FY 2025 PERG NOFO.pdf

NOFO: 693JK325NF0002

U

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG)

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

NOFO Posted Date: May 19, 2025 Application Due Date: June 20, 11:59 p.m. EST Questions Due Date: June 13, 11:59 p.m. EST

Applicants must be registered at www.grants.gov to apply online. It is highly recommended that applicants begin the registration process as soon as possible to avoid delays in submission. Additionally, applicants must maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov.

Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to register for an account with FedConnect at https://www.fedconnect.net before applying. FedConnect is a messaging platform where applicants can communicate directly with PHMSA.

Your organization’s Marketing Partner ID Number (MPIN), which can be retrieved from SAM, is required to create an account. For instructions on how to register in FedConnect and how it works, click the link to access the FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go! Tutorial under the Need Help? section on the FedConnect home page.

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA)

20.706 “Pipeline Emergency Response Grant”

PHMSA Notice of Funding Opportunity Number

693JK325NF0002

U.S. Department of Transportation

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

(PHMSA)

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fedconnect.net/ https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 2

Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG)

Table of Contents

SECTION A – BASIC INFORMATION

A.1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

A.2 STATUTE AND PROGRAM AUTHORITY

SECTION B – ELIGIBILITY

B.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS AND ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

B.2 COST-SHARING OR MATCHING

B.3 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

SECTION C – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

C.1 FUNDING

C.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

C.3 TYPE OF AWARD

D.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

D.2 CONTENT AND STANDARD FORMS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION

SECTION E – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

E.1 SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

E.2 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) . 111

SECTION F – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

F.1 CRITERIA

F.2 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

F.3 RISK REVIEW

SECTION G – AWARD NOTICES

G.1 ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT AND FEDERAL AWARD DATES

G.2 FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

SECTION H – POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

H.1 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

H.2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

SECTION I - FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 3 Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Funding Opportunity Title: Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG) –

FY 2025

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: 693JK325NF0002

CFDA Number: 20.706

NOFO Posted Date: May 19, 2025 Application Due Date: June 20, 11:59 p.m. EST Question Due Date: June 13, 11:59 p.m. EST

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 4 Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG)

SECTION A – BASIC INFORMATION

A.1 Statement of Purpose

This funding opportunity, also known as Assistance Listing 20.706, allows States, counties, and local governments to apply for the Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG) program. PERG focuses on training emergency responders in high-consequence areas (HCAs) to protect people, property, and the environment from accidents involving gas or hazardous liquid pipelines.

Applicants must explain their need for training and document: 1) number of people trained;

2) course type; 3) training costs; 4) training location; 5) name, title, and position of the trainee; and 6) a detailed accounting and description of each grant expenditure, including the amount of, and purpose for, each expenditure. PHMSA will select projects based on how likely they are to meet the stated training needs.

A.2 Statute and Program Authority

The PERG program is authorized under 49 U.S.C. § 60125(b).

SECTION B – ELIGIBILITY

B.1 Eligible Applicants and Eligible/Ineligible Activities

The FY 2025 PERG is open to State, county, and local governments that can provide direct or web-based training to individuals with statutory responsibility to respond to pipeline incidents or accidents in high-consequence areas. Governments must train emergency responders to protect nearby persons, property, and the environment from the effects of accidents or incidents involving gas or hazardous liquid pipelines under existing regulations. Examples of eligible activities include:

• Pipeline emergency response planning, training, and exercises. Training that does not have a pipeline emergency response component (e.g., HAZMAT certification or refresher courses) is an ineligible activity.

• PHMSA’s Pipeline Emergency Responder Initiative (PERI) program development and training.

• Pipeline leak recognition and release evacuation training.

• Development and maintenance of pipeline training curriculum.

• Training props, equipment, and supplies for pipeline emergency response. Equipment and/or supplies that are not specific for pipeline emergency response are ineligible activities.

https://sam.gov/fal/b932a62397c747abbf18810ae68db94e/view https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title49-section60125&num=0&edition=1999

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 5 Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG)

High-consequence areas are defined in 49 CFR § 192.903, 195.450 and may include:

• A commercially navigable waterway, which means a waterway where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exists.

• A high-population area, which means an urbanized area, as defined and delineated by the Census Bureau, that contains 50,000 or more people and has a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile.

• Another populated area, which means a place, as defined and delineated by the Census Bureau, that contains a concentrated population, such as an incorporated or unincorporated city, town, village, or other designated residential or commercial area.

• An unusually sensitive area, as defined in 49 CFR § 195.6.

B.2 Cost-Sharing or Matching

There are no requirements for cost-sharing or matching.

B.3 Funding Restrictions

The following costs are not eligible for reimbursement under the FY 2025 PERG program:

• Entertainment, alcohol, or morale costs.

• Costs for general office supplies, equipment, computer software, printing, and copying.

• Any costs disallowed or stated as ineligible in 2 CFR Part 200.

• Pre-award costs are not permitted without PHMSA’s prior approval consistent with

2 CFR § 200.458.

SECTION C – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

C.1 Funding

Approximately $3,202,331 will be available in FY 2025 for grants, subject to appropriations.

Awards under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) may not exceed $250,000 per recipient.

C.2 Period of Performance

The period of performance is up to 24 months. Applicants should only request funds for projects that can be completed within the period of performance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-192/subpart-O/section-192.903 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-195/subpart-F/subject-group-ECFR3f96666e5ed91ef/section-195.450

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 6

C.3 Type of Award

This is a discretionary grant. PHMSA may award multiple grants, subject to availability of funds, application quality, and amounts requested. PHMSA can fund all or part of the application or reject it entirely. Submission of an application does not guarantee an award.

SECTION D - APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

PHMSA requires applicants to apply electronically through grants.gov. If you are a hearing-impaired person, please contact the FR/TTY at 1-800-877-8339 or e-mail PHMSA- Accessibility@dot.gov.

The application package contains the required electronic forms and the ability to upload attachments for the budget narrative, budget justification, project narrative, assurances, and certifications. The applicant must submit the information outlined in the Application Guide in addition to the program-specific information below.

D.2 Content and Standard Forms for Application Submission

Each application must consist of the following required documents:

1. Standard Form (SF)-424: Application for Federal Assistance Standard Form (SF-424)

2. SF-424A: Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)

3. Project Narrative

4. Budget Narrative and Estimates

5. Standard Title VI/Non-Discrimination Assurances

6. Certification Regarding Lobbying

The application forms and templates are available on grants.gov in the Forms Package and under the “Related Documents” tab with detailed instructions on the application process. Applicants should also review Section F, Application Review information, to ensure the narratives contain all information on which PHMSA will evaluate.

Sharing of Application Information – Except for the information properly marked, PHMSA may share application information within the Department or with other Federal agencies if it is determined that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives. Click here for more information.

Applicant Attachments http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:PHMSA-Accessibility@dot.gov mailto:PHMSA-Accessibility@dot.gov https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/grants/section-h-other-information https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/grants/section-h-other-information

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 7

Below is an explanation of each of the application attachments PHMSA will look for upon receipt of your application.

1) Project Narrative

The following Project Narrative sections are required. To facilitate the application review and award process, submit sections in the order shown below. Applicants should clearly identify the sections in the project narrative section of the application.

a) Organization Information and Capacity. Briefly provide information about your organization. This should include: (1) your organization’s mission; (2) a brief overview of the structure of your organization, programs, leadership, and special expertise; and (3) your organization’s experience and capacity to manage Federal grant programs—with emphasis on experience managing Federal grants related to training individuals who have a statutory responsibility to respond to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials. If your application proposes to subcontract a nonprofit organization, a letter of agreement from the nonprofit organization is required with your application.

b) Contact Information. Identify the designated project director, including the name, position, address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the individual(s) who will be responsible for coordinating the funded activities. Additionally, identify authorized individuals who will accept the awarded grant document, as well as individuals responsible for the submission of required Federal financial reports and progress reports.

c) Statement of Need. Describe the current capacity and any areas of deficiency as it concerns preparedness for pipeline incidents in high-consequence areas. This may include:

(1) a discussion of whether the applicant has identified or needs to identify the pipeline network/locations for improved response or efficiency within the State; (2) a description of the location and need for exercises to prepare for responses to incidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials via pipelines; or (3) the number of responders needing training in the different disciplines of response functions, such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical services, etc.

d) High-Consequence Areas. Describe the high-consequence areas within your jurisdiction that will be reached by the proposed training in your application.

e) Proposed Training and Timeline. Describe the proposed activities that will take place under the grant. This section should include: (1) the number and type of activities/courses proposed; (2) the location of the activities if known, and if unknown, explain the methodology for selecting locations; (3) a plan for training individuals with statutory responsibility to respond to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials via the pipelines; (4) the estimated cost of each activity; and (5) the timeframe when the activity will take place. The timeline should include benchmarks and milestones that will help monitor the project’s success.

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 8

f) Projected Outputs and Objectives. Provide quantifiable and measurable outputs planned for the grant’s performance period. Outputs are quantitative data that describe the proposed activities. For delivery of pipeline safety training courses, projected outputs should include: (1) the number and type of course(s); and (2) the number of projected students trained for each course. Discuss broader outcomes or goals to describe the intended impact of the proposed outputs. This can be either quantitative or qualitative and should reflect the projected impact of the grant activity outputs.

g) Course Description. Provide an outline or detailed description of the training activity that will be conducted.

h) Monitoring and Evaluation of Training. Provide an explanation of monitoring efforts, internal controls, and quality assurance plans to ensure grant program success. These may include but are not limited to, random examinations, inspections, and audits of training to maximize the cost-effectiveness and impact of the program.

2) Budget Narrative

The budget narrative explains the project’s costs and shows how each budget item supports the project’s goals. It should justify the calculations and clearly show:

• Contributions from all funding sources (in dollars and percentages).

• Any additional planned funding.

• Clear categories for funding sources: non-Federal, PHMSA-specific, and other Federal

(with specific amounts).

The budget narrative must:

• Match the SF-424A line-item categories.

• Be clear, detailed, accurate, and mathematically correct.

• Justify the amounts requested for each activity and explain their relevance to the project goals.

Important: Budgets that do not match the project’s needs may not receive full funding. A description of the object class categories is provided below:

3) Personnel Costs

Includes salaries for employees directly working on the project. For each person, include:

• Number of employees

• Role

• Percentage of time spent on the project

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 9

• Hourly wage or salary

• Total cost

At least 75 percent of funding must go to program activities; no more than 25 percent can be used for maintenance and administration (M&A), excluding indirect costs. Only include costs for your organization’s employees. Costs for subrecipients or contractors should go under “Contractual” or “Other.” Salaries must align with rates for similar work in your organization.

4) Fringe Benefit Costs

Fringe benefit costs are the allowances and services provided by employers to their employees as compensation in addition to regular salaries and wages. Fringe benefit costs are benefits paid to employees, including the cost of employer’s share of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), health insurance, workers’ compensation, and vacation. Include how the fringe benefit amount is calculated (i.e., actual fringe benefits estimate, approved rate, etc.). Include a description of specific benefits charged to a project and the benefit percentage. Additional considerations:

• Personnel salaries should have corresponding fringe and vice versa. PHMSA cannot pay fringe benefits for a position that is not listed in the Personnel section.

• Explain what is included in the benefit package and at what percentage. Fringe benefits are only for the percentage of time devoted to the grant project. The applicant must not combine the fringe benefit costs with direct salaries and wages in the personnel category.

5) Travel costs are those costs requested for field work or travel to professional meetings associated with grant activities. Provide the purpose, method of travel, number of persons traveling, number of days, and estimated cost for each trip. If the details of each trip are not known at the time of application submission, provide the basis for determining the amount requested.

6) Equipment costs include those items that are tangible, nonexpendable, personal property having a useful life of more than one year, and an acquisition cost of $10,000 or more per unit unless the applicant has a clear and consistent written policy that determines a different threshold. Include a description, quantity, and unit price for all equipment.

• Purchases of less than $10,000 should be listed under “Supplies” or “Other.”

• Each item of equipment must be identified with the corresponding cost. General-purpose equipment must be justified as to how it will be used on the project and specifically needed for pipeline emergency response.

• Analyze the cost benefits of purchasing versus leasing equipment, particularly high-cost items and those subject to rapid technical advances. List rented or leased equipment costs in the “Contractual” or “Other” category, depending upon the procurement method.

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 10

• Equipment requests and/or supplies that are not specific for pipeline emergency response are ineligible activities.

7) Contractual costs are those services carried out by an individual or organization, other than the applicant, in the form of a procurement relationship. When procuring goods or services, a recipient under a federal award must follow the procurement standards of 2 CFR Part 200, including Appendix II.

All procurement transactions must be a full and open competition unless the application demonstrates that one of the exceptions for procurement by non-competitive proposals is met. If an applicant plans to subcontract part of its award to another organization(s), the application must reflect that procurement standards were complied with or provide a statement verifying that upon award, the organization will fully comply with procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR § 200.317–.327.

For all contractual line-item costs, include the rationale for the costs, the specific contract goods and/or services provided, and the related expenses for those goods and services. Simply entering the statement “contractual services” will not be considered sufficient. There are two ways to capture costs in this category: subgrants and contracts.

• A Subgrant is an award provided by a pass-through entity (recipient) to a subrecipient.

That subrecipient carries out part of a program for which the recipient received Federal support. A sub-recipient has its performance measured in relation to whether objectives of a Federal program were met; has responsibility for programmatic decision making; is responsible for adherence to applicable Federal program requirements specified in the Federal award; and (in accordance with its agreement), uses the Federal funds to carry out a program for a public purpose specified in authorizing statute, as opposed to providing goods or services for the benefit of the pass-through entity.

• A Contract is a legal instrument by which a recipient purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under an award. A contract/contractor provides the goods and services within normal business operations; provides similar goods or services to many different purchasers; normally operates in a competitive environment; and provides goods or services that are ancillary to the operation of the Federal program.

8) Other Costs that do not fit any of the categories include rent for buildings used to conduct project activities, utilities, leased equipment, and employee training tuition. “Other” direct costs must be itemized.

9) Indirect Costs (if applicable, must include an indirect cost agreement or statement claiming de minimis rate) are allowable in the PERG program. Indirect costs are incurred for common or joint objectives that benefit more than one project. The applicant must include a current, and fully executed, indirect cost rate agreement in the application, if claiming indirect costs. The rate must be applied to the appropriate base in the approved agreement. If the rate will not be approved by the application due date, attach the letter of

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 11 renewal or letter of request that you sent to your cognizant agency to your application. If the applicant has never received or has an expired indirect cost rate agreement, the applicant may be eligible to charge a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent as provided by 2 CFR § 200.414. Applicants intending to charge the de minimis rate must include a statement verifying that the organization has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate and has elected to charge the de minimis rate.

SECTION E – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

E.1 Submission Dates and Times

Completed applications must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. EST on June 20, 2025. If an applicant has technical difficulties submitting the application through grants.gov, that applicant should contact the Grants Program Office by phone at 202-366-6942 or e-mail PERG@dot.gov.

Applications received after this deadline may not be considered. PHMSA will only accept one application from each applicant.

To begin the process, applicants must be registered with grants.gov to apply. It is highly recommended that applicants begin the registration process as soon as possible to avoid delays with submission. Failure to comply with the prescribed application requirements as described in this section may result in the rejection of the application.

Accessing Grant Systems

1. Grants.gov. For new users, go to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration or go to the main page at www.grants.gov and select “Register.” New user registrations for grants.gov can take up to two weeks to complete. For additional questions on how to register, contact grants.gov support at 800-518-4726 or e-mail support@grants.gov.

2. FedConnect. Applicants are encouraged to register for an account with FedConnect at https://www.fedconnect.net before applying. Your organization’s Marketing Partner ID Number (MPIN), which can be retrieved from SAM, is required to create an account. For instructions on how to register in FedConnect and how to use the portal, click on the link to review the FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go! Tutorial. For other technical issues or questions, e-mail fcsupport@unisonglobal.com or call 1-800-899-6665, option 2. The FedConnect Support Center is staffed Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. EST, except Federal holidays.

E.2 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

PHMSA may not make an 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 PHMSA is ready to make an award, PHMSA may determine http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.fedconnect.net/ https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf mailto:fcsupport@unisonglobal

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 12 that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. PHMSA recommends that applicants review the SAM database at www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ to ensure that their UEI number is updated and “active.”

SECTION F – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

F.1 Criteria

When identifying projects, applicants should consider how the project will increase safety.

PHMSA will evaluate applications through administrative, technical, and programmatic reviews based on the evaluation criteria below.

Merit Criteria:

1. Technical Criteria - The application should:

• Show how the project will align with the intent of PERG.

• Provide a statement that describes the need for pipeline safety preparedness.

• List activities allowable under PERG.

• Identify high-consequence areas within its jurisdiction.

• Certify that responders trained will be treated equitably.

• Include a plan for training responders in disadvantaged communities who are affected by pipeline incidents.

2. Programmatic Criteria - The application should:

• Provide information on the organization.

• Provide the number and a description of each activity proposed.

• Include activities that are allowable, allocable, necessary, and reasonable.

• Provide a timeline that clearly communicates when project activities will take place.

• List clear outputs, goals, and objectives that indicate the grant will have a measurable impact on reducing risk and enhancing pipeline safety.

• Outline a monitoring and evaluation strategy to help ensure that the project(s) will be successful.

• Provide a completed and properly filled out SF-424 form.

• Submit a completed ED-80-0013 combined assurance and Title VI form.

http://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 13

• Provide an aligned budget (SF-424A) and budget narrative.

• Provide a detailed budget narrative as to how the costs under personnel correspond to the staff included in the narrative, and how they are calculated.

• Provide an explanation or breakout of the staff fringe benefits.

• Provide a clear and reasonable travel budget narrative (if applicable).

• Provide adequate supply costs.

• Provide a budget narrative for contractual costs.

• Provide an explanation for other costs.

• Provide an approved and current Indirect Cost Rate agreement or statement claiming up to a 15 percent de minimis rate (if applicable).

F.2 Review and Selection Process

Please thoroughly read the Review and Selection Process.

The Department intends to apply principles from DOT Order 2100.7, Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and Activities , when evaluating applications and making award selections. To the maximum extent permitted by law, PHMSA will prioritize projects that are in alignment with the principles outlined in DOT Order 2100.7.

To comply with the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E, and DOT’s Guide to Financial Assistance, PHMSA’s Agreement Officer and Grant Specialist may request additional information pertaining to your application during the application review and evaluation process.

F.3 Risk Review

Prior to making an award, PHMSA is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. § 2313). An applicant may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. PHMSA will consider any comments by the applicant in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in

2 CFR § 200.206.

SECTION G – AWARD NOTICES

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/grants/e2-review-and-selection-process https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.transportation.gov%2Fmission%2Fensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs&data=05%7C02%7Claura.wainwright%40dot.gov%7C679ea5c4fd7a4e86e7a308dd7c782580%7Cc4cd245b44f04395a1aa3848d258f78b%7C0%7C0%7C638803577669877610%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QQh%2FWzL9DZ3udeReAC0ls7fwVgmSuLWBV3c5T5y9ZDg%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.transportation.gov%2Fmission%2Fensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs&data=05%7C02%7Claura.wainwright%40dot.gov%7C679ea5c4fd7a4e86e7a308dd7c782580%7Cc4cd245b44f04395a1aa3848d258f78b%7C0%7C0%7C638803577669877610%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QQh%2FWzL9DZ3udeReAC0ls7fwVgmSuLWBV3c5T5y9ZDg%3D&reserved=0 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E https://www.transportation.gov/administrations/assistant-secretary-administration/financial-assistance-guidance-manual https://www.transportation.gov/administrations/assistant-secretary-administration/financial-assistance-guidance-manual

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 14

G.1 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Applicants chosen for funding will receive electronic notification of the Federal award. Upon notification, the applicant’s authorized official must sign and return the award within the timeframe prescribed by PHMSA. PHMSA plans to make awards no later than September 30, 2025, with a proposed period of performance start date on the award agreement.

G.2 Federal Award Notices

PHMSA’s grant awarding official will award grants to responsible and eligible applicants, at its discretion, whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this NOFO. All funds provided by PHMSA must be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are awarded in accordance with the approved application and budget, regulations, terms and conditions of the award, applicable Federal cost principles, and DOT’s financial assistance regulations. Funds may not be used for lobbying or litigation.

The applicant assures and certifies, with respect to any application and awarded Project under this NOFO, that it will comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, policies, guidelines, and requirements as they relate to the application, acceptance, and use of Federal funds and will cooperate with Federal officials in the enforcement of Federal law for any application and awarded Project under this NOFO.

The grant award agreement, signed by both the PHMSA Agreement Officer and the recipient’s Authorized Representative, is the authorizing document and will be provided through electronic means to the Authorized Representative. The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information including, at a minimum, the following:

1. The legal name and address of recipient.

2. Title of project.

3. Name(s) of key personnel chosen to direct and control approved activities.

4. Federal Award Identification Number assigned by PHMSA.

5. Period of Performance, specifying the duration of the project.

6. Total amount PHMSA approved for the project.

7. Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued.

8. Assistance Listing Program Number (formerly CFDA).

9. Applicable award terms and conditions.

10. Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to accomplish the stated purpose of the award.

11. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by PHMSA.

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 15

SECTION H – POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

H.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The administration of this award by PHMSA and the Recipient will be based on the following Federal statutory and regulatory requirements:

1. The authorizing language: 49 U.S.C. 60125(b).

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

Requirements for Federal Awards.

3. 49 CFR Part 20, "New Restrictions on Lobbying.” 49 CFR Part 20 will be incorporated by reference into any award under this program and is available at www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ by clicking on Title 49 CFR Part 20.

4. As a condition of a grant award, grant recipients will demonstrate that the recipient has a plan for compliance with civil rights obligations and nondiscrimination laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and implementing regulations (49 CFR Part 21) (including any amendments thereto), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and all other civil rights requirements and accompanying regulations. This should include a current Title VI plan. DOT’s and the applicable Operating Administrations’ Office of Civil Rights will work with awarded grant recipients to ensure full compliance with Federal civil rights requirements. See “Standard Title VI/Non-Discrimination Assurances” for the form by the same name that must be completed and returned by the grant applicant.

5. 49 CFR Part 32, “Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance),” which implements the requirements of Public Law 100-690, Title Subtitle D, “Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.” 49 CFR Part 32 will be incorporated by reference into any award under this program and is available at: www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ by clicking on Title 49 CFR Part 32.

6. Pursuant to Section (3)(b)(iv)(A), Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, the Recipient agrees that its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code.

7. Pursuant to Section (3)(b)(iv)(B), Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, by entering into this agreement, the Recipient certifies that it does not operate any programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.

8. The Recipient certifies it will comply with Executive Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing in administering Federal funds under this agreement.

9. The Recipient certifies it will comply with Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy in administering Federal funds under this agreement.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title49-section60125&num=0&edition=1999 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-20 http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-21 https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-32 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-32 http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 16

10. The applicant assures and certifies, with respect to any application and awarded Project under this NOFO, that it will comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, policies, guidelines, and requirements as they relate to the application, acceptance, and use of Federal funds and will cooperate with Federal officials in the enforcement of Federal law, including cooperating with and not impeding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Federal offices and components of the Department of Homeland Security in the enforcement of Federal immigration law.

H.2 Reporting Requirements

1. Mid-Term Progress Reports - Each grant recipient is required to submit a mid-term financial report (SF-425) and a mid-term progress report to the Agreement Officer and Agreement Officer Representative. The reports are due no later than 30 days after mid-year cycle from the award date.

Progress reports must follow the instructions outlined in the terms and conditions of the grant award and must include:

• A summary of the activities and outputs that have taken place during the reporting period.

This should include, at a minimum, the number of courses delivered during the period of performance, along with the number of students trained, the city and State where the training took place, and the employer or State that the students or emergency responders are in.

• The challenges that the recipient has faced, and the strategies implemented to mitigate those challenges.

• An updated timeline of grant activities projected to take place for the remainder of the grant period of performance.

• As available, impact statements or analysis, from instructors, public sector responders, or other stakeholders regarding the impact that current period of performance grant activities have had on protecting people and the environment from the risks of pipeline transportation.

2. Final Reports - Each recipient is required to submit a final progress report and a final Federal financial report (Final SF-425) to the Agreement Officer and Agreement Officer Representative.

The reports are due no later than 60 days after the performance period has ended. Final reports must follow the instructions outlined in the terms and conditions of the grant award. Final performance reports are to be submitted via e-mail as directed by the terms and conditions of the grant award, and must include:

• A summary of the activities and outputs that took place during the period of performance.

This should include the total number and type of courses delivered during the period of performance, along with the number of students trained, and the city and State where the training took place. Final reports should also include a list of employers or state who represents the students trained. If the projected outputs listed in the approved project narrative were not met, an explanation should be provided. This must include the challenges that the recipient faced, and the strategies taken to mitigate such challenges.

• A completed timeline of the activities that took place during the completed period of performance.

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 17

• As available, impact statements or analysis, from training instructors, public sector responders, or other stakeholders, regarding the impact current period of performance grant activities have had on protecting people and the environment from the risks of pipeline transportation.

All applications and reports will be made available to the public upon request.

Performance and Program Evaluation: As a condition of grant award, recipients may be required to participate in an evaluation undertaken by DOT or another agency or partner. The evaluation may take different forms such as an implementation assessment across grant recipients;

an impact and/or outcomes analysis of all or selected sites within or across grant recipients; or a benefit/cost analysis or assessment of return on investment. DOT may require applicants to collect data elements to aid the evaluation. As a part of the evaluation and as a condition of award, grant recipients must agree to: (1) make records available to the evaluation contractor or DOT staff; (2) provide access to program records and any other relevant documents to calculate costs and benefits;

(3) in the case of an impact analysis, facilitate the access to relevant information as requested; and

(4) follow evaluation procedures as specified by the evaluation contractor or DOT staff.

Recipients and subrecipients are also encouraged to incorporate program evaluation data, including associated data collection activities from the outset of their program design and implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress towards meeting an agency priority goal(s).

Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act), (Pub. L.

115-435) (2019), urges Federal awarding agencies and Federal assistance recipients and subrecipients to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, and to elevate program service and delivery across the program lifecycle. Evaluation means “an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.” 5 U.S.C. § 311. Credible program evaluation activities are implemented with relevance and utility, rigor, independence and objectivity, transparency, and ethics (OMB Circular A-11, Part 6 Section 290).

For grant recipients receiving an award, evaluation costs are allowable costs (either as direct or indirect), unless prohibited by statute or regulation, and such costs may include the personnel and equipment needed for data infrastructure and expertise in data analysis, performance, and evaluation. (2 CFR Part 200). This paragraph does not authorize pre-award costs, and grant recipients must separately obtain PHMSA’s written approval to fund pre-award costs consistent with 2 CFR § 200.458.

SECTION I - FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

Questions related to the content of this funding opportunity should be submitted via e-mail to the contacts below or via the Message Center in FedConnect if your organization is registered there.

For technical issues or questions related to FedConnect, please e-mail fcsupport@unisonglobal.com. Applicants can also submit questions through the portal on their

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page| 18

Web site or call 1-800-899-6665 option 2.

Tremayne Terry Agreement Officer Acquisition Services Division Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, E22-301 Washington, D.C. 20590 Phone: 202-366-6942 E-mail: tremayne.terry@dot.gov

Hung Nguyen Agreement Officer Representative State Programs Division Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Phone: 202-713-7913 E-mail: hung.nguyen@dot.gov mailto:tremayne.terry@dot.gov mailto:hung.nguyen@dot.gov