Railroad Rights-of-Way and Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Information and Education Program

The Federal Railroad Administration, a sub-agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, has announced the Fiscal Year 2025 Railroad Rights-of-Way and Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Information and Education Program. This program is authorized under Assistance Listing 20.301, which supports activities that improve railroad safety. The program provides direct funding to Operation Lifesaver Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to educating the public on the dangers of railroad rights-of-way and highway-railroad grade crossings. The purpose of this grant is to sustain and expand public safety education efforts through targeted outreach, educational campaigns, and partnerships that advance rail safety. The program scope includes supporting education and outreach projects designed to reduce the number of deaths and injuries occurring at highway-railroad crossings and on railroad rights-of-way. Funds are to be used in line with the approved budget for the Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety for fiscal year 2025. The FRA emphasizes that this program is part of its long-standing collaboration with Operation Lifesaver Inc., recognizing the unique role the organization plays in nationwide rail safety education. Spending is intended for educational programs, materials, and awareness campaigns rather than construction or physical infrastructure. Eligibility for this grant is restricted. Only Operation Lifesaver Inc. is permitted to apply. The notice explicitly states that no other applicants, whether governmental, nonprofit, or private, are eligible to apply. This exclusivity reflects the specialized nature of the program and the FRA’s intent to maintain continuity in its education and outreach strategies. As a result, the eligibility classification is considered “Exclusive – See Details.” The application process requires applicants to submit electronically through the GrantSolutions platform. Required forms include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424A Budget Information, SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, and SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. In addition, applicants must submit a Statement of Work or Project Summary, a detailed budget narrative, and the FRA Assurances and Certifications. These documents are to be uploaded as attachments in the application portal. The grant notice specifies that applicants who have difficulty accessing the application should contact the GrantSolutions Help Desk. The evaluation process is not described in detail in the notice, but applicants are expected to adhere strictly to submission requirements and deadlines. The application window opened on September 23, 2025, and closes on September 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The program anticipates making one award with an award ceiling and total program funding set at one million dollars. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is noted, but the specific match amount is not listed in the notice, requiring further verification. Since the grant has been reissued annually, it is considered recurring, and future application opportunities may be expected in subsequent fiscal years. Administrative and technical assistance contacts are provided. For budget and financial questions, applicants may reach out to Arnaud Kalameu Kalameu, Office of Railroad Chief Financial Officer, at 202-731-5429 or by email at Arnaud.kalameu.kalameu@dot.gov. For program requirements or technical guidance, applicants may contact Elena Gonzalez in the Office of Railroad Policy and Development at 202-253-1978 or via email at Elena.Gonzalez@dot.gov. Additionally, the GrantSolutions Help Desk provides applicant support and can be reached at 866-577-0771 or help@grantsolutions.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Federal Railroad Administration expects the selected recipient, Operation Lifesaver Inc., to continue implementing its safety education initiatives without disruption. Given the extremely short application window and the exclusive eligibility conditions, the notice is primarily a continuation of support for ongoing work. Applicants must ensure compliance with all form submissions and narrative requirements by the closing date, as no late applications will be accepted.