Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due: July 30, 2026

Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 97.091 Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-GPD-091-00-99

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Contents

Before you begin 2

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 3

Basic information 4

Eligibility 5

Program Description 8

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 14

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 15

Step 3: Write Your Application 18

Application Contents and Format 19

Step 4: Learn About the Award Review Process 21

Application Review Information 22

Intergovernmental Review 26

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award 27

Award Notices 28

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 28

Other Information 38

Contacts and Appendices 44

Contacts 45

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Before you begin

If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

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

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were before clicking an internal link by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://login.gov/

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Step 1: Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 4

Eligibility 5

Program description 8

Jump to a step

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Basic Information A. Award Facts

Agency Name: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Resilience

Assistance Listing Number: 97.091

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title: Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-GPD-091-00-99

Announcement Type: Initial

Expected Award Range: $100,000.00 - $6,000,000.00

Expected Total Funding: $35,000,000.00

Anticipated Number of Awards: Up to 40

B. Executive Summary The BioWatch program, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is designed to detect aerosolized biological attacks by continuously monitoring the air for specific biological threats using strategically placed air collectors. This federally managed, locally operated system provides early warnings of biological incidents, enabling state and local authorities to respond quickly and effectively, thereby reducing casualties and fatalities. BioWatch supports the National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan (2022) by informing decision-making, enhancing preparedness, and providing post-incident support to limit the impacts of biological threats.

Operating in over 30 metropolitan areas across 22 states, BioWatch protects roughly one-third of the U.S.

population and extends its coverage to high-visibility special events. Its core activities include operating air samplers, collecting and analyzing air samples, assisting partners with planning and preparedness through guidance, training, and exercises, and alerting and coordinating response actions upon detection of a threat. The program’s objectives are to maintain a robust biodetection capability, engage stakeholders in preparedness and response, and establish coordination mechanisms across federal, state, local, and tribal levels to ensure rapid and effective public health responses to bioterrorist attacks.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for the performance of field operations--including deploying and maintaining a fleet of air monitoring units, collecting and replacing filters from those units, and

Key Dates

Projected Application Start Date: July 15, 2026

Projected Application End Date: July 30, 2026

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: July 31, 2026

Anticipated Award Date: August 1, 2026

Projected Period of Performance Start Date: August 01, 2026

Projected Period of Performance End Date: July 31, Budget Period: August 01, 2026- July 31, 2027

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Eligible recipients of this cooperative agreement are state and local government agencies, regional governmental organizations, public institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized tribal governments.

Eligibility A. Eligible Entities

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

Applicant Eligibility Only the following entities or entity types are eligible to apply:

• State

• County

• City or Township

• Special district by municipality

• Regional governmental organization (e.g., airport, metropolitan transit authority, railroad, port authority)

• Public institution of higher education

• Indian tribal government (federally recognized)

• Other: Law enforcement, first response, air monitoring, or emergency management agencies that are part of the city, township, or county

The applicable locations can be provided upon signature of a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA).

Eligibility for Federal Assistance (FA) via a cooperative agreement is contingent on verified documentation demonstrating the following:

1. Recipients must be affiliated with state, local, and tribal government public health, first response, emergency management, law enforcement agencies, and fire departments; universities; or other state, local, and tribal government agencies with or without current air monitoring programs.

2. Recipients will provide sample collection, delivery to a testing facility twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week/three hundred sixty-five days a year (24/7/365) via personnel or contracted support services.

3. Recipients can provide sample processing and analysis, 24 hours a day/seven days a week/365 days a year (24/7/365) via personnel or contracted support services.

Subapplicant Eligibility Subapplicants and subawards are allowed. Subawards are allowed provided awardee meets eligibility criteria #3 above.

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Subapplicants should not include foreign nationals or noncitizens. If a subapplicant has foreign nationals or noncitizens, they must be properly vetted and adhere to all government statues, policies, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.

B. Project Type Eligibility Allowable Project Types BioWatch Field Operations for biothreat detection.

BioWatch Laboratory Operations for biothreat detection.

Unallowable Project Types Research & Development projects.

C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties Interested applicants. via the Pre-Application process. and/or recipients and any subrecipients will sign a DHS Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Non-Disclosure Agreements: Non-federal Government employees performing activities in connection with this cooperative agreement who may have access to Sensitive But Unclassified (For Official Use Only) information shall sign the latest DHS Non-Disclosure Agreement (DHS Form 11000-6 and shall safeguard such information in accordance with DHS Management Directive 11042.2 (Safeguarding SBU (For Official Use Only) Information).

Qualified personnel performing sample collection and transport must:

1. Possess the skills and technical background to successfully complete the tasks described in the Statement of Work.

2. Be properly vetted and adhere to all government statues, policies, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.

3. Be able to work with an interim background check and adhere to any additional local clearances.

4. Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.

5. Be able to safely lift fifty pounds (OSH Act: Section 5(a)(1) limit is 51 pounds).

6. Complete training in all aspects of field operations Field as described in the BioWatch Field Operations Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) including:

a. Equipment operation and maintenance

b. Equipment inspection, testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair

c. Filter collection and handling

d. Chain of custody and sample tracking

e. Decontamination and contamination avoidance

f. Equipment inspection, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance

7. Program staff requiring access to government information technology systems (e.g., BioWatch

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Sample Tracking Tool, Data Management System) are subject to additional DHS security screening via the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). Note: Non U.S. Citizens are going to go through higher scrutiny. If they are not cleared for use, they cannot work on BioWatch and we cannot reimburse the jurisdiction for any costs related to that persons activities

No foreign nationals or non-U.S. Citizens as principal investigators and all resumes must be submitted and subject for approval.

D. Maximum Number of Applications One application per eligible entity (described in Section A “Eligible Entities” above).

E. Additional Restrictions

Recipients/subrecipients, and if applicable, applicants/subapplicants, are required to certify their compliance with federal statues, DHS directives, policies, and procedures.

F. References to Other Eligibility Factors Please see the following references provided below:

1. “Threshold Review Criteria” subsection

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection

4. FEMA may request financial information such as the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and bank information as part of the potential award selection. This will apply to everyone who benefits from the award, including subrecipients.

G. Cost Share Requirements There is no cost share requirement.

H. Cost Share Description, Type, and Restrictions Not applicable.

I. Cost Share Example

J. Required Information for Verifying Cost Share

Maintenance of Effort Not Applicable.

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Program Description A. Program Purpose

The BioWatch program operates biodetection capabilities across over 30 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. to provide early warning of a biological incident and enable life-saving response actions to occur. Due to the nature of biological attacks, intentionally released biological agents represent a rare but uniquely serious threat to the homeland. Unlike many other hazards, a biological attack can unfold silently. An adversary could release microscopic organisms or toxins into the air or a crowded space with no immediate signs of an attack, such as an explosion, visible plume, or immediately symptomatic people. By the time people begin to show symptoms and seek medical care, the agent may already have spread widely, and critical windows for the most effective medical and public health interventions may have passed. Thus, providing early warning of these incidents is critical to limit the loss of life and consequences

The BioWatch program is the biodetection capability provided by the CBRN Operational Support Directorate, which resides within FEMA’s Office of Resilience. To support local operational biodetection activities, the program office manages budgetary planning, numerous support contracts and agreements, and provides centralized logistics support. BioWatch also generates operational guidance documents, SOPs, trainings and exercises, and supports various other preparedness and stakeholder coordination activities.

Through the cooperative agreement awards granted in response to this NOFO, BioWatch funds field operations in over 30 jurisdictions across the United States, supporting activities such as collecting filters from over 600 sampling units and transporting those filters to BioWatch funded laboratories on a daily basis, 365 days a year. Cooperative agreement funds are used to identify, hire, and train field operators; purchase vehicles used in filter collection and transport; pay for sampling sites and power as well as office and equipment storage space. In some jurisdictions, these funds also support laboratory operations, including staffing, training, and supplies. Additionally, funding enables jurisdictions to provide enhanced biodetection coverage during high visibility or high threat special events and supports personnel participation in DHS-led exercises, drills, and response actions following a detection.

B. Goals and Objectives The program uses risk reduction and will optimize allocation of resources to ensure ongoing risk reduction is done in the most effective and efficient way possible. The goal of the BioWatch program is to reduce morbidity and mortality following a bioterrorist attack through detection, initiation of rapid public health response, and early warning by meeting the following objectives:

• Operate and sustain a biodetection capability throughout the United States.

• Engage state and local stakeholders on preparedness and response activities.

• Establish coordination mechanisms among federal, state, local, and tribal stakeholders for steady state and enhanced operations.

This goal directly aligns with first mission of the 2023 Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review,

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Counter Terrorism and Prevent Threats. To accomplish this goal and these objectives, the BioWatch program executes the following core activities and capabilities:

• Monitor and identify: BioWatch operates air samplers in designated U.S. locations for daily operations and special events. Filters are retrieved daily and analyzed in BioWatch laboratories, which adhere to rigorous quality standards, to determine the presence of specific biological agents.

• Plan and prepare: BioWatch Jurisdictional Coordinators help state and local partners plan and prepare by facilitating training, drills, and exercises to enhance coordination, communication, and decision-making. These efforts integrate BioWatch into broader emergency planning, strengthening all-hazards preparedness and build a critical network for responding to bioterrorism.

• Notify and respond: Upon detection of a biological agent, BioWatch alerts federal, state, and local partners, and coordinates initial actions to ensure a timely and efficient response.

In addition, the BioWatch program ensures that jurisdictional laboratories and field operations teams have adequate supplies to operate and maintains a quality assurance program to ensure defensibility of and confidence in analytical results. Furthermore, the program investigates and pursues innovation opportunities, such as process improvements and technological advancements, to ensure the program remains agile and adapts to changing or emerging threats.

C. Performance Measures and Targets Development and maintenance of a 24/7/365 operational ability to detect and respond to a bioterrorist event in accordance with PPD-8 including:

1. The percentage of time the collectors are operational.

2. The percentage of collectors properly tracked and maintained.

3. The percentage of agreed-upon field operators that are trained to perform daily (24/7/365) air monitoring collections, and daily delivery requirement to the Laboratory Resource Network (LRN) Lab for analysis.

4. The percentage of the BioWatch Advisory Committee meetings where the Field Manager or Field Lead participates.

5. The percentage of internal and external corrective actions needed which are addressed within the required time frame.

6. The percentage of Filter Holder Assemblies with exposed filters (i.e. sample) collected.

7. The percentage of Filter Holder Assemblies with unexposed filters installed.

8. The percentage of samples transported and delivered at the specified time.

9. The percentage of samples to the Laboratory Resource Network laboratory for analysis as specified in the Field Standard Operating Procedure.

Targets and other performance measures will be communicated by the Program Office.

The BioWatch field operations do not produce analytical data, so there are no formal data quality objectives associated with the field component of the program. However, quality objectives are established for the sample collection process as outlined in the BioWatch Field Operations Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Each jurisdiction is responsible for ensuring these objectives are met. If the

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Local Field Office (LFO) does not meet the objectives, it must develop a Corrective Action Report to determine the root cause and how the LFO will monitor, update, and correct the deficiency.

EMA will conduct periodic reviews of Recipient compliance with the BioWatch Field Operations SOP via the BioWatch Evaluation Program (BWEP) and BioWatch Quality Assurance program audits.

D. Federal Assistance Type Cooperative Agreement

Federal role will qualify as substantial involvement the BioWatch Program actively tracks the progress and status of awardees, reviews, and approves all program materials. The recipient will remain close and regular interaction with the BioWatch Program, including but not limited to:

A. FEMA will provide technical assistance in reference to the most recent version of the Standard Operating Procedures (Field Operations SOP), including evaluating the program technologies (Sample Track Tool, HSIN, etc.), Recipient’s site security procedures, network design, and collector siting;

B. FEMA will provide technical guidance, assistance, and direction through email and teleconferences (to include regularly scheduled teleconferences), as deemed necessary;

C. FEMA will review and provide a final determination for changes requested in collector network design and siting;

D. FEMA will provide national guidance for notification protocols and post-BioWatch Actionable Result (BAR) activities;

E. FEMA will notify the Recipient when National Special Security Events, (NSSEs), Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level I event, and/or periods of elevated security threat such as surge operations requiring increased sampling;

F. FEMA will provide the Recipient the opportunity to comment on any proposed changes to the Field Operations SOP. If FEMA revises these documents, the BioWatch Program Office will notify the Recipient through the FEMA Grants Officer at least 60 days prior to the effective date of the implementation; and

G. FEMA will review and provide approval or comments on any feedback from the awardee regarding findings of the bi-annual BioWatch Evaluation Program (BWEP).

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs Research projects are not allowed.

Note: The above may not be exhaustive. Please consult the applicable terms and conditions and with FEMA for more information.

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)).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403

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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).

G. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services FEMA provides additional resources regarding the prohibition on covered telecommunications equipment and services in its policy titled Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services (FEMA Policy #405-143-1). This policy outlines specific requirements related to the prohibition. Additionally, FEMA's Contract Provisions Guide offers sample language for the required contract provisions.

Recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors or subcontractors must comply with the prohibitions set forth in Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which restrict the purchase of covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services. See 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 for more information.

Prohibition on Covered Foreign Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors or subcontractors must also comply with Section 1825 of the American Security Drone Act of 2023, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Pub. L. No. 118-31 §§ 1821-33, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.). This provision mandates that, beginning December 22, 2025, no federal funds awarded through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, or otherwise made available may be used to procure a covered unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity. Significantly, no funds may be used in connection with the operation of such a drone or UAS. For more information, refer to Public Law 118-31 and OMB Memorandum M-26-02, Ensuring Government Use of Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Supporting United States Producers.

H. Beneficiary and Participant Eligibility Beneficiary Not applicable.

Participant

This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any beneficiary or participant. Please consult the FEMA Standard Terms and Conditions, your awarding agency’s terms and conditions, and your awarding documents for more details.

I. Indirect Costs 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=(title:18%20section:1913%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section1913)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_contract-provisions-guide_fy24.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/115/public/232 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.327 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.471 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20II%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/M-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/M-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf

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Indirect costs are allowed for both recipients and subrecipients. Indirect costs (IDC) are costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to specific cost objectives without disproportionate effort. Applicants with a current negotiated IDC rate agreement who desire to charge indirect costs to a federal award must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their applications. Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement. Applicants that are not required to have a negotiated IDC rate agreement, but are required to develop an IDC rate proposal, must provide a copy of their proposal with their applications.

Applicants without a current negotiated IDC rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an IDC rate proposal must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.332 and

200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards.

J. Budget Period This funding opportunity is estimated to have 5 budget period(s). This NOFO only funds the first budget period, projected to span from August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027. Funding for additional budget periods is subject to:

1. Funding availability;

2. Program authority;

3. Satisfactory performance and compliance;

4. A determination from the awarding agency that continued funding is in the best interest of the federal government.

Recipients need prior written approval from the awarding agency to carry forward unobligated balances across budget periods.

K. Pre-Award Costs Pre-Award costs are allowable for budget periods 2 through 10, provided the recipient remains the same.

L. Management and Administration Costs M&A costs are allowable. M&A are not operational costs but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the grant or cooperative agreement or as a consequence of it, such as travel, exercise support, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program.

An application must provide in the Project Narrative a detailed description of these expenses, and these items can be itemized in financial reports.

M. Authorizing Authority The BioWatch program is authorized by the Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, Pub. L. No. 119-86, Title III, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Assistance, Sec. 14(H) and 6 U.S.C. §§ 591 note (construing 6 U.S.C. §§ 592-596 to cover chemical and biological responsibilities), 592, 596(1).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414

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N. Appropriation Authority Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, Pub. L. No. 119-86.

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Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 15

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Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines A. Registration

You must have an active SAM.gov account which includes having a UEI. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number or to register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click “Get Started.” From the same page, you can also click on the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by step instructions see the Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

B. Requesting the Application Package The application package is accessible in the FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.

C. Application and Submission Instructions To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

1. Apply for, update, or verify their UEI number and EIN from the Internal Revenue Service;

2. Provide their UEI number in the application;

3. Have an account with login.gov;

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

5. 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 the FEMA GO Startup Guide;

6. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and

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

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

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://grants.gov/help/get-started/ https://go.fema.gov/ https://login.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_startup_guide_051325.pdf 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

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D. 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 UEI number, EIN, and an active SAM registration.

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

Obtain Employer Identification Number In addition to having a UEI number, all entities applying for funding must provide an EIN. The EIN can be obtained from the IRS at Get an employer identification number.

Create a login.gov account Applicants must have a login.gov account to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account at Create an account.

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

For more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration, refer to SAM.gov.

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

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

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, 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.gov registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see the FEMA GO Startup Guide.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://login.gov/create-an-account/ https://login.gov/create-an-account/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf https://sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://go.fema.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_startup_guide_051325.pdf

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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.

E. Submitting the Final Application Applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information, and any program-specific information required in FEMA GO.

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

F. Application Deadline July 30, 2026 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

G. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline Pre-application Requirements Deadline:

Interested applicants and the recipient must follow requirements and complete them with the deadlines given below:

1. Contact BioWatch@hq.dhs.gov by July 27, 2026 4:30 PM Eastern Time

H. Post Application Requirements Deadline The recipient must follow requirements and complete them with the deadlines given below:

1. To be communicated after the Pre-Application phase.

I. Effects of Missing Deadlines 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 an email with an 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 p.m. 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.

mailto:BioWatch@hq.dhs.gov

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Step 3: Write Your Application

Application contents and format 19

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Application Contents and Format A. Application Requirements

For a list of required documents, see “Required Documents, Content, and Formatting.” Applications missing any of the required forms or documents listed or communicated during the application process may not be reviewed.

Step 1: Interested applicants contact the BioWatch Program at BioWatch@hq.dhs.gov to review and sign the required FY26 Non-Disclosure Agreement (FY26 NDA).

Step 2: The BioWatch Program provides the necessary scope of work information to the interested applicants that signed and provided the required FY26 NDA.

Step 3: Interested applicants submit their completed application according to the provisions described below.

The following forms or information are integrated into the application package in FEMA GO. Applicants should review these forms at SF-424 Family | Grants.gov before applying to ensure they are providing all required information.

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

2. Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

3. SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction)

• If construction is permitted under the program, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction), instead of SF-424A

4. SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction)

• If construction is permitted under the program, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances

(Construction), instead of SF-424B

5. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

B. Required Documents, Content, and Formatting All applications will submit all required forms and required documents listed in this section. Additional forms and documents may be required and will be communicated during the Pre-Application process.

Applications missing any of the required forms or documents listed in this section or communicated during the Pre-Application process may not be considered for review. Applications will not be accepted from entities who have not engaged in the Pre-Application process.

Required forms:

1. Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance Complete the SF-424 application form. This form may be completed on the Grants.gov website or it can be completed offline in its entirety.

NOTE: Applications submitted through Grants.gov must use the SF-424 provided by Grants.gov.

The SF-424 application forms can only be viewed and downloaded once Adobe Reader has been installed. The SF-424 application form on Grants.gov is formatted so applicants are only required to complete fields that are indicated with an asterisk (*) and color coded. Once the application is mailto:BioWatch@hq.dhs.gov https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family http://www.grants.gov/

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2. Form SF-424A – Budget Complete the budget in its entirety. Provide budget amounts by object class (e.g., salaries, fringe, travel, indirect). Funds may be requested if the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work and are not precluded by the cost principles or program funding restrictions.

Additional guidance on how to complete the Form SF-424A can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html.

3. Certifications/Assurances These forms must be completed within the application package on Grants.gov. Adobe Reader must be downloaded and installed.

Applicants must submit:

1. Form SF-424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs; and

2. Certification Regarding Lobbying. If paragraph two of the certification applies, then complete and submit SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying which is provided as an optional form in the application package.

Required Documents:

1. Budget Narrative (Double-spaced, no page limit)

The Budget Narrative should detail the proposed use of project funds in achieving projected outcomes. The Budget Narrative should address how the funds are allocated to each eligible activity will be spent and how costs were determined for each budget item.

2. Program Narrative (Double-spaced, no page limit) For the proposed project, the application must include a program narrative that provides a detailed overview description of the proposed project and thoroughly addresses the objectives.

C. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information The Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA), the Project Narrative, Budget Information, and any supplemental attachments. Contact the program office for instructions regarding additional required forms and disclosures.

D. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants Each applicant selected for funding will submit a summary of personnel required, space necessary to execute operations (e.g., perform equipment maintenance, prepare equipment for use, etc.) and operational plans to execute field operations, and where appropriate laboratory operations. See Eligibility – Subsection C. “Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties.”

Additional requirements may be communicated during or after the Pre-Application phase.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html http://www.grants.gov/

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Step 4: Learn about the Award Review Process

Application Review Information 22

Intergovernmental Review 26

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Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria

The program uses risk reduction and will optimize allocation of resources to ensure ongoing risk reduction is done in the most effective and efficient way possible. FEMA will review the applicants against the eligibility criteria for this funding opportunity. All applications and required forms must be submitted as detailed in this funding opportunity and as communicated during the Pre-Application process.

B. Application Criteria Applications that receive a “No” response on the following questions are automatically disqualified and will not be scored on the weighted criteria.

1. Is the respondent an eligible type of entity as defined in the NOFO (e.g., state/local agency, regional organization, public institution of higher education, eligible tribal government, relevant public safety, or air monitoring agency?

a. Yes = Pass (move on to item 2)

b. No = Fail (application is disqualified and not scored further)

2. Does the respondent demonstrate the ability and authority to support BioWatch operations in one or more of the specified metropolitan areas as required by the

NOFO?

a. Yes = Pass (application proceeds to weighted scoring)

b. No = Fail (application is disqualified and not scored further)

Applications with “Yes” responses on the two questions above, will be scored using weighted criteria, assessed on a scale 1-5, with 5 = Exceeding requirements/Exceptional approach; 4 = Meets most requirements/Good approach; 3 = Meets some requirements/Adequate approach; 2 = Meets few requirements/Marginal approach; 1 = Does not meet requirements/Inadequate approach. Criteria and associated weights are:

1. Relevant BioWatch Field Operations and Federal Assistance Experience (Weight: 35%)

• Previous experience performing BioWatch field operations or holding a

BioWatch cooperative agreement.

• Previous air monitoring experience will be scored higher than no air monitoring experience.

• Experience with federal cooperative agreements or similar federal assistance

(program administration, compliance, financial management).

• Prior involvement with BioWatch stakeholders (e.g., participation in jurisdictional advisory structures or similar bodies).

2. Operational Readiness and Technical Approach (Weight: 25%)

• Ability to stand up or fully execute operations within a defined timeframe

(e.g., 90 days of award).

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• Understanding of and ability to adhere to BioWatch Field Operations requirements, including:

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control

• Collection of exposed filters

• Installation of unexposed filter holder assembly (FHA)

• Transport of samples to the laboratory for analysis

• Chain of custody procedures

• Other record keeping (e.g., maintenance log)

• Participation in required audits and the BioWatch Evaluation Program.

• Demonstrated field expertise regarding BioWatch air quality monitoring, environmental sampling, and the PSU (Portable Sampling Unit) operation and maintenance).

3. Staffing, Management, and Training Approach (Weight: 20%)

• Clear plan for staffing and acquisition/hiring processes; direct staff will be scored higher than subcontractor model.

• Qualifications and roles of key personnel (field operators, field leads/managers).

• Approach to training and maintaining competency in BioWatch operations, safety, and SOP updates.

4. Facilities, Logistics, Safety, and Security (Weight: 10%)

• Adequate plan for storage, office, and operational space (e.g., PSU storage, inventory management, workspace for maintenance).

• Transportation and vehicle plan to support daily and surge operations.

• Safety and security consideration for sites, personnel, and equipment, consistent with program guidance.

5. Administrative, Reporting, and Fiscal Capability (Weight: 10%)

• Demonstrated ability to meet reporting requirements (e.g., financial reports, performance reports, exception reports, and equipment inventory).

• Understanding of budget elements needed to support field operations

(personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, indirect costs).

• Overall fiscal responsibility and systems to manage federal funds and cooperative agreement requirements.

C. Financial Integrity Criteria Before making an award, the awarding agency is required to review OMB-designated databases for applicants’ eligibility and financial integrity information. This is required by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and the “Do Not Pay Initiative” (31 U.S.C. 3354). For more details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

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

1. Financial stability.

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

https://www.congress.gov/116/statute/STATUTE-134/STATUTE-134-Pg113.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title31-section3354&f=treesort&num=0&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjMxIHNlY3Rpb246MzM1MSBlZGl0aW9uOnByZWxpbSkgT1IgKGdyYW51bGVpZDpVU0MtcHJlbGltLXRpdGxlMzEtc2VjdGlvbjMzNTEp%7CdHJlZXNvcnQ%3D%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title31-section3354&f=treesort&num=0&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjMxIHNlY3Rpb246MzM1MSBlZGl0aW9uOnByZWxpbSkgT1IgKGdyYW51bGVpZDpVU0MtcHJlbGltLXRpdGxlMzEtc2VjdGlvbjMzNTEp%7CdHJlZXNvcnQ%3D%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

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3. History of performance in managing federal award.

4. Reports and findings from audits.

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

D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Risk Review Before making an award expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, defined at 41 U.S.C. § 134, over the period of performance:

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

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

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

E. Reviewer Selection Merit Review panel(s) will be comprised of federal employees with relevant experience and background in areas such as BioWatch operations, environmental biodetection, and grants management. Illustrative skill sets of the reviewers may include, but are not limited to:

Familiarity with air sampling unit filter collection.

Familiarity with laboratory sample processing and analysis.

Familiarity with environmental biodetection goals, objectives, technologies, and processes.

Experience working with state and local government entities in the execution of an interdependent mission.

FEMA will assign reviewers to specific panels to include a diversity of skills, knowledge, and experience on each panel. If a particular expertise or body of knowledge is missing on a particular panel, FEMA will have SMEs available on an “as needed” basis.

The total number of panels and number of reviewers within each panel will be determined based on information gathered during the Initial Review. This data may include, for example, the total number of proposed NOFO applications received. To balance workload, FEMA will strive to assign a similar number of proposed NOFO applications to each panel.

The knowledge of reviewers’ identities and panel assignments will be limited to only those determined with a “need to know” by the ORP. Reviewers will have limited contact with each other during the objective review process to ensure the objectivity of their scores and comments.

The ORP Chairperson is responsible for identifying enough reviewers with the appropriate skills and time available to participate in the objective review process. In addition to possessing the experience noted in Section 6.1, all reviewers should:

Commit to completing the entire review process, including at least 20 hours for the Individual Review and approximately 8 hours for the Panel Review.

Be free of all conflicts of interest.

Have access to a telephone, computer (with minimum technical requirements including the

Microsoft Office Suite, internet browser, Adobe Acrobat Reader), and high-speed internet connection.

Possess supervisor’s approval to serve as a BioWatch Full and Open Cooperative Agreement NOFO https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://sam.gov/…