FAQ.pdf

This is a Frequently Asked Questions document for the PHMSA Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT) Grant program. The document clarifies the allowability of food and beverage costs under the grant, establishing that food and refreshments are generally unallowable expenses. However, beverages such as water are permitted for training in rural locations or during outdoor training where hydration is essential for safe exercise conduct. Applicants with unique circumstances requiring food cost coverage should include detailed explanations in their applications. The guidance references 2 CFR 200.432, which permits non-federal entities to pay for conference-related meals and refreshments as conference hosts or sponsors, and authorizes federal agencies to allow food at conferences if deemed reasonable and necessary. PHMSA encourages applicants to plan adequate meal breaks and utilize per diem rates for attendees to purchase their own meals.

The HMIT Grant program, administered by the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration under CFDA 20.712, funds nonprofit organizations to develop and deliver training programs for hazardous materials employees. Applications are subject to a 30-day submission deadline from NOFO issuance and undergo competitive merit-based review, with emphasis on project narrative clarity, cost reasonableness, and alignment with selection criteria including demonstrated training needs, instructor training numbers, projected hazmat employee reach, safety impact, organizational experience, cost efficiency, and expenditure accountability. Award decisions are reviewed by the PHMSA Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety within 60 to 180 days. Grantees must maintain records of technical and financial accomplishments for three years after submission of final reports, and organizations expending $1,000,000 or more in federal awards annually must undergo single or program-specific audits per 2 CFR 200, Subpart F requirements.