FY 2025 HMEP Planning and Training Grant for Tribes

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has released the Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Tribal Grant. This grant, authorized under 49 U.S.C. § 5116 and governed by 49 CFR Part 110 and 2 CFR Part 200, aims to assist federally recognized tribes and tribal nonprofit organizations in conducting planning and training to ensure the safe transport of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). The HMEP program is funded through registration fees collected from HAZMAT shippers and carriers and supports enhanced emergency preparedness across tribal jurisdictions. PHMSA is making approximately $2 million available under this program for tribal entities. Grant funds are intended for activities such as HAZMAT response training, development and updating of emergency response plans, conducting commodity flow studies, and participation in HAZMAT training conferences. Eligible costs include salaries, training equipment, planning supplies, and support services related to training and emergency preparedness. However, the grant requires a 20 percent match, which can be fulfilled via direct costs or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must not be used concurrently for other federal programs. Eligibility is strictly limited to federally recognized tribes and tribal nonprofit organizations, including intertribal consortiums. The definition of eligible entities follows 25 U.S.C. § 5304(e), encompassing a broad range of tribal governments and organizations with authorization to apply for federal assistance. Specific spending requirements mandate that at least 75 percent of the awarded funds go towards programmatic activities, with no more than 25 percent allocated to maintenance and administrative costs. Ineligible costs include entertainment, alcohol, unrelated expenses, and pre-award costs without prior PHMSA approval. The application process is conducted through Grants.gov, and applicants are encouraged to register early. Required documents include standard forms (SF-424, SF-424A, lobbying certification, Title VI assurances), a project narrative, a detailed budget narrative, and, if applicable, an indirect cost agreement and letters of support. The project narrative must detail planning and training needs, goals and objectives, specific activities, monitoring strategies, and several certifications regarding compliance and performance expectations. Applications are due by June 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Any questions must be submitted by June 13, 2025. Awards are anticipated to be announced by September 30, 2025, with the period of performance starting on October 1, 2025. The base performance period is 12 months, with the option to extend up to 24 months if necessary. PHMSA will evaluate applications based on technical and programmatic merit, alignment with DOT objectives, and financial and performance integrity, applying a structured review and rating system. Applicants are encouraged to reach out for technical assistance if needed. For inquiries, the program contact is Carla Sheppard at Carla.Sheppard@dot.gov or 202-366-1109. Final reports, including a Federal Financial Report (SF-425) and a progress report, are required within 120 days of the project’s end.