Fiscal Year 2026 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)

The Transit Security Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the Preparedness Grants Division. This program is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen national infrastructure security, particularly in response to evolving terrorism threats targeting transportation systems. The program is authorized under federal law and is designed to support risk-informed investments that improve the resilience of public transit systems across the United States. FEMA works in coordination with other federal partners such as the Transportation Security Administration to implement this program and ensure alignment with national preparedness priorities. The primary purpose of the program is to provide funding to public transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. The program emphasizes enhancing operational coordination, cybersecurity resilience, protection of soft targets and crowded places, and collaboration across jurisdictions. Funding is intended to address vulnerabilities identified in transit agency security assessments and to support implementation of security plans that are updated regularly. Projects are expected to contribute to national preparedness goals and align with designated priority areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, and physical security enhancements. Funding under this program can be used for a range of allowable activities including planning, operational activities, equipment and capital projects, training and awareness campaigns, and exercises. Examples include installation of surveillance systems, deployment of explosive detection teams, cybersecurity upgrades, and training programs for personnel. Certain costs are explicitly unallowable, including most personnel costs outside defined exceptions and activities not directly tied to program objectives. Management and administration costs are capped at a small percentage of the award. There is no cost share or matching requirement, which reduces financial barriers for applicants. Eligibility for the program is limited to specific public transportation systems including passenger rail, intra-city bus, and ferry systems identified in an official appendix. Applicants must have completed a security assessment within the past three years and maintain a current security plan based on that assessment. Additional requirements include participation in a regional security working group and compliance with federal preparedness frameworks such as the National Incident Management System. Only one application per eligible agency is permitted, and subawards are not allowed. The application process requires registration in federal systems including SAM.gov and FEMA GO, followed by submission of a complete application package. Required components include standard federal forms, detailed budgets, investment justifications for each proposed project, and supporting documentation such as risk assessments. Applicants must demonstrate how proposed investments address identified vulnerabilities and align with national priorities. The review process includes eligibility screening, merit review, and financial integrity assessment, with final award decisions made by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Key dates for the program include an application opening in late June and a deadline in late July, with award announcements anticipated in early September and awards issued by the end of September. The period of performance spans approximately three years. Following award, recipients must comply with extensive reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements, including financial and performance reporting. The program is offered annually, reflecting ongoing federal commitment to strengthening transportation security infrastructure nationwide.

Ensure all projects directly address identified vulnerabilities and clearly align with national priority areas and demonstrate measurable risk reduction