The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program, known as INFRA, supports significant freight and highway projects. For civil engineering firm owners, understanding the program can help identify agency clients who may need planning, analysis, and engineering services. Agencies apply for grants. Consultants may support their applications and, if selected through the agency's procurement process, provide project services.
What it funds
INFRA is a U.S. Department of Transportation program for freight and highway projects. It can support projects that improve the movement of freight and address transportation needs on highways. The program sits within the broader federal-aid framework established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Public Law 117-58. That law invests $350 billion in highway programs over 5 years.
Project eligibility and eligible costs depend on the current notice of funding opportunity and program guidance. Review the official INFRA program page and the current notice before advising an agency about a project's fit.
Who applies
Public agencies and other eligible authorities submit applications. The IIJA provides eligibility for local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Tribes, and other public authorities to compete directly for funding across many FHWA programs. Eligibility varies by program, so an agency should confirm that it can apply to the specific INFRA funding opportunity.
Engineering firms do not receive an INFRA award simply by preparing a proposal. Their role is to help an eligible applicant develop a competitive, technically sound project and, if selected by the agency, deliver professional services under a separate contract.
Award size and funding available
Check the official program page and the current notice of funding opportunity for award limits, the funding pool, matching requirements, and eligible project costs. Do not rely on past awards as a guide to the terms of a new round.
Cycle and current status
FHWA programs and activities under the IIJA have a stated basis through September 30, 2026. The official program page lists an FY26 INFRA Track 1 Awards announcement dated October 1, 2026, and an FY26 INFRA program notice of funding opportunity dated June 2, 2026. Because those dates are after the stated IIJA program period, confirm the current status, application timetable, and any continuing authority on the official program page.
Funding notices and awards follow program-specific schedules. Check the current notice for deadlines and required materials. USDOT and FHWA also publish a Competitive Grant Funding Matrix organized by applicant type, which can help agencies identify relevant grant programs.
How consultants win the design work
The agency applies for the grant. Consultants may support planning, benefit-cost analysis, and grant writing where allowed by the program and applicable procurement rules. If the project proceeds, the agency selects consultants through qualifications-based selection (QBS) for design and construction phase services. Grant support does not guarantee a later contract. Procurement rules apply at each stage, and agencies should confirm the permitted scope and selection process before engaging a consultant.
What owners should do now
- Identify public agency clients with freight or highway needs that could fit INFRA. Confirm eligibility against the current notice.
- Review the official program page and notice for the current status, deadlines, award terms, match requirements, and eligible costs.
- Offer planning and benefit-cost analysis support where allowed, and help agencies assemble clear project information for an application.
- Prepare for QBS procurements by documenting relevant qualifications and experience in design and construction phase services. Follow the agency's procurement requirements.
Official program page: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/infra-grant-program. Check it for current notices of funding opportunity before advising a client.
