Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program NOFO_508.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security 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 E. Performance Measures and Targets F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

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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 Financial Reporting Requirements D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements E. Closeout Reporting Requirements F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 G. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

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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: HSGP Target Allocations A. SHSP Target Allocations B. UASI Target Allocations C. OPSG Target Allocations

12. Appendix B: Allowable Costs A. Allowable Cost Matrix for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG B. SHSP and UASI Other Direct Costs C. OPSG Other Direct Costs

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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

Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)

• State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP)

• Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)

• Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)

C. Announcement Type

Initial

D. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-25-GPD-067-00-98

E. Assistance Listing Number

97.067

F. Expected Total Funding

$1,008,000,000

See Appendix A for the FY 2025 HSGP funding target allocation tables.

G. Anticipated Number of Awards

56 awards

H. Expected Award Range

SHSP: $997,200 - $61,229,940

UASI: $3,086,934 - $92,180,364

OSGP: $0 or $200,000 - $33,708,000

I. Projected Application Start Date

07/28/2025 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

J. Projected Application End Date

08/15/2025 05:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date

No later than 08/23/2025

L. Anticipated Award Date

No later than 09/30/2025

M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date

09/01/2025

N. Projected Period of Performance End Date

08/31/2028

O. Executive Summary

HSGP strengthens the nation's capacity to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events through the following three components:

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• SHSP: Supports the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets.

• UASI: Focuses on high-risk Urban Area efforts to address their unique security needs.

• OPSG: Enhances cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.

P. Agency Contact

a. Program Office Contact FEMA has assigned Preparedness Officers to each state for the HSGP.

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’s (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 The FEMA Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (OEHP) provides guidance and information about the 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 mailto:FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov

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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.

h. 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.

i. FEMA Preparedness Toolkit The FEMA Preparedness Toolkit (PrepToolkit) provides access to tools and resources needed to implement the National Preparedness System and provide a collaborative space for communities completing the Unified Reporting Tool (URT). Recipients complete and submit their Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), and other required assessments using the PrepToolkit. For assistance, contact support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov.

j. Preparedness Grants Manual Recipients seeking guidance on policies and procedures for managing preparedness grants should reference the Preparedness Grants Manual at Preparedness Grants Manual.

2. Eligibility

A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types

Only the following entities or entity types are eligible to apply.

a. Applicants

1. Eligible Applicants

The State Administrative Agency (SAA) is the only entity eligible to submit HSGP applications to DHS/FEMA. HSGP funds are provided to SAAs, which manage and distribute the funds within their respective states or territories. SAAs issue subawards to local governments and other eligible organizations, ensuring that resources reach areas that need them to enhance security and disaster response.

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. Tribal governments are not eligible to apply directly for HSGP funding but may receive funding through their state’s SAA.

mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/ mailto:support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov mailto:support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291

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b. Subapplicants SAAs distribute HSGP funds through subawards to other state, local, or tribal organizations. These organizations, called subrecipients, use the funds to improve local and regional security efforts.

1. Subrecipient Eligibility

Under HSGP, FEMA provides funds to each state's SAA. The SAA distributes these funds to other state or local organizations, such as city agencies or county departments. These distributed funds are called subawards, and the organizations receiving them are referred to as subrecipients.

• SHSP: All U.S. states and territories listed above are eligible.

Tribal governments must work through their state’s SAA.

• UASI: FEMA identifies high-risk urban areas based on terrorism risk. SAAs distribute subawards to these designated urban areas. See Appendix 11.B. for the complete list.

• OPSG: Eligible subrecipients include county-level or equivalent governments and federally recognized tribal governments in states bordering Canada or Mexico, or those with international water borders. Applicants must have active U.S. Border Patrol operations coordinated with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection sector office to qualify. OPSG subrecipients are divided into three tiers based on their location:

o Tier 1 includes counties or tribal governments directly on the land borders with Canada and Mexico, or those located directly on physical borders with Canada, Mexico, or along international water borders.

o Tier 2 includes counties or tribal governments next to Tier 1 locations.

o Tier 3 includes counties or tribal governments next to Tier 2 locations.

The tier structure is only applicable with regard to eligibility.

OPSG funding target allocations are based on the assessed border security risks as determined by the U.S. Border Patrol.

2. Reducing Subapplicant Burden

For FY 2025, each SAA is strongly encouraged to re-evaluate its process for collecting and evaluating subaward applications. FEMA encourages each SAA to minimize the type and quantity of information that it collects as part of the subaward application process, in order to decrease the overall financial and time burden associated

8 | P a g e with applying for subawards under this grant program. Each SAA should review its subaward application and reduce or eliminate the request for any information that is not needed for legal, financial, or oversight purposes.

c. All Recipients - Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws An immigration term and condition may be material to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to make this grant award, and the Department of Homeland Security may take any remedy for noncompliance, including termination, if the state or territorial recipient or any local government subrecipient fails to comply with this term and condition. No final agency determination has been made as of the date of this publication.

For more details on eligibility requirements or restrictions to subawards/subrecipients, please see the Preparedness Grants Manual.

B. Project Type Eligibility

a. Unallowable Project Types See Section 3.F “Program-Specific Unallowable Costs” and 7.A.b “Ineligible Projects” for more information on unallowable project types.

b. Allowable Project Types Allowable costs for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG generally fall into five main categories: planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises (POETE). All projects funded under SHSP and UASI must demonstrate a clear connection to building capabilities that prevent, prepare for, protect against, or respond to acts of terrorism.

Please see Appendix 12.B: Allowable Costs for more information on allowable costs. If there are questions about specific experiences, 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.

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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.

D. Maximum Number of Applications

The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is:

1. One per SAA

E. Additional Restrictions

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

Under HSGP, there are specific funding guidelines / requirements for allocating funds:

a. Pass-Through Requirements SAAs are required to pass-through at least 80% of SHSP and UASI funding to local or tribal governments. For detailed information on pass-through requirements, please refer to Section 8, "Award Notices," in the NOFO and consult the "Pass-Through Requirements" section within the Preparedness Grants Manual.

b. National Priority Areas (NPAs) Minimum Spend Requirements Requires that SHSP and UASI recipients allocate at least 30% of their funds between the five NPAs. The five NPAs, along with the relevant minimum spend percentage, are:

• Enhancing the Protection of Soft Targets/Crowded Places: No minimum spend.

• Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers:

No minimum spend.

• Enhancing Cybersecurity: No minimum spend.

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

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• Enhancing Election Security: At least 3% of the total SHSP and UASI target allocation must be dedicated to this area.

• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement: At least 10% of the total SHSP and UASI target allocation must be dedicated to this area.

c. Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA)

1. Legal Requirement: Per section 2006 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002(codified as amended at 6 U.S.C. § 607(a)) DHS/FEMA is required to ensure that at least 25% of grant funding under HSGP is used for LETPA.

2. FY 2025 Update: DHS/FEMA has maintained this requirement at the FY 2024 level, mandating at least 35% HSGP funds are used for LETPA.

3. Recipient Obligations: The requirement can be fulfilled by funding projects across any of the five NPAs or other investments that meet the LETPA criteria.

Additional Guidance: Information Bulletin (IB) 485 includes the most up-to-date information on project selection considerations and allowable activities for LETPA investments and compliments IB 473.

Both IBs are applicable to the FY 2025 HSGP NOFO. For comprehensive LETPA requirements, refer to the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities Resource Guide.

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 Number (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.

I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example

Not applicable.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_information-bulletin-485.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_ib-473-letpa.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_law-enforcement-terrorism-prevention-activities-resource-guide_2024.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_law-enforcement-terrorism-prevention-activities-resource-guide_2024.pdf

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J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History

Background HSGP includes three key grant programs designed to enhance the capabilities of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as nonprofits, in preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks. These programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the nation's communities against potential terrorist threats.

In FY 2025, HSGP continues to include three key grant programs:

• SHSP: Supports the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets.

• UASI: Focuses on high-risk Urban Area efforts to address their unique security needs.

• OPSG: Enhances cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.

These programs collectively aim to strengthen the nation's ability to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other threats.

Program Purpose and History Since its inception in 2003, HSGP has significantly enhanced the nation's preparedness. HSGP addresses evolving threats such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the protection of soft targets and crowded places. It represents a comprehensive approach to national security, fostering collaboration across all levels of government and within communities to build a safer, more resilient nation. Through planning, training, equipment procurement, and exercises, the program ensures jurisdictions are prepared for a wide range of risks.

In recent years:

• Funding priorities have evolved to include cybersecurity, election security, and countering emerging national security threats.

• Key accomplishments include the development of interoperable communication systems, emergency response training, and investment in physical and cybersecurity measures.

• The program emphasizes strategic investments to address identified capability gaps, requiring alignment with Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).

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This support equips various jurisdictions with the necessary tools and resources to effectively manage and mitigate a wide range of threats and hazards, aligning with FEMA's goal of building a secure and resilient nation.

B. Goals and Objectives As HSGP is comprised of three different grant programs, this section is divided into SHSP and UASI (together) and OPSG, each with its own focus and goals. SHSP and UASI aim to strengthen the ability of states and urban areas to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other hazards. OPSG, on the other hand, remains unique to border security, and focuses on improving cooperation between local, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement to secure America’s international borders. These programs work together to build a secure and resilient nation, giving communities the tools and resources they need to handle various threats and emergencies effectively.

a. SHSP and UASI Goal The goal of SHSP is to support statewide and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in building, enhancing, and sustaining the capabilities needed to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. SHSP funding is intended to help SLTT agencies address capability gaps identified through the THIRA/SPR process, as well as prioritize resources toward high-impact security focus areas, known as NPAs.

The goal for the UASI program is to enhance the security and resilience of high-risk urban areas by building, sustaining, and improving capabilities to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. This goal focuses on enabling urban areas to address identified security gaps, increase interagency coordination, and strengthen critical infrastructure protection to reduce vulnerabilities in locations facing heightened risks.

Together, SHSP and UASI under HSGP aim to build a cohesive and collaborative approach to homeland security by promoting national preparedness and resilience.

b. SHSP and UASI Objectives SHSP and UASI provides resources that support eligible SLTT governments in meeting the following objectives:

• Build and sustain core capabilities, including LETPA and the NPAs (see priorities below);

• Address capability gaps identified in their THIRA and SPR process; and

• Implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address enduring security needs of communities that includes planning, training and awareness campaigns, equipment and capital projects, and exercises.

c. SHSP and UASI Funding Priorities and Requirements HSGP establishes specific funding requirements to ensure resources are allocated effectively and address critical national priorities.

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1. Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA)

• Description: LETPA are initiatives funded through HSGP aimed at enhancing law enforcement's ability to prevent terrorist attacks. These activities focus on building and sustaining capabilities in areas such as intelligence analysis, information sharing, threat recognition, and terrorist interdiction.

• Allocation Requirement: At least 35% of each state/territory SHSP/UASI (where applicable) allocation must be allocated to LETPA activities.

• Flexibility: LETPA funds can come from SHSP, UASI, or both to meet this requirement.

• Project Alignment: LETPA funds can be applied to projects across the five NPAs or other investments that meet LETPA criteria.

• Additional Guidance: For detailed guidance on allowable LETPA expenditures and requirements, refer to FEMA's Preparedness Grants Manual and Information Bulletin 485 and Information Bulletin 497.

2. National Priority Areas (NPAs)

• Description: FY 2025 HSGP aligns with the Administration’s priorities by directing resources toward the most urgent threats facing the Nation. Through the SHSP and UASI, HSGP supports the development and sustainment of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal (NPG): “A secure and resilient Nation.”

To ensure strategic focus, DHS has identified five NPAs that reflect the evolving risk landscape and national policy objectives. These priorities serve as a framework for targeting investments that build capability, reduce risk, and promote cross-sector coordination.

The FY 2025 NPAs are:

• Enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places, o This includes faith-based organizations and election sites;

• Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers;

• Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency;

• Enhancing election security; and

• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement.

o Example activities under border crisis response and enforcement support may include:

1. Participation in the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) training program;

2. Cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers; and

3. Other jurisdictional responsibilities to support the enforcement of United

State immigration law.

These NPAs are rooted in the core mission areas of the NPG—prevention, protection, mitigation, and response, and reflect a whole-of-government approach to homeland security. Applicants should use these priorities to guide planning, investment, and implementation to drive measurable outcomes and long-term resilience.

https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_information-bulletin-485.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_ib-497-operational-overtime.pdf

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• Allocation Requirement:

Recipients must allocate at least 30% of their SHSP and UASI funds to the five NPAs.

Funds can be applied to projects across the five NPAs and can be used to meet LETPA criteria. By meticulously outlining how each investment and project meets LETPA and NPA requirements within the Investment Justifications (IJ), applicants can enhance the effectiveness and compliance of their funding proposals.

• Minimum Spend:

o Enhancing Election Security requires at least 3% of total SHSP and UASI funds.

o Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement requires at least 10% of total

SHSP and UASI funds.

o The remaining 17% can be allocated across all NPAs.

Failure to meet NPA spending requirements will result in a hold on affected funds until compliance issues are resolved.

Priority Areas Description Minimum Allocation

Requirement Enhancing the Protection of Soft Targets/Crowded Places

Improving security at locations accessible to the public and vulnerable to attacks.

No minimum allocation

Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers

Promoting coordination of activities and critical information sharing and analysis to prevent and respond to threats.

No minimum allocation

Enhancing Cybersecurity

Strengthening the protection of computer systems and networks against cyber threats.

No minimum allocation

Enhancing Election Security

Ensuring the integrity and security of voting systems.

At least 3% of the total SHSP and UASI allocation must be dedicated to this area

Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement

Supporting collaboration between state and local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) program to identify and remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety and national security.

At least 10% of the total SHSP and UASI allocation must be dedicated to this area

States are encouraged to review the Strategic Framework for Countering Terrorism and Targeted Violence when developing investments.

https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-strategic-framework-countering-terrorism-and-targeted-violence https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-strategic-framework-countering-terrorism-and-targeted-violence

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• NPA Investments: SHSP and UASI o Enhancing and Protection of Soft Targets/Crowded Places (no minimum percent) Soft targets and crowded places, like parks, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and event venues, are increasingly appealing to terrorists because of their accessibility and the large gatherings. These areas often lack strict security measures, making them vulnerable. To address this, public and private sectors must collaborate to strengthen the security of locations such as transportation centers, restaurants, polling places, and similar facilities. Personnel responding to incidents at these sites should also be trained in key operational systems, such as the Incident Command System (ICS), to ensure effective on-scene incident management.

In addition, the malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) poses safety and security risks to soft targets and crowded places. Detecting drones is an allowable use of funds under the HSGP in accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, which allows the purchase of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, and FEMA Information Bulletin 530. Before purchasing and deploying these systems, as outlined in the Domestic Counter-UAS National Action Plan, recipients must:

• Consult FEMA and Legal Experts: Work with FEMA's Preparedness Officer and legal experts to ensure your policies and procedures comply with federal and state laws regarding surveillance and communication.

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Establish clear guidelines to ensure operations are conducted in a manner consistent with First and Fourth Amendment protections, and other applicable provisions of federal law.

• Provide Training and Certification: Ensure personnel operating UAS systems are properly trained and certified, in accordance with FEMA and Federal Aviation Administration standards.

Applicants are encouraged to submit an investment related to protecting soft targets/crowded places. The proposed investment will be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments. States are encouraged to engage DHS’ Protective Security Advisors for security assessments of soft targets to ensure that recommendations from those assessments are taken into consideration when allocating grant funding.

Additional Resources Further guidance and resources for securing soft targets and crowded places can be found through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. For comprehensive compliance and operational details, refer to FEMA's Preparedness Grants Manual and related program documents.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty/ https://www.cisa.gov/securing-public-gatherings https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual

16 | P a g e o Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers (no minimum percent) This priority supports the Administration’s direction under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which calls for the establishment of Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) nationwide. These multi-agency teams— composed of federal and local law enforcement partners—are tasked with disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations, targeting cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks (especially those involving children), and using all appropriate law enforcement tools to support lawful immigration enforcement.

Activities under this NPA also enhance broader national efforts in:

Counterterrorism Cybersecurity Border security Immigration enforcement Transnational organized crime Protection of economic and critical infrastructure

Allowable Costs:

Applicants may use grant funds for:

Establishing or enhancing multi-agency HSTFS, including operational coordination centers

Enhancing capabilities and integration with local fusion centers Procurement of technology or equipment to support surveillance, communications, and data analysis Development of standard operating procedures for information sharing, joint operations, and immigration enforcement coordination Personnel training, credentialing, and certification to improve interoperability and mission alignment Intelligence analysis, reporting, and suspicious activity monitoring Exercises and simulations focused on joint operations, intelligence sharing, or interdiction/disruption of criminal or smuggling networks Community engagement efforts to foster trust and encourage threat reporting

Fusion Center Requirements: While there is no minimum spending requirement for this NPA, applicants must include at least one project in support of the state or territory’s designated fusion center. Applicants must clearly justify how their project will enhance information sharing, collaboration, and a culture of national preparedness. DHS/FEMA will evaluate these investments based on their effectiveness and alignment with program objectives. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on fusion center performance measures.

Additional resources and information regarding collaboration and information sharing are also available through the Department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291 https://www.dhs.gov/building-law-enforcement-and-homeland-security-partnerships

17 | P a g e o Cybersecurity (no minimum percent)

In today’s interconnected world, increased connectivity brings greater risks, including the potential for adversaries and terrorists to exploit cyber vulnerabilities and disrupt critical systems. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for ongoing or high-priority cybersecurity projects. DHS/FEMA will evaluate these investments based on their effectiveness.

Cybersecurity investments should enhance the security and functioning of critical infrastructure and core capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.

o Election Security (3% minimum allocation)

In January 2017, DHS designated the infrastructure used to administer the Nation’s elections as critical infrastructure. This designation recognizes that the United States’ election infrastructure is of such vital importance to the American way of life that its incapacitation or destruction would have a devastating effect on the country.

Additionally, the Homeland Threat Assessment 2024 indicates that electoral processes remain an attractive target for many adversaries.

Securing election infrastructure, ensuring its continued operation in the face of threats and harassment, advancing the safety of election officials, and protecting against foreign interference are national security priorities. Because threats to election systems are constantly evolving, defending these systems requires constant vigilance, innovation, and adaptation. By integrating the directives of Executive Order 14248, Preserving and Protection the Integrity of American Elections, into the Election Security NPA, HSGP recipients can ensure that their efforts contribute to a secure, transparent, and resilient electoral process, thereby reinforcing public trust and the integrity of democratic institutions.

To address these priorities, each state and high-risk urban area must make at least one

(1) investment that supports physical and/or cyber election security. Proposed investments must meet or exceed the FY 2025 national priority percentage for election security (minimum 3%) and will be evaluated by DHS/FEMA for effectiveness and alignment with program goals.

To further strengthen election integrity, jurisdictions must:

Prioritize compliance with the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) 2.0 established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission;

Complete testing through a Voting System Test Laboratory (VSTL) accredited by the Commission;1

1 Exec. Order No. 14,248, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections, 90 Fed. Reg. 14,005 (Mar.

25, 2025).

https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/23_0913_ia_23-333-ia_u_homeland-threat-assessment-2024_508C_V6_13Sep23.pdf https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/28/2025-05523/preserving-and-protecting-the-integrity-of-american-elections https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/28/2025-05523/preserving-and-protecting-the-integrity-of-american-elections

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Utilize the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification Entitlements system for the verification of anyone working at a polling place in any capacity is a U.S. Citizen.

Demonstrate proof of compliance before accessing the full HSGP award—3% of the award will be withheld from drawdown until compliance is confirmed.

Additional resources and information regarding election security are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement (10% minimum allocation)

State and local law enforcement agencies are essential partners in safeguarding national security and public safety. Pursuant to Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, it is the policy of the United States to enforce immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens—particularly those who threaten the safety or security of the American people. This includes the efficient execution of these laws through lawful incentives and enhanced detention capabilities.

This NPA supports efforts that align with this policy and promote cooperation between local and federal partners. Projects may include, but are not limited to:

o Participation in the DHS/ICE 287(g) program, allowing trained local officers to support ICE with immigration enforcement;

o Cooperation with ICE detainers and other jurisdictional responsibilities related to immigration enforcement; and o Supportive activities such as officer training, technology and information sharing, operational support, and community engagement.

At least one (1) investment must support efforts under this NPA. Applicants must allocate at least 10% of total SHSP and UASI funds to this area. All investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA to ensure they are effective, lawful, and aligned with program goals. The SAA must coordinate with ICE on all projects and related matters. Additional guidance and information on the 287(g) program is available through the ICE 287(g) program website.

d. Other FY 2025 SHSP and UASI Funding Priorities There are several enduring security needs that crosscut the homeland security enterprise to which recipients should consider allocating funding across core capability gaps and national priorities.

The following are enduring needs that help recipients implement a comprehensive approach to securing communities:

• Effective planning;2

2 Including assessment of critical infrastructure system vulnerabilities and plans to reduce consequences of disruptions, using the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework and Regional Resiliency Assessment Methodology produced by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

https://www.cisa.gov/election-security https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/29/2025-02006/protecting-the-american-people-against-invasion https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g

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• Training and awareness campaigns;

• Equipment and capital projects; and

• Exercises.

The table below provides a breakdown of the FY 2025 SHSP and UASI priorities showing the core capabilities enhanced and lifelines supported, as well as examples of eligible project types for each area. More information on allowable investments can be found in Appendix 12.B and in the Preparedness Grants Manual.

DHS/FEMA expects that national priorities will continue to be included in future years, evolving as threats change and capability gaps are addressed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to start planning now to sustain existing capabilities using funding sources other than DHS preparedness grants.

Projects listed in the table below may be useful in preparing for disasters unrelated to terrorism, as long as they also support the primary goals of preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.

Example Project Types All priorities in this table concern the Safety and Security Lifelines.

Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types National Priorities Enhancing the Protection of Soft Targets/ Crowded Places (Securing Public Gathering Locations)

• Operational coordination

• Public information and warning

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Interdiction and disruption

• Screening, search, and detection

• Access control and identity verification

• Physical protective measures

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Operational overtime. For more information on operational overtime, see Appendix 12.B of this

NOFO.

• Physical security enhancements o Security cameras (closed-circuit television

[CCTV])

o Security screening equipment for people and baggage o Lighting o Access controls o Fencing, gates, barriers, etc.

• UAS and detection technologies

Enhancing Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Planning

• Public information and warning

• Operational coordination

• Screening, search, and detection

• Access control and identity verification

• Cybersecurity risk assessments

• Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain

• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments o Improving cybersecurity of critical infrastructure to meet minimum levels identified by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (Version 1.1) https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/csf-11-archive https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/csf-11-archive https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/csf-11-archive

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Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types

• Supply chain integrity and security

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Situational assessment

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational communications o Adoption of cybersecurity performance goals (CISA's Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals)

• Cybersecurity training, planning, and exercises

Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Interdiction and disruption

• Public information and warning

• Operational coordination

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Establishing or enhancing multi-agency Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs), including operational coordination centers

• Enhancing capabilities and integration with local fusion centers

• Procurement of technology or equipment to support surveillance, communications, and data analysis

• Development of standard operating procedures for information sharing, joint operations, and immigration enforcement coordination

• Personnel training, credentialing, and certification to improve interoperability and mission alignment

• Intelligence analysis, reporting, and suspicious activity monitoring

• Exercises and simulations focused on joint operations, intelligence sharing, or interdiction/disruption of criminal or smuggling networks

• Community engagement efforts to foster trust and encourage threat reporting

• Information sharing with all DHS components;

fusion centers; other operational, investigative, and analytic entities; and other federal law enforcement and intelligence entities

• Cooperation with DHS and other entities in intelligence, threat recognition, assessment, analysis, and mitigation

• Identification, assessment, and reporting of threats of violence

• Intelligence analysis training, planning, and exercises

• Coordinating the intake, triage, analysis, and reporting of tips/ leads and suspicious activity, to include coordination with the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI)

Enhancing Election Security

• Cybersecurity

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Planning

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Situational assessment

• Infrastructure systems

• Prioritize compliance with the VVSG 2.0 established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission

• Complete testing through a VSTL accredited by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission

• Physical security planning and exercise support

• Physical/site security measures – e.g., locks, shatter proof glass, alarms, access controls, etc.

• General election security navigator support https://www.cisa.gov/cpg https://www.cisa.gov/cpg https://www.dhs.gov/nationwide-sar-initiative-nsi https://www.dhs.gov/nationwide-sar-initiative-nsi

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• Operational coordination

• Community resilience

• Cyber and general election security navigator support

• Cybersecurity risk assessments, training, and planning

• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments

• Iterative backups, encrypted backups, network segmentation, software to monitor/scan, and endpoint protection

• Distributed Denial of Service protection

• Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain

• Online harassment and targeting prevention services

• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns discussing election security and integrity measures

• Long-term vulnerability reduction and community resilience Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement

• Community resilience

• Operational coordination

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Staffing support to expand 287(g) screening operations within correctional facilities

• Operational overtime costs directly tied to 287(g) screening, processing, and enforcement activities

• Training programs for state and local law enforcement officers in immigration law, civil rights protections, and 287(g) procedures

• Development or enhancement of information-sharing platforms between ICE and local agencies

• Procurement of screening, detection, and communications technology to support immigration enforcement activities

• Establishing secure and dedicated communication networks with ICE Field Offices

• Conducting joint training exercises with ICE and local law enforcement to test operational coordination

• Support for facilities upgrades, such as creating dedicated interview rooms and secure processing spaces

• Community engagement and public briefings to promote transparency and understanding of 287(g) operations and protections

Enduring Needs Planning • Planning

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Risk and disaster resilience assessment

• Threats and hazards identification

• Operational coordination

• Community resilience

• Development of:

o Security Risk Management Plans o Threat Mitigation Plans o Continuity of Operations Plans o Response Plans o Vulnerability Assessments

• Efforts to strengthen governance integration between/among regional partners

• Joint training and planning with DHS officials and other entities designated by DHS

• Cybersecurity training and planning

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Training and Awareness

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Public information and warning

• Operational coordination

• Situational assessment

• Community resilience

• Active shooter training

• Intelligence analyst training

• SAR and terrorism indicators/behaviors training

• Security training for employees

• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns

• Cybersecurity training and planning

• Sharing and leveraging intelligence and information

Equipment and Capital Projects

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational communications

• Interdiction and disruption

• Screening, search and detection

• Access control and identity verification

• Physical protective measures

• Protection of high-risk, high-consequence areas or systems that have been identified through risk assessments

• Physical security enhancements o Security cameras (CCTV) o Security screening equipment for people and baggage o Lighting o Access Controls

Fencing, gates, barriers, etc.

• Enhancing Weapons of Mass Destruction and/or improvised explosive device prevention, detection, and response capabilities o Chemical/Biological/Radiological/

Nuclear/Explosive detection, prevention, and response equipment

Exercises • Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Operational coordination

• Operational communications

• Community resilience

• Response exercises, including exercise planning with community-based organizations

For FY 2025, each SHSP and UASI recipient is required to submit an Investment Justification (IJ) for the NPAs with minimum spend requirements (i.e., Enhancing Election Security and Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement). The investments must also account for at least the relevant minimum percentage of the applicant’s SHSP and UASI target allocations.

SAAs may submit complete project-level information at the time of application, including the NPA IJs, but are not required to do so.