Public Entities Guide to Applying for Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant by the July 2024 Deadline

In the continuously evolving landscape of commercial transportation, the quest for sustainability is not just a trend; it's a mandate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by 25% by 2025.

To help achieve this goal, the EPA is offering grants to public entity fleets that purchase new, cleaner-burning vehicles. The grants are part of the  Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles program, which will offer funding to eligible recipients to replace existing non-zero-emission Class 6 and 7 heavy-duty vehicles with eligible Class 6 and 7 zero-emission vehicles. To support zero-emission vehicle adoption and deployment, funding may also be used for:

• zero-emission vehicle refueling infrastructure
• workforce development and training
• project implementation costs

Eligible Applicants

According to the EPA, the following entities are eligible to apply under the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program:

• States (including U.S. territories)
• Municipalities (including public school districts)
• Indian Tribes
• Nonprofit school transportation associations

Eligible Vehicles

Eligible vehicles under the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program include:

• Class 6 and Class 7 school buses
• Other non-school bus Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles, including (but not limited to):
• Refuse Haulers/Dump Trucks
• Class 6/7 Transit Buses
• Delivery Trucks
• Utility Trucks
• Bucket Trucks
• Other Box Trucks

Many more details are available on this EPA  Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program page.

With a looming deadline of Wednesday, July 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM (ET), the clock is ticking for business owners and fleet managers to get their submissions in to be considered. Here's your quick guide to ensure your fleet doesn’t get left behind.

Prerequisites

UEI Number

The grant registration process requires that your organization have a Unique Entity Identifier (previously known as the DUNS number). For new registrants, obtaining a UEI could take a month or more, so getting started NOW is critical.

SAM Registration

Your organization must be registered with the  System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

How to Apply Through The Grants Gateway

Begin by navigating to  Grants.gov. This portal is your gateway to a myriad of federal funding opportunities, including the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant. Now follow these steps:

In the navigation bar, click on the "search grants" option.

On the search grants page, locate the "BASIC SEARCH CRITERIA:" section and enter "clean heavy-duty vehicles" in the "Keyword(s):" box. Press enter.

You will see the Opportunity Number and Opportunity Title populate with the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant. Click on the highlighted “Opportunity Number."

Now click on the “Apply” button.

This will take you to the login page. Click the "Login" button.
You will now use your SAM login number mentioned in the "Prerequisites" section of this guide.

Once you’re in, follow the instructions to get your application package.

Preparing Your Application

Within the application package, applicants are highly encouraged (but not required) to use the Project Narrative template provided in the Grants.gov application package. Crafting a compelling narrative is an art form. It's about painting a vivid picture of how the grant will catalyze your transition to a cleaner fleet.

On the other hand, applicants are required to use the applicant fleet description template contained in the Supplemental Application Document provided in the Grants.gov application package.

If applicable, Cost Share Commitment Letters, School Board Awareness documentation, and Utility Partnership documentation are also required.

Many more details are available in this  Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles (CHDV) Grant Program Information Session PDF.

Next Steps After Submission

After submission, anticipation begins. Understanding that the review process is meticulous and time-consuming is vital. Patience is more than a virtue here; it's a necessity. The outcome—whether successful or not—will offer invaluable insights, either paving the way for your fleet’s transformation or offering lessons for future endeavors.

Conclusion

As the July 25, 2024 deadline approaches, remember that the journey to a greener fleet is not just about meeting mandates; it's about pioneering a movement towards environmental sustainability. This grant represents a unique opportunity to lead by example, but the deadline for submission is rapidly approaching, so now is the time to act. A missed deadline is a missed opportunity to revolutionize your fleet—for a little less money.

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