Applications open for BioWatch Grant Program 2026 (US)

The BioWatch Grant Program provides federal funding to strengthen biological threat detection, emergency preparedness, and response capabilities in the United States. Managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the program supports air monitoring systems, laboratory analysis, training, coordination, and rapid public health response activities to reduce the impact of biological threats.

The funding opportunity supports eligible government agencies and public institutions in maintaining biodetection capabilities, improving emergency readiness, and strengthening national biodefense efforts.

BioWatch Grant Program Overview

The BioWatch Grant Program is a federal funding initiative that supports activities designed to improve biological threat detection, preparedness, and response capabilities.

The program focuses on strengthening national biodefense by helping organizations maintain advanced monitoring systems, improve emergency response planning, and coordinate actions among federal, state, local, and tribal partners.

Managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), BioWatch provides resources to support early detection of biological threats and improve public health protection.

What Is the BioWatch Program?

The BioWatch Program is a national biological threat detection system that monitors the air for potential biological hazards through strategically placed air collectors.

The program collects environmental samples from selected metropolitan areas and analyzes them to identify possible biological threats.

BioWatch provides early warning information that helps state and local authorities:

• Respond quickly to biological incidents
• Make informed emergency decisions
• Coordinate public health actions
• Reduce the impact of biological threats

The program combines environmental monitoring, laboratory analysis, and emergency response coordination to strengthen community protection.

Purpose of the BioWatch Grant Program

The primary goal of the BioWatch Grant Program is to improve the ability of communities and government agencies to detect, prepare for, and respond to biological threats.

The grant supports activities that help organizations:

• Maintain strong biological detection capabilities
• Detect aerosolized biological threats
• Improve emergency preparedness and response systems
• Support decision-making during biological incidents
• Engage stakeholders in preparedness activities
• Provide training and emergency exercises
• Establish coordination systems across government levels
• Support rapid public health responses following biological attacks

Why the BioWatch Grant Program Matters

Biological threats can create serious risks to public health, national security, and community safety.

Early detection and coordinated response systems allow authorities to:

• Identify biological incidents at an early stage
• Improve emergency response speed
• Protect communities from potential outbreaks
• Strengthen communication between agencies
• Support effective public health decisions

The BioWatch Program plays an important role in strengthening the nation’s biodefense infrastructure by improving preparedness before, during, and after biological incidents.

BioWatch and the National Biodefense Strategy

The BioWatch Program supports the National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan (2022) by improving national capabilities in:

• Biological threat detection
• Emergency preparedness
• Response coordination
• Decision-making support
• Post-incident recovery activities

Through air sampling, laboratory analysis, and coordination efforts, BioWatch helps reduce the potential impact of biological threats.

Key Focus Areas of BioWatch Funding

The BioWatch Grant Program supports several major areas related to biological security and emergency response.

Maintaining Biodetection Capabilities

Funding helps organizations operate and maintain biological monitoring systems.

Supported activities may include:

• Maintaining air collection equipment
• Operating biodetection systems
• Improving monitoring capabilities
• Supporting environmental sampling operations

Detecting Aerosolized Biological Threats

The program supports systems designed to identify biological threats that may spread through the air.

Activities may include:

• Air sample collection
• Filter replacement
• Sample transportation
• Laboratory testing and analysis

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Funding helps communities strengthen their ability to respond to biological incidents.

Supported activities include:

• Emergency planning
• Response coordination
• Public health preparedness
• Incident management activities

Training and Exercises

BioWatch funding supports training activities that improve readiness among response teams.

Examples include:

• Staff training programs
• Emergency response exercises
• Technical skill development
• Preparedness drills

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

The program encourages collaboration among:

• Federal agencies
• State governments
• Local governments
• Tribal governments
• Public health organizations

Coordination helps ensure that agencies can communicate effectively and respond quickly during biological emergencies.

Who Is Eligible for the BioWatch Grant Program?

The BioWatch Grant Program is open to eligible public-sector organizations that support biological threat detection and emergency preparedness activities.

Eligible recipients include:

• State government agencies
• Local government agencies
• Regional governmental organizations
• Public institutions of higher education
• Federally recognized tribal governments

Applicants should have the technical capacity, operational resources, and partnerships needed to support BioWatch activities.

Supported Activities Under the BioWatch Grant

The funding opportunity supports field operations, laboratory activities, and preparedness efforts.

Field Operations Support

Grant funding may support activities such as:

• Deploying BioWatch air monitoring units
• Maintaining air collection systems
• Collecting environmental samples
• Replacing monitoring filters
• Transporting filters to BioWatch laboratories

These activities help ensure continuous monitoring and timely detection capabilities.

Laboratory Activities

In selected metropolitan areas, funding may also support laboratory operations, including:

• Sample processing
• Biological analysis
• Testing procedures
• Reporting of laboratory results

Laboratory activities provide critical information for decision-making during potential biological incidents.

Preparedness and Response Activities

Additional supported activities may include:

• Emergency preparedness planning
• Training programs
• Response exercises
• Stakeholder engagement
• Coordination mechanisms
• Public health response activities

BioWatch Grant Funding Details

The BioWatch Grant Program provides an estimated USD 35,000,000 in total funding.

Individual grant awards are expected to range from approximately USD 100,000 to USD 6,000,000.

Funding amounts may vary depending on:

• Project scope
• Operational requirements
• Applicant capabilities
• Program needs

The funding is intended to support biological detection systems, preparedness activities, laboratory operations, and emergency response capabilities.

How the BioWatch Program Works

The BioWatch system follows a structured process to detect and respond to biological threats.

Step 1: Air Monitoring

BioWatch air collectors placed in selected metropolitan areas continuously collect environmental samples.

These monitoring systems help identify potential biological threats before they create widespread impacts.

Step 2: Sample Collection and Transportation

Collected filters are regularly removed, replaced, and transported to designated BioWatch laboratories for testing.

Proper handling and transportation ensure accurate laboratory analysis.

Step 3: Laboratory Analysis

Laboratories analyze collected samples to identify possible biological threats.

The results help authorities understand potential risks and determine appropriate response actions.

Step 4: Reporting and Decision Support

Detection information is communicated to relevant authorities to support emergency decision-making.

Step 5: Public Health Response

Government agencies coordinate response activities to protect communities and reduce the effects of biological incidents.

How to Apply for the BioWatch Grant Program

Organizations interested in applying should follow a structured application process.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should review eligibility requirements and confirm that their organization qualifies.

Eligible organizations include:

• Government agencies
• Public universities
• Regional governmental organizations
• Federally recognized tribal governments

Applicants should also ensure they have the operational ability to manage BioWatch-related activities.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Applicants should prepare a detailed proposal explaining how funding will strengthen biological threat detection and response capabilities.

The proposal should include:

• Project goals and objectives
• Detection activities
• Preparedness plans
• Response strategies
• Training activities
• Coordination methods
• Expected outcomes

Step 3: Prepare a Detailed Budget

Applicants should create a clear budget explaining how funds will be used.

Budget areas may include:

• Personnel expenses
• Equipment maintenance
• Monitoring operations
• Laboratory activities
• Training programs
• Emergency exercises

The budget should demonstrate responsible use of federal funding.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit all required documents through the official federal grant application process.

Application materials may include:

• Project description
• Budget information
• Organizational details
• Implementation plan
• Supporting documents

Step 5: Application Review and Selection

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Alignment with BioWatch goals
• Technical capability
• Operational readiness
• Project impact
• Budget justification

Selected applicants receive funding to strengthen biological threat preparedness and response systems.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications
• Providing unclear project objectives
• Failing to explain community benefits
• Creating unrealistic budgets
• Not describing coordination plans

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain how the project improves biological detection
• Connect activities with national biodefense priorities
• Include measurable project outcomes
• Describe partnerships with response organizations
• Provide a realistic implementation plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the BioWatch Grant Program?

The BioWatch Grant Program is a federal funding opportunity that supports biological threat detection, preparedness, and response activities through air monitoring, laboratory analysis, training, and coordination.

Who manages the BioWatch Program?

The program is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Who can apply for BioWatch funding?

Eligible applicants include state and local government agencies, regional governmental organizations, public institutions of higher education, and federally recognized tribal governments.

What activities does BioWatch funding support?

The program supports air monitoring operations, filter collection, laboratory testing, emergency preparedness, training exercises, and response coordination.

How much funding is available through the BioWatch Grant Program?

The estimated total program funding is USD 35 million, with individual awards ranging from approximately USD 100,000 to USD 6 million.

Why is BioWatch important for public health?

BioWatch provides early warning of biological threats, helping authorities respond quickly and protect communities.

How does BioWatch support biodefense efforts?

BioWatch strengthens national biodefense by improving detection systems, emergency preparedness, decision-making, and response coordination.

Conclusion

The BioWatch Grant Program strengthens biological threat preparedness by supporting advanced detection systems, laboratory capabilities, emergency planning, and public health response coordination.

Through funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, eligible organizations can improve early warning capabilities, enhance emergency readiness, and contribute to stronger national biodefense protection.