Fy 2026 Hmsi Grant Award

The Hazardous Materials State Inspection Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to state agencies to enhance the safety of hazardous materials transportation across the United States. The agency plays a central role in regulating and ensuring compliance with hazardous materials transportation standards, and this grant supports its mission by enabling states to conduct inspections that reduce risks, injuries, and fatalities associated with hazardous material incidents. The primary purpose of the program is to fund state-led inspection activities targeting hazardous materials shippers. Through this funding opportunity, states are expected to conduct inspections that ensure compliance with federal hazardous materials regulations and applicable international standards. The program emphasizes improving safety outcomes by identifying deficiencies in shipper practices and strengthening oversight systems. Funded activities must directly contribute to increased compliance and safer transport of hazardous materials nationwide. Funding under this program may be used for several specific purposes, including personnel costs for inspectors, travel associated with inspections, equipment such as personal protective gear and electronic devices, and training for inspectors. However, there are clear restrictions on the use of funds. Costs such as overtime, backfill staffing, entertainment, alcohol, excessive office supplies, and any expenses reimbursed under other federal programs are not allowable. Pre-award costs are also not permitted unless explicitly approved in writing by the agency. Eligibility for this grant is limited to state agencies that have the authority and operational capability to perform hazardous materials shipper inspections in accordance with federal regulations. States must demonstrate their ability to conduct inspections either onsite or offsite and to evaluate compliance with hazardous materials transportation requirements. Only one application per state is permitted, and states are encouraged to coordinate internally to designate a single lead agency to apply. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants are required to complete standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with certifications related to lobbying and nondiscrimination. In addition, applicants must prepare and upload a project narrative, budget narrative, and any applicable supporting documents such as indirect cost agreements or letters of support. Applicants must also maintain active registration in the System for Award Management and provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier. The evaluation of applications is based on technical and programmatic criteria. Reviewers assess whether proposed activities align with program goals, whether the applicant demonstrates a clear need for inspection support, and whether proposed costs are reasonable and allowable. Applications must also include a detailed timeline, measurable outputs, and a strategy for monitoring and evaluation. The agency retains discretion to award full or partial funding or to decline applications based on merit and available funds. The application timeline for this funding opportunity includes a posting date of May 18, 2026, a question submission deadline of June 18, 2026, and a final application deadline of June 22, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be announced by September 30, 2026. The period of performance ranges from a minimum of 12 months up to a maximum of 24 months. Program contacts are available via email and phone for both technical and administrative inquiries, ensuring applicants have access to support throughout the submission process.

Ensure proposed activities clearly align with hazardous materials inspection goals and demonstrate measurable safety impact; provide detailed and justified budget narratives aligned with staffing and activities; include clear timelines and outputs that support evaluation criteria