FTA provides pre-award authority to permit expenses to be incurred before a grant award for the CIG Program. Pre-award authority allows a CIG recipient to incur certain project costs before the start date of an award and makes those costs allowable for subsequent reimbursement after award of the grant. Before incurring pre-award costs, recipients are strongly encouraged to consult with the appropriate FTA Regional Office and FTA Headquarters regarding the eligibility of the project for future FTA funds and requirements that must be met to preserve the eligibility of the pre-award costs.