Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) Competitive Grant Program
🏛 DOT Federal Highway Administration (DOT-FHWA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) serving urban areas with populations exceeding 200,000. Applicants must be MPOs designated under federal transportation law. The program supports prioritization process projects funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Eligible activities include developing, updating, or implementing transportation prioritization frameworks and processes. Projects may involve planning studies, tools development, or pilot implementations. Federal funding can cover 100% of project costs.
There is no geographic restriction beyond the population threshold for the urban area served. MPOs in any state may apply if they meet the population requirement.
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Program description
This NOFO will award up to $26 million total in Fiscal Years (FYs) 2025 and 2026 funding and remaining FY 2024 funding via cost reimbursable grants.
The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds.
Under Section 11204(c)(3) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Public Law 117-58), the maximum amount of a grant under the PPPP Competitive Grant Program is $2 million.
The PPPP Competitive Grant Program allows for the Federal share of the prioritization project to be 100 percent.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative/description
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of MPO designation
- Timeline and work plan
- Letters of support or commitment
Program contact
- 👤 DOT Federal Highway Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202-366-4004
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.262 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,000,000
-
$2,000,000
-
$2,000,000
-
$1,400,000
-
$1,229,130
-
$865,000
-
$507,320
Top States by Funding
- FL 2 awards $4.0M
- AK 1 awards $2.0M
- OH 1 awards $1.4M
- HI 1 awards $1.2M
- DE 1 awards $0.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.262). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $10,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) serving census-designated urban areas with populations over 200,000 are eligible. Your organization must be officially designated as an MPO under federal transportation planning requirements.
What is the funding range and deadline?
Awards range from $1 to $2,000,000 per grant. The deadline is October 30, 2026. Total program funding is $26 million across FY 2024-2026.
What activities can be funded?
Projects supporting prioritization processes for transportation planning are eligible. This includes framework development, prioritization tools, pilot programs, and related planning studies.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required. Federal funding can cover 100% of eligible project costs under this program.
How competitive is this grant?
With $26 million available and individual awards up to $2 million, approximately 13-26 grants may be awarded. MPOs with strong, innovative prioritization proposals have good chances of success.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly define your prioritization process and explain how it improves transportation planning outcomes. Show the problem your project solves.
- Demonstrate MPO capacity to complete the project on schedule. Include relevant staff expertise and past successes with federal grants.
- Connect your proposal to IIJA priorities like equity, climate, or economic development. Align with national transportation goals.
- Detail how your prioritization process will benefit your region's transportation outcomes. Provide specific metrics or goals.
- Start early and engage with FHWA regional office staff. They can clarify eligibility and provide informal feedback before submission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing projects that don't focus on prioritization processes. Lack of clear connection between project activities and improved transportation planning outcomes. Underestimating project complexity without detailed work plans or realistic timelines.
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