Opportunity Information: Apply for FR AMT 23 002
The FY23 National Network Cooperative Agreement to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation is a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding opportunity under the U.S. Department of Transportation that provides a single, targeted award to Amtrak to support the national passenger rail network. The opportunity is authorized by the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-180) and by 49 U.S.C. 24319(e)(2). In practical terms, it is a discretionary cooperative agreement designed to route federal financial assistance directly to Amtrak for core, systemwide needs rather than to run a broad competition among multiple applicants.
The total funding amount available under this opportunity is $305,862,572, which also serves as the award ceiling. The FRA expects to make one award, and eligibility is effectively limited to Amtrak (the listing of eligible applicants as "Others" is clarified in the opportunity text, which indicates the funds are to be made available to Amtrak). The funding falls under the transportation activity category and is associated with CFDA number 20.315.
The purpose of the funding is to cover three major categories of Amtrak financial requirements: Operating expenses, Capital needs, and Debt Service. This structure is meant to support both day-to-day continuity of service and longer-term investment needs, while also helping Amtrak meet financial obligations related to borrowing or other debt arrangements. The funds are available for use through December 31, 2025, or until they are fully expended, whichever comes first. That availability window matters because it gives Amtrak flexibility to plan spending across multiple fiscal years while still keeping a firm end date for eligibility.
Because the instrument is a cooperative agreement, the arrangement typically implies more active federal involvement than a standard grant, such as additional oversight, coordination, or ongoing federal participation in certain aspects of performance or compliance. The opportunity is identified by Funding Opportunity Number FR AMT 23 002, with a creation date of December 15, 2022, and an original closing date of December 23, 2022 (with no explanation provided for any extension, implying it closed as scheduled).
To receive the funds, Amtrak must submit a complete grant application package electronically. The required components are clearly spelled out and include: (a) the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), which is the standard form used to request federal funding; (b) a Statement of Work describing the activities and how the funding will be used; (c) a narrative description of the current status of efforts to improve safety culture, signaling that FRA is seeking visibility into organizational safety improvements alongside financial support; (d) SF-424B, the Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, covering compliance obligations for non-construction activities; (e) SF-424D, the Assurances for Construction Programs, covering compliance obligations when construction-related activities are involved; and (f) signed copies of the FRA Assurances and Certification forms required by the Department of Transportation, available at the provided FRA link. Together, these documents establish the legal and programmatic basis for awarding and administering the funds, while also ensuring Amtrak certifies compliance with applicable federal requirements.
Overall, this opportunity is best understood as a dedicated federal funding mechanism intended to stabilize and support Amtrak's national network through a defined pool of appropriated funding, paired with standard federal application forms, formal assurances, and a specific emphasis on documenting progress toward a stronger safety culture.Apply for FR AMT 23 002
- The Department of Transportation, DOT - Federal Railroad Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY23 National Network Cooperative Agreement to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.315.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 15, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 23, 2022 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $305,862,572.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the FY23 National Network Cooperative Agreement to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation?
It is a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding opportunity under the U.S. Department of Transportation that provides a single, targeted cooperative agreement award to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to support the national passenger rail network.
Which federal agency is offering this funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity is offered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Is this a competitive grant open to multiple applicants?
No. In practical terms, it is a discretionary cooperative agreement designed to route federal financial assistance directly to Amtrak for core, systemwide needs rather than to run a broad competition among multiple applicants. FRA expects to make one award.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is effectively limited to Amtrak. While the opportunity lists eligible applicants as "Others," the opportunity text clarifies that the funds are to be made available to Amtrak.
How many awards does FRA expect to make?
FRA expects to make one award under this opportunity.
What is the total funding amount available?
The total funding amount available is $305,862,572.
Is there an award ceiling?
Yes. The award ceiling is $305,862,572, which matches the total funding amount available.
What is the purpose of the funding?
The funding is intended to cover three major categories of Amtrak financial requirements: Operating expenses, Capital needs, and Debt Service. This structure supports day-to-day continuity of service, longer-term investment needs, and financial obligations related to debt.
What types of costs can the funds be used for?
Based on the opportunity description, the funds can be used for operating expenses, capital needs, and debt service associated with supporting Amtrak's national passenger rail network.
How long are the funds available for use?
The funds are available for use through December 31, 2025, or until they are fully expended, whichever comes first.
Why does the availability window matter?
The availability period matters because it gives Amtrak flexibility to plan spending across multiple fiscal years while still maintaining a firm end date for when funds remain eligible for use.
What is the funding instrument used for this opportunity?
The instrument is a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement typically implies more active federal involvement than a standard grant, such as additional oversight, coordination, or ongoing federal participation in certain aspects of performance or compliance.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number is FR AMT 23 002.
When was this funding opportunity created?
The opportunity creation date is December 15, 2022.
When did the opportunity close?
The original closing date was December 23, 2022. No extension is described in the provided information, implying it closed as scheduled.
Under what legal authorities is this opportunity authorized?
The opportunity is authorized by the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-180) and by 49 U.S.C. 24319(e)(2).
What is the activity category associated with this funding?
The funding falls under the transportation activity category.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 20.315.
What application method is required to receive the funds?
Amtrak must submit a complete grant application package electronically.
What documents are required in the application package?
The required components include: (a) SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance); (b) a Statement of Work describing the activities and how the funding will be used; (c) a narrative description of the current status of efforts to improve safety culture; (d) SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs); (e) SF-424D (Assurances for Construction Programs); and (f) signed copies of the FRA Assurances and Certification forms required by the Department of Transportation.
What is SF-424 and why is it required?
SF-424 is the Application for Federal Assistance. It is the standard federal form used to request funding.
What is the Statement of Work expected to include?
The Statement of Work should describe the activities to be performed and explain how the funding will be used.
What is the safety culture narrative requirement?
The application must include a narrative description of the current status of efforts to improve safety culture, indicating FRA is seeking visibility into organizational safety improvements alongside financial support.
What are SF-424B and SF-424D?
SF-424B is the Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, and SF-424D is the Assurances for Construction Programs. These forms cover compliance obligations depending on whether the funded activities include non-construction and/or construction elements.
What are the FRA Assurances and Certification forms?
They are Department of Transportation-required assurances and certification forms that must be signed and included as part of the application package, using the forms available from FRA via the referenced link in the opportunity materials.
What is the overall goal of this funding mechanism?
The overall goal is to stabilize and support Amtrak's national network through a defined pool of appropriated funding, paired with standard federal application forms, formal assurances, and a specific emphasis on documenting progress toward a stronger safety culture.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Transportation
Next opportunity: NEH-Mellon Fellowships for Digital Publication
Previous opportunity: FY22 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program for projects not located on the Northeast Corridor
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for FR AMT 23 002
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FR AMT 23 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2023 Transit Worker and Rider Safety Best Practices Research Project Apply for FTA 2023 005 TRI TWRS Funding Number: FTA 2023 005 TRI TWRS Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Indian Highway Safety Lifesavers Conference Grant Apply for BIA IHSP 2024 001 Funding Number: BIA IHSP 2024 001 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2023 Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants Apply for MA PID 23 001 Funding Number: MA PID 23 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $165,550,878 |
| FY22-23 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program for projects located on the Northeast Corridor Apply for FR FSP 23 002 Funding Number: FR FSP 23 002 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $8,979,150,000 |
| FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Areas of Persistent Poverty Program Apply for FTA 2023 006 TPE Funding Number: FTA 2023 006 TPE Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Indian Highway Safety Law Enforcement Grants Apply for BIA IHSP 2024 003 Funding Number: BIA IHSP 2024 003 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Small Shipyard Grants Apply for DTMASSG23 Funding Number: DTMASSG23 Agency: Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY23 Northeast Corridor Commission (NECC) Project Apply for FR AMT 23 003 Funding Number: FR AMT 23 003 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $6,000,091 |
| FY22 Corridor Identification and Development Grant Program Apply for FR FSP 23 003 Funding Number: FR FSP 23 003 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $365,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity; Buses and Bus Facilities Program Apply for FTA 2023 003 TPM BUS Funding Number: FTA 2023 003 TPM BUS Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $46,944,542 |
| FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity; Low or No Emission Vehicle Program Apply for FTA 2023 002 TPM LWNO Funding Number: FTA 2023 002 TPM LWNO Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY2023 High Priority Program - Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) Apply for FM MHP 23 001 Funding Number: FM MHP 23 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $43,300,000 |
| FY2023 Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation Apply for FM CDL 23 001 Funding Number: FM CDL 23 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $70,400,000 |
| FY23 Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Program (CMVOST) Apply for FM DTG 23 001 Funding Number: FM DTG 23 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $3,200,000 |
| FY23 High Priority Program – Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD) Apply for FM MHP 23 002 Funding Number: FM MHP 23 002 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY22 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) ME Northern Rail Improvements Apply for FR CCD 23 003 Funding Number: FR CCD 23 003 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $12,960,000 |
| United States Marine Highway Grants Apply for 693JF723R000006 Funding Number: 693JF723R000006 Agency: Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY23 Railroad Safety State Participation Grant Program (Tennessee ONLY) Apply for FR SPP 23 001 Funding Number: FR SPP 23 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $6,389 |
| Small Community Air Service Development Program Apply for DOT OST 2023 0037 Funding Number: DOT OST 2023 0037 Agency: Department of Transportation, 69A345 Office of the Under Secretary for Policy Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Apply for 693JK323NF0004 Funding Number: 693JK323NF0004 Agency: Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Admin Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "FR AMT 23 002", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.