FFY25 Child Passenger Safety NOSA

Background
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), is accepting applications for the FFY 2025 Child Passenger Safety Education and Assistance Program. This initiative, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aims to reduce child passenger injuries and fatalities by providing free car seats and education on proper installation to low-income families who do not qualify for assistance from their health insurance providers.

The program has a budget of $500,000 and is part of Massachusetts' efforts to enhance roadway safety and reduce traffic-related injuries.

Work Details
Eligible entities, including municipal agencies, state agencies, not-for-profit hospitals, and 501(c)(3) organizations serving low-income families, can apply for funding to distribute car seats. Each applicant may submit an order valued at up to $10,000 for car seats, which will be provided for distribution by certified child passenger safety (CPS) technicians.

The program emphasizes the importance of proper car seat installation and usage to mitigate the high rates of misuse observed in Massachusetts. Applicants must demonstrate a plan for identifying low-income families in need and justify their requests for specific types and quantities of car seats.

Period of Performance
The application process is ongoing until all funds are allocated or until August 31, 2025, whichever comes first. Awarded applicants can expect delivery of car seats approximately 2-4 weeks after their application is approved.

Place of Performance
The program operates within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, specifically targeting low-income families across the state.

Bidder Requirements
Applicants must have at least one certified CPS technician on staff who conducts in-person seat checks. They must also maintain an active account in the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) online database.

Returning applicants who have not submitted required data from previous distributions will be ineligible for funding. Additionally, all distributed car seats must be provided at no cost to recipients.