Fiscal Year 2026 Port Security Grant Program

The Fiscal Year 2026 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), administered by FEMA under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is designed to enhance the security of maritime infrastructure by funding projects that directly improve port-wide risk management and protect critical surface transportation systems from terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies. Eligible applicants include state, local, and private sector maritime partners, with funding available for a broad range of initiatives aligned with the POETE framework—Planning, Operational, Equipment, Training, and Exercise activities. Permissible expenditures include the procurement of patrol vessels, surveillance and communications equipment, cybersecurity enhancements, hiring new security personnel, development of security plans, and the conduct of training and exercises. Projects must be primarily dedicated to maritime security; citywide or business-related initiatives lacking a clear maritime nexus are ineligible. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the FY 2026 National Priority Areas, address identified gaps in Facility, Area, Vessel, or Port-wide Risk Management Plans, and show clear capability to mitigate risk through threat, vulnerability, and consequence assessments. The program anticipates approximately 200 awards ranging from $18,000 to $3,500,000, with a total funding pool of $95 million. Federal funding is capped at 75% of total project costs, requiring a mandatory 25% non-federal cost share from public sector and nonprofit recipients. Proposals must be submitted electronically via FEMA GO by July 24, 2026, and require a comprehensive Investment Justification and Budget Worksheet in Excel format, along with required certifications and assurances including SF-424, SF-424B or SF-424D, and SF-LLL. All Investment Justifications are classified as Sensitive Security Information and must be labeled accordingly per 49 C.F.R. § 1520.13. Applicants must maintain active SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations, possess a Unique Entity Identifier and Employer Identification Number, and register a login.gov account. Award administration follows the standards of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, with strict adherence to cost timing, indirect cost limitations, prohibitions on lobbying and prosecuting claims, and restrictions on using funds for matching other federal awards. Performance is monitored through semi-annual reporting via FEMA GO, and closeout requires submission of a final payment request, final financial report, progress report, and narrative impact summary within 120 days of project completion.