Assistance program
Technical Assistance and Workforce Development
$98.4 Million committed in FY2018–FY2026
- Agency
- Federal Transit Administration, Transportation, Department of
- Assistance
- Project Grants;Direct Payments for Specified Use;Dissemination of Technical Information;Training
- CFDA number
- 20.531
- What it does
- The goals and objectives for Technical Assistance and Workforce Development projects vary according to the type of project. Eligible activities include: Technical assistance and Standards to more effectively and efficiently provide public transportation service; administer funds received under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 in compliance with federal law; and improve public transportation; address Human Resources needs, provide Training; support Innovative Public Transportation Frontline Workforce Development; and operate a National Transit Institute. Technical Assistance can support compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); compliance with human services transportation coordination requirements; meeting the transportation needs of elderly individuals; increasing transit ridership with Metropolitan Planning Organizations; addressing transportation equity; facilitating best practices to promote bus driver safety; meeting the requirements 5323(j) (Buy America) and 5323(m) (Pre and Post-Award Audits); assisting with the development and deployment of low or no emission vehicles; and any other technical assistance activities the Secretary of Transportation determines is necessary to advance the interests of public transportation. Standards programs and projects include developing voluntary and consensus-based standards and best practices by the public transportation industry, including standards and best practices for safety, fare collection, Intelligent Transportation Systems, accessibility, procurement, security, asset management to maintain a state of good repair, operations, maintenance, vehicle propulsion, communications, and vehicle electronics. Human Resources and Training programs may include: 1) Employment training programs; (2) Outreach to specific under-represented populations in the workforce; (3) Research on public transportation personnel and training needs; (4) Training and assistance for veteran and minority business opportunities; and (5) Consensus-based national training standards and certifications in partnership with industry stakeholders. The Innovative Public Transportation Frontline Workforce Development Program focuses on: (1) developing apprenticeships, on-the job training, and instructional training for public transportation maintenance and operations occupations; (2) building local, regional, and statewide public transportation training partnerships with local public transportation operators, labor union organizations, workforce development boards, and State workforce agencies to identify and address workforce skill gaps; (3) improving safety, security, and emergency preparedness in local public transportation systems through improved safety culture and workforce communication with first responders and the riding public; and (4) addressing current or projected workforce shortages by developing partnerships with high schools, community colleges, and other community organizations. The National Transit Institute will develop and conduct training and educational programs for Federal, State, and local transportation employees, United States citizens and foreign nationals engaged or to be engaged in public transportation work.