The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all recipients of federal financial assistance to comply with Title VI and related non-discrimination laws to ensure no discrimination occurs based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or limited English proficiency (LEP) in DOT programs. Key legal frameworks include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and various executive orders addressing environmental justice and LEP. Recipients must implement measures to uphold these assurances in all related activities and contracts. The document outlines specific obligations, such as nondiscrimination in contract solicitations and provisions for real property transfers. Failure to comply may result in sanctions, including payment withholding or contract termination. Furthermore, all involved parties, including contractors and subcontractors, are required to follow these regulations. This Assurance is critical for the integrity of federally supported projects, ensuring equitable access to services and rights for all individuals, thereby fostering the DOT's commitment to civil rights and social justice in transportation.
The document outlines the Title VI Program Compliance Plan checklist required for applicants seeking grants from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Each applicant must submit an approved plan detailing their commitment to comply with Title VI regulations, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. Key components of the compliance plan include a policy statement from the CEO, a description of federal-aid programs, and procedures for community participation and beneficiary notifications.
Moreover, applicants must establish complaint disposition processes, monitor sub-recipient compliance, conduct Title VI training for their staff, and ensure access to relevant records for FMCSA review. The checklist emphasizes transparency and accountability, particularly for applicants involved in commercial motor vehicle inspections, enforcing unbiased policies, and assessing community impacts when changes to services occur.
Overall, this document serves as a framework to ensure that FMCSA grant applicants implement effective Title VI measures, ultimately fostering equity in public transportation services and safeguarding the rights of minority groups served by these programs.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the High Priority – Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) program, aimed at enhancing safety for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) through grants totaling approximately $86.6 million for FY 2025. The program seeks applications from eligible entities, including state governments, local governments, tribal governments, universities, and non-profits, to address unsafe driving, improve hazardous material transportation, and raise public awareness about CMV safety.
Funded projects must target high-risk areas, implement enforcement strategies, develop new technologies for safety, and improve safety data quality. Applicants may propose a maximum of four projects focused on various priorities, such as traffic enforcement in high-crash areas, passenger safety initiatives, and combating human trafficking. The application deadline is June 20, 2025, and all projects must align with federal regulations and be backed by comprehensive data analysis.
Successful applicants will establish measurable performance objectives and demonstrate effective monitoring of their funded activities. The NOFO outlines detailed guidelines for application requirements, evaluation criteria, and federal involvement, emphasizing the importance of addressing current and emerging safety issues in commercial vehicle operations.
The document provides contact information for inquiries related to Civil Rights and Title VI, specifically within the context of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It identifies Lester Finkle as the National Title VI Program Manager, along with his phone number and email address for communication purposes. This information supports federal RFPs, grants, and local proposals that require compliance with civil rights standards, signaling the importance of access and equity in federal funding and program implementation.