FY 26 NTED CTG DRAFT_6.16.2026_clean_OMB round 2_CP-508-6-30-26.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due: July 31, 2026

Continuing Training Grants

Assistance Listing Number: 97.005 Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-NPD-005-00-96

Contents

Before you begin 2

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 3

Basic information 4

Eligibility 5

Program Description 6

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 13

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 14

Step 3: Write Your Application 17

Application Contents and Format 18

Step 4: Learn About the Award Review Process 19

Application Review Information 20

Intergovernmental Review 22

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award 23

Award Notices 24

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 24

Other Information 33

Contacts and Appendices 40

Contacts 41

Appendices 43

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/

Step 1: Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 4

Eligibility 5

Program description 66

Jump to a step

1. Review 2. Get ready 3. Write 4. Learn 5. Award Contacts

Basic Information A. Award Facts

Agency Name: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness

Directorate (NPD), National Training and Education

Division (NTED).

Assistance Listing Number: 97.005

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title: Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland

Security National Training Program Continuing Training Grants (CTG)

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26- NPD-005-00-96

Announcement Type: Initial

Expected Award Range: Focus Area 1: $1.7M to $1.7M and Focus Area 2:

$4.0M to $4.0M

Expected Total Funding: $5,700,000.00

Anticipated Number of Awards: 2

B. Executive Summary Through the Continuing Training Grants (CTG) program, the

Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) plays an important role in the National Preparedness System. The CTG program supports building, sustaining, and delivering core capabilities through the development and delivery of training to achieve the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal), which is “a secure and resilient nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.”

For Fiscal Year 2026, FEMA plans to award cooperative agreements for two focus areas: one to support preparedness for the 2028 Summer Olympics through a non-competitive process and another for rural and tribal training through a competitive process to deliver high-quality, evidence-based FEMA-certified training to a nationwide audience to strengthen core capabilities and close national preparedness gaps to build a secure and resilient nation.

Key Dates

Projected Application Start

Date: July 1, 2026

Projected Application End

Date: July 31, 2026

Anticipated Funding Selection

Date: August 30, 2026

Anticipated Award Date:

September 15, 2026

Projected Period of

Performance Start Date:

September 1, 2026

Projected Period of Performance End Date: August

31, 2029

Budget Period: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2029

Have questions? See Contacts and Support

Eligibility A. Eligible Entities

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

Applicant Eligibility

Applicant Eligibility for focus area 1—2028 Summer Olympics Preparedness—is:

• The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at the University of Southern

Mississippi

Applicant Eligibility for focus area 2—Rural and Tribal training—is limited to organizations that provide

FEMA-certified rural and tribal training and are:

• State and commonwealth governments, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territory governments

• City or township governments

• County governments

• Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments (Tribal governments)

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service status

• Nonprofit private institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit national associations and organizations

• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

Subapplicant Eligibility Subapplicants and subawards are allowed under this Funding Opportunity.

B. Project Type Eligibility Allowable Project Types

Identify, develop, test, and deliver on-site mobile and web-based training at the awareness, performance, planning and management levels to the state, local tribal, and territorial (SLTT) emergency management and emergency response workforce.

Unallowable Project Types

This program does not allow construction and renovation projects.

C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties Subapplicants should not have foreign nationals or noncitizens included. If a subapplicant has foreign nationals, they must be properly vetted and must adhere to all government statues, polices, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.

Sub-applicants/subrecipients must submit short bios and resumes. These 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 per applicant, per focus area.

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 Not applicable.

J. Required Information for Verifying Cost Share Not applicable.

Maintenance of Effort Not applicable.

Program Description A. Program Purpose

The Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) Continuing Training Grants (CTG) program, was created to build a secure and resilient nation that is ready to mitigate, respond to, and recover from hazards and disasters by closing preparedness gaps and increasing core capabilities through the development and delivery of specialized, accessible, multi-level, high-quality training to SLTT and non-profit organizations’ partner emergency management professionals and stakeholders nationwide. This program provides financial support to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as non-profit organizations, to develop and deliver specialized training programs. These programs are designed to improve the skills and knowledge of emergency responders and community members in handling incidents such as disasters, terrorist attacks, and other emergencies.

Since Fiscal Year 2023, rural and Tribal programs funded by CTG program have delivered upwards of 1,000 courses to 28,000 first responders, emergency managers, and local leaders. Currently, the National Preparedness Course Catalog offers 34 rural and Tribal courses covering topics such as emergency management, disaster response, public health preparedness, and community resilience. These courses are designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural and Tribal communities and support their ongoing efforts to strengthen local preparedness and response capabilities.

Supporting preparedness efforts for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in paramount to ensuring the safety and security of athletes, spectators, and host communities, and requires close coordination among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners to effectively plan for and respond to potential risks and emerging threats. The training objective is to address evolving threats and hazards associated with the Olympics, closing capability gaps through targeted learning solutions that enhance public safety. The training strategy will be largely based upon lessons learned from 2026 FIFA World Cup preparedness and will focus on course deliveries for over 24 Olympic host communities, including 19 in California and others across five additional states.

B. Goals and Objectives

Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness. Executive Order 14239 establishes that preparedness is most effectively managed at the state, local, and individual levels, with support from a capable, accessible, and efficient Federal Government. The policy of the United States emphasizes that State and local governments, as well as individuals, should take a more active and significant role in national resilience and preparedness. This approach helps save American lives, protect livelihoods, reduce taxpayer costs through increased efficiency, and promote collective prosperity. In alignment with this policy, FEMA’s FY 2026 CTG program seeks to advance these objectives by partnering with world-class non-federal, state-based training organizations to develop and deliver multi-level and multi-modality using the ADDIE model and incorporating best practices, methodologies, and technologies for instructional design and delivery to ensure and expand SLTT government and other stakeholder training access at scale to close identified gaps across the preparedness cycle, and reduce risks and vulnerabilities for communities across the nation.

The CTG program supports the National Preparedness Goal of building a secure and resilient nation by developing and sustaining the capabilities required to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk and inculcating a culture of preparedness needed to strengthen the emergency management workforce through the development, update, and sustainment of a robust, comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, evidence-and risk-based, aligned, operationally relevant, mission-critical, and cost-effective FEMA-certified training solutions driven by modern analytics to address two focus areas: 2028 Summer Olympic Games preparedness and Rural and Tribal training.

Focus Area 1: Preparedness for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games This focus area aims at providing training that supports 19 Olympic host communities—designated as zones in California—and additional zones in five other states. The goal is to address evolving and emerging threats and hazards related to the 2028 Summer Olympics and to close capability gaps by providing learning solutions that strengthen public safety. Detailed requirements are outlined in

Appendix II of this NOFO.

Focus Area 2: Certified Rural and Tribal Training

This focus area is designed to help rural communities and tribal nations address evolving and emerging threats and hazards, close capability gaps, and enhance preparedness and resilience through targeted learning solutions. Detailed requirements are outlined in Appendix II of this NOFO.

To achieve the goals and fulfill the purpose of the program, FEMA and CTG training partners will pursue the following objectives as they relate to 2028 Summer Olympic Games and Rural and Tribal Nation preparedness over the three-year period of performance:

1. Address capability gaps and strategic goals across the preparedness cycle and improve resilience through targeted training solutions based on identified current and emerging threats, core capabilities, and documented deficiencies to reduce risks and vulnerabilities in communities nationwide.

2. Use the ADDIE instructional design process to develop, update, and sustain a robust portfolio of high-quality, operationally relevant, cost-effective FEMA-certified training solutions that address relevant capability gaps and threats and strengthen resilience.

3. Enhance training effectiveness and application using innovative approaches, new methodologies, best practices, and technology.

4. Strengthen the emergency management workforce by providing safe, effective, standardized, applicable, repeatable tactics, techniques, and procedures.

5. Demonstrate sound financial stewardship and maximize training return on investment by focusing on cost-effective training delivery.

Ultimately, these efforts will support the nation’s first responders, emergency managers, and local leaders’ ability to meet current and future needs to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from catastrophic disasters and complex incidents, preventing and reducing the loss of life and property.

C. Performance Measures and Targets CTG recipients are required to collect data so FEMA can measure performance and outcomes and to demonstrate how activities contribute to the program purpose, goal, and objectives. FEMA will measure the CTG members’ performance using the following indicators:

1. To prove that the program supports strategic outcomes and capability gaps through operationally relevant, evidence-based, targeted training solutions aligned with identified current and emerging threats, risks, and hazards, CTG members and FEMA will determine the number and percentage of training courses that are explicitly mapped to at least one National Preparedness Goal core capability through a completed, approved Unified Training Needs Assessment with a goal of 90% of the active portfolio meeting this standard by the end of FY 2028.

2. To ensure partners are using the ADDIE instructional design method to produce high-quality, operationally relevant, cost-effective FEMA-certified training solutions that strengthen resilience, CTG partners and FEMA will:

a. Measure whether the percentage of developed, updated, and sustained courses that are mapped to at least one core capability and outcome articulated in the National Preparedness

Goal meets or exceeds 95%.

b. Measure whether 90% of courses have been reviewed and recertified within a three-year recertification window.

3. To measure training effectiveness, CTG partners and FEMA will:

a. Measure whether at least 70% of learners attain post-test scores that reflect at least a 26-point increase over pre-test scores, indicating that sufficient learning has occurred (Kirkpatrick Level

2-Learning) and compare this percentage to previous years to ensure these gains are maintained over time.

b. Measure whether at least 60% of learners self-report applying knowledge or skills on the job within three months of completing training (Kirkpatrick Level 3-Behavior).

4. To determine how well CTG partners are operating as an integrated networked community of training partners to ensure and expand access to and availability of high-quality, effective training at scale, FEMA and CTG partners will:

a. Calculate whether the percentage of respondents indicating training met or exceeded expectations (Kirkpatrick Level 1-Reaction) averages at least 75% and has not decreased since previous years.

b. Determine if at least 19 of 24 Olympic host communities were recipients of training (focus area

1).

c. Determine if at least two rural communities or tribal nations in at least 30 of the 50 states and five territories were recipients of training (focus area 2).

5. To evaluate how well training helps strengthen the emergency management workforce by providing safe, effective, standardized, applicable, repeatable tactics, techniques, and procedures. CTG partners and FEMA will determine whether at least 40% of delivered courses provided learners with physical or electronic references and tools that they can retain and use outside of training.

6. To ensure sound financial stewardship of government resources, CTG partners and FEMA will determine whether the inflation-adjusted average direct cost per course delivery (Kirkpatrick Level 5, ROI) was maintained or reduced annually without impacting satisfaction or learning levels.

D. Federal Assistance Type Cooperative Agreement

The CTG program, prescribed by this notice, is awarded through a cooperative agreement, as defined by 2 C.F.R. § 200.1. Cooperative agreement, and consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-224 (codified as amended at 31 U.S.C. §§ 6301-6308). FEMA maintains substantial involvement with all recipients as they carry out activities under the award to include financial monitoring and all training development and delivery activities, including the creation and approval of course content, arrangement of learning objectives, establishment of training delivery modes and methods, and use of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model. NTED Training Partners program managers serve as the authority to provide approval and disapproval for all activities over the life cycle of the award. As FEMA will work directly with the award recipient, training will be compliant with agency standards for curriculum https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-policies/federal-grant-and-cooperative-agreement-act-1977 https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-policies/federal-grant-and-cooperative-agreement-act-1977 design and development and students taking the training will benefit from standardized, high-quality learning.

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs This program does not allow construction and renovation costs and is subject to all Terms & Conditions where restrictions are provided.

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)).

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(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 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

The direct beneficiary of this grant is The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at the University of Southern Mississippi and the CTG rural/tribal recipient (through competitive process). The recipients of the funding are responsible for developing and delivering training to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) emergency responders.

Third-party beneficiaries under this NOFO are the SLTT emergency responders and related personnel who receive the training funded by the grant. These individuals and their respective agencies are not parties to the award or subaward but directly benefit from the training, resources, and enhanced preparedness capabilities provided through the applicant activities.

Participant

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

I. Indirect Costs Indirect costs are allowed for recipients of this grant.

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

K. Pre-Award Costs Pre-award costs are not allowed.

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

L. Management and Administration Costs Management and Administration Costs (M&A) are allowed at no greater than 5% of award.

M&A are not overhead costs but are necessary direct costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such, M&A costs can be itemized in financial reports.

M. Authorizing Authority Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, Pub. L. No. 119-86 (2026).

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 15

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

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

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 31, 2026, 5 p.m. Eastern Time

G. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline Not applicable.

H. Post Application Requirements Deadline Not applicable.

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.

Step 3: Write Your Application

Application contents and format 19

Application Contents and Format A. Application Requirements

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 Applications must be limited to 20 pages, 12-point font size in Times New Roman, 1” margins, letter size paper, and 1 copy. Sequence and assembly requirements described in Appendix II.

C. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in FEMA GO:

1. Project Narrative - Executive Summary and other sections described in Appendix II (submit as a separate attachment labeled as Project Narrative)

2. Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative – Budget information described in Appendix II (submit as a separate attachment labeled as Budget Narrative)

3. Active Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (submit as a separate attachment described as Indirect

Cost Rate Agreement)

D. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants Not applicable.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

Step 4: Learn about the Award Review

Process

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Application Review Information 21

Intergovernmental Review 23

Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria

This notice provides funding for the CTG partners to develop, deliver, and evaluate mission critical and mission essential training for SLTT partners, which supports the objective of the National Preparedness System to facilitate an integrated, community-centric, risk-informed, capabilities-based approach to preparedness. CTG applicants must submit all (100%) required application forms and program specific documents as described above.

B. Application Criteria Federal and non-federal subject matter experts will evaluate applications for Rural and Tribal

Preparedness (Focus Area 2) using the categories described in Appendix 2. FEMA leadership will review all scoring results and will then apply additional factors such as executive and legislative guidance, alignment with DHS and FEMA strategic priorities, along with investment strategy and budgetary limits. Specific criteria is listed in Appendix 2.

The focus area 1 application will be reviewed and evaluated by the NTED program office before recommendations are made to FEMA leadership for awards.

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.

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.

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 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/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

E. Reviewer Selection Reviewers for the CTG program are selected through a process to ensure they have the necessary expertise and experience.

Reviewers are selected based on their professional background in emergency management, homeland security, public safety, and related fields. This ensures they have the knowledge to evaluate training proposals effectively.

Professional Networks and Recommendations: Potential reviewers are often identified through professional networks and recommendations from peers in the field. This helps in finding individuals who are respected and knowledgeable.

Previous Experience: Individuals who have previously served as reviewers for similar grant programs or have experience in grant management are often considered. Their familiarity with the review process and criteria is valuable.

Difference of Perspectives: The selection process aims to include reviewers from different backgrounds and regions to ensure a wide range of perspectives and expertise. This helps in making balanced and comprehensive evaluations.

Training and Orientation: Selected reviewers typically undergo training or orientation to familiarize them with the specific goals and criteria of the CTG program. This ensures consistency and fairness in the review process.

By following these steps, the CTG program ensures that the reviewers are well-equipped to assess the proposals and select the most effective training programs for funding.

F. Merit Review Process The merit review process for the CTG program is designed to ensure a fair, thorough, and objective evaluation of all applications.

Initial Screening: Applications are first reviewed to ensure they meet basic eligibility criteria. This includes checking for completeness and adherence to submission guidelines.

1. Threshold Screening: Applications that pass the initial screening are then evaluated against specified threshold criteria. These criteria are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and typically include factors such as alignment with program goals and the applicant’s capacity to deliver the proposed training.

2. Merit Review Evaluation: Qualified reviewers, selected for their expertise in relevant fields, conduct a detailed evaluation of the applications. This phase involves scoring applications based on predefined criteria, such as the quality of the training proposal, the potential impact, and the applicant’s past performance. Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

3. Panel Review: In some cases, a panel of reviewers may be convened to discuss and compare scores, ensuring consistency and fairness in the evaluation process. The panel may also provide recommendations for funding.

4. Selection and Award: Based on the merit review scores and panel recommendations, the final selection of grant recipients is made. The Selection Official considers the reviewers’ evaluations, program priorities, and available funding to make the final award decisions.

5. Notification and Feedback: Applicants are notified of the outcome of their submissions.

Those who are not selected for funding may receive feedback to help improve future applications.

This structured process ensures that the most effective and impactful training programs are selected for funding, ultimately enhancing community preparedness and resilience.

G. Final Selection The NTED program office will recommend award recipient(s) to FEMA's Assistant Administrator (A) for the

National Preparedness Directorate and FEMA’s Deputy Administrator for Resilience.

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

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of

Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. No further action is needed if you do not find a contact for your state in the latest version of the SPOC list.

Note: This requirement does not apply to tribal governments.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=43cc1c138155325b42a3a955d345e1e7860474a2770290d46abb1fd8ae77d8f4JmltdHM9MTc1OTE5MDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=294b42f1-0982-65d0-0900-572608a06432&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub2pwLmdvdi9JbnRlcmdvdmVybm1lbnRhbFJldmlld1NQT0NMaXN0LnBkZg&ntb=1

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award

Award Notices 24

Post-award requirements and administration 24

Other 33

Award Notices A. Notice of Award

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

By applying, applicants agree to comply with the prerequisites stated in this NOFO and the material terms and conditions of the federal award, should they receive an award.

FEMA will provide the federal award package to the applicant electronically in FEMA GO. Award packages include an Award Letter, Summary Award Memo, Agreement Articles, and Obligating Document. An award package notification email is sent by the grant application system to the submitting AOR.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 30 days from the award date. Recipients shall notify

FEMA of their intent to accept the award and proceed with work in the FEMA GO system.

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

B. Pass-Through Requirements Not applicable.

C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs Even if pre-award costs are allowed, beginning performance prior to award is at the applicant or sub-applicant’s own risk.

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

E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants In the CTG program, notifications to unsuccessful applicants are sent through a formal written communication process.

Post-Award Requirements and Administration A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Presidential Executive Orders

Recipients must comply with the requirements of Presidential Executive Orders related to grants (also known as federal assistance and financial assistance), the full text of which are incorporated by reference.

Pursuant to the preliminary injunction order issued on November 21, 2025, in County of Santa Clara et al.

v. Noem, et al., No. 25-cv-08330-WHO (N.D. Cal.), this requirement does not apply to awards or subawards issued to any of the plaintiffs subject to the preliminary injunction order while the order remains in effect.

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

In accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty (June 6, 2025), and to the extent allowed by law, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients under this NOFO are permitted to purchase unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as drones, or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. Recipients must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and adhere to any statutory requirements on the use of federal funds for such unmanned aircraft systems, equipment, or services.

Subrecipient Monitoring and Management

Pass-through entities must comply with the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management as set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.331-333.

Termination of a Federal Award

1. The termination condition below applies to the grant award and the “Termination of a Federal Award” term and condition in the FY 2026 DHS Standard Terms and Conditions does not.

2. Termination of the federal award by FEMA FEMA, in its sole discretion, may terminate the federal award in whole or in part for one of the following reasons consistent with 2 C.F.R. § 200.340:

a. If the recipient or subrecipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award.

b. With the consent of the recipient, in which case FEMA and the recipient must agree upon the termination conditions. These conditions include the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.

c. If the federal award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. Under this provision, FEMA may terminate the award for these purposes if any of the following reasons apply:

i. FEMA determines that a specific award objective is ineffective at achieving program goals as described in this NOFO;

ii. FEMA determines that an objective of the award as described in this NOFO will be ineffective at achieving program goals or agency priorities;

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/11/2025-10803/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.340

iii. FEMA determines that the design of the grant program is flawed relative to program goals or agency priorities;

iv. FEMA determines that the grant program is not aligned to either the DHS Strategic

Plan, the FEMA Strategic Plan, or successor policies or documents;

v. FEMA changes or re-evaluates the goals or priorities of the grant program and determines that the award will be ineffective at achieving the updated program goals or agency priorities; or

vi. For other reasons based on program goals or agency priorities described in…