Grant Management Manual


Grant Management Manual

This manual establishes consistent program and project management procedures for the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) staff and grantees (agencies/organizations receiving grant funds) to guide the administration of the state’s highway safety program in compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.  Best practice requires the THSO to have a current manual that documents standard operating procedures and the management of the highway safety program.  This manual contains a written record of current approved administrative and financial procedures; however, it does not specifically address all regulations.  Periodic changes and additions in the manual may be necessary to meet changing federal and state law and/or to improve program management and fiscal procedures.  When an agency or organization accepts federal traffic safety funds, it also agrees to fully comply with all requirements in this manual and any periodic changes that may be made during the grant period. 

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Table of Contents


Commonly Used Terms & Acronyms

The following commonly used terms and acronyms are provided to assist manual users.  Many appear in this manual, while others are used in documents associated with the grant management process. 































































Amendment

A formal change to a contract based on a modification request. Amendments are required money is either added or subtracted from the overall budget or if a specific term of the original contract changes. 

AOC

Administrative Office of the Courts

ASP

Alcohol Saturation Patrols

Budget

Broad grouping of expenses such as personnel costs, commodities, supplies, equipment, etc.

Buy America Act

Prohibits states from using highway grant funds under 23 U.S.C. Chapter 4 to purchase steel, iron and all manufactured products unless they are produced in the U.S. or a waiver is granted by the Secretary of Transportation. For compliance purposes, American-made covers any product that is manufactured or assembled in the U.S. 

CFDA

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, provides a listing of all federal programs available to state and local governments; federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; U.S. territories and possessions; domestic public, quasi-public and private profit and non-profit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations, a listing of general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive branch of the federal government and federal agencies

Claim

Expenditures incurred in support of approved grant activities that a grantee may submit for reimbursement

Claim Forms

Tennessee Highway Safety (THS) forms, these are automatically generated in the TN Grants system

Claim for Reimbursement Checklist

Outlines the documentation a grantee must submit and the steps to follow to receive reimbursement for approved grant-related expenses. A completed checklist must accompany all reimbursement requests.

Contract Agreement

Binding document between THSO and a local or state agency or organization outlining the terms and conditions of receiving federal highway safety grant funds.

CPS

Child Passenger Safety, activities addressing the safety of children riding in motor vehicles

DGA

Delegated Grant Authority, confers delegated authority to the THSO to make award grants as specified without additional, individual, independent approval

DUI

Driving Under the Influence

DUNS

Data Universal Numbering System, a nine digit number offered by Dun & Bradstreet to identify different divisions of companies and provide easy reference for those seeking information

Edison

The State of Tennessee’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, used to perform administrative business functions (i.e., financial, procurement, payroll, benefits) and share common data decreasing the need to re-key information

Edison Vendor ID

A unique number assigned to all entities, including grantees, seeking to do business with Tennessee state agencies. It is an individual number that can either be the entity itself, the city, or the county. Registration is required via the Edison portal.

EMS

Emergency Medical Services

Equipment/Capital Purchases

Non-expendable, tangible property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more that is used only for traffic safety and/or law enforcement purposes

FFATA

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, requires grantees to annually report each action that obligates $25,000 or more in federal funds

FHWA

Federal Highway Administration

Final Status Report

Report submitted by grantee following completion of the grant period, details the effectiveness of the highway safety project based on the grantee’s goals and objectives

Grantee

Local or state agency or organization receiving a highway safety grant from THSO

Grantor

The state agency that awards federal highway safety grant funds

Grant Orientation Workshop (GOW)

Annual mandatory training for all new grantees (recommended for all grantees)

HSP

Highway Safety Plan, annual highway safety plan submitted by the THSO to NHTSA to secure federal transportation grant funds

HVE Grant

High Visibility Enforcement, a grant awarded to a law enforcement agency to target a specific traffic safety issue such as speeding or impaired driving; highly visible enforcement is coupled with a publicity strategy designed to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance with the law

Inventory Control Report

Documentation of status, serial number, grant name, and location required for all equipment purchases made with grant funds

LEL

Law Enforcement Liaison, provides law enforcement expertise to THSO and its grantees for enforcement grant site selection, appropriate grant strategies and countermeasures, and grant development as well as conducts networking activities for local, county, and state law enforcement officials, the THSO, and the Regional Office of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Modification

A request to change (or modify) the goals, objectives, tasks, and /or an approved budgeted line item(s). Budget changes of 20% or less require a grant modification. Any change of more than 20% requires an amendment.

Network Coordinator

Law enforcement officials who assist the Law Enforcement Liaisons oversee the activities of Tennessee’s 18 Law Enforcement Networks

Network Meetings

Meetings convened monthly or quarterly by the Network Coordinators to educate law enforcement officials to implement safety programs in support of mobilizations and other safety activities.

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency responsible for administering the national highway traffic safety grant program funded by federal legislation

OP

Occupant Protection

PD

Police Department

PIO

Public Information Officer

PI&E

Public Information and Education

Program Grant

One year of federal fiscal funding awarded by THSO to a local or state agency or organization to address a specific behavioral highway safety issue

Program Manager

THSO staff member responsible for the effective administration of grants and statewide highway safety programs

Project Director

Individual within a local or state agency or organization responsible for establishing and maintaining procedures to ensure effective administration of the THSO-approved grant

PSA

Public Service Announcement, public interest messages disseminated by the media to raise awareness and change public attitudes and behavior towards a social issue

RFP

Request for Proposal, outlines funding availability to address a priority highway safety program area outlined in the HSPP

Status Reports

Monthly or quarterly report describing tasks or activities the grantee has undertaken to accomplish grant objectives and progress made in addressing the problem statement

SD/SO

Sheriff’s Department/Sheriff’s Office

Support Documentation

Documentation that supports claims reimbursement such as reports, invoices, timesheets, copies of checks, etc.

SFST

Standardized Field Sobriety Test, composed of three field sobriety tests law enforcement officials use to detect impaired drivers

Supply Item

Any item costing less than $5,000

TA

Travel Authorization

TACP

Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police

TN Grants

THSO’s online grant application and reporting system (www.THSOgrants.org), which is referred to as the online grants management system throughout this manual

TDOSHS

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

TDOT

Tennessee Department of Transportation

THP

Tennessee Highway Patrol

THSO

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security advocating for traffic safety. The THSO works in tandem with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to implement statewide programs addressing occupant protection, impaired driving, speed enforcement, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and crash data collection and analysis. Programs administered by the THSO are 100 percent federally funded. 

THSO Website

Tennessee Highway Safety office website, offers a comprehensive resource service located at www.TNTrafficSafety.org.  It serves as an information hub for all of THSO’s traffic safety initiatives including campaign reporting, training, and educational items. 

Time Sheet

Document detailing work hours performed by an employee on behalf of his/her employer during a set time period (i.e., weekly, bi-weekly, overtime)

TITAN

Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network, provided by the THP for the exclusive use of law enforcement (membership is required). The online system allows for the electronic submission of data and reports used by the state to make data-driven decisions about safety (https://titan.safety.tn.gov/Public/Home.aspx)

Title VI Assessment

Form completed annually by the grantee to ensure compliance with federal statutes and regulations relating to non-discrimination 

TSA

Tennessee Sheriffs Association

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Frequently Asked Questions

 


Can I apply for more than one grant and/or a grant that covers more than one program area?

Yes. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) allows an agency to submit multiple grant applications as well as applications that address more than one program area via the online grants management system. To be considered for grant funding, your agency’s application must correspond to an approved program area. For example, if your agency is seeking funds to combat drunk driving and strengthen seat belt use, you may submit applications for an Alcohol Countermeasures grant and an Occupant Protection grant. However, only one application per law enforcement agency will be considered and approved for an Alcohol Enforcement grant or a Police Traffic Services (multiple violations) grant.  If you are unsure which program area(s) to apply under, contact the THSO at (615) 741-2589.    


I’ve never applied for a grant before and don’t have local data or statistics. What should I do?

If you are applying for a grant to reduce motor vehicle crashes, your application should include three years of baseline data for your jurisdiction. If you work for a law enforcement agency, start your data search by consulting with your crash records coordinator or clerk. If no data or limited data are available or your agency is non-law enforcement-related and doesn’t collect or have access to this type of information, Tennessee crash, injury, and fatality data segmented by county and program area are available on the THSO website. If you still need assistance obtaining and/or analyzing data after consulting these resources, email stats.safety@tn.gov.


Can the project director delegate his/her grant-related responsibilities to another agency employee?

The project director is the individual within a local or state agency or organization who is responsible for establishing and maintaining procedures to ensure effective administration of the THSO-approved grant. When applying for a grant via the THSO’s online grants management system, the grantee must designate at least one project director for that application. If your agency applies for additional grants, a different project director may be designated for each application. If the project director changes, the agency must notify its THSO program manager.


Why does the THSO conduct an on-site monitoring visit?

Federal and state grant management rules require the THSO to monitor grantees to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and cost principles. While the THSO staff maintain regular contact (i.e., phone calls, emails) with grantees throughout the course of the grant year, the THSO visits every grantee that receives a grant of $10,000 or more at least once during the grant year (typically between February and September) to conduct a systematic and comprehensive programmatic and financial assessment of their programs. The on-site visit is designed to be instructive, not disruptive and to foster information exchange and partnership. The programmatic aspects, such as the goals, objectives, and performance indicators, are reviewed to determine if the project is having an impact and if the project is being implemented according to schedule as well as outlined in the approved grant. The financial review includes an examination of agency and grant-specific financial documents and issues related to the implementation and performance of the project.


What’s the advantage of submitting claims and status reports for my program grant on a monthly rather than quarterly basis, and once my agency submits a claim, how quickly will we receive payment?

The decision to submit claims and status reports on a monthly rather than quarterly basis; however, all law enforcement agencies must submit on a quarterly basis.  The grantees who elect to submit on a monthly basis generally do so based upon manpower and cash-flow. Grantees that elect monthly reporting must submit all paperwork by the 1st of the next month that following the close of the grant month.  Quarterly reporting is due the 1st of the month following the close of the first three quarters (February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1).  A final status report for the entirety of the grant year is due on November 1st as well.  Since the THSO is limited to one request per month for federal reimbursement, late claims can cause processing delays.  Submitting timely and complete claims and reports will ensure that your agency receives payment by the end of the month in which your documents are received and processed by the THSO staff.    


What should be included in my agency’s status report?

Your agency’s status report should describe any tasks or activities undertaken during the month or quarter to accomplish the objectives outlined in your grant (i.e., conducted five saturation patrols lasting 4 hours each over the quarter resulting in 500 DUI arrests, 200 speeding citations) along with progress made in addressing the problem statement (i.e., Fatal crashes during the 1st quarter of the current fiscal year is down by 5 compared to 1st quarter of the previous fiscal year as described in tasks). Include copies or provide links to press clippings and printed materials (i.e., flyers and press releases) that support these activities. Status reports should be submitted using the THSO’s online grants management system, which allows you to upload attachments. Only electronic submission is required.


Must my agency submit a claim to THSO every month or quarter even if we haven’t spent any grant funds?

Yes. Once the grant year begins, your agency is responsible for submitting claims for reimbursement on a monthly or quarterly basis even if no funds have been spent during that time period. The THSO staff is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of all grant-funded projects. Consistent, on-time reporting reduces confusion and the potential for the THSO to question a grantee’s reporting and/or claim status.


If my agency doesn’t spend all of its grant funds in the current year, what happens to the money?

Since grants are approved on an annual basis (October 1-September 30), funds not submitted for reimbursement at the end of the 12-month period may not be carried over to the next fiscal year or to a new grant. Grantees are encouraged to carefully monitor their expenditures throughout the grant period to ensure that no funds remain unspent. All funds, even those remaining in the final month/quarter of the grant, may only be used to purchase items listed in the grant and approved through the grant/contract process. If you believe that your agency is unable to expend the funds as outlined in your approved grant, contact your THSO program manager for assistance as soon as possible. 


What documentation is needed for overtime reimbursement?

To receive reimbursement for overtime, your agency must complete the personnel section in the THSO online grants management system and attach, in the same sequential order as listed on the form, an approved employee time sheet along with a copy of each employee’s check (the rate of pay listed on both must match). The time sheet must include the number of regular hours worked, the employee’s hourly base and overtime pay rates, and the number of overtime hours worked with a detailed explanation (i.e., 8 hours for THSO Alcohol Saturation Patrol, 3 hours for THSO sobriety checkpoint), and starting and ending times. The THSO has an approved activity sheet (THS-17) that may be used by your agency in lieu of a timesheet to document overtime activity.


Can my agency use Alcohol Enforcement/Impaired Driving (154 Alcohol/405d) funds for saturation patrols and checkpoints that occur outside the NHTSA-designated peak hours of 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.?

Yes, however, any THSO grant-funded enforcement conducted outside the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 a.m. must be supported through data. In this case, your agency must pull a year-to-year comparison of three years of local DUI crashes, arrests, and time of occurrence and submit it to your THSO program manager for review at least two weeks in advance of the enforcement, preferably at the beginning of the grant year. (This data may also be requested from the TDOSHS, TITAN.) If your request to use funds outside of peak hours is approved, this approval will be good for the remainder of the current grant year. Refer to the alcohol enforcement memo issued by the THSO Director for more information.


What is the difference between a budget modification and a budget amendment?

An agency may request a revision to the original budget outlined in their grant contract with the THSO once a grant is approved. If the revision calls money to change to a previously used budget line item, then it can be approved with just a “modification.” An “amendment” is a formal change to a contract based on a modification request. Amendments are required when money is added or subtracted to the overall budget amount or if a specific term of the original contract changes. All amendments start with a modification request.   


If I need to make a modification to my agency’s grant, how long will the decision take, and if it’s approved, when can we start spending funds?

The length of time varies. The THSO program manager can email step-by-step directions to the project director to help with this.


What equipment may be purchased with grant funds?

Grant funds may be used to purchase any equipment, non-expendable, tangible property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more, that is used only for traffic safety and/or law enforcement. Any item costing less than $5,000 is considered a supply and may be purchased using “non-personnel” grant funds. Written approval from NHTSA is required prior to any equipment purchase. Once approved, claims for equipment purchases must be submitted using form THS-22 (Capital Purchase Report) and also reported on form THS-04 under “Capital Purchases.” Both the forms and instructions for completing them can be found on the THSO’s online grants management system .


How long must I maintain and track equipment purchased with grant funds, and if the equipment is destroyed, must I report it?

All equipment purchased with grant funds must be tracked for three years and inventoried at the end of the first and second year (this is done automatically by the THSO upon request for reimbursement). If, during that three-year period, the equipment is to be destroyed or is no longer deemed useful for its intended purpose, you must immediately notify the THSO program manager. With THSO guidance, you’ll be required to determine the fair market value of the equipment and give credit to an active grant or to transfer or dispose of the equipment. After disposing of any grant-purchased equipment (whether destroyed or no longer having a useful life), your agency should maintain all records pertaining to this equipment for an additional three years.  

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Highway Safety Program

 

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is Tennessee’s lead traffic safety organization.  Located within the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) in Nashville, the THSO is tasked with developing and implementing a highway safety program that addresses the behavioral factors that impact safety on the road. 

The goal of the program is to prevent death and serious injury resulting from motor vehicle crashes so that all roadway users arrive at their destination safely.  The THSO partners with law enforcement, government agencies, and non-profits to address Tennessee’s highway safety needs at the state and community level through the use of Federal Highway Safety Grant Program funds. 


Development of the State Highway Safety Plan


 


Problem Identification & Program Areas


Data analysis is essential to understanding who is crashing, where they are crashing, and why. The THSO reviews local, county, and state crash data to identify roadway users – motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, teens, for example – with a statistically higher crash rate. These data, combined with citation, licensing, vehicle miles traveled, and demographic information, are analyzed to help the THSO and its partners understand what is prompting crashes and the resulting injuries and fatalities on Tennessee roadways. 

 

This information is used to develop the annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP), which details the extent of Tennessee’s crash problem and how federal highway safety dollars will be distributed into priority behavioral safety programs during the federal fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified priority program areas, which the agency determines to be effective in reducing motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.  Tennessee’s HSP addresses NTHSA’s priority program areas and others including the following: 


Alcohol Education

Alcohol education programs include underage drinking prevention and diverse community outreach. Underage drinking is America’s number one youth drug problem, killing more people under the age of 21 than all other illicit drugs combined. Also, underage drinkers are responsible for between 10 and 20 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States. Alcohol causes serious consequences in young people, including death, injury, poor health, and weak academic performance. Underage drinking prevention programs work to reduce the social and retail availability of alcohol to minors, increase education and enforcement of the Zero Tolerance Law, and to support local law enforcement with education and training. We also encourage the local adoption of Comprehensive Alcohol Risk reduction (CARD) enforcement projects. These are a combination of the Cops in Shops and the Party Patrol programs that allows for a greater number of patrols in a community and will increase the perception of risk. Tennessee’s diverse communities and minority population have indicated a lack of knowledge of Tennessee laws related to drinking and driving, as highlighted by local surveys. Strategies for communicating safety messages and motivating changes in behavior must be culturally sensitive and community-driven. Community leaders and opinion leaders must be involved in program development and implementation. In some minority populations, the faith community is the most important social institution and can have a greater impact on the community than traditional safety advocates and media messages; in others, youth leadership is vital. Strategies may include safety fairs, other events associated with various institutions, and development of localized messages.


Alcohol Enforcement

Alcohol Enforcement grants provide law enforcement agencies with funding for overtime and/or equipment for DUI enforcement. Officers involved in DUI enforcement should be SFST certified or attend SFST training within the first 3 months of the grant year. Funding will be based on the following criteria: 1) The top two counties/cities by population will receive the highest awards 2) County ranking in alcohol crash rates provided by the TN Department of Safety 3) Population served by the agency & the agency size 4) Number of qualifying applicants for each level of funding 5) Awards will vary and may differ from those received in previous grant years 6) Funds will be awarded based on THSO funding availability.


DUI Prosecution

Funding provides one DUI Prosecutor and one DUI Coordinator (additional positions must have justification shown through strong data and will only be taken into account based on the level of Federal funding provided to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office). This grant program helps reduce the time taken to dispose of DUI related cases and increase conviction rates with an emphasis on multiple offenders. The dissemination and sharing of information is a formidable task, especially with statute changes, new case law and ever changing technology. Getting correct information to judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys, legislators and educators is an ongoing challenge as is changing behavior. A Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program will be funded to keep prosecutors, judges, law enforcement agencies and legislators informed of new appellate decisions, defenses, trends and technological developments. TSRPs also increase advocacy skills of prosecutors through training, provides information to citizens, legislators and entities to permit them to be well informed when they propose new laws.


Distracted Driving

The primary responsibility of a driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Drivers should resist engaging in any activity that takes their eyes and attention off the road even for only a couple of seconds. In some circumstances even a second or two can make all the difference in a driver being able to avoid a crash. Of special concern is the use of electronic entertainment and communication devices, especially cell phones. Funding for distracted driving can be used to: 1) Educate the public through advertising containing information about the dangers of texting or using a cell phone while driving 2) For traffic signs that notify drivers about the distracted driving law of the State 3) For law enforcement costs related to the enforcement of the distracted driving law.


DUI/Drug Courts

Funding includes court monitoring/partnerships and DUI / Drug court rehabilitation programs. Court partnerships will offer much-needed support to DUI prosecutors as well as encouraging judges and court systems to adjudicate DUI-related offenses consistently and resolutely. Court partnerships help victims find a more victim-sensitive court system, and ultimately, helps reduce the rate of repeat offenses and fatal crashes among offenders. Drug courts are specialized court programs that engage in a team approach with court and community-based professionals. Built around theoretical concepts such as therapeutic justice and procedural justice, these specialized courts provide therapy and treatment for people in the criminal justice system typically with non-violent offenses that also have an addiction which exacerbates criminal behavior. The goal is to provide rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration thereby saving tax dollars, reducing recidivism, and improving the lives of the participants and their families.


Emergency Medical Services/First Responder Training

EMS response times for an ambulance in rural Tennessee can be anywhere from 10-30 minutes. Transport times to a hospital can even be longer, depending upon the location of the call for service. The chances for survival diminish the longer a patient with a life threatening injury has to wait for medical personnel to arrive. This training is necessary to enhance survival rate and the ability to assess and provide emergency medical care within the "Golden Hour." Grants will be awarded for first responder training program. The criteria for these awards will be based on a ranking of one of the top 65 counties in overall crashes. The agency must also be in a rural county in order to qualify for funding.


High Visibility Enforcement (HVE)

These program area grants are awarded to law enforcement agencies to conduct HVE on a quarterly basis in support of state and national traffic safety campaigns addressing impaired driving and occupant protection. Grant funds must be used to provide active enforcement manpower (for saturation patrols, checkpoints, waves or multi-jurisdictional/network enforcement activities. A portion of the grant may also be used to purchase behavioral safety-related supplies (e.g., reflective vests, cones) and small equipment (e.g., computers, camera systems). Equipment costing over $5,000 is considered a capital expense and must be approved by the THSO and NHTSA.


Impaired Driving Education

Few effective programs/activities exist at the post-secondary level aimed specifically at reducing impaired driving. A great deal of high-risk drinking and often drinking/driving behaviors occur on college campuses and campus organizations are seeking methods of reducing these risks. University/college organizations can provide a network for distributing a toolbox of strategies, materials and program ideas for addressing high-risk youth behaviors.


Motorcycle Safety

Funding for motorcycle safety may be used only for motorcyclist safety training and motorcyclist awareness programs. These programs include improvement of training curricula, delivery of training, recruitment or retention of motorcyclist safety instructors, and public awareness and outreach programs. Funding for motorcycle enforcement must be requested under the Police Traffic Services category.


Occupant Protection

Many adults and teens are unaware of the risks associated with unsecured occupants in moving vehicles. Adults and teens need to be educated and informed of the importance of buckling-up by creating a social norm that makes such usage not only important but an acceptable behavior for safety. Programs administered through schools can educate students by introducing and reinforcing the habit of using a seat belt/child restraint device as an integrated portion of their school educational and social experience. Proper child restraint and seat belt usage is crucial to minimizing injuries and reducing deaths in motor vehicle crashes. According to NHTSA, these crashes are the leading cause of pediatric mortality in the United States. Child safety seats reduce fatal injury in passenger cars by 71 percent for infants less than 1 year old and by 54 percent for toddlers 1 to 4 years of age. For children 4 to 7 years of age, booster seats have been shown to reduce injury risk by 59 percent compared to safety belts alone. The Tennessee Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Center provides nationally recognized training to safety groups, churches, schools and law enforcement agencies to protect children in our communities.


Planning and Administration

Behavioral highway safety programs require statewide coordination of many programs, employing funds from several sources, and with overlapping regulations, objectives and responsibilities. Program Management, the Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) program, statewide seatbelt surveys, and media campaigns and evaluations are all funded under Planning and Administration.


Police Traffic Services

Impaired driving, occupant protection, work zones, speed violations, distracted driving, and aggressive drivers require a high level of sustained enforcement as well as, participation in national mobilizations, network meetings and training. Funding can be used for overtime and/or equipment to help law enforcement sustain traffic enforcement efforts. Awards will vary and may differ from those received in previous grant years. Funding will be based on the following criteria: 1) County ranking in overall crash rates provided by the TN Department of Safety 2) Population served by the agency and agency size 3) Number of qualifying applicants for each level of funding 4) Funds will be awarded based on THSO funding availability


Safe Communities

Funding provides a statewide service to Tennessee traffic safety educators, law enforcement, program providers, traffic safety professionals, advocates, and individuals. The need for this service continues to exist since most educators, traffic safety professionals, and law enforcement agencies in the state are unable to purchase or print educational materials to assist them with their local traffic safety programs. Traffic safety professionals rely heavily on free, up-to-date educational materials for their local traffic safety programs, events, sobriety checkpoints and/or child car seat checks. The materials help and encourage community residents to make travel safety behavioral changes, thus lowering fatalities, injuries, and economic costs associated with traffic fatalities/injuries within communities and within the state. Funding also provides for the maintenance of a comprehensive website use to collect and disseminate traffic safety information and the traffic safety educational materials.


Teen Driver Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds. Research has shown that this is an at-risk group because the brain is in its final stages of development according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This group needs to be provided with training and encouragement from a variety of community resources to combat the problem associated with youth and risky driving behaviors. In addition, the courts and law enforcement need to be utilized to provide adequate cause and effect demonstrations to gain the attention of today’s youth.


Traffic Records

Funding for traffic records will be used to implement effective programs to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration and accessibility of State data that is needed to identify priorities for national, State, and local highway and traffic safety programs. Funding is only to be used for the implementation of data improvement programs by the TN Department of Safety and other State of TN Departments.


 

The HSP not only describes what will be done to address these program areas, but also the goals and performance measures used to gauge progress.  Program reduction goals and performance measures are selected based on severity, economic costs, and number of agencies available to implement projects using proven countermeasures. 

The following table details the timeline of the grant application and orientation process:



















Month

Activity

January

Announcement of upcoming grant application period

March

Acceptance of grant applications online

April-May

THSO reviews all submitted grant applications

June-July

Grant application revisions

July

Submission of annual HSP to NHTSA for approval

August-September

THSO receives signed contracts from agencies

THSO provides signed contracts to TDOSHS for final approval

THSO provides approved contracts to receiving agencies

October

Grant year begins

October-November

Regional grant orientation workshops

December

Submission of annual report to NHTSA for approval


 


Project Development

The annual project selection process begins by notifying state and local traffic safety agencies and organizations in January that grant funding is available. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for each of the program areas is finalized in February, and agencies are invited to request access to the THSO’s grants management system and, upon approval of that request, submit an application in March. 

An agency or organization may also submit multiple grant applications. However, only one application per law enforcement agency will be considered and approved for RFPs addressing Alcohol Enforcement, Impaired Driving Enforcement, and Police Traffic Services (Multiple Violations).  

The highway safety program area the grantee intends to address must be supported through data that thoroughly documents the crash problem. The application must also detail the intervention to be used to address the problem, the logic for that selection, how the project will be evaluated, and the proposed budget. 

The THSO requires that all applications focusing specifically on crash reduction include three years of baseline data and comparative crash statistics from jurisdiction(s) similar to the grantee’s showing an above average crash problem. To assist agencies in this effort, state and county crash and program area data are available on the THSO website, and comparative analyses of crash categories are available upon request by emailing stats.safety@tn.gov.

Once the grant application period has closed, potential projects are assigned to the THSO staff for review and scoring. While all data-defined projects are considered, highest priority is given to the following (in no hierarchical order):


  • low seat belt and/or child restraint use;

  • high alcohol crash rates;

  • high speeding crash rates;

  • high young driver (under 20) crash rates;

  • high aggressive driving crash rates; and

  • high serious injury or fatal crash rates.

 

The THSO staff also evaluates past agency performance when recommending funding.

Applications submitted in response to the High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) RFP are limited to only those agencies that did not receive grant awards in any other category and are POST certified. Grants of up to $5,000 may be awarded on a non-competitive basis and until funds are exhausted.  

Grants will be awarded based on the highest review score, data, and funding availability. Law enforcement grants will be awarded based on data provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN) business unit. Data is imported into a funding allocation tool provided by the Tennessee State University. This tool takes the THSO’s budget for enforcement grants and places a dollar amount per county based on the data provided by the TITAN business unit. All tentatively approved grant awards are made by the TDOSHS Commissioner and the THSO Director. All approved grant-funded projects are included in the annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP), which is submitted to NHTSA for review and approval by July 1. 

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Grant Contract & Orientation


 


Grant Contract

Following grant approval, THSO notifies the agencies to be awarded funding via email in mid-June. If any aspect of the project changes between award notification and contract preparation, the grantee is asked, as needed, to make revisions via the THSO’s online grants management system between June and July. Once the grant application is finalized, the THSO emails an award package to the grantee’s project director. The package includes a cover letter with detailed instructions, the grant contract, and supplemental forms. A statewide press release announcing all award recipients is also distributed to the media and all legislators who have a grantee(s) within their district.

Following receipt of the award package, the grantee return one electronic copy of the signed grant contract and supplemental contract forms with signatures to the THSO within seven working days. If the contract requires governing body approval, the grantee should notify the THSO of the timetable for that process.  If original signatures are required on these documents, they can only be provided if the grantee requests them in advance of contract approval.  If multiple copies are required, the authorizing agency representative must sign all copies.  Once these documents are returned to the THSO, the contract is signed by the appropriate TDOSHS authorities.  Approved contracts are emailed to the project director. 

The signature of the authorizing agency official indicates the grantee agrees to comply with the requirements outlined in the grant contract.  The grantee may not proceed with any expenditure associated with the grant until the project director receives the fully executed and signed contract from the THSO and the grant period commences on October 1. 

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Grant Orientation Workshop


The THSO conducts a new grantee orientation workshop (GOW) shortly after the start of the new grant period in the four major regions of the state (West, East, Middle, Cumberland), typically in mid-October through early November. While attendance is mandatory for all new grantees, all agencies receiving grants from the THSO are encouraged to participate, and some may be required to do so. The grantee project director and all staff granted access to the THSO’s online grants management system should attend the half-day program. The THSO staff reviews the grantees’ responsibilities and procedures including any changes dictated by state and/or federal law that have occurred since the previous orientation. In addition to the orientation, this manual, the online grants system user manual, and step-by-step instructions are available to assist grantees with submitting status reports and claims (detailed later in this manual) in accordance with fiscal and program management requirements.

 

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Grant Reimbursement Requirements


 


Reimbursement is contingent upon the grantee complying with all grant requirements and the appropriation of sufficient funds by the federal government and the state highway safety program. The THSO doesn’t represent, or guarantee, the availability of federal highway safety funds for initial or subsequent year funding.  


 


Once a grant has been awarded and becomes effective, the THSO reimburses the grantee for expenditures related to approved activities. The objectives outlined in the grant should be accomplished during the grant period and within the approved budget. It is preferable that purchases occur early in the grant period for maximum benefit. Only costs incurred within the approved grant period and that do not exceed the federally obligated funds as indicated in the contract are reimbursed. 

 


 


Federal & State Regulations Governing THSO Grants

The expenses and costs eligible for reimbursement under the highway safety program are those stipulated in the approved grant budget. To be allowable, costs must be necessary, reasonable, allocable, and expended according to the appropriate federal and state statutes or grant regulations. Grant management rules require the THSO to monitor grantees to ensure compliance with applicable federal requirements and cost principles. 

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards, is the federal administrative regulation under which the THSO grants operate. It is referred to as Uniform Guidance. A desk friendly version of this document is available online for review and reference. Agencies receiving highway safety funds must adhere to these requirements. At minimum, the THSO adheres to the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. In some cases, such as the due date for grantee final reports and claims, the THSO is more restrictive to allow time for submission of reports, which include grantee information, to NHTSA.

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Audits

Audits are conducted to determine the fiscal integrity of financial transactions and reports, as well as compliance with laws, regulations, and administrative requirements. All grants awarded by the Tennessee THSO are federally funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation/NTHSA and recorded in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). If a grantee or its parent agency expends over $750,000 in federal funds from any source, a single audit procedure is required by the Single Audit Act for State and Local Agencies, 1996 Amendments, Public Law 104-156. 2 CFR Part 200, Audit Subpart F  describes the audit requirements. Audit reporting information is also provided later in this manual.

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Risk Assessment


The THSO is required to annually assess each applicant’s risk of noncompliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the grant. The goal of the risk assessment is to determine an organization's capacity to manage and/or receive federal grant funds prior to issuance of a grant award. Information may also be used to plan monitoring activities and/or identify support needed to strengthen an applicant’s management of its program. 


 


 


Retention of Records

An agency shall keep all Tennessee Highway Safety Office grant records on file for a minimum of 7 years or longer if mandated by its own Retention of Records policy. This includes all programmatic and financial documents associated with the grant contract.

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Federal Funding Accountability & Transparency Act

Passed by Congress in 2006, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires grantees to report each action (sub-award and executive compensation) that obligates $25,000 or more in federal funds. The grantee is exempt from this requirement if, during the previous tax year, its gross income from all sources was less than $300,000. FFATA reporting information is provided later in this manual. 

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Grantee Responsibilities & Procedures


Grant Requirements

When an agency or organization accepts federal highway safety funds, it also agrees to fully comply with all requirements in this manual and any periodic changes that may be made during the grant period. The project director will be notified in writing of any changes via mail and/or email.

It’s critical that the project director carefully reviews the federal regulations outlined in 2 CRF Part 200 and the certifications and assurances included in Appendix A of this manual. The Governor of Tennessee is the responsible official for the administration of Tennessee’s highway safety program through the THSO (which has adequate powers and is equipped and organized to carry out the program) and must assure compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. By accepting federal highway safety funds, an agency or organization is also bound by these certifications and assurances.  

For enforcement grants, the THSO requires that grantees participate in all NHTSA reporting campaigns emphasizing HVE (i.e., Click It or Ticket, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Booze It or Lose It) and a THSO Network meeting during each quarter of the 12-month grant period. Additionally, enforcement grantees must also submit statistics within two weeks following the conclusion of each NHTSA HVE reporting campaign via the THSO website.

 

Funding may not be used for any non-traffic safety enforcement activities. HVE reporting requirements are detailed later in this manual.  

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Financial Management

The project director is responsible for establishing and maintaining procedures to ensure the effective administration of an agency or organization’s grant, including the timely completion of the grant objectives and proper record keeping. A THSO staff member — program manager — is assigned to every grant and works with the project director and agency designated staff throughout the course of the grant period.  


The project director must ensure that the agency’s accounting system conforms to generally accepted accounting principles. While the THSO’s online grants management system allows the grantee to maintain and store critical documents, it’s strongly recommended that copies of all financial records pertaining to a grant be stored in a grant file (hard copy, electronic, or both) maintained by the project director. This will make it easier to submit claims, complete status reports, respond to questions, and reference documents.  


 


The file should also include a copy of the grantee’s internal purchasing policies and procedures. At a minimum, the policies must meet state standards; they may not be less stringent. If no written policies exist, the grantee is subject to the state’s purchasing guidelines for cities and towns (TCA 6-56-301 through 307), counties (TCA 05-14-201 through 207) and states (TCA 4-56-101 through 108). To access this information online, click on “I Agree” under Terms and Conditions prior to entering the Lexis Nexis site. (Note: The THSO maintains an electronic grant file for a minimum of three years following conclusion of the grant year.)

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In addition, the grantee must meet the following grant management standards:


Financial Reporting

To receive reimbursement of authorized federal grant fund expenditures, a grantee must submit accurate, current, and complete financial information via the THSO’s online grants management system on a monthly or quarterly basis, which is determined by the grantee at time of application. All grantees must submit quarterly claims even if no funds are being requested (a zero claim). All authorized federal funds must be incurred, and work performed on or before September 30, the last day of the federal fiscal and grant year (October 1-September 30). Only hours worked, or items purchased, during the current fiscal year may be claimed for reimbursement.  

Grantees must maintain records identifying the source (federal, state, and/or local) and application of funds for each budget line item. Grantees are responsible for tracking reimbursement by Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) coding, provided by the THSO, for the Single Audit process. 

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Internal Controls

A grantee must maintain effective control and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets. Additionally, the grantee must adequately safeguard all assets and ensure they’re used only for traffic safety-related purposes.  

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Allowable Costs

The THSO uses the cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 and NHTSA policy and guidance to determine necessary, reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs consistent with policies, rules, and regulations conforming to limitations or exclusion of costs.  

The use of federal grant funds to purchase equipment and cover personnel and non-personnel costs  (including overtime) are allowable within federal and state rules and regulations and are detailed later in this manual. Costs associated with training personnel for highway safety purposes are allowable if the training supports the objectives outlined in the highway safety program (not applicable to federal, civilian, or military personnel). Funds may not be used to cover salary costs associated with employee attendance at a training or that employee’s replacement while in training, unless that employee’s salary is THSO grant funded. Allowable supplies and equipment purchases are detailed in Appendix B. 

Federal grant funds may also be used for travel costs associated with attendance at in- and out-of-state highway safety-related meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, and trainings.  For travel that is included in the approved grant budget, the grantee must follow state travel regulations.  For travel not included in the grant budget, a written, detailed request for financial support must be submitted to the THSO in advance of the grantee’s travel dates.  Once approved, state travel regulations apply.  Travel and per diem reimbursement are detailed in Appendix C.  


The cost of attendance at highway safety-related meetings and conferences, where participants receive technical information, is allowed. Federal grant funds may be used to cover meals, transportation, facility rental, and other incidental costs associated with hosting and/or attending a meeting at the per diem rate. The grantee should retain records documenting the purpose of the meeting and all associated costs.


 

Costs are allowable, at THSO’s discretion, for highway safety consultant services provided by universities, public agencies, non-government organizations, and individuals for state or local highway safety support services or products consistent with 2 CFR Part 200. Prior written approval by the program manager and adherence to state procurement procedures are required.


Federal grant funds may also be used for educational items that offer incentives or encourage the public to adopt highway safety practices. Guidance on educational and promotional materials is provided in the Public Information & Education section of this manual.


 

Funds may also be expended in support of police-directed, underage drinking operations that include the purchase of alcoholic beverages in sting operations (not for consumption). These activities must be conducted in compliance with federal, state, or local laws.

If a grantee has a question about whether an item or activity meets the provisions outlined in the grant contract, the project director should contact the THSO program manager for clarification prior to purchasing the item or engaging in the activity. 

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Indirect Costs

Only non-profits, colleges, universities, and hospitals may use grant funds for indirect costs (government and state agencies are not eligible).  These are costs incurred for common or joint purposes (i.e., phone, supplies, administrative salaries) and not assigned to a highway safety grant as a direct cost.  Indirect costs benefit more than one cost objective and should be prorated equitably among all applicable functional areas. When including indirect costs in a grant application, the grantee must include the total estimated indirect costs, along with a detailed explanation, and a completed copy of a Certificate of Indirect Costs. Indirect costs are subject to review by federal and state auditors as included in a cognizant federal agency’s report or audit.  

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Grant Modifications and Amendments

A grantee may request, or a program manager may recommend, a revision to the original budget and/or goals/objectives/tasks or other section outlined in its grant contract with the THSO once the grant is approved.  All revision requests must be fully detailed and justified.

To initiate a modification, the project director must complete three steps. First, change the application status in the THSO online grants management system to “Modification Request.” Second, complete and save the modification form (located under View, Edit and Complete Forms). Third, change the status of the application to “Modification Submitted.” Once these steps are completed, the project director will receive an email confirmation from the THSO program manager. The program manager will then review the request, and if no additional information is needed, submit it to management. Once approved, the project director will receive an email confirmation from the THSO, and at that time the grantee may begin spending funds associated with the modification. If the request is denied, the project director will be notified by email and the grantee may continue to spend funds as allocated in its original approved grant. A modification generally can be approved in 3-5 business days, but is not allowed in the month of September. 

If the request calls for any money to be subtracted or added to the overall budget amount or a change in a contractual term, the THSO will create an amendment and send it to the project director for his/her review and signature. Once the project director returns the signed amendment to the THSO program manager, it is then forwarded to the TDOSHS, the THSO’s oversight agency, for review and approval. The modification request will remain pending until the amendment is approved by TDOSHS. Once approved, the project director will receive an email confirmation from the THSO, and at that time the grantee may begin spending funds associated with the amendment. If the request is denied, the project director will be notified by email and the grantee may continue to spend funds as allocated in its original approved grant.  

The process for a modification with an amendment can take from 2-4 weeks (sometimes even longer depending on the extent of the modification or amendment). No costs may be incurred against the budget line that is being amended until the grantee receives written (email) notice of approval.  

A grant modification that requires an amendment is not allowed in the fourth quarter (July, August, and September).

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Claims and Reporting (Monthly/Quarterly)

Grantees have the option of submitting claims for reimbursement of approved grant expenditures and project status reports on a monthly or quarterly basis. This is determined by the grantee at the time of application and typically driven by manpower and cash-flow. However, in the case of law enforcement, the only option is for quarterly submissions. All submissions must be made through the THSO’s online grants management system. Grantees that elect monthly reporting must submit all information by the 1st of the next month that follows the end of the monthly term (i.e. October monthly claim is due no later than December 1). Quarterly reporting is due the 1st of the next month following the close of the quarter (February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1). A final status report for the entirety of the grant year is also due on November 1. Once a grantee has selected a reporting timeframe, it may not be changed without prior discussion and approval of the program manager. No changes may be made after the first quarter.

Regardless of the reporting timeframe, all grantees must submit a claim and status report monthly or quarterly even if no costs were incurred (zero claim) or no activities took place during that time period.  Additionally, the THSO cannot process a claim until the corresponding status report is received and approved.  Consistent, on-time reporting reduces confusion and the potential for the THSO to question a grantee’s reporting and/or claim status (i.e., Did the grantee forget?  Did the grantee opt not to submit?). If an extension of a monthly or quarterly deadline is needed, grantees must provide a written request and receive approval from their THSO program manager in advance of the deadline. The requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Not all requests will be approved and should not be a common practice. Regular reporting is also critical since the THSO is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of all grant-funded projects. 

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Status Reports

Program grantees must submit monthly or quarterly status reports to receive reimbursement for claims. (As noted above, the grantee selects the reporting timeframe at the time of application.) The THSO processes claims after the accompanying status report has been received, reviewed, and approved. Law enforcement program grantees must submit status reports, but also must submit campaign data into the THSO website within two weeks following conclusion of a NHTSA campaign. All law enforcement grantees (program and HVE) must submit their quarterly enforcement data with each status report.

A status report should describe any tasks or activities undertaken during the month or quarter to accomplish the objectives outlined in the grant (i.e., conducted five saturation patrols lasting four hours each over the quarter resulting in 500 DUI arrests, 200 speeding citations, etc.) along with progress made in addressing the problem statement (i.e., Fatal crashes during the 1st quarter of the current fiscal year is down by 5 compared to 1st quarter of the previous fiscal year as described in tasks). The grantee is encouraged to include copies or provide links to press clippings and printed materials such as flyers or press releases that support the activities described in the status report. Grantees must submit status reports using the THSO’s online grants management system, which allows for document uploads; only electronic submission is required.


The THSO program managers carefully review status reports, paying particular attention to whether a grantee is making satisfactory progress in achieving the grant objectives as outlined and on schedule based on the schedule of tasks. If deficiencies are identified, the program manager will notify the grantee’s project director. The notification will describe the deficiency and request that the project director provide changes and/or updates. Changes/updates must be made, submitted, and approved before the claim will be processed. 

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Claims Reimbursement

Grantees may submit claims for reimbursement up to the itemized amount listed in the approved grant budget.  Only items listed in the approved grant are eligible for reimbursement. All claims (monthly, quarterly) must be submitted via the THSO’s online grants management system. Following completion of the online claim, the project director should print and sign the claim forms. These forms should be scanned/emailed with supporting documentation and a completed Claim for Reimbursement Checklist to the attention of the appropriate THSO program manager. The claim packet should be organized in sequential order as listed in the Claim for Reimbursement Checklist.

 

Personnel expenses for overtime are allowable for hourly and non-exempt salaried employees for activities such as checkpoints, saturation patrols, and compliance checks for beer sales; overtime activities must be within the scope of the grant. Agencies receiving reimbursement for overtime will be required to submit their departmental overtime policy. 

Overtime cannot be claimed for attending training, conducting educational events (such as school assemblies), being in court, or for exempt salaried positions except with the written approval of the THSO Director.

If the claim includes reimbursement for overtime, the grantee must also complete the personnel section online and attach, in the same sequential order as listed on the claim form, an employee approved time sheet along with a copy of each employee’s check (the rate of pay listed on both must match). The time sheet must include the number of regular hours worked, the employee’s hourly base and overtime pay rates, and the number of overtime hours worked with a detailed explanation (i.e., eight hours for THSO Alcohol Saturation Patrol, three hours for THSO sobriety checkpoint), and starting and ending times. The THSO has an approved activity sheet (THS-17) that may be used by any agency to document overtime activity. The THS-17 form may be used in lieu of an activity/timesheet. 

Further, the THSO may request the timesheets of grant personnel for regular hours to verify that the overtime hours were not incurred during the regular hours of duty. Benefits are reimbursable for enforcement overtime.

Law enforcement agencies receiving Alcohol Enforcement grant funds may submit for reimbursement of personnel costs for officers working saturation patrols and checkpoints that occur outside the NHTSA-designated peak hours of 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. as long as they begin no earlier than 2 p.m. and conclude no later than 4 a.m. In this case, your agency must pull a year-to-year comparison of three years of local DUI crashes, arrests and time of occurrence, and submit it to your THSO program manager for review at least two weeks in advance of the enforcement, preferably at the beginning of the grant year. (This data may also be requested from the TDOSHS, TITAN.) If the request to use funds outside of peak hours is approved, this approval will be good for the remainder of the current grant year. Refer to the alcohol enforcement memo issued by the THSO Director for more information.

Grantees requesting reimbursement for non-personnel (travel, supplies under $5,000), other non-personnel (advertising, organizational permits, subscription fees), capital purchases (equipment costing $5,000 or more), and/or professional fees (contractual costs) must complete each section online. Claims with travel expenses for mileage must include a print-out from MapQuest, Google Maps or another mapping database with the total number of miles being claimed.  

Grantees submitting claims for equipment purchases (items costing $5,000 or more) must also complete the THS-22, Capital Purchase Report, section on the THSO’s online grants management system. If more than one piece of equipment is purchased during the claim period (month or quarter), each item must be recorded on the form.  

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Final Report

Program grantees must submit a final report using the THSO’s online grants management system no later than November 1. THSO will not process a final claim for reimbursement until the final report is received, reviewed, and approved.  

The THSO reviews final reports to determine the effectiveness of a grantee’s highway safety project and takes past performance into consideration when recommending grant requests in future years.  The THSO may also share this information with NHTSA via the state’s annual report; therefore, it is critical that grantees pay particular attention to reporting when designing their intervention.  

Following approval of the final report by the program manager, the grantee receives an email notice from the THSO’s online grants management system

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Audit Reporting

If a grantee or its parent agency expends over $750,000 in federal funds during their fiscal year from any federal source, a single or program-specific audit must be conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200, Audit Subpart F. The audit report must cover the entire grant period and be provided to the THSO within 30 days after publication. 

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FFATA Reporting

If a grantee (state, non-profit, local, etc.) obligates $25,000 or more in Federal Funds during the grant year, it must complete and submit, no later than November 20, a FFATA form (which can be found on the THSO website under the Grants Management section). In addition to the form, there are links to search for your agency’s DUN’s and SAM/CCR Numbers as well as your Congressional District.  This reporting is required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act and addresses grant expenditures and executive compensation. A grantee is exempt from this requirement if, during the previous tax year, its gross income from all sources was less than $300,000. 

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Personnel Certification

NHTSA regulations require any full or part-time position funded through a highway safety grant to be certified on a monthly/quarterly basis.  This certification must indicate what percentage of the employee’s time was spent working on grant-related duties and be signed by the employee or supervisor having first-hand knowledge of the work the employee performed.  To fulfill this requirement, the grantee should complete the Grant Funded Personnel Certification (THS-16) located on the THSO’s online grants management system and include the signed form with the claim.  This is an automatically generated form from TN Grants.

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Lobbying Certification

In the grant contract with the THSO, the grantee certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that:


  1. No federally appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any federal contract, the making of any federal grant, the making of any federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.


  2. If any funds other than federally appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the grantee shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” in accordance with its instructions.

  3. The grantee shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all sub-awards at all tiers (including subcontracts, sub-grants and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all sub-recipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.  



    This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into and is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by 31 U.S.C. ₴ 1352.  

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Monitoring

 

Federal and state grant management rules require that the THSO staff maintains regular contact via telephone, email/written correspondence, and on-site visits with grantees throughout the course of the grant year to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and cost principles. This monitoring includes not only the review and approval of claims and status/final reports, but also ongoing outreach to grantees. The intent of this outreach is to develop a relationship with the grantee, address grant management-related questions, provide technical assistance, and identify and help address problems and/or concerns.  Any documentation generated as a result of this contact is placed in the grantee’s file.  

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On-Site & Desk Monitoring (Programmatic & Financial)

The THSO visits every grantee that has been awarded a program grant at least once during the grant year (typically between February and September) to conduct a systematic and comprehensive programmatic and financial assessment. This visit is designed to be instructive, not disruptive, and to foster information exchange and partnership. The visit will be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, and a preparation sheet that details how to prepare for the on-site visit will be provided electronically. In addition, a link to an online version of Title VI Assessment will be emailed; this should be completed and submitted on the TN Traffic Safety website prior to the monitoring visit. An unscheduled monitoring visit will occur if the agency receives a letter which issues a finding after the annual on-site visit or if there is concern that the agency’s project is showing signs of significant weakness. A random sampling of ten percent of HVE grantees will receive an on-site monitoring from their program manager.

During the programmatic portion of the visit, goals, objectives, and tasks are reviewed to determine if the project is being implemented as outlined in the approved grant application.  This assessment is also used to determine if the grantee has satisfied special conditions and is adhering to contract terms and conditions.  The financial review includes an examination of agency and grant-specific financial documents and issues related to the implementation and performance of the project.

While on-site, the program manager completes the monitoring form found on the THSO’s online grants management system. Once completed, the form is reviewed and approved by the THSO management.  Following final approval of the monitoring form, the program manager sends a follow-up letter that indicates no findings or if there are required actions. This letter is emailed within 30 days following completion of the assessment.  If the letter includes findings, an additional on-site visit(s) may be scheduled.  The THSO maintains an electronic copy of the letter. 

Law enforcement agencies that receive an HVE grant will receive a desk monitoring or audit, which uses an abbreviated form. This monitoring/audit will come from their THSO program manager or an auditor from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Failure to respond to a desk monitoring or audit may result in a loss of grant funding. In rare instances, an on-site visit may be required if the agency’s project shows significant weakness or non-compliance. 


Temporary Policy Amendment

Due to COVID-19 and the desire to minimize face to face contact, on-site monitoring will be replaced with virtual monitoring. Project eligibility will be determined by the THSO Program Manager based on an assessment of low risk, history of strong performance, agency not in first year of grant project, cannot be newly assigned Project Director, and is able to utilize the appropriate technical resources to allow for a successful virtual monitoring.

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Equipment Inventory

Equipment, any one item costing $5,000 or more, purchased with federal highway safety grant funds must be inventoried annually by the THSO for a period of three years following the initial year of purchase. Once a grantee enters a claim for reimbursement of equipment purchased using grant funds into the THSO’s online grants management system, it is automatically tracked for the required time period. Additionally, the THSO conducts a random check of a minimum of one piece of equipment during each on-site monitoring visit to ensure that it is being used for highway safety purposes. Prior to the on-site visit, the program manager reviews a copy of the form, Equipment Purchase Report, from the THSO’s online grants management system.    

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Purchasing Requirements & Property Management

Rules and definitions for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and other materials and their management are governed by the Rules of the Tennessee Department of General Services Central Procurement Office. A grantee must follow these rules unless its governing agency or organization has its own policies and procedures and can make them readily available for inspection by the THSO. An agency’s policies and procedures must, at a minimum, be as stringent as the state regulations. This policy must be provided to the THSO.

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Title VI (Non-Discrimination)

Through its financial assistance programs, the U.S. government seeks to improve the status of disadvantaged and minority businesses and citizens and provide fairness in the areas of employment and contracting. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, or gender in the provision of services, programs, or personnel transactions. Agencies receiving federal grant funds, including grantees of the THSO, must fully comply with the provisions of Title VI and 49 CFR Parts 21 and 27, and make reference to these mandates in all contracts or subcontracts. 

In advance of the annual on-site monitoring visit, the THSO program manager emails a link to the Title VI Assessment to the grantee. It is the responsibility of the grantee to complete the assessment in advance of the monitoring visit.

All grantees must display the Title VI posters in an area that is accessible to the general public and posters must also be displayed in employee common areas not accessible by the general public. A grantee may request the Nondiscrimination poster from their THSO program manager (both English and Spanish versions are available). In addition, the grantee may also request the English and Spanish versions of the Title VI brochures, which are not required but recommended, from the THSO program. 

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Equipment

Equipment is any nonexpendable, tangible, personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 more. All equipment purchased using federal highway safety funds requires prior written approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is handled by the THSO during the application process. The agency follows the provisions of the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards, 2 CFR Part 200. Equipment purchased with grant funds must be used for traffic safety purposes only. Non-authorized use of equipment is grounds for refunding a portion of the equipment value to the THSO. All equipment purchased with grant funds must comply with the Buy America Act. Allowable equipment purchases are detailed in Appendix B. Additional guidance is available from the grantee’s THSO program manager. 

Equipment must be tracked for three years after the initial year of purchase, and that inventory is checked during the annual on-site monitoring visit conducted by the THSO. If, during that three-year period, the equipment is destroyed or no longer used for its intended purpose, the project director must immediately notify the THSO program manager. With the THSO’s guidance, the project director must determine the fair market value of the equipment and give credit to an active grant, transfer, or dispose of the equipment. After disposing of any grant-purchased equipment (whether destroyed or no longer having a useful life), the grantee’s agency or organization must maintain all records pertaining to this equipment for an additional three years. 

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Supplies

Any item with an acquisition cost of less than $5,000 is a supply and may be purchased using highway safety grant funds. The purchase of supplies does not require NHTSA pre-approval. However, supplies purchased with grant funds must be used for traffic safety and/or enforcement purposes only. Non-authorized use of supplies is grounds for refunding a portion of the value to the THSO. Consult the THSO program manager for guidance on allowable supplies, and refer to the Public Information & Education section for information concerning the inclusion of logos on these materials. Allowable supply purchases are detailed in Appendix B.

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Public Information & Education (PI&E)


Materials

PI&E materials fall into two categories:

Educational — material that educates and informs an audience such as activity books, coloring books, brochures, posters, flyers, and envelope stuffers.

Promotional — Promotional items are no longer allowable for purchase using THSO grant funds. Grantees can contact their Program Manager with questions or refer to the memo issued by NHTSA on May 18, 2016 for more information.

Grantees that use federal highway safety funds to produce PI&E materials must receive written approval from the THSO Program Manager and Public Information Officer prior to production. Grantees should allow 2-4 weeks for the approval. Grantees should also advise vendors that all materials used in the production of public outreach materials paid for by grant funds are the property of the grantee and the THSO (i.e., data, plates, negatives, camera-ready artwork, designs, concepts, photographs, video and audio). All PI&E material purchases (costing more than $5,000 per unit) must comply with the Buy America Act.

All educational materials produced using grant funds must include the THSO logo or the logo from another program as determined by the THSO (i.e., Click It or Ticket), and the following message:

This material was developed through a project funded by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

Grantees that use non-federal highway safety funds to produce PI&E materials must receive written approval from the THSO Public Information Officer in order to use any THSO logo. 

All published research and reports developed as a result of a grant must include the following disclosure statement:

This report was prepared in cooperation with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. The opinions, findings, and conclusion expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the THSO. 

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Advertising & Public Relations

The limited purchase of media creation, time, or space (television and radio time, billboard space, paid social media initiatives, etc.) for traffic safety grant funded campaigns is permitted in extraordinary circumstances and must be specifically approved by the THSO Director. As with all PI&E materials, the Program Manager and PIO must approve all creative prior to development or purchase.

All press releases discussing a grant and/or grant-funded activities must be reviewed by the THSO program manager and Public Information Officer prior to dissemination to allow for the inclusion of a quote from the THSO Director, TDOSHS Commissioner, or other individual as identified by the THSO.  The final release must state that the grant is funded through the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

Federally-funded public service announcements or video materials intended for television or cable television must be closed-captioned.

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Non-Compliance/Termination

The THSO will impose sanctions in the event of noncompliance or violation of any grant provision by the grantee agency. Appropriate sanctions may include, but are not limited to, withholding payments, suspension, or termination of a portion or the entire grant. The THSO will provide 30 days’ notice to the grantee if the grant is terminated for “convenience.” Grants terminated for “cause” will take effect immediately. Both options are included below and located in Section D of the contract under “Standard Terms and Conditions.” If the grant is terminated, the grantee will be paid only for activities/services allowable under the grant contract that were completed prior to the effective termination date.

Termination for Convenience. The State may terminate this Grant Contract without cause for any reason. A termination for convenience shall not be a breach of this Grant Contract by the State. The State shall give the Grantee at least thirty (30) days written notice before the effective termination date. The Grantee shall be entitled to compensation for authorized expenditures and satisfactory services completed as of the termination date, but in no event shall the State be liable to the Grantee for compensation for any service that has not been rendered. The final decision as to the amount for which the State is liable shall be determined by the State. The Grantee shall not have any right to any actual general, special, incidental, consequential, or any other damages whatsoever of any description or amount for the State’s exercise of its right to terminate for convenience. 

Termination for Cause. If the Grantee fails to properly perform its obligations under this Grant Contract, or if the Grantee violates any terms of this Grant Contract, the State shall have the right to immediately terminate this Grant Contract and withhold payments in excess of fair compensation for completed services. Notwithstanding the exercise of the State’s right to terminate this Grant Contract for cause, the Grantee shall not be relieved of liability to the State for damages sustained by virtue of any breach of this Grant Contract by the Grantee.


 

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Disputes/Disagreements

Any dispute, disagreement, or question of fact concerning a grant should be handled by the THSO program manager assigned to that grant in consultation with all managers. All final decisions will be put in writing and distributed to all concerned parties as well as maintained in the grant file. The grantee may then proceed with the performance of the grant in accordance with that decision.  

If a grantee disagrees with a decision made by the program manager, an appeal may be made to the THSO Director. The appeal must be in made in writing within 30 days of the program manager’s decision and sent to the THSO by certified mail. No legal action may be taken by the grantee without following these steps. 

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Appendix A - Federal Certifications & Assurances

 

INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

The State has submitted appropriate documentation for review to the single point of contact designated by the Governor to review Federal programs, as required by Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs). 

FEDERAL FUNDING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ACT (FFATA)


The State will comply with FFATA guidance, OMB Guidance on FFATA Subaward and Executive Compensation Reporting, August 27, 2010 (https://www.fsrs.gov/documents/OMB_Guidance_on_FFATA_Subaward_and_Executive_Compensation_Reporting_08272010.pdf) by reporting to FSRS.gov for each sub-grant awarded: 


 

•             Name of the entity receiving the award;

•             Amount of the award;

•             Information on the award including transaction type, funding agency, the North American Industry Classification System code or Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number (where applicable), program source;

•             Location of the entity receiving the award and the primary location of performance under the award, including the city, State, congressional district, and country; and an award title descriptive of the purpose of each funding action;

•             A unique identifier (DUNS);

•             The names and total compensation of the five most highly compensated officers of the entity if:

(i) the entity in the preceding fiscal year received—

(I) 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenues in Federal awards;

(II) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal awards; and

(ii) the public does not have access to information about the compensation of the senior executives of the entity through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

•             Other relevant information specified by OMB guidance.

NONDISCRIMINATION

(applies to subrecipients as well as States)

The State highway safety agency will comply with all Federal statutes and implementing regulations relating to nondiscrimination (“Federal Nondiscrimination Authorities”). These include but are not limited to:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq., 78 stat. 252), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin) and 49 CFR part 21;

The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of1970, (42 U.S.C. 4601), (prohibits unfair treatment of persons displaced or whose property has been acquired because of Federal or Federal-aid programs and projects);

Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973, (23 U.S.C. 324 et seq.), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681-1683 and 1685-1686) (prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex);

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (29 U.S.C. 794 et seq.), as amended, (prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability) and 49 CFR part 27;

The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of age);

The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, (Pub. L. 100-209), (broadens scope, coverage and applicability of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, by expanding the definition of the terms "programs or activities" to include all of the programs or activities of the Federal aid recipients, sub-recipients and contractors, whether such programs or activities are Federally-funded or not);

Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12131-12189) (prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the operation of public entities, public and private transportation systems, places of public accommodation, and certain testing) and 49 CFR parts 37 and 38;

Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations (prevents discrimination against minority populations by discouraging programs, policies, and activities with disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations); and

Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (guards against Title VI national origin discrimination/discrimination because of limited English proficiency (LEP) by ensuring that funding recipients take reasonable steps to ensure that LEP persons have meaningful access to programs (70 FR at 74087 to 74100).

The State highway safety agency —

• Will take all measures necessary to ensure that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, limited English proficiency, or membership in any other class protected by Federal Nondiscrimination Authorities, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any of its programs or activities, so long as any portion of the program is Federally-assisted. 

• Will administer the program in a manner that reasonably ensures that any of its subrecipients, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants receiving Federal financial assistance under this program will comply with all requirements of the Non- Discrimination Authorities identified in this Assurance;

•  Agrees to comply (and require any of its subrecipients, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants to comply) with all applicable provisions of law or regulation governing US DOT’s or NHTSA’s access to records, accounts, documents, information, facilities, and staff, and to cooperate and comply with any program or compliance reviews, and/or complaint investigations conducted by US DOT or NHTSA under any Federal Nondiscrimination Authority;

•  Acknowledges that the United States has a right to seek judicial enforcement with regard to any matter arising under these Non-Discrimination Authorities and this Assurance;

•  Insert in all contracts and funding agreements with other State or private entities the following clause:

“During the performance of this contract/funding agreement, the contractor/funding recipient agrees—

a.   To comply with all Federal nondiscrimination laws and regulations, as may be amended from time to time;

            b.   Not to participate directly or indirectly in the discrimination prohibited by any Federal non-discrimination law or regulation, as set forth in Appendix B of 49CFR part 2l and herein;

c.   To permit access to its books, records, accounts, other sources of information, and its facilities as required by the State highway safety office, US DOT or NHTSA;

d.   That, in event a contractor/funding recipient fails to comply with any nondiscrimination provisions in this contract/funding agreement, the State highway safety agency will have the right to impose such contract/agreement sanctions as it or NHTSA determine are appropriate, including but not limited to withholding payments to the contractor/funding recipient under the contract/agreement until the contractor/funding recipient complies; and/or cancelling, terminating, or suspending a contract or funding agreement, in whole or in part; and

e.   To insert this clause, including paragraphs a through e, in every subcontract and subagreement and in every solicitation for a subcontract or sub-agreement, that receives Federal funds under this program.

 

THE DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT OF 1988 (41 U.S.C. 8103)

The State will provide a drug-free workplace by:

a.   Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;

b.   Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about:

o The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace.

o The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.

o Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs.

o The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug violations occurring in the workplace.

o Making it a requirement that each employee engaged in the performance of the grant be given    a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a).

c.   Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will –

o Abide by the terms of the statement.

o Notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.

d.   Notifying the agency within ten days after receiving notice under subparagraph (c)(2)

from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction.

e.   Taking one of the following actions, within 30 days of receiving notice under subparagraph (c)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted –

o Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination.

o Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

f.  Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of all of the paragraphs above.

POLITICAL ACTIVITY (HATCH ACT)

(applies to subrecipients as well as States)

The State will comply with provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501-1508), which limits the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds.

CERTIFICATION REGARDING FEDERAL LOBBYING

(applies to subrecipients as well as States)

Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements

The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:

1. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

2. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.

3. The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all sub-award at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grant, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

RESTRICTION ON STATE LOBBYING

(applies to subrecipients as well as States)

None of the funds under this program will be used for any activity specifically designed to urge or influence a State or local legislator to favor or oppose the adoption of any specific legislative proposal pending before any State or local legislative body. Such activities include both direct and indirect (e.g., "grassroots") lobbying activities, with one exception. This does not preclude a State official whose salary is supported with NHTSA funds from engaging in direct communications with State or local legislative officials, in accordance with customary State practice, even if such communications urge legislative officials to favor or oppose the adoption of a specific pending legislative proposal.

                      

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION

(applies to subrecipients as well as States)

Instructions for Primary Certification (States)

1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective primary participant is providing the certification set out below and agrees to comply with the requirements of 2 CFR Parts 180 and 1300.

2. The inability of a person to provide the certification required below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out below. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective primary participant to furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such person from participation in this transaction.

3. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the department or agency determined to enter into this transaction. If it is later determined that the prospective primary participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default or may pursue suspension or debarment.

4. The prospective primary participant shall provide immediate written notice to the department or agency to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective primary participant learns its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

5. The terms covered transaction, debarment, suspension, ineligible, lower tier, participant, person, primary tier, principal, and voluntarily excluded, as used in this clause, have the meaning set out in the Definitions and coverage sections of 2 CFR Part 180. You may contact the department or agency to which this proposal is being submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

6. The prospective primary participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by NHTSA.

7. The prospective primary participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled “Instructions for Lower Tier Certification” including the "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier Covered Transaction," provided by the department or agency entering into this covered transaction, without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions and will require lower tier participants to comply with 2 CFR Parts 180 and 1300.

8. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the list of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Non-procurement Programs.

9. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

10. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 6 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, the department or agency may disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, debar or suspend you, or take other remedies as appropriate.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions

(1) The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that its principals:

(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded by any Federal department or agency;

(b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of record, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

(c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and

(d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated for cause or default.

(2) Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the Statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

Instructions for Lower Tier Certification

1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below and agrees to comply with the requirements of 2  CFR Parts 180 and 1300.

2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

4. The terms covered transaction, debarment, suspension, ineligible, lower tier, participant, person, primary tier, principal, and voluntarily excluded, as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definition and Coverage sections of 2 CFR Part 180. You may contact the person to whom this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by NHTSA.

6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled “Instructions for Lower Tier Certification” including the "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion – Lower Tier Covered Transaction," without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions and will  require lower tier participants to comply with 2 CFR Parts 180 and 1300.

7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Non-procurement Programs.

8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, debar or suspend you, or take other remedies as appropriate.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion – Lower Tier Covered Transactions:

1. The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency.

2. Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

BUY AMERICA ACT

(applies to subrecipients as well as States)

The State and each subrecipient will comply with the Buy America requirement (23 U.S.C. 313) when purchasing items using Federal funds. Buy America requires a State, or subrecipient, to purchase only steel, iron and manufactured products produced in the United States with Federal funds, unless the Secretary of Transportation determines that such domestically produced items would be inconsistent with the public interest, that such materials are not reasonably available and of a satisfactory quality, or that inclusion of domestic materials will increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 25 percent. In order to use Federal funds to purchase foreign produced items, the State must submit a waiver request that provides an adequate basis and justification to and approved by the Secretary of Transportation.

PROHIBITION ON USING GRANT FUNDS TO CHECK FOR HELMET USAGE

(applies to subrecipients as well as States)

The State and each subrecipient will not use 23 U.S.C. Chapter 4 grant funds for programs to check helmet usage or to create checkpoints that specifically target motorcyclists.

POLICY ON SEAT BELT USE

In accordance with Executive Order 13043, Increasing Seat Belt Use in the United States, dated April 16, 1997, the Grantee is encouraged to adopt and enforce on-the-job seat belt use policies and programs for its employees when operating company-owned, rented, or personally-owned vehicles.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for providing leadership and guidance in support of this Presidential initiative. For information on how to implement such a program, or statistics on the potential benefits and cost-savings to your company or organization, please visit the Buckle Up America section on NHTSA's website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.  Additional resources are available from the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), a public-private partnership headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and dedicated to improving the traffic safety practices of employers and employees.  NETS is prepared to provide technical assistance, a simple, user-friendly program kit, and an award for achieving the President’s goal of 90 percent seat belt use.  NETS can be contacted at 1 (888) 221-0045 or visit its website at www.trafficsafety.org.

 

POLICY ON BANNING TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING

In accordance with Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership On Reducing Text Messaging While Driving, and DOT Order 3902.10, Text Messaging While Driving, States are encouraged to adopt and enforce workplace safety policies to decrease crashes caused by distracted driving, including policies to ban text messaging while driving company-owned or -rented vehicles, Government-owned, leased or rented vehicles, or privately-owned when on official Government business or when performing any work on or behalf of the Government.  States are also encouraged to conduct workplace safety initiatives in a manner commensurate with the size of the business, such as establishment of new rules and programs or re-evaluation of existing programs to prohibit text messaging while driving, and education, awareness, and other outreach to employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving.

SECTION 402 REQUIREMENTS

1.   To the best of my personal knowledge, the information submitted in the Highway Safety Plan in support of the State’s application for a grant under 23 U.S.C. 402 is accurate and complete.

 

2.   The Governor is the responsible official for the administration of the State highway safety program, by appointing a Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety who shall be responsible for a State highway safety agency that has adequate powers and is suitably equipped and organized (as evidenced by appropriate oversight procedures governing such areas as procurement, financial administration, and the use, management, and disposition of equipment) to carry out the program. (23 U.S.C. 402(b)(1)(A))

3.   The political subdivisions of this State are authorized, as part of the State highway safety program, to carry out within their jurisdictions local highway safety programs which have been approved by the Governor and are in accordance with the uniform guidelines promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation. (23 U.S.C. 402(b)(1)(B))

4.   At least 40 percent of all Federal funds apportioned to this State under 23 U.S.C. 402 for this fiscal year will be expended by or for the benefit of political subdivisions of the State in carrying out local highway safety programs (23 U.S.C. 402(b)(1)(C)) or 95 percent by and for the benefit of Indian tribes (23 U.S.C. 402(h)(2)), unless this requirement is waived in writing.  (This provision is not applicable to the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.)

5.   The State's highway safety program provides adequate and reasonable access for the safe and convenient movement of physically handicapped persons, including those in wheelchairs, across curbs constructed or replaced on or after July 1, 1976, at all pedestrian crosswalks. (23 U.S.C. 402(b)(1)(D))

6.   The State will provide for an evidenced-based traffic safety enforcement program to prevent traffic violations, crashes, and crash fatalities and injuries in areas most at risk for such incidents. (23 U.S.C. 402(b)(1)(E))

7.   The State will implement activities in support of national highway safety goals to reduce motor vehicle related fatalities that also reflect the primary data-related crash factors within the State, as identified by the State highway safety planning process, including:

•             Participation in the National high-visibility law enforcement mobilizations as identified annually in the NHTSA Communications Calendar, including not less than 3 mobilization campaigns in each fiscal year to –

o Reduce alcohol-impaired or drug-impaired operation of motor vehicles; and

o Increase use of seatbelts by occupants of motor vehicles;

•             Submission of information regarding mobilization participation in accordance with 23 CFR part 1                300.11(d)(6)(ii);

•             Sustained enforcement of statutes addressing impaired driving, occupant protection, and driving in excess of posted speed limits;

•             An annual Statewide seat belt use survey in accordance with 23 CFR part 1340 for the measurement of State seat belt use rates, except for the Secretary of Interior on behalf of Indian tribes;

•             Development of Statewide data systems to provide timely and effective data analysis to support allocation of highway safety resources;

•             Coordination of Highway Safety Plan, data collection, and information systems with the State strategic highway safety plan, as defined in 23 U.S.C. 148(a). (23 U.S.C. 402(b)(1)(F))

8.   The State will actively encourage all relevant law enforcement agencies in the State to follow the guidelines established for vehicular pursuits issued by the International Association of Chiefs of Police that are currently in effect. (23 U.S.C. 402(j))

9.   The State will not expend Section 402 funds to carry out a program to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system. (23 U.S.C. 402(c)(4))

 

The State:  [CHECK ONLY ONE]

 

□ Certifies that automated traffic enforcement systems are not used on any public road in the State;

OR

□ Is unable to certify that automated traffic enforcement systems are not used on any public road in the State, and therefore will conduct a survey meeting the requirements of 23 CFR 1300.13(d)(3) AND will submit the survey results to the NHTSA Regional office no later than March 1 of the fiscal year of the grant.

 

I understand that my statements in support of the State’s application for Federal grant funds are statements upon which the Federal Government will rely in determining qualification for grant funds, and that knowing misstatements may be subject to civil or criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001.  I sign these Certifications and Assurances based on personal knowledge, and after appropriate inquiry.

 

Signature Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety             Date

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Appendix B - Allowable Items (Supplies & Equipment)

Included below is a list of allowable items.  An items costing less than $5,000 is considered a supply. An item costing $5,000 or more is considered equipment (capital purchase).  Some items are not allowed based on a grant’s funding source.  All items costing more than $5,000 per unit must comply with the Buy America Act, 23 U.S.C. § 313. Please direct any questions regarding allowable items to your THSO Program Manager.

In accordance with the memo issued by NHTSA on May 18, 2016, supply items are not to be used as incentive items. With the exception of child safety seats, supplies are to be kept by the grant recipient  for use by the program, not distributed for retention by individuals.

Child Passenger Safety Items

These items are generally used for seat belt checkpoints or daily car seat installation and include the following:  child safety seats, locking and belt shortening clips, clipboards, pens and pencils, foam swim noodles, shelf liner, latex gloves, first aid kits, anti-bacterial soap/hand sanitizer, waste receptacles, demo dolls, folding table, tape, scissors, staples, storage bins, traffic cones, chalk, awnings/ tents, event signs, folding chairs, dollies, bottled water/cooler, scales, measuring tape and/or height chart, screw drivers, copier paper, post-it notes, highlighters, etc.

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Emergency Medical Services Supplies/Equipment

These items are generally used to conduct first responder or extrication training courses or equipment for first responder personnel and include the following: first responder books and workbooks, training kits and supplies, first responder kits, Automated External Defibrillator trainer, CPR/training mannequins, multi-cuff blood pressure kits, extrication rams, extrication hydraulic pumps, extrication spreading tools, extrication hoses, extrication hydraulic cutters, ram support units, cribbing equipment, backboards, cadaver bags, cervical collars, disposable blankets, disposable linen sheets, disposable splints, head blocks, immobilizers, oral/nasal airway sets, pedilite boards, pocket masks, resuscitators, stretchers, stocked trauma bags, suction devices, traction splints, universal arm slings, automated external defibrillator, etc.

Law Enforcement Supplies/Equipment

These items are generally used to conduct sobriety checkpoints or traffic saturations and including the following:  traffic cones, reflective vests, flashlights, clipboards, signs, pens, signage for vehicles, traffic wands and cones for flashlights, HGN pens, traffic counters, scene lights, vehicle lighting, training videos (i.e., In the Line of Duty series), cameras, radar, computers, generators, cargo trailers, radar/messaging trailers, speed spy data collections (or similar), tape measures, PBTs, alcohol sensors, DVDs , CDs or other data/audio/visual storage, batteries, etc.

All items purchased with highway safety grant funds must be used to address the problem identified in your agency’s grant application. The following list of commonly purchased items are allowable based on your grant’s funding source. This list is not an all-inclusive list and may be revised as needed by the THSO. If you have questions about these or other items not listed, contact your THSO program manager. 

154AL (Alcohol Enforcement/Education) approved equipment:

In-Car Video Cameras/Systems

Computers and mounts for vehicles

Fatal vision products

DUI checkpoint supplies (flashlights, cones, PBT/alcohol sensor, checkpoint signs, and reflective gloves/vests)

Generator for lighting used at a sobriety checkpoint

Vehicle lighting / Scene lighting for sobriety checkpoints

Cargo trailer (only for sobriety checkpoint supplies / equipment)




405d (Impaired Driving Enforcement/Education) approved equipment:


All items included under 154AL


DRE supply items




402 (Police Traffic Services - PT) approved equipment:


All items listed under 154AL and 405d, plus the following:


Radar


LIDAR


Radar trailer


Speed spy data collection (or similar)


Simulators


E-Citation items (scanners/printers)




Items NOT allowable under any funding source


All weapons including firearms, tasers, or ammunition


Consoles, cages, or push bumpers


Uniforms, jackets, shirts, gloves, duty belts, shoes, etc.


Desks, chairs, cabinets, or any type of furniture


Traffic signal devices including school zone lighting


Guardrails, barricades


Spike strips


Sirens


Radio equipment


Total Station or related software


Tint meters


Golf carts / UTV / ATV


License plate readers (LPR)


Body-worn cameras

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General Office Supplies

Items typically utilized to conduct normal business activities that are relevant to the primary function of the grant and outside of the agency’s regular budgetary allowances.  Otherwise, the purchase is considered supplanting and not allowed under federal grant regulations.  A good reference of office supplies may be what is available through Staples, Office Max, or Office Depot, and other similar type businesses. Allowable office supplies may include the following: 


Writing instruments –  pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, chalk, crayons, correction fluid, erasers


Organizers – bags, cases, binders, accessories, calendars, planners, desk accessories, organizers, file folders and accessories, labels and label makers, laminating and binding, post-it notes and flags, storage and archive accessories


Presentation – boards, easels, easel pads, presentation equipment


Fasteners – clips, fasteners, rubber bands, staplers and staples, hole punchers, tape, glue, and adhesives


Measurement and Cutting – scissors, trimmers, rulers, drafting supplies


Mailroom & Shipping – labels, boxes, envelopes


Paper – computer/copier, colored, fax, inkjet/laser, photo, preprinted certificates, machine rolls, notebooks, bound pads, message pads, post-it notes


Audio/Visual – digital cameras, cables, batteries, computer accessories, hard drives, CDs/DVDs/data storage, keyboards, mouse pads, battery back-up, monitors, networking supplies, PC memory, software, copiers, fax machines, printers, scanners, USB drives, flash/stick/thumb drives, computers, landline phones, headsets, GPS units, camcorders, voice recorders, calculators, shredders, typewriters and supplies, projectors


Printer and copier ink/ink drums, toner

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Appendix C - Standard Reimbursement Rates, Travel Regulations & Policy

Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration

(Revised September 2018)

General Reimbursement Rates

Standard mileage rate – $0.47/mile

Maximum parking fee without receipt – $8/day

Fees for handling equipment/promotional materials – $20/hotel

General Requirements

All travel must be authorized prior to any grant program reimbursement. For year-long grants, travel and per diem is reimbursed to the employing agency. Personal expenses, incurred for the traveler’s convenience, are not reimbursable. Per diem will be reimbursed if the employee is traveling outside his/her assigned work station or required to stay overnight on official grant-related business within his/her assigned work station. (The work station is the location from which the employee performs the majority of his/her assigned duties.) 

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Reimbursement Rates

Grantees should utilize the U.S. General Administration CONUS (Continental United States) rates provided by the federal government for all lodging and meals. Use the CONUS standard rates for all locations within the continental U.S. not specifically shown on the CONUS web.

Both in-state and out-of-state meals and incidentals are reimbursed at 75% for day of departure and/or day of return. Actual costs for meals, not to exceed daily meal allowances (as detailed on the website above), are eligible for reimbursement if it is the policy of the employing agency. Employees will not be reimbursed for any meals that exceed the allowable daily per diem rate and if provided at a meeting or conference. 

Lodging receipts are required and must itemize room charges and taxes by date. If a conference/convention room rate exceeds the maximum reimbursement rate and that room rate is documented in the conference brochure or registration form, the higher rate will be allowed. 

Air Travel

Flights may be booked through the state travel agency or an online service. Discount fares and advance booking should be used whenever practical and fares should not exceed the regular coach fares available to the general public on domestic and international flights. When making a reservation through an online service, a print-out detailing the booking must be submitted for reimbursement. Baggage fees are reimbursable with a receipt.   

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Telephone/Internet

Business-related telephone and fax charges will be reimbursed. A statement listing the date, name, and location of all long-distance calls and faxes is required. Hotel Internet charges are reimbursable for grant-related work with advance approval.  

Ground Transportation

Fares for taxi, bus, limousine, ride sharing service or light rail service to and/or from an airport are reimbursable. No receipt is required for reimbursement of reasonable taxis fares. A rental car should only be used when other forms of transportation (i.e., hotel shuttle) are inconvenient, expensive, or not available. Documentation is required for reimbursement of the rental fee and gas. Car rental insurance is not reimbursable.  

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