The Homeland Security BioWatch Program is a federally managed, locally operated early warning capability designed to detect the release of specific biological agents that may threaten public health. The program strengthens national preparedness by supporting participating jurisdictions with systems that enable rapid detection and coordinated response.
About the Homeland Security BioWatch Program
The BioWatch Program is administered by the Office of Procurement Operations – Grants Division under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It supports local jurisdictions in maintaining environmental monitoring systems that provide early alerts of biological threats. Participating agencies are responsible for round-the-clock sample collection and coordination with testing laboratories to ensure timely detection and response.
Funding Size
- Total program funding: $10,000,000
- Expected awards: 20
- Award minimum: $150,000
- Award maximum: $2,000,000
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- City, township, county, and special district governments
- Regional organizations such as airports, port authorities, transit authorities, and rail systems
- Law enforcement, first response, emergency management, environmental health, public safety, and public health agencies affiliated with local governments
- Universities or agencies with or without existing air monitoring programs
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide 24/7/365 sample collection and delivery to designated testing laboratories and meet personnel and operational requirements outlined in the program guidance.
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Geographic Eligibility
Applicants must be located within the following jurisdictions:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Bay Area/San Francisco, California
- Los Angeles, California
- San Diego, California
- Miami, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Detroit, Michigan
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Galveston, and Houston, Texas
In some jurisdictions, only specific public health or city entities are eligible to apply, including:
- County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health
- City of Long Beach (South Coast, California)
- City of Austin, Austin Public Health
- City of Fort Worth (Dallas and Fort Worth jurisdictions)
- City of El Paso
- Galveston County Health District, Air Pollution Program
- Houston Health Department, Bureau of Pollution Control and Prevention
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Public health preparedness
- Biological threat detection and environmental monitoring
- Emergency response and risk management
- Interagency coordination for national security and safety
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Application Process
Eligible jurisdictions must submit applications through the Homeland Security grants system in accordance with the program guidance. Applications must confirm jurisdiction eligibility, operational capacity, and alignment with BioWatch monitoring requirements.
Required Materials
- Proof of jurisdiction eligibility
- Documentation of agency affiliation and operational capacity
- Description of sample collection and laboratory coordination process
- Personnel, partnership, and compliance documentation as required in the program guidance
Key Dates
- Application deadline: April 30, 2026
Selection Notes
Applications are reviewed based on jurisdiction eligibility, operational readiness, and the applicant’s ability to maintain continuous environmental monitoring and rapid response coordination. Only entities within designated jurisdictions will be considered.