RFPs & RFQs
Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Funds Available
The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC; 49 U.S.C. Section 5316) program announces available funding in the Columbus Urbanized Area. JARC funds may be used for capital, planning, or operating projects, with the following federal and local share breakdown:
- Capital costs: 80% federal/20% local
- Planning/Mobility Management costs: 80% federal/20% local
- Operating costs: 50% federal/50% local
The JARC program supports transportation services to jobs and employment-related activities for welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals. Additionally, the program provides funding for support programs for commuting from urban, rural, or other suburban areas to suburban workplaces (reverse commute).
Available Funding
In the Columbus Urbanized Area, there is funding of JARC programs available for a two-year period (2010–2012) based on the availability of funds. The amount of $1,089,904 will be apportioned for Federal Fiscal Years (FFYs) 2008 and 2009 and is available during this application cycle. See page ii of the overview below for a listing of Eligible Uses of Funds and Eligible Projects.
Technical Assistance & Questions
The Question and Answer period will be open from January 1 – 31, 2010. All questions must be e-mailed to Tiffany Pannell, Mobility Special Programs Manager at COTA. You will receive a written response. All questions and answers will be posted here for all potential applicants to review. For technical assistance in preparing the FFY 2008 and 2009 JARC application for the Columbus Urbanized Area Plan, contact Tiffany Pannell at 614.275.5905.
Questions and Answers regarding JARC and New Freedom Programs
Application Deadline
On January 13, COTA's Mobility Services Board changed the submission deadline from Monday, February 1 to Monday, February 8, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. (Please refer to the Application Timeline on page 3 of the RFP Overview.)
Note: ODOT coordinates JARC funding for projects outside the Columbus Urbanized Area. Please see the ODOT JARC page for more details. Application deadline is Friday, January 29, 2010.

New Freedom Grant Announced
New Freedom (U.S.C. Section 5317) is a grant program designed to provide additional tools to overcome existing barriers facing Americans with disabilities seeking integration into the work force and full participation in society. The New Freedom program seeks to expand the transportation mobility options available to people with disabilities beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Available Funding
In the Columbus Urbanized Area, there is funding for New Freedom programs available for a two-year period (2010 – 2012) based on the availability of funds. The amount of $601,528 will be apportioned for Federal Fiscal Years (FFY) 2008 and 2009 and is available during this application cycle. See page ii of the overview below for a listing of Eligible Uses of Funds and Eligible Projects.
Technical Assistance & Questions
The Question and Answer period will be open from January 1 – 31, 2010. All questions must be e-mailed to Tiffany Pannell, Mobility Special Programs Manager at COTA. You will receive a written response. All questions and answers will be posted here for all potential applicants to review. For technical assistance in preparing the FFY 2008 and 2009 New Freedom application for the Columbus Urbanized Area Plan, contact Tiffany Pannell at 614.275.5905.
Questions and Answers regarding JARC and New Freedom Programs
Application Deadline
On January 13, COTA's Mobility Services Board changed the submission deadline from Monday, February 1 to Monday, February 8, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. (Please refer to the Application Timeline on page 3 of the RFP Overview.)
Note: ODOT coordinates New Freedom funding for projects outside the Columbus Urbanized Area. Please see the ODOT New Freedom page for more details. Application deadline is Friday, January 29, 2010.