Opportunity for Comment

The Build America Bureau (Bureau) allowed public comment as it explores issues for its report to Congress about an increased use of public-private partnerships (P3s) and private investment in transportation infrastructure. The Bureau is seeking specific comment on federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and practices that facilitate or impede the use of P3s and other private investment while continuing to protect  the public interest and any public investment in transportation infrastructure. The Bureau asked for comments around the questions below. 

1. What federal laws, regulations, and practices facilitate or impede use of P3s and other private investment in transportation improvements?
2. What state and local laws, regulations, and practices facilitate or impede use of P3s and other private investment in transportation improvements?
3. To what extent does public opinion or public sentiment toward P3s or other private investment facilitate or impede use of transportation P3s or other private investment in the United States? Please describe specific projects and circumstances, if possible.
4. What can the United States learn from other countries’ experiences with P3s or other private investment for transportation improvements to reduce impediments to or facilitate their use while protecting the public interest? What can the United States learn from other countries use of innovative delivery models to unlock value from underutilized assets?
5. Do you recommend any proposals for approaches that address impediments while continuing to protect the public interest and public investment in transportation infrastructure?

The comment period closed Friday, January 31, 2025.  Send questions to InnovativeFinanceTA@dot.gov.

Disclaimers

This opportunity for comment does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or abstracts. This opportunity for comment is not a Notice of Funding Opportunity or Funding Opportunity Announcement. This opportunity does not create any new requirements. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will not give preference to parties who provide comments nor will USDOT penalize parties who do not respond.

The Bureau will not reimburse costs incurred in responding to this opportunity. The Bureau is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of or provide feedback to responses to this opportunity. Responses to this opportunity do not bind the Bureau to any actions related to this topic.

Overview

Public private partnerships (P3s) are contractual agreements between a public agency and a private entity that allow for greater private participation in the delivery of projects. In transportation projects, this participation typically involves the private sector taking on additional project risks such as design, construction, finance, long-term operation, and traffic revenue. Learn more about P3s on FHWA’s Center for Innovative Finance Support website.

The Build America Bureau encourages the consideration of P3s in the development and delivery of transportation improvements. Early involvement of the private sector can bring innovation, efficiency, and capital to address complex transportation problems facing State and local governments. The Bureau provides information and expertise in the use of different P3 approaches and provides TIFIA and RRIF loans and Private Activity Bonds (PABs).

Have a P3 project in mind? Want to learn more about the Bureau’s P3 technical assistance opportunities? Contact us today at BuildAmerica@dot.gov.

Modal Resources

FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Center for Innovative Finance Support provides tools, expertise, and financing to help the transportation community explore and implement innovative strategies to deliver major highway investment projects.

FTA Private Sector Participation

The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Private Sector Participation website provides information on opportunities for private sector participation in public transportation, as well as resources for State and local governments interested in public-private partnerships.

MARAD StrongPorts Program

U.S. ports are critical links in the U.S. domestic and international trade supply-chain, serving as the hubs where goods we manufacture, grow, and buy are transferred between ocean going vessels, barges, trucks, trains and pipelines. The Maritime Administration’s StrongPorts Program is designed to support port infrastructure improvements across the United States, ensuring our ports are capable of meeting future freight transportation needs to support the American economy.