The FFY 2026 OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) Task Force Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), is a competitive federal funding initiative focused on combating impaired driving. This grant supports counties in Ohio with the highest incidences of alcohol-related fatal crashes, enabling them to establish and maintain high-impact, countywide task forces dedicated to reducing impaired driving through enforcement, education, and public outreach.

To qualify, counties must have recorded an average of at least 6.0 alcohol-related motor vehicle fatal crashes annually across 2022, 2023, and 2024—a total of 18 or more over three years. For FFY 2026, only the following counties are eligible: Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull. There are no counties eligible under the exit strategy, meaning all participating counties must meet the 6.0 fatal crash threshold.

Each OVI Task Force must conduct a minimum of 16 sobriety checkpoints annually, including two during the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign (August 14 – September 7, 2026). Additional activities include saturation patrols, coordination of countywide impaired driving enforcement, press events, and public education campaigns. Agencies are also required to conduct three press conferences annually and collaborate with diverse partners and community members to raise awareness.

The maximum award per task force is $250,000. Eligible costs include salaries and wages (up to 20% for coordination), training, supplies, public information and education (PI&E), travel, and enforcement expenses. OTSO will reimburse a maximum of 14 law enforcement officers per checkpoint. Unallowable costs include advertising, food, office furnishings, lobbying, entertainment, and alcohol.

Grants are reimbursement-based and governed by federal regulations (2 CFR Parts 200, 215, 220, 225, and 230). A Request to Purchase (RTP) form is required before any expense is incurred. Final reports and final expenditure claims are due by November 1, 2026. Missing this deadline can result in a 10% penalty or non-reimbursement.

Applications must be submitted online through the GRANTS Plus system by May 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.. Each proposal must identify an Authorizing Official, Project Director, and Fiscal Officer. Contact information for OTSO Planners and Law Enforcement Liaisons (LELs) is provided by district for applicants seeking assistance.

For further information and technical assistance, visit the OTSO website or email otso@dps.ohio.gov.