QuickTakeaway
From a grants perspective, this is a highly unusual FEMA NOFO because:
- The funding level is extraordinarily large.
- It includes a substantial reimbursement component dating back to 2021.
- It is narrowly focused on border security and immigration enforcement activities.
- The application burden for retroactive costs will likely be significant due to documentation and compliance requirements.
- Success will depend heavily on demonstrating measurable border-security outcomes and strong coordination with DHS, CBP, and ICE.
The FY 2026 State Border Security Reinforcement Fund (SBSRF) is a new FEMA-administered competitive grant program that provides $9.985 billion to support state and local border security initiatives. The program was established under the Working Families Tax Cut Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-21) and is designed to fund both new projects and reimburse eligible expenditures incurred since January 20, 2021.
Key Facts
- Funding Available: $9.985 billion
- Eligible Applicants: State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) only
- Application Period: June 4, 2026 – July 6, 2026
- Awards: 1–50 anticipated
- No Cost Share Required
- Period of Performance: January 20, 2021 – September 30, 2034
Who Can Receive Funding?
States apply directly and may distribute funds to eligible local government entities such as:
- Sheriff’s offices
- State police/highway patrol
- Emergency management agencies
- Regional task forces
- Detention facilities
- Fusion centers
Territories, Tribal Nations, nonprofits, and private organizations are not eligible.
What Can Be Funded?
The program supports four major activity categories:
- Construction or deployment of border barriers or buoys
- Ground preparation and maintenance supporting border barriers
- Detection and interdiction of illicit substances and unlawful border crossings
- Relocation of unlawfully present individuals
Unique Feature: Retroactive Reimbursement
One of the most notable aspects of this NOFO is the Retroactive Funding Pathway, which allows reimbursement for eligible costs incurred between January 20, 2021 and the award date. Applicants must provide extensive documentation and may need to request waivers for federal procurement and compliance requirements that could not have been met retroactively.
How Applications Will Be Evaluated
Awards will be distributed using a risk-informed methodology that considers:
- Threat
- Vulnerability
- Consequence
Applications will also be reviewed for:
- Alignment with program priorities
- Applicant capacity
- Feasibility
- Cost reasonableness
- Compliance with federal requirements
Final funding decisions are made by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Required Application Components
In addition to standard federal forms, applicants must submit:
- SBSRF Application Worksheet
- One Investment Justification (IJ) for each funding category requested
- Documentation supporting any retroactive reimbursement claims
Funding Restrictions
Notable restrictions include:
- No firearms, ammunition, or weaponized vehicles
- No land acquisition
- No unrelated construction or beautification projects
- No legal services or litigation expenses
- Indirect costs are not allowed
- Up to 2% Management & Administration (M&A) costs are permitted
Resources:
NOFO: FY_2026_SBSRF_NOFO_06-03_FINALv2.pdf
