(a) General requirement. Each recipient subject to the requirements of this part shall ensure that its designated personnel:

(1) Are enrolled in the PTSCTP;

(2) Complete the initial training specified in the PTSCTP curriculum within three (3) years of their enrollment as a designated participant; and

(3) Complete required recertification every two (2) years upon completion of the PTSCTP curriculum.

(b) Point of contact identification. Each recipient, subject to the requirements of this part, shall identify a single point of contact (POC) for communication with FTA regarding PTSCTP information. The recipient shall provide FTA, via electronic method defined by FTA, at a minimum, the POC's name, title, phone number, and email address.

(c) Point of contact responsibilities. Each POC will serve as a liaison between the recipient and FTA to inform FTA of changes in designated personnel participating in the PTSCTP, enroll new participants, submit proof of recertification for the recipient's designated personnel, and address any other program documentation or communications needs.

(d) Semiannual reporting. Semiannually, between January 1st and January 31st and between July 1st and July 31st of each calendar year, the identified POC must submit documentation to FTA, via electronic method defined by FTA, that identifies:

(1) All employees and contractors of the recipient who are designated as PTSCTP participants; and

(2) The course or courses the recipient has identified as required recertification training for their designated personnel. The agency identified recertification training must include, at a minimum, one (1) hour of safety oversight training. The documentation must include the complete name and length of each course, as well as the name of the course training provider.

(e) SSOA requirement. (1) Each SSOA shall retain a record of the technical training completed by its designated personnel in accordance with the technical training requirements of this part. SSOAs shall retain training records for at least five (5) years from the date the record is created.

(2) Each SSOA shall develop and maintain a technical training plan for designated personnel who perform reviews, inspections, examinations, and other safety oversight activities. The SSOA will submit its technical training plan to FTA for review and evaluation as part of its annual reporting to FTA as required under § 674.39 of this chapter. This review process will support the consultation required between FTA and SSOAs regarding the staffing and qualification of the designated personnel in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5329(e)(3)(D).

(3) Each SSOA shall identify the tasks related to reviews, inspections, examinations, and other safety oversight activities requiring SSOA approval, which must be performed by the SSOA to carry out its safety oversight requirements, and identify the skills and knowledge necessary to perform each oversight task at that system. At a minimum, the technical training plan will describe the process for receiving technical training in the following competency areas appropriate to the specific rail fixed guideway public transportation system(s) for which reviews and inspections conducted:

(i) Agency organizational structure.

(ii) Agency Safety Plan.

(iii) Knowledge of agency:

(A) Territory and revenue service schedules.

(B) Current bulletins, general orders, and other associated directives that ensure safe operations.

(C) Operations and maintenance rule books.

(D) Safety rules.

(E) Standard Operating Procedures.

(F) Roadway Worker Protection.

(G) Employee Hours of Service and Fatigue Management program.

(H) Employee Observation and Testing Program (Efficiency Testing).

(I) Employee training and certification requirements.

(J) Vehicle inspection and maintenance programs, schedules, and records.

(K) Track inspection and maintenance programs, schedules and records.

(L) Tunnels, bridges, and other structures inspection and maintenance programs, schedules, and records.

(M) Traction power (substation, overhead catenary system, and third rail), load dispatching, inspection and maintenance programs, schedules, and records.

(N) Signal and train control inspection and maintenance programs, schedules, and records.

(4) The SSOA will determine the length of time for the technical training based on the skill level of the designated personnel relative to the applicable rail transit agency(s). FTA will provide a template as requested to assist the SSOA with preparing and monitoring its technical training plan and will provide technical assistance as requested. Each SSOA technical training plan that is submitted to FTA for review will:

(i) Require designated personnel to successfully:

(A) Complete training that covers the skills and knowledge needed to effectively perform the tasks.

(B) Pass a written and/or oral examination covering the skills and knowledge required for the designated personnel to effectively perform their tasks.

(C) Demonstrate hands-on capability to perform their tasks to the satisfaction of the appropriate SSOA supervisor or designated instructor.

(ii) Establish equivalencies or written and oral examinations to allow designated personnel to demonstrate that they possess the skill and qualification required to perform their tasks.

(iii) Require biennial recertification training to maintain technical skills and abilities, which includes classroom and hands-on training, as well as testing. Observation and evaluation of actual performance of duties may be used to meet the hands-on portion of this requirement, provided that such testing is documented.

(iv) Require that training records be maintained to demonstrate the current qualification status of designated personnel assigned to carry out the oversight program. Records may be maintained either electronically or in writing and must be provided to FTA upon request. Records must include the following information concerning each designated personnel:

(A) Name;

(B) The title and date each training course was completed, the proficiency test score(s), and the minimum passing score of the test, where applicable;

(C) The content of each training course successfully completed;

(D) A description of the designated personnel's hands-on performance applying the skills and knowledge required to perform the tasks that the employee will be responsible for performing and the factual basis supporting the determination;

(E) The tasks the designated personnel are deemed qualified to perform; and

(F) Provide the date that the designated personnel's status as qualified to perform the tasks expires, and the date in which biennial recertification training is due.

(v) Ensure the qualification of contractors performing oversight activities. SSOAs may use demonstrations, previous training and education, and written and oral examinations to determine if contractors possess the skill and qualification required to perform their tasks.

(vi) Periodically assess the effectiveness of the technical training. One method of validation and assessment could be efficiency tests or periodic review of employee performance.