Notice of Funding Opportunity Application due: September 2, FY 26 National Dam Safety

Program-State Assistance Assistance Listing Number: 97.041

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-MT-041-00-99

OMB Number: 1660-0170

Expiration Date: 08/31/2028

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Contents

Before you begin 2

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 3

Basic information 4

Eligibility 5

Program Description 7

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 32

Contacts and Appendices 40

Contacts 41

Appendices 43

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Before you begin

If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your System for

Award Management (SAM.gov) and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

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

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

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

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and other criminal or noncriminal misconduct related to this program may be reported to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1-(800)-323-8603 and TTY 1-(844)-889-4357

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.

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

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Jump to a step

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Step 1: Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 4

Eligibility 5

Program description 7

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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: 97.041

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title: FY26 National Dam Safety

Program State Assistance Program

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-MT-041-00-99

Announcement Type: Initial

Expected Award Range: $50,000-$500,000

Expected Total Funding: $7,486,000

Anticipated Number of Awards: 50

B. Executive Summary The National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) is a partnership of states, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to promote the establishment and maintenance of effective federal and state dam safety programs to reduce the risk to human life, property, and the environment from dam related hazards.

Congressionally mandated functions of the program are:

• Leadership: The leadership shall be the responsibility of FEMA and shall be exercised by chairing the National Dam Safety Review Board to coordinate national efforts to improve the safety of the dams in the

United States.

• Technical assistance: The technical assistance activity shall consist of the transfer of knowledge and technical information among the federal and non-federal elements.

• Public awareness: The public awareness activity shall provide for the education of the public, including state and local officials, in the hazards of dam failure, methods of reducing the adverse consequences of dam failure, and related matters.

Key Dates

Projected Application Start

Date: August 18, 2026

Projected Application End Date: September 2, 2026

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: September 15, 2026

Anticipated Award Date:

September 30, 2026

Projected Period of Performance Start Date:

September 1, 2026

Projected Period of

Performance End Date: August

31, 2028

Budget Period: 24 months

Have questions? See Contacts and Support

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FEMA Priorities

FEMA encourages risk-informed state dam safety activities, preparedness, resilience, and efficient use of federal funds, based on the applicant’s proposed scope of work, budget, and alignment with eligible activities and program objectives. Where applicable, FEMA also encourages activities that contribute to regional, multistate, or national resilience. When applicable, FEMA will prioritize grant applications that contribute to multistate, regional, or national capabilities, including data centers, nuclear power generation, multi-state agriculture or multi-state water supply, or other such infrastructure or services.

Eli gibility 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 an approved state dam safety program authorized by state legislation. Eligible applicants include:

• States (except Alabama)

• Puerto Rico

Subapplicant Eligibility

Subapplicants are not allowed.

B. Project Type Eligibility Allowable Project Types

Reduced Risk to Life and Property Associated with Dams

1. Perform targeted safety inspections of high hazard potential (HH) dams/dams of highest consequence, under the supervision of a State-registered professional engineer with related experience in dam design and construction (33 U.S.C. § 467f);

2. Perform targeted condition assessment and evaluations of reservoirs and high hazard potential dams/dams of highest consequence;

3. Development of new or updated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) of HH dams / dams of highest consequence; and

4. Perform regulatory enforcement actions: Implement enforcement actions to compel the dam owner of an unsafe high hazard potential dam to take action to reduce the risk associated with the dam. Regulatory enforcement actions may include, but are not limited to, official notice of violation, civil or criminal penalties, reservoir restrictions, or safe breaching of the dam.

Increased Public Awareness of Risk Associated with Dams

1. Execution of targeted outreach and messaging strategies to inform the public and stakeholders of dam risks and actions that individuals/organizations/communities need to take; and

2. Establish and maintain an assessment tool for gauging effectiveness of targeted public outreach about hazards and risks associated with dams.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title33/chapter9/subchapter7&edition=prelim

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Improvement and Advancement of Sate Dam Safety and Risk Management Program

1. Support the Indentification and implementation of best practices that advance operations of state dam safety programs (includes software programs that assess, monitor, model, and analyze potential and real risk);

2. Risk identification analysis and risk prioritization methodologies to inform decision-making in the rehabilitation or removal of high hazard potential dam projects;

3. Build or improve a cybersecurity awareness program to promote resources and the implementation of cybersecurity with owners and operators, consistent with the guidance established by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework for Improving

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Dams Sector Cybersecurity Implementation Framework Guidance, and/or CISA’s Cross-Sector

Cybersecurity Performance Goals; and

4. Professional education, workshops, and training on content such as dam operations and safety standards, industry best practices, mitigation of high-risk dam hazards, risk assessment methodologies, and risk communication strategies for dam owners, local officials and emergency managers, and state dam safety staff.

Unallowable Project Types

Grant funds may not be used to construct or repair any federal or non-federal dam.

National Priorities

When applicable and aligned with program statute, applicants should demonstrate how allowabl project activities will address national-level risk that aligns with EO 14239.

e

C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties Not applicable; subapplicants/subrecipients are not allowed.

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 Version 2.1 of the HMA Program and Policy Guide (HMA Guide); and aligned with the current administration and program priorities and policy factors.

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:

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-04973.pdf https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide

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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 There is no cost share requirement. However, the State Assistance award amount may not exceed 4 times the amount of funds committed by the state for dam safety activities (33 U.S.C. § 467j(2)(B)).

I. Cost Share Example Not applicable.

J. Required Information for Verifying Cost Share

Maintenance of Effort

A state may receive assistance under this program for a fiscal year only if it maintains its total spending from all other sources on dam safety programs—meant to protect human life and property—at or above the average annual amount it spent during the two previous fiscal years. See Step 4 Learn about the Award Review Process, Application Review Information, B. Application Criteria for additional information.

Maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement documentation must:

• Be submitted on official letterhead;

• Signed by the authorized official; and

• Confirm that the State’s total spending from all other sources on dam safety programs to protect human life and property is at least equal to the average annual amount spent during the two previous fiscal years (see Appendix 1).

Pro gram Description A. Program Purpose

Dams play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure. They contribute to the economic development of the United States and to the social welfare of the American public. Dam infrastructure can be affected by natural hazards, man-made threats, as well as an imbalance between resources invested and a dam’s age. The U.S. has 92,000 dams across every state. They are used for water storage, https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-2012-title33-section467j&num=0&edition=2012

1. Review 2. Get ready 3. Write 4. Learn 5. Award Contacts irrigation, hydropower, mining, flood control, and recreation. The average dam age is 65 years old, more than 2,300 were built before 1900, and the oldest was built in 1640.

Dams are classified by ‘hazard potential,’ rated by the likelihood a failure will cause loss of human life and extensive property damage. Given recent development trends in rural areas, specifically near rivers and streams, the number of high hazard dams has more than doubled in the last 20 years. As of February

25, 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ National Inventory of Dams shows 16,875 of the 92,000 dams are classified as high- hazard potential. Of those, 2,636 are rated as poor or unsatisfactory condition.

However, on the positive side, 12,929 of the high hazard dams have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), many funded through National Dam Safety Program grants.

Comprehensive data on the history of dam failures in the U.S. is not available. However, according to the

Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO), from 2005 to 2013, 173 dam failures were reported and an additional 587 incidents that would have become failures had intervention not occurred.

Significant support is needed to minimize the risk associated with aging dam infrastructure across the

United States. Specifically, resources are needed to inspect and assess dams, and develop emergency action plans. Without federal assistance states cannot afford adequate staffing levels.

B. Goals and Objectives According to Title 33 U.S.C Chapter 9 the National Dam Safety Program goal is “to encourage the establishment and maintenance of effective State programs intended to ensure dam safety, to protect human life and property, and to improve State dam safety programs.” (33 U.S.C. § 467f). National Dam

Safety Program (NDSP) objectives that fall under this goal are to:

• Identify deficiencies and risks associated with dams;

• Increase public awareness of the benefits and risks associated with dam infrastructure, dam safety risk reduction actions, and potential hazards associated with dam failure; and

• Advance the state of practice of dam safety and dam risk management; and

• Support risk-informed preparedness and resilience consistent with EO 14239 by helping states understand, plan for, and address dam safety risks.

C. Performance Measures and Targets Program

Objectives

Eligible Activities – Examples Performance Measure

(PM)

Target

Reduced risks to life and property associated with dams.

Perform targeted safety inspections of

High Hazard (HH) dams/dams of highest consequence.

The percentage of high hazard potential dams/dams of highest consequence to life and property, with completed safety inspection over the period of performance.

All high hazard dams inspected within 5 years.

Perform targeted condition assessment and evaluations of

The percentage of high hazard potential dams

All High Hazard Dams https://damsafety.org/ https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title33/chapter9&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section467f-1&num=0&edition=prelim

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(of state total dams) with condition assessments entered in the National Inventory of Dams (NID) over the period of performance.

assessed within 5 years.

Development of new or updated EAP of high hazard dams / dams of highest consequence.

The percentage of high hazard potential dams (of state total dams) that have new or updated emergency action plans in place over the period of performance.

All High

Hazard Dams have updated

EAPs.

Perform regulatory enforcement actions: Implement enforcement actions to compel the dam owner of an unsafe high hazard potential dam to take action to reduce the risk associated with the dam. Regulatory enforcement actions may include, but are not limited to, official notice of violation, civil or criminal penalties, reservoir restrictions, or safe breaching of the dam.

The number of enforcement actions taken against the dam owner with identified dam deficiencies.

Calculated by the number of dams with identified dam deficiencies that have received an enforcement action over the period of performance.

Enforcement actions taken on all dams with deficiencies.

Increased public awareness of risks associated with dams.

Execution of targeted outreach and messaging strategies to inform the public and stakeholders of dam risks and mitigation actions that individuals/organizations/communities need to take.

Number of new products, systems, dam safety risk reduction practices, and targeted outreach activities developed and implemented over the period of performance.

Initiate at least one

Public

Awareness Initiative.

Establish and maintain assessment tool for gauging effectiveness of targeted public outreach about hazards and risks associated with dams.

State implements public awareness outreach assessment tool and collects data to determine which activities are effective and inform improvements to communications and

Create or update Public Awareness

Effectiveness

Tool.

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

Improvement and advancement of state dam safety and risk management program.

Identification of and applied best practices that advance operations of state dam safety programs (includes software programs that assess, monitor, model, and analyze potential and real risk).

Number of applied best practices that advance state dam safety programs (includes software programs that assess, monitor, model, and analyze potential and real risk).

Utilize at least one modeling, monitoring or analytical software program during dam assessments.

Risk identification analysis and risk prioritization methodologies to inform decision-making in dam rehabilitation or removal projects of High Hazard

Potential Dams (HHPD)1.

Report of eligible HHPD and description of risk prioritization methodology and how it identified the highest risk dams.

Use Risk

Prioritization

Tool to select dams for

HHPD grants.

Build or improve a cybersecurity awareness program to promote resources and the implementation of cybersecurity with owners and operators, consistent with the NIST

Framework for Improving Critical

Infrastructure Cybersecurity the CISA Dams Sector Cybersecurity

Implementation Framework Guidance, and/or CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals.

Build or improve a cybersecurity awareness program.

Create or update state cybersecurity awareness program.

Professional education, workshops, and training on content such as dam operations and safety standards, industry best practices, risk assessment methodologies, and risk communication strategies for dam owners, local officials and emergency managers, and state dam safety staff2.

Number of and content of trainings, courses, workshops offered and number of state staff trained.

Expand knowledge of dam safety for dam owners and state and local officials

D. Federal Assistance Type Grant

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

1. International travel, unless approved in advance by FEMA; and

2. Construction and repair costs.

1 All High Hazard Potential Dams pose a risk to lives and/or property, but all risks are not equal. Risk prioritization methodology is an objective means to prioritize the dams that pose the greatest risks.

2 Best practices are procedures or activities that are accepted or prescribed as being correct or most effective.

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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.

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

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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.

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 Administration (M&A) costs are NOT allowed for this program.

M. Authorizing Authority Section 8 of the National Dam Safety Act, as amended, Pub. L. No. 104-303 (codified as amended at 33

U.S.C. §§ 467-467n).

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

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

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Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 14

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Su bmission 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/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://grants.gov/help/get-started/ https://go.fema.gov/ https://login.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_startup_guide_051325.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-25/section-25.110#p-25.110(a)(2)(iv) mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov

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D. How to Register to Apply

General Instructions

Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Below are instructions for registering to apply for FEMA funds. Read the instructions carefully and prepare the requested information before beginning the registration process. Gathering the required information before starting the process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. To ensure an application meets the deadline, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission.

Organizations must have a UEI number, EIN, and an active SAM registration.

Obtain a UEI Number

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

Obtain Employer Identification Number

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

Create a login.gov account

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

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

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

Register with SAM.gov

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

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

Note: per 2 C.F.R. § 25.200 applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance, applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the past three years, if applicable.

Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR

Applicants must register in FEMA GO and add their organization to the system. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM.gov registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see the FEMA GO Startup Guide.

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

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Note: FEMA GO will support only the most recent major release of the following browsers:

• Google Chrome;

• Mozilla Firefox;

• Apple Safari; and

• Microsoft Edge.

Applicants using tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA GO.

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

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

F. Application Deadline September 2, 2026 05:00 p.m. Eastern Time

G. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline

H. Post Application Requirements Deadline

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

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A pplication 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

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

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) required documentation must:

• Be submitted on official letterhead;

• Signed by the authorized official; and

• Confirm that the State’s total spending from all other sources on dam safety programs to protect human life and property is at least equal to the average annual amount spent during the two previous fiscal years (see Appendix 1).

If applicable, a description of how the activities funded by the NDSP State Assistance program will address national-level risk as specified in EO 14239.

D. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-04973.pdf

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Step 4: Learn about the Award Review

Process

In this step

Application Review Information 20

Intergovernmental Review 22

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Ap plication 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 requirements of this funding opportunity.

Applicants who do not meet eligibility or application submission requirements will be removed from consideration. FEMA will review submitted scopes of work and milestone workplans for approval or discuss recommended modifications of the planned activities given the circumstances for that individual state (e.g., delinquent inspections, revised EAPs, or need for inspections). FEMA will review the state’s MOE letter submitted with the application. States unable to document state-appropriated funds will be deemed ineligible to participate.

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.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/hazard-mitigation-assistance-guidance 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://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

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E. Reviewer Selection FEMA regional staff review the applications for their applicable regions.

F. Merit Review Process Funding amounts are determined prior to application submission, in accordance with the requirements outlined in 33 U.S.C. § 467f(b). Entities that submit eligible and complete applications will receive awards for their predetermined funding amount. Once the complete application package is submitted in FEMA

GO, the appropriate FEMA Regional Office will review the application and scope of work for eligibility.

National Priority

Where applicable, applicants should demonstrate the broader strategic value of their proposed activities, including how funding will contribute to multi-state, regional, or national capabilities, including data centers, nuclear power generation, multi-state agriculture or multi-state water supply, or other such infrastructure or services. Applications should also describe, where applicable, how the use of funds will help address at least one national level risk that aligns with EO 14239.

G. Final Selection Prior to making an award, FEMA will evaluate applicants to determine the level of risk when there is a history of failure to comply with general or specific terms and conditions of a federal award, or failure to meet the expected performance goals. If FEMA determines that a federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the award.

FEMA retains discretion to make an award based on the current administration, agency and program priorities, and policy factors.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title33-section467f&num=0&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGUzMy1zZWN0aW9uNDY3%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-04973.pdf

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Int ergovernmental 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

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Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award

In this step

Award Notices 24

Post-award requirements and administration 24

Other 32

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Aw ard 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 60 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.

Funds will not be made available for obligation, expenditure, or drawdown until the applicant’s budget

(to include Indirect Cost Agreement, if applicable) and budget narrative have been approved by FEMA and the grant award accepted by the recipient.

E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants Unsuccessful applicants will be notified through FEMA GO.

Pos t-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

1. Review 2. Get ready 3. Write 4. Learn 5. Award Contacts and Executive Order (EO) 14239 (March 18, 2025), Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local

Preparedness.

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 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 stayed, vacated, or extinguished, this requirement will immediately become effective.

Pursuant to the preliminary injunction order issued on July 10, 2026, in the City of Fresno et al. v. Mullin, et al., No. 3:26-cv-01535-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.

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.

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-04973.pdf 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

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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;

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…