other · DHS-DHS

Fiscal Year 2026 Port Security Grant Program

Department of Homeland Security - FEMA · DHS-26-GPD-056-00-99

Closed

Award Range

$0 – $95.0M

Total Program Funding

$95.0M

Expected Awards

200

Deadline

July 24, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

FEMA's Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) is distributing $95M across ~200 awards to protect U.S. maritime ports from terrorist attacks. This funds physical security (cameras, barriers, access control), cybersecurity, exercises, and planning for port facilities and maritime infrastructure. It's one of the largest transportation security grant programs. Requires cost-sharing (25%). Open to port authorities, maritime facility operators, and state/local governments with port jurisdiction.

Who Should Apply

Port authorities, maritime terminal operators, ferry systems, state/local governments with port jurisdiction, tribal governments near ports, and private-sector port operators. Must be operating within a designated MTSA-regulated port area.

Who Should NOT Apply

Non-maritime organizations, inland facilities without port connections, nonprofits (unless they operate port facilities), individual businesses without maritime infrastructure, or anyone not in a designated port area.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must operate within a designated U.S. port area
•Must focus on anti-terrorism security enhancements
•Cost-sharing of 25% IS required
•Must align with Area Maritime Security Plan
•Must demonstrate risk-based need for security improvements
•Open to government entities, tribes, and for-profit port operators

💡 GrantQuick Tip

200 awards of $95M means average awards around $475K — but the range varies wildly (small ferry terminals might get $100K while major container ports get millions). The key: work with your Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) because applications are submitted and prioritized through the port-wide group. If you're not connected to your AMSC, start there. The strongest applications tie directly to vulnerabilities identified in the Area Maritime Security Assessment.

Competitiveness: Low-moderate — 200 awards distributed across all U.S. port areas. Most qualifying applicants who submit through their AMSC receive some level of funding.

What This Grant Funds

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) is one of four grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMA’s focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. PSGP provides funds to state, local, and private sector maritime partners to support increased port-wide risk management and protect critical surface transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies. The PSGP supports critical national seaports/terminals to enhance port security through enhanced facility and operational security. PSGP allows for a broad range of projects to be funded as long as they are applicable to enhancing maritime security capabilities. The entire breadth of the POETE (planning, operational, equipment, training, and exercise) is allowable under PSGP. Typical types of projects include:

• Patrol vessels

• Communications equipment

• Surveillance equipment

• Cybersecurity enhancements

• Hiring NEW security personnel

• Plan development

• Maritime security training

• Maritime security exercises

Projects that are not primarily dedicated to the enhancement of maritime security capabilities (i.e., citywide projects, or business-related projects) are not eligible.