Explanation of Changes for non-Substantive change

Rural and Tribal Assistance Program application form approval request

The Build America Bureau is requesting approval of the minor edits to the Rural and Tribal Assistance Program’s previously-approved application form in order to be able to use it to accept applications for $27 million of available grant funding. This form is part of the Thriving Communities Initiative Information Collection Request (ICR) Package that was approved 5/31/2023 and can be viewed here: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202302-2105-001.

The following is a summary of the changes to the form:

• Updated references to NOFO sections

• Replaced the word “task” with “activities”

• Updated word limit references to all state “no more than xxx words”

• Question 2: Provided separate boxes for city, state, etc. for inputting address

• Question 4: Removed explanation box that allowed for in-process sam.gov registration

• Question 5: Changed “Program/Project” to “Project”

• Question 6: Removed “Other” as a selectable option for program-eligible applicant

• Question 8: Updated instructions requiring project location be listed as either street address or as latitude/longitude, and provided separate boxes for inputting answers. Removed word limit.

• Question 11d: Cleaned up question so the request was clearer

• Question 12: added language clarifying that grant funding can be used for hiring staff

• Removed question asking about previously submitted, unsuccessful applications for DOT funding

These requested updates to the application form were informed by the answers received on applications submitted during the previous funding round that was advertised June 2023.