INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT (IIJA)
Download FFIS’s IIJA State Allocations Spreadsheet FFIS continues to populate its IIJA spreadsheet with new announcements on program implementation; each week’s changes are highlighted in yellow. A dedicated tab includes recently issued Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs). Updated allocations are provided for:
- State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
- Affordable Connectivity Program
- Small water storage and groundwater storage projects (FY 2024 awards)
AGRICULTURE
COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Releases Tentative Allocations for State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program The allocations are included in the NOFO for FYs 2022-2024. Applications are due May 28 for states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Applications from territories are due July 31.
NTIA Announces New Categorical Exclusions for Broadband Programs to Streamline Permitting NTIA also adopted additional exclusions established by the First Responder Network Authority. More information is available here.
ENERGY
Department of Energy (DOE) Updates State and Local Solution Center Webinar Schedule Topics include EV charging infrastructure, weatherization, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and more.
DOE Selects 17 Projects to Receive $62 Million to Support Battery Recycling, Reopens Funding Opportunity with $16 Million Available to Battery Retailers The awards are funded through two programs:
- Battery Recycling Research, Development and Demonstration Grants
- State battery collection, recycling, and reprocessing programs
A list of projects is available here. The reopened funding opportunity is here; applications are due April 9. Additional information on the reopened opportunity, including a recorded webinar, is here.
DOE Awards Initial $50 Million for Regional Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub in Louisiana This was one of two projects announced for selection in August 2023.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Posts Award Amounts for Recycling Education and Outreach Grants In November 2023, EPA announced awards totaling $33 million but provided no award detail.
EPA Selects Two Organizations to Receive a Collective $206 Million to Implement Grant Programs to Protect and Restore the Chesapeake Bay At least $83 million is from IIJA appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Geographic Program.
EPA Awards $35 Million to Four Applicants Through the New Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program A list of awardees is included in the press release.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Amends FY 2023 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Swift Current Funding Opportunity Applications are due January 15, 2025. The updated funding opportunity and a summary of changes are available at the link in the heading.
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Updates Congress on Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) The update includes state data on ACP enrollment. Barring additional funding from Congress, April will be the last month in which full benefits will be provided to enrolled households.
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Awards $35 Million for Six Small Surface and Groundwater Storage Projects Five projects are located in California, and one is in Utah.
DOI Extends Comment Period on Draft Guidance for State Performance Matching Grants Under the Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, and Restoration Grant Program Comments on the draft guidance may be submitted to [email protected] through April 5.
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Announces Availability of $2.4 Billion for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program The funding opportunity includes funds for FYs 2023 and 2024. Applications are due May 28. FRA will host a webinar April 9, 2:00 p.m. ET (register).
Department of Transportation (DOT) Makes Nearly $5.2 Billion Available for Projects of Regional or National Significance Through Three Grant Programs
- National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega Grants; $1.7 billion)
- Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA program; $2.7 billion)
- Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program ($780 million)
A description of each program is included in the link in the heading. While listed separately on grants.gov, the programs will be administered through a single NOFO; applications are due May 6. DOT will host webinars on the combined opportunity April 3, April 5, and April 9 (links for registration are available here).
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Awards $150 Million Capital Investment Grant in Nevada
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Hosting Overview Webinar for Electric School Bus Operators It will be held April 10, 1:00 p.m. ET (register).
DOT Posts First Funding Opportunity for Strategic Innovation for Revenue Collection (SIRC) Program Up to $45 million is available (FYs 2022-2024) to provide grants to eligible entities to test the feasibility of a road usage fee and other user-based alternative revenue mechanisms to help maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Applications are due May 27.
INFLATION REDUCTION ACT (IRA)
Download IRA State Allocations Spreadsheet The spreadsheet, updated weekly, lists state allocations and estimates, summary information on eligibility and other grant features, and links to additional information; each week’s changes are highlighted in yellow. New or updated allocations are provided for:
- Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (Round 2 “Comprehensive” cohort awards)
AGRICULTURE
USDA Announces $120 Million in IRA-Funded Renewable Energy for America Awards
ENERGY
DOE Announces up to $40 Million for States to Train Residential Energy Efficiency Contractors The competitive grants will support implementation of the IRA’s Home Energy Rebate Programs. Letters of Intent are due May 9, and full applications are due July 12. DOE will host an informational webinar April 4, 3:00 p.m. ET (register). The funding opportunity is here.
DOE and Treasury Announce $4 Billion in Tax Credits Through First Round of Qualifying Advanced Energy Projects Tax Credit (48C) Program More than 100 projects across 35 states are covered by the announcement; $1.5 billion is for projects in historic energy communities. The IRA authorized $10 billion for these tax credits. A complete list of projects is not available.
HEALTH
Administration Provides Update on IRA’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiations, Releases New Report The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it responded to counteroffers from all manufacturers participating in Medicare drug price negotiations. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released new research showing how the IRA will lower costs for women enrolled in Medicare.
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Announces $173.8 Million in Awards Under Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) Awards now total $544 million, more than half of the funds being awarded through the program. A list of recipients is included in the press release.
INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Finalizes Rule Addressing Natural Gas Waste on Federal and Tribal Lands Among other changes, the rule sets new limits on “royalty-free” flaring, per provisions in the IRA, so that public and tribal mineral owners are properly compensated through royalty payments for avoidable losses of natural gas. It becomes effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
DOI Invests $30 Million for 114 Water Conservation Projects in Upper Colorado River Basin A list of projects is not provided.
Bureau of Reclamation Publishes Expenditure Report on $4 Billion in IRA Funds for Drought Mitigation in Reclamation States (Section 50233)
TREASURY
Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Issue Program Year 2024 Procedural Guidance for Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program The guidance targets owners of certain solar or wind facilities in low-income communities.
CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT (CHIPS)
Download FFIS’s CHIPS Act Spreadsheet Updated weekly, the spreadsheet provides information on CHIPS-related NOFOs and awards that may be of interest to states. New or updated awards are provided for:
- Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC)
CHIPS for America Research and Development Program to Hold Webinar on National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) The NSTC is a consortium for industry, customers, suppliers, educational institutions, workforce and labor organizations, entrepreneurs, government, and investors. The webinar will take place April 9, 2:00 p.m. ET and will cover the NSTC’s mission, 2024 priorities, and research opportunities. Registration is required here.
Natcast Extends Deadline for Request for Information on Semiconductor Prototyping Facilities, Capabilities The new deadline is April 5.
CHIPS for America to Host Webinar on Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities The webinar will take place April 18, 2:00 p.m. ET and will serve as a primer, covering CHIPS workforce development requirements and policies and strategies related to scaling the American semiconductor industry. Register here.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Receives 165 Applications Across 30 States for Small CHIPS Projects NIST expects to invite a subset of applicants to submit full applications later this spring. The projects involve the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for semiconductor materials and equipment with capital investment less than $300 million.
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet No new allocations are provided this week.
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) year 4 performance report review webinar and slides
- Education Stabilization Fund – State Educational Agencies (ESF-SEA) year 4 performance report review webinar and slides
HEALTH
HRSA Releases National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses The Heath Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) survey data shows the effects of COVID on the profession. Workforce projections show shortages increasing in nursing occupations through 2036.
CMS Announces Additional Actions to Help People Maintain Coverage During Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Renewals CMS extended the temporary special enrollment period to November 30. It also issued new guidance and resources to states, managed care plans, and other partners. A webinar on the new guidance, as well as messaging and outreach resources, is scheduled for April 3, 12:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Reminds Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Grantees of FY 2024 Quarter 2 Report Submission The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) notified grantees that were approved for a no-cost extension that the report is due April 30. It also provided submission information.
ACF Releases Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Rapid-Cycle Projects Toolkit Using CARES Act funding, grantees employed rapid-cycle learning (RCL) approaches to strengthen the implementation and effectiveness of service models developed or adapted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and community-based needs. The toolkit shares resources and webinars.
HOUSING
HUD Announces HOME Investment Partnerships-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Virtual Implementation Problem Solving Clinic It will be held April 11, 2:30 p.m. ET. Register here.
HUD OIG Issues Review of COVID Response in Six Communities To learn more about how communities used federal pandemic relief funds, HUD examined communities in Massachusetts, Idaho, Nebraska, Georgia, Minnesota, and New Mexico.
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Offering Short-Term Extension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Interview Waiver The waiver extension is offered to ease the transition back to routine application and recertification requirements.
TREASURY
Treasury Posts Resources for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Quarterly and Annual Project & Expenditure (P&E) Reports The reports are due April 30. Resources include a user guide, portal demonstration, and roadmap. In addition, Treasury updated the FAQs to address the obligation Interim Final Rule (IFR).
Treasury Reminds States of June 30 Deadline for NEUs By that date, states must obtain signatures from their non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs) on the decline and transfer form. More information is available at the link above.
Treasury Posts Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Resources These include a Closeout Reporting User Guide and a closeout resource that highlights promising practices. The period of performance for HAF awards ends September 30, 2026.
Treasury Posts State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Quarterly Report The report provides cumulative data from the beginning of the reauthorized SSBCI program through the quarter ending December 31, 2023.
Treasury Posts Final SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program Reporting Guidance
OTHER NEWS
GENERAL
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Releases Preliminary 2023 Personal Income by State The data are used to project FY 2026 Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs).
Census Bureau Releases State Estimates of the Voting-Age Population for 2023
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Updates Standards for Race and Ethnicity Data The new standard uses a single race and ethnicity question and adds Middle Eastern or North African as a minimum category. More information is available here.
AGRICULTURE
USDA Announces Webinar on Financial Portion of ReConnect Round 5 Applications It will take place April 4, 2:30 p.m. ET. Register at the link above.
EDUCATION
ED Launches Government Coordinating Council to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Schools The council was launched in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to enhance cybersecurity across K-12 educational institutions. It will promote collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local governments.
ED Submits Annual Report to Congress on Nation’s Progress Related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Policy Letter Updates Governors on Implementing a Better Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
ED Issues Proposed Priorities and Requirements for State Personnel Development Grants The action seeks to assist states in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and development to improve results for children with disabilities. Comments close April 29.
ENERGY
DOE Awards $10 Million to Improve Planning, Siting, and Permitting Processes for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Facilities, Announces Intent to Open Second-Round Funding Opportunity DOE awarded $10 million for six state-based projects. DOE intends to make an additional $12 million available through the Renewable Energy Siting Through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program using IRA funds.
DOE Awards $5 Million to Two Minority-Serving Universities to Develop Clean Energy Career Programs
DOE and DOL Announce Battery Workforce Initiative (BWI) National Guideline Standards for Registered Apprenticeships for Battery Machine Operators The guidelines lay out training requirements to support the skilled workforce needed in the industry.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Posts Follow-up Information on Meeting with States Regarding Water System Cybersecurity During the meeting, EPA and CISA requested that each state share a cybersecurity plan by May 20. Resources to help states navigate these efforts are available here.
Administration Announces New Actions on Clean Water The Army Corps of Engineers released a memorandum outlining how it will protect, restore, and enhance waters and wetlands following the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA. In addition, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released a Wetland and Water Protection Resource Guide for non-federal governments. Additional actions are outlined in the link in heading.
EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles for Model Year (MY) 2032 and Later The standards phase in as early as MY 2027 for certain vehicle categories. The rule is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
EPA Opens Non-Regulatory Docket to Gather Input on Ways to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Gas Combustion Turbines Responses will be accepted through May 28.
HEALTH
CMS Releases Final Rule to Streamline Enrollment in Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program The final rule includes a series of provisions to simplify enrollment and renewal processes. It is effective June 3. A summary is available here and a fact sheet here.
MACPAC Releases Report on School-Based Services for Students Enrolled in Medicaid The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) report provides an overview of school-based services and recent federal actions to reduce administrative burdens and improve access to care in schools. It also describes key concepts related to the financing and payment of school-based services as well as select factors affecting billing and claiming.
HHS Report Examines New 12-Month Continuous Eligibility Expansion for Children in Medicaid and CHIP The report provides national and state-level estimates of increases in Medicaid and CHIP eligibility under the new requirement.
CMS Posts December 2023 Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Data
Federal Departments Release Final Rule on Short-Term Insurance The departments of HHS, Labor, and Treasury released a final rule to amend the definition of short-term, limited-duration health insurance. The final rule limits plans to three months, with renewal for a maximum of four months total. It also requires plans to clearly explain the limits of services they cover and how much they cover.
CMS Finalizes Payment Updates for 2025 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Programs CMS finalized the CY 2025 Rate Announcement, which updates payment policies for these programs and ensures payment accuracy. It also finalized improvements to the structure of the Medicare Part D benefit.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Announces Changes to Notices of Funding Opportunities ACF is simplifying and redesigning its NOFOs to make them easier to read and respond to. As part of the process, 25 NOFOs will participate in the pilot project over the next several months. ACF will then evaluate and identify improvements for all NOFOs. ACF also updated its Grants FAQs.
ACF Provides Overview of the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ACF provided details on the proposed rule and next steps.
ACF Releases Federal Poverty Guidelines and State Median Income Estimates for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Eligibility The guidelines are optional in FY 2024 and mandatory in FY 2025.
ACF Announces Changes to Head Start Eligibility for Children in Tribal and Agricultural Programs Tribally run Head Start programs will be able to prioritize enrolling children from the tribe, or who live with tribal members, regardless of family income. In addition, any child who has at least one family member primarily engaged in agricultural employment is now eligible for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start. Additional policy guidance is forthcoming.
ACF Announces New Regional Staffing Structure in Unaccompanied Children Program
HOMELAND SECURITY
FEMA Updates Policy on Consensus-Based Codes, Specification, and Standards for Public Assistance (PA) The updated criteria must be incorporated for all permanent work projects on specified facility types to receive PA grant funding. Comments are due April 26.
CISA Proposes Rule to Implement Cyber Incident and Ransom Payment Reporting Requirements Entities covered by the proposed rule include emergency services providers (state and local governments), owners and operators of chemical facilities, communication services, manufacturing infrastructure, and more. Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
U.S. Fire Administration Launches Interoperable Fire Information and Innovative Analytics Platform The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) will provide the fire and emergency services community with reliable predictive analytics to support enhanced preparedness and response to an array of disaster incidents.
HOUSING
HUD Announces Final Cohort of Moving to Work (MTW) Demonstration
HUD Publishes Annual Adjustment Factors (AAFs) for FY 2024 Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments The AAFs became effective April 1.
INTERIOR
DOI Awards $3 Million for 10 Grants to Restore Habitat and Improve Wildlife Migration Corridors
BLM Finalizes Rule on Developing and Operating Broadband Infrastructure and Reducing Wildfire Risk to and from Powerlines on Federal Lands The rule is effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Additional information is here.
National Park Service (NPS) Awards $58.3 Million for 14 Projects Through Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program The program is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). A list of projects is included in the press release.
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Finalizes Three Rules on Endangered Species
- Revision of Regulations for Interagency Cooperation
- Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat
- Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
Each rule is effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
JUSTICE
Office for Victims of Crime Releases 2024 Crime Victims Fund Compensation and Assistance Allocations Applications for compensation and assistance grants are due May 28.
Office on Violence Against Women Posts Pre-Application Webinar on FY 2024 ICJR Program Solicitation The Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program was formerly known as Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies.
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Announces 2024 Webinar Series on Unemployment Insurance (UI) State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) The series for state workforce agency staff consists of four 30-minute weekly sessions at 1:30 p.m. ET, beginning April 11 and ending May 2. Register here.
DOL Announces Incremental Dislocated Worker Awards for Mississippi, California
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Posts FY 2023 Funding Opportunity for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Competitive Grants Roughly $269 million is available. Applications are due May 2.
Federal District Court Vacates Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Rule Requiring States to Set Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets for Highway System