FY2026_PDM CDS_NOFO_Final_6.18.2026_508C.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due: July 22, 2026

FY 26 Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 97.143 Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-MT-143-00-01

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

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

Contents Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program Description 9

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 14

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 15

Step 3: Write Your Application 18

Application Contents and Format 19

Step 4: Learn About the Award Review Process 21

Application Review Information 22

Intergovernmental Review 23

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award 24

Award Notices 25

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 25

Other Information 35

Contacts and Appendices 45

Contacts 46

Appendices 48

Before you begin

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.

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/ https://Grants.gov

Step 1: Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 9

Jump to a step

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: 97.143

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title:

Fiscal Year 2026 Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Grant Program

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-MT-143-00-01

Announcement Type: Initial

Expected Award Range: Varies

Expected Total Funding: $189,713,659

Anticipated Number of Awards: 125

B. Executive Summary The FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program funds Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects for state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) governments. These projects are designed to implement cost-effective measures that reduce natural hazard risk to people and property, and decrease reliance on federal funding for future natural disasters. In fiscal year (FY) 2026, the PDM Grant Program will award $189,713,659 to the projects listed in Appendix I, as identified in the 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act’s Joint Explanatory Statement (JES). The 125 CDS projects fall under planning, project scoping and hazard mitigation projects. The FY 2026 PDM Grant Program projects come from 40 states and one Tribal Nation. Most projects focus on improving infrastructure to reduce flooding risk; some projects address other hazards such as earthquakes and wildfires. Indirect costs, management and administration (M&A) costs, and pre-award costs are all eligible, provided they adhere to the conditions specified in this funding opportunity.

Key Dates

Projected Application Start Date: June 22, 2026

Projected Application End Date: July 22, 2026

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: Not Applicable

Anticipated Award Date: No later than September 30, 2026

Projected Period of Performance Start Date: Will vary by award

Projected Period of Performance End Date: 36 months from the award date unless otherwise approved by FEMA

Budget Period: 36 months from date of award

Have questions? See Contacts and Support

Eligibility A. Eligible Entities

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

Applicant Eligibility Eligible applicants are the states and federally recognized tribal governments identified in Appendix I of this funding opportunity.

Subapplicant Eligibility Eligible subapplicants are the local governments identified in Appendix I of this funding opportunity.

B. Project Type Eligibility Allowable Project Types FEMA will fund eligible PDM applicants for activities listed in Appendix I of this funding opportunity. The authorized projects include the following project types:

1. Planning-related activities – assist subapplicants in updating their hazard mitigation strategies with new information, delivering planning-related training, following local land use rules to increase resilience, and integrating hazard mitigation plans into other planning efforts;

2. Project scoping – supporting subapplicants in developing hazard mitigation project ideas and applications. The process includes activities such as identifying the problem, reviewing potential solutions, and collecting data for a future application;

3. Hazard mitigation projects – funding cost-effective hazard mitigation projects that increase resilience and public safety; reducing injuries and loss of life; and reducing damage and destruction to property, critical services, facilities, and infrastructure, including natural systems, from natural hazards and extreme weather conditions; and

4. Management costs – reimbursing the recipient for indirect and direct administrative costs associated with a specific hazard mitigation award or subaward.

Funding appropriated for one project may only be used for that project.

Unallowable Project Types Unallowable project types are any projects not listed in Appendix I of this funding opportunity.

C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties Not Applicable

D. Maximum Number of Applications Applicants and subapplicants shall submit one subapplication for each project listed in Appendix I.

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 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide (HMA Guide); and aligned with the current administration and program priorities and policy.

Applicants are required to have a FEMA-approved state or tribal (standard or enhanced) hazard mitigation plan in accordance with 44 C.F.R. Part 201 by the application deadline and at the time of obligation of the award.

Subapplicants are required to have a FEMA approved local or tribal hazard mitigation plan in accordance with 44 C.F.R. Part 201 by the application deadline and at the time of obligation of the award for hazard mitigation projects. Multi-jurisdictional plans (e.g., watershed plans) may be allowed if each jurisdiction took part in creating the plan and officially adopted it. State-wide plans will not be accepted as multi-jurisdictional plans.

Subapplicants, including federally recognized tribal governments submitting as subapplicants to a state or territory, are exempt from the hazard mitigation plan requirement for hazard mitigation planning, planning related activities and project scoping activities.

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

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

1. “Threshold Review Criteria” subsection

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection

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

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

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

The non-federal cost share may consist of cash, donated or third-party in-kind services, materials, or any combination thereof. Cash and third-party in-kind matches must consist of eligible costs (i.e., same eligibility as the federal share). Applicants cannot apply other federal award funds toward the non-federal cost share unless the other federal statutory authority allows the funds to be used to meet cost share https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-201 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-201 requirements. Refer to the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Cost Share Guide for more information. FEMA encourages innovative use of public and private-sector partnerships to meet the non-federal cost share.

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

Generally, the cost share for this program is up to 75% federal and 25% non-federal. Exceptions are as follows:

Small Impoverished Community A small impoverished community, as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5133(a), is eligible for an increased cost share of up to 90% federal and 10% non-federal if it meets the following criteria:

• The community has 3,000 or fewer individuals, as identified by the applicant.

• The community is economically disadvantaged, with residents having an average per capita annual income not exceeding 80% of the national per capita income, based on the best available data.

Applicants and subapplicants who apply as a small impoverished community must:

• Request the increased federal cost share amount in the Cost Share section of their subapplication(s);

• Ensure the “Community” and “Location” sections correctly identify the small impoverished community; and

• Certify small impoverished community status and provide documentation with the subapplication(s) to justify the increased federal cost share.

If documentation is not submitted with the subapplication, FEMA will provide no more than 75% federal cost share of the total eligible costs.

Federally recognized Tribal Nations that apply to FEMA directly as applicants and meet the definition of a small impoverished community are eligible for a 90% federal cost share for their subapplications.

I. Cost Share Example If the total cost of the activity is $400,000 and the non-federal cost share is 25%, then the non-federal contribution is $100,000 (25% of $400,000 is $100,000). This amount would be provided by the applicant.

Likewise, the federal share of that activity would be $300,000 (75% of $400,000 is $300,000). This amount would be provided by FEMA.

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

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_hma_cost-share-guide.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2007-title42-section5133&num=0

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

• Budget narrative

The applicant and subapplicant must ensure they provide the correct cost share for their actual project costs. If the actual project costs are higher than the estimated costs in the federal award, the applicant and subapplicant will not receive extra federal funding and must cover any additional costs beyond the required cost share. If the actual project costs are lower than the estimated costs, the applicant and subapplicant must provide a cost share based on a percentage of the actual costs. For more details and examples, see the HMA Cost Share Guide.

Maintenance of Effort Not Applicable.

Program Description A. Program Purpose

Hazard mitigation reduces the impacts of disasters, protects lives and property, and strengthens community resilience. Through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program, FEMA supports innovative and cost-effective projects that help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from natural hazards. By investing in hazard mitigation, communities can safeguard critical infrastructure such as utilities, transportation networks, and emergency services, ensuring these essential functions remain operational during and after disasters.

Hazard mitigation efforts also help maintain continuity in daily life by reducing disruptions to schools, businesses, and public services. These activities not only lower the physical and financial toll of disasters but also support the well-being of communities. By encouraging proactive risk reduction, hazard mitigation fosters safer neighborhoods, protects vulnerable populations, and preserves natural resources.

Additionally, hazard mitigation supports long-term, sustainable development by promoting smarter land use, resilient construction practices, and community-wide planning that accounts for future risks. These investments help reduce reliance on federal disaster funding, allowing communities to recover more quickly and efficiently. Ultimately, the PDM program empowers states, territories, Tribal Nations, and local governments to build stronger, more resilient communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Over the past 20 years, through this program, FEMA has invested more than $1 billion in thousands of hazard mitigation projects across the country. Implementing pre-disaster hazard mitigation funding inspired an important shift in the nation’s focus from planning for response and recovery to proactively assessing risk, identifying solutions and conducting hazard mitigation projects. This grant program supports states, territories, Tribal Nations and local governments in community-wide resilience planning and in carrying out projects to reduce risk nationwide.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_hma_cost-share-guide.pdf

B. Goals and Objectives To achieve the goal of reducing natural hazard risks and future losses, the 125 identified Congressional Direct Spending projects funded for Fiscal Year 2026 have the following priorities:

• Reducing risk to and increasing resilience of infrastructure;

• Reducing risk to community lifelines; and

• Decreasing reliance on federal disaster funding.

The objective of the FY 2026 PDM Grant Program is to fund Community Project Funding/Congressional Direct Spending projects for state, local, tribal and territorial governments. Recipients and subrecipients use these funds to plan for and implement cost-effective measures that reduce the natural hazard risk to people and property while also reducing reliance on federal funding for future disasters.

This grant cycle has projects from 40 states and one Tribal Nation. Most projects focus on reducing flood risk. Some projects address other hazard types such as earthquakes and wildfires.

C. Performance Measures and Targets FEMA has basic project criteria based on the legal provisions of Section 203 of the Stafford Act and the HMA Guide. This includes that hazard mitigation projects must be cost-effective.

The performance metrics for this program are:

• Percentage of FY26 funded projects that result in hazard mitigation activities;

• Number of communities benefitting from the FY26 PDM projects; and

• Aggregated benefit-cost ratio across FY26 funded projects.

FEMA will calculate and analyze these performance measures through recipient Performance Progress Reports and award monitoring. FEMA will make sure that recipients use the funds for their intended purpose and achieve the stated outcomes in the grant application.

D. Federal Assistance Type Grant

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs Not Applicable

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:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-2977/pdf/COMPS-2977.pdf https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/hazard-mitigation-assistance-guidance https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/hazard-mitigation-assistance-guidance https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403

1. Matching or cost sharing requirements for other federal grants and cooperative agreements (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306).

2. Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C. § 1913 or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.

3. Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity (see 2 C.F.R. §

200.435).

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

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

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

H. Beneficiary and Participant Eligibility Beneficiary Not Applicable

Participant Not Applicable

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

I. Indirect Costs Indirect costs are allowed for recipients and subrecipients.

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-200.327 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

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 expenses incurred before the start date of a federal award or subaward. These costs are only allowed if they would have been approved after the start date of the award, and with written approval from FEMA.

To be eligible for assistance, all pre-award costs must be listed in a separate line item including the date the cost was incurred and a description of the task completed. If approved, these costs must be included in the initial budget period of the award.

Subapplicants who are not awarded subawards will not receive reimbursement for pre-award costs related to developing and submitting subapplications.

The following pre-award costs are allowable:

• Gathering data to comply with Environmental Protection and Historic Preservation (EHP) requirements;

• Developing a benefit cost analysis (BCA);

• Preparing design specifications;

• Holding workshops or meetings related to reviewing proposed alternatives and designs;

• Grant writing fees; or

• Other costs directly related to developing a subapplication that are incurred prior to the date of the grant award.

L. Management and Administration Costs Management costs are indirect or direct costs, and other administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred in managing an award or subaward. Management costs are not overhead expenses, but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it. As such, management costs can be itemized in financial reports.

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

Eligible applicant or subapplicant management cost activities may include:

• Solicitation, review, and processing of subapplications and subawards;

• Subapplication development and technical assistance to subapplicants regarding feasibility, effectiveness, and benefit-cost analysis;

• Geocoding hazard mitigation projects identified for further review by FEMA;

• Delivery of technical assistance (e.g., plan reviews, planning workshops, training) to support the implementation of hazard mitigation activities;

• Managing awards (e.g., quarterly reporting including closeout);

• Technical monitoring (e.g., site visits, technical meetings);

• Purchase of equipment, per diem and travel expenses, and professional development that is directly related to the implementation of HMA programs; or

• Staff salary costs directly related to performing the activities listed above

Recipient Management Costs Applicants (referred to as recipients during the award stage) may apply for up to 10% of the total federal share of each project subaward to manage that specific project. Subrecipient management costs must be added to the total subapplication budget prior to the calculation of the recipient management costs. If the applicant would like to apply for Recipient Management Costs, it must be deducted from each subrecipient’s Joint Explanatory Statement amount, up to 10% per subapplication. Funding appropriated for one project may only be used for that project. Applicant requests for management costs must be submitted in a separate management costs subapplication in FEMA GO.

Subrecipient Management Costs Subapplicants (referred to as subrecipients during the award stage) may apply for up to 5% of the total budget of a hazard mitigation project or activity, including both federal and non-federal cost shares, for subrecipient management costs. Subrecipient management costs must follow cost share requirements.

Subrecipient management cost must be submitted as their own budget in the subapplication.

Subrecipient must use subrecipient management costs to manage their subaward activities.

FEMA will adjust management cost awards to ensure that the amount available for management costs does not exceed the permitted percentage. If the total grant award amount is adjusted for any reason, FEMA will de-obligate any management costs that exceed the allowed amounts. FEMA will not reimburse applicants and subapplicants who do not receive awards or subawards.

M.Authorizing Authority Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) (Pub. L.

No. 100-707), amending the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 Pub. L. No. 93-288 (42 U.S.C. § 5133).

N. Appropriation Authority Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, Pub. L. No. 119-86, Title III Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 15

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines A. Registration

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Provide their UEI number in the application;

3. Have an account with login.gov;

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

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

Organizational Representative (AOR). The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see the FEMA GO Startup Guide;

6. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Google Chrome;

• Mozilla Firefox;

• Apple Safari; and

• Microsoft Edge.

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

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

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

F. Application Deadline July 22, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

G. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline Not Applicable.

H. Post Application Requirements Deadline Not Applicable.

I. Effects of Missing Deadlines All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of submission and generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives an application. The submitting AOR will receive an email with an official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number to serve as proof of timely submission prior to the application deadline.

Applicants experiencing system-related issues have until 3 p.m. ET on the date applications are due to notify FEMA. No new system-related issues will be addressed after this deadline. Applications not received by the application submission deadline will not be accepted.

Step 3: Write Your Application

Application contents and format 19

Application Contents and Format A. Application Requirements

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

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

2. Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

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

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

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

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

(Construction), instead of SF-424B

5. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

B. Required Documents, Content, and Formatting See section below.

C. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information Subapplicants should contact their applicant agency for information specific to their state, territory or tribal government application process. Contact information for the state hazard mitigation officers is available at State Hazard Mitigation Officers.

The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in FEMA GO:

Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for Hazard Mitigation Projects Applicants and subapplicants applying for hazard mitigation projects are required to use FEMA-approved methodologies and tools, such as the BCA Toolkit, to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of their projects.

Further details on hazard mitigation project cost-effectiveness can be found in the HMA Guide, Part 5.

Cost-Effectiveness or on the Benefit-Cost Analysis webpage.

Acquisition Project Requirements The subrecipient must provide FEMA with a signed copy of the Statement of Voluntary Participation for each property post-award. The Statement of Voluntary Participation formally documents the Notice of Voluntary Interest and information related to the purchase offer.

When undertaking a larger-scale migration or relocation effort to move structures out of high-risk areas, the subapplicant should consider how to protect and sustain the impacted community and its assets.

Accordingly, subapplicants must demonstrate to FEMA how they will resettle these areas in ways that mitigate future risk from natural hazards and increasing insurance costs. This can be accomplished through mechanisms such as:

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/state-contacts https://www.fema.gov/grants/tools/benefit-cost-analysis#toolkit https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide/part-5 https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/guide/part-5 https://www.fema.gov/grants/tools/benefit-cost-analysis https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_form-ff-206-fy-21-124.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_form-ff-206-fy-21-124.pdf https://Grants.gov

• New land use development plans;

• Building codes or construction requirements;

• Protective infrastructure development; or

• Restrictions on future disaster assistance to such properties.

Subrecipients must apply deed-restriction language to all acquired properties to ensure that the property is maintained in perpetuity as open space consistent with the conservation of natural floodplain functions.

This requirement is part of accepting FEMA hazard mitigation award funding. Deed-restriction language is applied by recording the open space and deed restrictions according to the FEMA Model Deed Restriction.

Subrecipients, recipients and FEMA are responsible for enforcing open space restrictions pursuant to 44 C.F.R. Part 80 requirements.

National Environmental Policy Act Requirements for Hazard Mitigation Projects Applicants and subapplicants applying for hazard mitigation projects must provide information needed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321–4370h), and the related DHS and FEMA instructions and directives: DHS Directive 023-01, DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, FEMA Directive 108-1, and FEMA Instruction 108-1-1. The required information is included in the subapplication in FEMA GO.

Environmental Historic Preservation Job Aids and Supplements are available at the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Job Aids and Environmental & Historic Preservation Guidance for FEMA Grant Applications.

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

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_model-deed-restriction.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/part-80 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/part-80 https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/environmental-historic/laws/nepa https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title42-chapter55&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Mi1zZWN0aW9uNDMyMQ%3D%3D%7CdHJlZXNvcnQ%3D%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_dhs-directive-023-01.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_dhs_instruction-manual_023-01-001-01.pdf https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/environmental-historic/laws/ehp-directive-instruction https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/environmental-historic/laws/ehp-directive-instruction https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/environmental-historic/laws/ehp-directive-instruction https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/job-aids https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/job-aids https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/environmental-historic

Step 4: Learn about the Award Review Process

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Application Review Information 22

Intergovernmental Review 23

Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria

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

FEMA will review subapplications submitted by each applicant to ensure:

• Eligibility of the applicant and subapplicant;

• Eligibility of proposed activities and costs;

• Completeness of the subapplication;

• Eligibility and availability of non-federal cost share;

• Cost-effectiveness (BCA);

• Consistency with approved state hazard mitigation plan, and local or tribal hazard mitigation plan;

• Technical feasibility of hazard mitigation projects;

• Proposed project is in conformance with the two latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs.

• Proposed project will solve a problem independently, or constitute a functional portion of a long-term solution where there is assurance that the project as a whole will be completed; and

• Requested funds do not duplicate benefits available from another source for the same purpose or assistance that another federal agency or program has more primary authority to provide.

Hazard Mitigation Projects

• Phased projects are not eligible. All Pre-Disaster Mitigation projects must pass technical feasibility and benefit cost analysis as a standalone project.

• Project subapplications may change to project scoping or planning if a project is not feasible at the time of award.

• Construction activities for which ground disturbance has already been initiated or completed are not eligible for funding. Non-construction activities that have already started may not be considered for funding.

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.

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:

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

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.

E. Reviewer Selection Not Applicable.

F. Merit Review Process Not Applicable.

G. Final Selection Not Applicable.

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://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://sam.gov/ https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=43cc1c138155325b42a3a955d345e1e7860474a2770290d46abb1fd8ae77d8f4JmltdHM9MTc1OTE5MDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=294b42f1-0982-65d0-0900-572608a06432&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub2pwLmdvdi9JbnRlcmdvdmVybm1lbnRhbFJldmlld1NQT0NMaXN0LnBkZg&ntb=1

2. Get ready

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award

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Award Notices 25

Post-award requirements and administration 25

Other 35

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 funding opportunity 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 Recipients and subrecipients are required to meet standard pass-through requirements under 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and as noted in the funding opportunity. The recipient must pass awards through to the subrecipients listed in Appendix I of this funding opportunity.

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 Not Applicable.

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

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

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

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

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