Aviation Workforce Development Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers NOFO NG-AWM-25-002.pdf

Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

Table of Contents

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility

i. Eligible Applicants

ii. Eligible Projects

iii. Proof of Eligibility

iv. Requirement to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility

v. Cost Sharing or Matching

vi. Other

a. Partnerships

b. Multiple Applications

3. Program Description

A. Purpose

B. Funding Priorities

C. Program Goals and Objectives

D. Achieving the Program’s Goals and Objectives

E. Performance Goals

F. Cooperative Agreement

G. Funding Restrictions

H. Nondiscrimination Assurance

I. Legislative Authority

4. Application Contents and Format

A. Address to Request Application Package

i. Content and Form of Application Submission

vii. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

i. Submission Dates and Times

ii. Intergovernmental Review

iii. Other Submission Requirements

6. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection

a. Initial Screening

b. Application Review

c. Technical Evaluation Review

d. Adjectival Rating

e. Merit Criterion Points

f. Overall Ratings

h. Other Review Considerations

i. Award Decision

j. Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold [Required, if applicable]

k. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

7. Award Notices

a. Selection Notification

b. Non-Selection Notification

8. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

a. Administration and National Policy Requirements

i. Reporting on Program Goals and Requirements

ii. Quarterly Reports

iii. Final Closeout Report

9. Federal Aviation Administration Contact

i. Agency Contact

ii. Grants Officer

iii. Questions

10. Other Information

Appendix I – Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

Appendix II – Application Document Checklist

Appendix III - Project Narrative Sample Outline

Appendix IV – Sample Work Plan

Appendix V – Uniform Administrative Requirements

Glossary

Permanent Links

1. Basic Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce

Development Grant Program

C. Announcement Type: Initial

D. Funding Opportunity Number (required, if applicable): NG-AWM-25-002

E. Assistance Listing Number(s): 20.112

F. Funding Details:

i. Type of Award and Funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as “the Program”).

The Program is a competitive discretionary grant program. The FAA estimates it will make approximately $13 million available to fund an estimated 13 recipients through this NOFO. A funded project may have a 24-months performance period, with a maximum of $1 million.

No less than 20 percent of the total amount funded will be used to carry out a grant program that shall be referred to as the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program. These awards must be carried out in counties containing at least one qualified opportunity zone as defined in Section 1400Z–1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. An award in the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program can be carried out in counties outside of an opportunity zone if the award includes activity carried out in at least one qualified opportunity zone.

ii. Number of Awards

The FAA will determine the number of awards depending on the quality and quantity of proposals, but the FAA estimates it will make approximately 13 awards under this announcement. However, the FAA reserves the right to make more, fewer, or no awards. Submission of an application to Grants.gov is not a guarantee of award. The FAA may, at its discretion, award an entire grant, portions of a grant, or no grant based on an application.

iii. Maximum Amount

Any application that exceeds the maximum amount of $1 million for 24-months https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/resources/map http://www.grants.gov/ funding under this notice will be considered ineligible.

G. Key dates: NOFO Open: May 18, 2026

NOFO Close: June 22, 2026 @ 11:59 PM

H. Executive Summary: The goals and objectives of the FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant – Maintenance Technical Workers is to address the critical need to address the need for qualified professionals in the aviation maintenance industry. This includes expanding the pool of maintenance technical workers and developing careers for interested individuals within this sector.

This grant targets high school and higher education students, veterans of the armed forces seeking civilian careers, individuals looking to enhance their skills or advance in the maintenance field. Eligible recipients for Aviation Workforce Development Grants include a variety of organizations and institutions involved in aviation or education. This includes certified repair stations, air carriers, labor organizations representing maintenance workers, educational institutions (high schools, postsecondary vocational institutions, and institutions of higher education), aviation-related non-profit organizations, and State, local, territorial, and Tribal government entities that provide training.

I. Agency Contact Information: AWD-Grants@faa.gov

2. Eligibility

i. Eligible Applicants

The following types of entities are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity:

a. A certified repair station that provides training defined in part 21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

b. Labor organization representing aviation maintenance workers;

c. Accredited institution of higher education (20 U.S.C. § 1001), a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school (20 U.S.C. § 7801);

d. Aviation-related nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or

e. A State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity.

Individuals are not eligible to apply under this NOFO.

ii. Eligible Projects

Projects that fall into one or more of the categories below will be eligible for an award.

An eligible project is a project to:

mailto:AWD-Grants@faa.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-21 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-121 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-135 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-145 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-147 http://uscode.house.gov/quicksearch/get.plx?title=20&section=1001 http://uscode.house.gov/quicksearch/get.plx?title=20&section=7801

a. Create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school and secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation maintenance education to become an aviation mechanic or aviation maintenance technician, including purchasing and operating equipment associated with such curriculum;

b. Establish or improve registered apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry;

c. Support the transition to aviation maintenance careers, including veterans of the armed forces;

d. Support robust outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry, including outreach to various populations in the aviation industry; or

e. Otherwise enhance or expand the aviation maintenance technical workforce.

iii. Proof of Eligibility

Applicants must identify how they qualify under NOFO Section C.3 by uploading proof of eligible entity as follows:

a. An air carrier must provide a copy of its certificate issued under part 21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

b. A labor organization representing aviation maintenance workers must provide a copy of an IRS-issued organization exemption letter confirming its labor organization status.

c. A post-secondary vocational institution must provide a copy of its accreditation document.

d. An aviation-related nonprofit organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 must provide a copy of an IRS-issued organization exemption letter confirming its nonprofit organization status.

e. In addition to the above proof of eligibility, all applicants, including, Tribal, territorial, State, and local governments, must include in the required abstract a brief statement as to which eligibility category the applicant is applying under and how the applicant qualifies. The FAA reserves the right to validate proof of eligibility. If proof of eligibility is not provided in the application, the applicant will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

The FAA does not have the authority to award grants beyond the stated goal of the Program or to entities other than those identified above as eligible entities, nor does the agency have the authority to provide scholarships or any form of financial assistance to individual applicants. However, the selected entities may offer scholarship opportunities as a funded activity, consistent with the requirements of the Act. Applicants must ensure (and be prepared to document) that all individuals supporting the proposed project possess the legal ability to work within the United https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-21 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-121 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-135 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-145 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-147

States throughout the period of performance. The FAA will not award a grant to an applicant who already has an active award with the FAA’s Aircraft Maintenance Workforce Development Grant Program with a period of performance that will not overlap with the award being granted under this NOFO.

iv. Requirement to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility

Unless an exemption applies throughout the period of performance for the award, when hiring any individual for employment in the United States under the “program or activity” that is funded in whole or in part under the award or sub-award, the recipient or sub-recipient must enroll (if not already enrolled) in E-Verify, use E- Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all new hires, and take such steps as may be necessary to ensure the award and sub-award recipient comply with this award term and condition.

v. Cost Sharing or Matching

The Authorizing Legislation does not require cost share or matching contributions for this Program.

vi. Other

All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov. Per 2 CFR § 200.206(a)(2), the FAA will check the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

Entities found to be debarred or suspended will automatically be ineligible from participating in the Program.

a. Partnerships

The FAA encourages applicants to partner with others, such as trainers, consultants, and/or contractors as appropriate to satisfy program goals and to otherwise meet the requirements of the merit criteria.

Sub-awards are prohibited under this NOFO.

Each partner may submit a letter of commitment, up to two pages per partner, to the project and a signed formal agreement outlining the responsibilities of each partner. An authorized official from the lead eligible entity must submit the proposal on behalf of the team and officially represent the members for administrative purposes. The fiscal officer identified by the lead entity will be responsible for signing or co-signing the proposal’s electronic submission, negotiating the final terms of the award with the FAA Grants Officer, accepting the grant on behalf of the team, and providing official reports, invoices, and related materials as requested.

http://www.sam.gov/

b. Multiple Applications The FAA will accept only one application from an eligible entity serving as a single applicant or as a lead for a partnership. The eligible entity may also participate as a non-lead partner on the application(s) of other eligible entities.

An applicant entity must have its own Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to be eligible. The FAA will accept only an applicant’s last validated electronic submission, under the correct funding opportunity number, before the Grants.gov application due date as the final and only acceptable application.

3. Program Description

A. Purpose

The Program is to provide grants for the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce. Through the award of these grants, the USDOT and the FAA will assist in expanding the U.S. aviation maintenance technical workers workforce. The Program is intended to foster meaningful educational experiences to stimulate interest and encourage students throughout the nation to prepare to enter the aviation career field.

The Program also supports activities to facilitate the transition of individuals to careers in aviation maintenance, including veterans of the armed forces.

B. Funding Priorities

The Department of Transportation is focusing on expanding a skilled and competent maintenance technical workers workforce. This award will provide activities/programs that contribute to DOT/FAA’s goal of working to make careers for aviation mechanics or aviation maintenance technicians more attractive and support training initiatives to address potential shortages.

C. Program Goals and Objectives

i. Expand the pool of maintenance technical workers: This involves attracting and preparing more individuals for these critical careers.

ii. Enhance and expand the aviation maintenance technician workforce: The program aims to increase the number of qualified technicians entering and progressing within the industry.

iii. Support the education and recruitment of future maintenance technical workers: This includes fostering interest and providing educational experiences to prepare students for these roles.

iv. Facilitate military-to-civilian career transition for aviation maintenance technicians: The grant supports programs designed to help service members acquire the necessary training and certifications to transition into the civilian https://www.grants.gov/ aviation workforce following the completion of military service.

D. Achieving the Program’s Goals and Objectives

The FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant program has specific performance goals, indicators, targets, and data collection expectations for recipients to achieve a positive impact on the aviation workforce. The recipient will be responsible for providing information to the FAA to show progress towards the goals and objectives.

E. Performance Goals

i. Indicators and Targets

• Number of participants engaged in educational programs: Tracks the reach of the grant programs.

• Number of scholarships and apprenticeships awarded: Measures the direct investment in training and education.

• Number of individuals completing training or certifications: Tracks the output of the program in terms of qualified individuals.

• Placement rates in aviation careers: A key indicator of the program's success in connecting individuals with jobs.

ii. Baseline Data

• Current vs past number of participating recipients: This baseline informs the need for increased recruitment and training efforts.

• Existing data on maintenance technical workers workforce: This data provides a baseline for the grant program’s desired impact on the workforce. Data should focus on current vs. past aviation maintenance industry employment data that demonstrates progress in the increasing recruitment, transition and retention of workers into the industry, including members and veterans of the armed forces.

iii. Data collection

• Project narratives, budget narratives, and performance outcomes: Applicants must submit these documents outlining their plans, resources, and expected results.

• Detailed project budget: Includes personnel services, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual services.

• Regular progress and financial reporting: Recipients are required to submit final reports and invoices within 90 days of the end of the project's performance period.

iv. Expected outcomes

• Increased interest in aviation careers: Through outreach and educational programs, the grant is intended to encourage more individuals to pursue maintenance careers.

• Expanded access to high-quality training: This involves establishing new programs, improving existing ones, and providing access to necessary equipment and resources.

• Reduced maintenance technical workers workforce shortages: The overall goal is to address the current staffing gaps in the aviation industry.

v. Other expectations

• Focus on grant purposes: The projects should directly address the goals of the grant programs, such as career awareness, recruitment, education, and transition into aviation careers.

• Responsiveness to selection criteria: Applicants should demonstrate a clear and achievable plan to carry out the proposed project and address the selection criteria outlined in the grant announcement.

• Adherence to federal guidelines and administrative requirements: Recipients must comply with all applicable regulations and requirements, including those related to allowable expenses, financial reporting, and project timelines.

F. Cooperative Agreement

The administration of FAA grant programs and cooperative agreements requires adherence not only to the program objectives for which funds are awarded, but also to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Basic programmatic authority can be found in:

• Aviation Research Grant – 49 U.S.C 44511

• Paperwork Reduction Act – 44 U.S.C. 3501

• E-Government Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-347)

• Assistance Listing Numbers: 20.108 (Aviation Research), 20.109 (Centers of

Excellence), 20.111 (Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program),

20.112 (Aviation Maintenance Technical Workforce Grant Program)

• FAA Order 2500.8B Funding Criteria for Operations, Facilities and Equipment, Research, Engineering and Development, and Grants-In-Aid for Airports Accounts

• DOT Guide to Financial Assistance, dated January 1, 2020

• FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018

• National Defense Authorization Act 2020

• Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

• FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

• 2 CFR Part 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and

Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

• Transportation Financial Assistance Manual, dated October 1, 2024

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Financial Manual, Order 2400.12, dated

November 1, 2023

G. Funding Restrictions

a. Pre-award costs: The FAA will not reimburse any pre-award costs or application preparation costs.

b. Construction and Research Activities: The FAA will not reimburse for facility construction in 2 CFR Part 200 (2 CFR § 200.439) or research activities.

c. Field Trips: Field trips are permissible, but costs should be kept to a minimum.

Field trip-related expenses must be reflected in the budget and budget narrative using standard government rates, which can be located at GSA.

d. Scholarships: Scholarships are permissible.

e. Flight: The FAA will not reimburse direct costs for flight hours, expenses to operate aircraft, or for non-training aircraft repairs.

f. Lease: Hangar and office space lease costs for training programs are allowed.

Leases of aircraft under this grant program are not allowed.

g. Allowable Equipment: The maximum amount of Equipment that can be purchased with grant funds is $150,000 per unit.

h. Equipment: Grant funds may not be used to purchase and/or lease heavy equipment. Heavy equipment includes the following:

This is not an all-inclusive list; however, below are some examples of heavy equipment.

Categories Examples Aircraft Maintenance and Ground Support Equipment

• Aircraft tugs and tractors

• Aircraft jacks and hoists

• Engine hoists and stands

Engines and Engine Components

• Jet engines

• Turbines, compressors, and combustion chambers

Landing Gear Systems

• Landing gear assemblies

• Brakes and wheels

Aircraft Structures

• Wings, fuselage, and empennage sections

• Bulkheads and spars

Rotating Equipment • Propellers and rotors https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.439 https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

Control Systems • Actuators and servos

• Hydraulic systems Specialized Tooling and Inspection Equipment

• Non-destructive testing equipment

• Lifting cranes and transport dollies

Cargo and Freight Equipment

• Cargo loaders and dollies

• Containerized freight systems

Vehicles • Cars, trailers, trucks, vans, etc.

i. Lobbying and Litigation: Funds may not be used for lobbying or litigation.

j. Unfair restrictions: Funds may not be tied to any contract terms such as noncompete clauses, debt obligations, or training repayment assistance programs that unfairly restrict workforce mobility or foreclose competitive job opportunities.

k. Disallowed Costs: This list is not all-inclusive, and applicants should refer to 2 CFR Part 200 for other disallowed costs. The FAA will not reimburse any costs disallowed or defined as unallowable in 2 CFR Part 200 or herein.

i. Materials to build an aircraft

ii. Storage costs

iii. Tables and tablecloths

iv. Chairs

v. Apparel or clothing

vi. Purchase of non-U.S. equipment per information in Section F.2, Administrative and National Policy Requirements H. Nondiscrimination Assurance

As a condition to receiving any federal financial assistance from the USDOT through the FAA, the applicant is subject to and will comply with the following in addition to all other laws, regulations, executive orders, and/or policies that apply to the grants awarded under the Program:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., 78 stat. 252);

49 CFR Part 21 (entitled “Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”), including any amendments thereto;

49 U.S.C. § 47123 (Nondiscrimination Statute);

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.);

28 CFR § 50.3 (U.S. Department of Justice Guidelines for Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964);

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapter21/subchapter5&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-21 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title49-section47123&num=0&edition=prelim#:%7E:text=%C2%A747123.%20Nondiscrimination%20%28a%29%20In%20General.-The%20Secretary%20of%20Transportation,money%20received%20under%20a%20grant%20under%20this%20subchapter.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title42-section12101&num=0&edition=1999 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-28/chapter-I/part-50/section-50.3

49 CFR Part 28 (entitled “Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Transportation”);

49 CFR Part 37 (entitled “Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA);”and

28 CFR Part 35 (entitled “Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services”)

I. Legislative Authority

Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L. No. 115-254, hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) amended by Section 440 the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. No. 118-63, hereinafter referred to as “the Acts”). Section 625 directs support to projects for education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce. Section 625 of the Acts shall be collectively referred to throughout this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) as the “Authorizing Legislation.”

4. Application Contents and Format

A. Address to Request Application Package

See the instructions in Appendix I – Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures, for an address to request an application package.

i. Content and Form of Application Submission

The applicant must complete and submit all required application package forms (see Appendix II – Application Document Checklist) and submit them online at Grants.gov under the NOFO cited herein. Applicants should refer to Grants.gov to access instructions for the current SF-424 and other forms used to create grant application packages in Grants.gov. See Appendix II for a complete list of documentation required to be submitted with the narrative.

Be aware that the USDOT may share application information within the department or with other federal agencies if the department determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives.

a. File Type

Each attachment must be submitted as a PDF file.

b. Format

Narratives must be written in English and with U.S. dollars. In addition, the text must be 12-point size, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-28 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-37 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-28/chapter-I/part-35/subpart-A/ http://www.grants.gov/ double-spaced. Page numbers must be placed in the lower right corner.

The proposal must include the headings presented in the following order (see Appendix II – Application Document Checklist) while addressing the merit criteria stated in Section E.

Ensure that each header and/or sub-header is labeled so that sections can be easily segregated, and reviewers can look at the merit of the application before reviewing the cost proposals. Applications not adhering to format requirements will be deemed ineligible.

In addition, there is a combined three-page limit for all charts and tables included in the application.

c. Mandatory Forms (see Appendix II – Application Document Checklist)

Failure to complete and submit all of the forms below will render the application ineligible for an award.

ii. Application for Financial Assistance Form, SF-424 is used in all federal grant applications.

This form collects information, including type of applicant, applicant contact information, type of submission, award request amount, and proposed project dates). This form must have a handwritten signature, or it can be electronically signed.

iii. Project Abstract Summary Form (use the Standard OMB-approved Project Abstract Summary Form 2.0 in the Grants.gov application package) must include:

• A statement of which eligible applicant category (see Section C) the applicant belongs to.

• A statement of which eligible project category(s) (see Section C) the applicant’s project proposal should be considered under.

• A brief overview of the project, including:

o Specific, measurable objectives that the project will accomplish.

o How the project objectives will be accomplished, i.e., the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of the project.

iv. Project Narrative (Use project narrative attachment form or separate sheet of paper).

Must be submitted as a PDF.

• This section provides a comprehensive framework and description of all aspects of the proposed project. It should be succinct, self-explanatory, consistent with forms and attachments, and well-organized so that evaluators can understand the proposed project.

• In accordance with the instructions below, applicants must attach a project narrative file (the “narrative”) to their Application for Federal Assistance (SF-

424) during the submission to Grants.gov to complete the proposal. As a header, the narrative must include a project title. See Appendix III - Project Narrative Sample Outline, for a sample outline.

• Project Narrative Cover Letter: The one-page project narrative cover letter is not included in the 10-page project narrative limit. The cover letter must be on entity letterhead and signed by an authorized official representing the applicant. Applications exceeding the one-page cover letter limit will be considered ineligible.

• Page Limit: The maximum length allowed for the project narrative is 10 pages. The cover letter is not included in this page limit. Applications exceeding the 10-page limit will be considered ineligible.

• Description: Address evaluation Criteria 1-4 found in Section 0. Ensure all acronyms, abbreviations, and initials are spelled out in the description. This description should be organized by evaluation criterion to aid the evaluation team in assigning a rating to each criterion.

• Applicant information and Coordination with Other Entities: Identify the name(s) of the primary applicant, any other organization(s) supporting the proposed project, and any volunteers supporting the proposed project, and include any organizations to be funded by the lead entity. Describe activities to be conducted in cooperation with all entities involved.

• Conflict of Interest (COI): If the participation of the primary applicant, a member of a proposed team, or an organization supporting the proposed project results in a real or perceived COI, the applicant must provide a detailed explanation of how the risk will be mitigated or eliminated. The FAA reserves the right to disqualify any applicant whose approach does not sufficiently mitigate the real or perceived COI. If no COI exists, a statement to that effect should be included.

v. Budget (SF-424A, Non-Construction Programs)

• Complete SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs form, that describes direct and indirect costs associated with a particular project. The budget is for the entire performance period and must not exceed the maximum of $1 million for 24 months (including direct and indirect costs). A budget exceeding $1 million for 24 months will be considered ineligible.

• Grant Funds, Sources, and Uses of Project Funds: Project budgets should show how different funding sources will share in each activity and present the data in dollars and percentages. The budget should identify other Federal funds the applicant is applying for, has been awarded, or intends to use. Funding sources should be grouped into three categories: non-Federal, current application Aircraft Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program, and other Federal with specific amounts for each funding source.”

• Indirect Costs: The FAA accepts all federal negotiated indirect cost rates in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations contingent upon the applicant attaching proof of agreement with the relevant cognizant agency to the grant application per Code of Federal Regulations. When an indirect cost rate is negotiated, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. If the applicant requests a rate less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgment that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed. Any non-federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate (except a governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35 million in direct federal funding) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. If chosen, this methodology must be used consistently for all federal awards until the non-federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-federal entity may apply to do at any time.

vi. Budget Narrative (Use budget narrative attachment form or separate sheet of paper).

• The budget narrative must describe by line item all proposed expenditures, including identification of any other existing or anticipated financial resources or unmet funding needs, beyond this request to the FAA. Proposed expenditures required to be itemized include costs related to contracts. Costs must be justified in the narrative description.

• If the applicant includes any non-federal funds in support of the project, these costs must be identified and separated from federal funds.

Two-page limit. The limit for the budget narrative is two pages. Applications exceeding this limit will be considered ineligible.

vii. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants for federal financial assistance must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) register in Grants.gov. The SAM database is the repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients. Applicants must update or renew their SAM registration at least once per year to maintain an active status. Therefore, it is critical to check your registration status well in advance of application deadlines. Information on how to register with SAM is available at: SAM.gov

Each applicant, unless excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(a), or has an exception approved by the FAA under 2 CFR 25.110(b), is required to:

a. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting an application.

b. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in the application.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.415 http://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.110#p-25.110(b) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.110#p-25.110(d) https://sam.gov/content/home

c. Maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information when an active federal award or an application or plan is under consideration by the FAA. The applicant also must state that the FAA may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the FAA is ready to make a federal award, the FAA may determine that the applicant is unqualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for awarding a grant to another applicant.

d. To be eligible for an award, all applicants must complete the financial assistance representations and certifications (reps and certs) section as part of their required registration in SAM.gov. The grants certifications are a set of certifications and representations required in accordance with the grant's guidance under Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.209 Certifications and Representations). Those who intend to apply for or are already recipients of federal grants or agreements must read and agree to the corresponding certifications and representations. All applicants are required to keep these certifications and representations current, accurate, and complete as part of their entity registration.

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

i. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due by June 22, 2026 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. The applicant is responsible for allowing enough time to meet the Grants.gov application requirements stated at the time of this posting and to adhere to submission deadlines. Grants.gov will not accept applications after the due date and time. No other means of submission will be accepted.

ii. Intergovernmental Review An application under this NOFO is not subject to state review under Executive Order 12372.

iii. Other Submission Requirements Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov. Please see Appendix I of this announcement for detailed instructions on how to submit applications to Grants.gov.

6. Application Review Information

1. Criteria Applications will be evaluated on the following merit criteria. Applicants must respond to each criterion in the project narrative (Appendix III - Project Narrative Sample Outline) in the order presented below.

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a. Criterion 1 – Project Plan (up to 30 points) The extent to which the applicant has a clear and achievable project plan to carry out the proposed project by including, without limitation, a clear and well-organized description of the planned activities, objective(s), performance goals and measures as described below:

i. Describes the program performance goals, objectives, and measures; detailed deliverables; specifies participation engagement and retention strategies; and allocates staff and timeframes for completing program activities within the project period. It should also describe the proposed new or existing training curriculum and/or key partners, if relevant. Performance goals and objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).

See Appendix IV for a sample format.

ii. Describes the roles and responsibilities to be undertaken by the applicant and partners, as applicable, for the work to be performed.

iii. Provides a plan for project sustainability after the period of federal funding ends.

b. Criterion 2 – Applicant Resources and Capabilities (up to 20 points) The extent to which the applicant has organizational capacity to carry out the project plan to demonstrate that sufficient resources are available to achieve program goals as described below:

i. Describes the Project Director’s position, role, and contribution to project costs, the latter referencing the percentage of working hours dedicated to the project and overall compensation (including in-kind benefits).

ii. Describes the facilities, equipment, and human and fiscal resources to achieve the program’s project plan.

iii. Describes the accounting system used for the project with an ability to track federal grant funds. An adequate accounting records system will separate the receipts and payments of a federal grant from the receipts and payments of their organization’s other activities.

iv. Describes written internal control accounting policies and procedures that provide a structured framework for managing risks, ensuring accountability and maintaining accurate financial reporting, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.

v. Describes applicant’s history that demonstrates relevant experience gained through previous activities and programs to carry out the project plan.

c. Criterion 3 – Project Impact (up to 30 points) The extent to which an applicant’s proposed project will support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce as described below:

i. Identify the specific mechanisms that will be used to support education and/or recruitment and explain how and why they will be effective including:

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1. How the project will utilize scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, dual-credit enrollment, or other mechanisms to educate participants to become members of or pursue a career in the aviation maintenance workforce;

2. How the project will assist participants in earning aviation credentials or qualifications (e.g., certificates) to become an aviation maintenance technical worker; and/or

3. How the project will assist participants to be recruited or secure employment in the aviation maintenance workforce.

ii. Identify and quantify the specific project outputs, outcomes, and benefits that are expected to be realized.

iii. Describes how and by how much project sustainability will enhance the aviation maintenance workforce in the future.

d. Criterion 4 – Project Administration and Monitoring (up to 20 points) The extent to which the applicant has demonstrated a plan to control administrative expenses, how the project plan activities will be monitored, assessed, and documented to determine the extent to which performance goals and metrics will be achieved as described below:

i. Describes the tracking method designed to assess and monitor the success of the project.

ii. A description of the performance evaluation plan, including necessary components (descriptions of the inputs, key processes, variables to be measured, expected outcomes of the funded activities, and how key measures will be reported), as well as a description of how the organization will collect data in such a way that allows for accurate and timely reporting of metrics contained in paragraphs 3.E.i. and 8.i. of this NOFO, and program needs/gaps to be filled.

2. Review and Selection

a. Initial Screening

Applications will first be reviewed by an FAA Grants Officer to confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of Section C, Eligibility Information, and has all the items specified in Section D, Application and Submission Information, in the proper format and within the page limits. If an application does not meet these requirements, the Grants Officer will deem the application ineligible. As noted above, all applicants must be registered in SAM.gov.

Furthermore, an application will be considered eligible by meeting the following requirements:

i. Active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). A UEI is required for Grants.gov registration. The UEI is used for tracking and to validate the address and https://sam.gov/content/home point of contact information for federal assistance applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients. Register your entity or get a UEI at SAM.gov.

ii. Registered in the SAM. All applicants for federal financial assistance must be registered in the SAM.gov to be able to register in Grants.gov. The SAM database is the repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients. Applicants must update or renew their SAM registration at least once per year to maintain an active status. Therefore, it is critical to check the registration status well before application deadlines. Information about how to register with SAM is found at SAM.gov.

iii. No debarment or suspension. Entities found to be debarred or suspended will be automatically considered ineligible from participating in the Program.

b. Application Review

As further discussed below, if an application passes the initial screening discussed above, the application will then be reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Team. The evaluation and review are intended to assure the selecting official that each proposal being considered for an award meets or exceeds the criteria presented by the FAA in this NOFO and mandated by Congress.

The FAA reserves the right to use outside expertise to evaluate applications.

Under Section 4.5.1.2 (Applicant Risk) of the USDOT Guide to Financial Assistance, 2 CFR § 200.206, and applicable law, the government is required to assess information about an applicant to evaluate the risks before an applicant receives an award. After technical review and before award recommendations, the FAA may consider, without limitation and when applicable, the following factors for applicant eligibility:

i. Designated integrity and history of performance of past federal awards through SAM and FAPIIS (see 41 U.S.C. § 2313). Per the guidelines on government-wide suspension and debarment in 2 CFR § 180, the government will confirm that the recipient and any named partners are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal programs or activities.

ii. Reports and findings from audits performed under Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200 or the reports and findings of any other available audits.

iii. The applicant’s ability to implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-federal entities.

iv. Potential conflicts of interest. The applicant must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity according to applicable federal awarding agency policy 2 CFR § 200.112.

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v. Any potential risks posed by the applicant’s budget.

The FAA reserves the right to request more information, including financial information, as necessary to assess financial stability.

As noted above, the FAA reserves the right to reject an application if the FAA finds, at its sole discretion, that an applicant presents an unacceptable level of risk based on the findings of this risk assessment. Additionally, if risks are identified but can, in the FAA’s sole discretion, be sufficiently mitigated through the inclusion of special terms and conditions in the grant agreement or otherwise, the FAA reserves the right to proceed with an award subject to any other terms and conditions it deems appropriate.

c. Technical Evaluation Review

The Technical Evaluation Team will evaluate each application against each of the merit criteria in Section E1.

Based on the strengths, weaknesses, and risks identified, the team will assign an adjectival rating to each merit criterion as found in the adjectival rating table below.

The technical evaluation adjectival rating will be one factor among several in the ultimate selection of awardees.

d. Adjectival Rating

Adjectival Rating Definition

Exceeds Standards

The applicant's proposal responds to the merit criteria and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the goals of the Program.

In addition, the applicant's proposal exceeds the merit criteria in a manner that benefits the goals of the program. The applicant’s response exceeds the standard requirements for a “meets standard” rating. The combined impact of the strengths outweighs the combined impact of any weaknesses and/or risks. Weaknesses and/or risks, if any, have minimal impact.

Meets Standards

The applicant’s proposal responds to the merit criteria and demonstrates an understanding of the goals of the Program. The applicant’s proposal meets the merit criteria. There may be several weaknesses and/or risks, however, the combined impact of any strengths is almost equal to the combined impact of any weaknesses and/or risks.

*An applicant that receives an overall adjectival rating of Below Standards will not be considered for selection.

e. Merit Criterion Points

Criterion 1 – Project Plan

Below Standards = 20 points

Meets Standards = 25 points

Exceeds Standards = 30 points

Criterion 2 – Applicant Resources and Capabilities

Below Standards = 10 points

Meets Standards = 15 points

Exceeds Standards = 20 points

Criterion 3 – Project Impact

Below Standards = 20 points

Meets Standards = 25 points

Exceeds Standards = 30 points

Criterion 4 – Project Administration

Below Standards = 10 points

Meets Standards = 14 points

Exceeds Standards = 20 points

f. Overall Ratings

Overall Adjectival Rating

Total Points

Exceeds Standards 100-80

Meets Standards 79-71

Below Standards* 70-0

*An applicant that receives an overall adjectival rating of below standards will not be considered for selection.

Below Standards*

The applicant’s proposal inadequately responds to the merit criteria.

Therefore, the applicant’s proposal is inadequate. The proposal fails to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the goals of the Program. The combined impact of any weaknesses and/or risks outweighs the combined impact of any strengths.

The adjectival ratings will be evaluated using the following definitions for strengths, weaknesses, and risks:

g. Definitions

Strength

An aspect of an application that has merit or exceeds the requirements of the merit criteria and that would enhance the likelihood of the applicant successfully carrying out the proposed project, support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce.

Weakness An aspect of an application that would negatively impact the likelihood of the applicant successfully carrying out the proposed project or that fails to meet the requirements for award.

Risk An aspect of an application that presents an uncertainty as to the ability of the applicant to successfully carry out the proposed project.

The initial screening and technical evaluation review are intended to ensure the Grants Officer recommends a grant award to the selecting official in accordance with the criteria and considerations in this NOFO and mandated by Congress. The maximum score any application can receive is 100 points. The minimum acceptable score will be 71 points. Only those applications that meet or exceed the minimum acceptable score will be considered for funding.

Note that a score of 71 or more does not guarantee that the applicant will receive an award.

Also, note that the ultimate technical evaluation assessment is the adjectival rating determined by the numerical score rather than the numerical score itself.

If the FAA does not award an applicant because the Grants Officer determines that the applicant failed to meet the minimum qualification standards as described in 2 CFR § 200.206, the FAA will report that determination in FAPIIS. Applicants found to be in violation of federal statutes or to have previous disbarments will automatically be considered ineligible.

h. Other Review Considerations

After the technical…