119793 | Technical Assistance - TASA 2023-2024

The IIJA allows 5% of statewide Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) funding to be dedicated to providing technical assistance (TA) for TASA projects. DVRPC recognizes the importance, value and need for more TA to build a strong, viable pipeline of TASA eligible projects, particularly in Justice 40 communities; to accelerate completion of the Circuit; and to effectively manage projects post-award. DVRPC coordinated with southeastern Pennsylvania partners including PennDOT District 6 and Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties to identify an appropriate strategy for technical assistance for TASA for our region. This strategy requests funding from PennDOTs statewide allocation of TASA funds to support an on-retainer consultant for TASA engineering and planning services and to hire a new Project Implementation Engineer, for these tasks:
1. Consultant on Retainer for TASA engineering and planning services for pre-design activities (ROW, environmental clearances, developing credible cost estimates) to get good projects across the region ready for applications. Activities could include, but are not limited to:
Development of detail cost estimates
ROW deed or title investigations to support project sponsor ROW negotiations.
Detailed environmental input pertaining to Historic Properties, Permitting, Archeology, or any NEPA support.
Marketing of the TASA program to Justice40 communities, and all potential TASA project sponsors in our region.
2. New DVRPC Project Implementation Engineer to join the Project Implementation team. Hiring an additional Project Implementation Engineer team member will allow the team to expand their work with project sponsors to develop stronger projects up front, provide attention and assistance to Justice40 communities, and to manage post grant awards. Specifically, the funding will support these TASA tasks:
Coordinate with partners across the region to identify good projects to advance, with a particular focus on Justice40 communities
Assist with the marketing of the TASA program to Justice40 communities, and all potential TASA project sponsors in our region.
Work with DVRPC staff and County Planners to identify specific TASA projects in our region to support TASA applications.
Meet with potential project sponsors in our region to ensure compliance with Justice40.
Help project sponsors understand and strategize for funding the pre-construction phases of the design development process.
Identify and revise project scope as needed in order to advance through the requirements for PennDOT's Policies and Procedures.
Support the advancement of projects and project concepts by local project sponsors to submit applications to the TASA funding cycle
Help sponsors follow federal rules and delivery requirements post award
Craft an RFP, conduct a competitive solicitation process, procure the consultant, and administer the contract
Oversee the consultants milestones and deliverables
Help interface between the consultant and project sponsors, prioritize needed tasks, and convene regular progress meetings
Products:
1. Marketing and outreach materials for the TASA program
2. Lists of municipalities, including Justice40 communities, with candidate projects
3. Support for project applications to the TASA program
4. Materials needed for the procurement process to bring a consultant on retainer
for TASA program assistance.
5. Meeting minutes from coordination with member governments and project
Sponsors

No milestones are available for this project.