FTA Oversight Procedures - Federal Transit Administration - U.S. ...

The PMOC will provide technical oversight support to FTA in many of the same ways it does for a
New Starts project, such as determining the completeness and quality of engineering designs; the
reasonableness and general accuracy of cost estimates; the reasonableness of the project schedule. The
PMOC may be directed to assess the ability of the Grantee to execute the project (technical capacity
and capability) and provide technical assistance to the Grantee. In this respect, oversight procedures for
New Starts projects are applicable to Small Starts, with the proviso that the level of effort is likely to
be less. Refer to other oversight procedures
3.0 OBJECTIVE
The objective is to evaluate Small Starts projects to ensure:
• The scope of the project indicated in the engineering design and cost estimate is consistent
with the purpose and need established during the environmental review phase
• Planning and design have been completed to a level commensurate with the current phase of
the proposed project (e.g., entry into Project Development or award of a Project Construction
Grant Agreement)
• The Grantee has in place policies, procedures and other project management programs to
deliver a quality project within budget and on schedule
• Cost ceilings for Small Starts are not exceeded
4.0 REFERENCES
The following are the principal, but by no means the only, references to Federal legislation, regulation
and guidance with which the PMOC should have a good understanding as related to the Grantee’s
project work being reviewed under this OP:
4.1 Guidance - FTA New Starts Policies and Procedures,
www.fta.dot.gov/planning/newstarts/planning_environment_222.html
5.0 PROJECT SPONSOR SUBMITTALS
In order to show that the proposed project qualifies as a Small Starts project, and to demonstrate
consistency among the scope, cost and schedule, the Grantee will submit:
• Alternatives Analysis, Locally Preferred Alternative report
• Environmental impact studies, if applicable (EIS/ Record of Decision; Environmental
Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact; or Categorical Exclusion)
• Project narratives / descriptions
• Diagrams, drawings, plans, profiles, cross section drawings, special design studies, graphics
• Specifications, design criteria reports
• Cost estimate in original format and in FTA’s Standard Cost Category format (SCC)
• Capital cost estimating methodology memo (refer to Appendix A)
• Third-party agreements, including memoranda of agreement/understanding (e.g., utilities,
governmental agencies, educational institutions, railroads)
• Value engineering studies, as applicable
• Previously conducted or current risk assessments, if any.
OP 45 Small Starts Review
Revision 0, June 2008
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