TAG_Final for Posting.pdf

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities:

Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

NOFO Posted Date: May 18, 2026 Applications Due Date: June 19, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST Questions Due Date: June 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST

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

Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to register for an account with FedConnect at www.fedconnect.net before applying. FedConnect is a messaging platform where applicants can communicate directly with PHMSA. Your organization’s Marketing Partner ID Number (MPIN), which can be retrieved from SAM, is required to create an account. For instructions on how to register in FedConnect and how it works, click on the link to access the FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go! Tutorial on the FedConnect home page..

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA)

20.710 “Technical Assistance Grants”

PHMSA NOFO Number

693JK326NF0004

U.S. Department of Transportation

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration https://grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://www.fedconnect.net/ https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf

NOFO: 693JK326NF0004

U.S. DOT/PHMSA Page 2 of 15 Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A – BASIC INFORMATION

A.1 Funding A.2 Period of Performance A.3 Type of Award

SECTION B – ELIGIBILITY

B.1 Eligible Applicants B.2 Cost Sharing or Matching B.3 Funding Restrictions

SECTION C – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

C.1 Statement of Purpose C.2 Statute and Program Authority

SECTION D – APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

D.1 Address to Request Application Package D.2 Content and Forms for Application Submission

SECTION E – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

E.1 Submission Dates and Times E.2 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

SECTION F – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

F.1 Criteria F.2 Review and Selection Process F.3 Risk Review

SECTION G – AWARD NOTICES

G.1 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates G.2 Federal Award Notices

SECTION H – POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

H.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements H.2 Reporting Requirements

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SECTION A – BASIC INFORMATION

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

Funding Opportunity Title: “Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity:

Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities:

Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program”

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: 693JK326NF0004

Assistance Listing Program Number: 20.710

NOFO Posted Date: May 18, 2026 Application Due Date: June 19, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST Questions Due Date: June 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST

Executive Summary

The TAG Program is intended to allow local communities and groups of individuals to obtain funding for technical assistance in the form of engineering or other scientific analysis of pipeline safety issues, including the promotion of public participation on technical pipeline safety issues.

A.1 Funding

PHMSA expects to award $2,001,304 to support the FY 2026 TAG Program. Applications should propose no more than $100,000 for a single recipient. In addition, PHMSA is seeking applications for a single $1,000,000 award for the purpose of improving the quality of technical assistance provided to communities or individuals. Please see Section B.1 for eligibility requirements.

A.2 Period of Performance

The period of performance is 12 months from the effective date of award for each grant.

Applicants should only request funds for projects that can be completed within the period of performance.

A.3 Type of Award

This is a discretionary grant award.

Agency Contact Information

Questions related to the content of this funding opportunity should be submitted via e-mail to the

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program contacts below or via the Message Center in FedConnect if your organization is registered there.

For issues or questions related to FedConnect, please e-mail fcsupport@unisonglobal.com.

Applicants can also submit questions through the portal on their website or call 1-800-899-6665, option 2.

If an applicant has technical difficulties submitting the application through grants.gov, the applicant should contact grants.gov at 800-518-4726 or e-mail support@grants.gov, as well as contact Dwayne.Cross@dot.gov.

Grant Agreement Officer Dwayne Cross Acquisition Services Division Phone: 202-366-4429 E-mail: dwayne.cross@dot.gov

SECTION B – ELIGIBILITY

B.1 Eligible Applicants

Applicants for the TAG must be local communities or groups of individuals (not including for-profit- entities) related to the safety of pipeline facilities in local communities, other than facilities regulated under Public Law 93-153 (43 U.S.C. § 1651 et seq.). Eligible applicants include cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes, parishes, townships, and similar governmental subdivisions, or consortiums of such subdivisions, and groups of individuals; this does not include for-profit entities. States, universities, and for-profit entities are not eligible for TAG funding. An “eligible applicant” for the single $1,000,000 award is a nonprofit entity that:

(A) is a public safety advocate; (B) has pipeline safety expertise; (C) is able to provide individuals and communities with technical assistance; and (D) was established with funds designated for the purpose of community service through the implementation of section 3553 of Title 18 relating to violations of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601.

TAG recipients from previous years are eligible to apply for a FY 2026 TAG; however, applications should be for new projects and not for renewal or supplementation of existing projects.

Applicants awarded Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 TAG funding may not subcontract with or otherwise receive TAG funding from other FY 2025 TAG recipients for purposes of performing work under the FY 2026 TAG program.

B.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

There are no requirements for cost-sharing or matching.

mailto:fcsupport@unisonglobal.com mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:Dwayne.Cross@dot.gov mailto:dwayne.cross@dot.gov

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

B.3 Funding Restrictions

49 U.S.C. § 60130(b) prohibits TAG funding from being used for lobbying, for direct advocacy for or against a pipeline construction or expansion project, or in direct support of litigation. TAG funding may also not be used for other pipeline policy matters or for activities associated with regulatory compliance or typical operations and maintenance of pipeline facilities.

Grant recipients must separately obtain PHMSA’s written approval to fund pre-award costs consistent with 2 CFR § 200.458. While operators of non-profit municipal pipeline systems are considered communities and are eligible for a TAG, the funds must not be used for activities associated with regulatory compliance or typical operations and maintenance of pipeline facilities. This restriction includes compliance with pipeline safety integrity management regulations.

Some examples of prohibited activities include:

• Expenses claimed and/or reimbursed by another program.

• Expenses counted as match funds toward another Federal program.

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

If you are a non-profit municipal pipeline operator, funds cannot be used for regulatory compliance or routine operations and maintenance of pipeline facilities, including compliance with pipeline safety integrity management regulations.

SECTION C – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

C.1 Statement of Purpose

This funding opportunity is associated with Assistance Listing 20.710. Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is committed to supporting local technical assistance and deepening public understanding of pipeline design, construction, and operations. The Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program also equips communities to engage meaningfully with regulators when safety concerns arise. By fostering informed participation, the TAG Program contributes to a safer, more efficient transportation network that supports economic growth and overall well-being.

Since 2009, PHMSA has awarded more than $21,400,000 in TAG funding for more than 292 technical assistance projects. TAG awards have funded a broad range of activities, including improving local pipeline emergency response capabilities; improving safe digging or damage prevention programs; developing pipeline safety information resources; implementing local land use planning practices that enhance pipeline safety; and executing community and pipeline awareness campaigns. For summaries of past TAG projects, visit Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) | PHMSA (dot.gov). Please note that in the first two years of the TAG Program (2009 and https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title49-section60130&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458 https://sam.gov/workspace/assistance/fal/30d274baffb94f99b6ff6dd3dbb95f58/view https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/grants/pipeline/technical-assistance-grants-tag https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/grants/pipeline/technical-assistance-grants-tag

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

2010), PHMSA did not prohibit explicitly the use of funds for regulatory compliance or operations and maintenance by municipal operators.

C.2 Statute and Program Authority

The TAG Program is codified at 49 U.S.C. § 60130.

SECTION D – APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

PHMSA requires applicants for this funding opportunity to apply electronically through www.grants.gov. Applicants must download the application package associated with this funding opportunity.

The application package contains the required electronic forms and the ability to upload attachments for the budget narrative, budget justification, project narrative, assurances, and certifications. The applicant must submit the information outlined in the Application Guide in addition to the program-specific information below. If you are a hearing-impaired person, please contact FR/TTY at 1-800-877-8339 or e-mail PHMSA-Accessibility@dot.gov.

D.2 Content and Forms for Application Submission

Applicants must submit complete applications through www.grants.gov and must be registered on the site, a process that can take up to two weeks. For help with registration, contact www.grants.gov support.

Standard Forms

Each application must consist of the following required documents:

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

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

3. Certification Regarding Lobbying

4. Standard Title VI/Non-Discrimination Assurances

5. Budget Narrative and Estimates

6. Project Narrative

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

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title49-section60130&num=0&edition=prelim http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:PHMSA-Accessibility@dot.gov http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

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Budget Narrative Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of Project Funds – This budget must list the amount and percent of both the total Federal funding requested and any additional non-Federal funds, if any, that will be used to pay for the project.

The amounts requested for each budget category must be justified in a budget section under each project in applicant responses to this announcement. Budget narratives must address the following items:

• If your budget includes personnel costs, please include a complete breakdown, including personnel title/position, hourly rate, and the number of hours expected to be spent by each person on the proposed project.

• If your proposal includes travel costs, please include adequate details on how the cost has been calculated including travel fare, etc.

• If your proposal includes equipment costs, please include adequate details on how the cost has been calculated, including information on each specific equipment piece(s) required and their individual costs.

Applications that contain a request for indirect costs should include a budget narrative detailing the proposal for indirect costs, where allowable. The budget narrative should include a signed copy of the applicant’s approved negotiated rate agreement that is valid as of the date of the application, if this is not already on file with the PHMSA State Programs Division. If the applicant does not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement, the applicant may be eligible to charge a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent as provided by 2 CFR § 200.414.

Given the complexity of some aspects of the application process, technical assistance is available to help with the application process. Please contact the technical primary point of contact listed in Section I for technical assistance.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/grants/sharing-application-information-and-protection-confidential

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

SECTION E – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

E.1 Submission Dates and Times

Complete applications must be received electronically through grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EST on June 19, 2026. DO NOT PHYSICALLY MAIL ANY APPLICATIONS. Applications received after this deadline may not be considered. PHMSA will only accept one application per applicant.

Questions Due Date and Time: June 17, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. EST.

NOTE: All questions can be submitted via the Message Center in FedConnect or send questions to the Technical Point of Contact in Section A of this NOFO. PHMSA is not responsible for answering questions that are received after the Questions Due Date and Time.

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

Accessing Grant Systems

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

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

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

PHMSA may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time PHMSA is ready to make an award, PHMSA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. PHMSA recommends that applicants review the SAM database at www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ to ensure that their UEI number is updated and “active.”Each applicant is required to:

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.fedconnect.net/ https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf mailto:fcsupport@unisonglobal http://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

● Register in SAM (SAM.gov) before submitting their application.

● Provide a valid UEI in their application.

● Maintain an active SAM registration and UEI with current information when it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

SECTION F – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

F.1 Criteria

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

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

Merit Criteria

PHMSA developed merit criteria to rate and to select competing applications. Submission of an application is not a guarantee of an award. PHMSA may, at its discretion, award a grant based on an application in its entirety, award only portions of a grant based on an application, or not award a grant at all.

PHMSA will evaluate the extent to which the project will:

1. Establish clear goals and objectives that focus on pipeline development and operation without accidents or incidents.

2. Demonstrate the applicant’s experience with and commitment to advancing pipeline safety through fostering meaningful public involvement with affected operators and other key members of the community to ensure project success.

3. Align with the challenges and strategies for advancing pipeline safety and seek to improve performance and safety over time in areas such as engineering, damage prevention, land use planning, public awareness, education and outreach, emergency response, and community awareness.

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

4. For each planned project, PHMSA will evaluate how clearly the applicant establishes resources, milestones, and estimated project costs that align with project goals and objectives. Identify measurable results and deliverables and specify how results will be evaluated and disseminated to affected stakeholders. Applicants should use the following table format:

5. Provide the potential for learning or technology transfer to other groups and communities. In addition, PHMSA expects the proposed results of projects to be factual, unbiased, verifiable, and repeatable to the extent practicable.

Note: Applicants should also be aware that a grant award will not convey any authority to grant recipients to secure information or cooperation from pipeline operators or access to PHMSA data or data systems.

F.2 Review and Selection Process

Please thoroughly read the Review and Selection Process.

The Department intends to apply principles from DOT Order 2100.7 (Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and Activities) and DOT Order 2100.9 (Ensuring Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Activities) when evaluating applications and making award selections. To the maximum extent permitted by law, DOT will prioritize projects that are in alignment with the principles outlined in DOT Orders 2100.7 and 2100.9.

The Department seeks to fund projects that advance the priorities of this Administration as described in DOT’s mission statement and across executive orders.

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

F.3 Risk Review

Prior to making an award, PHMSA is required to review and consider any information about the responsibility and qualification of the applicant that is accessible through SAM (see 41 U.S.C. § 2313). An applicant may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding

Pipeline Safety Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Planned Output Measures

Output Measure Type What to Report Planned Target Cost

Proposed activity Project and Activity Objectives # of Planned Activities Expected Cost https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/grants/e2-review-and-selection-process https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-nondiscrimination-and-equal-opportunity-department-transportation-policies https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program agency previously entered. PHMSA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to any other information available in SAM, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards as part of the risk review required by 2 CFR § 200.206.

SECTION G – AWARD NOTICES

G.1 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Applicants chosen for funding will receive electronic notification of the Federal award. Upon notification, the applicant’s Authorized Representative must sign and return the award within the timeframe prescribed by PHMSA. PHMSA plans to make awards no later than September 30, 2026, with a proposed period of performance start date on the award agreement.

G.2 Federal Award Notices

PHMSA’s grant awarding official will award grants to responsible and eligible applicants, at its discretion, whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures outlined in this NOFO. Funds will be administered on a reimbursement basis. All funds provided by PHMSA must be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are awarded in accordance with the approved application and budget, regulations, terms and conditions of the award, applicable Federal cost principles, and DOT financial assistance regulations.

PHMSA intends to award multiple grants under this NOFO. PHMSA may, at its discretion, award a grant based on the application in its entirety, award funds for only portions of a grant application, or reject the application.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified that their application was not selected for funding.

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

1. The legal name and address of the recipient.

2. Title of project.

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

4. Federal Award Identification Number assigned by PHMSA.

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

6. Total amount of financial assistance approved for the project.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

7. Legal authority under which the award is issued.

8. Assistance Listing Program Number (formerly (CFDA).

9. Applicable award terms and conditions.

10. Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to accomplish the stated purpose of the award and other information or provisions deemed necessary by PHMSA.

SECTION H – POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

H.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

1. 49 U.S.C. § 60130 – Information Grants to Communities.

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

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

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

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

6. Compliance with Federal Law and Policies – The applicant assures and certifies, with respect to any application and awarded Project under this NOFO, that it will comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, policies, guidelines, and https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title49-section60130&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-20 https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-21 https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-32 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-32

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program requirements as they relate to the application, acceptance, and use of Federal funds.

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

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

To the extent a court order bars the implementation or enforcement of one or more of the provisions with respect to a particular applicant or recipient, the Department will not implement or enforce the relevant provision(s) against that applicant or recipient for as long as the order remains in place.

H.2 Reporting Requirements

Minimum reporting requirements are listed below and PHMSA may implement additional requirements, which will be outlined in the award agreement, for an “eligible applicant” (as defined in 49 U.S.C. § 60130(d)(2)) of an award over $100,000.

Mid-Term Progress Report(s) – Each grant recipient is required to submit a mid-term Federal Financial Report (Standard Form SF-425) and a progress report six months after the effective date of the grant award. The reports are to be submitted via e-mail to the Agreement Officer and Agreement Officer Representative; contact information will be available in the grant award.

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

1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period.

2. Where the output of the project can be quantified, a computation of the cost per unit of output.

3. Challenges and/or reasons for delays if established objectives were not met.

Final Reports – Grant recipients are required to submit a final Federal Financial Report (SF-425) and final progress report no later than 90 days after the performance period has ended.

The reports are to be submitted via e-mail to the Agreement Officer and Agreement Officer Representative. Contact information will be available in the grant award.

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The final progress report must follow the instructions outlined in the terms and conditions of the grant award and must include:

1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period.

2. Where the output of the project can be quantified, a computation of the cost per unit of output.

3. The reasons for delays or missed milestones if established objectives were not met.

4. Documentation of actual expenses and detailed cost breakdown to support SF-425 submission.

Measurable outputs must be tracked and filled out using the template provided below.

Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Measurable Outputs Report

Primary Output Measure

Definition (Exactly what counts towards the measure)

Application Expected Count

Supporting Documentation

1. Count of Completed Technical Assistance Products

Number of distinct technical‐ analysis deliverables (e.g., engineering studies, risk assessments, GIS maps) produced and shared with local operators, communities, or Tribes.

# of completed technical assistance products

Final report(s) with date, summary, and distribution list

2. Count of Local Community Engagement Events

Number of structured communication or training events (webinars, workshops, public meetings) facilitating open dialogue among local operators, community members, and other interested parties.

# of engagement events

Event roster, agenda, summary minutes, and participant feedback forms

In addition, each recipient of a grant must ensure that:

1. The technical findings made possible by the grants are made available to the relevant pipeline operators.

2. Open communication is maintained between the grant recipients, local operators, local communities, and other interested parties.

In total, four reports (a mid-term progress report, a mid-term financial status report, a final progress report, and a final financial report) are required. Standard Form 425 must be used for submission of the mid-term and final financial status reports.

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

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Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities: Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

Performance and Program Evaluation: Program Evaluation is an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency (5 U.S.C. § 311). Recipients and subrecipients are encouraged to incorporate program evaluation including associated data collection activities from the outset of their program design and implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress. Allowable data and evaluation costs are specified in 2 CFR 200.455(c).1 As a condition of grant award, grant recipients may be required to participate in an evaluation undertaken by DOT or another agency or partner. The evaluation may take different forms such as an implementation assessment across grant recipients, an impact and/or outcomes analysis of all or selected sites within or across grant recipients, or a benefit/cost analysis or assessment of return on investment. DOT may require applicants to collect data elements to aid the evaluation and/or use information available through other reporting. Grant recipients must agree to: (1) make records available to the evaluation contractor or DOT agency staff; (2) facilitate and provide access to program records, and any other relevant documents to calculate costs and benefits; (3) in the case of an impact analysis, facilitate the access to relevant information as requested; and (4) follow evaluation procedures as specified by the evaluation contractor or DOT agency staff.

1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-

ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.455.