Technical Assistance Grant

The purpose of this modification to Notice of Funding Opportunity 693JK321NF0008 is as follows:

1.    To change the overall available amount of funding from $1,815,494.00 to $2,315,494.00.

2.    To incorporate a statutory change in the PIPES Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-260) to the program defining the term ‘technical assistance’. 49 U.S.C. § 60130(d)(1) now defines ‘technical assistance’ as “engineering, research, and other scientific analysis of pipeline safety issues, including the promotion of public participation on technical pipeline safety issues.”

3.    To incorporate a statutory change in the PIPES Act of 2020 to the program regarding eligible applicants. 49 U.S.C § 60130(a)(1) now specifically includes Indian Tribes in the list of eligible applicants.

4.    To incorporate a statutory change in the PIPES Act of 2020 to the program regarding the amount of funding that must be awarded to an eligible applicant.

49 U.S.C. § 60130(c)(2) states “the Secretary shall award $1,000,000 to an eligible applicant through a competitive selection process for the purpose of improving the quality of technical assistance provided to communities or individuals under this section.”

49 U.S.C. § 60130(d)(2) defines ‘eligible applicant’ as a nonprofit entity that—(A) is a public safety advocate; (B) has pipeline safety expertise; (C) is able to provide individuals and communities with technical assistance; and (D) was established with funds designated for the purpose of community service through the implementation of section 3553 of title 18 relating to violations of this chapter.