The following Project Narrative sections are required. To facilitate the application review and award process, clearly identify and organize each section in the order shown below as you complete the Project Narrative.

Applicants should address how these activities will improve safety. Applicants should also review Section F, Application Review information, to ensure the narratives contain all information on which PHMSA will evaluate.

a.   Organization Information and Capacity. Briefly provide information about your organization. This should include: (1) your organization’s mission; (2) a brief overview of your organization’s structure, programs, leadership, and special expertise; and (3) your organization’s experience and capacity to manage Federal financial assistance programs.

b.   Contact Information. Identify the designated project/program managers(s) who will coordinate the funded activities; include the name, position, address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the individual(s). In addition, identify the authorized representatives who will accept the awarded grant document and the individuals responsible for the submission of the required Federal Financial Reports and progress reports.

c.   Statement of authority and HAZMAT shipper inspection capabilities. Describe the State authority and capability to perform HAZMAT shipper inspections in accordance with the HMR. Describe the State’s ability to train HAZMAT inspectors in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Investigator/Inspector Uniform Training Performance Standards.

d.   Projected outputs and objectives. Provide quantifiable and measurable outputs planned for the award’s performance period. Outputs are quantitative data that describe the proposed activities. For HAZMAT shipper inspection costs, outputs should include the projected number of HAZMAT shipper inspections, estimated cost per inspection (wage and travel expenses), and description and estimated cost of equipment and supplies. In addition, provide the type of shipment activity performed (facility, loading/unloading operations, HAZMAT packaging operation, etc.). For HAZMAT training cost, outputs should include the projected number of personnel trained, title and description of training courses, and estimated cost. Broader outcomes or goals may be provided to describe the intended impact of the proposed outputs. This can be either quantitative or qualitative and should reflect the projected impact of the grant activity outputs.

e.  Monitoring and evaluation. Provide an explanation of monitoring efforts, internal controls, and quality assurance plans to ensure program success. This may include, but is not limited to, random examinations, inspections, and audits of HAZMAT shipper inspections and inspector training activities to maximize the cost-effectiveness and impact of the program.