The CDLIS Modernization grant program, as authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), is a Federal discretionary grant program that provides financial assistance to States for costs associated with CDLIS modernization efforts. Additionally, the CDLIS grant program provides financial assistance to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). The AAMVA, on behalf of the States, and under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversight, operates CDLIS.

Eligible applicants include the governmental organization in each State and the District of Columbia designated as the primary (lead) driver licensing agency responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the CDL program. This is the agency that issues CDLs and, more specifically, maintains driver history records and utilizes CDLIS.

The only other eligible entity is AAMVA for the purposes described above.

The Federal share of a CDLIS modernization grant is 80 percent of the expenditures approved in the State or entity's application.

Allowable costs under the CDLIS modernization grant awards include, but are not limited to, expenses for computer hardware and software, publications, testing, personnel, training, and quality control. Grants made under this program may not be used to rent, lease, or buy land or buildings.

The application must be filed electronically through grants.gov (information on how to register with grants.gov and file an application using grants.gov is available at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp). When submitted through grants.gov, applicants will be required to complete a SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, a Disclosure of Lobbying form. Additional content requirements for each grant are indicated in the grant announcement posted on grants.gov. In general, however, applications are usually required to include the following:

• Detailed budget
• Scope of project
• Purpose
• Performance goals
• Objectives
• Implementation strategies
• Performance measures
• Monitoring and evaluation plan