The Tactical Team Targeted Grant Program, administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), offers competitive funding to enhance the operational readiness of local, county, and tribal law enforcement tactical teams. Funded through the federal FY2023 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the grant prioritizes capabilities necessary to respond to high-risk incidents, including active shooter events and counter-terrorism operations. The program seeks to promote standardized tactical proficiency across New York State by supporting compliance with the SWAT Team Standards developed by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) and certified by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Up to $1,250,000 is available statewide, with individual awards capped at $75,000 per team. Eligible agencies must already have an active tactical team in place that responds to incidents outside of correctional facilities. These teams must either be currently certified by DCJS or have a pending certification application. Teams applying under the latter must achieve certification within 12 months of award or risk forfeiting funds. The grant is limited to supporting tactical response operations and SWAT standards attainment—not general law enforcement duties.
Permissible expenses include individual and team equipment aligned with MPTC standards (e.g., protective gear, communication devices, vehicles), costs for approved training (excluding live-fire or weapons-related training apart from the DCJS Basic Operator Course), and planning or exercise activities that promote coordination with other law enforcement specialty teams. Management and administrative costs are explicitly disallowed. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate regional coordination, engage with bomb squads or canine units, and participate in joint training or planning efforts.
Applications must be submitted via the DHSES E-Grants system by December 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Technical support is only available through that deadline, and substantive questions must be submitted by November 24, 2025, at 12:00 noon. Required materials include a detailed application worksheet, budget plan, capability advancement plan, multi-year sustainment plan, and evidence of DCJS certification or progress. Bonus points are awarded for certified teams, strong specialty coordination, and previously unfunded applicants.
Grants will be evaluated through a two-tiered process. Tier 1 ensures completeness and eligibility, while Tier 2 scores applications based on criteria such as risk profile, budget justification, and long-term sustainment. Awards are expected to be announced in early 2026, and all activities must be completed by August 31, 2026. Participation in the Nationwide Cybersecurity Review (NCSR) and the Emergency Management Certification and Training Program (EMC Training) is mandatory for awardees.
