The Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security - FEMA, supports the detection of aerosolized biological attacks through continuous air monitoring in over 30 metropolitan areas across 22 states. This federally managed, locally operated system provides early warnings of biological incidents, enabling state and local authorities to respond quickly and effectively to reduce casualties and fatalities. The program aligns with the National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan (2022) by informing decision-making, enhancing preparedness, and providing post-incident support to limit the impacts of biological threats.
The BioWatch program protects roughly one-third of the U.S. population and extends its coverage to high-visibility special events. 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. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for the performance of field operations, including deploying and maintaining a fleet of air monitoring units, collecting and replacing filters from those units, and transporting filters daily to BioWatch laboratories in metropolitan areas identified below. As optional for specific metropolitan areas listed below, field operations further include laboratory operations, such as sample processing, analysis, and results reporting.
Eligible recipients of this cooperative agreement include:
Applicants may apply through Grants.gov. The funding opportunity number is DHS-26-GPD-091-00-99. Applications are subject to a competitive merit review.
FEMA GO helpdesk
Phone: 1-877-585-3242
Email: FEMAGO@fema.dhs.gov
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Submission Deadline
Jul 30, 2026
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