FY 2026 SBSRF NOFO 06-03_FINALv2.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

State Border Security Reinforcement Fund (SBSRF)

Fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and other criminal or noncriminal misconduct related to this program may be reported to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1 (800) 323-8603 and TTY 1 (844) 889-4357.

Table of Contents

1. Basic Information

A. Agency Name B. NOFO Title C. Announcement Type D. Funding Opportunity Number E. Assistance Listing Number F. Expected Total Funding G. Anticipated Number of Awards H. Projected Application Start Date I. Projected Application End Date J. Anticipated Funding Selection Date K. Anticipated Award Date L. Projected Period of Performance Start Date M. Projected Period of Performance End Date N. Executive Summary O. Agency Contact

2. Eligibility A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types B. Project Type Eligibility C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties D. Maximum Number of Applications E. Additional Restrictions F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO G. Cost Sharing Requirement H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History B. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities Program objectives include:

C. Program Rationale D. Federal Assistance Type E. Performance Measures and Targets

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F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs G. General Funding Requirements H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs J. Retroactive Funding Pathway K. Beneficiary Eligibility L. Participant Eligibility M. Authorizing Authority N. Appropriation Authority O. Budget Period P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

4. Application Contents and Format A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers B. Application Content and Format C. Application Components D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines A. Address to Request Application Package B. Application Deadline C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline E. Effects of Missing the Deadline

6. Intergovernmental Review A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

7. Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria B. Application Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria C. Financial Integrity Criteria D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection F. Merit Review Process G. Final Selection

8. Award Notices A. Notice of Award B. Pass-Through Requirements C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs D. Obligation of Funds E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions C. Financial Reporting Requirements D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements E. Closeout Reporting Requirements

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F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 G. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance H. Single Audit Report I. Monitoring and Oversight J. Program Evaluation K. Additional Performance Reporting Requirements L. Termination of Federal Award M. Best Practices N. Immigration Conditions

10. Other Information A. Period of Performance Extension B. Other Information

Appendix A: List of Allowable Activities A. Retroactive Funding Pathway: Activities B. Forward-Looking Funding Pathway: Program-Specific Allowable Activities

Appendix B: Guidance for 2 CFR Part 200 Waiver Requests for Retroactive Funding Pathway

Activities Appendix C: Payment Requests

A. Payments B. Retroactive Funding Pathway – Costs

Appendix D: Investment Justifications A. Investment Justification Framework

Construction or Deployment of Border Barrier or Buoys Ground Preparation for Construction and Maintenance of Border Barriers

3. Detection and Interdiction of Illicit Substances and Unlawful Aliens

4. Relocation of Unlawfully Present Aliens

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1. Basic Information

A. Agency Name

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA)

B. NOFO Title

State Border Security Reinforcement Fund

C. Announcement

Type

Initial

D. Funding

Opportunity

Number

DHS-26-GPD-159-00-99

E. Assistance

Listing Number

97.159

F. Expected Total

Funding

$9,985,436,000

G. Anticipated

Number of

Awards

1-50

H. Projected

Application Start

Date

June 4, 2026, 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time (ET)

I. Projected

Application End

Date

July 6, 2026, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time (ET)

J. Anticipated

Funding

Selection Date

No earlier than July 31, 2026

K. Anticipated

Award Date

No earlier than August 1, 2026

L. Projected Period of Performance

Start Date

January 20, 2021

M. Projected Period of Performance

End Date

September 30, 2034

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N. Executive

Summary

The State Border Security Reinforcement Fund (SBSRF), established by the Working Families Tax Cut Act of 2025 (Public Law 119-21), dedicates $9,985,436,000 to border security. The goal is to support the

Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to reduce unlawful entries, combat illegal drug flows, and strengthen collaboration among agencies—all as part of ongoing immigration reform enhancing border security nationwide through state-level projects funded via a competitive framework.

O. Agency Contact

a. Program Office Contact

FEMA has assigned Preparedness Officers for SBSRF. If you are unsure who your Preparedness Officer is, please contact FEMA

Grants News by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by email at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

ET.

b. FEMA Grants News

This channel provides general information on all FEMA grant programs and maintains a comprehensive database containing key personnel contact information at the federal, state, and local levels.

FEMA Grants News Team is reachable at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

c. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration

Division

GPD’s Award Administration Division (AAD) provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. AAD can be contacted at ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.

d. FEMA Regional Offices

FEMA Regional Offices also may provide fiscal support, including pre- and post-award administration and technical assistance. FEMA

Regional Office contact information is available at https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts.

e. Civil Rights

Consistent with Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination

& Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, the FEMA Integration and

Coordination Division (ICD) is responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of federal civil rights obligations in connection with programs and services conducted by FEMA. They are reachable at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

f. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation

The FEMA office of Environmental Planning and Historic Planning

(OEHP) provides guidance and information about the EHP review mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts mailto:FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov

6 | P a g e process to FEMA programs and recipients and subrecipients. Send any inquiries regarding compliance for FEMA grant projects under this

NOFO to FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov.

g. FEMA GO

For technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the

FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.gov or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.

mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov

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2. Eligibility

A. Eligible

Entities/Entity Types

i. Applicants

The only entities eligible to apply directly for funding are State

Administrative Agencies (SAAs). SAAs are responsible for managing and distributing funds within their respective state, ensuring that resources support state and local border security and response efforts.

For this funding opportunity, the term "state" includes only U.S.

states, excluding the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of

Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the

Commonwealth of the Northern Maiana Islands.

ii. Subapplicants

SAAs are responsible for soliciting project proposals and distributing funds as subawards to eligible local governments as defined by 2

C.F.R. § 200.1.

These distributed funds are called subawards, and the organizations receiving them are referred to as subrecipients.

To be eligible, subapplicants must:

1. Qualify as local governments under federal regulation (2

C.F.R. § 200.1).

2. Demonstrate the operational capacity to carry out proposed activities.

3. Prioritize U.S. citizens in sensitive roles. If foreign nationals are involved, they must be fully vetted and comply with all

DHS policies and Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) guidance, including “staff American, stay in America” protocols.

4. Show active coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP) through participation on Homeland Security Task

Forces, full participation in the Department of Homeland

Security’s 287(g) program, MOUs, joint operational plans, or documented participation in other federal border initiatives.

All projects must align with federal border enforcement priorities.

Territories, Tribal Nations and private organizations are not eligible for either direct awards or subawards.

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Examples of Potential Subapplicants/Subrecipients

Eligible subapplicants include, but are not limited to:

• County Sheriff’s Offices (key roles in border enforcement, detention, and interdiction operations)

• State Police or Highway Patrol Units (multi-jurisdictional response and support)

• Local Emergency Management Agencies (disaster response, logistics, and resource allocation)

• Regional Joint Task Forces or Multi-Agency Border Security

Groups (coordination across agencies)

• County or City Detention Facilities (detention, processing, and relocation support)

• Regional Fusion Centers or Intelligence Units (intelligence analysis and information sharing)

SAAs review, prioritize, and consolidate all subapplicant proposals into a single, statewide application for submission to DHS/FEMA.

Applications are then subject to competitive federal review, including merit assessment by DHS authorities.

B. Project Type

Eligibility

a. Unallowable Project Types

See Section 3.F. Program-Specific Unallowable Activities

b. Allowable Project Types

To be eligible for funding under the program, costs must fall within one of the allowable categories listed below.

1. Construction or Deployment of Border Barrier or Buoys along the southern border of the United States.

2. Ground Preparation for Construction and Maintenance of

Border Barriers.

3. Detection and Interdiction of Illicit Substances and Unlawful

Aliens.

4. Relocation of Unlawfully Present Aliens.

Please note that there may be restrictions on the use of funds for retroactive funding pathway activities.

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See Appendix A: List of Allowable Activities for more details.

Applicants who have questions about whether a cost is allowable under this program should contact their Program Officer.

C. Requirements for

Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties

An application submitted by an otherwise eligible non-federal entity (i.e., the applicant) may be deemed ineligible when the person that submitted the application is not:

1. A current employee, official, or leader of the recipient organization; and

2. Authorized to apply for the award on behalf of the entity at the time of submission.

Additionally, the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) must:

1. Be a current authorized employee, official, or leader of the recipient organization.

2. Use a unique email address associated with the recipient organization at the time of application and upon any change in assignment during the period of performance.

Consultants or contractors are not permitted to serve as the AOR of the recipient organization. For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the AOR, refer to FEMA's guidance on Roles and

Permissions.

Subapplicants should not have foreign nationals or noncitizens included.

If a subapplicant has foreign nationals, they must be properly vetted and must adhere to all government statutes, policies, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.

Subapplicants/subrecipients must submit short bios and resumes. This should include the type of entity, organizational leadership, and board members along with both the names and addresses of the individuals.

Resumes are subject to approval.

Federal employees are prohibited from serving in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on the development of any proposal submitted under this program.

D. Maximum

Number of

Applications

N/A

E. Additional

Restrictions

Applicants/subapplicants or recipients/subrecipients are required to certify their compliance with federal statutes, DHS directives, policies, and procedures.

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Territories, Tribal Nations, and nonprofit organizations as defined in 2

CFR § 200.1, are not eligible to apply as applicants and/or subapplicants.

Pass-Through Requirements

Not Applicable.

F. References for

Eligibility Factors within the NOFO

Please see the following references provided below:

1. “Responsiveness Review Criteria” subsection

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection

4. FEMA may request financial information such as Employer

Identification Number (EIN) and bank information as part of the potential award selection. This will apply to everyone prospered, including subrecipients.

5. Appendix A: List of Allowable Activities

6. Appendix B: Guidance for 2 CFR 200 Waiver Requests for

Retroactive Funding Pathway Activities

7. Appendix C: Payment Requests

8. Appendix D: Investment Justifications

G. Cost Sharing

Requirement

There is no cost share requirement.

H. Cost Share

Description, Type and Restrictions

Not Applicable.

I. Cost Sharing

Calculation Example

J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description

A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History

SBSRF, authorized by the Working Families Tax Cut Act of 2025 (Public Law 119-21), was established to address the urgent need for robust and adaptable border security solutions at the state and local levels. SBSRF is a flexible hybrid program designed to reinforce the nation’s border by empowering states and local governments to meet evolving security challenges.

• SBSRF will enhance border security nationwide through state-level projects funded via a competitive framework.

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Through strict compliance, robust oversight, and executive flexibility, SBSRF advances both congressional statutory requirements and administration priorities—ensuring effective, accountable, and responsive border security measures nationwide.

B. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

SBSRF’s primary goal is to enhance U.S. border security by supporting state and local initiatives that address the most pressing challenges. The program funds both new (forward-looking) and eligible past (retroactive from Jan. 20, 2021, to the award date) activities, as outlined in the bill.

Projects must align with DHS National Priority Area A: Border Security and Immigration

Enforcement and show close coordination with federal agencies such as U.S. Customs and

Border Protection (CBP).

Program objectives include:

• Construction or deployment of a border wall, border barrier, or buoys along the southern border of the United States.

• Any work necessary to prepare the ground at or near land borders to allow construction and maintenance of a border barrier.

• Detection and interdiction of illicit substances and aliens who have unlawfully entered the United States and have committed a crime under Federal, State, or local law.

• Relocation of aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States from population centers to other domestic locations.

C. Program Rationale

The stated goals, objectives, and priorities of SBSRF support section 90005(b) of the State

Border Security Reinforcement Fund, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Pub. L. No. 119-21

(2025) (codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1716).

D. Federal Assistance Type

Grant.

E. Performance Measures and Targets

To support the goals of the SBSRF program—strengthening border security, improving public safety, and managing resources effectively—recipients must track and report on specific performance measures tailored to the funding pathway. These measures cover both past

(completed) and future (ongoing or planned) projects. This separation ensures clarity in reporting and accountability this competitive funding model.

All performance measures must be included in both the semi-annual progress reports and the

Biannual Strategy Implementation Report (BSIR). This ensures DHS receives timely and useful data on SBSRF funded activities, promoting transparency, continuous improvement, and the ability to measure the impact of investments on border security and preparedness.

1. SBSRF Performance Measures

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Construction or Deployment of Border Wall, Barriers, or Buoys

• Retroactive:

o Increase the total miles of border wall, fencing, barriers, or buoys built or deployed to prevent illegal entry and improve physical border security since

January 20, 2021 through reimbursed activities.

o Lower cost per mile of border barrier constructed or deployed, including labor, materials, and equipment since January 20, 2021 through reimbursed costs.

o Increase the number of contracts awarded that include certifications of compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act since January 20, 2021 through reimbursed costs.

• Forward-Looking:

o Increase the total miles of border wall, fencing, barriers, or buoys built or deployed to prevent illegal entry and improve physical border security.

o Achieve cost reductions per mile of border barrier constructed or deployed through competitive procurement strategies, including labor, materials, and equipment.

o Increase the number of contracts awarded that include certifications of compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act.

Ground Preparation for Construction and Maintenance

• Retroactive:

o Increase the miles of access roads repaired or prepared since January 20, 2021 through reimbursed activities.

o Increase the number of improvements to drainage and erosion control to ensure barriers are effective and sustainable since January 20, 2021 through reimbursed activities.

• Forward-Looking:

o Increase the miles of access roads repaired or prepared.

o Develop and implement innovative solutions for drainage and erosion control to ensure barriers are effective and sustainable.

Detection and Interdiction of Illicit Substances and Criminal Aliens o Demonstrate the increased number of arrests of unlawfully present aliens who have committed crimes, and the quantity of illicit substances seized since January

20, 2021, through reimbursed activities.

o Demonstrate the increased the number of National Guard personnel deployed to arrest unlawfully present aliens and/or seize illicit substances since January 20, 2021.

• Forward-Looking:

o Increase the number of new interdictions that result in arrests of unlawfully present aliens who have committed crimes and the seizure of illicit substances.

o Increase the number of National Guard personnel deployed to arrest unlawfully present aliens and/or seize illicit substances.

Relocation of Criminal Aliens from Population Centers

13 | P a g e o Demonstrate the increased number of unlawfully present aliens who have committed crimes relocated or referred to DHS since January 20, 2021, through reimbursed costs.

• Forward-Looking:

o Increase the number of relocations or referrals of unlawfully present aliens completed through new processes or partnerships.

F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

a. Unallowable Costs SBSRF

Per FEMA policy, the purchase of weapons and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is not allowed with SBSRF funds. Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of the following equipment: firearms; ammunition; grenade launchers; bayonets; or weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind with weapons installed.

All unallowable activities and costs are subject to 2 C.F.R. § 200.403 and the FEMA authorized equipment list (AEL). Examples (not exhaustive):

• Construction of unrelated decorative, aesthetic, or recreational structures (AEL exclusion).

• Purchasing real property (land or existing buildings affixed to land).

• Rental fees for space or facilities that grantees own.

• Renovations or modifications to rented real property.

• Equipment or services not listed on the AEL without prior written approval.

• Landscaping or beautification without a physical security function.

• Surveillance, IT, or communications equipment not tied directly to border security.

• Long-term or unrelated housing, hotel stays outside relocation context, personal stipends.

• Legal services, including litigation.

G. General Funding Requirements

Costs charged to federal awards (including federal and non-federal cost share funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, policies, this NOFO, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered within the budget period. 2 C.F.R. §

200.403(h).

Recipients may not use federal funds or any cost share funds for the following activities:

1. Matching or cost sharing requirements for other federal grants and cooperative agreements (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306).

2. Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C § 1913 or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.

3. Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity (see 2

C.F.R. § 200.435).

H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs)

Indirect costs are not allowed.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title18-section1913&num=0&edition=1999 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.450 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435

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I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

M&A costs are allowed.

Applicants may use up to 2% of their SBSRF award for M&A costs. Subapplicants may also use up to 2% of their subaward for M&A costs. M&A activities are those directly related to the management and administration of SBSRF funds, such as financial management, reporting, and grant monitoring. These expenses must be based on actual costs or known contractual amounts;

requests based solely on a percentage of the award, without supporting justification, will not be approved or reimbursed.

M&A are not overhead costs but are necessary direct costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such, M&A costs can be itemized in financial reports. If an outside consultant or contractor is used for grant writing or grant management, additional federal requirements may apply.

Permissible M&A uses also include:

• Hiring full- or part-time staff (including contractors and consultants) to manage the award

• Designing and implementing the current year’s program to ensure compliance with reporting and data collection requirements, including FEMA data calls

• Travel expenses (domestic only) related to grant administration, in accordance with 2

C.F.R. Part 200

• Purchasing necessary office equipment, such as computers or laptops, for M&A purposes

All M&A costs must be itemized in financial reports and fully supported by documentation.

J. Retroactive Funding Pathway

This program’s Retroactive Funding Pathway permits reimbursement for eligible, well-documented border security expenditures incurred between January 20, 2021, and the date of the grant award. All retroactive costs are subject to the same environmental, legal, and programmatic review as prospective projects and waivers will be considered only for mission-critical, urgent expenses with appropriate justifications and to the extent allowed by law. For applicants pursuing retroactive costs, all required reimbursement documentation must be submitted at the time of application for consideration. See Appendix A: List of Allowable Activities for a detailed list of allowable activities, Appendix B: Guidance for 2 CFR Part 200 Waiver Requests for

Retroactive Funding Pathway Activities, and Appendix C: Payment Requests for additional information.

K. Beneficiary Eligibility

There are no program requirements. This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any beneficiary.

L. Participant Eligibility

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There are no program requirements. There are no participant requirements. This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant.

M. Authorizing Authority

Working Families Tax Cut Act of 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-21, § 90005(b)

N. Appropriation Authority

Working Families Tax Cut Act of 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-21. § 90005(b)

O. Budget Period

There will be only a single budget period with the same start and end dates as the period of performance.

P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

Recipients, sub-recipients, and their contractors or subcontractors must comply with the prohibitions set forth in Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which restrict the purchase of covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services. Please see 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and

Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200, and FEMA Policy #405-143-1 - Prohibitions on Expending

FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services for more information.

4. Application Contents and Format

A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers

B. Application Content and Format

Applications will be submitted via FEMA GO.

C. Application Components

The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard

Forms (SF) are also available at Forms | Grants.gov.

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

• SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information

(Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424A

• SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances

(Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424B

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.grants.gov/forms

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D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information

The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in FEMA GO:

• Application Worksheet: Applicants must provide additional certifications for the funds requested, budget instructions, and a list of subapplicants that are known at the time of application. Applicants must use the provided worksheet and must upload their completed worksheet to the Project Worksheet section in FEMA GO as an Excel file with the naming convention SBSRF_Application_Worksheet.

• Investment Justification (IJ): Applicants must submit one IJ for each objective for which they are requesting funding. In each IJ, applicants must address existing capability levels, gaps the investment tends to address, and proposed activities ensuring alignment with program guidelines. Applicants must upload their completed IJ to FEMA GO as a word file with the naming convention SBSRF_Investment justification. Applicants will submit between one and four IJ’s (one for each allowable activity listed in Appendix A).

• For Retroactive Funding Pathway: All required documentation for retroactive costs reimbursement requests must be submitted at the time of application for consideration.

See Appendix A: List of Allowable Activities for a detailed list of allowable activities, Appendix B: Guidance for 2 CFR Part 200 Waiver Requests for Retroactive Funding

Pathway Activities, and Appendix C: Payment Requests for additional information.

E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants

Applicants likely to be funded may receive a request for additional information by email before award. Applicants must respond to the request to move forward with the grant review process.

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

A. Address to Request Application Package

Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.

Steps required to apply for an award under this program and submit an application:

To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and Employer

Identification Number (EIN from the Internal Revenue Service.

b. In the application, provide an UEI number.

c. Have an account with login.gov;

d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application.

e. Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the Authorized

Organizational Representative (AOR). The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607;

f. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and https://go.fema.gov/ https://www.login.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607

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g. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency. As part of this, applicants must also provide information on an applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.110(a)(2)(iv), if an applicant is experiencing exigent circumstances that prevents it from obtaining an UEI number and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA as soon as possible. Contact fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov and provide the details of the exigent circumstances.

How to Register to Apply:

General Instructions:

Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Below are instructions for registering to apply for DHS/FEMA funds. Read the instructions carefully and prepare the requested information before beginning the registration process. Gathering the required information before starting the process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. To ensure an application meets the deadline, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission.

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, Employer Identification

Number (EIN), and an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

Obtain a UEI Number:

All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI number.

Applicants must enter the UEI number in the applicable data entry field on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to SAM.gov.

Obtain Employer Identification Number:

In addition to having a UEI number, all entities applying for funding must provide an Employer

Identification Number (EIN). The EIN can be obtained from the IRS by visiting https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online.

Create a login.gov account:

Applicants must have a login.gov account in order to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account at:

https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd

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Applicants only have to create a login.gov account once. For existing SAM users, use the same email address for both login.gov and SAM.gov so that the two accounts can be linked.

For more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration, refer to https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf.

Register with SAM:

In addition to having a UEI number, all organizations must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through FEMA GO. SAM registration must be renewed annually and must remain active throughout the entire grant life cycle.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to: Register with SAM

Note: per 2 C.F.R. § 25.200 , applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the past three years, if applicable.

Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR:

Applicants must register in FEMA GO and add their organization to the system. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see : FEMA GO Startup Guide

Note: FEMA GO will support only the most recent major release of the following browsers:

• Google Chrome;

• Mozilla Firefox;

• Apple Safari; and

• Microsoft Edge.

Applicants using tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA

GO.

Submitting the Final Application:

Applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information, and any program-specific information required. Standard Forms (SF) may be accessed in the Forms tab under the:

SF-424 Family | Grants.gov.

Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they are providing all required information.

After submitting the final application, FEMA GO will provide either an error message, or an email to the submitting AOR confirming the transmission was successfully received.

B. Application Deadline https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.200 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema-go_startup-guide.pdf https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

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July 6, 2026, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time. FEMA reserves the right to extend the grant application deadline if it determines, in its sole discretion, that such an extension is in the best interest of the grant program and the Department of Homeland Security. Any extension of the deadline will be communicated to all potential applicants in a timely manner.

C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline

D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline

E. Effects of Missing the Deadline

All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of submission and generates an electronic date/time stamp when

FEMA GO successfully receives an application. The submitting AOR will receive via email the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number to serve as proof of timely submission prior to the application deadline.

Applicants experiencing system-related issues have until 3:00 PM ET on the date applications are due to notify FEMA. No new system-related issues will be addressed after this deadline. Applications not received by the final application submission deadline will not be accepted.

6. Intergovernmental Review

A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

7. Application Review Information

A. Threshold Criteria

The SAA is the sole entity authorized to submit SBSRF applications to FEMA on behalf of the state and subrecipients. Applicants that do not meet the eligibility criteria will be deemed ineligible.

B. Application Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria

Recommended awards for the SBSRF program will be distributed using a risk-informed methodology to ensure funding is directed toward areas with the highest need and potential impact.

1. Risk Methodology and Score:

The risk score serves as the foundational element for award recommendations and is calculated based on DHS definition of relative risk, which includes threat, vulnerability, and consequence components associated with acts of terrorism or other security risks. The risk methodology evaluates:

https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf

20 | P a g e o Threat: The likelihood of an attack being attempted by an adversary.

o Vulnerability: The likelihood that an attack would succeed if attempted.

o Consequence: The potential impact of an event, including effects on critical infrastructure, economic stability, and national security.

This score reflects DHS's commitment to directing resources toward areas with the highest relative risk, ensuring investments align with the Administration and national security priorities.

b. Application Evaluation Criteria

FEMA will rank all complete applications based on how well they match the evaluation criteria.

Answers to the application’s activity-specific questions provide information used to determine each application’s ranking relative to the program priorities.

c. Review and Selection Process

SBSRF applications will be reviewed through a two-phase state and federal review process for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, feasibility, and how well the IJ (project description and justification) addresses the identified risk(s).

State Review

The SAA is the sole entity authorized to submit SBSRF applications to FEMA on behalf of the state and subrecipients. The SAA reviews subaward applications to ensure they meet the legal, financial, and programmatic requirements set forth by FEMA and the state’s guidelines before submitting on behalf of the state to DHS/FEMA.

Federal Review

FEMA will review applications based on the evaluation criteria to ensure eligibility and compliance with all application requirements provided in this NOFO as well as apply the following programmatic criteria:

• Activities proposed are only those identified as allowable in this NOFO.

• The applicant demonstrates their capacity, either organically or through a partnership, to provide each allowable activity proposed for funding.

• Proposed deliverables are consistent with the objectives and priorities of program.

• Project timelines are realistic, attainable, and conform to the performance period of program.

• Proposed costs are allowable, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to proposed activities.

The applicant possesses the capacity to manage a federal award consistent with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.

C. Financial Integrity Criteria

Before making an award, FEMA is required to review OMB-designated databases for applicants’ eligibility and financial integrity information. This is required by the Payment Integrity https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/116/public/117

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Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020)), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and the “Do Not

Pay Initiative” (31 U.S.C. 3354). For more details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

Thus, the Financial Integrity Criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

1. Financial stability.

2. Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards.

3. History of performance in managing federal award.

4. Reports and findings from audits.

5. Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

Before making an award expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, defined at 41

U.S.C. § 134, over the period of performance:

1. FEMA is required by 41 U.S.C. § 2313: to review or consider certain information found in SAM.gov. For details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2).

2. An applicant may review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

3. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, FEMA will consider any comments by the applicant.

E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection

Reviewers for SBSRF applications are selected from within FEMA, across the federal government, and, where applicable, may include external subject matter experts. These reviewers are chosen based on their expertise in homeland security, immigration, and grant administration.

To prevent conflicts of interest, reviewers must disclose any personal or professional relationships with applicants before the review process begins. Any individual with a conflict is recused from evaluating the affected application. Additionally, reviewers are required to complete ethics and impartiality training to ensure a fair and unbiased review process.

F. Merit Review Process

Risk Assessments will be conducted on all applicants prior to recommending final selections.

Funding in this NOFO for SBSRF is allocated to eligible applicants only. Risk Assessments will be conducted on all applicants prior to recommending final selections.

SUBRECIPIENT PROCESS

For application packages that have subapplicants, the applicant must evaluate subapplicants based on the eligibility criteria (Section 2.A). As part of the review for SBSRF, the applicant must:

• Conduct a preliminary eligibility review.

• Confirm each subapplicant has the capacity to perform the allowable activities proposed in the Application Worksheet.

• Populate Tab 3 (Subapplicant Information) of the Application Worksheet for each proposed subapplicant.

https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/116/public/117 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/41/2313 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/3354 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/3354 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

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REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Applications are reviewed through a multi-step process. All applications are pre-scored and ranked based on how well they align with the funding priorities and criteria outlined in this

NOFO. A Technical Evaluation panel will then develop a recommendation on which projects, or portions of projects, to award based on the evaluation criteria.

PRE-SCORING PROCESS

The application undergoes a pre-scoring process based on the evaluation criteria. All information should comply with program requirements as stated in this NOFO and statutory funding limitations. Applications will be ranked as a result of their evaluation criteria score.

TECHNICAL REVIEW PROCESS

FEMA will determine a competitive range based on application submissions and funding.

Applications representing that competitive range will undergo a Technical Review by a panel of subject matter experts from CBP, ICE, FEMA, and other parts of DHS with experience in immigration, homeland security and grants management before being recommended for award.

FEMA will evaluate applications through a series of internal review processes for eligibility and completeness. Requests may be recommended for partial funding based on findings made during this assessment.

G. Final Selection

The final selection process consists of an eligibility review and a technical review before recommending applications for an award. Once the eligibility review and technical review process is complete, a final ranking of applications will be created. The review panel will use the final results to make funding recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security. All final funding determinations will be made by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who retains the discretion to consider other factors and information, such as indicators of the greatest need or operational impact, in addition to the review panel’s funding recommendations.

8. Award Notices

A. Notice of Award

The Authorized Organization Representative should carefully read the federal award package before accepting the federal award. The federal award package includes instructions on administering the federal award as well as terms and conditions for the award.

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the prerequisites stated in this

NOFO and the material terms and conditions of the federal award, should they receive an award.

FEMA will provide the federal award package to the applicant electronically via FEMA GO.

Award packages include an Award Letter, Summary Award Memo, Agreement Articles, and

Obligating Document. An award package notification email is sent via the grant application system to the submitting AOR.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 60 days from the award date. Recipients shall notify FEMA of their intent to accept the award and proceed with work via the FEMA GO system.

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Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award via FEMA GO and all other conditions of the award have been satisfied, or until the award is otherwise rescinded. Failure to accept a grant award within the specified timeframe may result in a loss of funds.

B. Pass-Through Requirements

Not Applicable.

C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs

Even if pre-award costs are allowed, beginning performance is at the applicant and/or sub-applicant’s own risk.

D. Obligation of Funds

The grant funds are obligated in accordance with applicable laws, and no later than upon award.

E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

DHS/FEMA and FEMA GO will provide a turndown notification to all applicants who do not receive an FY 2026 award.

9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Presidential Executive Orders

Recipients must comply with the requirements of Presidential Executive Orders related to grants

(also known as federal assistance and financial assistance), the full text of which are incorporated by reference. Pursuant to the preliminary injunction order issued on November 21, 2025, in

County of Santa Clara et al. v. Noem, et al., No. 25-cv-08330-WHO (N.D. Cal.), this requirement does not apply to awards or subawards issued to any of the plaintiffs subject to the preliminary injunction order while the order remains in effect. If the preliminary injunction is extended to cover additional plaintiffs, this provision will also not apply to any awards or subawards issued to those plaintiffs. If the preliminary injunction is stayed, vacated, or extinguished, this requirement will immediately become effective. Also, pursuant to the preliminary injunction order issued on November 21, 2025, in City of Chicago et al. v. Noem, et al., No. 25-CV-12765 (N.D. Ill.), this requirement does not apply to awards or subawards issued to any of the plaintiffs subject to the preliminary injunction order while the order remains in effect. If the preliminary injunction is extended to cover additional plaintiffs, this provision will also not apply to any awards or subawards issued to those plaintiffs. If the preliminary injunction is stayed, vacated, or extinguished, this requirement will immediately become effective.

In accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty (June 6, 2025), and to the extent allowed by law, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients under this NOFO are permitted to purchase unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as drones, or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies.

Recipients must comply with all…