FY 2025 Supplemental Public Sector Training Grant (SPST)

The Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST) Grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support national nonprofit fire service organizations in their efforts to enhance hazardous materials (HAZMAT) training. Specifically, it targets organizations with demonstrated expertise in the “train-the-trainer” model, as well as direct training for individuals who are responsible for responding to HAZMAT incidents. The overarching objective is to equip emergency responders with the skills necessary to safeguard people and property in accordance with relevant regulations and standards, including those outlined by the National Fire Protection Association. The SPST Grant stems from the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act of 1994 and is codified under 49 U.S.C. § 5116(i). The initiative extends the goals of the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Program by supporting the training of public-sector HAZMAT responders and instructors through national nonprofit fire service organizations. PHMSA plans to allocate approximately $2,000,000 in total funding for FY 2025, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000. The funding is discretionary and contingent upon availability, with a performance period of 12 to 24 months starting from October 1, 2025. Eligible applicants are strictly limited to national nonprofit fire service organizations with IRS-recognized tax-exempt status. These organizations must not use grant funds for lobbying activities. Ineligible costs include personnel training fees, entertainment, excessive office supply costs, duplicated expenses, and any pre-award costs without PHMSA approval. Importantly, there are no matching fund requirements for this grant. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov by June 20, 2025, and questions related to the application must be submitted by June 13, 2025. Applicants are required to complete specific forms, including SF-424 and SF-424A, and provide attachments such as project and budget narratives, indirect cost agreements (if applicable), and letters of support. The project narrative must comprehensively address organizational capacity, statement of need, proposed training activities and timeline, curriculum, projected outputs, and monitoring and evaluation methods. A clear and accurate budget narrative is also essential to justify and support all proposed expenses. Applications are evaluated based on technical and programmatic criteria. Key factors include alignment with NFPA 470 or 29 CFR §1910.120(q)(2), the capacity to deliver effective training, detailed needs assessments, clarity in project goals and timelines, and cost-effectiveness. Ratings range from Highly Recommended to Not Acceptable, with final award decisions made by the Secretary of Transportation based on these reviews and program priorities. Grant awards will be announced by September 30, 2025. For inquiries, applicants may contact Carla Sheppard via email at Carla.Sheppard@dot.gov or by phone at 202-366-1109. Additional support is available for rural, inexperienced, or under-resourced applicants. Technical assistance and all grant-related correspondence must comply with the instructions detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.