Office of Grants and Financial Assistance

Overview

In September 2023, USDOT formally established the Office of Grants and Financial Assistance (GFA). GFA is a stand-alone office within the Office of the Assistance Secretary for Administration. The GFA provides Department-wide leadership and guidance on the interpretation, implementation, and administration of financial assistance policies governed by the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Prior to 2023, the Department’s grants management and guidance office was under the Office of the Senior Procurement Executive. 

Each year, USDOT awards billions of dollars through a variety of financial assistance instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. The authority and requirements for these programs are set forth in federal statutes, program-specific regulations, and departmental policies.

GFA serves as a key resource to ensure effective and consistent award management practices for these critical funding programs in support of USDOT’s mission, in alignment with the Uniform Guidance.  GFA works closely with the Office of the Undersecretary for Policy,  which handles financial assistance policy related to the Administration priorities.