This document outlines the Tentative Grant and Cooperative Agreement Award Terms and Conditions from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Its primary purpose is to delineate the responsibilities and regulatory compliance requirements for recipients of federal grants intended for hazardous materials safety. Key sections address recipient responsibilities, adherence to federal regulations, including the Uniform Administrative Requirements (2 CFR 200), restrictions on lobbying, and adherence to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, among others. The document emphasizes financial management practices, such as electronic invoicing, payment methods, and rules governing advance payments. It also encourages contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses and underscores workplace safety initiatives, notably regarding seat belt use and texting while driving. The terms include provisions for reporting fraud, executive compensation, and commitment to the 'Call Before You Dig' initiative to prevent pipeline accidents. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure that grant recipients operate within legal boundaries and adhere to best practices, fostering compliance, accountability, and safety in hazardous materials management.

The PHMSA document addresses personnel costs associated with federal grants, specifying that at least 75% of grant funding must support programmatic activities while limiting maintenance and administration (M&A) costs to no more than 25% of the final grant budget, excluding indirect costs. Personnel costs include employee salaries, detailing the number and type of staff, their time commitment, hourly wages, and total expenses linked to the grant. M&A activities involve essential costs related to grant management, such as financial oversight and reporting, but do not cover operational costs like instructor salaries. To calculate the 25% M&A cap, applicants must subtract indirect costs from the total grant budget. This guidance is aimed at ensuring proper allocation of grant funds in compliance with federal requirements, clarifying how applicants can effectively budget for M&A without exceeding the specified limits.

The Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT) Grant for Fiscal Year 2025, issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation, aims to enhance the training of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) employees through funding for nonprofit organizations. With an anticipated budget of $5 million, grants will range from $250,000 to $1 million. The program emphasizes train-the-trainer approaches to empower instructors to educate HAZMAT workers on safety regulations and practices, particularly addressing training gaps in underserved communities. Applications are due by March 17, 2025, and must be submitted through grants.gov, requiring organizations to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and FedConnect. Eligible applicants must demonstrate expertise in HAZMAT training and fulfill specific documentation related to their proposed training methods, needs assessment, and budget justifications. The selection process includes administrative, technical, and programmatic reviews, focusing on applicants' capacity to deliver effective training and their plans to promote safety and equity within HAZMAT transportation. Final award notifications are expected by August 31, 2025. This funding opportunity illustrates the government's commitment to improving public safety and environmental protection through comprehensive HAZMAT training initiatives.

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) outlines non-discrimination assurances under DOT Order No. 1050.2A, mandating compliance with various civil rights statutes to receive federal financial assistance. The document establishes that recipients of such assistance must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, as specified in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related regulations. Key assurances include obligations to ensure non-discrimination across all programs, provide notifications in contracts, and maintain records for compliance reviews. The recipients are also instructed to incorporate non-discrimination clauses in contracts and agreements and to guarantee judicial enforcement rights for compliance. Overall, this guidance reinforces the federal government’s commitment to ensuring equitable participation in federally assisted programs and projects, safeguarding against discrimination while promoting civil rights in governmental operations.