Fiscal Year 2026 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program

The Intercity Bus Security Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to enhance the protection of critical surface transportation infrastructure. The program is part of a broader national effort to strengthen preparedness and resilience against acts of terrorism, particularly within transportation systems that serve large populations and connect major urban areas. The program reflects a continued federal emphasis on risk-informed investments and collaboration across public and private sectors to address evolving threats, including cyber risks and attacks on soft targets. The primary purpose of the program is to provide funding to private intercity bus operators so they can implement security enhancements that protect passengers, infrastructure, and operational systems. Eligible projects are expected to align with national priority areas such as protecting crowded places, enhancing cybersecurity, supporting law enforcement coordination, improving election security infrastructure, and addressing border-related enforcement needs. Projects may include physical security upgrades, surveillance systems, cybersecurity improvements, training programs, and operational planning activities designed to reduce vulnerabilities identified in security assessments. Funding supports a range of allowable activities including planning, operational activities, equipment and capital investments, training and awareness campaigns, and exercises. However, the program restricts use of funds for general operational costs, routine maintenance, personnel expenses, and unrelated organizational activities. Applicants must demonstrate that proposed investments directly address vulnerabilities identified in their security plans and align with national preparedness goals. Additionally, projects must be feasible, cost-effective, and capable of completion within the designated performance period. Eligibility is limited to private intercity bus operators that provide over-the-road bus services and have completed a federally compliant vulnerability assessment and security plan within the past three years. These entities must operate either fixed-route services or charter services with a minimum number of annual trips to designated high-risk urban areas. Applicants are required to submit a certification confirming the completion of their vulnerability assessment and security plan, and failure to provide this documentation results in ineligibility. Only one application per eligible entity is permitted, and subawards are not allowed. The application process requires registration in federal systems including SAM.gov and FEMA’s grants platform. Applicants must submit a complete application that includes standard federal forms, a detailed budget, and up to two investment justifications outlining project needs, alignment with priorities, expected outcomes, and implementation plans. These justifications must clearly demonstrate how proposed activities address identified risks and contribute to broader security objectives. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as risk reduction, cost effectiveness, project feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with national priorities. The application deadline for the current cycle is July 24, 2026. Funding decisions are anticipated by the end of September 2026, with awards issued shortly thereafter. The period of performance spans three years, beginning September 1, 2026 and ending August 31, 2029. The program is recurring annually, with future cycles expected to follow a similar timeline. Awardees are required to comply with federal reporting, financial management, and performance monitoring requirements throughout the grant period. A key requirement of this program is a cost share, where recipients must contribute at least 50 percent of total project costs using non-federal funds. This must be a cash match, as in-kind contributions are not permitted. Applicants must include detailed documentation of their cost share commitments in their budgets. The program emphasizes accountability, with strict compliance requirements and performance metrics tied to security enhancements, training activities, and vulnerability reductions. Overall, the program represents a targeted federal investment in securing transportation systems against modern threats while fostering collaboration and preparedness across the industry.

Clearly align projects to national priority areas and demonstrate measurable risk reduction; ensure strong linkage between vulnerability assessment and proposed investments; provide detailed and justified budgets; emphasize feasibility and completion within timeline