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Apply for an NGDISM Grant

The Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant (NGDISM) grant is to help municipality and community-owned utilities (not including for profit entities) improve and maintain safe pipeline infrastructure.

PHMSA posts grant opportunities, as well as modifications to current grants on Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a "one-stop shop" for all potential grantees to find and apply for grants. You can find the Notice of Funding Opportunity to apply for a grant by visiting Grants.gov and searching for NGDISM or the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 20.708.

Four Key Phases in the Application Process:

Phase 1 – Typical time frame: Up to 1 Month

Step 1: If you have not already done so, register your organization in the Federal government's System for Award Management (SAM). You will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), or the Entity ID number as part of the SAM.gov registration process.

Step 2: Designate a point of contact for SAM. This person will be referred to as the Electronic Business Point of Contact or E-Biz POC. This person is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and timeliness of the information in SAM's registry. Upon a successful registration, the E-Biz contact will receive a PIN Number that will be used to update your organization’s SAM information as necessary. Registration information must be confirmed each year for registration to remain valid.

Step 3: Register at Grants.gov, creating a username and password. New registrations can take up to two weeks. Then complete an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) profile. The E-Biz contact at the applicant's organization must respond to the registration email from Grants.gov and login at Grants.gov to authorize the applicant as the AOR. The AOR will sign all the required documents in the application.

Step 4: Create an account in FedConnect.net. Your organization's Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN), which can be retrieved from the System for Award Management (SAM), is required to create an account. Instructions on how to register in FedConnect and how to use the portal are on the FedConnect home page.

Phase 2 – Typical time frame: 1-2 Months

Step 5: Create a workspace in Grants.gov using the Utility or Entity Name as the Application Filing Name. The workspace allows flexibility for multiple organization members and consultants to work on an application. Learn more about Workspace.

Step 6: Complete and submit all requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Grants.gov. The following required application forms are found on https://www.grants.gov/forms:

  • Standard Form (SF) 424 - Application for Assistance ​
  • SF 424A (Non-Construction Programs) or, ​
  • SF 424C (Construction Programs)​  
  • Grants.gov Lobbying Form  
  • USDOT Standard Title VI (Non-USDOT forms will not be accepted)

Phase 3 – Typical time frame: 6-8 Months

Step 7: PHMSA reviews applications. There will be an Administrative Review to begin the review process to ensure the applications eligibility and completeness. PHMSA will then conduct a Technical Review to assess how the proposed work is to be performed and whether the applications are responsive to program requirements. Finally, a Programmatic Review takes place to assess program objectives.

Step 8: Award recommendations are sent to the Secretary for approval. Upon approval of project selections, status letters will go out via email indicating whether your project was selected for a grant. PHMSA will publish a press release listing all the awardees. PHMSA may wish to coordinate an event in your town to publicize your selection.

Phase 4 – Typical time frame: 6–15 Months

Step 9: Provisional grantees will be assigned a Grants Management Specialist (GMS). Provisional grantees will work with PHMSA to complete required documentation before funds can be obligated. These requirements include (1) NEPA, (2) Revising application (if applicable), (3) Attending the Civil Rights Webinar, (4) Signing Grant Agreement and Terms and Conditions.

Step 10: Once funds are obligated, the grantee will follow the Grant Agreement and Terms and Conditions to ensure compliance. Grantees will submit invoices to PHMSA for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Grantees will meet with their GMS once or twice a month for monitoring. Grantees are also subject to site visits and desk reviews.

Application Resources:

Last updated: Friday, May 10, 2024