The FY 2025 Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grant program, offered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), aims to reduce crashes involving large trucks and buses by expanding access to safety training for commercial motor vehicle operators. The program focuses on recruiting and training current and former U.S. Armed Forces members, including National Guard and Reserve members, their spouses and children, as well as students from underserved and refugee communities. The program supports organizations offering entry-level driver training for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), ensuring participants meet federal safety standards.

The total funding available for FY 2025 is $3,400,000, with individual awards capped at $200,000. The grant is structured as a reimbursement program, meaning recipients must first incur expenses before requesting reimbursement. Eligible applicants include accredited public and private educational institutions, truck driver training schools, state and local governments, tribal governments, nonprofits, and certain small businesses. Non-accredited institutions may also apply if approved as eligible training providers under federal programs. Cost-sharing is not required for this grant.

Applications must include a complete package consisting of federal assistance forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), project and budget narratives, proof of accreditation or training provider eligibility, and compliance with civil rights requirements. Applicants must also demonstrate compliance with Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements and be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Submissions are due by February 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST, via Grants.gov, and applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov in advance.

Proposals should address three core activities: recruiting students from priority populations, providing safety-focused CDL training, and offering post-graduation job placement assistance. Metrics for evaluation include the number of students recruited, trained, and employed in CDL driver positions, as well as retention rates within the transportation industry. Special consideration will be given to programs that incorporate equity and sustainability initiatives, address the needs of underserved communities, and align with federal safety and climate change goals.

Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, budget justification, alignment with program goals, and past performance, if applicable. Successful applicants will demonstrate clear performance objectives, effective management plans, and a commitment to serving the program's target populations. FMCSA expects to notify awardees by Spring 2025, with grant activities commencing later that year.

Awardees must comply with post-award reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and performance reports. All activities and expenses must align with the published tuition rates and approved budget. FMCSA retains the right to modify awards based on funding availability or program priorities. Technical assistance webinars and other resources are available to help applicants develop their submissions.