The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), through the Office of Wildland Fire (OWF) and the Interior Business Center (IBC), has announced a new funding opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This grant program aims to assist local governments in acquiring slip-on tanker units, which can be mounted onto existing vehicles to convert them into fire engines. These units will enhance wildfire response capabilities, particularly in communities that are at risk of wildland fires. The program was developed in response to increasing wildfire threats due to climate change, prolonged droughts, and the expansion of invasive species that contribute to fire hazards.

The total funding available under this opportunity is $20,000,000, with an expected distribution of 75 to 125 awards. A portion of up to 25 awards will be reserved for consolidated applications, where a primary applicant applies on behalf of multiple eligible entities. Individual award amounts range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $500,000. The grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from applicants. Funds will be distributed as grants, and successful applicants will receive financial assistance to purchase slip-on tanker units that meet the minimum technical specifications outlined in the grant documentation.

Eligible applicants for this grant must be U.S. local governments that provide fire protection and emergency services in areas with populations of 50,000 or less. Eligible entities include counties, boroughs, municipalities, cities, towns, townships, parishes, school districts, local public authorities, councils of governments, and other qualifying local government agencies. Applicants must also serve areas that are classified as having at least moderate wildfire risk (above the 40th percentile in the national Wildfire Risk to Homes dataset). Population and risk data must be verified using the Wildfire Risk to Communities dashboard.

Applications must be submitted by March 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated processing time is 90 days, with award notifications expected between June 6, 2025, and September 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov. Required application documents include Standard Form SF-424, SF-424A, a project abstract, a budget narrative, and other supporting documents. Consolidated applications must include budget details for all entities represented. Additionally, applicants must submit a project narrative detailing the need for firefighting readiness, population served, and specifications for the requested slip-on tanker units.

Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, technical compliance, fiscal management, and wildfire risk prioritization. The selection process will favor communities with higher wildfire risk scores and will aim for equitable geographic distribution across the country. Applicants must ensure that vehicles intended for slip-on tanker installation meet compliance standards and that requested unit specifications align with the program’s technical requirements. The final award decisions will also consider risk reviews, ensuring that grant recipients demonstrate financial and operational capability to manage federal funds.

Successful applicants will receive a formal Notice of Federal Award (NFA) through GrantSolutions or email. This document will outline all terms, conditions, and reporting requirements. Grantees must comply with federal financial reporting guidelines and adhere to post-award monitoring requirements, including submitting financial and performance reports within 120 days of the project completion. Awardees must also adhere to federal regulations concerning conflicts of interest, lobbying disclosures, and reporting on subawards if applicable.

For inquiries related to the grant, applicants can contact AQD_OWF_FA@ibc.doi.gov. Additional details, including minimum specifications for the slip-on tankers and submission guidelines, can be found in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) document.