Fiscal Year 2026 Intercity Passenger Rail Program

The Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, specifically within the Resilience Grant Programs Directorate and the Transportation Infrastructure Security Branch. The program is designed as part of a broader federal effort to strengthen national preparedness and protect critical infrastructure. This grant program is one of several transportation-focused initiatives that emerged from congressional mandates to address vulnerabilities in infrastructure systems, particularly in the wake of evolving threats to public safety and national security. The primary purpose of the program is to provide funding to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, known as Amtrak, to enhance the security of intercity passenger rail systems and protect the traveling public from acts of terrorism. The program emphasizes risk-informed investments that align with national security priorities, including the protection of soft targets, cybersecurity resilience, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operational response. Projects funded under this program must demonstrate alignment with designated National Priority Areas and contribute to strengthening core preparedness capabilities. Funding under this program supports a range of allowable activities including planning, operational activities, equipment and capital projects, training initiatives, and exercises. Examples include physical security enhancements such as surveillance systems and access controls, cybersecurity risk mitigation efforts, training for personnel, and large-scale exercises to test emergency response readiness. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including unrelated activities, unauthorized equipment purchases, and most personnel costs unless specifically justified. Additionally, up to five percent of the award may be used for management and administration expenses directly tied to grant oversight. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is highly restricted. The only eligible applicant is Amtrak, as specified by federal statute. Subawards and subapplicants are not permitted under this program. Applicants must ensure compliance with federal requirements, including registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and must submit applications through the FEMA Grants Outcomes system. The application requires submission of standard federal forms, detailed budgets, and Investment Justifications that clearly link proposed projects to identified risks and national priorities. The application process involves multiple steps including registration, preparation of required documentation, and submission through FEMA’s electronic system. Applications must include detailed narratives describing project background, strategic alignment, anticipated impact, and implementation plans. These submissions are evaluated based on criteria such as alignment with funding priorities, effectiveness in reducing risk, sustainability, and feasibility within the performance period. Applications undergo review by subject matter experts and a federal executive committee before final decisions are made by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The application timeline for this funding cycle begins on June 24, 2026, with a submission deadline of July 24, 2026. Award decisions are anticipated by September 30, 2026, with the period of performance running from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2029. The program does not indicate recurring annual cycles explicitly, but similar programs are typically offered annually subject to congressional appropriations. Applicants must adhere strictly to deadlines, as late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. Following award, recipients must comply with extensive reporting and administrative requirements, including quarterly financial reporting and semi-annual performance reporting. Additional obligations include participation in program evaluations, adherence to federal procurement standards, and compliance with environmental and historic preservation regulations. The program also enforces strict audit and oversight provisions to ensure accountability and proper use of federal funds. For further information, applicants may contact FEMA program offices via official email channels or consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity documentation.

Ensure strong alignment with National Priority Areas; clearly demonstrate risk reduction and feasibility; provide detailed and justified budgets; ensure all narratives are unique and data accurate