Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program NOFO_Final_508.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program

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.

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. Expected Award Range I. Projected Application Start Date J. Projected Application End Date K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date L. Anticipated Award Date M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date N. Projected Period of Performance End Date O. Executive Summary P. 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 and Objectives C. Program Rationale D. Federal Assistance Type

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E. Performance Measures and Targets F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs G. General Funding Requirements H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs J. Pre-Award Costs 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 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 the Federal Award M. Best Practices N. Payment Information O. Immigration Conditions

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

11. Appendix A: State and Territory Minimums with Competitive Risk Tiers

12. Appendix B: Allowable Activities

13. Appendix C: Investment Justifications

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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 Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program C. Announcement Type

Initial

D. Funding Opportunity Number

To be determined

E. Assistance Listing Number

97.161

F. Expected Total Funding

$500,000,000

- Fiscal Year 2026 – up to $250,000,000

- Fiscal Year 2027 – up to $250,000,000

G. Anticipated Number of Awards

Fiscal Year 2026 – up to 12 awards Fiscal Year 2027 – up to 56 awards

Multiple awards; the number and size of awards will depend on selection and available funding.

H. Expected Award Range

$3,325,000 – To be determined

See Appendix A for the State and Territory Minimums with Competitive Risk Tiers

I. Projected Application Start Date

10/28/2025

J. Projected Application End Date

12/05/2025 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date

1/30/2026

L. Anticipated Award Date

No later than February 27, 2026

M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date

July 4, 2025

N. Projected Period of Performance End Date

September 30, 2028

O. Executive Summary

The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 (Pub. L. No.

119-21, Sec. 90005(a)), provides $500 million in funding to enhance state and local capabilities to detect, identify, track, or monitor

5 | P ag e FEMA Version 25-02 unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in 49 U.S.C. § 44801), consistent with Titles 18 and 49 of the U.S.C. This funding supports U.S. state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in combatting the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems that pose a threat to the safety and security of the American people, communities, and institutions.

Using C-UAS Grant Program funds, eligible governments and their subrecipients may purchase unmanned aircraft system (UAS) detection, identifying, monitoring, tracking, and mitigation (DIMT-M) technologies to support public safety officials in the protection of the public and critical infrastructure from nefarious or unlawful use of UAS; mitigation technologies will be limited to select jurisdictions.

For Fiscal Year 2026, DHS/FEMA will prioritize $250 million in funding for the 11 states that are directly or indirectly hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 events and the National Capital Region (NCR)1, which is hosting national America 250 events. All of the FIFA and NCR America 250 events are designated as Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1 or 2. These states and the NCR will receive statutory minimums established under the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), with additional funds allocated competitively based on the SEAR level of hosted events and the anticipated effectiveness of proposed projects.

The outstanding $250 million will be distributed in Fiscal Year 2027 to all 56 states and territories, with an expanded focus on building national detection and response capacity. Details regarding Fiscal Year 2027 will be determined and shared at a later date.

P. Agency Contact a. Program Office Contact FEMA has assigned Preparedness Officers to each state for the C- UAS Grant Program. 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-

1 1 The NCR includes the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland; and Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties in Virginia, along with any cities or units of government within their outer boundaries.

mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov

6 | P ag e FEMA Version 25-02 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 Office of Civil Rights 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 Consistent with Executive Order 14173, the FEMA Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (OEHP) provides guidance and information about the EHP review 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. Payment and Reporting System FEMA uses FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) for financial reporting, invoicing, and tracking payments. The Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer (DD/EFT) method of payment is used for recipients. For any questions about the system, contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.govor (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.

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.

h. Preparedness Grants Manual Recipients seeking guidance on policies and procedures for managing preparedness grants should reference the Preparedness Grants Manual at Preparedness Grants Manual. Only the portions of the Preparedness 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 mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291

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Grants Manual specifically referenced in this NOFO apply to this grant.

2. Eligibility

A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types

The C-UAS Grant Program funds are allocated across two fiscal years, each with distinct eligibility criteria and program focus. Below is a detailed breakdown of eligibility, funding structure, compliance requirements, and allowable project types.

a. Applicants

1. Eligible Applicant

Only State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), as designated by the Governor or chief executive of each U.S. state or territory, are eligible to apply for and directly receive C-UAS Grant Program funds. The SAA serves as the official applicant, primary recipient, and grant administrator for its jurisdiction.

For this funding opportunity, the term "state" includes: all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

2. Restrictions

Tribal governments are not eligible to apply directly for C-UAS Grant Program funding but may participate as subrecipients through their respective SAA.

b. Subapplicants Subapplicants and subawards are allowed.

1. Eligible Subrecipients

In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.1, 6 U.S.C. Chapter 1, and program-specific guidance, SAAs may issue subawards to eligible local, tribal, and territorial government entities, including city and county agencies, law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, emergency management, and other qualifying public safety organizations. These subrecipients carry out approved C-UAS Grant Program projects that further program goals consistent with Federal law and the authorities applicable to the subrecipients.

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2. Restrictions

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 statues, polices, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.

c. Phased Program Structure

1. Fiscal Year 2026 o Eligibility: For FY 2026, the C-UAS Grant Program eligibility is limited to the SAAs representing the 11 states and the NCR (represented by the District of Columbia as the eligible applicant on behalf of Maryland and Virginia) hosting (directly or indirectly) FIFA World Cup 2026 and national America 250 events, which are all SEAR 1 or 2 rated events (some may eventually be elevated to National Special Security Event [NSSE] status). This phased approach prioritizes jurisdictions facing elevated operational and security demands.

o Funding Structure: Each of these states and the NCR will receive statutory minimum allocations as defined under the SHSP, with additional funds awarded competitively based on the SEAR level of hosted events and the effectiveness of proposed projects.

2. Fiscal Year 2027 o Eligibility: The remaining $250 million in C-UAS Grant

Program funds will be distributed in FY 2027, with eligibility expanded to all states and territories. This round is designed to support the development of nationwide detection and response capabilities. This round focuses on building nationwide detection and response capabilities.

o Funding Structure: Section 90005(a)(1)(A) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act appropriates funds for the C-UAS Grant Program under the authorizing statute for the SHSP. This statute identifies SAAs in each state and territory as the sole eligible applicants for these funds. It also establishes the following statutory minimums for states and territories to ensure equitable distribution:

• States, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia: Each will receive at least 0.35% of total funds appropriated.

• American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Each will receive at least 0.08% of total funds appropriated.

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This framework ensures that all jurisdictions, regardless of size, receive baseline funding to enhance their capabilities to address UAS-related threats while allowing for competitive allocations to address specific security needs.

B. Project Type Eligibility

a. Unallowable Project Types Certain project types are not eligible for C-UAS Grant Program funding. For more information, refer to Section 3.F: Program- Specific Unallowable Costs in the program guidance.

b. Allowable Project Types Allowable costs for C-UAS Grant Program fall into the following categories: (1) Planning, (2) Organization, (3) Equipment, (4) Training, and (5) Exercises. Please see Appendix B: Allowable Costs for more information on allowable costs.

All costs must have a demonstrated nexus to achieving target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to acts of terrorism in accordance with 6 U.S.C. 609(a) and 605(a). Funds may also be used in a manner than enhances preparedness for disasters unrelated to acts of terrorism, if such use assists such governments in achieving target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism, pursuant to 6 U.S.C. 609(c).

If there are questions about specific expenses, contact your FEMA Preparedness 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

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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, polices, 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.

D. Maximum Number of Applications

The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is:

1. One per SAA

E. Additional Restrictions

Under the C-UAS Grant Program, there are specific funding guidelines / requirements for allocating funds:

a. Statutory Minimum Pass-Through Requirements Per 6 U.S.C. 609(a)(12), the states may retain up to 3% of awarded funds to pay expenses directly related to the administration of the grant (i.e., Management and Administration (M&A) costs). SAAs must pass through at least 97% of funds to eligible subrecipients.

The only exception is that the SAA may retain a portion of funds with appropriate justification, to make equipment purchases or support activities at the state level that benefit state law enforcement agencies or address other statewide needs for this technology. The amount of funds that can be retained by the SAA under this exception cannot exceed 20% of the total awarded funding. For detailed information on pass-through requirements, please refer to Section 8, "Award Notices," in the NOFO and consult the "Pass- Through Requirements" Section 8.12 within the Preparedness Grants Manual, which is incorporated by reference into this NOFO.

b. Mitigation Training Requirement All agencies and personnel operating mitigation technologies purchased or supported with C-UAS Grant Program funds must:

• Have personnel trained at, or scheduled to be trained at, the FBI’s National Counter-UAS Training Center (FBI NCUTC).

FEMA will verify registration with the FBI to ensure compliance with this requirement.

• Include proof of registration and, where applicable, certification with their grant application and maintain this https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_fema-go-aor-and-sar-roles_042025.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_fema-go-aor-and-sar-roles_042025.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_fy2025-preparedness-grants-manual_082025.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_fy2025-preparedness-grants-manual_082025.pdf

11 | P ag e FEMA Version 25-02 documentation for compliance purposes. Equipment not in regular use, or used for unauthorized purposes, may be subject to recovery, and the recipient may be required to return grant funds. Documentation of usage and deployment must be maintained and submitted in performance progress reports.

c. Use and Certification Requirement

• Recipients and subrecipients must certify, at project initiation and in ongoing programmatic progress reports, that all grant-funded equipment is actively deployed and used for its intended public safety or security purpose. Regular documentation of operational use must be included in performance progress reports. Equipment that is not regularly used or is used outside of authorized purposes may be subject to recall, and recipients may be required to return grant funds to FEMA.

d. C-UAS Grant Program Mitigation Capabilities Funds for C-UAS Grant Program mitigation capabilities (e.g., kinetic or non-kinetic technologies used to disable, destroy, or seize control of UAS during flight) may only be authorized for law enforcement or correctional agencies. These agencies must:

• Have personnel trained at, or scheduled to be trained at, the FBI’s NCUTC.

• Ensure that all mitigation operations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

For more information on funding restrictions, refer to General Funding Requirements.

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/will request financial information such as

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

G. Cost Sharing Requirement

There is no cost share requirement.

H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions

Not applicable.

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I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example

Not applicable.

J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description

A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History The C-UAS Grant Program was established in Fiscal Year 2026 under Section 90005(a) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 (Pub. L. No. 119-21), in direct response to growing national security concerns surrounding the unlawful or nefarious use of unmanned aircraft systems

(UAS).

The program’s priorities are shaped by Executive Order 14305, “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty,” and recommendations from the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force and subject matter experts from the field. These priorities specifically address the elevated security demands of high-profile events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and national America 250 celebrations.

The C-UAS Grant Program provides resources to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies, first responders, and public safety entities to detect, track, identify, and—where authorized—mitigate UAS threats, ensuring the safety of the public, critical infrastructure, and sensitive government operations.

B. Goals and Objectives The C-UAS Grant Program’s primary objective is to ensure SLTT agencies and public safety entities have the resources, training, and operational capacity to detect, track, identify, and— where authorized—mitigate UAS threats.

The program’s goals are to:

1. Strengthen national preparedness by equipping SLTT agencies with C-UAS Grant Program capabilities.

2. Protect critical infrastructure, mass gatherings, and sensitive government operations from UAS threats.

3. Support the deployment of fixed or portable systems for UAS detection, tracking, identification, and—where authorized—mitigation, consistent with applicable laws.

FEMA created the C-UAS Grant Program to ensure that SLTT agencies receive funds to purchase DTIM equipment or services for the detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation of UA and UAS signals consistent with the legal authorities of those SLTTs.2 Under this grant program, SLTT entities and first responder and/or public safety entities may use federal funds through grant programs to purchase fixed or portable systems that can detect, track, identify, 2 Exec. Order No. 14305 90 FR 24719 (2025) https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty/

13 | P ag e FEMA Version 25-02 and mitigate UAS threats consistent with applicable laws. Funds for C-UAS mitigation capabilities (e.g., kinetic or non-kinetic capabilities used to disable, destroy or seize control of during flight) may only be authorized for law enforcement or correctional agencies which have personnel trained at or are scheduled to be trained at the FBI’s National C-UAS Training Center on C-UAS mitigation operations.

C. Program Rationale The stated goals, objectives, and priorities of the C-UAS Grant Program support Section 6(c) of Executive Order 14305, “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.”

D. Federal Assistance Type Grant

E. Performance Measures and Targets As a newly implemented program, targeted performance may be adjusted subsequently as additional supporting information becomes available. Recipients will be required to share activity information including:

1. Total number of hours each system is in active use since acquisition;

2. Cumulative number of UAS detections made by the systems, including repeated detections of the same UAS;

3. Number of distinct UAS identified, ensuring that multiple detections of the same UAS are counted as a single unique event; and

4. Total number of criminal investigations launched based on intelligence provided by the

C-UAS systems.

a. Short-term targets/measures:

Fund the purchase and implementation of C-UAS technology:

1. Percentage of funds utilized for purchase of C-UAS equipment and or services. (Target

80%)

2. Percentage of funds utilized for training personnel in the operation of C-UAS technology.

(Target 20%)

b. Mid- to long-term targets:

1. 100% of mitigation systems procured through the C-UAS Grant Program used to protect FIFA World Cup 2026 and America 250 events in conjunction with Federal authorities.

2. Successfully identify and classify 90% of detected UAS threats (e.g., distinguishing between commercial, recreational, and potentially malicious UAS).

3. Launch criminal investigations on 100% of identified violations of civil and criminal laws when UAS operators endanger the public, violate established airspace restrictions, or operate a UAS in furtherance of an element of another crime.

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F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

• Per FEMA policy and published in Information Bulletin No. 530, the purchase of weapons and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is not allowed with C-UAS Grant Program 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. (For the purposes of this NOFO, “weaponized aircraft” refers to any aircraft, manned or unmanned, that is equipped with, or designed to deliver, weapons or munitions. Non-weaponized aircraft and UAS (drones) used for monitoring, surveillance, or data collection are not prohibited, unless otherwise specified. Requests for technologies with dual-use or mitigation functions that may fall into a gray area should be submitted to FEMA for pre-approval and justification.)

• General-use facility expenditures, to include, but not limited to ordinary facility maintenance, contracts for maintenance, and specifically backup or emergency generators;

• General vehicle maintenance, service contracts, or warranties. This is different from maintenance and sustainment costs that are allowable, but only for projects funded under a grant award. For projects or equipment not funded by the grant award, general maintenance, service contracts, and warranties are not allowable;

• Expenditures for items such as general-use software (word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc.), general-use computers and related equipment (other than for allowable M&A activities, or otherwise associated preparedness or response functions), general-use vehicles, licensing fees, recurring operating costs (e.g., cell phone services, maintenance contracts);

• Organizational operating expenses;

• Personnel costs, to include, but not limited to, overtime and backfill (except as detailed within this NOFO). Personnel costs are only allowable when directly related to the purpose of the NOFO and approved projects;

• Activities not directly related to the completion or implementation of C-UAS Grant Program-funded projects and activities;

• Other indirect costs (meaning property purchase, depreciation, or amortization expenses);

• Initiatives in which federal agencies are the beneficiary or that enhance federal property;

• Initiatives which study technology development;

• Proof-of-concept initiatives;

• Initiatives that duplicate capabilities being provided by the Federal Government; and

• Other items not in accordance with the Authorized Equipment List, in accordance with

Information Bulletin No. 530, or not previously listed as allowable costs.

• Per 6 USC 609(b)(1), grant funds will be used to supplement existing funds and will not replace (supplant) funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose. Applicants or recipients may be required to supply documentation certifying that a reduction in non-federal resources occurred for reasons other than the receipt or expected receipt of federal funds.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_recission_of_prohibited-controlled_equipment_policy_information_bulletin.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_recission_of_prohibited-controlled_equipment_policy_information_bulletin.pdf

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F. 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. See 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).

4. Any activities inconsistent with Federal laws and any laws or regulations applicable to their jurisdiction. Such activities must also be consistent with the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution.

G. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) Indirect costs are NOT allowed.

H. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs M&A costs are allowed.

Primary Recipients (SAAs) can use up to 3% and sub-recipients may use up to 3% of their C- UAS Grant Program funds for M&A purposes. 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.

I. Pre-Award Costs Pre-award costs are not allowed. However, the period of performance (PoP) will be established as beginning on July 4, 2025, thereby authorizing the incurrence of costs on or after that date.

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

K. Participant Eligibility This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant.

L. Authorizing Authority Section 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. No. 107-296, as amended) (6 U.S.C.

§ 605).

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%3AUSC-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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M. Appropriation Authority Section 90005(a)(1)(A) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 (Pub. L. No. 119-21).

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

O. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services See the Preparedness Grants Manual Section 3.2.3, which is incorporated by reference into this NOFO, for information on prohibitions on expending funds on covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services.

4. Application Contents and Format

A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers Not applicable.

B. Application Content and Format Not applicable.

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

D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information Start by visiting Grants.gov and searching for the C-UAS Grant Program posting. Once you find the posting, go to the Related Documents tab to download the necessary templates. Fill out these forms carefully, ensuring all information is accurate and clearly labeled. Save the completed forms as Adobe PDF files. Finally, log in to FEMA GO and upload the PDFs as part of your application.

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

• FEMA GO – Web based Summary of Grant Request Details (additional information in Appendix C)

• FEMA GO – Detailed Budgets (web based)

E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_fy2025-preparedness-grants-manual_082025.pdf https://www.grants.gov/forms https://grants.gov/

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Successful applicants must submit a draft Implementation Plan within 60 days of award acceptance and a final plan within 30 days of receipt of feedback from DHS/FEMA. Recipient plans should address, at a minimum:

1. Detailed Budget for:

a. Personnel

b. Equipment

c. Training/Exercises

2. Equipment

a. Equipment or services to be purchased, agreement with sponsoring federal agency

(DHS or Department of Justice [DOJ])

b. Equipment sustainment/maintenance

3. Personnel

a. Initial and sustainment training for C-UAS Grant Program operators

b. For applicants requesting mitigation technologies:

i. Agreements for participation in FBI Joint Counterterrorism Task Force for select personnel

ii. Completion or enrollment information to the FBI’s NCUTC

4. Policy

a. Commitments to comply with DHS or DOJ C-UAS policies

b. Privacy protections

c. Operational coordination with applicable Federal agencies

d. Compliance with applicable FCC and FAA regulations

e. Willingness to support special events outside of normal jurisdictions

f. Agreement to provide mutual aid

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/.

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

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 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

18 | P ag e FEMA Version 25-02 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 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.

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-25/section-25.110#p-25.110(a)(2)(iv) 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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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 on 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 December 05, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time

C. Pre-Application Requirements 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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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 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 C-UAS Grant Program applications to FEMA on behalf of the state and subrecipients. This section highlights the specific criteria that determine ineligibility, ensuring applicants understand and adhere to the program’s requirements.

a. Entities Ineligible for C-UAS Grant Program Funding

• Non-SAA Organizations - SAAs are the only eligible applicants to submit C-UAS Grant Program applications to FEMA.

• Unaffiliated or Unauthorized Representatives - Applications submitted by individuals who are not current employees, personnel, or authorized representatives of the applicant organization (e.g., consultants or contractors acting on behalf of an organization) will be deemed ineligible.

• Organizations Not Registered in SAM.gov - Applicants that fail to register and maintain an active profile in SAM.gov, or those without a UEI, are not eligible to receive funding.

• Direct Applications by Tribal Governments - Tribal governments cannot directly apply for C-UAS funding. However, they may receive funding as subrecipients through their state’s SAA.

b. Non-Compliance with Federal Requirements

• Failure to submit a complete and accurate application by the deadline.

• Applications missing required documentation or information, such as an active registration in SAM.gov or compliance with UEI requirements.

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

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• Entities with a history of non-compliance with federal statutes, regulations, or program requirements that impact eligibility for federal funding.

B. Application Criteria Each Applicant must submit their application package through the FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) system by the specified deadline. The application package must include all required components, including the Application Worksheet and the Investment Justification (IJ), as supplemental documents. These components collectively provide the information necessary for FEMA to evaluate the proposed project’s alignment with the program’s objectives, operational need, and feasibility.

Through these required documents, applicants must clearly describe the operational need for UAS detection capabilities in their jurisdiction, including specific threats, vulnerabilities, or gaps that the project will address. The Investment Justification must outline the proposed project and implementation plan, detailing the activities to be undertaken, the timeline for completion, and how the project will enhance UAS detection, tracking, and response capabilities. Additionally, applicants must include a detailed budget that breaks down costs by category (e.g., Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training, and Exercises) and provides a justification for each expense.

All submissions must adhere to the requirements outlined in the NOFO and comply with applicable federal laws and regulations.

Sub-applicant proposals will be considered based on the project’s adherence to eligible costs outlined below. Partial funding may be approved to remove ineligible costs that are not specified or deemed unallowable.

a. Funding Categories and Technologies C-UAS Grant Program technologies exist to support public safety officials in protection of public and critical infrastructure from nefarious or unlawful use of UAS. These technologies employ a variety of sensors and processes which detect, track, identify, and mitigate a threat

UAS.

Detection, tracking and identification of UAS may be provided by a third-party as a service, generally for wide-area UAS airspace awareness. To facilitate protection of a fixed site or public event, different detection, tracking and identification equipment is used, generally owned, and paired with mitigation technologies. Proper training, maintenance and use of these technologies ensure safe employment in the National Airspace and efficacy in protecting the public. Funding under this grant program may be used for but not limited to:

1. Planning

• Developing or updating UAS-specific response plans that integrate detection systems into existing emergency operations plans (EOPs) or incident command systems.

• Conducting risk assessments to identify high-priority areas for UAS detection, such as critical infrastructure, public events, or disaster-prone areas.

• Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for responding to unauthorized or malicious UAS activity.

• Coordinating with federal agencies (e.g., FAA, DHS) to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations governing UAS detection and mitigation.

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• Establishing information-sharing protocols with fusion centers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to disseminate UAS-related threat intelligence.

• Planning for the integration of UAS detection systems with existing public safety technologies, such as Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) platforms or computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.

2. Organization

• Salaries for personnel supporting C-UAS operations.

• Developing or updating UAS-specific response plans that integrate detection systems into existing EOPs or incident command systems.

• Conducting risk assessments to identify high-priority areas for UAS detection, such as critical infrastructure, public events, or disaster-prone areas.

• Developing SOPs for responding to unauthorized or malicious UAS activity.

3. Equipment

• For detection, tracking, and identification:

• Radar (active and passive)

• Electro Optical and Infrared Cameras

• Radio Frequency Detection Systems

• Acoustic Systems

• Remote ID and similar broadcast beacon receivers

• Integrated multi-sensor systems include all or some of the above

• Senior fusion software and hardware

• Networking communications

• For UAS Mitigation:

• Physical barrier such as Security Netting (authorized for all entities)

• Only available for jurisdiction trained at the FBI NCUTC – specific systems are subject to approval by NCUTC:

• Radio frequency cyber take-over

• Radio frequency jamming

• Drone interception (those not considered “weaponized aircraft”)

• Integrated systems which combine some or all the above

• Third Party Data Service Providers.

• Acquiring sensor fusion software to integrate data from multiple detection systems into a common operational picture (COP).

• Procuring portable/mobile UAS detection systems for use during temporary events or in remote areas.

• Investing in UAS software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription models to access cutting-edge technology without the need for large upfront investments, including but not limited to surveillance as a service and data as a service.

• Purchasing mounts, masts, power supplies, and networking equipment to support the deployment of UAS detection systems.

• Procuring calibration tools and spares to ensure the ongoing functionality of detection equipment.

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