This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities to incentivize and accelerate the upgrading or retirement of the nation’s legacy diesel engine fleet. Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with the EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Projects may target in-use medium and heavy-duty diesel-powered highway vehicles and diesel powered nonroad vehicles and equipment. Eligible diesel emissions reduction solutions include verified retrofit technologies, verified idle reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies, verified low rolling resistance tires, certified engine replacements and conversions, and certified vehicle or equipment replacement.

Evaluation criteria points will be given to applications that demonstrate plans and activities to prepare their workforce for the project, such as conducting robust workforce planning to ensure current drivers, mechanics, electricians, and other essential personnel receive training to safely operate and maintain the new vehicles, engines, infrastructure, and equipment, in order to maximize the useful life of any certified engine configuration, verified technology, or emerging technology used or funded by the eligible entity. Additionally, evaluation criteria points will be given to applications which demonstrate policies and protections that currently exist or will be put in place to prevent existing workers from being replaced or displaced because of new technologies purchased with funding awarded under this NOFO.