Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Federal Hearing Exemption Program

This contract provides comprehensive support services for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Federal Hearing Exemption Program, an initiative authorized under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. The program allows individuals who do not meet the federal hearing standard to obtain exemptions and operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, provided the level of safety remains equivalent to or greater than the current regulations. With approximately 690 active drivers and an annual volume of roughly 84 new and 186 renewal applications, FMCSA requires contractor assistance to manage the administrative workload due to a lack of internal resources. New Editions ensures the smooth processing of these exemptions, which are valid for two years and preempt state laws.

The scope of work focuses on the end-to-end administrative processing of exemption applications, verifying completeness and basic eligibility criteria rather than complex medical reviews. New Editions staff are responsible for drafting and managing Federal Register notices—including requests for public comments, final dispositions, renewals, and denials—as well as preparing exemption certificates and correspondence using FMCSA templates. A critical aspect of the role involves serving as the primary point of contact for applicants; recognizing that many applicants use American Sign Language, we prioritize written communication over telephone inquiries. Additionally, our staff maintains electronic records and a master applicant list on SharePoint, utilizes CDLIS to verify driving records, and submits bi-weekly status reports to FMCSA officials regarding case progress and inquiries.