The MIO TAC Window 1 2026 application is open now through April 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM. If you are applying for the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), note that the federal deadline is May 1, 2026 and the MIO encourages early submission. Apply at webportalapp.com.
What is the MIO Technical Assistance Center?
The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) Technical Assistance Center (TAC) is a state program established under P.A. 166 of 2022 to provide technical assistance, planning, and matching grants to help draw federal infrastructure money into Michigan communities. It is not a grant itself — it is free support that helps eligible organizations successfully apply for federal grants they might otherwise struggle to pursue on their own.
The TAC operates in application windows throughout the year. Window 1 of 2026 is currently open, targeting nine federal discretionary grants that the MIO anticipates becoming available in Spring 2026. Not all federal Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) are published yet, but TAC is accepting applications now so communities are ready when they are released.
Which federal grants is TAC supporting this window?
Window 1 2026 is targeting the following nine federal Department of Transportation grant programs. NOFOs are still being released, so check grants.gov and the MIO TAC Fact Sheets for the latest information on each:
- All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) — federal deadline May 1, 2026; apply to TAC early
- Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)
- Bridge Investment Program (BIP) — Bridge Project Grants (total project costs must not exceed $100M)
- Bridge Investment Program (BIP) — Planning Grants
- Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI)
- Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- PROTECT Program (Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation)
- Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program
- Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is specific. The following types of organizations can apply for TAC support in Window 1 2026:
- Federally recognized Tribal nations
- Municipalities and local governments that have been selected by their Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or Regional Planning Agency (RPA) — applications must include a letter of support from the relevant MPO or RPA
- Rural public transit authorities — with a letter of support from MDOT
- Urban public transit agencies — with a letter of support from their affiliated MPO
- School districts — with support from local government
- Utility authorities and community water systems
If your organization is a municipality or local government, you must coordinate with your Metropolitan Planning Organization or Regional Planning Agency before applying. They are responsible for prioritizing applications from member communities and must provide a letter of support. If you need help identifying your MPO or RPA, consult the TAC guidance document.
What support does the TAC provide?
TAC currently offers four types of complimentary support for this window:
1. Grant identification
If you have an infrastructure project in mind but have not yet identified the right federal grant to pursue, TAC staff can help match your project type, size, and community profile to the most appropriate funding opportunities. You do not need to have a specific grant identified to apply for this type of support.
2. Grant writing
TAC provides direct writing assistance to help strengthen your federal grant application. This includes helping you respond to funder priorities and improve the overall competitiveness of your proposal. Grant writing support is tied to the specific federal NOFOs targeted in the current window.
3. Benefit-cost analysis
Many federal transportation grants require a formal benefit-cost analysis as part of the application. TAC can provide this technical support, which is often beyond the capacity of smaller local governments to produce independently.
4. Match funding reservations
TAC can commit matching funds on behalf of eligible applicants to help meet federal match requirements. This is one of the most valuable services TAC offers, as securing local match is often the single biggest barrier to submitting a competitive federal grant application.
What is match funding and why does it matter?
Most federal infrastructure grant programs do not fund 100% of a project. They require the applicant to contribute a portion of the total cost — called a local match — to demonstrate community investment in the outcome. The required match percentage varies by program.
For example, the EDA Disaster Supplemental grant program (a separate MIO TAC opportunity also currently open) requires a 20% match. TAC and the RECOVER-MI Challenge program together can cover a significant portion of that match for eligible Michigan counties, removing a major obstacle for communities that want to apply but cannot self-fund the match requirement.
If you are applying for one of the nine grants in Window 1 2026 and need match support, indicate that in your TAC application. TAC will assess your project and determine whether a match commitment is appropriate.
How to prepare before you apply
The application window closes April 2. Here is what to gather before you submit:
- Read the full TAC Window 1 2026 guidance document before applying
- Identify which of the nine targeted grants best fits your project, and review the relevant TAC Fact Sheet
- If you are a municipality or local government, contact your MPO or RPA early to request a letter of support — this takes time
- Prepare a clear description of your infrastructure project: location, scope, estimated cost, and connection to federal funding goals
- Document community need and project readiness — TAC prioritizes projects that are viable and positioned for federal funding
- Determine whether you need grant ID support, grant writing support, benefit-cost analysis, or match funding — you can apply for more than one type, but each must be a separate application
- Register for the TAC webinar on March 24, 2026 (10-11am ET) or office hours on March 27, 2026 (9-10am ET) if you have questions before applying
Upcoming TAC events
MIO is hosting two free virtual sessions to walk through the application process and answer questions:
- Webinar: March 24, 2026, 10:00-11:00am ET — overview of TAC services and the Window 1 2026 application process. Register here.
- Office hours: March 27, 2026, 9:00-10:00am ET — bring specific questions about the guidance document and your application. Sign up here.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cost to use the TAC?
No. TAC support is complimentary for eligible applicants. You will not need to pay for services out of pocket.
Can I apply if I do not have a specific grant in mind yet?
Yes. For grant identification support, you do not need to have identified a specific grant before applying. Bring your project details and TAC staff will help match you to relevant programs.
Can I apply for more than one type of support?
Yes, but each type of support and each project requires a separate application through the online portal.
What if the federal NOFO for my grant has not been published yet?
TAC is accepting applications now for grants it anticipates being released in Spring 2026. Not all NOFOs are published at the time of window opening. You can review past NOFOs and TAC Fact Sheets on the MIO website, but note that new NOFOs may update criteria based on current federal priorities.
What happens after April 2?
The Window 1 2026 application closes at 11:59 PM on April 2. Additional application windows will be offered later in 2026 with dates to be determined. If your project is not ready for this window, it is still worth contacting TAC to discuss future opportunities.
Who do I contact with questions?
Reach out to Kris Brady, TAC Director at the Michigan Infrastructure Office, at BradyK4@michigan.gov.
