FY 2026 Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) Grant

The Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The program was authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and codified in federal statute to enhance the safety and preparedness of emergency responders dealing with hazardous materials incidents. The initiative specifically focuses on risks associated with the transportation of flammable liquids by rail, which pose significant threats to both public safety and environmental protection. By funding targeted training programs, the agency seeks to improve national readiness and response capabilities. The primary purpose of the ALERT Grant Program is to support nonprofit organizations that represent regional public-private partnerships in delivering specialized hazardous materials training. These trainings are designed to equip emergency responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, respond to, and mitigate incidents involving crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids transported by rail. Training may be delivered in person or through web-based platforms, ensuring accessibility for responders in both urban and remote areas. The program emphasizes compliance with established safety standards, including those set by the National Fire Protection Association. Funding under this program is competitive and discretionary, with approximately one million dollars anticipated to be available for the fiscal year. Individual awards are expected to range from one hundred thousand to five hundred thousand dollars. Funds must be used strictly for allowable training-related expenses and may not be used for prohibited costs such as entertainment, lobbying, personnel overtime for trainees, or general office overhead deemed excessive. The program does not require cost sharing or matching contributions, which lowers the barrier to entry for eligible nonprofit applicants. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code and that represent regional partnerships capable of delivering hazardous materials training. These organizations must demonstrate the capacity to develop or provide compliant training curricula and conduct needs assessments identifying critical training gaps among emergency responders. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded, and nonprofit applicants must also adhere to restrictions on lobbying activities when using federal funds. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, with applicants completing standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with certifications and assurances. In addition to these forms, applicants must prepare and upload several attachments, including a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as letters of support and indirect cost agreements if applicable. Applicants are also required to maintain active registrations in the System for Award Management and may use FedConnect for communication with the agency. Applications are evaluated based on technical and programmatic criteria, including the quality of the proposed training plan, the applicant’s expertise and capacity, the strength of the needs assessment, and the clarity of project goals and outcomes. Reviewers also assess budget reasonableness, alignment with program objectives, and the applicant’s ability to measure and report performance. The agency conducts risk assessments and may request additional information during the review process. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 22, 2026, with questions due by June 18, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026. The period of performance ranges from a minimum of twelve months up to a maximum of twenty-four months. During and after the project period, recipients are required to submit progress and financial reports, documenting training outputs, participant data, and overall program impact.

Ensure strong needs assessment, clearly defined training outputs, alignment with HAZMAT safety standards, and detailed budget justification