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How to Apply for the SS4A Opportunity

Below are general instructions for submitting an application. Detailed information is provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which interested applicants should review in its entirety. 

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday, July 10, 2023. Late applications will not be accepted.

Preparing Your Application

Submitting Your Application

Get your proposal in early. Allow for time to troubleshoot technical issues and submit by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted. Review the following before beginning your application:

Applying to SS4A:

  • Begin the process with SAM.gov: Before submitting your materials, you must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number in order to apply. To request a UEI, please visit SAM.gov. Note that this may take up to 30 days. 
  • Register with Valid Eval: Valid Eval is a third-party web-based evaluation platform used by USDOT and other Federal programs to support program evaluation. Applicants will submit their applications via Valid Eval.
  • Do not apply through Grants.gov. You must apply through Valid Eval. Grants.gov will have the SS4A opportunity posted, but you cannot apply through Grants.gov.
  • Submit application: When you are ready to submit your application, go to the same sign-up link as above.
    • Log in to your account in Valid Eval.
    • Answer all of the registration details and key information questions on the page. 
    • Upload the completed Standard Forms and other applicable attachments at the bottom of the page. 
    • Click on “Submit Your Application.”
    • You will see a confirmation page letting you know your submission is complete. Take a screenshot with the time stamp if you finish your application the afternoon of July 10. Late applications will not be accepted.
    • If any required details on the page are missing, you will need to scroll up the page and complete the missing details before you can submit your application. Details are not saved if you exit this page before seeing the confirmation page.
    • Once submitted, you can return to your application until the NOFO closes by logging into https://usg.valideval.com/ using the login credentials you created at signup. You can also add additional team members to your profile who may need to be included on any feedback notifications.  

After You Submit:

After USDOT has completed its review process, all applicants will receive an email notification as to whether their application was selected for an award.  

At that time, applicants will have access to information detailing their project's review process.

Late Application Policy

Late applications will not be accepted.

SS4A Application Aids

The following checklists and planning worksheets are intended to help guide applicants through the SS4A eligibility and application process:

Last updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2023