Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program
ID: 360227Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

69A345 Office of the Under Secretary for Policy (DOT-DOT X-50)

Award Range

$250K - $3M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Transportation

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360227
Timeline
    Description

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Transportation is offering the Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program, a federal grant aimed at advancing transportation infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities. This program supports planning and development-phase activities for projects that are expected to be eligible for various U.S. Department of Transportation credit and grant programs, although future applications for additional funding are not mandatory. With an estimated total funding of $54.2 million, the program anticipates awarding approximately 100 grants, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $2.5 million. Interested applicants, including local governments, states, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, can access the application portal starting September 8, 2025, and should direct inquiries to ruralandtribalta@dot.gov or call 202-366-0765 for further assistance.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Rural and Tribal USDOT Grantor
    (202) 366-0765
    ruralandtribalta@dot.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    08.07.2025.
    2025.pdf
    The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program application form details the requirements for entities seeking federal funding for projects in rural areas or on tribal lands. Applicants must provide extensive contact and organizational information, including EIN/TIN, UEI, and congressional districts. Eligibility is limited to local governments, states, federally recognized Indian Tribes, or the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, all with specific project location criteria. The application requires a detailed project title, location (address or latitude/longitude), and a comprehensive description (up to 500 words) including type, features, schedule, and estimated cost. Applicants must also declare any federal debt delinquency. A significant portion of the application focuses on the appropriateness of requested services, outlining how funds will advance the project, estimated costs, and any completed development activities. Furthermore, it assesses the viability of grant services, requiring information on the organization's experience in procuring advisory services or hiring staff, and whether bids or estimates for services have been obtained. The form concludes with a certification of accuracy and an agreement to comply with award terms.
    RTA-Qualtrics-Application-Instructions_2025-08_508.pdf
    The document provides detailed instructions for completing the online application form for the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program for Fiscal Years 2024-2025. It outlines required information, including point of contact details, organization/entity information (name, address, EIN/TIN, UEI), congressional district data for headquarters and project locations, and eligibility criteria. Applicants must provide a descriptive project title, location details (address or latitude/longitude), and a concise project description including type, features, schedule, and estimated total cost. The form also asks about federal debt delinquency and requires detailed descriptions of requested activities, estimated costs, and any completed project-related development activities. Additionally, applicants must describe their experience with advisory services or staff hiring processes, and confirm if bids/quotes were obtained for proposed services. The application concludes with a certification and signature process.
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