- Are matching funds required? No, matching funds are not required.
- Are there any restrictions on how the money can be spent? For example, could it be used to purchase a vehicle? It is important to remember that these grants are to continue testing a solution in real-world circumstances, not to launch a new service. There may be several components of a solution that need testing before a vehicle is purchased. If one is trying to test if people would actually use a new transportation service (i.e., testing "customer desirability" of the solution), and the only way to do this is to actually run the service, it would be more advisable to rent a vehicle then purchase one, in case you discover that this is a service that is not as desirable to customers as you once thought.
- Can the grant funds be used for the development of a limited launch of a second phase of an existing Mobility Management solution?
Expansion of service, such as extra vehicles or revenue-hours, would not be considered innovative add-ons. However, adding a completely new model or service onto an existing program would be considered an innovative add-on. Again, recall that the purpose of the limited launch is to continue testing an idea that has not been previously implemented. - How do you define health care services? Can this be transportation to the pharmacy, grocery store, and similar places that contribute to health and well being?
For this grant, "health care services" is defined as any services provided by or recommended to a patient by a certified health care professional. This would include access to pharmacies. However, we do acknowledge the importance of social determinants of health in successful health outcomes, and refer you to our Community Mobility Design Challenge 2019 Planning Grants which address social determinants. - Do you have preferred target populations?
We leave it up to the community to define the population. What's more important is making a compelling case for working with that population. - If the planning grant project is distinctly different from the implementation grant project, can we apply for both?
You can apply for both, but we would only select a community for one opportunity. - Has the "ready to launch" grant been available before? If so, where we can we find previously selected awardees?
This grant has not been available before, so all grantees funded this year will be the first! - NCMM has mentioned potential future funding. What would that look like?
There are a variety of options to pursue for future funding. The FTA and other agencies are an important resource. We also encourage organizations to seek opportunities with other entities such as foundations or local businesses to get creative with how they fund new services. Be sure to check out foundationcenter.org to search for potential foundation funding. - For those of us who were part of the Design Challenge, may we assume that you would expect updated business plan and other research already submitted?
It's always valuable to take a look at your past business plan and see if there's anything you would like to update, but it would not be required if you think it is the strongest possible plan and is responsive to what is asked for in the application. - Can the funds be used to support a research project to develop solutions related to transportation for older adults in both urban and rural areas?
No, the funds are to be used in an implementation stage, once the research stage has been completed - Does NCMM use a specific F&A (facilities & administrative) rate for grant proposals and should this rate be included within in the $75,000 cap or on top of this cap?
Although NCMM does not have a specific F&A/indirect rate for grant proposals, the proposed rate should be explained and justified. Note too that the reviewers will be looking at the balance of spending the funds for direct project activities versus indirect charges. Any amounts being requested for indirect charges should be included in the applicant's $75,000 budget. - Can you expand on the requirements of the business plan? Please see the application and this business plan template.
- Synopsis of the challenge being addressed, including a description of the target population and the geographic area
- Description of the solution, including any applicable services or products
- Description of the lead agency and partners and their respective roles in the limited launch of the solution
- Detailed plans to provide adequate staffing support to the project across all partners
- Market size and opportunity
- Baseline data gathered during the planning/research phase as the solution was developed, and the projected impact the solution will have for the target population’s health care access
- Business model, including expenses, financing options, and plans to pursue longer term sustainable funding
- Anticipated timeline for limited launch rollout
