Q-U20. In order to qualify for a grant under the IIJA, must projects be "shovel ready" or is a project still under design eligible?

For  FCT and ATP, no. As with PFC eligibility, a grant can be for design or environmental review, taking into consideration the normal AIP requirement. Construction grants will be issued based on bids. The annual NOFO for FCT and ATP funds will outline the application and screening process for these funds. 

For AFR, given the limited nature of this funding, to achieve the mission of the grant program, all projects must strictly meet the timeliness requirement for grant award as outlined in the NOFO.