Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program
The FY26 BioWatch Grant funds state, local, and tribal agencies to operate air monitoring systems that detect airborne biological threats, enabling rapid response and preparedness in over 30 major U.S. metro areas.
Funder: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA
Due Dates: July 27, 2026 (Pre-application) | July 30, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $6,000,000 per award; total program funding $35,000,000; up to 40 awards; initial budget period is one year, renewable up to five years.
Summary: Supports state, local, tribal, and regional agencies in operating and maintaining BioWatch biodetection field and laboratory operations to provide early warning and response to airborne biological threats.
Key Information: Pre-application contact with BioWatch is required; strict eligibility and security requirements apply.
Description
The BioWatch Grant Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and administered by FEMA, funds state, local, tribal, and eligible regional agencies to operate and sustain biodetection capabilities in over 30 major U.S. metropolitan areas. The program's primary goal is to provide early warning of aerosolized biological attacks by deploying, maintaining, and operating air monitoring units, collecting and transporting filters for laboratory analysis, and, where applicable, running laboratory operations. The early detection enabled by BioWatch is critical for rapid public health response, reducing casualties, and supporting the National Biodefense Strategy. Funds support field operations, laboratory work (in select jurisdictions), training, preparedness exercises, and surge coverage for special events.
