Safe Communities Grant Projects

The Bureau is requesting proposals from potential sub-grantees for projects that would utilize federal funds for local and statewide behavioral highway safety programs and increased awareness of behavioral highway safety issues in local communities. Program focus areas include occupant protection, young drivers, mature drivers and distracted driving.
 
 
Young Drivers
 
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young drivers in the United States.  Due to inexperience and other factors, young drivers have a much higher crash and fatality rate than that of the average driver.  Maine’s young driver program focuses on drivers between the ages of 16 and 24, with particular focus on the youngest of drivers, ages 16 to 18.
 
The following are crash facts about Maine’s young drivers:
 
Based on miles driver, teens are involved in 3 times as many fatal crashes as other drivers
Teens have the lowest seat belt use rates of any age group with deadly consequences
82% of the nation’s teens ages 16-17 have a cell phone and 34% of them admit to talking on their phone while driving.
 
The Bureau is requesting proposals from potential law enforcement and non-profit agencies for projects that would utilize federal funds for local or statewide teen driver safety programs.
 
Mature Drivers
 
Maine is the oldest state by median age (43.9) and the fourth oldest by percent (17.7%) of its population of 65.  This percentage is expected to rise to 26.3% by 2030.  Senior drivers are defined as any driver over the age of 65, and continue to drive on Maine roads.  These drivers experience more crashes per mile driven than any other age group except 16 year olds and the crashes are 1.7 times more likely to lead to serious injury or death than those drivers age 25-65.
 
The Bureau is requesting proposals from potential non-profit  agencies for projects that will increase public knowledge, understanding and acceptance of mature driver needs and enhance self-screening for improved safety that focuses on various outreach strategies and identifies effective approaches that engage the drivers and families most likely to be facing driving transitions.
 
WHO SHOULD APPLY: Non-profit organizations, law enforcement agencies and partners in Maine state government (other state agencies).  The Bureau cannot award funds to for-profit organizations or individuals.
 
HOW TO APPLY: Complete the grant proposal as indicated and submit to the Bureau of Highway Safety. Proposals may be submitted via e-mail to angela.roberts@maine.gov or via traditional mail to 164 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
 
DUE DATE: Proposals for Federal Fiscal Year 2015 projects are due no later December 1, 2014.
 
AMOUNT OF AVAILABLE FUNDS: Proposal requests may be for up to $5,000. Each proposal must clearly explain the details of the requested budget. The final award amount will be at the discretion of the Bureau.
 
PROJECT PERIOD: A sub-grant awarded by the Bureau as a result of a proposal must be used in the Federal Fiscal Year 2015 (October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015) after award notification by the Bureau.  The Bureau can only reimburse projects completed by September 30, 2015.  No activities after this date will be reimbursed.
 
RESTRICTIONS: Proposals for projects that would duplicate existing Bureau programs, trainings, projects, or any other Bureau initiatives will not be considered for funding. Proposals that do not sufficiently identify a behavioral highway safety problem based on available data analysis of crash and injuries specific to Maine will not be considered. Proposals must contain an evaluable component and/or be a proven countermeasure.  A proposal submission does not guarantee the Bureau will fund a project.
 
SELECTION:  The following will be taken into consideration when the Bureau considers proposals for funding:
 
Is the project and supporting data relevant to your jurisdiction or area of influence?
Is the problem adequately identified?
Is the problem identification supported by accurate and relevant data?
Will this project save lives and reduce serious crashes?
Are the activities to support the goals and objectives realistic, measurable, and achievable?
Is this project cost effective?
Is the evaluation plan sound? (Is the performance/progress measurable?)
Is there a realistic plan for self-sustainability (if applicable)?
Is sufficient match documented and provided to enhance the overall value of the project?
 
If there are sections of your proposal that require additional information or generate questions on the part of the Bureau staff, you may be contacted to provide additional information and amend your proposal before your project can be considered for funding.
 
PROPOSAL ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION: If the Bureau determines that your proposal meets all the specifications put forth in this document and the Bureau makes a sub-grant award based on your proposal, you will be notified by a Bureau staff member of the approval by January 5, 2015.
 
A sub-grant application package will be sent to you after notification. If it is your organization’s first sub-grant award from the Bureau, a Bureau staff member may meet with you to discuss sub-grant award processes and requirements.
 
Please note: no Bureau-funded projects may begin until after award has been made and the contract(s) have been signed.
 
SUB-GRANT AWARD REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: During the span of the approved sub-grant period, applicants will be required to meet reporting requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, cash reimbursement requests and progress reports.

 
Johannah Oberg
Highway Safety Coordinator/Maine Driving Dynamics Coordinator
Maine Bureau of Highway Safety
45 Commerce Drive
Suite 1
Augusta, Maine 04333
207-626-3840
207-287-3042 Fax
http://www.maine.gov/dps/bhs/