FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

AUTHORIZATION:

Highway Safety Act of 1998, as amended, 23 U.S.C 405.

To encourage States to adopt effective programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Incentive grant funds are available to States to implement and enforce occupant protection programs, in compliance with established criteria.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas, Virgin Islands, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   State Highway Safety agencies.

Credentials/Documentation:   A State submits certification and application that it meets eligibility requirements; after being informed by NHTSA that it is eligible for a grant, the State submits to the agency a plan that describes the programs the State will implement using the funds.

Pre-application Coordination:   NHTSA Regional Administrator coordinates qualification process with the Office of State and Community Services. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   A State submits certification and application that it meets eligibility requirements. After being informed that it is eligible, the State submits to the agency a plan that describes the program it will implement using the funds.

Award Procedure:   Awards will be made by the NHTSA Regional Administrator.

Deadlines:   Application proposals must be submitted by August 1 each year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   The Program plan should be submitted by September 1 if eligibility has been approved.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   States are eligible for funding for up to 5 years under this program. They must be certified and a plan must be submitted each year.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Under the 410 program, basic grant funding is up to 25 percent of section 402 apportionment for fiscal year 1997. The Federal share shall not exceed 75 percent in the first and second years, 50 percent in the third and fourth years, and 25 percent in the fifth and subsequent years.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   The Federal share is reimbursed on claims submitted in vouchers covering costs incurred. All participants have converted to the electronic transfer of funds method of payment. Funds placed in obligation are available until expended.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Annual program plan for next year's funding must include a progress report on the prior year's program and accomplishments.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of State and Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities (including universities) that expend $300,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, with certain exceptions as stated in OMB Circular No. A-133. For direct procurement contracts, audits will be conducted in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Records:   Project sponsor shall retain records for 3 years following submission of a final expenditure report and other project deliverables, all project contract documents, financial records, and supporting documents pending resolution of audit findings.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   69-8020-0-7-401.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $12,971,000; FY 02 est $15,000,000; and FY 03 est $20,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
$100,000 to $300,000. Average: $200,000.

Initial grant projects still active; information not available.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

23 CFR 1309, 1313.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   See Appendix IV of the Catalog for the addresses Regional Offices of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Headquarters Office:   Adele Derby, Associate Administrator for State and Community Services, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-2121.

Web Site Address:  
http://www.nhtsa/whatsup/fedassist/index.html

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Funds can only be used to implement and enforce occupant protection programs.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

States must meet criteria established by statute and regulation including safety belt use law for all front seat passengers, statewide special traffic enforcement programs, and child passenger protection Laws, for example.