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). New or updated allocations are provided for:
- Renew America’s Schools Grant Program (FY 2024 Prize to Cooperative Agreement competition awards)
- Program Upgrading Our Electric Grid and Ensuring Reliability and Resiliency (round 2 awards)
- WaterSMART Grants (FY 2024 Water and Energy Efficiency Grants)
- Bridge Investment Program (FY 2024 Planning Grants)
- Industrial Research and Assessment Centers (round 2 awards to Industrial Training and Assessment Centers)
COMMERCE
National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Continues Approving BEAD Proposals Most recently, an initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was approved for New York.
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 Launches Community Benefits Map for Demonstration and Deployment Projects Funded by the IIJA and IRA
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Updates Clean School Bus Rebates Program Q&As New items can be found by searching for “*new*” in the document.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Updates Events Webpage Offerings include overviews and trainings on grant programs; Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements; emergency planning; and more.
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Announces Availability of $775 Million for Phase 2 Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, and Restoration Formula Grants The 21 states eligible to apply for a Phase 2 formula grant have until December 13, 2024, to submit applications. Additional phases of funding will be available. The press release includes funding eligibility by state. Application guidance is here.
Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) Publishes Compilation of Recent IIJA Funding Allocations for FY 2024
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Issues Final Rule to Revise Regulations for Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) Among other changes, it clarifies voluntary PTSCTP participation and sets administrative requirements for communication processes between FTA and recipients subject to this rule. The rule is effective November 1.
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Hosting Webinar Showcasing New Modules in the Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Playbook It will be held August 27, 12:00 p.m. ET (register).
FTA Issues $9 million FY 2024 Funding Opportunity for Competitive Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program Applications are due November 13.
FTA Posts Recording and Slide Deck from Webinar on Updates to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) Regulation and the National Safety Plan
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. No funding updates are provided this week.
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Announces Availability of $25 Million for Hazardous Fuels Transportation Grants These grants, under the Wood Innovations Program, are available to local businesses and partners that remove hazardous fuels from national forests and transport the material to be processed for wood products or services. The NOFO is here. Applications are due September 5. Webinars will be held in collaboration with the National Wild Turkey Federation August 21, 1:00 p.m. ET and August 28, 4:00 p.m. ET (register).
USDA Awards $100 Million in IRA Funds Through Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program and Rural Energy for American Program The awards to farmers and companies will fund 160 projects in 26 states, supporting domestic biofuels and clean energy.
ENERGY
DOE Opens Second Round Application Period for Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes Competitive Technical Assistance Grants DOE reopened the funding opportunity, which originally made $530 million available. Applications are due September 13.
DOE Makes Six States Eligible for Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program Funding In response to an April 2024 Request for Information (RFI), DOE is making $50 million in formula funding available over five years for states to make subgrants to small- and medium-sized automotive manufacturers for conversion projects to produce electric vehicles. Based on the criteria set forth by DOE, eligible states include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois (funding eligibility by state is listed at the link in heading). Applications are due October 15 (funding opportunity).
DOE Issues RFI to Inform West Coast Offshore Wind Development Using funding from the IRA, DOE intends to extend offshore wind transmission to California, Oregon, and Washington. Feedback is requested on challenges and barriers to these efforts. Responses are due October 3.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Announces that it Has Obligated Entire $27 Billion for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
HEALTH
CMS Releases Fact Sheet on IRA’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fact sheet provides an overview of the program’s impact and FAQs.
INTERIOR
Reclamation Invests $7 Million to Boost Drought Resiliency and Efficiency in Texas and New Mexico
Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) Designates Four Groups of Endangered Species for $20 Million Recovery Investment
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Awards $291 Million for Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Technologies A map of awards is available here.
TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Encourages Pre-Filing Registration to Claim Elective Pay for 2023 Tax Year The notice affects qualifying businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments that plan to claim elective pay under the IRA.
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. Each week’s changes are highlighted in yellow. Updates this week include:
- Manufacturing Incentives
Preliminary Agreement Signed to Provide $1.6 Billion for Texas Instruments Construction of Plants in Texas, Utah
National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Announces Second Research and Development (R&D) Topic: Test Vehicle Innovation Pipeline (TVIP) The program will provide a new family of semiconductor research test vehicles—comprised of common sets of standardized processes with reusable masks or partially fabricated wafers—which will be available to NSTC members. Total program award funding up to $55 million is anticipated via 4-12 awards. Natcast will hold a webinar to introduce the project on August 21, 3:00 p.m. ET (register by 5:00 p.m. ET, August 20; registration is mandatory for every participant, whether viewing alone or as part of a group). The Call for Proposals will be released August 26.
CHIPS R&D Office Posts Video of Webinar on Education and Workforce Development Guidebook The Guidebook is available here.
National Science Foundation (NSF), Intel Announce Educational Awards to Train Semiconductor Workforce Awards under two programs—Advanced Technological Education (ATE) and Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM)—are going to institutions of higher education in Arizona, California, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
NSF Publishes Interactive Map Showing NSF/Economic Development Administration Investments in Tech Innovation by State
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet Updated allocations are provided for:
- Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Benefits
HEALTH
CMS Posts Updated Spending Summaries of American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) Home and Community-Based Services Provisions The national overview and state summaries provide information on the amount of planned and reported state spending as of the quarter ending December 31, 2023, on activities to enhance, expand, or strengthen home and community-based services.
TREASURY
Treasury Releases Cumulative Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Data Through June 30, 2024 The spreadsheet, available here, includes state and local detail.
OTHER NEWS
EDUCATION
ED Awards More Than $40 Million to Improve College Completion Rates for Underserved Students The grants are being provided under the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program, which aims to improve postsecondary student outcomes. The seven recipient institutions are listed in the press release.
Technical Assistance Circular Addresses Allowable Costs for Vending Facilities and Equipment Under Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program
ENERGY
DOE Requests Applications for New $11.2 Million Innovative Queue Management Solutions (iQMS) for Clean Energy Interconnection and Energization Program The program, which includes two tracks of funding, will award funds to a maximum of 25 distribution utilities to pilot innovative solutions for managing renewable energy and EV charging interconnection and energization queues (Track 1 webpage; Track 2 webpage). Applications are due October 16. DOE will host a webinar August 29, 3:00 p.m. ET (register), and an office hour September 19, 3:00 p.m. ET (register).
DOE Posts State Energy Program (SEP) Monthly Bulletin It includes important reminders, due dates, trainings, and more for SEP and related programs.
DOE Invests $10 Million in Climate Resilience Centers at Universities in 10 States
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Releases Evaluation of 2022-2023 Milestone Progress and 2024-2025 Milestone Commitments for Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts EPA included evaluations for each state in the region.
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Issues Report Entitled Clean Water: Revolving Fund Grant Formula Could Better Reflect Infrastructure Needs, and EPA Could Improve Needs Estimate
HEALTH
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Report Examines Maternal Health Crisis The report discusses activities and outcomes of HHS programs addressing the maternal health crisis.
Administration Unveils National Heat Strategy The strategy aims to promote proactive coordination related to heat planning, response, and resilience. The release also outlines resources to address extreme heat.
CMS Releases State Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model The model aims to improve the lives of people with Medicaid living with rare and severe diseases by increasing their access to potentially life-changing treatments. Applications are due February 28, 2025, with an anticipated award date of July 1, 2025.
HRSA Announces FY 2024 Ryan White/HIV AIDS Part B Awards The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $1.4 billion to states. Grant awards for Part B components are available here.
HRSA Seeks Comment on Proposed Updates to Waiver of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Core Medical Services Expenditure Requirement The statute gives the secretary of HHS authority to waive the requirement that grantees spend 75% of funds on core medical services. HRSA is updating its policy to require that grantees seeking a waiver include the proposed percentages of HIV service dollars allocated to core medical and support services on the request form. Comments are due September 19.
HRSA Provides Supplemental Funding to Current Infant-Toddler Court Program State Grantees HRSA awarded $2.7 million to 12 grantees to support the continuation and expansion of existing activities to build state and local capacity and implement the infant-toddler court approach.
SAMHSA Proposes Revisions to Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) and Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS) Plan and Report Guide The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notice outlines proposed changes to the plan and report requirements for FY 2026 and FY 2027. Comments on the changes are due October 15.
SAMHSA Seeks Comment on Evaluation of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic-Expansion Program The evaluation includes a grantee web survey and annual interviews of grantees and clients. Comments are due October 15.
SAMHSA Proposes New Unified Client-Level Performance Reporting Tool SAMHSA will use the data collected through the tool for annual reporting, grantee monitoring, and continuous improvement of its discretionary grant program. Comments are due October 15.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Releases Head Start Workforce and Quality Final Rule The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) final rule requires Head Start programs to improve wages, benefits, and job quality for educators and other staff, and to enhance program quality for children and families. More information is available here.
ACF Provides Guidance on Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Obligations, Expenditures, and Refunds The guidance provides information on how obligation and expenditure timelines should be applied to vendor refunds.
ACF Posts Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Regional Quarterly Call Schedule The calls provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and sharing, regional collaboration and relationship building, and information exchange between the federal office and grant recipients.
ACF Provides Update to Child Support Enforcement Section 1115 Waivers Related to Work Activities for Noncustodial Parents The update outlines limitations and the waiver process.
HOMELAND SECURITY
FEMA Selects 38 Entities to Receive Technical Assistance for Exercises to Prepare for Various Hazards Selectees include state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
FEMA Issues Final Rule to Extend Application Period for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Following a Major Disaster Declaration Among other changes, the rule extends the initial deadline for submitting HMGP applications from 12 months to 15 months following a major disaster declaration. It also allows FEMA to provide incremental extensions for applicants up to 240 days total, compared to 120 days under prior regulations. The rule became effective August 15.
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Awards Funds Under Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) for Persons with Disabilities Awards totaling $138.5 million were made to 18 state housing agencies to develop strategies to identify and refer low-income persons with disabilities to eligible homes, and to provide them with rental assistance and supportive services. The press release includes a list of recipients and amounts awarded.
Department of Justice Letter Addresses Housing Programs that May Violate Federal Law The letter to state and local police departments cautions that many “crime-free” or “nuisance” programs may be unlawful when they unfairly penalize communities of color, individuals with disabilities, or survivors of domestic violence.
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Establishes New Emergency Alert Code for Missing/Endangered Persons
FCC’s Universal Service Administrative Company Makes Most Recent Broadband Deployment Data Available to State Officials
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Announces Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Core Program Performance Accountability Assessment Indicators for Program Year 2023
DOL Posts Guidance on Reforms, American Job Center Roles in Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Releases FY 2023 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application Processing Timeliness Rates by State
FNS Posts Recording of Webinar for Farm to School Grantees on Using the Automated System for Award Payments (ASAP)
TRANSPORTATION
Department of Transportation (DOT) Releases National Deployment Plan for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Technologies to Reduce Death and Serious Injuries on Roadways The plan is here.
TREASURY
Joint Effort Will Combat Scams and Schemes A coalition of federal and state tax agencies, software and financial companies, and key national tax professional associations will work to expand outreach and education about emerging scams, develop new approaches to identify potentially fraudulent returns at the point of filing, and create infrastructure improvements to protect taxpayers and federal, state, and industry tax systems. The new task force will be called the Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats (CASST).
IRS Issues Interim Guidance on Employer Matching Contributions Made to Retirement Plans Related to Employee Student Loan Payments Pursuant to 2022 legislation, employers with a 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, governmental 457(b) plan, or SIMPLE IRA plan may provide matching contributions based on student loan payments, rather than on elective contributions to retirement plans, in plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2023.
VETERANS
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Opens Applications for New Pilot Program for Graduate Medical Education and Residency The program will reimburse salaries and benefits for at least 100 physician residents who rotate to covered health care facilities — prioritizing facilities in rural and underserved areas, tribal organizations, and Indian Health Service facilities. Other covered facilities include Federally Qualified Health Centers and Department of Defense facilities. Academic institutions and programs interested in participating must apply by Sept. 30.