Alliance for System Safety of Unmanned Aircraft Systems through Research Excellence (ASSURE)

The Alliance for System Safety of Unmanned Aircraft Systems through Research Excellence (ASSURE) funding opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the National Preparedness Directorate. This program is part of the Homeland Security National Training Program and is designed to strengthen national preparedness through advanced training initiatives. The program specifically supports the development and delivery of FEMA-certified training solutions that enhance the capabilities of emergency management personnel and first responders across the United States. The primary purpose of this funding is to address gaps in national preparedness related to the use of unmanned aircraft systems in disaster response and emergency management operations. The program focuses on building competencies in areas such as damage assessment, search and rescue, logistics, and situational awareness using UAS technologies. Through this initiative, FEMA aims to ensure that state, local, tribal, and territorial partners have access to high-quality, evidence-based training that improves operational readiness and resilience before, during, and after disasters. Funding under this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from FEMA throughout the project lifecycle. The total expected funding is 1900000 with a single anticipated award, reflecting the targeted and specialized nature of the program. The funding supports a three-year period of performance, during which the recipient is expected to design, develop, implement, and evaluate training programs using established instructional frameworks such as the ADDIE model. Allowable uses include curriculum development, training delivery, personnel, travel, equipment, and evaluation activities, while construction and renovation costs are explicitly prohibited. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is highly restricted and limited to Mississippi State University’s Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence. Subawards are permitted, allowing the primary recipient to collaborate with partners in delivering training programs. Applicants and subrecipients must comply with federal regulations, procurement standards, and security requirements, including restrictions on certain telecommunications and unmanned aircraft technologies. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding. The application process requires registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and FEMA GO, followed by submission of a complete application package through the FEMA GO system. Required components include standard federal forms such as the SF 424 series, a detailed project narrative, a budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as indirect cost rate agreements. The application must demonstrate the ability to develop high quality training aligned with national preparedness goals and address identified capability gaps. Applications are due by July 31 2026 at 12 00 a m Eastern Time. The application window opens July 1 2026, with anticipated award decisions by mid August 2026 and awards issued by September 1 2026. The period of performance runs from September 1 2026 through August 31 2029. FEMA evaluates applications based on completeness, financial integrity, and alignment with program objectives, and maintains oversight through performance reporting, financial monitoring, and evaluation activities throughout the grant lifecycle. Contacts for the program include FEMA National Training and Education Division representatives, with support available for programmatic, financial, and technical questions. The program does not explicitly state recurrence, indicating this is a specific fiscal year funding cycle rather than a guaranteed annual opportunity.

Ensure alignment with FEMA preparedness goals and clearly demonstrate capability to deliver scalable UAS training using ADDIE framework