> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://railnology.gitbook.io/railnology-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://railnology.gitbook.io/railnology-docs/certification-programs-railcert/submitting-to-fra.md).

# Submitting Your Program to the FRA

Railnology automates the FRA certification program submission process end-to-end — generating a formatted PDF submission package and emailing it directly to the FRA on your behalf.

### What Happens When You Submit

When you click **Submit to FRA**, Railnology:

1. Generates a formatted PDF submission package containing your cover letter, all program sections, and the required attestation statement
2. Emails the package to `FRAOPCERTPROG@dot.gov` automatically
3. Sends a copy to your email address for your records
4. Records the submission date and calculates your FRA auto-approval date (30 days from submission per §240.103(f))
5. Updates your program status from **Draft** to **Submitted**

### Before You Submit — FRA Submission Readiness

The **FRA Submission Readiness** panel at the bottom of your program builder shows exactly what is required before submission. All blockers must be resolved before the Submit to FRA button becomes active.

**Common blockers:**

* Program administrator name, title, email, or phone is missing
* One or more program sections are not yet marked complete

**Warnings** (do not block submission):

* A section is marked complete but has no content entered

### Step-by-Step Submission

1. Navigate to **ReginIntel → Certification Programs**
2. Select your program from the left panel
3. Fill in the **Program Administrator** card at the top of the builder — all four fields are required
4. Complete all program sections — each must show a green checkmark
5. Scroll to the **FRA Submission Readiness** panel — confirm it shows "Program is ready for FRA submission" in green
6. Click **Submit to FRA**
7. Review the confirmation dialog — it shows the exact email address the package will be sent to
8. Click **Confirm & Submit to FRA**

The platform generates your PDF and sends it within seconds. A submission status card replaces the readiness panel showing your submission date and auto-approval countdown.

### FRA Auto-Approval

Under 49 CFR §240.103(f), if the FRA does not notify your railroad of specific objections within 30 days of the required filing date, the program is considered approved and may be implemented.

The submission status card shows a live countdown of days remaining until auto-approval.

### Material Modifications

If you make a material change to your program after FRA approval, you must notify the FRA at least 60 days before implementing the change. In Railnology:

1. Return to the program builder
2. Update the relevant sections
3. The platform will note this as a material modification
4. Click **Submit to FRA** — the cover letter automatically uses §240.103(e) material modification language

### Submission Records

Your submission history is preserved in the platform. The submission status card shows:

* Submission date
* Auto-approval date
* Whether the submission was a material modification