm. It is important that each Applicant be familiar with all sixteen (16) certification and assurance categories and their requirements, as they may be a prerequisite for receiving FTA financial assistance. Provisions of this notice supersede conflicting statements in any FTA circular containing a previous version of the Annual Certifications and Assurances. The certifications and assurances contained in those FTA circulars are merely examples, and are not acceptable or valid for Federal Fiscal Year 2005; do not rely on the provisions of certifications and assurances appearing in FTA circulars.

Significance of Certifications and Assurances: Selecting and submitting certifications and assurances to FTA, either through TEAM-Web or submission of the Signature Page(s) of Appendix A, signifies the Applicant's intent to comply with the requirements of the certifications and assurances it has selected to the extent they apply to a project for which the Applicant submits an application for assistance in Federal Fiscal Year 2005.

Requirement for Attorney's Signature: FTA requires a current (Federal Fiscal Year 2005) affirmation, signed by the Applicant's attorney, of the Applicant's legal authority to certify compliance with the obligations imposed by the certifications and assurances the Applicant has selected. Irrespective of whether the Applicant makes a single selection for all 16 categories or selects individual options from the 16 categories, the Affirmation of Applicant's Attorney from a previous year is not acceptable.

Deadline for Submission: All Applicants for FTA formula program or capital investment program assistance, and current FTA grantees with an active project financed with FTA formula program or capital investment program assistance, are expected to provide Federal Fiscal Year 2005 Certifications and Assurances within 90 days from the date of this publication or with their first grant application in Federal Fiscal Year 2005, whichever is first. FTA encourages other Applicants to submit their certifications and assurances as soon as possible.

Preference for Electronic Submission: Applicants registered in TEAM-Web must submit their certifications and assurances, as well as their applications, in TEAM-Web. Only if an Applicant is unable to submit its certifications and assurances in TEAM-Web should the Applicant use the Signature Page(s) in Appendix A of this notice.

Procedures for Electronic Submission: The TEAM-Web “Recipients” option at the “Cert's & Assurances” tab of “View/Modify Recipients” contains fields for selecting the categories of certifications and assurances to be submitted. Within that tab is a field for the Applicant's authorized representative to enter his or her personal identification number (PIN), which constitutes the Applicant's electronic signature for the certifications and assurances the Applicant has selected; in addition, there is a field for the Applicant's attorney to enter his or her PIN, affirming the Applicant's legal authority to make and comply with the certifications and assurances the Applicant has selected. In certain circumstances, the Applicant may enter its PIN in lieu of its Attorney's PIN, provided that the Applicant has on file the Affirmation of Applicant's Attorney in Appendix A of this notice, written and signed by the attorney and dated this Federal fiscal year. For more information, Applicants may contact the appropriate Regional Office listed in this notice or the TEAM-Web Helpdesk.

Procedures for Paper Submission: If an Applicant is unable to submit its certifications and assurances electronically, it must mark the certifications and assurances it is making on the Signature Page(s) in Appendix A of this notice and submit it to FTA. The Applicant may signify compliance with all Categories by placing a single mark in the appropriate space or select the Categories applicable to itself and its projects. In certain circumstances, the Applicant may enter its signature in lieu of its Attorney's signature in the Affirmation of Applicant's Attorney section of the Signature Page(s), provided that the Applicant has on file the Affirmation of Applicant's Attorney in Appendix A of this notice, written and signed by the attorney and dated this Federal fiscal year. For more information, Applicants may contact the appropriate Regional Office listed in this notice.

References. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, Pub. L. 105-178, June 9, 1998, as amended by the TEA-21 Restoration Act, Pub. L. 105-206, July 22, 1998, 49 U.S.C. chapter 53, Title 23, United States Code, other Federal laws administered by FTA, U.S. DOT and FTA regulations at 49 CFR, and FTA Circulars.

Issued on: October 19, 2004.

Jennifer L. Dorn,

Administrator.

Appendix A

Federal Fiscal Year 2005 Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit Administration Assistance Programs

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5323(n), the following certifications and assurances have been compiled for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) assistance programs. FTA requests each Applicant to provide as many certifications and assurances as needed for all programs for which the Applicant intends to seek FTA assistance during Federal Fiscal Year 2005. FTA strongly encourages each Applicant to submit its certifications and assurances through TEAM-Web, FTA's electronic management system, at http://ftateamweb.fta.dot.gov.

Sixteen (16) Categories of certifications and assurances are listed by numbers 01 through 16 in the TEAM-Web “Recipients” option at the “Cert's & Assurances” tab of “View/Modify Recipients,” and on the opposite side of the Signature Page(s) at the end of this document. Category 01 applies to all Applicants. Category 02 applies to all applications exceeding $100,000. Categories (3) through 16 will apply to and be required for some, but not all, Applicants and projects.

FTA and the Applicant understand and agree that not every provision of these certifications and assurances will apply to every Applicant or every Project for which FTA provides Federal financial assistance through a grant agreement or cooperative agreement. The type of Project and the section of the statute authorizing Federal financial assistance for the Project will determine which requirements apply. The Applicant also understands and agrees that these certifications and assurances are pre-award requirements and do not encompass all statutory and regulatory requirements that may apply to the Applicant or its Project. A comprehensive list of those requirements is contained in the current Master Agreement MA(11) for Federal Fiscal Year 2005 at http://www.fta.dot.gov/​16000_​16002_​ENG_​HTML.htm.

1. Required of Each Applicant

Each Applicant for FTA assistance must provide all certifications and assurances in this Category “01.” FTA may not award any Federal assistance until the Applicant provides these certifications and assurances by selecting Category “01.”

A. Authority of Applicant and Its Representative

The authorized representative of the Applicant and the attorney who sign these certifications, assurances, and agreements affirm that both the Applicant and its authorized representative have adequate authority under applicable state and local law and the Applicant's by-laws or internal rules to:

(1) Execute and file the application for Federal assistance on behalf of the Applicant;

(2) Execute and file the required certifications, assurances, and agreements on behalf of the Applicant binding the Applicant; and

(3) Execute grant agreements and cooperative agreements with FTA on behalf of the Applicant.

B. Standard Assurances

The Applicant assures that it will comply with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, FTA circulars, and other Federal requirements in carrying out any project supported by an FTA grant or cooperative agreement. The Applicant agrees that it is under a continuing obligation to comply with the terms and conditions of the grant agreement or cooperative agreement issued for its project with FTA. The Applicant recognizes that Federal laws, regulations, policies, and administrative practices may be modified from time to time and those modifications may affect project implementation. The Applicant agrees that the most recent Federal requirements will apply to the project, unless FTA issues a written determination otherwise.

C. Intergovernmental Review Assurance

The Applicant assures that each application for Federal assistance it submits to FTA has been or will be submitted, as required by each state, for intergovernmental review to the appropriate state and local agencies. Specifically, the Applicant assures that it has fulfilled or will fulfill the obligations imposed on FTA by U.S. DOT regulations, “Intergovernmental Review of Department of Transportation Programs and Activities,” 49 CFR part 17.

D. Nondiscrimination Assurance

As required by 49 U.S.C. 5332 (which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or age, and prohibits discrimination in employment or business opportunity), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, and U.S. DOT regulations, “Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act,” 49 CFR part 21 at 21.7, the Applicant assures that it will comply with all requirements of 49 CFR part 21; FTA Circular 4702.1, “Title VI Program Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients,” and other applicable directives, so that no person in the United States, on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, or age will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity (particularly in the level and quality of transportation services and transportation-related benefits) for which the Applicant receives Federal assistance awarded by the U.S. DOT or FTA.

Specifically, during the period in which Federal assistance is extended to the project, or project property is used for a purpose for which the Federal assistance is extended, or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits, or as long as the Applicant retains ownership or possession of the project property, whichever is longer, the Applicant assures that:

(1) Each project will be conducted, property acquisitions will be undertaken, and project facilities will be operated in accordance with all applicable requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5332 and 49 CFR part 21, and understands that this assurance extends to its entire facility and to facilities operated in connection with the project.

(2) It will promptly take the necessary actions to effectuate this assurance, including notifying the public that complaints of discrimination in the provision of transportation-related services or benefits may be filed with U.S. DOT or FTA. Upon request by U.S. DOT or FTA, the Applicant assures that it will submit the required information pertaining to its compliance with these requirements.

(3) It will include in each subagreement, property transfer agreement, third party contract, third party subcontract, or participation agreement adequate provisions to extend the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5332 and 49 CFR part 21 to other parties involved therein including any subrecipient, transferee, third party contractor, third party subcontractor at any level, successor in interest, or any other participant in the project.

(4) Should it transfer real property, structures, or improvements financed with Federal assistance provided by FTA to another party, any deeds and instruments recording the transfer of that property shall contain a covenant running with the land assuring nondiscrimination for the period during which the property is used for a purpose for which the Federal assistance is extended or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits.

(5) The United States has a right to seek judicial enforcement with regard to any matter arising under the Act, regulations, and this assurance.

(6) It will make any changes in its 49 U.S.C. 5332 and Title VI implementing procedures as U.S. DOT or FTA may request.

E. Assurance of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability

As required by U.S. DOT regulations, “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial Assistance,” at 49 CFR 27.9, the Applicant assures that, as a condition to the approval or extension of any Federal assistance awarded by FTA to construct any facility, obtain any rolling stock or other equipment, undertake studies, conduct research, or to participate in or obtain any benefit from any program administered by FTA, no otherwise qualified person with a disability shall be, solely by reason of that disability, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activity receiving or benefiting from Federal assistance administered by the FTA or any entity within U.S. DOT. The Applicant assures that project implementation and operations so assisted will comply with all applicable requirements of U.S. DOT regulations implementing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794, et seq., and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., and implementing U.S. DOT regulations at 49 CFR parts 27, 37, and 38, and any applicable regulations and directives issued by other Federal departments or agencies.

F. Procurement Compliance Certification

The Applicant certifies that its procurements and procurement system will comply with all applicable third party procurement requirements of Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, FTA directives, and requirements, as amended and revised, and other requirements FTA may issue including FTA Circular 4220.1E, “Third Party Contracting Requirements,” and any revisions thereto, to the extent those requirements are applicable. The Applicant certifies that it will include in its contracts financed in whole or in part with FTA assistance all clauses required by Federal laws, executive orders, or regulations, and will ensure that each subrecipient and each contractor will also include in its subagreements and its contracts financed in whole or in part with FTA assistance all applicable clauses required by Federal laws, executive orders, or regulations.

G. Certifications and Assurances Required by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (SF-424B and SF-424D) As required by OMB, the Applicant certifies that it:

(1) Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management, and completion of the project described in its application;

(2) Will give FTA, the Comptroller General of the United States, and, if appropriate, the state, through any authorized representative, access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the award; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or agency directives;

(3) Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest or personal gain;

(4) Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable project time periods following receipt of FTA approval;

(5) Will comply with all applicable Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination including, but not limited to:

(a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin;

(b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1681 through 1683, and 1685 through 1687, and U.S. DOT regulations, “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance,” 49 CFR part 25, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex;

(c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap;

(d) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6101 through 6107, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age;

(e) The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972, Pub. L. 92-255, March 21, 1972, and amendments thereto, 21 U.S.C. 1174 et seq. relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse;

(f) The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention Act of 1970, Pub. L. 91-616, Dec. 31, 1970, and amendments thereto, 42 U.S.C. 4581 et seq. relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism;

(g) The Public Health Service Act of 1912, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 290dd-3 and 290ee-3, related to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records;

(h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq., relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing;

(i) Any other nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statutes under which Federal assistance for the project may be provided including, but not limited, to 49 U.S.C. 5332, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or age, and prohibits discrimination in employment or business opportunity, and section 1101(b) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, 23 U.S.C. 101 note, which provides for participation of disadvantaged business enterprises in FTA programs; and

(j) Any other nondiscrimination statute(s) that may apply to the project;

(6) Will comply with, or has complied with, the requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, (Uniform Relocation Act) 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq., which, among other things, provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or federally assisted programs. These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of Federal participation in any purchase. As required by sections 210 and 305 of the Uniform Relocation Act, 42 U.S.C. 4630 and 4655, and U.S. DOT regulations, “Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs,” 49 CFR 24.4, the Applicant assures that it has the requisite authority under applicable state and local law to comply with the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act, 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq., and U.S. DOT regulations, “Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally Assisted Programs,” 49 CFR part 24, and will comply with or has complied with that Act and those U.S. DOT implementing regulations, including but not limited to the following:

(a) The Applicant will adequately inform each affected person of the benefits, policies, and procedures provided for in 49 CFR part 24;

(b) The Applicant will provide fair and reasonable relocation payments and assistance as required by 42 U.S.C. 4622, 4623, and 4624; 49 CFR part 24; and any applicable FTA procedures, to or for families, individuals, partnerships, corporations, or associations displaced as a result of any project financed with FTA assistance;

(c) The Applicant will provide relocation assistance programs offering the services described in 42 U.S.C. 4625 to such displaced families, individuals, partnerships, corporations, or associations in the manner provided in 49 CFR part 24 and FTA procedures;

(d) Within a reasonable time before displacement, the Applicant will make available comparable replacement dwellings to displaced families and individuals as required by 42 U.S.C. 4625(c)(3);

(e) The Applicant will carry out the relocation process in such manner as to provide displaced persons with uniform and consistent services, and will make available replacement housing in the same range of choices with respect to such housing to all displaced persons regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin;

(f) In acquiring real property, the Applicant will be guided to the greatest extent practicable under state law, by the real property acquisition policies of 42 U.S.C. 4651 and 4652;

(g) The Applicant will pay or reimburse property owners for necessary expenses as specified in 42 U.S.C. 4653 and 4654, with the understanding that FTA will provide Federal financial assistance for the Applicant's eligible costs of providing payments for those expenses, as required by 42 U.S.C. 4631;

(h) The Applicant will execute such amendments to third party contracts and subagreements financed with FTA assistance and execute, furnish, and be bound by such additional documents as FTA may determine necessary to effectuate or implement the assurances provided herein; and

(i) The Applicant agrees to make these assurances part of or incorporate them by reference into any third party contract or subagreement, or any amendments thereto, relating to any project financed by FTA involving relocation or land acquisition and provide in any affected document that these relocation and land acquisition provisions shall supersede any conflicting provisions;

(7) To the extent applicable, will comply with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq., the Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act, as amended, 18 U.S.C. 874, and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 3701 et seq., regarding labor standards for federally assisted subagreements;

(8) To the extent applicable, will comply with the flood insurance purchase requirements of section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4012a(a), requiring Applicants and subrecipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more;

(9) Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, 42 U.S.C. 4831(b), which prohibits the use of lead-based paint in the construction or rehabilitation of residence structures;

(10) Will not dispose of, modify the use of, or change the terms of the real property title or other interest in the site and facilities on which a construction project supported with FTA assistance takes place without permission and instructions from the awarding agency;

(11) To the extent required by FTA, will record the Federal interest in the title of real property and will include a covenant in the title of real property acquired in whole or in part with Federal assistance funds to assure nondiscrimination during the useful life of the project;

(12) Will comply with FTA requirements concerning the drafting, review, and approval of construction plans and specifications of any construction project supported with FTA assistance. As required by U.S. DOT regulations, “Seismic Safety,” 49 CFR 41.117(d), before accepting delivery of any building financed with FTA assistance, it will obtain a certificate of compliance with the seismic design and construction requirements of 49 CFR part 41;

(13) Will provide and maintain competent and adequate engineering supervision at the construction site of any project supported with FTA assistance to ensure that the complete work conforms with the approved plans and specifications, and will furnish progress reports and such other information as may be required by FTA or the state;

(14) Will comply with any applicable environmental standards that may be prescribed to implement the following Federal laws and executive orders:

(a) Institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4335 and Executive Order No. 11514, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 note;

(b) Notification of violating facilities pursuant to Executive Order No. 11738, 42 U.S.C. 7606 note;

(c) Protection of wetlands pursuant to Executive Order No. 11990, 42 U.S.C. 4321 note;

(d) Evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with Executive Order 11988, 42 U.S.C. 4321 note;

(e) Assurance of project consistency with the approved state management program developed pursuant to the requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451-1465;

(f) Conformity of Federal actions to State (Clean Air) Implementation Plans under section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q;

(g) Protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300f-300j-6;

(h) Protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; and

(i) Environmental protections for Federal transportation programs, including, but not limited to, protections for parks, recreation areas, or wildlife or waterfowl refuges of national, state, or local significance or any land from a historic site of national, state, or local significance to be used in a transportation project as required by 49 U.S.C. 303(b) and (c);

(j) Protection of the components of the national wild and scenic rivers systems, as required under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1271-1287; and

(k) Provision of assistance to FTA in complying with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 470f; the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 469a-469c; and Executive Order No. 11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), 16 U.S.C. 470 note;

(15) To the extent applicable, will comply with the requirements of the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. 1501-1508, and 7324-7326, which limit the political activities of state and local agencies and their officers and employees whose primary employment activities are financed in whole or part with Federal funds including a Federal loan, grant agreement, or cooperative agreement except, in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 142(g), the Hatch Act does not apply to a nonsupervisory employee of a transit system (or of any other agency or entity performing related functions) receiving FTA assistance to whom that Act does not otherwise apply;

(16) Will comply with the National Research Act, Pub. L. 93-348, July 12, 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 289 et seq., and U.S. DOT regulations, “Protection of Human Subjects,” 49 CFR part 11, regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and related activities supported by Federal assistance;

(17) Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq., and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, “Animal Welfare,” 9 CFR subchapter A, parts 1, 2, 3, and 4, regarding the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held or used for research, teaching, or other activities supported by Federal assistance;

(18) Will have performed the financial and compliance audits as required by the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 7501 et seq., OMB Circular No. A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations,” Revised, and the most recent applicable OMB A-133 Compliance Supplement provisions for the Department of Transportation; and

(19) Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing the project.

2. Lobbying

An Applicant that submits or intends to submit an application for Federal assistance exceeding $100,000 must provide the following certification. FTA may not award Federal assistance exceeding $100,000 until the Applicant provides this certification by selecting Category “02.”

A. As required by U.S. DOT regulations, “New Restrictions on Lobbying,” at 49 CFR 20.110, the Applicant's authorized representative certifies to the best of his or her knowledge and belief that for each application for Federal assistance exceeding $100,000:

(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been or will be paid by or on behalf of the Applicant to any person to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of any Federal agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress regarding the award of Federal assistance, or the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal assistance agreement; and

(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been or will be paid to any person to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of any Federal agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with any application for Federal assistance, the Applicant assures that it will complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” including information required by the instructions accompanying the form, which form may be amended to omit such information as authorized by 31 U.S.C. 1352.

(3) The language of this certification shall be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements).

B. The Applicant understands that this certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed and that submission of this certification is a prerequisite for providing Federal assistance for a transaction covered by 31 U.S.C. 1352. The Applicant also understands that any person who fails to file a required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

3. Private Mass Transportation Companies

A state or local government Applicant seeking Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 to acquire the property or an interest in the property of a private mass transportation company or to operate mass transportation equipment or facilities in competition with, or in addition to, transportation service provided by an existing mass transportation company must provide the following certification. FTA may not award Federal assistance for that type of project until the Applicant provides this certification by selecting Category “03.”

As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(a)(1), the Applicant certifies that before it acquires the property or an interest in the property of a private mass transportation company or operates mass transportation equipment or facilities in competition with, or in addition to, transportation service provided by an existing mass transportation company, it has or will have:

A. Found that the assistance is essential to carrying out a program of projects as determined by the plans and programs of the metropolitan planning organization;

B. Provided for the participation of private mass transportation companies to the maximum extent feasible consistent with applicable FTA requirements and policies;

C. Paid just compensation under state or local law to a private mass transportation company for its franchises or property acquired; and

D. Acknowledged that the assistance falls within the labor standards compliance requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5333(a) and 5333(b).

4. Public Hearing

An Applicant seeking Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 for a capital project that will substantially affect a community or a community's mass transportation service must provide the following certification. FTA may not award Federal assistance for that type of project until the Applicant provides this certification by selecting Category “04.”

As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(b), the Applicant certifies that it has, or before submitting its application, it will have:

A. Provided an adequate opportunity for a public hearing with adequate prior notice of the proposed project published in a newspaper of general circulation in the geographic area to be served;

B. Held that hearing and provided FTA a transcript or detailed report summarizing the issues and responses, unless no one with a significant economic, social, or environmental interest requests a hearing;

C. Considered the economic, social, and environmental effects of the proposed project; and

D. Determined that the proposed project is consistent with official plans for developing the urban area.

5. Acquisition of Rolling Stock

An Applicant seeking Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 to acquire any rolling stock must provide the following certification. FTA may not award any Federal assistance to acquire such rolling stock until the Applicant provides this certification by selecting Category “05.”

As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(m) and implementing FTA regulations at 49 CFR 663.7, the Applicant certifies that it will comply with the requirements of 49 CFR part 663 when procuring revenue service rolling stock. Among other things, the Applicant agrees to conduct or cause to be conducted the requisite pre-award and post-delivery reviews, and maintain on file the certifications required by 49 CFR part 663, subparts B, C, and D.

6. Bus Testing

An Applicant for Federal assistance appropriated or made available for 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 to acquire any new bus model or any bus model with a new major change in configuration or components must provide the following certification. FTA may not provide assistance for the acquisition of new buses until the Applicant provides this certification by selecting Category “06.”

As required by FTA regulations, “Bus Testing,” at 49 CFR 665.7, the Applicant certifies that before expending any Federal assistance to acquire the first bus of any new bus model or any bus model with a new major change in configuration or components, or before authorizing final acceptance of that bus (as described in 49 CFR part 665), the bus model:

A. Will have been tested at a bus testing facility approved by FTA; and

B. Will have received a copy of the test report prepared on the bus model.

7. Charter Service Agreement

An Applicant seeking Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 (except 49 U.S.C. 5310), or Title 23, U.S.C. to acquire or operate any mass transportation equipment or facilities must enter into the following Charter Service Agreement. FTA may not provide assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 (except 49 U.S.C. 5310), or by Title 23, U.S.C. for projects until the Applicant enters into this Charter Service Agreement by selecting Category “07.”

A. As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(d) and FTA regulations, “Charter Service,” at 49 CFR 604.7, the Applicant agrees that it and each of its subrecipients and third party contractors at each tier will:

(1) Provide charter service that uses equipment or facilities acquired with Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 (except 49 U.S.C. 5310), or Title 23, U.S.C. for transportation projects, only to the extent that there are no private charter service operators willing and able to provide the charter service that it or its subrecipients or third party contractors desire to provide, unless one or more of the exceptions in 49 CFR 604.9 applies; and

(2) Comply with the requirements of 49 CFR part 604 before providing any charter service using equipment or facilities acquired with Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 (except 49 U.S.C. 5310), or Title 23, U.S.C. for transportation projects.

B. As The Applicant understands that:

(1) The requirements of 49 CFR part 604 will apply to any charter service it or its subrecipients or third party contractors provide,

(2) The definitions of 49 CFR part 604 will apply to this Charter Service Agreement, and

(3) A violation of this Charter Service Agreement may require corrective measures and imposition of penalties, including debarment from the receipt of further Federal assistance for transportation.

8. School Transportation Agreement

An Applicant seeking Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 or by Title 23, U.S.C. to acquire or operate transportation facilities and equipment must enter into the following School Transportation Agreement. FTA may not provide assistance for such projects until the Applicant enters into this agreement by selecting Category “08.”

A. As required by 49 U.S.C. 5323(f) and implementing FTA regulations at 49 CFR 605.14, the Applicant agrees that it and each of its subrecipients and third party contractors at each tier will:

(1) Engage in school transportation operations in competition with private school transportation operators only to the extent permitted by 49 U.S.C. 5323(f), and Federal regulations; and

(2) Comply with the requirements of 49 CFR part 605 before providing any school transportation using equipment or facilities acquired with Federal assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 or Title 23 U.S.C. for transportation projects.

B. As The Applicant understands that:

(1) The requirements of 49 CFR part 605 will apply to any school transportation service it or its subrecipients or third party contractors provide,

(2) The definitions of 49 CFR part 605 will apply to this School Transportation Agreement, and

(3) A violation of this School Transportation Agreement may require corrective measures and imposition of penalties, including debarment from the receipt of further Federal assistance for transportation.

9. Demand Responsive Service

An Applicant that operates demand responsive service and applies for direct Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 to acquire non-rail mass transportation vehicles is required to provide the following certification. FTA may not award direct Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 to an Applicant that operates demand responsive service to acquire non-rail mass transportation vehicles until the Applicant provides this certification by selecting Category “09.”

As required by U.S. DOT regulations, “Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA),” at 49 CFR 37.77(d), the Applicant certifies that its demand responsive service offered to persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs, is equivalent to the level and quality of service offered to persons without disabilities. When the Applicant's service is viewed in its entirety, the Applicant's service for persons with disabilities is provided in the most integrated setting feasible and is equivalent with respect to: (1) Response time, (2) fares, (3) geographic service area, (4) hours and days of service, (5) restrictions on trip purpose, (6) availability of information and reservation capability, and (7) constraints on capacity or service availability.

10. Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use

If an Applicant is required by FTA regulations to provide the following certification concerning its activities to prevent alcohol misuse and prohibited drug use in its transit operations, FTA may not provide Federal assistance to that Applicant until it provides this certification by selecting Category “10.”

As required by FTA regulations, “Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operations,” at 49 CFR part 655, subpart I, the Applicant certifies that it has established and implemented an alcohol misuse and anti-drug program, and has complied with or will comply with all applicable requirements of FTA regulations, “Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use in Transit Operations,” 49 CFR part 655.

11. Interest and Other Financing Costs

An Applicant that intends to request the use of Federal assistance for reimbursement of interest or other financing costs incurred for its capital projects must provide the following certification. FTA may not provide assistance to support those costs until the Applicant provides this certification by selecting Category “11.”

In compliance with 49 U.S.C. 5307(g), 49 U.S.C. 5309(g)(2)(B), 49 U.S.C. 5309(g)(3)(A), and 49 U.S.C. 5309(n), the Applicant certifies that it will not seek reimbursement for interest and other financing costs unless its records demonstrate that it has used reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms underlying those costs, to the extent FTA may require.

12. Intelligent Transportation Systems

An Applicant for FTA assistance for an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) project, defined as any project that in whole or in part finances the acquisition of technologies or systems of technologies that provide or significantly contribute to the provision of one or more ITS user services as defined in the “National ITS Architecture,” must provide the following assurance. FTA may not award any Federal assistance for an ITS project until the Applicant provides this assurance by selecting Category “12.”

As used in this assurance, the term Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) project is defined to include any project that in whole or in part finances the acquisition of technologies or systems of technologies that provide or significantly contribute to the provision of one or more ITS user services as defined in the “National ITS Architecture.”

A. In accordance with section 5206(e) of TEA-21, 23 U.S.C. 502 note, the Applicant assures it will comply with all applicable requirements of Section V (Regional ITS Architecture) and Section VI (Project Implementation) of FTA Notice, “FTA National ITS Architecture Policy on Transit Projects,” at 66 FR 1455 et seq., January 8, 2001, and other FTA requirements that may be issued in connection with any ITS project financed with Highway Trust Funds (including funds from the Mass Transit Account) or funds made available for the Intelligent Transportation Systems Program authorized by TEA-21, title V, subtitle C, 23 U.S.C. 502 note.

B. With respect to any ITS project financed with Federal assistance derived from a source other than Highway Trust Funds (including funds from the Mass Transit Account) or TEA-21, title V, subtitle C, 23 U.S.C. 502 note, the Applicant assures that it will use its best efforts to ensure that any ITS project it undertakes will not preclude interface with other intelligent transportation systems in the Region.

13. Urbanized Area, JARC, and Clean Fuels Programs

Each Applicant for Urbanized Area Formula Program assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5307, each Applicant for Job Access and Reverse Commute Program assistance authorized by section 3037 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, 49 U.S.C. 5309 note, and each Applicant for Clean Fuels Formula Program assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5308 must provide the following certifications. FTA may not award Federal assistance for those programs until the Applicant provides these certifications and assurances by selecting Category “13.” A state or other Applicant providing certifications and assurances that require the compliance of its prospective subrecipients is expected to obtain sufficient documentation from those subrecipients to assure the validity of its certifications and assurances.

Each Applicant that received Transit Enhancement funds authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5307(k)(1) must list the projects carried out during that Federal fiscal year with those funds in its quarterly report for the fourth quarter of the preceding Federal fiscal year. That list constitutes the report of transit enhancement projects carried out during that fiscal year, which report is required to be submitted as part of the Applicant's annual certifications and assurances, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5307(k)(3), and is therefore incorporated by reference and made part of the Applicant's annual certifications and assurances. FTA may not award Urbanized Area Formula Program assistance to any Applicant that has received Transit Enhancement funds authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5307(k)(1), unless that Applicant's quarterly report for the fourth quarter of the preceding Federal fiscal year has been submitted to FTA and includes the requisite list.

A. Certifications Required for the Urbanized Area Formula Program

(1) As required by 49 U.S.C. 5307(d)(1)(A) through (J), the Applicant certifies and assures as follows:

(a) It has or will have the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the proposed program of projects;

(b) It has or will have satisfactory continuing control over the use of Project equipment and facilities;

(c) It will adequately maintain the equipment and facilities;

(d) It will ensure that elderly and handicapped persons, or any person presenting a Medicare card issued to himself or herself pursuant to title II or title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq. or 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.), will be charged for transportation during non-peak hours using or involving a facility or equipment of a project financed with Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5307, or for the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program at section 3037 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), 49 U.S.C. 5309 note, not more than fifty (50) percent of the peak hour fare;

(e) In carrying out a procurement financed with Federal assistance authorized for the Urbanized Area Formula Program, 49 U.S.C. 5307, or the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program, section 3037 of TEA-21, 49 U.S.C. 5309 note, it: (1) Will use competitive procurement (as defined or approved by the Secretary), (2) will not use exclusionary or discriminatory specifications, and (3) will comply with applicable Buy America laws;

(f) It has complied with or will comply with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5307(c). Specifically, it: (1) Has made available, or will make available, to the public information on the amounts available for the Urbanized Area Formula Program, 49 U.S.C. 5307 and, if applicable, the Job Access and Reverse Commute Grant Program, 49 U.S.C. 5309 note, and the program of projects it proposes to undertake; (2) has developed or will develop, in consultation with interested parties including private transportation providers, a proposed program of projects for activities to be financed; (3) has published or will publish a proposed program of projects in a way that affected citizens, private transportation providers, and local elected officials have the opportunity to examine the proposed program and submit comments on the proposed program and the performance of the Applicant; (4) has provided or will provide an opportunity for a public hearing to obtain the views of citizens on the proposed program of projects; (5) has ensured or will ensure that the proposed program of projects provides for the coordination of transportation services assisted under 49 U.S.C. 5336 with transportation services assisted by another Federal Government source; (6) has considered or will consider the comments and views received, especially those of private transportation providers, in preparing its final program of projects; and (7) has made or will make the final program of projects available to the public;

(g) It has or will have available and will provide the amount of funds required by 49 U.S.C. 5307(e) and applicable FTA policy (specifying Federal and local shares of project costs);

(h) It will comply with: 49 U.S.C. 5301(a) (requirements for transportation systems that maximize mobility and minimize fuel consumption and air pollution); 49 U.S.C. 5301(d) (requirements for transportation of the elderly and persons with disabilities); 49 U.S.C. 5303 through 5306 (planning requirements); and 49 U.S.C. 5301(d) (special efforts to design and provide mass transportation for the elderly and persons with disabilities);

(i) It has a locally developed process to solicit and consider public comment before raising fares or implementing a major reduction of transportation; and

(j) As required by 49 U.S.C. 5307, each fiscal year, the Applicant will spend at least one (1) percent of its funds authorized by 49 U.S.C. § 5307(d)(1)(J) for transit security projects (this includes only capital projects in the case of an Applicant serving an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or more), unless the Applicant has certified to FTA that such expenditures are not necessary and FTA accepts that certification. Transit security projects include increased lighting in or adjacent to a transit system (including bus stops, subway stations, parking lots, and garages), increased camera surveillance of an area in or adjacent to that system, emergency telephone line or lines to contact law enforcement or security personnel in an area in or adjacent to that system, and any other project intended to increase the security and safety of an existing or planned transit system.

(2) As required by 49 U.S.C. 5307(k)(3), if it has received Transit Enhancement funds authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5307(k)(1), its quarterly report for the fourth quarter of the preceding Federal fiscal year includes a list of the projects it has implemented during that fiscal year using those funds, and that report is incorporated by reference and made part of its certifications and assurances.

B. Certification Required for Capital Leasing

As required by FTA regulations, “Capital Leases,” at 49 CFR 639.15(b)(1) and 49 CFR 639.21, if the Applicant acquires any capital asset by lease financed with Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5307 or section 3037 of TEA-21, 49 U.S.C. 5309 note, the Applicant certifies as follows:

(1) It will not use Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5307 or section 3037 of TEA-21, 49 U.S.C. 5309 note, to finance the cost of leasing any capital asset until it performs calculations demonstrating that leasing the capital asset would be more cost-effective than purchasing or constructing a similar asset;

(2) It will complete these calculations before entering into the lease or before receiving a capital grant for the asset, whichever is later; and

(3) It will not enter into a capital lease for which FTA can provide only incremental Federal assistance unless it has adequate financial resources to meet its future obligations under the lease in the event Federal assistance is not available for capital projects in subsequent years.

C. Certification Required for the Sole Source Acquisition of an Associated Capital Maintenance Item

As required by 49 U.S.C. 5325(c), the Applicant certifies that when it procures an associated capital maintenance item as authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5307(b)(1), it will use competition, unless the original manufacturer or supplier of the item is the only source for that item and the price of that item is no more than the price similar customers pay for that item, and that for each such procurement, it will maintain sufficient records on file and easily retrievable for inspection by FTA.

D. Clean Fuels Formula Grant Program Certification

As required by 49 U.S.C. 5308(c)(2), the Applicant certifies that vehicles financed with Federal assistance provided for the Clean Fuels Formula Program, 49 U.S.C. 5308, will be operated only with clean fuels.

14. Elderly and Persons With Disabilities Program

An Applicant that intends to administer the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program on behalf of a state must provide the following certifications and assurances. In providing certifications and assurances that require the compliance of its prospective subrecipients, the Applicant is expected to obtain sufficient documentation from those subrecipients to assure the validity of its certifications and assurances. FTA may not award assistance for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program until the Applicant provides these certifications and assurances by selecting Category “14.”

The Applicant administering, on behalf of the state, the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5310 certifies and assures that the following requirements and conditions will be fulfilled:

A. The state organization serving as the Applicant and each subrecipient has or will have the necessary legal, financial, and managerial capability to apply for, receive, and disburse Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5310; and to implement and manage the project.

B. The state assures that each subrecipient either is recognized under state law as a private nonprofit organization with the legal capability to contract with the state to carry out the proposed project, or is a public body that has met the statutory requirements to receive Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5310.

C. The private nonprofit subrecipient's application for 49 U.S.C. 5310 assistance contains information from which the state concludes that the transit service provided or offered to be provided by existing public or private transit operators is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meet the special needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities.

D. The state assures that sufficient non-Federal funds have been or will be committed to provide the required local share.

E. The state assures that, before issuing the state's formal approval of a project, its Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Formula Program is included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program as required by 23 U.S.C. 135; all projects to be implemented in urbanized areas recommended for approval are included in the metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program in which the subrecipient is located; and any prospective subrecipient of capital assistance that is a public body has provided an opportunity for a public hearing.

F. The state recognizes that the subrecipient, rather than the state itself, will be ultimately responsible for implementing many Federal requirements covered by the certifications and assurances the state has signed. After having taken appropriate measures to secure the necessary compliance by each subrecipient, the state assures, on behalf of each subrecipient, that:

(1) The subrecipient has or will have by the time of delivery, sufficient funds to operate and maintain the vehicles and equipment financed with Federal assistance awarded for its project;

(2) The subrecipient has coordinated or will coordinate to the maximum extent feasible with other transportation providers and users, including social service agencies authorized to purchase transit service;

(3) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable civil rights requirements;

(4) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable requirements of U.S. DOT regulations regarding participation of disadvantaged business enterprises in U.S. DOT programs;

(5) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with Federal requirements regarding transportation of elderly persons and persons with disabilities;

(6) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable provisions of 49 CFR part 605 pertaining to school transportation operations;

(7) Viewing its demand responsive service to the general public in its entirety, the subrecipient has complied or will comply with the requirement to provide demand responsive service to persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs, meeting the standards of equivalent service set forth in 49 CFR 37.77(c), before purchasing non-accessible vehicles for use in demand responsive service for the general public;

(8) The subrecipient has established or will establish a procurement system, and has conducted or will conduct its procurements in compliance with all applicable provisions of Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, FTA Circular 4220.1E, “Third Party Contracting Requirements,” as amended and revised, and other Federal requirements that may be applicable;

(9) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with the requirement that its project provide for the participation of private mass transportation companies to the maximum extent feasible;

(10) The subrecipient has paid or will pay just compensation under state or local law to each private mass transportation company for its franchise or property acquired under the project;

(11) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable lobbying requirements for each application exceeding $100,000;

(12) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable nonprocurement suspension and debarment requirements;

(13) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable bus testing requirements for new bus models;

(14) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable FTA Intelligent Transportation Systems architecture requirements to the extent required by FTA; and

(15) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable pre-award and post-delivery review requirements.

G. Unless otherwise noted, each of the subrecipient's projects qualifies for a categorical exclusion and does not require further environmental approvals, as described in the joint FHWA/FTA regulations, “Environmental Impact and Related Procedures,” at 23 CFR 771.117(c). The state certifies that, until the required Federal environmental finding is made, financial assistance will not be provided for any project that does not qualify for a categorical exclusion described in 23 CFR 771.117(c). The state further certifies that, until the required Federal conformity finding has been made, no financial assistance will be provided for a project requiring a Federal conformity finding in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Conformity regulations at 40 CFR parts 51 and 93.

H. The state assures that it will enter into a written agreement with each subrecipient stating the terms and conditions of assistance by which the project will be undertaken and completed.

I. The state recognizes the authority of FTA, U.S. DOT, and the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct audits and reviews to verify compliance with the foregoing requirements and stipulations, and assures that, upon request, the state and its subrecipients will make the necessary records available to FTA, U.S. DOT and the Comptroller General of the United States. The state also acknowledges its obligation under 49 CFR 18.40(a) to monitor project activities carried out by its subrecipients to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements.

15. Nonurbanized Area Formula Program

An Applicant that intends to administer the Nonurbanized Area Formula Program on behalf of a state must provide the following certifications and assurances. In providing certifications and assurances that require the compliance of its prospective subrecipients, the Applicant is expected to obtain sufficient documentation from those subrecipients to assure the validity of its certifications and assurances.

The Applicant administering, on behalf of the state, the Nonurbanized Area Formula Program authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5311 certifies and assures that the following requirements and conditions will be fulfilled:

A. The state organization serving as the Applicant and each subrecipient has or will have the necessary legal, financial, and managerial capability to apply for, receive, and disburse Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5311; and to implement and manage the project.

B. The state assures that sufficient non-Federal funds have been or will be committed to provide the required local share.

C. The state assures that before issuing the state's formal approval of the project, its Nonurbanized Area Formula Program is included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program as required by 23 U.S.C. 135; and projects are included in a metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program, to the extent applicable.

D. The state has provided for a fair and equitable distribution of Federal assistance authorized for 49 U.S.C. 5311 within the state, including Indian reservations within the state.

E. The state recognizes that the subrecipient, rather than the state itself, will be ultimately responsible for implementing many Federal requirements covered by the certifications and assurances the state has signed. After having taken appropriate measures to secure the necessary compliance by each subrecipient, the state assures, on behalf of each subrecipient, that:

(1) The subrecipient has or will have, by the time of delivery, sufficient funds to operate and maintain the vehicles and equipment financed with Federal assistance awarded for its project;

(2) The subrecipient has coordinated or will coordinate to the maximum extent feasible with other transportation providers and users, including social service agencies authorized to purchase transit service;

(3) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable civil rights requirements;

(4) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable requirements of U.S. DOT regulations regarding participation of disadvantaged business enterprises in U.S. DOT programs;

(5) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with Federal requirements regarding transportation of elderly persons and persons with disabilities;

(6) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with the transit employee protective provisions of 49 U.S.C. 5333(b), by one of the following actions: (a) Signing the Special Warranty for the Nonurbanized Area Formula Program, (b) agreeing to alternative comparable arrangements approved by the Department of Labor (DOL), or (c) obtaining a waiver from DOL; and the state has certified the subrecipient's compliance to DOL;

(7) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with 49 CFR part 604 in the provision of any charter service provided with equipment or facilities acquired with FTA assistance;

(8) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable provisions of 49 CFR part 605 pertaining to school transportation operations;

(9) Viewing its demand responsive service to the general public in its entirety, the subrecipient has complied or will comply with the requirement to provide demand responsive service to persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs, meeting the standards of equivalent service set forth in 49 CFR 37.77(c), before purchasing non-accessible vehicles for use in demand responsive service for the general public;

(10) The subrecipient has established or will establish a procurement system, and has conducted or will conduct its procurements in compliance with all applicable provisions of Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, FTA Circular 4220.1E, “Third Party Contracting Requirements,” as amended and revised, and other Federal requirements that may be applicable;

(11) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with the requirement that its project provide for the participation of private enterprise to the maximum extent feasible;

(12) The subrecipient has paid or will pay just compensation under state or local law to each private mass transportation company for its franchise or property acquired under the project;

(13) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable lobbying requirements for each application exceeding $100,000;

(14) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable nonprocurement suspension and debarment requirements;

(15) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable bus testing requirements for new bus models;

(16) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable pre-award and post-delivery review requirements;

(17) The subrecipient has complied with or will comply with all assurances FTA requires for projects involving real property;

(18) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable FTA Intelligent Transportation Systems architecture requirements, to the extent required by FTA; and

(19) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable prevention of alcohol misuse and prohibited drug use program requirements, to the extent required by FTA.

F. Unless otherwise noted, each of the subrecipient's projects qualifies for a categorical exclusion and does not require further environmental approvals, as described in the joint FHWA/FTA regulations, “Environmental Impact and Related Procedures,” at 23 CFR 771.117(c). The state certifies that, until the required Federal environmental finding is made, financial assistance will not be provided for any project that does not qualify for a categorical exclusion described in 23 CFR 771.117(c). The state further certifies that, until the required Federal conformity finding has been made, no financial assistance will be provided for a project requiring a Federal conformity finding in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Conformity regulations at 40 CFR parts 51 and 93.

G. The state assures that it will enter into a written agreement with each subrecipient stating the terms and conditions of assistance by which the project will be undertaken and completed.

H. The state recognizes the authority of FTA, U.S. DOT, and the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct audits and reviews to verify compliance with the foregoing requirements and stipulations, and assures that, upon request, the state and its subrecipients will make the necessary records available to FTA, U.S. DOT and the Comptroller General of the United States. The state also acknowledges its obligation under 49 CFR 18.40(a) to monitor project activities carried out by its subrecipients to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements.

I. In compliance with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5311(f), the state assures that it will expend not less than fifteen (15) percent of the amounts of Federal assistance as provided in 49 U.S.C. 5311(f) and apportioned during this Federal fiscal year to carry out a program within the state to develop and support intercity bus transportation, unless the chief executive officer of the state, or his or her designee, duly authorized under state law, regulations or procedures, certifies to the Federal Transit Administrator that the intercity bus service needs of the state are being adequately met.

16. State Infrastructure Bank Program

An Applicant for a grant of Federal assistance for deposit in its State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) must provide the following certifications and assurances. In providing certifications and assurances that require the compliance of its prospective subrecipients, the Applicant is expected to obtain sufficient documentation from those subrecipients to assure the validity of its certifications and assurances.

The state, serving as the Applicant for Federal assistance for its State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) Program authorized by either section 350 of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, as amended, 23 U.S.C. 101 note, or the State Infrastructure Bank Pilot Program, 23 U.S.C. 181 note, certifies and assures that the following requirements and conditions concerning any transit Project financed with Federal assistance derived from its SIB have been or will be fulfilled:

A. The state organization, which is serving as the Applicant (state) for Federal assistance for its SIB, agrees and assures the agreement of its SIB and the agreement of each recipient of Federal assistance derived from the SIB within the state (subrecipient) that each transit Project financed with Federal assistance derived from SIB will be administered in accordance with:

(1) Applicable provisions of section 350 of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, as amended, 23 U.S.C. 101 note, or of the State Infrastructure Bank Pilot Program, 23 U.S.C. 181 note, and any further amendments thereto;

(2) The provisions of any applicable Federal guidance that may be issued;

(3) The terms and conditions of Department of Labor Certification(s) of Transit Employee Protective Arrangements that are required by Federal law or regulations;

(4) The provisions of the FHWA and FTA cooperative agreement with the state to establish the state's SIB Program; and

(5) The provisions of the FTA grant agreement with the state that provides Federal assistance for the SIB, except that any provision of the Federal Transit Administration Master Agreement incorporated by reference into that grant agreement will not apply if it conflicts with any provision of National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, as amended, 23 U.S.C. 101 note, or section 1511 of TEA-21, as amended, 23 U.S.C. 181 note, Federal guidance pertaining to the SIB Program, the provisions of the cooperative agreement establishing the SIB Program within the state, or the provisions of the FTA grant agreement.

B. The state agrees to comply with, and assures the compliance of the SIB and each subrecipient of assistance provided by the SIB with, all applicable requirements for the SIB Program, as those requirements may be amended from time to time. Pursuant to subsection 1511(h)(2) of TEA-21, 23 U.S.C. 181 note, the state understands and agrees that any previous cooperative agreement entered into with FHWA and FTA under section 350 of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, as amended, 23 U.S.C. 101 note, has been or will be revised to comply with the requirements of TEA-21.

C. The state assures that the SIB will provide Federal assistance from its Transit Account only for transit capital projects eligible under section 350 of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, as amended, 23 U.S.C. 101 note or under section 1511 of TEA-21, 23 U.S.C. 181 note, and that those projects will fulfill all requirements imposed on comparable capital transit projects financed by FTA.

D. The state understands that the total amount of funds to be awarded will not be immediately available for draw down. Consequently, the state assures that it will limit the amount of Federal assistance it draws down for deposit in the SIB to amounts that do not exceed the limitations specified in the grant agreement or the approved project budget for that grant agreement.

E. The state assures that each subrecipient has or will have the necessary legal, financial, and managerial capability to apply for, receive, and disburse Federal assistance authorized by Federal statute for use in the SIB, and to implement, manage, operate, and maintain the project and project property for which such assistance will support.

F. The state assures that sufficient non-Federal funds have been or will be committed to provide the required local share.

G. The state recognizes that the SIB, rather than the state itself, will be ultimately responsible for implementing many Federal requirements covered by the certifications and assurances the state has signed. After having taken appropriate measures to secure the necessary compliance by the SIB, the state assures, on behalf of the SIB, that:

(1) The SIB has complied or will comply with all applicable civil rights requirements;

(2) The SIB has complied or will comply with applicable requirements of U.S. DOT regulations regarding participation of disadvantaged business enterprises in U.S. DOT programs;

(3) The SIB will provide Federal assistance only to a subrecipient that is either a public or private entity recognized under state law as having the legal capability to contract with the state to carry out its proposed project;

(4) Before the SIB enters into an agreement with a subrecipient to disburse Federal assistance for a project, the subrecipient's project is included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program; all projects in urbanized areas recommended for approval are included in the metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program in which the subrecipient is located; and the requisite certification that an opportunity for a public hearing has been provided;

(5) The SIB will not provide Federal financial assistance for any project that does not qualify for a categorical exclusion as described in 23 CFR 771.117(c) until the required Federal environmental finding has been made. Moreover, the SIB will provide no financial assistance for a project requiring a Federal conformity finding in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Conformity regulations at 40 CFR parts 51 and 93, until the required Federal conformity finding has been made;

(6) Before the SIB provides Federal assistance for a transit project, each subrecipient will have complied with the applicable transit employee protective provisions of 49 U.S.C. 5333(b) as required for that subrecipient and its project; and

(7) The SIB will enter into a written agreement with each subrecipient stating the terms and conditions of assistance by which the project will be undertaken and completed, including specific provisions that any security or debt financing instrument that the SIB may issue shall contain an express statement that the security or debt financing instrument does not constitute a commitment, guarantee, or obligation of the United States.

H. The state also recognizes that the subrecipient, rather than the state itself, will be ultimately responsible for implementing many Federal requirements covered by the certifications and assurances the state has signed. After having taken appropriate measures to secure the necessary compliance of each subrecipient, the state assures, on behalf of each subrecipient, that:

(1) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable civil rights requirements;

(2) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable requirements of U.S. DOT regulations regarding participation of disadvantaged business enterprises in U.S. DOT programs;

(3) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with Federal requirements regarding transportation of elderly persons and persons with disabilities;

(4) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with the applicable transit employee protective provisions of 49 U.S.C. 5333(b) as required for that subrecipient and its project;

(5) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with 49 CFR part 604 in the provision of any charter service provided with equipment or facilities acquired with FTA assistance;

(6) The subrecipient has complied with or will comply with applicable provisions of 49 CFR part 605 pertaining to school transportation operations;

(7) Viewing its demand responsive service to the general public in its entirety, the subrecipient has complied or will comply with the requirement to provide demand responsive service to persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs, meeting the standards of equivalent service set forth in 49 CFR 37.77(c), before purchasing non-accessible vehicles for use in demand responsive service for the general public;

(8) The subrecipient has established or will establish a procurement system, and has conducted or will conduct its procurements in compliance with all applicable provisions of Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, FTA Circular 4220.1E, “Third Party Contracting Requirements,” as amended and revised, and other implementing requirements FTA may issue;

(9) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with the requirement that its project provides for the participation of private mass transportation companies to the maximum extent feasible;

(10) The subrecipient has paid or will pay just compensation under state or local law to each private mass transportation company for its franchise or property acquired under the project;

(11) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable lobbying requirements for each application exceeding $100,000;

(12) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all nonprocurement suspension and debarment requirements;

(13) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable bus testing requirements for new bus models;

(14) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with all applicable pre-award and post-delivery review requirements;

(15) The subrecipient has complied with or will comply with all assurances FTA requires for projects involving real property;

(16) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable FTA Intelligent Transportation Systems architecture requirements, to the extent required by FTA; and

(17) The subrecipient has complied or will comply with applicable prevention of alcohol misuse and prohibited drug use program requirements, to the extent required by FTA.

I. The state recognizes the authority of FTA, U.S. DOT, and the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct audits and reviews to verify compliance with the foregoing requirements and stipulations, and assures that, upon request, the SIB and its subrecipients, as well as the states, will make the necessary records available to FTA, U.S. DOT and the Comptroller General of the United States. The state also acknowledges its obligation under 49 CFR 18.40(a) to monitor project activities carried out by the SIB and its subrecipients to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements.

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