FY 2026 HMEP Planning and Training Grant for Tribes

The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Tribal Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The program is part of a broader federal effort established under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to enhance national safety in the transport of hazardous materials. Since its inception, the program has been funded through registration fees collected from hazardous materials shippers and carriers, ensuring that those involved in the movement of hazardous materials contribute to preparedness and response capacity. This specific funding opportunity focuses on federally recognized tribes and tribal nonprofit organizations, supporting their unique needs and responsibilities in managing hazardous materials risks within their jurisdictions. The primary purpose of the program is to support comprehensive hazardous materials emergency preparedness planning and training. Applicants are expected to propose projects that strengthen their ability to respond effectively to incidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials. This includes improving emergency response plans, conducting commodity flow studies, and delivering training programs that enhance responder readiness. The program also supports compliance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and coordinated response planning. Funding under this opportunity is anticipated to total approximately one million dollars for the tribal component of the program. Awards are provided as discretionary grants and are reimbursed based on approved expenses. Eligible activities include a wide range of planning and training initiatives such as tabletop exercises, hazard mitigation planning, emergency response plan development, and training drills. Costs may also include personnel, supplies, contract support, and training equipment, provided they are directly tied to program objectives. However, restrictions apply to ensure funds are used appropriately, including prohibitions on entertainment costs, unrelated expenses, and pre-award costs without prior approval. A key requirement of this program is the cost-sharing component. Applicants must provide a minimum twenty percent match of the total project cost, which may be met through direct expenditures or in-kind contributions. This requirement ensures local investment and commitment to the proposed activities. Applicants must also maintain detailed records of training outcomes, expenditures, and program performance metrics, as these are used to evaluate the effectiveness of funded projects and ensure accountability. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized tribes and tribal nonprofit organizations, including intertribal consortiums that meet specific documentation requirements. Applicants must demonstrate their organizational capacity, provide a clear needs assessment, and outline specific goals and objectives for their proposed projects. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes standard federal forms, project and budget narratives, and optional supporting documentation such as letters of support and indirect cost agreements. Applications are evaluated through a multi-step review process that includes administrative, technical, and programmatic assessments. Review criteria focus on the alignment of proposed activities with program goals, the clarity and feasibility of the project plan, and the applicant’s ability to manage federal funds. Additional considerations include the reasonableness of costs, the effectiveness of training and planning strategies, and compliance with federal requirements. PHMSA may request additional information during the review process and retains discretion in awarding full or partial funding. The application timeline for this funding opportunity includes a posting date in May, a question submission deadline in mid-June, and a final application deadline in late June. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of September, with a typical performance period of twelve months, extendable to twenty-four months if justified. Applicants must maintain active registrations in federal systems such as SAM and Grants.gov to be eligible for funding. Program contacts are available for technical and content-related inquiries, ensuring applicants have access to guidance throughout the submission process.

Ensure strong alignment with HAZMAT planning and training needs; provide detailed budget justification; clearly define measurable outcomes and training impacts; ensure compliance with all federal requirements