Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the TLC Program

TLC Technical Assistance Application Process

Each year, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board conducts a project solicitation for the TLC Technical Assistance Program. For details on how to apply for this funding, visit the TLC technical assistance application page.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for project submissions for the FY 2014 round of TLC technical assistance is 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

How do I submit my application(s)?

Please submit application materials via e-mail to TLC@mwcog.org.

Where can I find the application materials?

Both the planning and design project applications may be found here: FY 2014 Applications for TLC Technical Assistance.

The optional abstract worksheet (which may be used for both planning and design projects) may be found here: FY 2014 Abstract Submission for TLC Technical Assistance.

You must complete a FY 2014 Project Overview Form for both planning and design projects. The application and project overview forms are designed to be completed on your PC, saved or printed, and electronically transmitted (via e-mail).

What is the purpose of the abstract?

The purpose of the optional abstract is to provide TPB Staff with information about individual applications prior to the due date. It allows staff to review an application concept and provide feedback before the applicant submits a final application. Feedback will include suggestions from staff on ideas for how to strengthen the project concept and create a more compelling application submission. The TLC Selection Panel will not be involved in the abstract process. The project abstract is due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2013.

How much funding is available?

The TPB will provide $220,000 in technical assistance from the FY 2014 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for both the planning projects and design project. Therefore, at least $140,000 will be available for regional planning projects and up to $80,000 will be available for one design project. It is anticipated that MDOT will provide an additional $160,000 for projects in Maryland that are focused on transit-oriented development (TOD).

The 30 Percent Design Project

What is the 30 percent design project component of the TLC technical assistance program?

The 30 percent design project was a new component of the FY 2013 TLC technical assistance program that was developed to assist local jurisdictions in moving one step closer to realizing the results of planning studies that creatively link transportation and land-use. The TPB approved the East Street Trail Project Design as the pilot project for this component of the TLC technical assistance program. Project deliverables will be avialable upon completion of the project in June 2013.

The impetus behind the design pilot project comes from the development of the TPB's FFY 2011 and 2012 TIGER application development. The TIGER application proposed funding small-scale capital improvements around rail stations in the Washington region with the goal of improving non-motorized access to the stations. Many TLC planning studies recommended these types of improvements and were highlighted for inclusion in the TPB's application. Upon further review of the planning studies, it became clear that design work still needed to be completed in order to position these projects for capital funding. The goal of the design component of TLC technical assistance is to fill this void and better position planning studies that actively promote links between transportation and land-use for capital funding.

Does my application have to contain a local match for the design pilot project?

No. The TLC Program does not require applicants to provide a match for TLC funding. However, if the project for which you would like to request design work will reasonably cost more than $80,000 to complete 30 percent design, your jurisdiction may supplement the TLC funding with local funding to yield a larger project. While this may demonstrate to the TLC selection panel a firm commitment on part of the jurisdiction to fund the project, it is not a requirement for the design pilot project.

How will the design pilot project be selected?

The design project will be selected using the process outlined below.

What happens if the TPB chooses not to fund a design pilot project?

If the TLC selection panel does not feel that an application(s) meets the evaluation criteria or the spirit of the TLC program (see TLC strategies), the panel may recommend that the TPB not fund a design project for FY 2014. If this is the case, the $80,000 reserved for this design project will be rolled back into the TPB's available funding for planning studies. Further, funding for the design projects comes out of the TPB's portion of funding for TLC technical assistance; MDOT funding is used solely for planning projects.

Application Requirements

Why do I need to provide a letter of support from my jurisdiction’s Chief Elected Official or Chief Administrative Officer?

Participation in the TLC technical assistance program is designed for TPB member jurisdictions. Because applications will be sent from planning offices, transportation offices, and other government offices, this letter informs the TPB that the leadership of the jurisdiction supports the jurisdiction’s application.

Is my jurisdiction a member of the Transportation Planning Board?

TPB member jurisdictions may be found here: TPB Member Jurisdictions.

My locality/organization/agency is not a member of the TPB. Can I still apply for technical assistance?

Yes. However, you must coordinate with the TPB member jurisdiction in which your locality/organization/agency is encompassed. Examples include:

• The Town of Cheverly would coordinate with Prince George’s County to submit its application.
• The Bethesda Urban Partnership would coordinate with Montgomery County to submit its application.
• The Town of Vienna would coordinate with Fairfax County to submit its application.
• The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) would coordinate with Arlington County to submit its application.

To submit your application, you will need to provide a letter of support from your locality/organization/agency, as well as obtain a letter of endorsement from the Chief Elected Official or Chief Administrative Officer of the TPB member jurisdiction.

When the application asks that I provide information about the scalability of my project, what does this mean?

The TPB is asking that jurisdictions submitting an application for planning technical assistance greater than $30,000 provide information about the scalability of the project. Please refer to the following examples:

1. A jurisdiction wishes to submit an application for technical assistance for $50,000. In the written portion of the application, the jurisdiction must explain the scope of the project and, specifically, comment on why the project will require $50,000 to complete. If the applicant chooses to provide the selection panel with options, the TPB asks that the jurisdiction provide a version of the project that is scaled down. In this case, the jurisdiction may choose to alter the project and explain how a useful product or portion of the project could be completed for $25,000 (or any other reduced amount). This description must include a detail list of project elements that will be removed from the original project. This allows the selection panel to potentially include this project should they decide they wish to allocate the program’s limited resources more broadly.
2. A jurisdiction wishes to submit an application for technical assistance for $50,000. In the written portion of the application, the jurisdiction must explain the scope of the project and, specifically, comment on why the project will require $50,000 to complete. The jurisdiction may choose not to provide any information about the scalability of the project if they feel that the project cannot be completed for any less than the requested amount. The project will only be considered at the $50,000 level of funding.

Does this program require a match on the part of the applicant agency?

No match is required.

How will the grant be provided to my organization/jurisdiction?

TLC technical assistance is provided in the form of consultant assistance. MWCOG/TPB contracts directly with one of the TLC Program's 40 pre-qualified consultants. The firm will provide consultant services to the applicant based on the application materials submitted.

I have a question about the application process that is not addressed on this page.

You may contact TPB Staff at TLC@mwcog.org for more information.

What is the application workshop?

On March 15, 2013, the TPB hosted an application workshop for organizations and agencies wishing to apply for TLC technical assistance. The purpose of the workshop was to assist jurisdiction/agency staff in completing the application requirements for the FY 2014 round of TLC technical assistance. The workshop was vailable via webinar. The workshop covered the following topics:

• The timeline for the FY 2014 round of TLC technical assistance.
• An overview of the planning and design application materials.
• Evaluation Criteria that will be used by the Selection Panel.
• Lessons learned and success stories from past TLC technical assistance projects.

Please see the Application Workshop information on the Application Information page.

TLC Technical Assistance Project Selection Information

When will projects be selected?

The TPB is currently scheduled to approve FY 2014 projects on July 17, 2013.

How will the projects be selected for participation in the FY 2014 TLC technical assistance program?

The TPB will convene the TLC selection panel to review the applications. The panel consists of national experts familiar with the transportation, land-use, engineering, and design industries. A TPB member will chair the panel in a non-voting capacity. The members of the panel will be instructed to review each application based on a set of evaluation criteria and rate the ability of each application to meet the criteria. The panel will then discuss the applications and ratings and develop a recommended slate of projects.

What criteria will be used to evaluate the applications?

These planning project evaluation criteria and 30 percent design project evaluation criteria will be used by the selection panel, in addition to the information provided by the jurisdiction on the Project Overview forms.

What happens if my project is selected?

Upon TPB approval of the slate of projects for the FY 2014 technical assistance round, selected applicants will be contacted to coordinate any necessary refinements to the scopes of work for projects and begin the process of soliciting consultant proposals. TPB staff manages the contracting with consultants – the applicant does not directly receive a monetary grant.

TLC Consultant Selection Information

How will consultants be selected for the approved projects?

The TPB has a list of 40 pre-qualified TLC consultants. Upon TPB approval of the TLC projects, TPB staff will contact all of the pre-qualified consultants to gauge their interest in the approved projects. Based on consultant interest, consultant qualifications, and applicant input, TPB staff will request proposals from a short list of consultants for each project. Upon receipt of the proposals, TPB staff and the applicant will jointly review the proposals and select a consultant based on a scoring system.

What if I would like to work with a consultant who is not on the list of pre-qualified TLC consultants?

The TPB receives qualifications from consultants on a rolling basis. Please ask the consultant to contact Sarah Crawford at scrawford@mwcog.org or (202) 962-3237 for more information. Consultants must be pre-qualified at the time projects are approved in order to participate. Projects are typically approved by the TPB in mid July.

Will my jurisdiction be involved in the contracting?

No. Contracts are initiated between MWCOG/TPB and the consultant. The applicant receives technical assistance in the form of direct consultant assistance with no oversight of the contract.