Innovative Transit Workforce Development Program
Grant: Innovative Transit Workforce Development Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Division: Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Deadline: This competition is closed. The deadline was July 6, 2012.
Description: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking proposals that promote diverse and innovative workforce development models and programs. Supporting a highly-skilled transit workforce is critical to maintaining a competitive and efficient public transportation system. As public transportation is making a comeback in the United States and investments continue in the physical capital of the nation’s transit systems, it is essential to build and maintain human capital as well.
The FTA will only fund projects that target one or more of the following areas:
- Pre-employment training/preparation.
- Recruitment and hiring.
- Incumbent worker training and retention.
- Succession planning/phased retirement.
Additionally, while the FTA is soliciting proposals that cover a wide variety of workforce activities, the administration is particularly interested in the following:
- Projects or programs that demonstrate innovative methods of leveraging investments in public transportation infrastructure to generate positive impacts in local employment, particularly in underserved communities.
- Innovative projects or programs that support the training/professional development needs of blue-collar operations and maintenance workers, particularly in the area of new and emerging technologies.
- Projects that support or showcase innovative methods of encouraging youth to pursue careers in public transportation.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: This is an excellent opportunity for stations who have experience and expertise in workforce training and development; especially those who are involved and support their local public transportation initiative. Stations will find a natural fit in contributing to the development of innovative models that help to build more efficient and productive transit workers. Stations are encouraged to start building and/or strengthening relationships with local transit agencies or a state DOT, as partnerships are required as part of this application.
Eligibility: Stations can take the lead on a proposal but are required to partner with at least one of the remaining eligible applicants: institutions of higher education, public transit agencies, state DOTs providing public transportation services and Indian tribes.
Anticipated Funding: An estimated $5 million is available for this program, and grants will range from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Funding can be used for new workforce ideas and programs or to support an existing workforce effort, and the performance period will last up to 18 months. Cost sharing is not required, but leveraged resources are strongly encouraged and may affect an applicant’s final score.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Online submission requires registration, a process that usually takes three to five business days but can take as long as four weeks. Be sure to visit Grants.gov and begin registering well in advance of the grant deadline.
Resources:
Program notice
Federal Transit Administration website
