The Community Safety Grant (CSG) by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) aims to enhance community preparedness for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) transportation incidents. For fiscal year 2025, $1,000,000 is allocated for awarding discretionary grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations that can conduct outreach and training programs for emergency responders. The application process opened on January 15, 2025, with submissions due by March 17, 2025. Eligible applicants must demonstrate the capacity to train state and local personnel or conduct public outreach on HAZMAT safety, focusing on equity and sustainability outcomes. The application requires a comprehensive project narrative outlining the organization’s mission, project objectives, and training strategies, alongside a detailed budget narrative with no matching requirements. PHMSA prioritizes projects that address community needs, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Final award selections will follow a rigorous review process based on technical merit, programmatic impact, and alignment with DOT objectives. Awards are anticipated to be announced by August 31, 2025, with a project start date of October 1, 2025.

The document outlines the tentative grant and cooperative agreement terms and conditions for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It defines recipient roles, compliance mandates, and financial management requirements, emphasizing adherence to laws governing federal awards. Recipients are prohibited from using funds for lobbying and must ensure nondiscrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It details the importance of a drug-free workplace, the use of the DOT's Delphi eInvoicing System for payment processing, and the criteria for advance payments. The document also mandates reporting on executive compensation and sub-awards and encourages the involvement of small and minority-owned businesses in contracting processes. Notably, it promotes safety policies like seat belt use and bans on texting while driving. Requirements for combating human trafficking and the need for copyright compliance further establish the standards for recipients. Overall, this comprehensive guide serves to ensure that recipients of PHMSA funding adhere to federal regulations while effectively managing grant resources in a compliant manner.

The PHMSA document outlines guidance for applicants on budget allocation for a grant, specifically focusing on personnel costs and the limitations on funding usage. It emphasizes that at least 75% of grant funds need to be allocated to programmatic activities, while no more than 25% of the total budget can be designated for maintenance and administration (M&A) costs, excluding indirect costs. M&A costs are defined as essential expenditures required for managing the grant, such as financial reporting and oversight, but do not cover operational expenses like instructor salaries. To establish the 25% limit for M&A costs, applicants should calculate the final grant budget minus any indirect costs and apply the cap to this adjusted figure. The document serves as a clarifying resource for grant applicants to ensure compliant budget submissions and effective utilization of funding towards programmatic objectives.

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) outlines non-discrimination assurances as a prerequisite for any organization (the Recipient) receiving federal assistance through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. These assurances mandate compliance with various civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and others protecting against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, and sex. The Recipient agrees to ensure equitable access to programs and to implement measures that afford full opportunity for disadvantaged businesses. Specific assurances include the requirement to insert non-discrimination clauses in contracts and agreements, administrative methods ensuring compliance, and that non-compliance may result in penalties, including withholding funds. This document also emphasizes that these assurances remain in effect for the duration of federal assistance and apply broadly to all of the Recipient's programs funded by federal resources. It establishes that the federal government retains the right to seek enforcement against violations of these assurances, emphasizing a commitment to civil rights and equitable treatment in federally assisted programs and activities.