PHMSA Pipeline Safety Research and Development "Other Transaction Agreements"

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Program Accomplishments

Fiscal Year 2010: For FY 2010 see http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/success.htm for success stories. Fiscal Year 2011: For FY 2011- see http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/success.htm for success stories. Fiscal Year 2012: For FY 2012- see http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/success.htm for success stories.

Uses and Use Restrictions

This research program is used for: fostering the development of new technologies so that pipeline operators can improve safety performance and more effectively address regulatory requirements; targeting and feeding new knowledge into the process of keeping standards relevant to their purpose; and generating and promoting general knowledge to decision makers.

At least 50% cost sharing is required of awardees.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Universities and other academic institutions, individual, profit organization, nonprofit organization, State (includes D.C.), U.S.

Territories and possessions, Indian tribes, local government, other entities are eligible to apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Anyone/general public can receive benefits from the eligible applicant .

Credentials/Documentation

Prior to submission of a White Paper each applicant must first complete (electronically) a registration form the location of which will be stated in the PHMSA Research Announcement (PRA). OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Yes, if the awardee is a state or local government.

Environmental impact information is not required for this program.

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 Procedures

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Yes, if the awardee is an Institution of Higher Education, Hospital, or Other Non-Profit Organization.

Award Procedures

In response to a PHMSA Research Announcement (PRA) applicants submit White Papers which are evaluated against specific evaluation criteria identified in the PRA. Those deemed worthy of further consideration are notified, and provided detailed guidelines for submitting a full proposal. Full proposals must include cost sharing of at least 50%.

If selected for award an "Other Transaction Agreement" (OTA) is awarded by PHMSA.

Deadlines

Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Authorization

Accountable Pipeline Safety and Partnership Act," , Public Law 104-304, 49 U.S.C 60117(k).

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

30-45 days for review of White Papers. 30-45 days for review of proposals (if requested).

Appeals

Not Applicable.

Renewals

Not Applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula.
Matching Requirements: Percent: 50.%. Cost sharing of at least 50% is required.
This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The term of an "Other Transaction Agreement" is normally between 1 and 3 years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: quarterly.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Draft final project report, Final project report.

No cash reports are required.

Quarterly status and progress report.

Invoices are to be submitted no more frequently than quarterly.

Peer Reviews are conducted on the project.

They normally occur during the first quarter of each calendar year.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. If the awardee is a state or local government, or a non-profit organization.

Records

Financial records are subject to Government examination or audit, and must be maintained for 3 years from the completion of the "Other Transaction Agreement.".

Financial Information

Account Identification

69-5172-0-2-407.

Obigations

(Project Grants) FY 10 $5,100,000; FY 11 $725,000; FY 12 $6,900,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The range of awards is $40,000 to $856,000. The average is $189,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

An in depth description of the PHMSA Pipeline Safety R&D Program can be found at http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/. A listing of OTA awards can be found at: http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

James Merritt U.S. DOT, Pipeline and Hazardous materials safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety, 793 Countrybriar Lane, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129 Email: James.Merritt@dot.gov Phone: 303-683-3117 Fax: 303-346-9192

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Specific evaluation criteria, for each PHMSA Research Announcement, is located in the announcement document.