FFY2026 State Homeland Security Grant Investment Plan Call for Requests
The Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council (WRHSAC) is now accepting project proposals for inclusion in the FFY2026 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Investment Plan.
WRHSAC anticipates approximately $989,000 in funding to support homeland security initiatives across the four counties of Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire). The annual award announcement has been delayed due to the current partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Neither the State nor WRHSAC has not yet received official notice of award. In coordination with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security/Office of Grants and Research (EOPSS/OGR), WRHSAC is proceeding with the investment planning process to ensure readiness once funding is announced. A short turnaround for submission is anticipated following the notice of award.
Estimated Funding Timeline:
Funds are expected to become available in January 2027, with all projects required to be completed by end of July 2028.
Proposals must be received by noon, (12pm ET) Monday, May 11, 2026 via email to raine@frcog.org
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Municipalities, Fire, Police, EMS Departments, EMDs, etc, are eligible. Specialty response teams such as Technical Rescue, Special Response Teams, Hazardous Materials Teams, etc. are also eligible.
- All requests must be regional (serve multiple municipalities/departments).
- Requests must align with DHS mission of Prevent, Protect, Respond to and Recover from domestic or foreign terrorism mission areas.
- Requests must address a clearly identified capability gap.
- Allowable projects include equipment, emergency planning, training, and exercises.
- To learn if you project is eligible, please contact Raine Brown, Homeland Security Program Manager at raine@frcog.org, 413.774.3167 x138.
Each proposal must include:
- Accepted formats: Word, Excel, PDF. (Google Docs will not be accepted).
- Cover letter on municipal or department letterhead.
- Clear project description.
- Capability gap identified and how project will address the gap.
- Budget ($5,000 to $100,000 typical range)
- Timeline
- Regional partners
- Vendor estimate/quote
- Anticipated outcomes/impact
- Letters of support are strongly encouraged, particularly from:
- Municipal leadership
- Public safety departments
- And appropriate regional associations such as:
- Western Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association
- Western Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association
- Western Massachusetts EMS organizations
Recommended Best Practices for Strong Proposals
- Demonstrate clear regional collaboration
- Align with existing gaps or known capability needs
- Include letters of support from multiple disciplines
- Ensure project scope is realistic and achievable within the timeline
- Provide detailed and accurate cost estimates
Evaluation Criteria
All proposals will be reviewed by a WRHSAC Subcommittee prior to full Council consideration.
Projects will be evaluated based on:
- Regional impact
- Alignment with identified capability gaps
- Alignment with Homeland Security mission areas
- Feasibility and readiness
- Sustainability
- Cost effectiveness
Any questions? Contact Raine Brown, Homeland Security Program Manager, raine@frcog.org, 413.774.3167 x138
