FY26-Supp #1-National Network Cooperative Agreement to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation

The National Network Cooperative Agreement to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding opportunity is issued pursuant to federal appropriations legislation and is specifically directed to Amtrak as the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider. The Federal Railroad Administration oversees rail safety, infrastructure investment, and operational support across the national rail system, and this cooperative agreement represents a continuation of federal support for maintaining and improving passenger rail services across the United States. The primary purpose of this funding is to support Amtrak’s National Network operations, including long-distance and state-supported routes, as well as associated infrastructure and capital needs. The funding is intended to cover a combination of operating expenses, capital investments, and debt service obligations. These funds are made available through a cooperative agreement mechanism, which implies substantial federal involvement in oversight and implementation, ensuring alignment with national transportation priorities and regulatory requirements. Allowable uses of funds include operating costs for passenger rail services, capital improvements such as infrastructure upgrades and equipment investments, and servicing existing debt obligations. The funding is available for use through January 31, 2029, or until expended, providing multi-year financial support to sustain and enhance rail operations. The agreement does not require cost sharing or matching funds, indicating full federal funding responsibility for the awarded amount. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted. Amtrak is the only entity eligible to apply, as explicitly stated in the eligibility criteria. This reflects the statutory nature of the funding, which is appropriated specifically for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. No other organizations, governmental entities, or private applicants are permitted to submit applications under this opportunity. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive set of documents through an electronic grants system. Required components include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, a detailed Statement of Work, and extensive financial and operational documentation. Applicants must provide projections of operating and capital costs, comparisons to prior fiscal performance, descriptions of planned capital projects with timelines and cost estimates, and documentation of safety culture improvements. Additional required forms include SF-424B and SF-424D assurances, as well as signed Federal Railroad Administration certification forms. The application timeline indicates that the funding opportunity was posted on April 6, 2026, with a closing date of April 30, 2026. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Applicants must submit all required materials by the deadline to be considered. Given the single eligible applicant and the statutory basis of the funding, award decisions are expected to follow internal federal review processes rather than a competitive evaluation framework. Contact for technical assistance is provided through the GrantSolutions Help Desk, which offers phone and email support during standard business hours. While no specific program officer is listed, applicants can access assistance for system-related issues through the provided contact channels. The funding supports a defined performance period extending through early 2029, aligning with federal fiscal planning and infrastructure investment timelines.