FY 2025 HMEP Grant Program States and Territories

The Fiscal Year 2025 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant for States and Territories is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The HMEP Grant Program was originally established in 1990 through the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and has since been authorized under 49 U.S.C. § 5116. The program is funded entirely by registration fees collected from hazardous materials shippers and carriers, and for FY 2025, PHMSA expects to make approximately $32 million available, with $2 million set aside for tribal applicants under a separate NOFO. The purpose of this grant is to support planning and training activities related to the transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). The goal is to enhance the capabilities of emergency responders and planning personnel to minimize the risks to public health, safety, property, and the environment during HAZMAT transport incidents. Grants are awarded to U.S. states and territories to carry out activities such as developing and updating emergency response plans, conducting commodity flow studies, executing tabletop and full-scale exercises, and providing HAZMAT-specific training and drills. This FY 2025 funding opportunity represents the first year of a three-year grant cycle, with continuing applications required for subsequent years. Applicants are encouraged to propose multi-year projects and to submit plans encompassing the full three-year period. Only state and territorial governments as defined in the statute are eligible to apply. This includes all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and other U.S. territories as designated. Tribal governments must apply under the separate HMEP Tribal Grant Program. To be eligible, each applicant must submit a designation letter from the governor or equivalent authority confirming the entity authorized to manage HMEP funds. The grant requires a 20% cost match, which can be met through direct costs or in-kind contributions but must conform to 2 CFR § 200.306 requirements. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on June 20, 2025. Prior to submission, applicants must ensure active registration in SAM.gov and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). PHMSA strongly encourages applicants to register with FedConnect for more streamlined communication. All applicants are required to complete specific federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A), a detailed project and budget narrative, and, if applicable, an indirect cost agreement. Optional attachments such as letters of support may be included to strengthen the application. Evaluation of applications will follow technical and programmatic criteria. Technical merit is judged on how well the application addresses planning and training needs, cost reasonableness, alignment with HMEP guidelines, and proposed monitoring and evaluation measures. Programmatic criteria include budget alignment, use of funds in accordance with federal guidance, and compliance with civil rights and anti-discrimination regulations. PHMSA may make partial, full, or no awards based on merit and available funding. Final funding decisions are anticipated by September 30, 2025, with a grant period of performance beginning October 1, 2025 and lasting for 36 months. For assistance or inquiries, applicants may contact Carla Sheppard at 202-366-1109 or via email at HMEP.grants@dot.gov. Questions must be submitted by June 13, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST. Final performance and financial reports are due within 120 days after the close of the performance period. Additional administrative and legal requirements are detailed in the NOFO and must be adhered to as part of the award compliance.