FY25-26 Next Generation Warning System Grant Program – CFO

The Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) Grant Program, administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) Branch, is a competitive funding opportunity designed to improve public safety through advanced alert and warning solutions. This initiative stems from federal mandates under FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), aiming to create a modern, resilient communication infrastructure for timely emergency messaging across California. It aligns with the goals set forth by the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015, reinforcing the need for reliable and widespread dissemination of emergency information through diverse technological channels. The primary objective of the NGWS Grant Program is to support local, state, territorial, tribal, and federal officials in their efforts to enhance alert and warning capabilities. The grant encourages the deployment of IPAWS-compatible technologies such as sirens, giant-voice systems, datacasting, satellite-based systems, digital signage, and integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The program places a strong emphasis on addressing gaps in communication coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas, and advancing the ability of public safety entities to disseminate warnings efficiently across new and existing distribution pathways. A total of $953,958 is available under this grant, with applicants eligible to request up to $238,490 for the 24-month grant subaward period running from August 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. Applicants must be a California-incorporated city, county, special district, or federally recognized tribe and must be registered as an IPAWS Alerting Authority. There is no cost share or match requirement for this program. Funds may also be subgranted to local entities and tribal governments to support second-tier projects that directly improve alert and warning systems. However, indirect costs are not permitted, and management and administrative costs must be directly tied to implementing the program and capped at 5% of the subaward. Eligible project activities include training, field testing, curriculum development, and technology deployment related to alert dissemination. Out-of-state travel is permitted only with prior approval, and food and beverage costs are not allowable. Applicants must follow specific reporting requirements, including monthly and quarterly progress reports, starting from August 2026 through the end of the performance period in June 2028. These reports serve as a record of implementation and must align with the timelines outlined by Cal OES. To apply, applicants must submit a complete proposal in PDF format to [email protected] by 5:00 PM PDT on May 22, 2026. Proposals must include the Notice of Interest form and must adhere strictly to formatting requirements outlined in the CFO. Proposals not conforming to these requirements will be disqualified. Proposals are scored by a three-member team based on the completeness and clarity of responses. A minimum score of 50% is required for funding consideration. Final decisions are made by the Director of Cal OES and may account for geographic distribution, past performance, and other strategic factors. Applicants selected for funding will receive an Intent to Fund notification and must complete required documentation, including SAM.gov registration, within 60 days. The grant application cannot incur costs until formally approved by Cal OES. If funding availability changes due to state or federal appropriations, Cal OES reserves the right to modify or terminate the award. All technical questions must be submitted to [email protected] during the open application window. This grant opportunity reflects California’s commitment to improving its emergency communication infrastructure in the face of evolving threats and technological changes.

Follow all formatting requirements exactly; Proposals that fail to include required forms or adhere to file naming protocols will be disqualified.