Meeting Type: BCC Work Session
Meeting Date: 7/23/2019
Item Status: New
From: Joey Nunnally, P.E., County Engineer
Submitted by: Matthew Brown, BRATS Director of Transportation
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) - Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) Demonstration Program - Grant Application for Transit Demonstration Project
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1. Authorize Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) to submit documentation and an application for a grant under the Federal Transit Administration - Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) Demonstration Program for a mobility technology pilot program within BRATS; and
2. Authorize BRATS to name Via as a “Key Partner” for the Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) grant as contemplated by the Federal Transit Administration Notice of Funding Opportunity, and to the extent permissible by State and Local procurement laws; and
3. Authorize the Chairman to execute any grant related documents as required.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
Background: In late May 2019, BRATS reached out to the major on-demand transportation companies, Uber, Lyft, and Via, to learn more about the technology they use to provide passenger friendly transportation. Around the same time, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced an Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) Demonstration Grant aimed at making public transit more seamless and user-friendly for passengers. The grant allows applicants to identify “essential” key partners who will play an integral role in the innovation deployment. The grant allows up to twelve (12) months to prepare for deployment and requires at least twelve (12) months of actual deployment to test the innovation.
This grant may provide a unique opportunity for BRATS to explore re-tooling its service delivery model to a more cutting-edge system. The grant application is due August 6, 2019. Funding under the grant would be matched 80/20. BRATS would integrate the project into the existing program so as to not increase the local match budgeted to BRATS by the Commission.
Agreement Forthcoming.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? Yes - FY 2020 Budget
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
Yes, regarding identification of Key Partner
Reviewed/approved by: David Conner
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: August 6, 2019
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: BRATS Staff will coordinate grant application submittal upon approval by Commission.
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A