The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117–58, November 15, 2021; also referred to as the "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law" or "BIL") established the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Discretionary Grant Program (BIL Section 24112) and appropriated funds to the United States Department of Transportation (the "USDOT") under Division J, Title VIII of BIL to implement the program. The funds are available to provide Federal financial assistance to support local initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets, commonly referred to as "Vision Zero" or "Toward Zero Deaths" initiatives.

"The primary goal of the SS4A grants is to improve roadway safety by supporting communities in developing comprehensive safety action plans based on a Safe System Approach, and implementing projects and strategies that significantly reduce or eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries involving pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micromobility users, commercial vehicle operators; and motorists. Funding can also be used to support robust stakeholder engagement to ensure that all community members have a voice in developing plans, projects, and strategies."[1]

The Bristol Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Board approved funding in its Fiscal Years 2024-2025 Unified Planning Work Program for the development of a regional Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) meeting the criteria of a Safety Action Plan. Combined with a grant received by the Cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol Virginia, the Bristol MPO has a combined $200,000 to develop such an LRSP for the Bristol Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA). The LRSP is a collective commitment amongst the Bristol MPO and the two Cities of Bristol to plan and implement projects and strategies to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The LRSP will seek to improve safety for all roadway users, including vulnerable users (pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, micromobility and other non-motor vehicle users).

The Consultant will ensure that the LRSP meets all required criteria from the SS4A USDOT Action Plan Criteria and Implementation Grant Criteria to ensure the LRSP recommendations qualify for future SS4A implementation grants.

The Bristol MPO, acting as the lead on the project, seeks to accomplish the following:

1. Create a LRSP with defined goals;
2. Identify projects and prepare them for funding and implementation; and
3. Identify policies and programs to increase safety for roadway users and prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

The Scope of Services incorporates the following components the US Department of Transportation has listed as necessary elements for a LRSP meeting the definition of a Safety Action Plan:

1. Leadership Commitment and Goal Setting;
2. Planning Structure;
3. Safety Analysis;
4. Engagement and Collaboration;
5. Equity Considerations;
6. Policy and Progress Changes;
7. Strategy and Project Selections; and
8. Progress and Transparency.

The Consultant will be familiar with the following core documents:

1. USDOT FY2022 SS4A NOFO;
2. Bristol MPO 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan; and
3. Bristol MPO FY24-25 UPWP.

In addition, the Consultant should also be familiar with the following state and local planning documents, organized by lead entity:

1. Tennessee Department of Transportation
   1. Tennessee 2020-2024 Strategic Highway Safety Plan
   2. Tennessee 2018-2022 Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment
2. Virginia Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment
   1. Virginia Statewide Transportation Plan (VTrans) Mid-Term Needs, updated in 2023
3. Virginia Department of Transportation
   1. Virginia Statewide Highway Safety Improvement Program
   2. Virginia Statewide Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment
   3. Virginia Statewide Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan 4.0
4. Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
5. Any and all local comprehensive plans and rural long-range transportation plans.

[1] https://www.transportation.gov/grants/ss4a/announcement