FY2027-MCSAP-Planning-Memorandum.pdf

This is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) memorandum dated April 8, 2026, providing planning guidance for Fiscal Year 2027 Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCAP) grant applications. The memo is addressed to MCAP lead agencies, regional field administrators, and state program managers to inform their preparation of FY 2027 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plans (CVSPs). All MCAP grant applications, including standard Federal grant forms submitted through Grants.gov and CVSPs submitted through the online CVSP Tool, are due by August 1, 2026. The estimated total FY 2027 MCAP funding is $520.9 million nationally ($494.96 million federal funding at 95% and $25.92 million state matching funds at 5%), with no advanced appropriations (DIV-J funding) available. FY 2027 assumes the full authorized amount under contract authority after 1.5% administrative takedown, held at the FY 2026 baseline funding levels, as no new surface transportation authorization has been enacted.

The memo establishes "Focus on Fundamentals" as the FY 2027 theme, directing states to emphasize core MCAP National Program Elements including driver and vehicle inspections, traffic enforcement, investigations, new entrant safety audits, hazardous materials safety, PRISM participation, data quality, and public education. Special emphasis areas marked for FY 2027 include: reducing fatal CMV crashes (with specific focus on work zone safety, human trafficking prevention, criminal interdiction, out-of-service order enforcement, and passenger carrier safety); hazardous materials safety; motor carrier investigations; PRISM and "Level-Up" initiatives; and data collection and quality. States must increase CMV traffic enforcement efforts by at least 10%, increase detection of Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse prohibited drivers by 15%, and achieve 100% identification of out-of-service carriers with Imminent Hazard or Unsatisfactory/Unfit orders. Required MCAP grant documents include the SF-424 application and budget forms (submitted through Grants.gov), the CVSP (submitted through the CVSP Tool), state and annual compatibility certifications, and a Title VI Program Compliance Plan. FMCSA will not award federal funds until both Grants.gov and CVSP Tool requirements are fully satisfied.