Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program
Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Assistance Listings: 97.091 -- Homeland Security Biowatch Program Last Updated: July 15, 2026
Description
The BioWatch program, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is designed to detect aerosolized biological attacks by continuously monitoring the air for specific biological threats using strategically placed air collectors. This federally managed, locally operated system provides early warnings of biological incidents, enabling state and local authorities to respond quickly and effectively, thereby reducing casualties and fatalities. BioWatch supports the National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan (2022) by informing decision-making, enhancing preparedness, and providing post-incident support to limit the impacts of biological threats. Operating in over 30 metropolitan areas across 22 states, BioWatch protects roughly one-third of the U.S. population and extends its coverage to high-visibility special events. Its core activities include operating air samplers, collecting and analyzing air samples, assisting partners with planning and preparedness through guidance, training, and exercises, and alerting and coordinating response actions upon detection of a threat. The program’s objectives are to maintain a robust biodetection capability, engage stakeholders in preparedness and response, and establish coordination mechanisms across federal, state, local, and tribal levels to ensure rapid and effective public health responses to bioterrorist attacks. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for the performance of field operations--including deploying and maintaining a fleet of air monitoring units, collecting and replacing filters from those units, and transporting filters daily to BioWatch laboratories in metropolitan areas identified below. As optional for specific metropolitan areas listed below, field operations further include laboratory operations, such as sample processing, analysis, and results reporting. Eligible recipients of this cooperative agreement are state and local government agencies, regional governmental organizations, public institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized tribal governments.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Government
- State governments
- Special district governments
- City or township governments
- County governments
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
State and local governments
Grantor contact information
Description: FEMA GO helpdesk 1-877-585-3242 Email: FEMA GO helpdesk FEMAGO@fema.dhs.gov
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| FY_26_NOFO_BioWatch.pdf | BioWatch NOFO | Jul 15, 2026 05:29 PM UTC |
| BioWatchfactSheet_May_2026.pdf | BioWatch Fact Sheet | Jul 15, 2026 12:42 PM UTC |
| BioWatchInfographic_2026-v1.pdf | BioWatch Infographic | Jul 15, 2026 12:42 PM UTC |
Award
- Program Funding: $35,000,000
- Expected awards: 40
- Award Minimum: $100,000
- Award Maximum: $6,000,000
Funding opportunity number
DHS-26-GPD-091-00-99
Cost sharing or matching requirement
No
Funding instrument type
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category
Other
Opportunity Category Explanation
Competitive Merit Review
Category of Funding Activity
Science technology and other research and development
Category Explanation
Biothreat detection operations
History
- Version: 1
- Posted date: July 15, 2026
- Archive date: August 29, 2026