Answers to Your Questions on TrAMS Camp & Consulting
Q: What is TrAMS Camp & Consulting?
A: TrAMS Camp & Consulting is a trade name of Schneider Analytics LLC, a consulting firm registered in the State of Maryland.
Q: Is TrAMS Camp & Consulting affiliated with the Federal Transit Administration?
A: No. TrAMS Camp & Consulting is an independent business led by former FTA civil servants. Training and technical assistance will incorporate publicly available documents, such as system user guides, but does not constitute official FTA policy or guidance.
Q: What is the “camp” part of TrAMS Camp & Consulting. Will I need a tent and a sleeping bag?
A: “TrAMS Camp” refers to the training available to participants, a chance to step away from the day-to-day, learn new skills, and receive practical advice.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in a TrAMS Camp & Consulting training?
A: Any organization that currently receives FTA funding via a grant or cooperative agreement or who has been selected to receive funding for the first time, is eligible to participate. Organizations that are not FTA recipients, such as private sector consultants, are also welcome to enroll in selected courses.
Q: Can agencies use a portion of their formula funds for TrAMS training?
A: Employee training is an eligible expense under several grant programs. FTA’s FY 2024 Apportionment Notice states that Section 5307 urbanized area formula recipients may use up to one-half of one percent of their 5307 funds to support workforce development activities, including human resources and training, in addition to the one-half of one percent that a recipient may use for training activities with the National Transit Institute. The Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility Program and Section 5311 Rural Program also include program administration activities as an eligible expense. Please reach out to your FTA representative for additional details.
Q: Is TrAMS Camp training tuition considered a micro-purchase?
A: Yes, all TrAMS Camp Trainings are under $10,000 and therefore are exempt from the requirement to obtain competitive quotes or process a sole source justification. You can find more information on FTA’s micro-purchase guidance here.
Q: Do participants need access to TrAMS or the NTD in order to take the training?
A: Individual access to TrAMS and the NTD is highly recommended but not required. Please contact connect@tramscamp.com to discuss ways to access these systems prior to your training.
Q: Do the trainings include a hands-on component?
A: TrAMS and NTD trainings will provide an opportunity for participants to navigate and use portions of both systems, ask questions, and receive feedback.
Q: Will I receive follow up technical assistance after the training?
A; All participants will receive copies of the slide presentations and access to the video recording of each training day as well as the opportunity to ask follow up questions and receive assistance after the training,
Q: Are trainings offered in person or remotely?
A: Both remote and in-person trainings are an option. The training registration page has additional details.
Q: I have signed up for a group training but am not able to attend for some of the days. Can I split my attendance between different sessions?
A: Yes, please contact connect@tramscamp.com to discuss further.
Q: I have signed up for a group training or targeted training but need to cancel. Will I be able to get a refund?
A: Yes, your tuition will be refunded provided you cancel 24 hours prior to the training start date.
Q: My agency does not pay for training via credit card or Paypal. Can I register another way?
A: Yes, you can purchase training via electronic funds transfer or my mailing a check. Reach out to connect@tramscamp.com to discuss further.
Q: I am registering my team members for a training. Can I receive an invoice that documents the training cost?
A: Yes, reach out to connect@tramscamp.com to request an invoice for the total cost of the training to be sent directly to you. The individuals who you register will also receive confirmation that payment has been received. We are also able to provide W-9 forms and other supporting documents, as needed.