Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due: August 31, 2026

FY 26 National Dam Safety Program -

Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential

Dams Assistance Listing Number: 97.152

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS 26 MT 152 00 98

OMB Number: 1660 0170 Expiration Date: 08/31/2028

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

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 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 23

Application Review Information 24

Intergovernmental Review 28

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award 29

Award Notices 30

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 31

Other Information 41

Contacts and Appendices 49

Contacts 51

Appendices 52

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

PAPERWORK BURDEN DISCLOSURE NOTICE

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 375 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form.

Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to: Information Collections Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street. SW, Washington, DC 20472-3100, Paperwork Reduction Project

(1660-0170) NOTE: Do not send your completed form to this address.

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/ https://Grants.gov https://Grants.gov https://Login.gov https://Grants.gov https://Grants.gov

Jump to a step

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 4

Eligibility 5

Program description 8

Basic Information A. Award Facts

Agency Name: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Resilience, Hazard Mitigation Directorate (HMD), Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division (HMA)

Assistance Listing Number: 97.152

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

Dam Safety Program Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD)

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-MT-152-00-98

Announcement Type: Initial

Expected Award Range: $100,000-$7,500,000

Expected Total Funding: $11,400,000

Anticipated Number of Awards: 50

B. Executive Summary There are 16,875 dams in the United States that are classified as high hazard potential, meaning that their failure could result in loss of life, significant property damage, lifeline disruption and environmental damage. Investments in dam rehabilitation reduce future disaster losses and strengthen national resilience. Rehabilitation means the repair, replacement, reconstruction or removal of a dam that is carried out to meet state dam safety and security standards. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers analysis indicates that dam rehabilitation could avoid up to $12 in future disaster costs for every one dollar invested.

Guided by the National Resilience Strategy, the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) grant program provides funding to eligible states, territories and non-federal governmental organizations to rehabilitate dams that do not meet minimum dam safety standards and put people and property at risk. FEMA will prioritize grant applications that contribute to multistate, regional, or national capabilities, including data

Key Dates

Projected Application Start

Date: August 4, 2026

Projected Application End Date: August 31, 2026

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than

September 30, 2026

Anticipated Award Date:

No later than September 30, Projected Period of Performance Start Date: Date of award.

Projected Period of Performance End Date: Varies

Budget Period: 36 months

Scope of Work Package Submission Deadline:

December 31, 2026.

Have questions? See Contacts and Support centers, nuclear power generation, multi-state agriculture or multi-state water supply, or other such infrastructure or services. Funding priorities include technical analysis, planning, design, other pre-construction, and construction activities related to the repair, removal, or rehabilitation of eligible high hazard dams.

Eligibility A. Eligible Entities

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

Applicant Eligibility

Applications will only be accepted from eligible applicants with state dam safety programs authorized by state legislation. Eligible applicants include:

• States (except Alabama)

• Puerto Rico

Each eligible applicant must designate one State Administrative Agency (SAA) to serve as the applicant for HHPD funding.

Subrecipient Eligibility

Eligible subrecipients may include:

• Local governments

• State agencies

• Tribal nations

• Non-profit organizations

Eligible subrecipients must meet these requirements:

• Eligible subrecipients are non-federal governmental organizations (other than the designated applicant) and nonprofit organizations. They must receive funds directly from the SAA.

• They must follow the state dam safety program requirements, and the dam must be regulated by the state. All project activities must be approved by the state dam safety agency. Engineering studies, plans, and design drawings and specifications must be approved, signed, and stamped by a qualified design professional registered in the state in which the project is located.

• The community in which the dam is located must participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, follow all its regulations, and be in good standing (not on probation, suspended, or withdrawn.)

• Provide a floodplain management plan to reduce the impacts of future flood events from a controlled or uncontrolled release from the dam or management of water levels in the area impacted by the dam.

o Removal project floodplain management plans must be in place and identify areas that would be impacted by the removal of the dam and include a communication and outreach plan for the project and the impact of the project on the affected communities.

o Rehabilitation project floodplain management plans will be developed not later than two years after the date of execution of a project agreement for assistance and implemented not later than two years after the date of completion of construction of the project.

• Provide an assurance from the dam owner, with respect to the dam to be rehabilitated, that the dam owner will carry out a plan for maintenance of the dam throughout the expected life of the dam.

• Demonstrate how the project will achieve as close to a 4:1 benefit to cost ratio as possible.

• Demonstrate how the project will address national-level risk that aligns with Executive Order

(EO) 14239 (March 18, 2025), Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness.

B. Project Type Eligibility Allowable Project Types

• Planning activities - Planning activities include investigations and risk assessments that further define the dam risk;

• Design activities - Design activities include work to develop conceptual, preliminary or final design plans and specifications for dam rehabilitation projects that have been planned; or

• Construction activities - Construction activities include repair, rehabilitation and removal of dams.

Unallowable Project Types

• Rehabilitation of a federal dam;

C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties Subrecipients should not include foreign nationals or noncitizens. If a subapplicant/subrecipients 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.

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

D. Maximum Number of Applications One per applicant.

E. Additional Restrictions All activities must be in conformance with all applicable federal, state, tribal, local floodplain and land use laws; criteria established by FEMA that are specific to the proposed activity, found in the Version 2.1 of the HMA Program and Policy Guide (HMA Guide) and the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance; and aligned with the current administration and program priorities and policy factors.

Applicants are required to have a FEMA approved state or tribal (standard or enhanced) hazard mitigation plan in accordance with 44 C.F.R. Part 201 by the application deadline and at the time of obligation of the award. The approved hazard mitigation plans must include all dam risks and comply with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390; 114 Stat. 1552).

Subapplicants are required to have a FEMA approved local or tribal hazard mitigation plan in accordance with 44 C.F.R. Part 201 at the time of scope of work submittal and approval. The approved hazard https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/dam-safety/rehabilitation-high-hazard-potential-dams/resources https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/dam-safety/rehabilitation-high-hazard-potential-dams/resources https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-201 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_disaster-mitigation-act-of-2000_10-30-2000.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-201 mitigation plan must include all dam risks and comply with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390; 114 Stat. 1552).

The hazard mitigation plan requirements in this NOFO supersede requirements in the Rehabilitation of

High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance (FEMA, June 2020) and the FEMA Policy 104- 008-7 for determining if the plan meets the requirement to address all dam risks.

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 Applicants, and if applicable, subrecipients, selected for this award must commit to an acceptable cost share agreement. Otherwise, they will not be funded.

H. Cost Share Description, Type, and Restrictions FEMA calculates the non-federal cost share contribution based on the total cost of the proposed activity.

The non-federal cost share may consist of cash, donated or third-party in-kind services, materials, or any combination thereof, as defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.306. Cash and third-party in-kind matches must consist of eligible costs (i.e., same eligibility as the federal share). Applicants cannot apply other federal award funds toward the non-federal cost share unless the other federal statutory authority allows the funds to be used to meet cost share requirements. FEMA encourages innovative use of public and private-sector partnerships to meet the non-federal cost share.

Funding cannot be used as matching funds for another federal award. Additionally, third-party in-kind matches used to meet the matching requirement may not be used to meet matching requirements for any other federal program.

Generally, the cost share for this program is up to 65% federal and 35% non-federal. Exceptions are as follows:

A community with a population of less than 50,000 that has a median household income of less than 80% of the statewide median household income may not be subject to the 35% cost share. The SAA administering the grant for each recipient will determine the cost share for subrecipients that qualify for a cost share less than 35% as defined in the Water Resources Development Act.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_disaster-mitigation-act-of-2000_10-30-2000.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_disaster-mitigation-act-of-2000_10-30-2000.pdf https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/dam-safety/rehabilitation-high-hazard-potential-dams/resources https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/dam-safety/rehabilitation-high-hazard-potential-dams/resources https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_hhpd_policy_FP_104-008-7.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.306 https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll5/id/38414

I. Cost Share Example If the total cost of the activity is $300,000 and the non-federal cost share is 35%, then the non-federal contribution is $105,000 (35% of $300,000 is $105,000). This amount would be provided by the applicant.

Likewise, the federal share of that activity would be $195,000 (65% of $300,000 is $195,000). This amount would be provided by FEMA.

J. Required Information for Verifying Cost Share To meet cost share requirements, the non-federal contributions must be verifiable, reasonable, allowable, allocable and necessary under the federal program, and compliant with all federal requirements and regulations.

The applicant must ensure they provide the correct cost share for their actual project costs. If the actual project costs are higher than the estimated costs in the federal award, the applicant will not receive extra federal funding. If the actual project costs are lower than the estimated costs, the applicant must maintain the minimum required cost share.

Applicants, and if applicable subapplicants, should submit the following cost share (or match) documents:

• Budget narrative

Please see the “Application Format and Contents” section for more details.

Maintenance of Effort

Not applicable.

Program Description A. Program Purpose

The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) grant program provides federal funds to eligible states for pass through to non-federal government or nonprofit organizations to repair, rehabilitate or remove eligible high hazard potential dams that do not meet minimum state dam safety standards and pose serious risk to life and property.

Rehabilitating high hazard dams is increasingly important for maintaining and protecting U.S.

infrastructure. An U.S. Army Corps of Engineers analysis indicates that dam rehabilitation could avoid up to $12 in future disaster costs for every one dollar invested.

B. Goals and Objectives The goal for Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams is to reduce or eliminate risks from eligible high hazard potential dams while addressing national-level risk that aligns with EO 14239. The HHPD program helps states reach this goal by incentivizing them to:

• Repair, remove or rehabilitate eligible high hazard potential dams;

• Use risk-informed analysis and decision making in their dam safety practice and HHPD-funded projects;

• Address at least one national-level risk that aligns with EO 14239;

• Include information from risk analyses and consider all dam-related risk when planning for hazard mitigation at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels;

• Promote community mitigation and preparedness by requiring recipients to provide floodplain management plans that address dam risks and include:

o Potential measures, practices, and policies to reduce loss of life, injuries, damage to property and facilities, public expenditures, and other adverse effects of flooding in the area protected by the project;

o Plans for flood fighting and evacuation; and o Public and education and flood risk communication for communities within the inundation area.

C. Performance Measures and Targets Objective Eligible Activities

Examples

Performance Measures Target

1. Reduce or eliminate risk of eligible high hazard potential dams

1.1 Planning tasks and

activities, studies and analysis for pre-construction phases, scoping activities, and permit applications.

1.1 Number of completed

studies and analysis for pre-construction phases, scoping activities, and permit applications for eligible high hazard potential dams.

1.1 Completion of

all activities included in approved scope of work

1.2 Preliminary and final 1.2 Number of preliminary 1.2 Completion of design package and and final engineering design all activities required permit approvals packages and permits for high hazard potential dams.

included in approved scope of work

1.3 Construction 1.3 Number of construction 1.3 Completion of activities that support projects for dam all activities dam rehabilitation or rehabilitation or removal for included in removal projects. eligible high hazard potential dams.

approved scope of work

D. Federal Assistance Type Grant

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

1. Perform routine operation or maintenance of a dam;

2. Modify a dam to produce hydroelectric power;

3. Increase water supply storage capacity; or

4. Make any other modification to a dam that does not also improve the safety of the dam.

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 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 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 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

Not Applicable.

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 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 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.

L. Management and Administration Costs Management and administrative (M&A) costs are indirect or direct costs, and other administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred in managing an award or subaward. M&A costs are not overhead expenses, but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it.

Recipient Management Costs

A maximum of up to 10% of HHPD funds awarded may be retained by the applicant (referred to as recipients during the award stage), and any funds retained are to be used solely for M&A purposes associated with the HHPD award. Applicant requests for management costs must be included in the state administrative plan.

Subrecipient Management Costs Subrecipients may also retain a maximum of up to 5% of the funding passed through by the state solely for

M&A purposes associated with the HHPD award.

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

M.Authorizing Authority National Dam Safety Program Act, as amended, Pub. L. No. 92-367, codified at 33 U.S.C. § 467f-2.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

In this step Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 14

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 https://login.gov https://login.gov https://login.gov https://login.gov https://login.gov

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 August 31, 2026, 5 p.m. Eastern Time

G. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline Not applicable.

H. Post Application Requirements Deadline Applicants must accept awards within 60 days after award in FEMA GO.

Part 2 Scope of Work packages are due to FEMA no later than December 31, 2026, 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

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

In this step

Application contents and format 18

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 Not Applicable.

C. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information FEMA has a two-part application period for the HHPD grant program. Contact your regional NDSP Program Officer for templates to submit program-specific information. The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in the application.

For Part 1, the State Administrative Agency (SAA) must include the following four documents in the initial application package. Each document must be labeled, numbered, and include the following information at the top:

• State/agency name;

• FY26 HHPD;

• Name and contact information (completing documents); and

• Date.

1. List of eligible high hazard potential dams, including National Inventory of Dams (NID) ID Identifiers, in their state with the application. The SAA or Governor’s Authorize Representative (GAR) should sign a statement that the list of eligible high hazard potential dams has been reviewed and approved. See List of Eligible High Hazard Potential Dams below, for eligibility requirements and List of Eligible High

Hazard Potential Dams Template, see below for an example table template.

2. Proposed overall budget. Optionally, describe HHPD proposed projects and activities as follows:

a. Project scoping and engineering design, and/or

b. Construction (clearly indicate if project includes repair, rehabilitation, or removal). Include a https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family brief project narrative on how the funds will advance the HHPD program priorities and meet performance goals and include:

i. Proposed Budget; and

ii. Percent of cost share: Submit the cost share and a summary of in-kind activities (see

G. Cost Share Requirements).

iii. How the project will achieve at least a nearly 4:1 benefit-to-cost ratio, and how the project will address national-level risk as specified in EO 14239.

3. Statement of assurances signed by authorized state official.

a. Statement that the state hazard mitigation plan includes all dam risk and date of FEMA approval;

b. Statement that the applicant is able to comply with regulations associated with receipt of federal financial contributions from FEMA;

c. If Pass-through Entity: Assurance statement that eligible subrecipients will meet all criteria listed in Step 1, Eligibility, A. Eligible Entities; and

d. Assurance statement that the 35 percent cost share requirement can be met. See Step 1, Eligibility, G. Cost Share Requirements, for requirements.

4. State Administrative Plan (referred to as the Grants Management Plan in the Rehabilitation of High

Hazard Potential Dams Grant Guidance). At a minimum, the State Administrative Plan must include the items listed below:

a. Designation of the SAA responsible for program administration;

b. Identification of the State Official responsible for financial and program matters related to the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program;

c. Timely submission of HHPD quarterly performance progress reports on approved projects;

d. Determination of staffing requirements and sources of staff necessary for administration of the program; and

e. If applicable, the establishment of procedures as a pass-through entity:

i. Identify, select, and notify potential eligible subrecipients of the availability of the program;

ii. Ensure that potential eligible subrecipients are provided information on the application process and program eligibility, including the requirement for an approved mitigation plan that includes all dam risks for the jurisdiction where the dam is located, and key deadlines;

iii. Determine subrecipient eligibility, including the requirement for an approved mitigation plan for the jurisdiction where the dam is located;

iv. Submit revisions or amendments for FEMA review and approval. See Step 6, Award

Notices, B. Pass-Through Requirements;

v. Conduct environmental and floodplain management reviews;

vi. Establish priorities for selection of projects;

vii. Process requests for advances of funds and reimbursement;

viii. Monitor and evaluate the progress and completion of the selected projects;

ix. Review and approve cost overruns;

x. Process appeals;

xi. Provide technical assistance as required to eligible subrecipient(s) and/or jurisdiction where the dam is located including coordination with State Hazard Mitigation Officer regarding the eligibility requirement to have an approved mitigation plan that includes all dam risks and complies with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–390; 114 Stat. 1552). For more information on the Mitigation Plan

Requirements, see Step 4, F. Merit Review Process; and

xii. Comply with the administrative and audit requirements of 2 Code of Federal

Regulations Part 200.

List of Eligible High Hazard Dams

The SAA must submit a list of all eligible high hazard potential dams in their state with the application including all criteria indicated. The SAA must also submit an official assurance statement, signed by the State Dam Safety Officer or Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR), confirming that all dams are regulated by the state dam safety program and meet the following HHPD criteria:

A dam is considered eligible if it meets all of these requirements (as defined in 33 U.S.C. § 467(4)(A)):

1. In general, the term “eligible high hazard potential dam” means a non-Federal dam that—

a. Is located within a state with a state dam safety program and regulated under that state dam safety program;

b. Is classified as high hazard potential by the relevant state dam safety agency;

c. Has an emergency action plan (EAP) that—

i. is approved by the relevant state dam safety agency; or

ii. is in conformance with state law and pending approval by the relevant state dam safety agency;

d. Fails to meet minimum dam safety standards of the state in which the dam is located, as determined by the state dam safety agency; and

e. Has a condition assessment rating of POOR or UNSATISFACTORY as identified in the

National Inventory of Dams (NID) no later than 07/15/2026.

2. Exclusion: The term “eligible high hazard potential dam” does not include—

a. A licensed hydroelectric dam under a hydropower project with an authorized installed capacity of greater than 1.5 megawatts; or

b. A dam built under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture.

Note: Dams with FAIR condition assessment in the NID (with a population at risk (PAR) of greater than 1000) may be eligible for the HHPD program. See List of Eligible High Hazard Dams Template below for more details. Dams with a SATISFACTORY or NOT RATED condition assessment in the NID are not eligible for the HHPD program.

The list of prospective eligible dams will be used to allocate grant funds to the state.

On request, the SAA must provide substantiating documentation to FEMA that documents dams submitted are eligible under the HHPD grant. The requested documentation may include, but is not limited to, copies of the regulatory notices, risk assessments, engineering analyses, etc.

List of Eligible High Hazard Dams Template https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2000-title33-section467&num=0

The list of dams must be submitted in table format, include NID Data, use the below column row headers, and be signed by the State Dam Safety Agency or GAR:

• Does the state have a state dam safety program?;

• Dam Name;

• NID ID;

• Longitude;

• Latitude;

• Hazard Potential;

• State Approved EAP? (Y/N);

• EAP Date;

• Owner Type;

• Built by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS)? (Y/N);

• Licensed by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)? (Y/N);

• NID Condition Assessment1;

• Fails to Meet Minimum State Dam Safety Standards;

• Dam has a documented Dam Safety Deficiency?2;

• Was Dam Safety Deficiency caused by lack of Routine Operation and Maintenance?;

• Was Dam Safety Deficiency caused by Deferred Maintenance?;

• Brief Description of Deficiency; and

• Name of potential eligible subrecipient that has indicated interest in HHPD and is capable of meeting HHPD requirements3 .

D. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants SAA accepts the funding award after the Part 1 application period and prepares the Part 2 application—a Scope of Work (SOW) package. The package must include:

• A description of how and why the projects were selected for funding;

• A detailed quarterly workplan with milestones;

• An environmental and historical preservation (EHP) checklist; and

• A budget narrative.

For a full checklist of SOW package requirements, contact your regional NDSP Program Officer.

The SAA must submit the SOW package to FEMA during the Part 2 submission period. FEMA will then review the local hazard mitigation plans to make sure they meet program requirements.

1 FEMA will review the Condition Assessment data reported in the NID to validate a dam’s eligibility on July 15, 2026. Dams that meet the NID criteria for POOR or UNSATISFACTORY condition assessments may be eligible to include on the list of eligible high hazard potential dams. Also dams that meet the NID criteria of FAIR and with a PAR greater than or equal to 1,000 may be eligible. On request, the SAA must provide substantiating documentation to FEMA that verify dams submitted are eligible under the HHPD grant. The requested documentation may include, but is not limited to, copies of the re gulatory notices, risk assessments, engineering analyses, etc.

2 Dam Safety Deficiency (Source NID): A load capacity limit or other issue that can result in a failure of the dam or appurtenant structure. It is a characteristic or condition that does not meet the applicable minimum regulatory criteria.

3 The SAA must contact potential eligible subrecipients to identify entities with an eligible dam who express interest in obtai ning a grant for a specific planning or design project and are capable of meeting the requirements of the HHPD grant. (Only fill out this field if the potential entity has been contacted or is the SAA).

HHPD Prioritization Tool

The FEMA project prioritization tool is an excel-based tool developed for the HHPD grant program and is used during Part 2 of the application process. It uses information from the National Inventory of Dams

(NID) and other state sources such as inspection reports. The tool helps estimate the chance that a dam could fail due to structural, flood or earthquake risks, based on existing deficiencies. It also estimates how fixing these deficiencies and meeting state standards can reduce the risk of failure.

As part of the HHPD priority system, dams under consideration for funding are placed on a risk matrix.

The likelihood of failure (from the FEMA tool) is shown on the vertical axis, and the population at risk

(PAR), which may be calculated using the US Army Corps of Engineers Dam Screening Tool (DST) or other method, is shown on the horizonal axis. The FEMA project prioritization tool assists with assessing the risk reduction benefit of proposed projects to support the goals of the program.

If the SAA chooses to be a pass-through entity, the SAA must contact potential eligible subrecipients to identify entities with an eligible dam who express interest in obtaining a grant and can meet the requirements of the HHPD grant. See Step 1, Eligibility, B. Project Type Eligibility, for information on Eligible Activities.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_fact_sheet_project_prioritization_hhpd.pdf

Step 4: Learn about the Award Review

Process

In this step

Application Review Information 24

Intergovernmental Review 28

Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria

Applicants that do not meet eligibility or application submission requirements will be removed from consideration.

B. Application Criteria Applications will be reviewed to ensure conformance with all applicable federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal laws; federal environmental and historic preservation laws; executive orders; regulations;

policies; the HMA Guide and the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance;

and requirements of this funding opportunity. Additionally, the following programmatic criteria must be met and will be evaluated during the application review.

Programmatic Criteria for Mitigation Plan Requirement - Applicant

During the application review period for completeness and eligibility, FEMA will validate if the applicant has an approved state mitigation plan that includes all dam risks. For the definition of all dam risk, see

Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance (FEMA, June 2020) Appendix B Definitions. If the applicant’s state-approved mitigation plan does not include all dam risks, FEMA will notify the applicant, who can then request an extension to update the plan. Applicants may coordinate with FEMA before the application deadline to review their approved state mitigation plan to make sure it covers all dam risks. All supplemental attachments must be submitted through FEMA GO. For more details, see E. Additional Restrictions.

FEMA will review the applicant’s state hazard mitigation plan using the requirements in 44 Code of

Federal Regulations Part 201, Mitigation Planning and in the State Mitigation Planning Policy Guide

(FEMA, May 2025), which includes specific requirements for addressing all dam risks.

For additional information on all other state mitigation plan requirements and FEMA’s review and approval process, see the State Mitigation Planning Policy Guidance (FEMA, May 2025).

Programmatic Criteria for Mitigation Plan Requirement – Eligible Subrecipients

Eligible subrecipients must demonstrate that the tribal or local government (including special districts) responsible for the area where the dam is located has an approved hazard mitigation plan in place when the SAA submits the SOW package to FEMA, and when FEMA approves the SOW package. This plan must cover all dam risks, as defined in Appendix B of the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant

Program Guidance (FEMA, June 2020). The plan must also comply with the Disaster Mitigation Act of

2000 (Public. L. 106–390; 114 Stat. 1552).

If a nonprofit organizations owns the dam, it must be located in a local jurisdiction with an approved hazard mitigation plan that includes all dam risks and complies with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000

(Public Law 106–390; 114 Stat. 1552). If the subrecipient is not the same as the local or tribal government responsible for the area where the dam is located, the subrecipient must coordinate with that government to make sure they understand all important dates and deadlines.

https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/hazard-mitigation-assistance-guidance https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/dam-safety/rehabilitation-high-hazard-potential-dams/resources https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/dam-safety/rehabilitation-high-hazard-potential-dams/resources https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/part-201 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/part-201 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_hmd_state-mitigation-planning-policy-guide_05292025.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_hmd_state-mitigation-planning-policy-guide_05292025.pdf…