Overview

The State Letter of Authority (SLOA), a Notice to Proceed or an authorization to commence work must be issued by TxDOT on all LG projects whether the work is competitively bid or performed by the local government (LG).
A Federal Project Authorization and Agreement (FPAA) is required in addition to the SLOA for all federally funded projects (it is not required for projects that only include local and/or state funds). The primary function of this form is to obligate federal funds for the project by phases. By completion of the FPAA, federal funds are authorized through an agreement between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and TxDOT for reimbursement of eligible costs. The FPAA is required prior to TxDOT issuing a SLOA for each phase of a project that includes federal funds.
For LG-performed transportation projects that include construction involving state or federal funding, up to three SLOAs (and FPAAs, if federal funding is involved) may be required by TxDOT and issued during the course of the project. The first SLOA (and FPAA, as appropriate) is required prior to the Preliminary Engineering phase, the second SLOA (and FPAA, as appropriate) is required prior to the acquisition of right of way or the accommodation of utilities and the third is required prior to initiation of advertising for construction.
  • The first SLOA (and FPAA, as appropriate) is requested and issued after the execution of the AFA and prior to any work being performed on the project.
  • The second SLOA (and FPAA, as appropriate) is requested and issued upon completion of the Environmental Compliance phase of the project. The SLOA (and FPAA, as appropriate) initiates the Right of Way and Utility phase of the project. It is required prior to the acquisition of any right of way or other land for the project and prior to moving forward with utility accommodations.
  • The third SLOA (and FPAA, as appropriate) must be signed and dated prior to advertisement of the project, or prior to commencement of construction when the LG is doing work by force account. This authorization is generated upon approval of the final plans at the end of the plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) phase of the project.