MSHA Brookwood-Sago FOA.pdf

Attachment 1

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT (FOA) FOR: Brookwood- Sago Mine Safety Grants (Brookwood-Sago Grants)

BROOKWOOD - SAGO GRANTS

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: New

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: FOA-BS-2026-1

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 17.603

KEY DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is August 31, 2026. MSHA must receive applications via Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT August 31, 2026.

Grants.gov explains how to apply electronically. Interested parties can locate the downloadable application package using the Assistance Listing Number 17.603 or the Funding Opportunity Number FOA-BS-2026-1.

Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time-stamped electronically. Within two business days, applicants will receive two emails:

1. A submission receipt confirmation; and

2. A submission validation OR a submission rejection message.

The submission receipt confirmation email will contain a tracking number, which allows applicants to check their applications’ status. See “Track My Application” at grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/track-my-application/. The web page also links to Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding applications.

Applications must be fully uploaded and validated by the Grants.gov system before the application deadline.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/track-my-application/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

C. OTHER INFORMATION

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

C. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

D. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. EVALUATION CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR FY 2026 GRANTS

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT AND AWARD DATES

C. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

D. REPORTING

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

VIII. OMB INFORMATION COLLECTION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL, the Department, or we), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA or the Agency), is providing notice of the availability of up to $250,000 in grant funds for education and training programs to help the mining community identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe and unhealthy working conditions in and around mines.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

The program uses grant funds to establish and implement education and training programs, to create training materials and programs, or both. Section 14 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act) requires the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to give priority to mine safety demonstrations and pilot projects with broad applicability. The MINER Act also mandates that the Secretary emphasize programs and materials that target miners in smaller mines, including training mine operators and miners about new MSHA standards, high-risk activities, and other identified safety hazards.

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

The authority for this program is 30 U.S.C. § 965.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

MSHA will award up to $250,000 for this grant program. The minimum award for an individual grant is $50,000 and the maximum award is $250,000. Applicants requesting less than $50,000 or more than $250,000 for a 12-month performance period will not be considered.

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The performance period for these grants is 12 months and will begin when the grant is awarded.

Under 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(g)(2), MSHA may approve one no-cost extension of the period of performance upon reviewing the success of the project and other relevant factors, as determined by the Agency.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Applicants may be states, territories and tribal governments (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Federally recognized tribes) and public or private nonprofit entities. Eligible entities may apply for funding independently or in partnership with other eligible organizations. For partnerships, a lead organization must be identified.

Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are any eligible organizations, subject to any applicable constitutional, statutory, and regulatory protections and requirements. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization’s religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence from the Government and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience protections in Federal law.

Applicants other than states; territories; tribal governments; and higher education institutions supported by state, local, territorial, or tribal governments will be required to submit evidence of nonprofit status, preferably from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A nonprofit entity as described in 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible for a grant award. See 2 U.S.C. § 1611.

The following organizations may apply:

• State governments

• County governments

• City or township governments

• Special district governments

• Territorial governments

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, (other than institutions of higher education, including faith-based organizations, labor organizations, and unions)

B. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

This program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds.

C. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Number of Applications

MSHA may award up to five grants. An applicant may submit multiple applications, and MSHA will select the applications that are most advantageous in meeting the goals of this program.

2. Eligible Participants

For training provided by grantees, eligible participants are mine operators, miners (including contractors), and prospective miners.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

This announcement includes all information, including forms, regulations, and links needed to apply for this funding opportunity. The full application is available through the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov.

Applicants must apply for this funding opportunity through the Grants.gov website. If applying online poses a hardship, please notify MSHA as early as possible. Upon request, MSHA will provide applicants with all required materials and help applicants submit applications online.

Contact MSHA’s Educational Policy and Development staff for additional information. See Agency Contacts in Part VII.

1. Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

This FOA is available at https://www.grants.gov and contains all the information and links needed to apply for grant funding. Click the “Search Grants” tab, enter the Funding Opportunity Number or Assistance Listing number, and click the search button. The Funding Opportunity number is FOA-BS-2026-1 and the Assistance Listing number is 17.603. If an applicant has problems downloading the application package from Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Applicant Support center by clicking on the “Support Center” widget and selecting the “Ask Grant” Chatbot, or receive one-on-one assistance at “Create a Ticket” under “Self-Help Knowledge Base” at “How to Get Help When Using the Grants.gov System – Grants.gov Community Blog (wordpress.com)” https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2021/07/07/how-to-get-help-when-using-the-grants-gov-system/ https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2021/07/07/how-to-get-help-when-using-the-grants-gov-system/

2. FOA Modifications

MSHA will post any modifications to this announcement on Grants.gov. For applicants who request a paper copy of this FOA or notify MSHA regarding hardship in applying online, MSHA will notify applicants of any modifications to the announcement using the contact information provided.

3. Questions

Questions relating to the registration process, system requirements, or the submittal process should be directed to Grants.gov by email at support@grants.gov.

Questions related to this announcement should be submitted to the MSHA’s Educational Policy and Development staff listed in Part VII.

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

The applicant must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (OMB Control No.

4040-0004, Exp. Date: 03/31/2029). The SF-424 must identify the applicant and be signed by an individual with the authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF-424 on behalf of the applicant shall be considered the representative of the applicant.

To apply for or receive Federal grants, all organizations must have both a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

a. Requirement for Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Under 2 C.F.R. § 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a federal grant is required to include a UEI with its application. There is no charge for obtaining a UEI number. Applicants must register for a UEI at www.SAM.gov. If your entity was registered at SAM.gov, your UEI has been assigned and is viewable at SAM.gov.

b. Requirement for Registration with System for Award Management (SAM)

Every applicant must register with SAM before submitting their application. Instructions for registering are available at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/. A SAM registration is distinct from obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI). For more information, visit What's the difference between only getting a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and registering your entity?

mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2FSAM%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPolat.Elif.E%40dol.gov%7Cf40de82c5a8a4c79888508dceeddd425%7C75a6305472044e0c9126adab971d4aca%7C0%7C0%7C638647883714821255%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yITsQggYK2GrviLyb8K8ADshDk0BGHyC3x8FtWroU3U%3D&reserved=0 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214

Every applicant and grant recipient must maintain a current and active SAM registration at all times during which they have an active Federal grant or a pending application. The applicant or recipient must review and update its profile information in SAM.gov annually (measured from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates) to ensure the information is current, accurate, and complete. If an organization’s profile contains inaccurate or outdated information, or its SAM registration expires, the registration will become inactive. No awards or payments can be processed while the registration is in inactive status. See 2 C.F.R. § 25.200(b)(2).

MSHA will only award grants and process payments to organizations that are registered and in good standing in SAM, i.e., have an active SAM registration.

2. Program Budget and Forms

The applicant must complete the SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (OMB Control No. 4040-0006, Exp. Date: 06/30/2028). The Budget Information Form is available at grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-individual-family. In preparing the Budget Information Form, provide a concise narrative explanation to support the budget request, explained in detail below.

a. Budget Narrative

The applicant must provide a clear and detailed explanation of the request for funds. The explanation should show how the requested Federal funds will be allocated to each activity outlined in the proposal and explain how any administrative costs will support the program’s goals. Administrative costs may be charged as direct or indirect costs.

Direct costs are those costs “that can be identified specifically with a particular final cost objective, such as a Federal award.” See 2 C.F.R. § 200.413.

Indirect costs are those that cannot be directly linked to a specific project but are essential for the overall operation of the organization. To prevent misunderstandings, the grantee may seek prior written approval for indirect costs, including any special or unusual costs, from their cognizant agency or from MSHA (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.407).

For indirect costs, the organization must use the applicable indirect cost rate negotiated with the cognizant agency (as defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.1). This rate is used to calculate indirect costs based on the modified total direct costs (MTDCs), as defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.1. If eligible, the de minimis rate, capped at 15%, may also be used. List the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. Indirect cost rates, including the de minimis rate, follow the rules in 2 C.F.R. § 200.414.

If the applicant expects to generate program income, this should be included in the budget explanation. Program income is the gross income earned by the grantee that directly results from a funded activity or the award itself.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-individual-family

b. Identify Costs

MSHA authorizes grantees to use FY 2026 appropriated funds for allowable, allocable, and reasonable expenses incurred by the grantee or any of its contractors.

Cost Category Description

Personnel List all staff positions by staff name, title and role in the proposed budget. For each position give the annual salary, the percentage of time devoted to the program, a detailed description of their proposed duties, and the amount of each position’s salary funded by the grant.

Fringe Benefits Provide a breakdown of the amounts of fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement, etc.

Travel For grantee staff only, specify the purpose, number of staff traveling, mileage, per diem, estimated number of in-state and out-of-state trips, and other costs for each type of travel.

Equipment Identify each item of equipment you expect to purchase that has an estimated acquisition cost of $10,000 or more per unit (or if your capitalization level is less than $10,000, use your capitalization level) and a useful lifetime of more than one year (2 C.F.R. § 200.1 for the definition of Equipment). List the item, quantity, and the unit cost per item. Items with a unit cost of less than $10,000 are supplies, not “equipment.”

Supplies Identify categories of supplies (e.g., office supplies) in the detailed budget and list the item, quantity, and the unit cost per item. Supplies include all tangible personal property other than equipment (2 C.F.R. §

200.1 for the definition of Supplies).

Contractual Under the Contractual line item, delineate contracts separately.

Contracts are defined according to 2 C.F.R. § 200.1 as a legal instrument by which a non-Federal entity purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. For each proposed contract, specify the purpose and activities to be provided and the estimated cost.

Construction Construction costs are not allowed, and this line must be left as zero.

Minor alterations to adjust an existing space for grant activities (such as a classroom alteration) may be allowable. We do not consider this as construction, and you must show the costs on other appropriate lines such as Contractual.

Note that the SF-424, SF-424A, and Budget Narrative must include the entire Federal grant amount requested. Applicants should list the same requested Federal grant amount on the SF- 424, SF-424A, and Budget Narrative. If minor inconsistencies are found between the budget amounts specified on the SF-424, SF-424A, and the Budget Narrative, MSHA will consider the SF-424 the official funding amount requested.

3. Technical Proposal

The technical proposal should show how the applicant can plan and implement a training program or create educational materials that meet the goals of this grant. The Department of Labor’s goal is to fund education and training programs to better identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The Brookwood-Sago Grants support these objectives. MSHA’s focus for these grants is effective emergency response and recovery training in various types of mine conditions. MSHA is interested in programs that focus on training miners on workplace safety, including training miners and employers about new MSHA standards, high-risk activities, or hazards identified by MSHA.

Special attention will be given to programs that target miners at new, newly opened, and smaller mines, or create training and compliance assistance programs to assist new operators.

The President declared a National Energy Emergency to increase the production of energy and the mining of critical minerals.0F

1 The President also directed the appropriate federal agencies to take immediate actions to facilitate an increase in mineral production.1F

2 On April 8, 2025, the President amended Exec. Order No. 14241 to declare coal a critical mineral.2F

3 The Department of Energy published a list of critical materials for energy (Federal Register :: Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals) and the Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey published a list of critical minerals, What are Critical Minerals? | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov). The declared national emergency was extended for one year on January 12, 2026.3F

4 In response to these executive actions, the mining industry may experience increases in the reopening of idled mines and development of new mines. With these increases, new and innovative programs to train new miners or retrain experienced miners are vital, as are those targeted at new or smaller operators.

Grant recipients will be required to submit the following performance data at the end of each quarter, to demonstrate how their program supports MSHA’s mission to prevent death, illness, and injury from mining and promote safe and healthy workplaces for U.S. miners:

a. Number of trainers trained;

b. Number of mine operators and miners trained;

c. Number of training events held;

d. Number of training days delivered to the mining industry;

e. Evaluations of trainers and training materials; and

f. A description of training materials created, including target audience, goals, and

1 Exec. Order No. 14156 - Declaring a National Energy Emergency (2025).

2 Exec. Order No. 14241- Immediate Measures To Increase American Mineral Production (2025).

3 Exec. Order No. 14261- Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241 (2025).

4 Notice of January 12, 2026, Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Energy, 91 Fed. Reg. 1667- 68 (2026).

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/07/2025-19813/final-2025-list-of-critical-minerals https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/07/2025-19813/final-2025-list-of-critical-minerals https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/what-are-critical-minerals-0 usability in mine training.

The technical proposal must not exceed 12 single-sided, double-spaced pages using a 12-point font. Any pages beyond this limit will not be reviewed. Attachments are not included in the page count. Major sections and sub-sections should be clearly divided and labeled. The following sections must be included:

a. Program Design

1. Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. Applicants must identify a specific need for the proposed activities, such as offering a training program or creating educational materials. Applicants should also state how many individuals will benefit from the program, specifying the types of mines, the geographic areas involved, and the number of miners and mine operators expected to participate.

A. Quality of the Program Design

Applicants must provide a 12-month work plan that matches the grant period, starting no later than [TBD] and ending no later than [TBD].

B. Plan Overview

Describe the plan for the grant activities, including expected outcomes. This plan should cover things like developing educational materials, the content of the training, recruiting trainees, where and how training will be delivered, and the expected benefits for miners and mine operators.

C. Activities

Break the plan into tasks or activities for each quarter. For each activity, explain what will be done, who will do it, when it will happen, and the expected outcome.

For training, describe the types of training, length, subjects taught, and locations (e.g., classrooms or worksites). Explain how you will recruit mine operators and miners. If you plan to use commercially developed training materials, MSHA must review for technical accuracy and suitability before use.

D. Quarterly Projections

Provide estimates for the number of trainings and the number of miners and mine operators who will be trained each quarter. Also, provide total estimates for the entire year. These projections will be used to measure actual performance. A quarterly program report is due 30 days after each quarter ends. If the program includes a train-the-trainer program, estimate how many people the trainers will train during the grant period. Only include these second-tier training numbers if you plan to follow up with trainers to get this information.

E. Materials

Describe the educational and training materials that will be produced. Provide a timetable, including milestones, for developing and producing the materials. The timetable must include provisions for an MSHA review of draft and camera-ready products. MSHA must review and approve educational or training materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content before use in the grant program. MSHA also must evaluate any equipment for technical accuracy and suitability of content before its use in the grant program. Regardless of whether an applicant’s program is to develop training materials only, the applicant should provide an overall plan that includes time for MSHA to review any materials produced.

b. Qualifications of the Applicant

1. Applicant’s Background

Describe the applicant, including its mission and a description of its membership, if any.

Provide an organizational chart (the chart may be included as a separate page which will not count toward the page limit). Identify the following:

• Program Director: The person responsible for daily operations. Include their name, title, address, phone number, and email.

• Certifying Representative or Authorizing Organization Representative (AOR):

The official who can enter into grant agreements. Provide their name, title, address, phone number, and email.

2. Administrative and Program Capability

Briefly describe the organization’s functions and internal controls. If the organization has received other government grants, provide details about them, including the organizations that provided the grants and their dollar amounts. If the organization has no previous grant experience, it may partner with an experienced organization. Lack of federal grant experience is not a disqualifier, but the applicant should demonstrate relevant success in similar opportunities. Such experience could also include staff members’ experiences with other organizations.

3. Program Experience

Describe the applicant’s experience running the proposed mine training program or other safety and health programs. Include details such as program names, the number of people trained, and the length of training. Such experience could include staff members’ experience in recruiting/training miners, designing training materials, and managing educational programs. If creating materials, include the titles of previously developed materials. Nonprofit organizations, including community-based and faith-based organizations that do not have mine safety experience can partner with an established mine safety organization to gain expertise. If doing so, also describe the partner organization’s experience.

4. Staff Experience

Describe the qualifications of the staff who will be assigned to the program. Attach resumes of staff members already employed (resumes do not count toward the page limit).

If some positions are vacant, include job descriptions and minimum qualifications.

c. Evaluations

There are two types of evaluations that must be conducted:

1. Training and Material Evaluation: How will training and materials be evaluated to meet the data requirements?

2. Long-Term Effectiveness: How will the long-term effectiveness of the training or materials be assessed? This might involve follow-up evaluations or on-site reviews to see if miners are using what they learned to improve safety and health in their workplace.

For training materials, include an evaluation from individuals trained on the clarity of the presentation, organization, and the quality of the information provided on the subject matter and whether they would continue to use the training materials. Include timetables for follow-up and for submitting a summary of the assessment results to MSHA.

MSHA will review and rate the technical proposal in accordance with the criteria specified in Part V.

4. Abstract

The abstract should be a 1-2 page summary of the proposed program. It must include:

A. The applicant organization’s full legal name and address;

B. The amount of federal funding requested;

C. The grant topic and the location and number of mine operators and miners to be trained or a description of the training materials or equipment to be developed with the funds; and

D. A summary of the proposed program, including key points like program activities, milestones, and expected outcomes. Mention any innovative activities or broad applications of the training program.

5. Supplemental Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities

All applicants must comply with 29 C.F.R. Part 93 and provide a certification using SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (OMB Control No. 4040-0013, Exp. Date: 06/30/2028).

6. Evidence of Non-Profit Status

Applicants other than states; territories; tribal governments; and higher education institutions supported by state, local, territorial, or tribal governments will be required to submit evidence of nonprofit status, preferably from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

7. Accounting System Certification

Under 2 C.F.R. § 200.208, a new applicant that receives less than $1,000,000 annually in Federal grants must attach a certification stating that the organization has a functioning accounting system that meets the criteria below. The certification should attest that the organization’s accounting system provides for the following:

a. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federally sponsored program.

b. Records that adequately identify the source and application of funds for Federally sponsored activities.

c. Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets.

d. Comparison of outlays with budget amounts.

e. Written procedures to minimize the time between transfers of funds.

f. Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, allocability, and allowability of costs.

g. Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are supported by source documentation.

C. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

The Brookwood-Sago Grants are not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

D. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

MSHA will determine whether costs are allowable under the applicable Federal cost principles identified in Part VI.C. and other conditions contained in the grant award.

1. Allowable Costs

Grant funds may be spent on conducting training and outreach, developing educational materials, recruiting activities (including increasing the number of participants in the program), and on necessary expenses to support these activities. Allowable costs are determined by the applicable

Federal cost principles identified in Part VI.C, which are attachments in the application package.

These documents are also located on www.msha.gov: (select “Training,” click on “Training Programs and Courses,” then select “Administrative Standards and Provisions”) or at Administrative Standards and Provisions | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Paper copies of the material may be obtained by contacting MSHA. See Contacts in Part VII.

2. Program Income

If an applicant expects to earn program income during the grant, the application must include an estimate of the income. Program income must be reported quarterly. Program income is the gross income earned by the grantee that is directly generated by a supported activity or as a result of the award. Program income earned during the grant period must be kept by the grantee, added to the grant funds, and used for the same purposes and conditions as the grant funds. See 2 C.F.R.

§§ 200.1 and 200.307.

3. Unallowable Costs

Grant funds may not be used for the following:

a. Activities that do not align with the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

b. Training on topics that are not targeted by this funding opportunity.

c. Purchasing equipment unless pre-approved in writing by the MSHA grant officer.

d. Direct administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total grant budget.

e. Indirect costs exceeding 15% of the modified total direct cost (as defined in 2 C.F.R.

§ 200.1), or the grantee’s Federally negotiated indirect cost rate of reimbursement.

f. Any pre-award costs.

g. Building an information technology (IT) system. If a learning management system is proposed, an existing system from a partner institution or MSHA grantee must be used. DOL prefers systems built with reusable, open-source software to make them freely available to the mining or other industries.

Unallowable costs also include any cost determined by MSHA as not allowed according to the applicable cost principles or other conditions in the grant.

4. MSHA Review of Educational Materials

MSHA will review all educational and training materials produced by grantees for technical accuracy and content suitability during development and before final publication. Grantees must comply with copyright laws and provide written certification that their materials do not infringe on any copyrights.

Grantees must submit copies of their completed materials to MSHA before the end of the grant http://www.msha.gov/ https://www.msha.gov/training/brookwood-sago-mine-safety-grants/administrative-standards-and-provisions period. Grantees must submit two hard copies and a digital version of the materials, as applicable, for publication on the MSHA website. Per 2 C.F.R. § 2900.13, grantees must develop educational and training materials in a format readily accessible and available for open licensing to the public. Acceptable digital formats include Microsoft Word, PDF, PowerPoint, or any format agreed upon by MSHA.

Grantees must also provide details about the IT platforms and software used in each training project, including the types of licenses. If open-source software is used, the grantee must provide:

1. The open-source software licenses;

2. Whether any code was modified;

3. Whether the project includes source or binary code and where it is located;

4. Whether proprietary code is included and where it is linked; and

5. Any instructions, such as installation guides and notices. For instance, if a project uses a Copyleft license, General Public License (GPL), the final product must include the source or binary code with the product or as an attachment, along with other required notices.

5. License

As outlined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.315, the Department of Labor has a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or use any work created or owned under a grant for Federal purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, curricula, training models, technical assistance products, and related materials. Such uses include, but are not limited to, the right to modify and distribute such products or data for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to use such products or data.

If a grantee purchases a license or copyrighted materials without Federal funds, the grantee is bound by the intellectual property rights of that specific license or purchase. Any work created by the grantee without grant or program income funds is not subject to this licensing requirement.

6. Acknowledgment of Printed Materials

All grant-funded materials approved by MSHA must include this disclaimer:

“This material was produced under grant number XXXXX from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.”

When issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, or other documents funded in whole or in part with Federal money, grantees must clearly state:

a. The percentage of the total project or program costs covered by Federal funds;

b. The dollar amount of Federal funding for the project or program; and

c. The percentage and dollar amount of the total project or program costs covered by non-governmental sources.

7. Use of U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and MSHA Logos

With written permission from MSHA, the USDOL or the MSHA logo may be applied to grant -funded materials. The grantees must contact MSHA, in writing, to request this written permission.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. EVALUATION CRITERIA

MSHA will screen all applications to determine whether all required proposal elements are present and identifiable. Applications that do not comply with these requirements will not be evaluated. The technical panel will review grant applications using the following criteria: the completeness of the applicant’s program design, budget, overall qualifications, and evaluations.

Criteria Points (maximum) Program Design 40 points Budget and Budget Narrative 20 points

Qualifications of the Applicant 25 points Evaluations 15 points TOTAL 100 points

Program Design (40 Points Total)

a. Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds (3 points)

The proposed training and education program or training materials must address effective emergency response and recovery training in various types of mine conditions.

b. Quality of the Program Design (25 points)

i. Training estimate The proposal must estimate the number and types of mine operators/miners to be trained.

ii. Train-the-Trainer Program

Provide details on (a) support for new trainers; (b) the number of trainers to be trained; (c) the number of courses conducted by trainers; (d) Estimated students trained, and how the grantee will collect data.

iii. Work Plan Activities and Training

The planned activities and training are tailored to the needs and levels of the mine operators and miners to be trained. Any special constituency to be served through the grant program is described, e.g., new mines, newly opened mines, smaller mines, etc.

(a) If the proposal includes developing training materials, the work plan must include time during development for MSHA to review the educational materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content.

(b) The utility of the educational materials is described.

(c) The outreach or process to find mine operators, miners, or trainees to receive the training is described.

c. Replication (4 points)

The potential for a program to serve a variety of mine operators, miners, or mine sites, or the extent others may replicate the program.

d. Innovation (3 points)

The originality and uniqueness of the approach used.

e. MSHA’s Performance Goals (5 points)

The extent the proposed program will contribute to MSHA’s performance data.

Budget (20 Points Total)

a. Budget Presentation (15 points)

The budget should be clear and detailed. No more than 15 percent of the total budget is for direct administrative costs. Indirect costs do not exceed 15 percent of the modified total direct costs or the grantee’s Federally negotiated indirect cost rate of reimbursement. Must comply with Federal cost principles and MSHA requirements.

b. Financial Management (5 points)

The application demonstrates that the applicant has strong financial management and internal control systems.

Overall Qualifications of the Applicant (25 Points Total)

a. Grant Experience (6 points)

Experience administering Federal, state, or other grants, or with staff experienced in administering grants.

b. Mine Safety and Health Training Experience (13 points)

Applicants experience in mine safety, teaching mine safety, or providing mine safety educational programs. Staff experience in recruiting/training miners, designing training materials, and managing educational programs.

c. Management (6 points)

Applicants demonstrate internal control and management oversight of the program.

Evaluations (15 Points Total)

Evaluation Plan Proposals should include plans to evaluate progress, training, program effectiveness, and impact on workplace safety. Plan to follow-up with trainees to assess program impact, reducing miner illnesses and injuries.

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR FY 2026 GRANTS

A technical panel will rate each complete application against the criteria described in this FOA.

One or more applicants may be selected as grantees based on the initial application submission, or a minimally acceptable number of points may be established. MSHA may request final revisions to the applications and then evaluate the revised applications. MSHA may consider any information that comes to its attention in evaluating the applications.

The panel recommendations are advisory in nature. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, or their designee, will make a final selection determination based on what is most advantageous to the government, considering factors such as panel findings, geographic presence of the applicants, the areas to be served, Agency priorities, and the best value to the government. All else being equal, preference for an award may be given to applicants with lower indirect cost rates. The Assistant Secretary’s, or designee’s determination for award under this FOA is final.

Prior to issuance, and annually thereafter, awards will be subject to review by one or more DOL senior officials, or their designees, in accordance with the process described in Executive Order 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking.4F

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

Before September 30, 2026, organizations selected as potential grant recipients will be notified by a representative of the Assistant Secretary. Selection as a potential grant recipient does not necessarily constitute approval of the grant application as submitted (revisions may be required).

Before the actual grant award and the announcement of the award, MSHA may enter into negotiations with the potential grant recipient concerning such matters as program components, staffing and funding levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result in an acceptable submittal, the Assistant Secretary reserves the right to terminate the negotiations and decline to fund the proposal.

MSHA will notify all applicants whether they will be awarded a grant. An applicant whose proposal is not selected will be notified in writing. Unsuccessful applicants may request a written debriefing – an explanation from the agency as to why the grant was not selected.

B. ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT AND AWARD DATES

Announcement of the awards is expected to occur before September 30, 2026. The grant agreement will be signed no later than September 30, 2026.

C. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

1. Administrative Program Requirements

All grantees will be subject to applicable Federal laws and regulations (including provisions of appropriations law) and applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. The grants awarded under this program will be subject to the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable:

5 Exec. Order No. 14332, “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking,” § 4(b)(iii), 90 Fed. Reg. 38929, 38931 (Aug. 7, 2025).

a. 2 C.F.R. Part 25, Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

b. 2 C.F.R. Part 170, Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information

c. 2 C.F.R. Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons

d. 2 C.F.R. Part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) (Nov. 15, 2006)

e. 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

f. 2 C.F.R. Part 2900, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

g. 2 C.F.R. Part 2998, Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension

h. 29 C.F.R. Part 2, Subpart D, Equal Treatment in Department of Labor Programs for Faith-Based and Community Organizations; Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries

i. 29 C.F.R. Part 31, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Labor—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

j. 29 C.F.R. Part 32, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

k. 29 C.F.R. Part 33, Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Labor

l. 29 C.F.R. Part 35, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the Department of Labor

m. 29 C.F.R. Part 36, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

n. 29 C.F.R. Part 93, New Restrictions on Lobbying

o. 29 C.F.R. Part 94, Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)

p. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 31.2, Contracts with Commercial Organizations (Codified at 48 C.F.R. Subpart 31.2)

q. Exec. Order No. 14332, “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking,” 90 Fed. Reg. 38929 (Aug. 7, 2025).

Except as specifically provided, MSHA’s acceptance of a proposal or MSHA’s award of Federal funds to sponsor any program does not constitute a waiver of any grant requirement or procedure. For example, if an application identifies a specific contractor to provide certain services, the MSHA award does not constitute a justification to sole source the procurement (to avoid competition).

2. Other Legal Requirements

a. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance.

The government generally is prohibited from providing direct Federal financial assistance for inherently religious activities. See 29 C.F.R. Part 2, subpart D. Grants under this solicitation may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing, or other inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the selection of grantees and must be employed by grantees in the selection of contractors and subcontractors. As stated in Section IV.B.3.b.3, community and faith-based nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant. If they do not have prior experience in mine safety, the nonprofit organization may partner with an established mine safety organization to acquire safety expertise.

A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial assistance to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities except where consistent with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and any other applicable requirements. An organization receiving Federal financial assistance also may not, in providing services funded by DOL, or in conducting outreach activities related to such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.

After receiving an award, under 29 C.F.R. § 2.34(a), a grantee must give written notice to beneficiaries and prospective beneficiaries that it will not discriminate on the basis of religion, a religious belief, or refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice. The required language for the written notice to beneficiaries and prospective beneficiaries is outlined in Appendix C to 29 C.F.R. part 2, subpart D.

b. Freedom of Information

Any information submitted in response to this FOA will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C § 552 et seq., as appropriate.

c. Record Retention

The recipient must follow Federal guidelines on record retention, which require a recipient to maintain all records pertaining to grant activities for a period of at least three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.334.

D. REPORTING

Grantees are required by DOL regulations to submit financial and performance reports, as described below. Grantees also are required to submit final reports no later than 120 calendar days after the end of the grant period.

1. Financial Reports

The grantee must submit financial reports on a quarterly basis. This system uses the government-wide SF-425, Federal Financial Report (OMB Control No. 4040-0014, Exp. Date: 06/30/2028), to report the status of all funds awarded, and, if applicable, program income received and expended during the funding period. All reports are due no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period.

2. Performance Reports

A grantee must submit quarterly technical reports no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter. The technical report provides both quantitative and qualitative information and a narrative assessment of performance under the grant. This report will contain the following information:

a. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period, including any significant or innovative activities.

b. An evaluation of the impact or results of the program’s activities.

c. Description of any significant developments or problems affecting the organization’s ability to accomplish the work.

d. Reasons for any objectives not met.

e. The performance data required by Part IV.B.3.

f. The performance measures required by Part IV.D.6.

3. Interim Reporting

Between reporting dates, the grantee shall immediately inform MSHA of significant developments or problems affecting the organization’s ability to accomplish work.

3. Final Report

No later than 120 days after the end of the grant period, each grantee must provide a final performance and financial report, a summary of its progress (including performance data), and an evaluation report.

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Program Office:

Elif Evrim Polat Grants Management Specialist Educational Policy and Development Mine Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20210

(202) 693-9570 Polat.Elif.E@dol.gov

Ursula A. Frazier Management Officer Educational Policy and Development Mine Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20210

(202) 693-9883 Frazier.Ursula@dol.gov

Grants Office:

Shundreka R Mims-Randolph Supervisory Grants Management Specialist/Grant Officer Office of Compliance Review Directorate of Administration and Management Mine Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20210

(202) 693-9358 Mimsrandolph.Shundreka.R@dol.gov

The telephone numbers listed above are not toll-free numbers.

mailto:Polat.Elif.E@dol.gov mailto:Frazier.Ursula@dol.gov mailto:Mimsrandolph.Shundreka.R@dol.gov

VIII. OMB INFORMATION COLLECTION

This FOA requests information from applicants. This collection of information is approved under OMB Collection No. 1225-0086 (Exp. Date: June 30, 2028).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 18 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering, and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

Each recipient who receives a grant award will be required to submit four performance and a final report to MSHA. MSHA estimates that each report will take two and one-half hours to prepare.

Send comments about the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, to the attention of the Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N1301, Washington, D.C. 20210. Comments may also be emailed to DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR GRANT APPLICATION TO THIS ADDRESS.

SEND ONLY COMMENTS ABOUT THE BURDEN CAUSED BY THE COLLECTION OF

INFORMATION TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND YOUR GRANT APPLICATION TO THE

SPONSORING AGENCY AS SPECIFIED EARLIER IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

This information is being collected for the purpose of…