USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration removed DEI requirements from the last administration for grant eligibility to ensure focus remains on safety. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced up to $89.4 million in competitive grant funding through the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grant. Funding through this grant program will help states strengthen compliance with federal safety regulations and enhance the integrity of the National Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program.

Under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, this year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) eliminates the DEI and climate change provisions mandated under the Biden Administration. Previously, recipients of this critical safety grant were forced to prioritize climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agendas alongside core safety objectives. This change ensures taxpayer dollars are now fully dedicated to genuine safety improvements, appropriate accountability, and real, measurable outcomes. Potential applicants are instructed to thoroughly review the reformed application guidelines to align with these necessary and refocused priorities.

Background:

FMCSA’s National CDL Program is a cornerstone of the agency’s mission to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The program ensures that only properly trained and qualified individuals are eligible to obtain and retain a CDL, reinforcing highway safety across all states. At its core is the principle of “One Driver. One License. One Record.” – a critical safeguard that maintains the integrity of driver histories and prevents unsafe drivers from evading accountability through licensing loopholes.

Discretionary grants, also known as competitive grants, are awarded based on merit. Funding decisions are made at the agency’s discretion, guided by the criteria detailed in the NOFO. 

Instructions for applying and eligibility information is available on GRANTS.GOV (FM-CDL-25-003-116996). Complete proposals must be submitted electronically through the GRANTS.GOV “APPLY” function by 5:00 pm ET on July 7, 2025.

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) primary mission is to prevent crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA develops safety and regulatory standards for commercial driver’s licenses; analyzes data and sponsors research; and conducts enforcement and education. FMCSA partners with nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, and other stakeholders to support innovative commercial driver training, safety inspections, and enhanced compliance and enforcement initiatives. In addition, FMCSA provides education on household goods consumer protection and conducts enforcement to protect consumers.