FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

United States Marine Highway Program

Maritime Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Table of Contents

A. Basic Information 2 B. Eligibility 3 C. Program Description 10 D. Application Content and Format 12 E. Submission Requirements and Deadline 20 F. Application Review Information 22 G. Award Notice 36 H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration 37 I. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts 40 J. Other Information 41

A. Basic Information

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION: United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) Discretionary Grant Opportunity

Topic Description Federal Agency Name Maritime Administration (MARAD) Funding Opportunity Title

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 United States Marine Highway Program

(USMHP)

Announcement Type This is the announcement for the FY 2026 round of USMHP grants.

Funding Opportunity Number

MARAD-USMH-693JF725R000009

Assistance Listing Number 20.816 United States Marine Highway Grants Funding Details Pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. 119-75, February

3, 2026), $5 million has been appropriated for the USMHP. Please note that MARAD will retain up to 3 percent ($150,000) of these funds for grant administration and oversight. An additional $5,922,270 in unexpended prior-year USMHP funding is available. MARAD plans to include these funds in the FY 2026 funding opportunity for eligible projects. Therefore, up to $10,772,270 is available for award in FY 2026. Additional unobligated prior year USMHP funds may also be made available and awarded under this solicitation to eligible projects.

If this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not result in the award and obligation of all available funds, MARAD may publish additional solicitations.

There is no maximum or minimum award size under the USMHP.

All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Applicants may find complete instructions on how to register and apply at Grants.gov. If applicants experience difficulties during registration or the application process, they should use the help resources available on Grants.gov, such as the Customer Support Hotline at 1-800-518-4726 or email.

Key Dates Applications Due: August 31, 2026, at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time.

Executive Summary The USMHP provides funding support for Marine Highway

Transportation Projects or components of projects that: 1) provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation;

mitigate or relieve landside congestion; promote Marine Highway Transportation; or use vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121; and 2) develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation or shipper use of Marine Highway Transportation.

Agency Contact Information

Email mh@dot.gov or call Fred Jones at 202–366–1123.

Due to the competitive nature of the program, MARAD cannot accommodate individual questions or meeting requests to discuss specific project ideas during the application submittal period.

MARAD posts Frequently Asked Questions as well as information about informational webinars at https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/frequently-asked-questions-us-marine-highway-program-usmhp and http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:mh@dot.gov https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/frequently-asked-questions-us-marine-highway-program-usmhp https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/frequently-asked-questions-us-marine-highway-program-usmhp https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/2023-us-marine-highway-program-grant-program-webinars.

1. Changes from FY 2025 NOFO

The FY 2026 USMHP NOFO incorporates the following changes from the FY 2025 NOFO:

● Updated rating rubrics for selection criteria to better align with statutory requirements.

● Removal of Workforce Development and Job Quality as a selection consideration, and addition of Innovative Technology as a selection consideration.

● Alignment with current Executive Orders and Administration priorities.

MARAD has made other changes throughout this notice to better illustrate application requirements. Applicants who choose to reapply using materials prepared for prior competitions should ensure that their FY 2026 USMHP application fully addresses the criteria described in this notice and that all relevant information is updated and submitted in the proper format outlined in Section D.

B. Eligibility

To be selected for a FY 2026 USMHP grant, an applicant must be an eligible applicant, and the project must be an eligible project. In addition to this, Section B, applicants should reference Section C.3 for funding restrictions that apply to the USMHP, and that may affect an applicant’s or project’s eligibility.

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for a FY 2026 USMHP grant are:

● a State,1

● a political subdivision of a State or a local government;

● a United States metropolitan planning organization;

● a United States port authority;

● a Tribal government (as defined in Section B.5. of this notice);

● or a United States private sector operator of Marine Highway Projects or private sector owners of facilities, including an Alaska Native Corporation, with an endorsement letter from the current Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsor (if there are multiple route sponsors, the private sector applicant is only required to submit an endorsement letter from one of the route sponsors).

1 State means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/2023-us-marine-highway-program-grant-program-webinars https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/2023-us-marine-highway-program-grant-program-webinars https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/designated-marine-highway-routes-and-route-sponsors

Federal agencies and individuals are not eligible applicants for the FY 2026 USMHP.

Private sector applicants, including Alaska Native Corporations, should refer to Section D.3.d.

on additional application information necessary when applying under this notice.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop coalitions, which might include vessel owners and operators; third-party logistics providers; trucking companies; shippers; railroads; port authorities; State, regional, and local transportation planners; impacted communities; or any combination of entities supporting the project.

If submitting a joint application, applicants must identify the eligible lead applicant in the application as the primary point of contact. The lead applicant will also administer the project’s finances and ensure that all funds are expended in accordance with Federal requirements. Joint applications should include a letter of support signed by each applicant as an attachment and include a description of the roles and responsibilities of each entity. If a joint applicant provides some or all of the required non-Federal matching funds, the applicant must include a Letter of Financial Commitment from that joint applicant as an attachment to the application. See Section D.3.c. for more information.

MARAD expects the lead applicant that submits the application to administer and deliver the project. If the lead applicant intends to act as a pass-through entity for disbursing funds to a subrecipient (including a private-entity joint applicant, if applicable) who will deliver all or a portion of the project, the applicant should clearly state that intention in the application, and a letter of support from the intended subrecipient should be included as an attachment to the application

Lead applicants intending to make subawards under their proposed FY 2026 USMHP Project should refer to 2 CFR 200.331-3332 CFR 200.331-333 on how to make subrecipient determinations and what requirements apply to pass-through entities. Applicants should be aware that all contracts executed under the USMHP award that create procurement relationships must follow the procurement standards at 2 CFR 200.317-3272 CFR 200.317-327 , including requirements regarding competition.

To be eligible for the award, applicants must provide a brief written statement describing their authority to plan, carry out, own, operate, or maintain the grant-funded project. In the case of joint applications, at least one of the eligible applicants must demonstrate this authority. See Section D.3.a. for more information. Please note that any joint applicants, whether they are public or private entities, must comply with all applicable federal requirements.

2. Application Limit

Each eligible applicant may submit no more than one application. If an applicant submits multiple applications, MARAD will consider only the last one received.

3. Cost Sharing

Cost-sharing means the portion of the project’s cost that is not paid by Federal funds. To be eligible, cost share funds must comply with the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.3062 CFR https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

200.306. Cost share funds are typically stated as a percentage of the total project cost. 46 U.S.C.

§ 55601(d)(4). Per 46 U.S.C. § 55601(d)(4), the Federal share of the total costs of an eligible USMHP Project may not exceed 80 percent; however, the Secretary may increase the Federal share of costs above 80 percent for:

(1) a grant to an eligible entity that is a Tribal government; or

(2) a grant for a project that is located in a rural area.

“Tribal government” and “rural area” are defined in Section B.5 of this notice.

In addition, consistent with 48 U.S.C. § 1469a, for grants to American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands (collectively, the “Insular Areas”), MARAD will waive any cost-share requirement for local matching funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions) that otherwise would have applied to a grant under the USMHP.

Applicants should use the following equation when determining the cost share for their project:

(𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈𝑈 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 + 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹)

𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶

= 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑆𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

Total project Cost means the sum of future eligible Federal and non-Federal costs that have not yet been incurred. MARAD will not consider previously incurred costs or previously expended or encumbered funds toward the non-Federal cost-share requirement.

Eligible sources of non-Federal funds include:

● State funds originating from programs funded by State revenue;

● Local funds originating from State or local revenue-funded programs;

● Private funds;

● In-kind contributions per 2 CFR 200.306

The application must demonstrate in its Letter(s) of Financial Commitment the sources of the non-Federal funds. Unless otherwise authorized by statute, funds used to satisfy the non-Federal cost-share requirements of a different Federal program may not be counted as the non-Federal cost share for both the FY 2026 USMHP grant award and another Federal grant program. All non-Federal cost-share funds are subject to the same Federal requirements described in Section H.1 as awarded funds.

For the purpose of eligibility, the proceeds of Federal assistance under chapter 6 of Title 23, United States Code (“TIFIA”) or Sections 501 through 504 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-210) (“RRIF”), as amended, shall be considered to be part of the non-Federal share of project costs if the loan is repayable from non-Federal funds, unless otherwise requested by the project sponsor. See Section B.3. for information about documenting cost-sharing in the application.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)#amendment-note https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title23/chapter6&edition=prelim

In addition to these cost-share requirements, cost share will be evaluated according to the “Leveraging Federal Funding and Financial Viability” merit criterion described in Section F.1.a (4).

For each project that receives a USMHP grant award, the terms of the award will require the recipient to complete the project using at least the amount of non-Federal funding that was specified in the application. If the actual costs of the project are greater than the costs estimated in the application, the recipient will be responsible for addressing the funding shortfall by providing additional funds. If the actual costs of the project are less than the costs estimated in the application, MARAD will generally reduce the Federal contribution to ensure the recipient maintains the level of non-Federal funding stated in the application.

4. Pre-Award Authority

Unless authorized by the DOT in writing after announcement of FY 2026 USMHP awards, any costs incurred prior to MARAD’s obligation of funds for a project (“pre-award costs”) are ineligible for reimbursement and cost share requirements. MARAD administers USMHP funds on a reimbursement basis.

5. Definitions

Alaska Native Corporation: Any Regional Corporation, any Village Corporation, any Urban Corporation, and any Group Corporation, as those terms are defined under Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. § 1602).

Construction activities: Include construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property (including land related to the project and improvements to the land), rights-of-way, construction contingencies, equipment acquisition, vessel acquisition, modification, rehabilitation, and operational improvements.

Development phase activities: Include planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental or other permitting-related reviews, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities intended to support construction activities for a capital project.

Documented vessel: A vessel documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121.

Facility: A specific location in a port where passengers or commodities are transferred between land and water carriers or between two water carriers, specifically including: wharves, piers, sheds, warehouses, yards, and docks.

Letter of Financial Commitment: A letter that demonstrates the funding source(s) for the non- Federal funds are stable, dependable, and dedicated to the project, and that is signed and certified by an authorized representative of the organization(s) providing the non-Federal funds. The letter must be submitted on the organization(s) letterhead, specify the exact dollar amount committed to the project, and include proof that the matching funds (i.e., exact dollar amount specified in the letter) will be available and/or committed prior to obligation of funds, regardless of the source of funding.

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Marine Highway Transportation: The carriage by a documented vessel of cargo (including such carriage of cargo and passengers), if such cargo is: 1) contained in intermodal cargo containers and loaded by crane on the vessel; loaded on the vessel by means of wheeled technology, including roll-on roll off cargo; shipped in discrete units or packages that are handled individually, palletized, or unitized for purposes of transportation; bulk, liquid, or loose cargo loaded in tanks, holds, hoppers, or on deck; or freight vehicles carried aboard commuter ferry boats; and 2) is loaded at a port in the United States and unloaded either at another port in the United States or at a port in Canada or Mexico; or loaded at a port in Canada or Mexico and unloaded at a port in the United States.

Marine Highway Transportation Route: A Marine Highway Transportation Route previously designated by the Secretary.2

Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsor: The requester of a Marine Highway Transportation Route designation or modification of a designated route approved by the Secretary. The current list of Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsors is located here:

Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsor

Marine Highway Transportation Project: The proposed project for which the applicant is seeking FY 2026 USMHP funding. The project must be part of an existing or proposed Marine Highway Transportation Service and must serve a designated Marine Highway Transportation Route.

Marine Highway Transportation Service: The overall Marine Highway Transportation Service and operation that is proposed, expanded, or promoted by the Marine Highway Transportation Project. The service must have a point of origin or destination on a designated Marine Highway Transportation Route.

Performance Measures: Verifiable information to measure the benefits of the project, such as volumes of cargo (e.g., TEUs, tons, cubic meters, etc.) moved, safety, reduced vehicle miles traveled, or reduced road maintenance and repair costs.

Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities: Activities that are intended to develop strategies, plan for, or research the development, expansion or promotion of Marine Highway Transportation on one or more designated Marine Highway Transportation Routes (including activities that consider the potential expansion or modification of designated Marine Highway Transportation Routes), but that are not intended to directly support construction activities for a specific capital project or an existing Marine Highway Transportation Service.

Rural area: An area located outside a 2020 Census-designated urban area.3

2 https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/us-marine-highway-route-designation-process 3 Please use the DOT Rural Eligibility map for the Port Infrastructure Development Program at https://www.transportation.gov/rural/eligibility to determine rural eligibility. This map identifies the areas in the 2020 U.S. Census that have a population of less than 50,000 and, therefore, are rural areas for the purposes of the

USMHP.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/designated-marine-highway-routes-and-route-sponsors https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/us-marine-highway-route-designation-process https://www.transportation.gov/rural/eligibility

Shipper: The Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO), i.e., the party that ultimately owns the product or cargo being shipped.

Tribal government: The recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently, pursuant to Section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. § 5131).

Urban area: An area located within (or on the boundary of) a 2020 Census-designated urban area with a population of 50,000 or more persons.

6. Eligible Projects

Eligible projects may be either capital projects, development-phase, or Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities. Eligible project activities include components that 1) provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation; mitigate or relieve landside congestion; promote Marine Highway Transportation; or use vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121; and 2) develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation or shipper use of Marine Highway Transportation.

Development phase activities—such as planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, preliminary engineering and design work, development of master plans, and other preconstruction work—may be eligible projects if they satisfy all other eligibility requirements and merit criteria described in this notice. Similarly, projects involving Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities may be eligible projects if they satisfy all other eligibility requirements and merit criteria described in this notice. However, projects for the development phase or Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities that do not include any construction activities as defined in Section B.5. will be less competitive than those projects that will result in construction funded by the FY 2026 USMHP.

Ineligible project activities include:

● Improvements to port or land-based infrastructure, including equipment, outside the United States.

● Raising sunken vessels, constructing buildings or other physical facilities, or acquiring land, unless the Secretary determines that such activities are necessary to carry out the Marine Highway Transportation Project for which such assistance is provided. If an applicant requests funding to raise sunken vessels, construct buildings or other physical facilities (as “facility” is defined in Section B.5.), or acquire land, it must explain why the activities are necessary to carry out the Marine Highway Transportation Project. Refer to Section D. 3.a of this notice for further information on documentation needed to justify these activities.

● Improvements to Federally owned facilities.

In addition, applications that receive a “Non-Responsive” rating in Demonstrating the Need to Develop, Expand, or Promote Marine Highway Transportation or shipper use of Marine Highway Transportation; Expanding the Benefits of Marine Highway Transportation; or

Leveraging Federal Funding and Financial Viability merit criteria will not be recommended for award.

7. Project Components

An application must describe only one project, but that project may contain more than one component and may describe components that may be carried out by parties other than the applicant. MARAD expects that funding recipients to ensure that all components included in an application will be delivered as part of the USMHP Project, regardless of whether a component includes Federal funding. The status of each component should be clearly described (for example, in the project schedule and budget).

MARAD may award funds for a component, instead of the larger project, if that component:

● Independently satisfies eligibility requirements.

● Independently aligns with selection criteria.

● Meets National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements with respect to independent utility, meaning the component must be a usable improvement on its own and ready for use upon completion.

Independent utility means that the component will represent a transportation improvement that is usable even if no other improvement is made in the area and will be ready for intended use upon completion of that component’s construction. All project components--even those with independent utility--that are presented together in a single application must demonstrate a logical relationship among them related to the overall benefits and objectives of the project.

MARAD strongly encourages applicants to identify in their applications the project components that have independent utility and separately detail costs and requested USMHP funding for those components. If the application identifies one or more independent project components, the application should clearly identify the applicant’s priority for funding among the components, how each independent component addresses the selection criteria and produces benefits on its own, and describe how the full proposal of which the independent component is a part addresses the selection criteria described in Section F.

Applicants should be aware that, depending upon the relationship between project components and applicable Federal law, DOT funding of some project components may make other project components subject to Federal requirements as described in Section H.1.

8. Reduced Awards

If selected for the award, MARAD may decrease the funding amount from the applicant’s request if some elements of the project are ineligible.

9. Previous USMHP Awards Recipients of prior USMHP grants, including grants formerly referred to as America’s Marine Highway (AMH), may apply for funding to support additional phases or components of a project previously awarded funds under 46 U.S.C. § 5560146 U.S.C. § 55601. However, to be https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim competitive, the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which the previously funded project phase or component has met estimated project scope, schedule, and budget milestones, as well as how the new phase or component will enhance the ability to achieve the benefits expected for all phases of the project.

C. Program Description

1. Program Authorization

The USMHP statute, codified at 46 U.S.C. § 55601, authorizes the DOT to make grants to implement projects or components of projects that 1) provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation; mitigate or relieve landside congestion; promote Marine Highway Transportation; or use vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121; and 2) develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation or shipper use of Marine Highway Transportation.

2. Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the USMHP is to fund eligible projects to relieve landside congestion and generate other public benefits by increasing the efficiency of the surface transportation system. Projects selected under this Notice will further the program’s goals and objectives. The DOT seeks to fund projects that advance the priorities of this Administration as described in DOT’s mission statement and across executive orders.

3. Restrictions on Funding

Assistance provided under this notice may not be used to improve port or land-based infrastructure outside the United States or, unless the Secretary determines that such activities are necessary to carry out the Marine Highway Transportation Project for which such assistance is provided, to raise sunken vessels, construct buildings or other physical facilities, or acquire land.

Grant funds may only be used for the purposes described in this Notice and may not be used as an operating subsidy.

MARAD will not consider previously incurred costs or previously expended or encumbered funds toward the matching requirement for any project prior to MARAD’s announcement of project selections. Consistent with https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part- 200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458, unless “pre-award costs” are authorized by MARAD in writing after MARAD’s announcement of FY 2026 USMHP awards, any costs incurred prior to MARAD’s obligation of funds for a project are ineligible for reimbursement and are ineligible to count as match for cost-share requirements. 4

As proscribed in Section 825 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Pub. L. 118-31, December 22, 2023), no funds may be awarded to an entity that utilizes or provides in part or in whole: the national transportation logistics public information platform

4 Pre-award costs are costs incurred directly pursuant to the negotiation and anticipation of the USMHP award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work, as determined and pre-approved in writing by MARAD.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title46/subtitle2/partH/chapter121&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458

(commonly referred to as ‘LOGINK’) provided by the People’s Republic of China, or departments, ministries, centers, agencies, or instrumentalities of the Government of the People’s Republic of China; any national transportation logistics information platform provided by or sponsored by the People’s Republic of China, or a controlled commercial entity; or a similar system provided by Chinese state-affiliated entities.5

Federal funds may not be used to support or oppose union organizing, whether directly or as an offset for other funds.

4. Availability of Funds

Pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. 119-75, February 3, 2026), $5 million has been appropriated for the USMHP. Please note that MARAD will retain up to three percent ($150,000) of these funds for grant administration and oversight. An additional $5,922,270 in unexpended prior-year USMHP funding is available. MARAD plans to include these funds in the FY 2026 funding opportunity for eligible projects. Therefore, up to $10,772,270 is available for award in FY 2026. Additional unobligated prior year USMHP funds may also be made available and awarded under this solicitation to eligible projects.

The table below outlines the obligation and expenditure deadlines for FY 2026 funding.

Fiscal Year Funding Obligation Deadline Funding Expenditure Deadline FY 2026 September 30, 2029 Five years after funds obligation for each individual award.

MARAD seeks to obligate FY 2026 USMHP grant funds by September 30, 2029.

Obligation occurs when a selected applicant and MARAD enter into a written grant agreement after the applicant has satisfied applicable administrative requirements, including transportation planning and permitting review requirements, such as those under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

MARAD reserves the right to revoke any award of USMHP grant funds and to award such funds to another project to the extent that such funds are not obligated or expended in a timely or acceptable manner and in accordance with the project schedule and requirements detailed in the grant agreement.

5. Performance Measures

Each applicant selected for USMHP grant funding must collect and report information to MARAD on the project’s observed performance with respect to the relevant long-term outcomes that are expected to be achieved through construction of the project. Performance reporting

5 For more information on LOGINK, including information about potential vulnerabilities to maritime port equipment and networks, see the advisory on Worldwide Foreign Adversarial Technological, Physical, and Cyber Influence on the Maritime Security Communications Industry portal: https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-advisories.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-advisories continues for three years after project construction concludes. MARAD does not provide USMHP grant funding specifically for performance reporting.

6. Previous Awards Previous program awards may be found on the USMHP websiteUSMHP website .

D. Application Content and Format

MARAD requires the application to include the Standard Form (SF) 424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and a Project Narrative. Applicants are encouraged to also complete the SF- 424C (Budget Information – Construction Programs) if applicable. Applicants may find the SF- 424 and SF-424C forms at Grants.gov. Note that different evaluation teams may review different parts of the application.

https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants/marine-highways/marine-highway https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants/marine-highways/marine-highway http://www.grants.gov/

Required Documents Formatting Other Information SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) available at Grants.gov

Complete SF-424 Note that SF-424 is required for all Projects

Project Narrative Prepare Project Narrative in single-spaced; 12-pt standard font (Times New Roman); one-inch margins; one column only; and submit in PDF unless otherwise specified.

Project Narrative may not exceed 20 pages in length, excluding cover pages, table of contents, and a list of supporting documents after the last page of the Project Narrative.

Letter of Financial Commitment

Single-spaced; one-inch margins;

submit in PDF

See Sections D.3.c. and B.5

Route Sponsor Endorsement Letter

Single-spaced; one-inch margins;

submit in PDF

If applicable, see Section B.1 (required for a United States private sector operator of marine highway projects or private sector owners of facilities, including Alaska Native Corporations)

SF-424C (Budget Information – Construction Programs) available at Grants.gov

Complete SF-424C Note that SF-424C is required only for projects with construction activities.

Applicants may include supporting documents, but evaluators are not required to review them. If applicants include supporting documents, they should date each document and attach it to the application or reference it through a website link. MARAD expects appropriately descriptive file names for all attachments and/or links (e.g., “Project Narrative,” “Letters of Support” etc.) using a file naming format of “[Applicant Name_FY26MHP_Descriptive File Name]” where Applicant Name reflects the applicant’s legal name, abbreviated as appropriate. If applicants submit supporting documents, they should clearly identify within the Project Narrative the section supported by each document.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a list of the supporting documents after the last page of their project Narrative and to attach, as applicable, the supporting documents to their application package in the following order: Project Narrative; Attachments Form; Project Cost;

documentation of funding commitments for non-Federal funds; Project Schedule; SF-424C form if applicable; Letters of Support; Other Documentation.

MARAD expects applications that include the following content:

1. Standard Form 424

Applicants must complete the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance. Applicants may find the form at Grants.gov .

2. FY 2026 USMHP Cover Page

Each application should include a cover page with information about the project as presented below:

Field Name Guidance Name of lead applicant Is the applicant applying as a lead applicant with any joint applicants?

If yes, identify by name each of the joint applicants.

Project name Provide a concise (five- to seven-word) name of the project.

Project description Provide a brief (no more than 100 words) description of the project that focuses on what the project consists of.

Is this a Project for either development phase activities or Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities?

Yes or No.

Is the applicant a United States private sector operator of marine highway projects or private sector owners of facilities, including an Alaska Native Corporation?

If yes, identify the Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsor endorsing the application (this should be one of the sponsors as indicated below in “Marine Highway Route served”).

U.S. Marine Highway Route served Specify the designated U.S. Marine Highway Transportation Route the project serves and the Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsor(s).

Project location address Specific location of the project, located on a specific street, in a specific town or city, inside of a specific county, etc. This is not the headquarters, corporate office, or other main office of the applicant. If assistance for projects at multiple sites is requested, list the address for each site.

Geographic coordinates (in latitude and longitude format)

Provide the coordinates of the approximate geographic center of the project. The latitude and longitude of the project are to be reported as decimal degrees with a minimum of five decimal places. Coordinates are the location of the project, not the headquarters, corporate office, or other applicant office. If assistance for projects on multiple sites is requested, list the coordinates for each site.

Is this Project in an urban or rural area? Refer to definitions of “urban area” and “rural area” in Section B.5. This designation refers to the specific location(s) of the project, not the headquarters, corporate office, or other applicant office. If assistance for projects in multiple locations is requested, the designation should be based on whether the majority of funds are being spent in an urban or rural area.

Is the applicant a Tribal government? Refer to definition of “Tribal government” in Section B.5. of this notice.

Project Zip Code Identify the zip code that corresponds to the geographic coordinates identified above. If the application is https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/designated-marine-highway-routes-and-route-sponsors https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/designated-marine-highway-routes-and-route-sponsors https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/designated-marine-highway-routes-and-route-sponsors https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways/designated-marine-highway-routes-and-route-sponsors

Field Name Guidance requesting assistance for projects on multiple sites, list the zip code for each site.

Has the same Project been previously submitted for AMH/USMHP funding?

Identify the program and year of the prior submission (such as “AMH FY 2022”, “USMHP FY 2023”).

Is the applicant applying for other discretionary grant programs in 2026 for the same work or related scope of work?

If so, identify the program, year, amount of funding requested and scope (such as “PIDP FY 2026, $25 million, to complete components 1 and 2 of this USMHP Project”).

Has the applicant previously received DOT or other Federal funding for the same work or related scope of work?

If so, identify the program, amount of funding previously received, scope, and status of the NEPA review for the funded project.

Has the applicant previously received

PIDP, TIGER, BUILD, RAISE,

FASTLANE, INFRA Mega, or AMH/USMHP funding?

Identify the program, year, and amount of funding (such as “INFRA FY 2023, $115 million”).

USMHP FY 2026 Grant Amount Requested

Enter the total amount of USMHP FY 2026 grant funds requested.

Total Project Cost Total Project Cost will be equal to the Total Future Eligible Project Cost, including the USMHP grant amount requested.

Total Federal Funding Enter the amount of Federal funding from ALL sources that will be used for this project and list each source of Federal funding.

Total Non-Federal Funding Enter the amount of funds committed to the project from non-Federal sources.

Will the applicant be seeking approval to expend funds prior to grant agreement execution?

Yes or No.

Will RRIF or TIFIA funds be used as part of the Project financing?

Indicate whether RRIF or TIFIA funding will be used for the project. If so, indicate the amount of funds that will be used.

Does the applicant use LOGINK or a similar logistics platform provided or sponsored by the People’s Republic of China or Chinese state-affiliated entities?

Yes or No. See Section C.3. of this notice.

3. Project Narrative

MARAD strongly recommends that the Project Narrative follow the outline below to ensure applications address all applicable requirements and to assist evaluators in locating relevant information.

Project Narrative Outline Section Narrative Section I: Project Description See D.3.a Narrative Section II: Project Location See D.3.b Narrative Section III: Grant Funds, Sources, and Uses of Project Funds See D.3.c Narrative Section IV: Additional Application Information Needed from All

Private Sector Applicants See D.3.d

Narrative Section V: Merit Criteria See D.3.e Narrative Section VI: Selection Considerations See D.3.f

The Project Narrative should include the information necessary for MARAD to determine that the project satisfies requirements described in Sections B and D and to assess the selection criteria specified in Section F. In addition to a detailed statement of work, detailed project schedule, detailed project budget, and identification of the Marine Highway Transportation Route(s) served, the Project Narrative should include a table of contents, maps, photographs, and graphics, as appropriate, to make the information easier to review and the project location and scope easier to understand. Applicants should provide data and documentation in a form MARAD can verify. MARAD will evaluate the application based on the submitted information and may request supplemental data, but it is not required to do so. Lack of supporting information that substantiates assertions or conclusions made in the Project Narrative negatively affects competitiveness of the application, as described in Section F.

a. Narrative Section I: Project Description

This section of the Project Narrative should include a detailed statement of work and describe the proposed USMHP Project, focusing on the technical and engineering aspects of the project as well as the current design status of the project. This section should discuss the project’s history, including a description of any previously completed components, and place the project in the broader context of other transportation investments pursued by the project sponsor. However, the applicant should make clear which investments are outside the scope of the project.

If the project includes the purchase of equipment, the application should provide a description as to how each piece of equipment is intended to be used for the project and any specific features that the equipment must have to satisfy that intended use (e.g., minimum lifting capacity).

Applicants should be aware that equipment must be purchased using open competition in accordance with the procurement standards at 2 CFR 200.317-327, unless one of the exceptions in 2 CFR 200.320(c)2 CFR 200.320(c) applies. In most cases, requiring a specific brand of equipment when other brands could also satisfy the intended use would be considered unduly restrictive of competition and therefore inconsistent with the procurement standards. Given this, applicants should describe the equipment generally, focusing on the operating requirements and features that are required to achieve the intended project benefits and objectives, as opposed to just describing a specific brand of equipment.

This section should also discuss how the project promotes, expands, or develops a Marine Highway Transportation Service as defined in Section B.5. This includes a description of the type of cargo moved by the project or Marine Highway Transportation Service supported by the project and ports served by the Marine Highway Transportation Service.

If submitting a joint application, applicants should also identify in this section the lead recipient of the award, who will also be responsible for financial administration of the project and ensuring project compliance with all Federal requirements, and a description of the roles and responsibilities of each applicant. Applications should include a signed letter of support from all eligible non-lead joint applicants as an attachment. If the lead recipient determines that a joint https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.320 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.320 applicant is classified as a “subrecipient” as that term is defined at 2 CFR 200.12 CFR 200.1 , the lead recipient must ensure that it complies with the requirements applicable to pass-through entities at 2 CFR 200.3312 CFR 200.331 2 CFR 200.332, 2 CFR 200.332, and 2 CFR 200.3332

CFR 200.333 .

Applicants should also include in this section citations of authority or other supporting documentation necessary to establish an applicant’s authority to carry out the project, so that MARAD can make the statutory determination necessary for award at 46 U.S.C. § 55601(d)(7)(C) and discussed further in Section B.1.The citations should be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the applicant is an eligible applicant and to show how the applicant is related to the work on the property where the grant funds will be spent. Examples of information that could assist with making this determination include: the citation of specific sections or chapters of State or local statutory language that demonstrate relevant authority; the inclusion of a narrative outlining the authority of the eligible entity applying for grant funding; or a description of the relationship between the applicant and the owner of the property that links the project to the authority to carry out the project (e.g., through a lease agreement).

In the case of a joint application, only one of the joint applicants needs to demonstrate that they have authority to carry out the project.

If an applicant requests funding to raise sunken vessels, construct buildings or other physical facilities (as defined in Section B.5.), or acquire land, it must explain in the application why the activities are necessary to carry out the project. Funding cannot be awarded for one of these uses unless the Secretary determines that such activities are necessary to carry out the project.

b. Narrative Section II: Project Location

This section of the application should describe the project’s location and, if available, provide photographs of the location. This section should also describe the Marine Highway Transportation Route served by the project and whether the project is in a rural or urban area (as defined in Section B.5.), including the relevant census tracts. 6, 7

Applicants should submit a project map that clearly indicates the project’s location in the local area and the State or territory, and its connections to existing transportation infrastructure. The map is necessary to verify urban and rural designations. The location should only include the direct physical location of the project. It should not include a broad service area or area of project impact. The location is where the requested grant funds will be used, not the headquarters, corporate office, or other office of the applicant. If the project includes multiple sites, include location information for all sites.

6 This website will be used to determine whether a project is in an urban or rural area:

https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/tigerweb2020/.

7 A project located in both an urban and a rural area will be designated as urban if the majority of the project’s costs will be spent in urban areas. Conversely, a project located in both an urban area and a rural area will be designated as rural if most of the project’s costs will be spent in rural areas. For development phase, planning, or research projects, the location of the project being planned, prepared, or designed will be used for the urban or rural designation.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.333 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.333 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.333 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-section55601&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Ni1jaGFwdGVyNTU2LWZyb250%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/tigerweb2020/

This section should also clearly identify whether the project is located in a Qualified Opportunity…