Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (MCSAP) Grant

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (MCSAP) Grant is a federal funding initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This program supports state and territorial governments in implementing comprehensive safety plans for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Established under 49 U.S.C. §§ 31102 and 31104, the MCSAP program ensures collaboration between the federal government, states, and U.S. territories to promote safe motor carrier operations and reduce CMV-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The program funds activities that enhance CMV driver and vehicle safety through enforcement, education, data analysis, and performance-based interventions aligned with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The purpose of the MCSAP Grant is to reduce CMV crashes and fatalities by funding enforcement, inspection, and data-driven safety programs at the state level. States are required to develop a Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (CVSP) outlining goals, activities, and measurable outcomes that align with FMCSA’s national safety emphasis areas. For FY 2026, FMCSA emphasizes reducing fatal CMV crashes, improving driver and vehicle inspections, enhancing traffic enforcement, and strengthening hazardous materials safety. Special attention is given to areas such as work zone safety, human trafficking prevention, and compliance with out-of-service orders. The program also encourages investment in data systems, workforce development, and innovative safety technologies. Funding for MCSAP is distributed through a statutory formula established in the FAST Act and supplemented by IIJA allocations. The FY 2026 total federal program funding is approximately $494,962,500, allocated among all states and territories after a 1.5% administrative set-aside. Each state’s allocation is based on factors such as road mileage, CMV activity, and crash data, and recipients must provide a 5% non-federal match. MCSAP funds can be used for driver and vehicle inspections, safety audits, compliance reviews, enforcement of safety regulations, crash data collection, public outreach, and other eligible activities defined by FMCSA. The grant supports both ongoing safety operations and new initiatives addressing emerging transportation safety concerns. Eligible applicants are state lead agencies responsible for motor carrier safety programs, including all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To receive funding, applicants must meet all requirements under 49 CFR part 350 and maintain compatibility between state and federal safety regulations. States must submit their CVSPs through the eCVSP Tool and complete all federal forms through Grants.gov. Required components include the SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms, certifications, Title VI compliance plan, and other documents listed in Appendix B of the memorandum. Applications for the 2026 funding cycle must be submitted by **5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 9, 2025**. States are encouraged to begin planning as soon as the eCVSP Tool opens on or about **June 1, 2025**. Requests for up to 30-day extensions may be submitted to FMCSA Division Administrators for good cause. FMCSA will review each CVSP for completeness, compliance with federal program elements, and alignment with national emphasis areas. Award notifications will be issued through GrantSolutions.gov, and performance and financial reporting will be required quarterly via the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) and Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR). Approved plans will be publicly posted online following award issuance. This recurring annual grant enables FMCSA and its state partners to build safer roadways by enforcing CMV safety standards, advancing crash data quality, and supporting technology modernization. MCSAP lead agencies are expected to identify opportunities and challenges in implementing IIJA-funded initiatives, demonstrate measurable safety outcomes, and support FMCSA’s broader goal of reducing CMV-related fatalities nationwide. Through this sustained partnership, FMCSA ensures the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the U.S. highway system.