Title
Request Retroactive Authorization to Apply for and Accept FTA COVID-19 Research-Demonstration Program Grant Funds and Enter into a Grant Agreement
Description
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee recommend City Council retroactive authorization to apply for a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant for the purchase and installation of bus operator safety shields.
Report
Summary
In response to the potential long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, earlier this year the Public Transit Department requested approval to move forward with a Request for Proposals for the manufacture and installation of bus operator safety shields on the City’s fleet of 483 heavy-duty transit buses. On Aug. 26, 2020 the City Council approved a contract with Complete Coach Works (CCW). Bus operator safety shields will provide a physical barrier between the bus operator and passengers, providing a barrier against physical harm and protection from viruses transmitted via water droplets associated with passengers coughing or sneezing.
With the FTA announcement of the Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant Program in October 2020, the Public Transit Department seeks aid in funding of the CCW contract. The request for retroactive authorization to apply for the grant is due to the short application timeline. The COVID-19 Research-Demonstration Grant closed on Nov. 2, 2020.
Financial Impact
The grant application requests a federal amount of $2,043,242, with the Phoenix match portion to be $510,811. The local match is encouraged by the FTA to make the application more competitive in the grant evaluation and award process. If awarded, the federal grant will offset federal CARES funding currently allocated for this project.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The City Council approved Bus Operator Protective Barriers Agreement 152951 (Ordinance S-46879) on Aug. 26, 2020.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Transit Department.