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.