FY 2026 Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation (CDLPI)

The Commercial Driver License Program Implementation grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to support the national commercial driver licensing system. The program is authorized under federal statute and is designed to strengthen highway safety by ensuring that commercial drivers are properly trained, tested, and licensed in accordance with federal regulations. The funding opportunity reflects federal priorities to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses by improving the integrity and effectiveness of state and national CDL systems. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to state driver licensing agencies and other eligible entities to achieve and maintain compliance with federal CDL requirements. These requirements emphasize the principle of one driver, one license, and one record, ensuring accurate driver histories and standardized testing practices nationwide. The program also supports efforts to prevent fraud, improve data accuracy, enhance testing integrity, and implement regulatory updates such as drug and alcohol clearinghouse requirements and medical certification processes. The funding is intended to address both compliance gaps and innovative improvements that strengthen the CDL system. Funding under this opportunity is substantial, with approximately $105.1 million expected to be awarded in fiscal year 2026. Awards are issued either as grants or cooperative agreements depending on the level of federal involvement required. Projects are categorized into Basic grants, which are primarily for state agencies to maintain and improve compliance, and High Priority or Emerging Issues grants, which can involve broader partnerships and national-level initiatives. All approved activities may be funded at 100 percent federal cost, and no cost-sharing or matching requirement is imposed for this funding cycle. However, funding cannot be used for certain purposes such as land acquisition, building purchases, or personal training for individuals. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and private entities such as state, county, and local governments; institutions of higher education; tribal governments; nonprofit organizations; and for-profit entities capable of supporting national CDL initiatives. Individuals are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with federal CDL regulations and provide detailed project plans that include performance goals, baseline data, measurable outcomes, and monitoring strategies. Applications must also include required federal forms, a comprehensive project narrative, and a detailed budget narrative that justifies all requested costs. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and adherence to strict formatting and documentation requirements. Applicants must include a structured project narrative covering introduction, problem statement, performance objectives, activity plans, measurement strategies, monitoring plans, and budget justification. The program places strong emphasis on measurable outcomes and data-driven evaluation, with applications reviewed based on technical merit, cost analysis, program alignment, and past performance. Federal reviewers assess how well proposals address compliance issues, demonstrate innovation, and contribute to national CDL program goals. The deadline for applications is June 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be fully completed and submitted electronically by this deadline to be considered. Awards are expected to be issued following a multi-stage review process, with applicant communication potentially occurring in spring 2026. The period of performance may extend for the fiscal year of award plus up to four additional years, depending on project scope. Recipients are required to submit quarterly performance and financial reports and comply with all federal administrative and regulatory requirements throughout the grant lifecycle. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the FMCSA Grants Management Office. Financial inquiries can be directed to Montika Brooks, while programmatic questions can be addressed to Isabella Marra. General support is also available through the FMCSA grant management helpdesk. These contacts provide guidance on application preparation, submission requirements, and program expectations, ensuring applicants have access to necessary resources throughout the process.

Ensure strong alignment with federal CDL regulations; provide quantifiable performance metrics; include baseline data and measurable outcomes; clearly justify all budget items; prioritize compliance and fraud prevention improvements