Terms
Term
Definition
Applicant
A person applying for a grant opportunity, either as an individual applicant submitting on their own behalf or as an organizational applicant submitting applications on behalf of an organization, such as a state...
In addition to the USDOT Grant Evaluation Criteria, there are a few other considerations that applicants should keep in mind as they develop an application for USDOT competitive grants.
Apart from the evaluation criteria, they are also expected to abide by relevant regulations and...
Evaluation criteria give insight into what a grant program is looking for when making a decision to award funds. Clear and specific evaluation criteria are provided to help applicants understand if their project would be a good fit for a particular grant program and assist program managers in...
Finding Funding Opportunities
All federal competitive grant opportunities must be posted through Grants.gov. Get tips and guidance on How to Navigate Grants.gov to Submit Applications.
Understanding Program NOFOs
Searching for funding opportunities on Grants.gov will...
The following examples highlight how USDOT discretionary grants are being used to improve transportation infrastructure and expand access for rural communities across the country.
CRISI: Rail Improvement Projects
FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (...
USDOT Competitive Grant Funding Process
The competitive grant funding process begins with Congressional legislation and concludes with the closeout of the awarded project.
The grant lifecycle is broken down into three stages:
Pre-Award
Award
Post-Award
Use the...
This section of the Grant Applicant Toolkit defines what a federal grant is.
The following linked sections also explain how a grant differs from several other common types of Federal Government funding and financing:
How Grants Differ from Other Federal Funding and...
Agency Description
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving vehicles used for commerce, including large trucks and buses. FMCSA supports programs and grants that improve commercial vehicle and driver safety, safety...
Agency Description
The Federal Railroad Administration monitors railroad compliance with federally mandated safety standards including track maintenance, inspection standards, and operating practices to enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods for a stronger...
Agency Description
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) seeks to deliver a world-class system that advances safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility choices for all while strengthening the Nation’s economy.
Through financial and technical assistance to state, Tribal, and local...