FY26 Homeland Security Application

IMPORTANT Please review and follow the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant guidance document. FEMA/DHS expects all grant recipients and subrecipients to utilize the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant funding to address the high priority-low capacity core capabilities. SHSP provides financial support to build and deliver core capabilities that improve the ability of jurisdictions to prepare for and prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events. The Grant Program Guidance document provides information on the top priorities for the coming years SHSP project applications. The State of Montana solicits projects that will measurably improve these high priority-low capacity capabilities and increase our resiliency all across the State. OVERVIEW The Homeland Security Grant Program strengthens the nation's capacity to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. The State Homeland Security Program supports the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets. GOALS The goal of SHSP is to support statewide and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in building, enhancing, and sustaining the capabilities needed to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. SHSP funding is intended to help SLTT agencies address capability gaps identified through the THIRA/SPR process, as well as prioritize resources toward high-impact security focus areas, known as NPAs. OBJECTIVES SHSP provides resources that support eligible SLTT governments in meeting the following objectives: • Build and sustain core capabilities, including LETPA and the NPAs (see priorities below). • Address capability gaps identified in their THIRA and SPR process. • Implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address enduring security needs of communities that include planning, training and awareness campaigns, equipment and capital projects, and exercises.

No more than 3 applications from a jurisdictional area will be considered under the competitive pool. Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) approved regional projects are not counted against the 3 projects.

This is a competitive state grant, and there are often more funding requests than funding available. The State Homeland Security Advisor will make the final decision on projects to be included in the state application to FEMA. All applicants will be informed as to the status of their projects after the state application has been submitted. Please note - project period of performance will not begin until 09/1/2026.

National Priority Areas (NPAs) FY 2026 HSGP aligns with the Administration’s priorities by directing resources toward the most urgent threats facing the nation. Through the SHSP, HSGP supports the development and sustainment of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal (NPG): “A secure and resilient nation.” To ensure strategic focus, DHS has identified five NPAs that reflect the evolving risk landscape and national policy objectives. These priorities serve as a framework for targeting investments that build capability, reduce risk, and promote cross-sector coordination. The following are the required NPAs for FY 2026: 1. Enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places, 2. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers; 3. Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency; 4. Enhancing election security; and 5. Supporting border crisis response and enforcement. These NPAs are rooted in the core mission areas of the NPG—prevention, protection, mitigation, and response, and reflect a whole-of-government approach to homeland security. Applicants should use these priorities to guide planning, investment, and implementation to drive measurable outcomes and long-term resilience.

State Awarding Agency Contacts State Authorized Representative: Pam Fruh Pam.Fruh@mt.gov 406-439-5917 Preparedness Grant Coordinators: Crystal Guerrero Crystal.Guerrero@mt.gov 406-202-8250 Emily Schuff Emily.Schuff@mt.gov 406-417-9236 Genny Lighthiser Genevieve.Lighthiser@mt.gov 406-417-8685