Opportunity Information: Apply for TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24
The Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program is a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding opportunity released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) under a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). It is set up as a three-year cooperative agreement focused on a persistent and urgent safety problem in Tribal communities, where American Indian and Alaska Native people face traffic fatality rates that are more than twice the national average. The program is meant to move beyond general roadway safety approaches and create methods that actually fit the realities many Tribal communities deal with, including limited crash data and unique local road conditions.
At its core, the program aims to research and identify practical innovations and then use those findings to develop a next-generation Tribal Transportation Strategic Safety Plan. Rather than producing a single report, the selected applicant is expected to build a comprehensive, usable toolbox that Tribal governments and transportation partners can apply in real decision-making. This toolbox is described as including training materials, analytical tools that help communities make sound safety choices when historical crash data is missing or incomplete, and risk-based safety planning guidelines that can steer investments toward the highest-risk locations and behaviors. The emphasis on risk-based planning and decision support without robust crash histories signals that the work should incorporate alternative safety data sources and proactive assessment methods, not just traditional crash-frequency approaches.
A major deliverable is a pilot effort carried out with at least one Federally recognized Tribal community that has a high traffic fatality rate. The project is not limited to planning or analysis; it must lead to action in the field. The NOFO specifies that the pilot will include implementation of a temporary, low-cost safety infrastructure demonstration project. In practical terms, this suggests the program is looking for real-world testing of measures that can be deployed quickly and affordably, evaluated, and potentially scaled, rather than expensive long-term construction. The intent is to show what works, generate lessons learned, and strengthen the final strategic safety planning approach with evidence from on-the-ground implementation.
Eligibility is targeted to qualified institutions of higher education, but the program is structured around a team model rather than a stand-alone applicant. The applicant is expected to assemble one or more partners drawn from academia, Tribal communities and leaders, Tribal, local, and state transportation practitioners, and non-profit or for-profit organizations. The USDOT is clearly signaling that credibility and effectiveness will depend on demonstrated experience with Tribal traffic safety research, assessment, and mitigation, as well as existing relationships with Tribal leaders. This is not positioned as a purely academic exercise; it is framed as collaborative work requiring trust, cultural competence, and the ability to operate in partnership with Tribal governments and practitioners.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary opportunity with a cooperative agreement instrument, meaning USDOT anticipates substantial involvement during the project rather than a hands-off grant. The opportunity number is TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24, it is listed under CFDA 20.909, and it is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development. USDOT expects to make one award, with an award ceiling of $2,000,000. The original application closing date is 2026-08-28, and the opportunity was created on 2026-06-30. Overall, the program is designed to produce an updated strategic safety planning framework tailored to Tribal needs, plus a set of tools and training that can be reused, and a pilot demonstration that proves the approach can be applied in a high-need Tribal community.Apply for TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24
- The 69A355 Research and Technology in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.909.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-30.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-28. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program (TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24) FAQs
What is the Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program?
The Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program is a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding opportunity released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) under a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). It is structured as a three-year cooperative agreement focused on addressing severe and persistent traffic safety challenges in Tribal communities.
Why is USDOT funding this program?
The program is designed in response to an urgent safety problem: American Indian and Alaska Native people experience traffic fatality rates that are more than twice the national average. USDOT is aiming to support work that moves beyond generic roadway safety approaches and produces methods that fit the realities many Tribal communities face, including limited crash data and unique local road conditions.
What is the main goal of the program?
The central goal is to research and identify practical innovations and use those findings to develop a next-generation Tribal Transportation Strategic Safety Plan. The expected outcome is not just a single report, but a set of usable resources that can support real safety decision-making in Tribal contexts.
What kinds of deliverables are expected from the selected applicant?
The NOFO describes a comprehensive, usable toolbox intended for Tribal governments and transportation partners. Based on the description provided, the toolbox is expected to include:
- Training materials
- Analytical tools to support safety decisions when historical crash data is missing or incomplete
- Risk-based safety planning guidelines to help direct investments toward the highest-risk locations and behaviors
Does the program focus on crash data, or does it allow other approaches?
The program specifically emphasizes decision support and risk-based planning even when robust crash histories are not available. This signals an expectation that the work will incorporate alternative safety data sources and proactive assessment methods, rather than relying only on traditional crash-frequency approaches.
Is there a required pilot component?
Yes. A major deliverable is a pilot effort carried out with at least one Federally recognized Tribal community that has a high traffic fatality rate. The pilot is intended to strengthen the final safety planning approach with evidence generated from real-world application.
Is the pilot limited to planning and analysis, or does it require field implementation?
It must lead to action in the field. The NOFO specifies that the pilot will include implementation of a temporary, low-cost safety infrastructure demonstration project. This indicates USDOT is looking for practical measures that can be deployed relatively quickly and affordably, evaluated, and potentially scaled based on what is learned.
What does "temporary, low-cost safety infrastructure demonstration project" imply?
Based on the program description, it implies the pilot should test real-world safety measures that are not expensive, are feasible to implement in the near term, and can generate lessons learned. The intent is to demonstrate what works on the ground, not to fund expensive long-term construction as the primary activity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is targeted to qualified institutions of higher education. However, the program is structured around a team model, meaning the applicant is expected to assemble one or more partners rather than operate as a stand-alone entity.
What partners are expected to be part of the application team?
The selected applicant is expected to assemble partners drawn from one or more of the following groups:
- Academia
- Tribal communities and leaders
- Tribal, local, and state transportation practitioners
- Non-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
What kinds of experience does USDOT appear to value for this opportunity?
The NOFO signals that credibility and effectiveness will depend on demonstrated experience with Tribal traffic safety research, assessment, and mitigation, as well as existing relationships with Tribal leaders. The work is framed as collaborative and partnership-driven, requiring trust and cultural competence rather than being purely academic.
What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?
This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement. That means USDOT anticipates substantial involvement during the project, rather than a hands-off relationship more typical of some grants.
Is this considered a discretionary funding opportunity?
Yes. The program is described as a discretionary opportunity administered under a NOFO.
How many awards does USDOT expect to make?
USDOT expects to make one award.
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The award ceiling is $2,000,000.
How long is the project period?
The program is set up as a three-year cooperative agreement.
What is the opportunity number for this NOFO?
The opportunity number is TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
This opportunity is listed under CFDA 20.909.
How is this opportunity categorized?
It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2026-06-30.
What is the application closing date?
The original application closing date is 2026-08-28.
What is the expected outcome for Tribal communities and transportation partners?
The program is designed to produce an updated strategic safety planning framework tailored to Tribal needs, along with reusable tools and training, plus a pilot demonstration that shows the approach can be applied in a high-need Federally recognized Tribal community.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP)
Previous opportunity: OVW Calendar Year 2025 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Reimbursement Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Interdisciplinary Transportation Law and Policy Technology Training Development Apply for LAWPOLICY OSTR24 Funding Number: LAWPOLICY OSTR24 Agency: 69A355 Research and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award Apply for HT942526NFRPSIA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPSIA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award Apply for HT942526NFRPIIRA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPIIRA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award Apply for HT942526NFRPNFRASA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPNFRASA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award Apply for HT942526NFRPEHDA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPEHDA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Vietnam CyberSafe Hacks 2026 Apply for FY26 PDS HCMC 01 Funding Number: FY26 PDS HCMC 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $35,633 |
| Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Apply for DFOP0019227 Funding Number: DFOP0019227 Agency: Assistance Coordination Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS FOR IN SITU RESOURCE UTILIZATION (ESI26-ISRU) Apply for NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B7 Funding Number: NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B7 Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS (ESI26) Apply for NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B2 Funding Number: NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B2 Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE) Apply for HQ003426NFOECAD04 Funding Number: HQ003426NFOECAD04 Agency: Washington Headquarters Services Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G26AS00151 Funding Number: G26AS00151 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $399,000 |
| Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Solutions for AI-Native RAN Apply for NTIA PWSCIF 26 01 Funding Number: NTIA PWSCIF 26 01 Agency: National Telecommunications and Information Admini Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program Apply for DHS 26 GPD 091 00 99 Funding Number: DHS 26 GPD 091 00 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Unlocking Dataset Value for AI-Enabled Scientific Discovery Apply for 26 512 Funding Number: 26 512 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center State Competition Apply for 2026 NIST MEP 02 Funding Number: 2026 NIST MEP 02 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation of Services for Victims of Crime Apply for O NIJ 2026 172659 Funding Number: O NIJ 2026 172659 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Effects of International Parental Child Abduction on Abducted Children and Left-Behind Parents Apply for DFOP0019391 Funding Number: DFOP0019391 Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,973,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.