Passenger & Freight Rail Assistance Program

Passenger & Freight Rail Assistance Program 2014 Application Solicitation Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about project eligibility

Q: Am I required to provide matching funds?

A: No. You do not need to provide matching funds to be eligible for the program, as grants of up to 100% of project costs will be considered. However, the proportion of matching funds constitute 15% of the project score, so projects with a match will be more competitive than those without a match, and the higher the match percentage, the more competitive the application will be.

Q: Can I apply to both the PFRAP and the CFA for the same project?

A: Yes. However, they are two separate solicitations with different funding sources and different application forms. In order to apply for both, you need to complete and submit two separate applications.

Questions about project scoring

Q: Will the Regional Economic Development Councils be involved in the scoring and selection process?

A: No. You are asked in the application to relate your project to the Strategic Plan developed by the local Regional Economic Development Council, however; the scoring and ranking for the 2014 PFRAP program will be performed exclusively by NYSDOT.

Questions about project awards

Q: Is there a maximum award size?

A: No. In theory, NYSDOT could award up to the full $16.0 million available to a single project. However, that is highly unlikely. Over the years that the PFRAP funding has been awarded through a competitive solicitation, awards have ranged from a minimum of $38,000 to a maximum of $3,975,000, with an average near $900,000.

Questions about the application form

General

Q: Can I use the same application that I submitted through the CFA in prior years? A: No. The PFRAP solicitation is not utilizing the CFA in 2014. The form and procedures for this solicitation is available on NYSDOT’s web site at www.dot.ny.gov/main/business- center/railgrants . However, many of the questions contained in the 2014 application form are similar to, if not the same as, those in the 2011 CFA. You can access your previous CFA applications by logging in at https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/login.cfm using the token assigned to you during the first round. If you have lost or forgotten your token, you can retrieve it by calling the Customer Care Center at 518-474-4487. Please note that you can only view and/or print your old application.

Q: Can I use the same application that I submitted for PFRAP funding in 2013?

A: No. While the questions are substantially the same, there have been some minor changes to the PFRAP application form for 2014. For the majority of the 2014 application, you can copy your answers forward from your 2013 application, but please read each question carefully to ensure that it has not changed. NYSDOT will make copies of applicants 2013 forms available upon request.

Q: The PFRAP and CFA applications for 2014 are both due on the same day. Can I use the same application for both?

A: No. The PFRAP solicitation and the CFA share the same due date in 2014, but are independent solicitations with different funding sources and different application forms. If you wish to apply to both, you need to complete both applications.

Part B: Applicant Information

Q: I don’t have a SFS Vendor ID. Can I still apply for funding?

A: Yes. A SFS Vendor ID is assigned by the Office of the State Comptroller to every entity who does business with the State of New York. Not having a SFS Vendor ID will not preclude you from applying for funding or being named a successful applicant. However, you will be required to obtain a SFS Vendor ID as a prerequisite to entering into a contract with NYSDOT.

Q: I don’t have a NYS Grants Gateway ID. Can I still apply for funding?

A: Yes. The Grants Gateway is a new, on-line system for managing New York State grants which was introduced in the Spring of 2013. Registered vendors now have the ability to search for (or sign up for email notification of) grant opportunities. Future functionality will include the ability to submit applications, e-sign contracts, and submit payment vouchers all online. While not required for this solicitation, we have included the Grants Gateway ID on the application form to encourage applicants to register in the system, as it will be required for future grant opportunities. See www.GrantsReform.ny.gov for more information. Part E: Budget and Funding Sources

Q: I’ve filled out the project budget, but the figures in the” Total” column, the “Total Project Cost” row, and / or the” Qualifying Match %” continue to say $0.00 and 0.00%, respectively?

A: Please make sure that JavaScript is enabled on your Adobe Reader.

Part J: Finalize and Submit Completed Application

Q: Can I print out the application, complete it by hand, and mail it to NYSDOT?

A: No. All applications must be submitted electronically by completing the Adobe form provided to [email protected]. Required attachments and other supporting documents should be of common business formats (pdf, doc, xls, etc…) and must be emailed to the same address prior to the application deadline.