Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT) Grant

The Hazardous Materials Instructor Training Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This program is authorized under federal law to support national safety objectives related to the transportation of hazardous materials. The agency’s mission centers on protecting people and the environment by advancing the safe movement of hazardous materials, and this grant program specifically targets workforce training capacity through instructor development. The initiative reflects a long-standing federal commitment to reducing incidents and improving compliance with hazardous materials regulations. The primary purpose of the program is to fund nonprofit organizations that can design and deliver “train-the-trainer” programs. These programs are intended to prepare instructors who will subsequently train hazardous materials employees in both regulatory compliance and safety practices. The focus is on ensuring that workers involved in the transportation of hazardous materials are properly educated on risk awareness, regulatory requirements, and safe handling procedures. The program emphasizes measurable improvements in safety outcomes, including reduced incidents and stronger adherence to federal hazardous materials regulations. Funding under this program is competitive and discretionary, with approximately $3,000,000 anticipated for distribution. Individual awards are expected to range from $250,000 to $1,000,000. The period of performance must be at least 12 months, with applicants allowed to request up to 24 months depending on the scope of their proposed activities. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis and must be used strictly for allowable program costs. Certain expenses are explicitly prohibited, including equipment purchases, entertainment costs, and personnel stipends for trainees. All expenditures must comply with federal cost principles and be fully documented within an auditable financial system. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under applicable tax-exempt classifications such as 501(c)(3) or similar designations. These organizations must demonstrate expertise in delivering training programs and the capacity to reach hazardous materials employees. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also ensure compliance with federal requirements related to lobbying restrictions and financial accountability. The program defines hazardous materials employees broadly to include individuals involved in handling, transporting, or preparing hazardous materials for transport, as well as those responsible for safety oversight. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, and applicants must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management. Required application components include standard federal forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, as well as a detailed project narrative and budget narrative. Additional attachments may include indirect cost agreements and letters of support. Applications must clearly outline training activities, expected outputs, timelines, and evaluation strategies. PHMSA evaluates proposals based on technical criteria, programmatic considerations, and overall alignment with safety objectives, including the applicant’s ability to deliver effective training and demonstrate measurable impact. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of June 26, 2026, and an application deadline of June 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. PHMSA anticipates making award decisions by September 30, 2026. Following award, recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including progress reports and financial documentation. Final reports are due within 120 days after the end of the performance period and must include outcome data and performance metrics. The program operates on an annual funding cycle and emphasizes accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes. Successful applicants are expected to deliver structured training programs that directly improve hazardous materials transportation safety. Through its focus on instructor development, the program seeks to create a multiplier effect, expanding the reach of safety training nationwide and strengthening compliance across industries involved in hazardous materials handling and transport.

Ensure strong alignment with safety outcomes and clearly demonstrate training impact, capacity to reach HAZMAT employees, and detailed measurable outputs including number of instructors trained and program reach