Port Infrastructure Development Program

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for Fiscal Year 2025 is administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the U.S. Department of Transportation. With the issuance of Amendment No. 1, the PIDP NOFO clarifies eligibility, updates cybersecurity requirements for digital infrastructure, modifies evaluation rubrics, and integrates $50 million in additional funding from the FY 2025 Appropriations Act. The total anticipated funding available is approximately $500 million. The PIDP aims to support projects that enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of goods movement through ports and intermodal port connections. The PIDP is open to a wide range of public and Tribal entities, including states, political subdivisions, public agencies, special purpose districts with transportation functions, Indian Tribes or consortiums, multistate/multijurisdictional entities, and eligible lead entities in partnership with private entities. Projects must either be located within port boundaries or directly support port operations or intermodal connections. Eligible project types span capital improvements, environmental and emission mitigation, resiliency measures, seafood-related infrastructure, and certain planning and pre-construction activities. Projects proposing digital infrastructure components must include a plan addressing cybersecurity risks. Applicants must submit a single application by September 10, 2025, via Grants.gov. Late submissions are not accepted. Key application components include Standard Form 424, a PIDP cover page, a detailed project narrative covering description, location, funding sources, merit criteria, workforce considerations, and statutory compliance. Evaluation criteria cover safety, efficiency, reliability, economic vitality, leveraging federal funds, port resilience, workforce development, and readiness. Each element is rated from non-responsive to high, with special rubrics for small projects at small ports. Federal share for most projects is capped at 80%, though exceptions apply for small projects at small ports and those in rural areas. The minimum award size is $1 million for FY 2025 Appropriations Act funds, and the maximum is subject only to funding availability and program restrictions. Cost sharing is mandatory, and prior incurred costs are generally ineligible except in specified small port scenarios. Projects must comply with NEPA and other federal requirements and be completed within five years of fund obligation. The program strongly encourages inclusion of independent utility components and provides robust guidance for project budgets and benefit-cost analyses. Applicants are expected to submit performance and financial reports post-award. Pre-award costs require explicit approval and are otherwise ineligible for reimbursement. Award announcements are anticipated by December 31, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact PIDPgrants@dot.gov or call Aubrey Parsons at 202–366–8047.