Fiscal Year 2026 Port Security Grant Program

The Port Security Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is designed to strengthen the security and resilience of the nation maritime transportation infrastructure. The program operates under statutory authority from the Maritime Transportation Security Act and focuses on mitigating risks associated with terrorism and other threats to port areas. FEMA has distributed billions in funding through this program since its inception, emphasizing collaboration among port authorities, facility operators, and government agencies responsible for maritime security. The primary purpose of the program is to support the development and implementation of Area Maritime Security Plans and facility security strategies that enhance preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities. The program prioritizes risk based funding allocations and encourages applicants to align projects with national priority areas, including protection of soft targets, cybersecurity resilience, election security, and coordination with homeland security task forces. Projects that align with these priorities may receive scoring advantages during evaluation, increasing their likelihood of funding. Funding is provided in the form of grants with an expected award range from 18000 to 3500000 dollars and a total program funding allocation of approximately 95000000 dollars. Funds may be used for planning, operational activities, equipment and capital projects, training, and exercises that directly enhance maritime security. However, certain costs are explicitly disallowed, including indirect costs, general purpose equipment, and projects that do not directly contribute to maritime security objectives. Recipients may allocate up to five percent of their award toward management and administration costs. Eligibility is limited to entities operating within port areas and subject to Area Maritime Security Plans. These include port authorities, facility operators, and state, local, and territorial government agencies that provide maritime security services. Applicants must be compliant with maritime security regulations and maintain active federal registrations such as SAM and Grants.gov. Private security firms applying on behalf of others are not eligible, and subawards or pass through funding structures are not permitted under this program. Applicants are required to submit their applications through the FEMA GO system and must include a completed Investment Justification and detailed budget worksheet. The application process involves registration steps, submission of federal forms, and alignment of proposed projects with program priorities and security gaps identified in applicable plans. Each applicant may submit one application per port area with up to five project justifications included. Applications are evaluated through a multi step review process including initial screening, field review by local maritime authorities, and a national review by subject matter experts. Evaluation criteria include alignment with national preparedness goals, effectiveness in addressing identified risks, feasibility within the performance period, and compliance with program requirements. Projects that demonstrate strong alignment with national priorities and port specific risks are more likely to receive funding. The application window for this funding cycle opens on June 24, 2026 and closes on July 24, 2026. Funding decisions are expected by late August 2026, with awards issued no later than September 30, 2026. The period of performance spans three years, beginning September 1, 2026 and ending August 31, 2029. The program is recurring on an annual basis, reflecting ongoing federal investment in maritime security infrastructure and preparedness.

Align projects clearly with national priority areas and port specific risks to gain scoring advantage; ensure feasibility within 3 year period; provide detailed budget justification