Technology grant
We distribute funding to rural and small urban transit for the technologies needed to deliver and improve modern transit services.
Eligibility
Any Greater Minnesota rural or small urban transit agency currently receiving operating assistance from MnDOT.
Application period
- August 03, 2026 Application opens.
- August 11, 2026 Webinar to discuss the application and answer questions at 11:00 am.
- August 11, 2026 Deadline for questions at 11:59 PM.
- August 18, 2026 Publish questions and responses to the Technology Grant webpage.
- September 30, 2026 Application closes (allowing 43 business days to apply) at 11:59 pm.
Application process
Applications must be completed and submitted online through the BlackCat Transit Data Management System.
Step 1: Start your application
- Log into the BlackCat system.
- Choose Applications.
- Select 2026 Application for the 2027 Technology Grant
Step 2: Create a project.
Step 3: Complete and upload required forms
Download needed documents from the Application tab BlackCat, complete and sign as required for each, then attach the documents.
Step 3: Submit
- Choose the submit button to submit your application by September 30, 2026.
After you apply
OTAT staff will confirm applications are complete. Incomplete applications will not be scored. A scoring committee, consisting of MnDOT staff and external transportation professionals, will review applications and meet to discuss their scores. Scoring criteria can be found in the 2026 Technology Grant Instructions. Scorers will be asked to provide comments for each application on strengths and weaknesses.
Notification of awards will be posted on this website in December of 2026, with contracts sent out in March of 2027.
Reporting requirements
If awarded funds, an organization will submit the following reports:
- Quarterly Request for Funds (RFF)
- Progress reports on activities required to procure funded technologies.
- Documented Updates to your Used Live Planning, once you have procured the new technology.
- Reporting should be completed in the BlackCat Transit Data Management System. Work with your transportation program manager to complete these reports.