Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding Opportunity

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, administered by the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), offers a significant funding opportunity aimed at reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Launched under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), SS4A provides both Planning and Demonstration Grants as well as Implementation Grants to eligible entities. This funding round, for Fiscal Year 2026, makes available up to $993,488,194 through a competitive process, with a minimum of 30% allocated to planning and demonstration activities. The primary objective of SS4A is to support communities in developing and executing comprehensive safety action plans that align with the Safe System Approach—a paradigm that emphasizes proactive safety measures, anticipation of human error, and layered countermeasures to prevent severe crash outcomes. The FY 2026 NOFO outlines a robust structure for funding distribution. Approximately $687.8 million is set aside for Implementation Grants, with individual awards expected to range from $2.5 million to $25 million. Another $305.7 million is reserved for Planning and Demonstration Grants, with award sizes ranging from $100,000 to $5 million. Eligible applicants include metropolitan planning organizations, political subdivisions of states and territories (such as cities and counties), federally recognized Tribal governments, and multijurisdictional groups formed from these entities. States and territories themselves are not eligible applicants, but applicants are encouraged to coordinate with them for technical support. Notably, previous SS4A award recipients remain eligible in FY 2026, and "Projects of Merit" from FY 2025 may be carried forward. Eligible projects under the program include developing or updating comprehensive safety action plans (Action Plans), conducting supplemental safety planning, implementing demonstration activities, and executing strategies identified in existing Action Plans. Implementation Grants require applicants to demonstrate the existence of a qualifying Action Plan finalized or updated between 2021 and May 26, 2026, aligning with DOT’s requirements. Matching funds are required for most applicants, with a federal share capped at 80% of total project costs. However, waivers or alternative match provisions apply for Tribal governments and certain U.S. territories. In-kind contributions are allowable if they meet federal cost principles. Applications must be submitted electronically via Valid Eval, with separate portals for Implementation and Planning/Demonstration grants. The application deadline is 5:00 PM EDT on May 26, 2026. Pre-application eligibility reviews for Implementation Grants and technical questions must be submitted by April 24, 2026. Required documents include the SF-424 series, a narrative proposal, budget, maps, and where applicable, a self-certification eligibility worksheet and Action Plan documentation. DOT will evaluate submissions based on merit criteria that assess safety need, expected impact, cost effectiveness, engagement, and alignment with Action Plan components. Planning grants will be scored primarily on the depth and specificity of the proposed safety context and related activities. Grant recipients are expected to begin implementation within 12 months of award, with periods of performance ranging from 24 months to five years. DOT will provide technical support via the SS4A Technical Assistance Center, especially to first-time federal grant recipients. The SS4A program also requires awardees to contribute to federal research efforts by reporting outcomes and participating in evaluations to identify best practices. This contributes to a growing national database of effective safety strategies that are shared through the SS4A Clearinghouse. Importantly, the FY 2026 NOFO emphasizes equitable investment in underserved and high-fatality areas and prioritizes applications that address public safety infrastructure, emergency response improvements, and innovative technologies. The program is part of DOT’s broader safety mission and reflects national priorities related to equity, job creation, and the modernization of public safety infrastructure. The evaluation process includes eligibility screening, merit reviews, senior review team deliberations, and final selection by the Secretary of Transportation. The notice also clarifies that duplicate Action Plan proposals within the same geography may be deemed ineligible. Applicants are strongly encouraged to coordinate with overlapping jurisdictions and to submit consolidated or collaborative proposals where appropriate. Final awards will be announced after thorough review, and unsuccessful but highly rated applications may be designated as "Projects of Merit" for consideration in future funding rounds.

Emphasize Safe System Approach; prioritize underserved areas; include strong crash data and stakeholder engagement