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. This program is part of a broader federal effort to improve national safety in the transportation of hazardous materials by strengthening local and tribal emergency response capabilities. Established under federal law and funded through registration fees collected from hazardous materials shippers and carriers, the program supports planning and training initiatives that help mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials incidents. The funding opportunity reflects a continued federal commitment to ensuring that tribal jurisdictions are equipped to respond effectively to transportation-related hazardous materials emergencies. The primary purpose of this grant program is to enhance emergency preparedness through comprehensive planning and training activities that address the unique risks faced by tribal communities. The program aligns with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act and seeks to ensure that trained responders can protect people, property, and the environment in the event of hazardous materials incidents. Applicants are required to propose projects that directly support hazardous materials planning and training, including activities such as developing emergency response plans, conducting commodity flow studies, and delivering specialized training exercises and drills. Funding under this program is anticipated to total approximately one million dollars for tribal applicants, subject to the availability of federal funds. Awards are provided on a reimbursement basis and must be used strictly for allowable activities related to hazardous materials preparedness. Eligible uses include training programs, planning initiatives, personnel costs associated with program administration, and certain operational expenses such as overtime or contract support when compliant with program guidance. However, several restrictions apply, including prohibitions on entertainment expenses, unrelated operational costs, and pre-award expenditures without prior approval. Applicants must also ensure that at least seventy-five percent of funding supports programmatic activities, with no more than twenty-five percent allocated to maintenance and administrative costs. A mandatory cost-sharing requirement applies to this program. Applicants must contribute a minimum of twenty percent of the total project cost, which may be satisfied through direct expenditures or in-kind contributions that meet federal cost-sharing regulations. This requirement underscores the expectation that participating tribes maintain a financial stake in the proposed activities and ensures shared responsibility in achieving program outcomes. Eligibility for the program is limited to federally recognized tribes and tribal nonprofit organizations, including intertribal consortiums that demonstrate appropriate authorization and documentation. Applicants must submit their proposals electronically through Grants.gov and maintain active registration in the System for Award Management. The application process requires completion of standard federal forms along with detailed project and budget narratives, certifications, and supporting documentation such as indirect cost agreements and letters of support when applicable. Applications are evaluated through a structured review process that includes administrative, technical, and programmatic assessments. Review criteria emphasize the clarity of the applicant’s needs assessment, alignment of proposed activities with program goals, reasonableness of the budget, and the applicant’s ability to monitor and evaluate project outcomes. Additional considerations include compliance with federal requirements, the applicant’s prior experience managing similar grants, and the completeness of submitted materials. Performance measurement is based on specific outputs such as the number of individuals trained, emergency plans developed, and exercises conducted. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 19, 2026, with questions due by June 17, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026, with a standard period of performance of twelve months, extendable up to twenty-four months if justified. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early due to system requirements and potential delays. Program inquiries can be directed to the designated contact via email or phone, and technical assistance is available throughout the application process. This funding opportunity is issued annually as part of an ongoing federal program supporting hazardous materials preparedness nationwide.

Ensure strong alignment between needs assessment and proposed activities; provide detailed and realistic budget justification; clearly define measurable outputs such as number trained and plans developed; demonstrate compliance with all federal requirements