Sec. 4. Model accessible taxi competition

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Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall organize a national competition to design 1 or more model accessible taxi vehicles. The purpose of the competition under this section shall be to develop 1 or more designs for an accessible taxi vehicle which, without additional modification, can be manufactured for an amount not to exceed the sum of the average manufacturing cost of a minivan that is generally available for purchase by consumers in the United States.

Any automobile manufacturer that manufactures vehicles for sale in the United States may submit a proposal for the competition authorized under this section, regardless of size. The Administration shall establish guidelines for the competition authorized under this section in accordance with paragraphs

(2)through (5). A proposal may not be selected for a cash prize under subsection

(d)unless the Administrator determines that the cost for manufacturing the proposed accessible taxi vehicle does not exceed the average manufacturing cost of a minivan that is generally available for purchase by consumers in the United States. Each proposal submitted under this section shall represent designs collaboratively developed by— an eligible automobile manufacturer; and at least 1 national organization serving people with disabilities. Proposals submitted under this section shall be judged on whether the design for an accessible taxi vehicle represents a design that a local taxi commission could realistically adopt. The Administrator shall encourage competitors to seek feedback on their designs from members of a local taxi commission before such submission. Each proposal submitted under this section shall describe the specifications of the proposed accessible taxi vehicle, including— accessibility features and the extent to which such features allow for the full inclusion of individuals with various disabilities; estimated highway and city fuel economy; the cost of the vehicle; the extent to which the vehicle provides adequate space for passengers and any mobility devices, including wheelchairs; the relative comfort provided for passengers with disabilities and others; and available luggage or storage space. The Administrator shall convene a selection panel to select the winning proposals for the competition that includes representatives from the taxi industry, the for-hire transportation industry, and the disability community. The Administrator shall award automobile manufacturers that are selected pursuant to subsection

(d)with cash prizes in an amount to be determined by the Administrator. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.