Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant Program

The Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant Program is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services through its Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications. This program is designed to support county governments across New York State, including New York City, in maintaining and enhancing public safety answering points, which are critical infrastructure for emergency call handling and dispatch services. The program is rooted in New York Executive Law and aligns with the state’s broader mission to strengthen interoperable emergency communications systems for first responders. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide reimbursement-based funding to support operational expenses associated with PSAPs. This includes personnel costs, which are a significant component of emergency communications operations, as well as technology improvements that align with Next Generation 911 standards. The program also emphasizes the advancement of Geographic Information System data, interoperability, and collaboration between jurisdictions to improve efficiency and response outcomes across the state. Funding for this program totals twenty million dollars, combining allocations from two state fiscal years. The distribution of funds is noncompetitive and structured to ensure all eligible counties receive support. Each eligible applicant is guaranteed a base funding amount, with additional allocations determined by population, geographic size, and prior funding considerations. This ensures equitable distribution while still accounting for operational scale and demand differences among counties. Eligible applicants are strictly limited to county governments within New York State, including New York City as a single entity. Applications must be submitted by the county government itself, even when the funding supports broader or shared services. The program does not extend eligibility to nonprofits, private entities, or other governmental units outside of counties, making it a targeted state-level operational funding mechanism. Allowable expenditures under the grant are extensive but clearly defined. They include personnel, network connectivity, software licensing, equipment maintenance, dispatch systems, mobile data infrastructure, training, and upgrades to existing systems. The program also allows for the development and implementation of NG911 technologies. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including new construction, vehicles, furniture beyond dispatch-specific items, and non-compliant proprietary systems. All expenditures must align with established state and national standards for emergency communications. Applications must be submitted electronically through the DHSES E-Grants system. Applicants are required to complete an application worksheet in full, including budget and personnel details, and ensure all required fields are completed to avoid disqualification. The application process includes registration in the E-Grants system if not already completed, and submission confirmation is provided electronically. Additional documentation may be attached to support project descriptions or clarifications. The application deadline is June 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Following submission, DHSES evaluates applications for completeness and compliance, and awards are issued through reimbursement-based contracts. The period of performance for funded activities runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. The program is structured as part of recurring state funding cycles, with oversight, reporting, and compliance requirements continuing throughout the contract period. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the DHSES grants office via email, and updates are provided through the agency’s website.

Ensure all application fields and budget details are fully completed as incomplete applications will not be accepted; align projects with NG911 and interoperability goals