The Explosive Detection Canine Team Grant Program is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) using federal State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funds. The initiative aims to enhance and sustain explosive detection canine (EDC) team capabilities among local, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies throughout New York State. A total of $750,000 in FY2023 SHSP funding is available, with up to $60,000 allocated per applicant for new team development, and up to $15,000 for sustaining or enhancing existing certified teams. This grant supports terrorism prevention efforts by bolstering the detection and interdiction of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats.
Eligible applicants must be law enforcement agencies with active road patrol components and must currently or previously (within the past five years) have operated a canine team certified by the New York State Police (NYSP) or Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The program promotes alignment with one of the state’s thirteen FBI-accredited bomb squads and mandates use of the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) for incident reporting. Funding is strictly limited to activities that enhance CBRNE detection capabilities, and cannot be used for out-of-state training, stationary teams, general law enforcement duties, or the construction of kennels.
The grant allows for eligible expenses such as canine acquisition, canine-ready vehicles, certified in-state training, equipment, overtime/backfill for training, and planning/exercise costs. Awarded applicants are required to certify their teams under NYSP or DCJS standards and must maintain the asset for a minimum of three years. Agencies are encouraged to form regional partnerships and may earn bonus points during evaluation for collaborative proposals. Regional projects must include a signed Regional Partnership Agreement (RPA).
Applications must be submitted through DHSES’s E-Grants system by 5:00 p.m. on December 4, 2025. Applicants must be registered BATS users by the submission deadline. Written questions are accepted until noon on November 24, 2025. Awards are anticipated in Spring 2026. Contracts may not extend beyond August 31, 2026, and grantees must participate in the Nationwide Cybersecurity Review and adhere to both federal and state procurement regulations.
Evaluation is based on risk assessment, capability advancement, alignment to bomb squads and specialty teams, multi-year sustainment planning, and an overall assessment. Bonus points are available for BATS usage, regional collaboration, integration with specialty teams, and for first-time applicants. Disbursement is contingent upon the execution of a standard cost-reimbursement contract with DHSES.
Coordinate with bomb squads; demonstrate capability gap closure; ensure all required documentation is submitted.
