Homeland Security Biowatch Program

The Bio-Watch program, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is designed to detect aerosolized biological attacks by continuously monitoring the air for specific biological threats using strategically placed air collectors. This federa

Bio-Watch is a federally managed, locally operated system that provides early warnings of biological incidents, enabling state and local authorities to respond quickly and effectively, thereby reducing casualties and fatalities. Its core activities include operating air samplers, collecting and analyzing air samples, assisting partners with planning and preparedness through guidance, training, and exercises, and alerting and coordinating response actions upon detection of a threat.

Eligible recipients are state and local government agencies, regional governmental organizations, public institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized tribal governments.

State and local governments.

Cooperative agreement funds are used to identify, hire, and train field operators; purchase vehicles used in filter collection and transport; pay for sampling sites and power as well as office and equipment storage space. In some jurisdictions, these funds also support laboratory operations, including staffing, training, and supplies. Additionally, funding enables jurisdictions to provide enhanced bio-detection coverage during high visibility or high threat special events and supports personnel participation in DHS-led exercises, drills, and response actions following a detection. ​​To manage the local Bio-Watch program.

There are no Research & Development projects for this funding.​ No Functional Application/Unlimited Application

Specified in the funding opportunity announcement.

Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

The program uses a risk-reduction approach to ensure resources are allocated effectively and efficiently. FEMA will review all applications against the eligibility criteria in the funding opportunity. Applicants must submit all required forms and information as instructed in the NOFO and during the pre-application process. Step 1: Eligibility Review Applications will first be reviewed using two pass/fail questions. If the answer to either question is "No," the application will be disqualified and will not be scored further. 1. Is the applicant an eligible entity as defined in the NOFO? Examples may include a state or local agency, regional organization, public institution of higher education, eligible tribal government, public safety agency, or air monitoring agency. o Yes = Pass o No = Disqualified 2. Does the applicant demonstrate the ability and authority to support Bio-Watch operations in one or more required metropolitan areas? o Yes = Proceed to weighted scoring o No = Disqualified Step 2: Weighted Scoring Applications that pass the eligibility review will be scored on a 1 to 5 scale: • 5 = Exceptional approach • 4 = Good approach • 3 = Adequate approach • 2 = Marginal approach • 1 = Inadequate approach Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria: 1. Relevant Bio-Watch Field Operations and Federal Assistance Experience, 35% FEMA will consider the applicant's prior Bio-Watch or air monitoring experience, experience managing federal assistance or cooperative agreements, and involvement with relevant Bio-Watch stakeholders. 2. Operational Readiness and Technical Approach, 25% FEMA will assess the applicant's ability to begin or fully execute operations within the required timeframe, understanding of Bio-Watch field operations requirements, ability to maintain required records, participate in audits and evaluations, and demonstrate relevant technical expertise. 3. Staffing, Management, and Training Approach, 20% FEMA will review the applicant's staffing plan, hiring approach, qualifications of key personnel, management structure, and approach to training and maintaining staff competency. 4. Facilities, Logistics, Safety, and Security, 10% FEMA will evaluate whether the applicant has adequate plans for operational space, equipment storage, transportation, daily operations, surge support, and safety and security considerations consistent with program guidance. 5. Administrative, Reporting, and Fiscal Capability, 10% FEMA will assess the applicant's ability to meet reporting requirements, manage budgets, support field operations, and maintain systems for responsible management of federal funds and cooperative agreement requirements.

The Objective Review Panel (ORP) will review Bio-Watch Full and Open Cooperative Agreement NOFO applications and recommend applications for funding to the SA. The ORP is comprised of the ORP Chairperson and at least 3 Merit Reviewers, and all ORP members are federal employees. Merit Review Panel(s) within the ORP will evaluate and score applications against pre-determined criteria contained herein. All reviewers will be asked to identify any potential affiliations or conflicts of interests associated with the local agencies and any associated subcontract/subaward recipients. The ORP Chairperson will oversee the Merit Review, compile the NOFO application scores, and recommend the most qualified applications to receive Bio-Watch Cooperative Agreement funding. The SA is responsible for the final award selection. The Bio-Watch Program Office will make recommendations based on assessment scores and FEMA leadership will approve final selections. DHS policy, geographic location, and other factors may be used to select a recipient out of score order.

Deadline determined at as part of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Period of Performance start is August 1, 2026, and ends July 31, 2027. Spending time period ends with the end on the POP. Invoicing is permitted up to 60 days after the POP ends.

Renewal or extension on yearly basis or if funding is insufficient to complete the period of performance. ​ If performance is adequate, FEMA Email the Bio-Watch Grant Program and request the extension. Include the requested date to be extended, the available funding, and high-level anticipated operations cost.