The State Border Security Reinforcement Fund (SBSRF) program is a state-administered grant. Unlike some federal grant programs where local agencies apply directly to the federal government, SBSRF requires the state’s designated State Administrative Agency (SAA) to submit a single statewide application.
For local agencies, that means:
- Monitor your state’s solicitation process
- The SAA will likely issue a request for project proposals before the federal application deadline.
- Deadlines for local submissions will occur well before FEMA’s July application deadline.
- Develop a project proposal
- Identify how your project supports one of the four allowable activities.
- Clearly articulate operational needs, outcomes, and budget requirements.
- Coordinate early
- Engage state homeland security offices and SAA staff early.
- Agencies with existing relationships often learn about opportunities sooner and can help shape statewide priorities.
- Think beyond equipment
- Include training, policy implementation, technology adoption, and operational readiness costs when appropriate and allowable.
- Demonstrate how these investments support the project’s success.
- Be prepared for state-level prioritization
- The SAA will review and rank local proposals before deciding which projects to include in the state’s application to FEMA.
What Action Can You Take: Contact your State Administrative Agency now and ask whether the state plans to seek SBSRF funding and when local project proposals will be solicited. Agencies that wait until the federal deadline is announced may miss the state’s internal application window.
