FY18 Positive Train Control (PTC) Systems Grants under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program | FR CRS 18 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for FR CRS 18 003

The FY18 Positive Train Control (PTC) Systems Grants opportunity is a U.S. Department of Transportation initiative administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. This particular notice sets aside a dedicated pool of funding specifically for Positive Train Control, with the goal of accelerating or completing PTC implementation and improving interoperability across passenger and freight rail networks. The program is structured as a discretionary, competitively awarded grant program, and awards are issued through cooperative agreements, which typically means the FRA expects to have an active role in oversight and coordination during project execution rather than simply issuing funds with minimal involvement.

A total of $250,000,000 was made available under this set-aside, and the opportunity anticipated making around 18 awards. The listed award ceiling is $250,000,000, indicating that, at least in theory, a single project could be funded up to the full amount, although in practice the funding would usually be distributed across multiple projects based on merit, readiness, and national or regional impact. The opportunity was created on May 18, 2018, and the application deadline was July 2, 2018. The funding is associated with CFDA number 20.325, which identifies it within the federal assistance catalog under transportation-related programs.

The focus of the grant is straightforward: provide financial assistance for the technology, equipment, and activities required to implement PTC systems for intercity passenger rail, commuter rail passenger service, and freight rail transportation. Eligible project elements cover essentially the full PTC architecture and the work needed to put it into service. That includes back office systems, wayside components, communications systems, and onboard hardware, along with related software. It also explicitly includes installation activities, spectrum needs (which can be critical for communications-dependent PTC operations), and any other components necessary to deliver a functional PTC system. Beyond procurement and installation, the opportunity also recognizes that PTC implementation requires significant validation and human readiness, so testing and training are eligible costs as well. Another key emphasis is interoperability, meaning projects that help ensure PTC works reliably across railroads, territories, and equipment types are within scope.

Eligible applicants include state governments and local governments (county governments and city or township governments are specifically named). The notice also allows additional eligible applicants under an "Others" category, with clarification referenced in an additional eligibility text field (not included in the provided excerpt). In general, FRA rail programs often allow applications from entities such as railroads, public authorities, and transportation agencies depending on the specific statutory and notice language, but the definitive eligibility determination for this opportunity would be governed by that additional eligibility section.

In short, this grant opportunity is a targeted CRISI set-aside designed to help rail operators and public partners pay for the remaining, complex, and often expensive components of PTC deployment. It supports the end-to-end work needed to make PTC operational, from hardware and software acquisition through installation, spectrum and communications, system testing, workforce training, and the interoperability features needed for safe and seamless operation across different rail services and infrastructure owners.

• The Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY18 Positive Train Control (PTC) Systems Grants under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.325.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 18, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 02, 2018 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 18 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for FR CRS 18 003

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