Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Program

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Office of Grants & Research (OGR) under the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), is accepting applications for the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Program – Statewide Training Provider. The purpose of this grant is to select one organization to serve as the Statewide Training Provider responsible for implementing a comprehensive program to promote child passenger safety through technician training, community engagement, and educational outreach. This opportunity is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and administered by OGR's Highway Safety Division. OGR's Highway Safety Division works to reduce fatalities, injuries, and economic losses caused by motor vehicle crashes on Massachusetts roadways. One of its key focus areas is Child Passenger Safety (CPS). The selected provider will play a central role in this initiative by recruiting and training at least 200 CPS technicians, coordinating the work of CPS instructors, hosting car seat check events, managing continuing education and recertification opportunities for existing technicians, and serving as a statewide educational resource to families and organizations. Training activities will follow Safe Kids Worldwide curriculum and must be distributed across various counties in Massachusetts to ensure broad access. Applicants must be Massachusetts-based entities (state, local, private, nonprofit, or not-for-profit) that serve a public purpose. To be eligible, applicants must employ at least one CPS Lead Instructor who has a minimum of ten years of active instructor experience in Massachusetts at both the time of application and for the duration of the contract. Prior experience in administering a statewide CPS training program is required. Preference will be given to applicants who have successfully held the CPS Training Provider role in prior grant cycles. OGR will award a single grant of up to $325,000 for a 12-month period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This is a cost-reimbursement grant; funds may not be used for any costs incurred before the contract start date. The grant may be renewed for up to two additional one-year terms, contingent on continued federal funding, program success, and compliance with all regulations. Allowable cost categories include personnel, fringe, consultants/contracts, equipment, supplies, and travel. The application must include a program narrative, a completed budget worksheet and narrative, a resume for the CPS Lead Instructor, and several standard contracting documents. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on September 5, 2025. All questions must be submitted via email to Jennifer Slonina (Jennifer.Slonina@mass.gov) by August 22, 2025. Responses to questions will be posted anonymously on the grant webpage. Awards are expected to be announced in September 2025. Program activities must begin within 90 days of contract execution unless extenuating circumstances arise. Evaluation of applications will be based on a competitive scoring process, with up to 50 points for the program narrative, 30 for the budget, 20 for grant compliance, and 10 bonus points for previous providers. Applicants must agree to submit timely monthly financial and programmatic reports and comply with procurement and audit standards. Grant compliance includes mandatory reporting, cooperation during reviews, and maintaining detailed documentation for reimbursement claims. Additional compliance requirements are outlined in the grant documentation available on the grant program page.

Ensure all documents are submitted by the deadline and adhere to exact formatting requirements. Review the OGR Subrecipient Grant Conditions thoroughly. Submit questions before the Q&A deadline for clarification.