Opportunity Information: Apply for HM ALT 17 001
The FY 2017 ALERT (Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training) Funding Opportunity is a competitive discretionary grant offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Its main purpose is to strengthen local emergency response capabilities for hazardous materials transportation incidents, with a specific emphasis on crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids moved by rail. The program is designed to make sure responders are better prepared for the unique risks associated with rail-related releases, fires, and other emergencies involving these materials, especially in communities that may not have extensive hazardous materials resources.
The legal and funding basis for the ALERT program comes from federal appropriations law, specifically the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113). Rather than drawing from a new pot of money, PHMSA funds this opportunity using prior year recoveries from the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant program. In other words, recovered HMEP funds are redirected to support additional training under ALERT. This approach allows PHMSA to extend its safety mission by using existing resources to help protect people and the environment while supporting the safe transportation of energy products and other hazardous materials that communities rely on.
A clear priority of this FY 2017 opportunity is improving access to hazardous materials training for volunteer or remote emergency responders. PHMSA identified this as a top training need for the year, reflecting the reality that many high-consequence rail corridors pass through rural areas or jurisdictions that depend heavily on volunteer departments and have limited budgets, staffing, or specialized hazmat teams. The grant therefore targets practical, response-oriented training that can reach responders who might otherwise struggle to attend in-person courses far from home.
Eligibility is aimed at nonprofit organizations that represent regional public-private partnerships. Applicants are expected to be capable of delivering hazardous materials training either directly (in-person) or through web-based formats. The training must stay focused on emergency response activities tied to rail transportation of crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids, meaning the program is not intended as broad, general hazmat education but as targeted instruction that helps responders recognize hazards, manage incidents safely, and coordinate effectively during rail-related flammable liquid events.
Key administrative details include the Funding Opportunity Number HM ALT 17 001 and CFDA number 20.703, with PHMSA listed as the administering agency. The posting date is April 28, 2017, and the original application deadline is May 29, 2017. The award ceiling is set at $2,100,000, and PHMSA anticipates making about four awards, indicating that awards are expected to be relatively substantial and that the competition may be selective. Overall, the opportunity is structured to support scalable training efforts delivered through strong regional partnership models, with the practical goal of improving front-line response readiness for flammable liquid rail incidents.Apply for HM ALT 17 001
- The Department of Transportation, PHMSA Hazmat Grants in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2017 ALERT Funding Opportunity" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.703.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 28, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 29, 2017 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY 2017 ALERT (Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training) Grant - FAQs
1) What is the FY 2017 ALERT funding opportunity?
The FY 2017 ALERT (Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training) Funding Opportunity is a competitive, discretionary federal grant offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). It supports training efforts that strengthen local emergency response capabilities for hazardous materials transportation incidents, with a strong emphasis on flammable liquids moved by rail.
2) Which federal agency administers this grant?
The administering agency is PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
3) What is the main purpose of the ALERT program?
The main purpose is to improve local emergency response readiness for rail-related hazardous materials incidents involving crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids. The training is meant to help responders prepare for the specific risks associated with rail releases, fires, and related emergencies involving these materials.
4) What types of incidents is the training intended to address?
The training is focused on emergency response activities tied to rail transportation incidents involving crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids, including rail-related releases and fires.
5) Why is there a special emphasis on crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids moved by rail?
The program highlights these materials because responders face unique risks during rail-related flammable liquid incidents. ALERT is designed to improve preparedness for those risks, especially in communities with limited hazardous materials resources.
6) Is this grant intended to support broad, general hazardous materials education?
No. The opportunity is described as targeted instruction rather than broad, general hazmat education. The training must remain focused on emergency response activities connected to rail transportation of crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids.
7) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is aimed at nonprofit organizations that represent regional public-private partnerships.
8) What kind of organizational capacity is expected from applicants?
Applicants are expected to be capable of delivering hazardous materials training either directly (in-person) or through web-based formats.
9) What delivery methods are allowed for the training?
The opportunity allows training to be delivered in-person and/or through web-based formats.
10) What training audience is a major priority for FY 2017?
A clear FY 2017 priority is improving access to hazardous materials training for volunteer or remote emergency responders. This reflects the need to reach rural or resource-limited jurisdictions, including areas where emergency response depends heavily on volunteer departments.
11) Why does the grant prioritize volunteer or remote responders?
PHMSA identified volunteer or remote responder access as a top training need because many high-consequence rail corridors run through rural areas or jurisdictions with limited budgets, staffing, or specialized hazmat teams. The program aims to support practical training that can reach responders who may have difficulty traveling to in-person courses far from home.
12) What makes this a competitive opportunity?
The opportunity is described as a competitive discretionary grant. PHMSA anticipates making about four awards, which suggests the selection process may be selective.
13) How many awards does PHMSA expect to make?
PHMSA anticipates making about four awards.
14) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $2,100,000.
15) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is HM ALT 17 001.
16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number is 20.703.
17) When was the opportunity posted?
The posting date is April 28, 2017.
18) What is the application deadline?
The original application deadline is May 29, 2017.
19) What is the legal and funding basis for the FY 2017 ALERT program?
The legal and funding basis is tied to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113). PHMSA funds this opportunity using prior year recoveries from the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant program.
20) Does this opportunity use newly appropriated funds?
No. PHMSA funds this opportunity using prior year recoveries from the HMEP grant program rather than a new pot of money.
21) What are "prior year recoveries" in this context?
In this opportunity, prior year recoveries refer to recovered funds from the HMEP grant program that are redirected by PHMSA to support additional training under ALERT.
22) What is the overall goal of using recovered HMEP funds for ALERT?
The approach allows PHMSA to extend its safety mission by using existing resources to help protect people and the environment while supporting the safe transportation of energy products and other hazardous materials that communities rely on.
23) What kinds of training outcomes does PHMSA want to see supported?
The opportunity emphasizes practical, response-oriented training that helps responders recognize hazards, manage incidents safely, and coordinate effectively during rail-related flammable liquid events.
24) What geographic or community needs does the opportunity highlight?
The opportunity highlights the needs of communities along high-consequence rail corridors, particularly rural areas and jurisdictions that rely on volunteer departments and may lack extensive hazardous materials resources.
25) What partnership model does this grant emphasize?
The grant emphasizes strong regional partnership models, specifically regional public-private partnerships represented by nonprofit organizations.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Transportation
Next opportunity: FEED THE FUTURE SENEGAL CILTIVATING NUTRITION
Previous opportunity: Entrepreneurship in the MENA region
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HM ALT 17 001
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HM ALT 17 001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation Apply for FM CDL 17 001 Funding Number: FM CDL 17 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY17 Gulf Coast High Speed Rail Corridor-Mobile Station Area Planning Study & Final Design Project Apply for FR RRD 17 003 Funding Number: FR RRD 17 003 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Transportation Disruption and Disaster Statistics (TDADS) Apply for BTS 2017 01 Funding Number: BTS 2017 01 Agency: Department of Transportation Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Small Project Transportation Maintenance and Improvements Grants Apply for DC TP 17 002 Funding Number: DC TP 17 002 Agency: Denali Commission Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| FY2017 Supplemental for Northeast Corridor Grant to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Apply for FR AMT 17 008 Funding Number: FR AMT 17 008 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $189,694,095 |
| FY2017 Supplemental for National Network Grant to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Apply for FR AMT 17 009 Funding Number: FR AMT 17 009 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $499,051,735 |
| UTC Program 2017 Grant Solicitation for Centers in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 Apply for UTCLIMITEDREGIONCOMP2017 Funding Number: UTCLIMITEDREGIONCOMP2017 Agency: Department of Transportation Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,950,000 |
| Alternative Transportation Visitor Shuttle Program Apply for NPS 17 NERO 0064 Funding Number: NPS 17 NERO 0064 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2018 - Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Apply for FM MCG 18 001 Funding Number: FM MCG 18 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| FY17 Transportation Emergency Response Training Apply for FR SEC 17 001 Funding Number: FR SEC 17 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| FY17 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Education and Enforcement Program Apply for FR OLS 17 001 Funding Number: FR OLS 17 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2017 Solicitation of Project Proposals for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program Apply for FTA 2017 005 TPM PF Funding Number: FTA 2017 005 TPM PF Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Operate, Maintain, and Enhance Acadia National Park’s Alternative Transportation System Apply for NPS 17 NERO 0221 Funding Number: NPS 17 NERO 0221 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,311,000 |
| DOT PHMSA 2018 ONE CALL GRANT Apply for DOT PH PHP 18 OC Funding Number: DOT PH PHP 18 OC Agency: Department of Transportation, Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Small Community Air Service Development Program Apply for DOT OST 2017 0155 Funding Number: DOT OST 2017 0155 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT - Office of Aviation Analysis Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Supplemental for Amtrak FY 2016 Capital and Debt Service and Americans with Disabilities Act Grant Apply for FR AMT 16 007 Funding Number: FR AMT 16 007 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| National Trails System Information, Corridor Protection, and Training Apply for 693JJ318NF00006 Funding Number: 693JJ318NF00006 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| FY18 Penn-Moynihan Station Complex Train-Shed Hardening Project Apply for FR SND 18 001 Funding Number: FR SND 18 001 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $40,200,000 |
| Public Infrastructure Road Safety Promotion, Education and Technology Transfer Apply for 693JJ318NF00007 Funding Number: 693JJ318NF00007 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,875,000 |
| Advancing Concrete Pavement Technology Solutions Apply for 693JJ318NF00002 Funding Number: 693JJ318NF00002 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $6,994,330 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HM ALT 17 001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.