FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program

The Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility pilot program is administered by the Federal Transit Administration, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for supporting public transportation systems across the United States. This program reflects federal priorities to enhance mobility for underserved populations and to promote coordination across transportation providers. The initiative is part of a broader federal effort to improve access to essential services through efficient and innovative transit solutions, particularly for populations that face barriers to mobility. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support capital projects that improve coordination among transportation services, especially those serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income populations. The program emphasizes innovative approaches that integrate public transportation with non-emergency medical transportation services. By enhancing coordination, the program seeks to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and increase accessibility for transportation-disadvantaged communities. Funding under this program is intended for capital projects only, meaning that funds must be used for investments in infrastructure, equipment, or systems that support coordinated transportation services. The program does not explicitly outline operating cost support in the provided materials, reinforcing its focus on long-term system improvements. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is in place, indicating that applicants must contribute a portion of project costs, although the specific match ratio is not detailed in the available information. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad but specific to entities involved in public transportation. Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, entities eligible under the Section 5310 program may apply, including state departments of transportation, designated recipients, and local governmental entities that operate public transportation services. Subrecipients such as private nonprofit organizations and certain private operators of shared-ride public transportation services are also eligible. However, for-profit organizations that do not operate public transportation are explicitly excluded. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov system by the stated deadline. Paper submissions, including mail and fax, are not accepted. Applicants are expected to follow the standard federal grant application process, which typically includes registration with federal systems, completion of required forms, and submission of detailed project proposals. The opportunity does not specify pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers, suggesting a single-step submission process. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is September 9, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Funding is competitive, and awards are expected to be distributed across approximately twenty recipients, subject to appropriations. The total available funding is approximately 11.96 million dollars, covering fiscal years 2024 through 2026. Applicants seeking additional guidance or experiencing technical difficulties may contact the Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Program Management, specifically the listed program contact. This program does not explicitly state recurrence details in the provided materials, though similar federal funding opportunities are often issued annually. The timeline for award announcements and project performance periods is not specified, requiring applicants to consult the full notice or agency website for further details. Overall, the program represents a targeted federal investment in improving coordinated transportation services for vulnerable populations through capital-focused innovation.