FY26_FMA_NOFO_10-16-2026_FINAL_508.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due: February 26, 2027

FY 26 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Assistance Listing Number: 97.029 Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-MT-029-000-98

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

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Contents

Before you begin 2

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 3

Basic Information 4

Eligibility 5

Program Description 9

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 16

Step 3: Write Your Application 19

Application Contents and Format 20

Step 4: Learn About the Award Review Process 23

Application Review Information 24

Intergovernmental Review 34

Step 5: Learn What Happens After Award 35

Award Notices 36

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 36

Other Information 45

Contacts and Appendices 57

Contacts 58

Appendices 60

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Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

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

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

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

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

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

PAPERWORK BURDEN DISCLOSURE NOTICE

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 375 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to: Information Collections Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street. SW, Washington, DC 20472-3100, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0170) NOTE: Do not send your completed form to this address.

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 5

Program Description 9

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Basic Information

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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: 97.029

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title: Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-26-MT-029-000-98

Announcement Type: Initial

Expected Award Range: $20,000,000 - $260,000,000

Expected Total Funding: $400,000,000

• Capability and capacity building activities: $20,000,000

• Localized flood risk reduction projects: $260,000,000

• Individual flood mitigation projects: $120,000,000

Anticipated Number of Awards: 40 awards; 725 subawards

B. Executive Summary The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program provides federal funds to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized tribal governments, and local governments. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in participating communities. FMA funds a variety of flood mitigation activities to lower flood risk to policyholders and reduce the NFIP’s financial exposure.

FEMA Priorities

Contacts

Key Dates

Projected Application Start Date: October 22, 2026

Projected Application End Date: February 26, 2027

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: Variable

Anticipated Award Date:

Variable

Projected Period of Performance Start Date:

Variable

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

Budget Period: Variable

Have questions? See Contacts and Support

When not considering individual applicants and when deemed applicable, FEMA will prioritize grant applications that contribute to multistate, regional, or national capabilities, including data centers, nuclear power generation, multi-state agriculture or multi-state water supply, or other such infrastructure or services.

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Eligibility A. Eligible Entities

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

Applicant Eligibility All applicants must participate in the NFIP and not be withdrawn, on probation, or suspended. NFIP community status can be verified at Community Status Book.

Eligible applicants include:

• States

• District of Columbia

• U.S. Territories

• Federally recognized Tribal Nations

Each eligible applicant must designate one agency to serve as the applicant for FMA funding. The eligible applicant is strongly encouraged to conduct outreach with NFIP participating communities prior to and during the application process. Each applicant’s designated agency may submit only one FMA grant application to FEMA at a time.

Subapplicant Eligibility Eligible subapplicants may include:

• Cities

• Communities

• Counties

• Local governments

• Townships

• Special district governments

• Tribal Nations

Certain political subdivisions (for example, regional flood control districts or county governments) may apply and act as subapplicants if they are part of a community participating in the NFIP where the political subdivision provides zoning and building code enforcement or planning and community development professional services for that community. Subapplications involving multiple entities are allowed, but only one entity can be the primary subapplicant responsible for the award.

B. Project Type Eligibility Allowable Project Types

• Capability and capacity building activities

• Localized flood risk reduction projects

• Individual flood mitigation projects https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/work-with-nfip/community-status-book

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Unallowable Project Types

• Any activities not designed to eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the NFIP.

• Any non-localized flood risk reduction projects.

National Priorities When considering localized flood risk reduction projects, but not individual flood mitigation projects (as identified in “F. Merit Review Process” in Step 4), applicants should demonstrate how allowable project activities will address national-level risk that aligns with EO 14239, and maximize cost effectiveness by achieving as close to a 4:1 benefit to cost ratio as possible.

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 Not applicable.

E. Additional Restrictions 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 accepted, as appropriate, as long as each jurisdiction has participated in the process and has officially adopted the plan. State-wide plans will not be accepted as multi-jurisdictional plans.

Subapplicants are not required to have a hazard mitigation plan when submitting subapplications for capability and capacity building activities aimed at developing mitigation plans. A hazard mitigation plan is required for all other capability and capacity building activities subapplications.

All activities must be in conformance with all applicable federal, state, tribal, local floodplain and land use laws; criteria established by FEMA that are specific to the proposed activity, found in Version 2.1 of the HMA Guide; and aligned with the current administration and program priorities and policy factors.

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

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Subapplicants can direct any questions about the proposed hazard mitigation project location in the floodplain to their local floodplain manager, State Hazard Mitigation Officers or Tribal Hazard Mitigation Officers.

When eligible subapplications include an information technology or operational technology component as part of a larger project, FEMA may allow activities that improve community resilience through cybersecurity as eligible costs. These activities must follow the cybersecurity performance goals for critical infrastructure and control systems directed by the National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience. Subapplicants should address cybersecurity in their planning, design, and project oversight for awards that include a technology nexus that may pose a cyber risk that would affect the reliability or operability of a project.

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

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

1. “Threshold Review Criteria” subsection

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection

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

G. Cost Share Requirements Applicants, and if applicable, 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. Refer to the HMA 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.

FEMA's Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund program loans are not eligible for non-federal cost share funding.

https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/state-local-territorial-governments/state-contacts https://www.fema.gov/about/organization/tribal-affairs/contacts https://www.fema.gov/about/organization/tribal-affairs/contacts https://www.cisa.gov/topics/critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience/national-security-memorandum-critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience https://www.cisa.gov/topics/critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience/national-security-memorandum-critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_hma_cost-share-guide.pdf

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

FMA Defined Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) Properties Severe repetitive loss properties are eligible for an increased cost share up to 100% federal funding. A SRL property, as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 4104c(h)(3)(B)(i) or (B)(ii), is a structure that:

1. Is covered under a contract for flood insurance made available under the NFIP; and

2. Has incurred flood-related damage:

a. For which four or more separate claims payments (includes building and contents) have been made under flood insurance coverage with the amount of each such claim exceeding $5,000, and with the cumulative amount of such claim payments exceeding $20,000; or

b. For which at least two separate claims payments (includes only building) have been made under such coverage, with the cumulative amount of such claims exceeding the market value of the insured structure.

To receive an increased federal cost share under these provisions, properties must meet the Flood Mitigation Assistance SRL definition. Applicants and subapplicants that are requesting an increased federal cost share must submit documentation with their application or subapplication demonstrating that properties meet the definition.

FMA Defined Repetitive Loss (RL) Properties Repetitive loss properties are eligible for an increased cost share up to 90% federal and 10% non-federal funding. A RL property, as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 4121(a)(7), is a structure covered by a contract for flood insurance made available under the National Flood Insurance Program that:

1. Has incurred flood-related damage on two occasions, in which the cost of the repair, on the average, equaled or exceeded 25% of the market value of the structure at the time of each such flood event; and

2. At the time of the second incidence of flood-related damage, the contract for flood insurance contains Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage.

To receive an increased federal cost share under these provisions, properties must meet the Flood Mitigation Assistance RL definition. Applicants and subapplicants that are requesting an increased federal cost share must submit documentation with their application or subapplication demonstrating that properties meet the definition.

Insular Areas For insular areas, including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, FEMA automatically waives the non-federal cost share for the recipient when the non-federal cost share for the entire award is under $200,000. If the non-federal cost share for the entire award is $200,000 or greater, FEMA may waive all or part of the non-federal cost share at the request of the recipient. The recipient may request the waiver in its application. The recipient may request 100% cost-share in its application.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-1994-title42-section4104c&num=0 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-1994-title42-section4104c&num=0 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:42%20section:4121%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section4121)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim

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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.

Structures with different federal cost share requirements can be included in a single project subapplication. The overall project federal cost share for the project, as documented in the cost share section of the subapplication, should reflect the combined federal cost shares of all structures.

For example, if an individual flood mitigation project includes $100,000 in costs for one SRL structure funded at 100% federal cost share, and $100,000 in costs for one RL structure funded at 90%, the overall federal cost share for the project would be 95%. This means the federal contribution would be $190,000 (95% of $200,000 total cost for both structures is $190,000).

Additional information on allowable activities and how the management cost share is applied is provided in Appendix 1.

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.

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

Program Description A. Program Purpose

The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program provides federal funds to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized tribal governments, and local governments. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in NFIP participating communities. It does so by recognizing flood hazards to communities, anticipated growth of damage and repetitive losses due to flood, and the need for flood https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_hma_cost-share-guide.pdf

1. Review 2. Get ready 3. Write 4. Learn 5. Award Contacts hazard risk mitigation activities that reduce the NFIP’s financial exposure. Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2004, FMA obligated over $2.5 billion in federal share mitigating over 7,000 properties insured by the NFIP.

Repetitively flooded properties account for roughly 30% of all NFIP claims but represent less than 2% of insured properties. The cost of acquiring and demolishing all Repetitive Loss and Severe Repetitive Loss properties would be significant, but the long-term savings to the NFIP could exceed $20 billion over 30 years, based on avoided claims, reduced administrative costs, and decreased disaster recovery expenditures. Additional benefits include increased community resilience, reduced risk to life and property, and reduction to displacement costs associated with flooding.

B. Goals and Objectives The FMA grant program supports the following objectives:

1. Capability and capacity building activities: Build national, state, and community capability and capacity for developing future flood risk reduction and hazard mitigation projects that will subsequently reduce flood claims against the NFIP.

2. Localized flood risk reduction projects: Implement localized flood risk reduction projects that address community flood risk for the purpose of reducing NFIP flood claim payments.

3. Individual flood mitigation projects: Implement individual flood mitigation projects that mitigate the risk of flooding to individual NFIP structures; and incentivize flood mitigation and projects that benefit communities.

C. Performance Measures and Targets Key performance indicators provide strategic and relevant information to decision-makers and stakeholders about FMA’s progress and success toward achieving its goals and objectives, and are based on measurable data that are available or could be feasibly collected:

• Total number of NFIP-insured properties selected that are FMA- and/or NFIP-defined SRL, RL, and substantially damaged (>500).

• Total dollar amount of flood losses avoided in projects or communities funded by FMA subapplications (>$900,000,000).

D. Federal Assistance Type Grant

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

• Exercise-related costs.

• Operational overtime costs.

• Any expenses not directly tied to the approved flood mitigation project activities.

• Costs that are not considered necessary or directly related to the project's goals, such as personal use of goods or services, entertainment expenses, and excessive administrative costs.

Note: The above may not be exhaustive. Please consult the applicable terms and conditions and with FEMA for more information.

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F. General Funding Requirements Costs charged to federal awards (including federal and non-federal cost share funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, policies, this NOFO, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered within the budget period (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h)).

Recipients may not use federal funds or any cost share funds for the following activities:

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

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

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

200.435).

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

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

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

H. Beneficiary and Participant Eligibility Beneficiary Not applicable.

Participant https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:18%20section:1913%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section1913)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.450 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_contract-provisions-guide_fy24.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/115/public/232 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.327 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.471 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20II%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/M-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/M-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf

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

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

Indirect costs (IDC) are costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to specific cost objectives without disproportionate effort.

Applicants with a current negotiated IDC rate agreement who desire to charge indirect costs to a federal award must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their applications. Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement. Applicants that are not required to have a negotiated IDC rate agreement, but are required to develop an IDC rate proposal, must provide a copy of their proposal with their applications. Applicants without a current negotiated IDC rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an IDC rate proposal must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.332 and 200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards.

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

K. Pre-Award Costs The following pre-award costs are allowable:

• Pre-award costs directly related to developing an application or subapplication.

Pre-award costs are expenses incurred before the start date of a federal award or subaward, as defined by 2 C.F.R. § 200.458. These costs are only allowed if they would have been approved after the start date of the award, and with written approval from FEMA.

Demolition, construction and ground disturbing activities that were implemented, initiated or completed prior to an award generally are not eligible, and FEMA generally does not reimburse costs for these activities.

To be eligible for assistance, all pre-award costs must be reasonable and 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.

Applicants and subapplicants who are not awarded will not receive reimbursement for pre-award costs related to developing and submitting applications and subapplications.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458

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L. Management and Administration Costs Management and administration (M&A) costs are indirect or direct costs, and other administrative costs 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.

M&A costs are allowed per 44 C.F.R § 77.7, and are subject to a federal and non-federal cost match.

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

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

Recipient Management Costs Applicants, who are referred to as recipients during the award stage, may apply for up to 10% of the total costs (federal and non-federal shares) for management costs, in accordance with 44 C.F.R. § 77.7(a)(1)(i).

The applicant’s federal cost share of management cost is based on the overall federal cost share to total cost share ratio of all subapplications submitted. Applicant requests for management costs must be submitted in a separate management costs subapplication in FEMA GO.

Management costs are inclusive of the FMA priority funding caps provided for capability and capacity building activities, localized flood risk reduction projects, and individual flood mitigation projects, not in addition to it.

See Appendix 1 for cost share examples.

Subrecipient Management Costs Subapplicants, who are referred to as subrecipients during the award stage, may apply for up to 5% of the project costs (federal and non-federal cost shares) for subrecipient management costs, in accordance with 44 C.F.R. § 77.7(a)(1)(ii). The subapplicant’s federal cost share of management cost is the same as the federal cost share of the total project cost. Subrecipient management cost must be submitted as their own budget line item in the subapplication. Subrecipients must use subrecipient management costs to manage their subaward activities.

If the recipient is also acting as the subrecipient, they may apply for up to 5% of the total project or activity budget for subrecipient management costs and up to 10% for recipient management costs. These costs https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/section-77.7 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/part-77/section-77.7#p-77.7(a)(1)(i) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/part-77/section-77.7#p-77.7(a)(1)(ii)

1. Review 2. Get ready 3. Write 4. Learn 5. Award Contacts must be used for separate purposes, even if claimed by the same entity. The combined management costs cannot be more than 15% of the total budget.

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 1366 of The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended (Pub. L. No. 90-448) (codified as amended at 42 U.S. Code [U.S.C.] § 4104c).

N. Appropriation Authority Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024, Pub. L. No. 118-47.

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4 § 1101.

Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, Pub. L. No. 119-86; and Division J, Title V of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Pub. L. No. 117-58, 135 Stat. 1387– 1388 (2021).

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Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 16

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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 February 26, 2027, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time

G. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline

H. Post Application Requirements Deadline

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

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

Step 3: Write Your Application

Application Contents and Format 20

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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 There are no limitations on the number of pages, font size and typeface, margins, paper size, number of copies, and sequence or assembly requirements.

Applicants must review and approve subapplications submitted by their subapplicants. Applicants must ensure that accurate NFIP policy numbers, SRL, and RL numbers are included in the Properties section of project subapplications to be considered for property flood mitigation project funding.

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:

Subapplicant Grant Application and Assurance and Certification Forms Applicants may require their subapplicants to complete and upload the grant application and assurance and certifications forms for their capability and capacity building activities, localized flood risk reduction project, and individual flood mitigation project subapplications in FEMA GO.

FMA applications, including capability and capacity building activities (mitigation plans under 42 U.S.C. § 4104c(c)(3)(F)); technical assistance by states to communities (42 U.S.C. § 4104c(c)(3)(J)); project scoping;

localized flood risk reduction project; individual flood mitigation project; and management costs subapplications, must be submitted in an FY 2026 FMA application.

• Mitigation plans must be submitted in a “plan” subapplication type.

• Technical assistance by states to communities must be submitted in a “technical assistance” https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/state-contacts https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-1994-title42-section4104c&num=0 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-1994-title42-section4104c&num=0 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-1994-title42-section4104c&num=0

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• Project scoping must be submitted in a “project scoping” subapplication type.

• Localized flood risk reduction projects and individual flood mitigation projects must be submitted in a “project” subapplication type.

• Applicant management costs must be submitted in a “management costs” subapplication type.

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.

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

Cost-Effectiveness or at Benefit-Cost Analysis.

Applicants shall include a description of how the activities funded by the FMA grant program are intended to achieve a nearly 4:1 benefit-to-cost ratio, and how the project activities will address national-level risk as specified in EO 14239. This provision applies to localized flood risk reduction projects, but not individual flood mitigation projects (as identified in “F. Merit Review Process” in Step 4).

Go/No-Go Milestones The subapplicant, in coordination with the applicant, must identify at least one or more Go/No-Go milestones in the work schedule for hazard mitigation projects. A Go/No-Go milestone is a major milestone in the project that if not completed on time may result in a cancellation of the subaward. Progress towards meeting the Go/No-Go milestones must be reported in the quarterly progress reports submitted to the recipient and FEMA. At these Go/No-Go milestones, FEMA will evaluate project performance, schedule adherence, and contribution to FEMA’s program goals and objectives.

Acquisition Project Requirements Each 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 mitigates future risk from natural hazards and increasing insurance costs. This can be accomplished through mechanisms such as:

• 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.

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://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-04973.pdf 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://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_model-deed-restriction.pdf

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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 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…