Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: Federal Transit Administration Fiscal Year 2021 Certifications and Assurances
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Fiscal Impact:
There is no Fiscal Impact in approving the Federal Certifications and Assurances; however, if the Board chooses not to approve the Certifications and Assurances, then Space Coast Area Transit will be unable to draw any Federal Transit Administration Funding.
Dept/Office:
Transit Services
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Fiscal Year 2021 Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grants. It is further requested that the Board authorize the Transit Director or Designee to execute the Certifications and Assurances electronically.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Each year, Brevard County, as the designated grantee for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding, must agree to the FTA Certifications and Assurances in order to draw Federal funds. The certifications spell out twenty-one (21) categorical mandates that must be complied with, such as: Purchasing and Procurement, Safety Plans, Transit Asset Management Plan, Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing, State of Good Repair, Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Programs, etc. Most recently added was Coronavirus and CARES Act certification.
The Certifications Assurances are a pre-award requirement from the FTA that must be approved and signed within 90 days of the publication date of January 15, 2021. Failure to approve the Certifications and Assurances will delay or deny the disbursement of FTA funds. Brevard County receives about $7 million in FTA funds annually. Space Coast Area Transit’s entire capital and preventative maintenance budget is federally funded.
By signing the Certifications and Assurances, Space Coast Area Transit must meet a number of Federal requirements such as Drug and Alcohol Testing, Federal Procurement Regulations, Safety Plans, etc. It is difficult to measure the cost of these requirements without a detailed study, however, it is estimated that the costs run approximately $250,000 to $350,000 per year.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Have Chair sign one (1) set of FY2021 Certifications and Assurances, then return to Transit Services.