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New Freedom awarded projects and requirements

Calendar year 2008 projects

Non-urban and small urban projects awarded in November, 2007 will receive New Freedom funding for projects implemented in calendar year 2008.

• 2008 New Freedom Small Urban and Non-Urban Projects

Projects in the Madison and Milwaukee urbanized areas awarded in April, 2008, will receive New Freedom funding for project implementation beginning in May, 2008:

• 2008 New Freedom Large Urbanized Projects will be announced soon 

Mobility Managers

Many of the awarded projects are for Mobility Managers throughout the state. WisDOT will work with Mobility Managers in training and technical assistance matters.

Requirements for awarded projects

One of the principles of contracting for Federal funds received directly or indirectly from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is a recognition that, as a condition of receiving the funds, certain specific Federal requirements must be met not only by the recipient of the funds (WisDOT) but also by sub recipients and third party contractors. The Federal requirements to be met by third party contractors will be defined by the clauses included in the grantee’s third party contracts.

Certifications and assurances

Certifications and Assurances represent a sub recipient's legal affirmation to abide by the FTA and other Federal requirements that are applicable to Federal grant programs. Sub recipients must complete and submit all Federally required Certifications and Assurances to WisDOT prior to project implementation.

• Federally Required Certifications and Assurances booklet

Contracting with WisDOT

Applicants whose New Freedom projects are selected for funding will be required to enter into a contract with WisDOT covering all applicable Federal and State requirements.

Drug and alcohol testing requirements

New Freedom sub recipients that also receive funding under one of the covered FTA programs (5307, 5311 and 5314 - STRAP) should include any employees funded under their New Freedom project in their testing program.

Sub recipients that receive only New Freedom program assistance are not subject to FTA’s Drug and Alcohol testing rules, but must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule for employees who hold Commercial Driver’s Licenses.

Procurement procedures

WisDOT, as the designated recipient of federal grant funds, is responsible for ensuring that sub recipients are aware of and comply with federal procurement requirements. All purchases made with federal funds are subject to federal clauses and appropriate procurement procedures in order to qualify for reimbursement. Therefore, WisDOT must review and approve purchases that will be made in order to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. WisDOT approval is required for both pre-solicitation and post solicitation activities. The approval ensures the item or service being purchased is covered under the grant and that the process used to conduct the procurement is appropriate.

Sub recipients should notify WisDOT of:

• Intent to purchase
  WisDOT will verify that the item or service being sought is covered under the grant, the proposed procurement will be made using a method that is appropriate and follows all federal and state guidelines and purchasing rules.
  
  
• Make award
  The subrecipient must provide the results of the solicitation. The results must show adequate competition, include a statement regarding their award selection rationale, the vendor information, and the recommended award amount.
  
  OR
  
  if WisDOT approved an "other than full and open competition" procurement procedure, a justification that the awarded price is fair and reasonable with substantiation that the price meets current market value.

Reporting

WisDOT, as the designated recipient, is required to file quarterly and annual reports to FTA on status updates and/or changes, milestone activities, program measures, financial status and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) activity. Sub recipients are required to submit quarterly, semi-annual and annual project reports to WisDOT for compilation and submission to FTA in order to meet these reporting requirements.

• New Freedom Program Service Operations Report (DT2295)
• DBE Report (form DT1788)

Requests for reimbursement

Reimbursements for awarded project operating and certain capital expenses (non-rolling stock) are made to grantees on a quarterly basis. Requests for reimbursement must be made in a timely manner using the proper form, and if required, must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation before they can be processed for payment.

• 2008 New Freedom Operating and Capital Assistance - Quarterly Requisition and Certification (form DT2294)

Vehicle purchases

Procedures for vehicle purchases made under the New Freedom program must meet all Federal and State requirements. WisDOT will provide one-on-one technical assistance and guidance to these project subrecipients in conducting vehicle procurements.

Contact: Ingrid Koch, ingrid.koch@dot.state.wi.us, or (608) 266-1379

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You will need Microsoft Word to view Word files. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can use the Microsoft Word Viewer (provided free of charge) to view Word files. For more information about getting your free copy of Microsoft Word Viewer, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
Ingrid Koch, ingrid.koch@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: June 26, 2008