Maria Salazar of TxDOT finance told MPO directors the TPF invoice template introduced in September has already produced fewer processing problems in pilot submissions and will be required beginning with billing 1 for the 2026 program year.

Salazar said the template standardizes key fields finance requires for processing—payee/EIN (supplier ID), PO number (15‑digit work order PO generated by TxDOT), project IDs for TPF and set‑aside funds, and a cover letter checklist that meets finance’s documentation needs. The cover letter lets MPOs avoid resubmitting backup documentation while still retaining it for audit.

TxDOT will hold additional office hours (next scheduled October 10) and has posted a demo video and sample billing to help MPOs adopt the template. Salazar said the new form is already prompting more frequent discussions between TxDOT finance and MPO fiscal agents about how to speed submittal and payment processes; she said TxDOT will consider schedule adjustments if finance and MPOs agree a revised timeline would shorten payment lead times.

TxDOT asked MPOs to confirm EIN/supplier IDs early and to use the required template beginning with the 2026 program year billing 1 so the finance team can maintain a consistent payment workflow.