Check out these common questions about the IIJA below!
Have a question you'd like to add to this FAQ? Submit them here!
Q: Where can I find the links from the IIJA Forum for Municipalities on May 24th?
A: DVRPC has compiled the following list of helpful links and resources surrounding the IIJA, presented during our Forum for Municipalities, including the video recording:
- IIJA: A Forum for Municipalities
- DVRPC IIJA Web Page
- DVRPC NOFO Update Sign-up
- DVRPC Staff Consultation Sign-up
- IIJA Question Submission
Other Links:
- Primary Federal Grant Reference
- Webinar: Safe Streets and Road for All (June 13th)
- NOFO: Safe Streets and Road for All (SS4A)
- DVRPC Office of Safe Streets
- Webinar: Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure (May 26)
- NOFO: Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure (MMG)
- DVRPC Office of Broadband Accessibility
- National Bridge Inventory
- DVRPC Office of Municipal Management of Extreme Heat
- Justice 40 - Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool
- Electric Vehicle Charging Justice 40 Map
- Historically Disadvantaged Communities Map
- USDOT Schedule of NOFOs for 2022
- DVRPC Data Tools
- Whitehouse Technical Assistance
- Build.gov Website
Q: How much funding is our region getting?
A: This varies by program, with some funding being distributed by formula to states and/or regions, and some being allocated to nationwide competitive programs directly administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Q: How much funding is available for (X) program? What are the match requirements for the different programs? When does (X) program get announced? What types of projects are eligible for funding?
A: Much of this information is available on the DVRPC IIJA website, which is updated regularly as new information is made available by the federal government. The IIJA provides funding for many Transportation, Broadband, Drinking Water, Energy, and Environmental programs.
Q: What type of funds can be used as the local match? Can other program funding be used to cover the match?
A: Generally only non-federal funds can be used as a local match. In some cases, it's possible to use other federal funds for part of the project funding, but this depends on the specific program. For example, some programs allow the awardee to use other federal funds to cover part of the match, but this generally cannot exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. The remaining funds would have to be non-federal.
Q: Who are the DVRPC points of contact for the different programs?
A: This will vary by program. The DVRPC office in charge of the program will have the staff contact for that office. For specific program contacts, email Sean Greene (sgreene@dvrpc.org) or fill out our IIJA Question Form.
Q: How can I be notified when different programs get announced?
A: We have a mailing list specifically for NOFOs (Notice of Funding Opportunities) associated with IIJA programs. You can sign up for that mailing list here.
Q: How can we make our application more competitive?
A: There are many ways to make your application competitive. Forming partnerships and joint applications may be key to IIJA funding. In addition, fully answering questions in the application, knowing the program you’re applying for, and showing project progress with a clearly defined scope and stakeholder involvement are great ways to make your application stand out.
Q: My municipality doesn't have the capacity to take on these projects alone. What's the best way to partner with other municipalities and combine projects?
A: The best way is to start building your partner relationships! DVRPC will be providing the opportunity for a 30-minute consultation on your projects, and can offer direction and suggestions for partnering opportunities. (Check back on May 24th for the link for this consultation) Your county planning department is also a great resource.
Q: How do I get a letter of support from DVRPC for my application?
A: DVRPC can provide letters of support for grant applications that help to advance and achieve regional goals as identified in the Connections 2050 Long-Range Plan (LRP). Requests for support letters from DVRPC should be submitted to Sean Green (sgreene@dvrpc.org) or Jesse Buerk (jbuerk@dvrpc.org) at least ten (10) business days before the requested due date, and should be limited to a one-page description of the project. Additional guidance can be found here.
Q: Do any of these NOFOs require that the project already be on the TIP, or be added to the TIP?
A: This can be confusingly worded in some of the NOFOs. There may be language that encourages projects already being on the TIP in some NOFOs. However, this is generally not required. We have language to deal with this issue in the Letters of Support we provide. In general, it's more important to be consistent with the Long-Range Plan than for your project to be on the TIP. These new competitive programs should provide the ability to add new projects to the TIP to fund improvements the region might not otherwise be able to afford. We encourage you to reach out to DVRPC about your specific project. If your project is awarded competitive funds through the IIJA, DVRPC will work with you and other agencies, as appropriate, to add the project to the TIP.
Q: Do these funding opportunities relate to the regional vision identified in the region's current long-range plan, Connections 2050 Plan for Greater Philadelphia? Where can I find information about Connections 2050?
A: Information on the Connections 2050 long-range plan can be found here.
Q: I have more questions on the IIJA. Who can I contact for help?
A: At DVRPC, Sean Greene is our point of contact for IIJA questions. You can send him an email at sgreene@dvrpc.org, or fill out this google form if you have a general question.
Q: Do I need to pre-register with the federal government to apply for a grant?
A: Yes, as of April 4, 2022, the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) used across the federal government changed from DUNS Number to the Unique Entity Identifier generated by SAM.gov. The UEI is a 12 character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by SAM.gov, and the DUNS Number is no longer used. Generating the UEI may take up to a month, and potential applicants should go to SAM.gov now to register and obtain a UEI if you do not already have one. The registration is free.