FY2026_NIMS__508C_NOFO_Final_06-24-2026.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due: August 20, 2026

FY 26 National Incident Management

System (NIMS)

Assistance Listing Number: 97.107

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26- NPD-107-00-01

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Contents

Before you begin 2

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 3

Basic information 4

Eligibility 4

Program Description 6

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 13

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 14

Step 3: Write Your Application 17

Application Contents and Format 18

Step 4: Learn About the Award Review Process 20

Application Review Information 21

Intergovernmental Review 23

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award 24

Award Notices 25

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 25

Other Information 34

Contacts and Appendices 41

Contacts 42

Appendices 44

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Before you begin

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

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

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

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

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

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

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

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

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

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

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Step 1: Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 4

Eligibility 4

Program description 6

Jump to a step

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Basic Information A. Award Facts

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

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Resilience, National Preparedness

Directorate, National Integration Center

Assistance Listing Number: 97.107

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

Incident Management System (NIMS)

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26- NPD-107-00-01

Announcement Type: Initial

Expected Award Range: $3 million - $3 million

Expected Total Funding: $3 million

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 award

B. Executive Summary The purpose of the NIMS Cooperative Agreement is to support the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which is a congressionally ratified mutual aid compact that defines a state-to-state system for sharing resources across state lines during an emergency or disaster.

Eligibility A. Eligible Entities

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

Applicant Eligibility

The administrator of EMAC is the only eligible recipient of the NIMS Cooperative Agreement.

Subapplicant Eligibility

Subapplicants and subawards are allowed if they have legal authority for administering EMAC.

B. Project Type Eligibility Allowable Project Types

• Participation in National Level Exercises

Key Dates

Projected Application Start

Date: July 20, 2026

Projected Application End

Date: August 20, 2026

Anticipated Funding Selection

Date: August 24, 2026

Anticipated Award Date: August 27, 2026

Projected Period of Performance Start Date: August

31, 2026

Projected Period of

Performance End Date: August

30, 2027

Budget Period: August 31, 2026 -

August 30, 2027

Have questions? See Contacts and Support

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• Technical assistance engagements

• Mutual aid inventory of Mission Ready Packages

• Data analysis for the improvement of the core capabilities that stabilize community lifelines

• Support state emergency management agencies’ implementation of EMAC and other mutual aid activities

• Increase the interoperability and collaboration of the EMAC Operations System

Unallowable Project Types

Not applicable.

C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties Subapplicants/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 The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is: One

E. Additional Restrictions National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

In expending funds under this program, recipients that are state, local, tribal or territorial governments must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS. The state, local, tribal or territorial government must show adoption of NIMS during any point of the period of performance.

The list of objectives used for progress and achievement reporting is at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training.

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 https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training

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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

I. Cost Share Example

J. Required Information for Verifying Cost Share

Maintenance of Effort

Program Description A. Program Purpose

The purpose of the FY 2026 NIMS Cooperative Agreement is to support EMAC, which is a congressionally ratified mutual aid compact (Pub. L. No. 104-321). According to Article I, Purpose and Authorities of the

Emergency Management Assistance Compact, EMAC is intended to provide “for mutual assistance between the states entering into the compact in managing any emergency disaster that is duly declared by the Governor of the affected state, whether arising from natural disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster, civil emergency aspects of resources shortages, community disorders, insurgency or enemy attack.” The FY 2026 NIMS Cooperative Agreement addresses the challenge of closing funding gaps for EMAC operations, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to emergent threats and disasters. The success of EMAC rests on sustaining, maintaining and improving its operational capability and the capabilities and implementation of its members. It seeks to solve the problem of fragmented emergency management efforts by strengthening interconnectivity and collaboration between federal agencies and non-federal partners.

The nation’s ability to address emergent threats is rooted in the strength of its emergency management workforce, partnerships and interconnectivity. This interconnectivity includes the necessity to better integrate across federal agencies and with non-federal partners to quickly assess, adapt, surge and respond to a wide range of threats and hazards. In support of the National Preparedness Goal, State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) recipients must belong to, be in, or act as a temporary member of the

EMAC, except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact was ratified by the U.S. Congress (P.L. 104-321).

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd-fy-23-hsgp-nofo.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd-fy-23-hsgp-nofo.pdf

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EMAC signatories include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Commonwealth of

Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Federal Government doctrinally and financially supports EMAC but does not manage it. EMAC’s unique relationships with states, regions, territories, and federal organizations, such as FEMA and the National Guard Bureau, enable it to move a wide variety of resources to stabilize community lifelines immediately after an incident. Among other things, EMAC assists states in sending personnel, equipment, and commodities to support disaster relief efforts in other states.

The EMAC-generated after-action reports, quarterly reports, and reports on demand will provide data that will enhance current and future emergency management initiatives. This information will aid in the development and implementation of National Qualification System (NQS) work items, Resource Typing (RT) definitions, and mutual aid tools.

B. Goals and Objectives The NIMS-EMAC NOFO supports Mission 5: Build a Resilient Nation and Respond to Incidents, Objective 5.2: Strengthen National Resilience, and Objective 5.4: Enhance Training and Readiness of First

Responders, of the DHS 2023 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). Specifically, it aims to streamline the integration and coordination of resources during crises, allowing for quicker adaptation and mobilization across various jurisdictions.

This funding supports the development of procedures, training and resources that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the national mutual aid system, enabling faster and more coordinated responses during crises. By investing in the operational readiness of its member states, EMAC helps ensure that the nation is better equipped to handle future threats and disasters.

Ultimately, the program aims to resolve gaps in interstate cooperation and the challenge of timely, organized deployment of resources by ensuring that member states have the procedures and programs in place to support seamless mutual aid execution. This has a direct impact on the overall national preparedness, improving the nation’s ability to respond to and recover from emergencies in a more efficient and unified manner.

Long-term Goals:

The NIMS-EMAC goal is to maintain an efficient and effective national mutual aid system, improving coordination and readiness across EMAC members, demonstrated by faster response time to major threats and emergencies, increase in the deployment of resources in emergencies, and an improvement in overall national preparedness.

Program Objectives:

NIMS provides funding for EMAC to enhance mutual aid capabilities, advance implementation, and support the whole community in delivering lifesaving and life-sustaining mutual aid that meet the following objectives:

• Coordinate the development, maintenance, and implementation of NIMS to enable a flexible approach for collaborating across disciplines and all levels of government.

• Develop and/or refine FEMA National Integration Center “NIMS products” to help state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTTs) improve preparedness for the whole community.

https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/lifelines

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• Enhance mutual aid capabilities through EMAC to advance implementation and support the whole community to provide lifesaving and life-sustaining commodities, equipment, and personnel.

• Sustain an effective national-level mutual aid system to strengthen national resilience in the face of disasters.

C. Performance Measures and Targets The recipient of this Cooperative Agreement will collaborate with FEMA to achieve the program’s performance measures listed below throughout the period of performance.

The NIMS Cooperative Agreement seeks to support the following outcomes:

1. Ensure the reliability and efficiency of EMAC operations;

2. Conduct EMAC supporting activities; and

3. Increase the effectiveness of national mutual aid by coordinating with FEMA program office.

FEMA requires that the administrator of EMAC, the sole NIMS Cooperative Agreement recipient, collect and submit information necessary to support metrics for the following performance measures. Due to the unpredictable number and severity of disasters each year, it is not feasible to set fixed targets for all performance metrics, as EMAC resource deployment and activations vary annually based on operational needs. Performance is measured by tracking and reporting outcomes for each metric, rather than against predetermined targets, to ensure flexibility and accuracy:

a. Continual improvement of the EMAC system based on activations, exercises, and preplanned events’ after-action reviews, hot washes, peer reviewed best practices and audits.

i. Metric: Number of improvements to EMAC operations or components because of the listed activities.

b. Information sharing of EMAC operational activities.

i. Metric: Number of instances of information sharing related to EMAC operational activities.

c. Engagement with FEMA in accordance with statutes on the development and sustainment of national mutual aid doctrine, policies and programs.

i. Metric: Number of engagements (at least once a quarter) with FEMA during the period of performance.

d. Engagement and alignment with national resource typing, job positions/qualifications, Mission Ready Packaging, and National Qualification System initiatives.

i. Metric: Number of NIMS resource typing, job/positions/qualifications supported during development by the National Integration Center.

e. Advance the use of NQS-qualified personnel shareable under EMAC.

i. Metric: Number of NQS-qualified personnel sharable under EMAC.

f. Develop, sustain, and maintain a qualified cadre of personnel to support mutual aid operations.

i. Metric: Number of qualified cadre staff available to deploy.

g. Transfer of information and knowledge on EMAC and mutual aid to federal partners.

i. Metric: Number of instances of information sharing on EMAC and mutual aid to federal partners.

h. Coordination with FEMA, National Guard Bureau, and U.S. Northern Command on operational activities in support of large‐scale disaster response.

i. Metric: Percentage of disasters that occurred where EMAC satisfactorily coordinated large-scale operational activities with FEMA, National Guard Bureau, and U.S. Northern Command.

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i. Support of the EMAC through training, education, exercises, preparedness activities, and operational activities for intrastate mutual aid, interstate mutual aid (EMAC), and international mutual aid.

i. Metric: Number of listed activities completed during the period of performance.

j. Support state emergency management implementation of EMAC within each member state to the extent that the individual member state determines or deemed appropriate.

i. Metric: Number of states receiving direct support in EMAC implementation.

k. Increase the interoperability and collaboration of the EMAC Operations System to full functionality with other existing, updated and newly developed national emergency management operational and mutual aid systems.

i. Metric: Percentage of interoperability and functionality achieved between EMAC Operations System and other emergency management operation and mutual aid systems.

l. Alignment of EMAC and mutual aid with the National Preparedness Goal and NIMS.

i. Metric: Number of specific changes made to EMAC and mutual aid to align with the National Preparedness Goal and NIMS.

m. Alignment of EMAC and mutual aid with Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

(THIRA).

i. Metric: Number of specific changes made to EMAC and mutual aid to align with THIRA.

n. Alignment of EMAC and mutual aid with National Response Framework.

i. Metric: Number of specific changes made to EMAC and mutual aid to align with the National

Response Framework.

o. Delivery of EMAC lessons learned for integration into national planning efforts.

i. Metric: Number of EMAC lessons-learned integrations into national planning efforts.

p. EMAC data analysis for the improvement of the core capabilities that stabilize community lifelines.

i. Metric: Number of EMAC analysis integrated into national planning efforts.

q. Support EMAC operational activities during federal, state activations, and pre-planned events.

i. Metric: Number of operational activities supported by EMAC.

r. Participation of EMAC in National Level Exercises.

i. Metric: Number of EMAC engagements in National Level Exercises.

s. Participation in catastrophic planning and related exercises at the state, regional, federal and national levels to determine and ensure EMAC Operations System is fully integrated into each respective jurisdiction’s plans.

i. Metric: Number of EMAC participations in planning and exercises at the stated jurisdictional levels and full integration of EMAC Operations System into each respective jurisdiction’s plan following those activities.

t. Engagement with the whole community on mutual aid.

i. Metric: Number of EMAC technical assistance engagements with the whole community.

ii. Metric: Number of technical support engagements to the international cross border compacts concerning use of the EMAC Operations System (EOS) to standardize the international mutual aid agreements by incorporating EMAC’s concepts and core tenets.

u. Increase the national mutual aid inventory of Mission Ready Packages in the Mutual Aid

Support System (MASS) for use in mutual aid (intrastate, interstate, and international).

https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/goal

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i. Metric: Percentage increase from previous year in national mutual aid inventory of Mission

Ready Packages in MASS.

D. Federal Assistance Type Cooperative Agreement.

Program authority and responsibility under this Cooperative Agreement resides with FEMA. FEMA retains the right to terminate all or part of the Cooperative Agreement in a manner consistent with 2 C.F.R. §

200.340 and may conduct site visits and monitoring throughout the period of performance.

FEMA will work with the recipient to develop and refine the details of executing this award, including work plans, goals, objectives, performance metrics, timelines, effectiveness measures, selection of key players, development of outreach or educational materials, and coordination of multistate efforts, and will define eligible and ineligible tasks to ensure that the program is effectively implemented.

The recipient shall not develop or begin developing tasks not approved in the recipient’s application without FEMA’s prior approval and issuance of an award amendment.

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs Construction is an unallowable cost.

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 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

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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

There are no program requirements for Beneficiary Eligibility.

Participant

There are no program requirements for Participant Eligibility.

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/or 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.

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

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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 allowable only with the written consent of FEMA and if they are included in the award agreement. The applicant must notify the Project Officer in the FEMA/National Integration Center to request authorization for pre-award costs.

L. Management and Administration Costs Management and Administration (M&A) costs are allowable by FEMA under this program.

M&A costs are activities directly related to administering the award, such as financial management and monitoring. The recipient may use up to 3% of the amount of the award for their M&A.

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

M. Authorizing Authority Section 661 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, as amended Pub. L. No. 109-

295 (6 U.S.C. § 761).

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

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Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 14

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Submission Requirements and Application

Deadlines A. Registration

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

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number or to register, go to SAM.gov Entity

Registration and click “Get Started.” From the same page, you can also click on the Entity Registration

Checklist for the information you will need to register.

You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by step instructions see the

Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

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

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

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

2. Provide their UEI number in the application;

3. Have an account with login.gov;

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

5. Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the Authorized

Organizational Representative (AOR). The organization’s electronic business point of contact

(eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see the FEMA GO Startup Guide;

6. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and

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

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

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

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D. How to Register to Apply General Instructions

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

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

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

Obtain a UEI Number

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

Obtain Employer Identification Number

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

Create a login.gov account

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

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

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

Register with SAM.gov

In addition to having a UEI number, all organizations must register with SAM.gov. Failure to register with

SAM.gov will prevent your organization from applying through FEMA GO. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually and must remain active throughout the entire grant life cycle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Google Chrome;

• Mozilla Firefox;

• Apple Safari; and

• Microsoft Edge.

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

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

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

F. Application Deadline August 20, 2026 11:59 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

Application contents and format 18

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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 Electronic submission is permitted and does not include special requirements for formatting.

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

1. Program Management Plan developed jointly with FEMA, that includes:

a. Goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposal and the discrete activities to be conducted to accomplish the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposal;

b. A complete description of the program management structure addressing how the program will be structured, organized, and managed;

c. An organizational chart and description of how the proposal supports program execution;

d. A list of specific quality assurance activities, initiatives, and measures that will ensure the attainment of the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposal; and

e. A high-level, detailed program schedule to reflect the program life cycle, phases, and outcomes. This will include quality assurance measures incorporated throughout the program life cycle.

2. Risk management plan, describing the approach for identifying and managing risks, and identifying known or anticipated events or factors that could prevent the recipient from meeting program objectives (i.e., cost, schedule, scope, performance, or quality).

3. Performance-based evaluation plan, including program performance measures that will assess the attainment of goals, objectives and outcomes, and which details a data collection plan that includes how the recipient will analyze data.

4. A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), which is a task-oriented schematic of activities that organizes, defines, and graphically displays the total work needed to achieve the final objectives of a project. Each descending level represents an increasingly detailed definition of the project objective.

The WBS is a system for subdividing a project into manageable work packages, components, or https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

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5. A program narrative to address the following elements:

a. Activities that will build sustainable preparedness at the state and local level using EMAC;

b. Activities of the EMAC EOS on sharing on demand deployment data regarding filled and unfulfilled EMAC requests with FEMA.

c. A capacity-building component for state and local jurisdictions to employ themselves

(e.g., job aids, planning tools, performance support tools);

d. A process for identifying lessons learned and best practices for adoption in ongoing Department of Homeland Security efforts; and

e. Congruence with the National Preparedness Goal and System, NIMS and National

Planning Frameworks.

6. A detailed program budget by task and a summary budget aggregating task costs into the categories described below. The program budget will be developed in coordination with FEMA to ensure consistency with the jointly developed Program Management Plan.

a. Personnel: Indicate the total projected salary and wages for all project personnel.

Compensation paid for employees engaged in activities must be consistent with that paid for similar work within the applicant’s organization.

b. Fringe benefits: Fringe benefits should be based on actual known costs or an established formula.

c. Travel: Provide the total projected cost for travel. Applicant should determine costs by the projected number of trips multiplied by the number of people traveling multiplied by an average cost for travel and per diem (airfare, lodging, meals).

d. Equipment: Provide the total projected cost of non-expendable items that need to be purchased. Non-expendable equipment is tangible property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. The organization’s own capitalization policy and threshold amount for equipment classification may be used. Expendable items should be included either in the “supplies” category or in the “other” category. The applicant should analyze the costs and benefits of purchasing versus leasing equipment, especially high-cost items and those subject to rapid technical advances. Large equipment purchases require identification and explanation. For more information regarding property management standards for equipment, please reference 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.310 – 200.316.

e. Supplies: Provide the total projected cost of supplies (e.g., office supplies, postage, training materials, copying paper, and other expendable items such as books and handheld tape recorders). The organization’s own capitalization policy and threshold amount for classification of supplies may be used. Supplies include any materials that are expendable or consumed during the project.

f. Subaward: Provide the total projected amount allocated for subawards.

g. Other costs: Provide a total projected cost of miscellaneous items (e.g., rent, reproduction, telephone, janitorial or security services, and investigative or confidential funds).

h. Total budget: Provide the total dollar value by category for all activities.

D. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants Not applicable https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2

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Step 4: Learn about the Award Review

Process

Application Review Information 21

Intergovernmental Review 23

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Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria

The application will be reviewed to ensure it meets the requirements outlined in this NOFO. The program office and its subject-matter experts will oversee the review process, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards.

B. Application Criteria FEMA/NIC will review the submitted application for completeness and compliance with all application requirements.

The application will be evaluated and selected for funding based on:

a. The applicant’s proposed projects are compatible with supporting EMAC’s priorities and requirements;

b. The applicant’s proposed projects demonstrate a role in administering EMAC as required by 6

U.S.C. § 761(a); and

c. The applicant’s proposed costs are complete, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to proposed EMAC support projects and tasks.

C. Financial Integrity Criteria Before making an award, the awarding agency is required to review OMB-designated databases for applicants’ eligibility and financial integrity information. This is required by the Payment Integrity

Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and the “Do Not Pay Initiative” (31

U.S.C. 3354). For more details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

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

1. Financial stability.

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

3. History of performance in managing federal award.

4. Reports and findings from audits.

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

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

134, over the period of performance:

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

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

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

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

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E. Reviewer Selection This is a non-competitive grant. Program staff with expertise in EMAC will review the application.

F. Merit Review Process

G. Final Selection The program office director will make the final determination based on program office regulations.

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

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

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

Note: This requirement does not apply to tribal governments.

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

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Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award

Award Notices 25

Post-award requirements and administration 25

Other 34

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Award Notices A. Notice of Award

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

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

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

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 30 days from the award date. Recipients shall notify FEMA of their intent to accept the award and proceed with work in the FEMA GO system.

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

B. Pass-Through Requirements

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

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

E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

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

Presidential Executive Orders

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

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

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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.

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…