Emergency Repatriation Planning, Training, and Exercises

The Emergency Repatriation Planning, Training, and Exercises opportunity is offered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response. This program is part of the broader U.S. Repatriation Program, which supports U.S. citizens and their dependents returning from foreign countries due to crises such as war, illness, or destitution. The program provides temporary assistance for up to ninety days, including housing, medical care, transportation, and other essential services, delivered as repayable service loans. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the ability of states and territories to effectively support these repatriation efforts. The primary purpose of this grant is to increase readiness, knowledge, and operational capabilities at the state and territorial level for emergency repatriation operations. Applicants are expected to conduct coordinated planning, training, and exercises and to update their State Emergency Repatriation Plan. The program emphasizes measurable improvements in preparedness, coordination among partners, and alignment with federal doctrine and frameworks. Activities must adhere to established guidance such as the National Emergency Repatriation Framework and Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program standards, ensuring consistency and interoperability across jurisdictions. Funding is provided as a cooperative agreement with substantial federal involvement, meaning the agency will actively collaborate with recipients throughout the project. The total program funding is seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, with two awards expected at a fixed amount of three hundred seventy five thousand dollars each. The project period is one year, and funding is contingent upon congressional appropriations. There is no cost sharing requirement, though voluntary contributions may be included without affecting evaluation. Funds cannot be used for construction, major renovations, real property purchases, or certain restricted activities. Eligibility is broadly defined but excludes individuals, federal entities, and foreign organizations. Applicants must secure a letter from a state executive confirming the responsible agency for planning and coordination activities and verifying that the applicant has not previously received similar funding under this program. Faith based and community organizations may apply if they meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must also demonstrate coordination with state and local partners and commit to developing and maintaining a comprehensive emergency repatriation plan supported by training and exercises. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes two primary files: a narrative with project details and a set of supporting attachments. Required components include a project summary, detailed narrative, budget, organizational documentation, and eligibility verification materials. Applicants must also complete standard federal forms such as the SF 424 and SF 424A. The project narrative must clearly outline the approach, timeline, evaluation plan, and organizational capacity, as these elements form the basis of the merit review process. Applications are evaluated based on a structured scoring system totaling one hundred ten points, covering response quality, impact, organizational capacity, budget justification, and alignment with agency priorities. Reviewers assess feasibility, clarity, measurable outcomes, and adherence to federal priorities. The deadline for submission is August 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with an expected project start date of September 30, 2026. Awards are communicated through a formal Notice of Award, and recipients must comply with federal reporting and administrative requirements throughout the project period. Throughout implementation, recipients are required to submit documentation including evaluation plans, updated repatriation plans, training materials, and exercise reports according to specified timelines. The program emphasizes continuous improvement, data driven decision making, and strong fiscal stewardship. Contact information is provided for both programmatic and grants management inquiries, ensuring applicants have access to support during the application process and beyond.

Align proposal clearly with program goals provide measurable outcomes and ensure compliance with federal frameworks