FY 2026 Supplemental Public Sector Training Grant (SPST)

The Supplemental Public Sector Training Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This program was originally authorized under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act of 1994 and is codified in federal statute to support training initiatives that enhance public safety in hazardous materials response. The program specifically targets the development and delivery of training programs for emergency responders who are responsible for managing incidents involving hazardous materials transportation. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support national nonprofit fire service organizations in implementing train-the-trainer programs. These programs are designed to prepare instructors who can then deliver hazardous materials response training to individuals with statutory responsibilities for emergency response. The initiative emphasizes building scalable training capacity across the nation, ensuring that responders are equipped with the necessary skills to protect public safety, property, and the environment during hazardous materials incidents. Funding under this opportunity is anticipated to total approximately 2000000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 500000 to 1000000 dollars. The funds are intended to be used for allowable training-related activities, including instructor development and responder education. However, there are strict funding restrictions, including prohibitions on entertainment expenses, lobbying activities, personnel overtime or stipends for trainees, and costs already covered by other federal programs. All expenditures must comply with federal cost principles and be clearly documented within an auditable financial system. Eligibility for the program is limited to national nonprofit fire service organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, such as those classified under section 501(c)(3). These organizations must demonstrate expertise in delivering train-the-trainer programs and have the capacity to reach emergency responders nationwide. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded, and nonprofit applicants must adhere to federal regulations prohibiting the use of funds for lobbying or political activities. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include a combination of standard federal forms and applicant-developed attachments. Required components include forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, as well as a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as indirect cost agreements and letters of support. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier. The submission process emphasizes completeness, clarity, and adherence to formatting and content guidelines outlined in the notice. The application timeline includes a posting date of May 18, 2026, with applications due by June 19, 2026. Questions must be submitted by June 17, 2026. PHMSA anticipates making award decisions by September 30, 2026. The period of performance for funded projects is a minimum of 12 months and may extend up to 24 months depending on the applicant’s proposal. Performance will be evaluated based on technical and programmatic criteria, including the applicant’s training capabilities, alignment with national standards, and the projected impact on hazardous materials safety. Evaluation of applications is conducted through a competitive process that includes administrative, technical, and programmatic review. Key criteria include the applicant’s ability to deliver effective training, demonstrate need, outline measurable outcomes, and provide a clear implementation timeline. Successful applicants will be required to submit periodic progress and financial reports, culminating in final reports within 120 days after the performance period ends. This structured oversight ensures accountability and alignment with the program’s safety objectives.

Emphasize train-the-trainer model; demonstrate measurable safety impact; align training with NFPA standards; provide detailed needs assessment and clear outputs