Emergency Repatriation Planning, Training and Exercises Grant Program (US)

The Emergency Repatriation Planning, Training, and Exercise Program is accepting applications to improve state and territorial readiness for emergency repatriation operations. The funding supports planning, training, exercises, and updates to emergency repatriation plans to ensure government agencies and partners can effectively respond during large-scale repatriation events.

The program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to strengthen emergency management capabilities, coordination systems, and operational preparedness for assisting U.S. citizens and eligible individuals returning during emergency situations.

Overview of the Emergency Repatriation Program

The Emergency Repatriation Planning, Training, and Exercise Program focuses on improving state and territorial capacity to manage emergency repatriation operations.

Emergency repatriation refers to the organized process of assisting U.S. citizens and eligible individuals who return to the United States during emergency situations, such as:

• International crises.
• Natural disasters.
• Political instability.
• Security emergencies.
• Large-scale evacuations.

The program supports activities that help states and territories prepare effective response systems before emergencies occur.

Purpose of the Funding Opportunity

The main goal of this funding opportunity is to strengthen emergency preparedness by improving planning, coordination, and response capabilities.

Supported activities include:

• Developing and updating State Emergency Repatriation Plans.
• Conducting emergency preparedness training.
• Organizing emergency response exercises.
• Improving coordination among government agencies.
• Strengthening operational capabilities.
• Building partnerships with relevant organizations.

The program helps ensure that emergency repatriation operations can be managed efficiently and effectively.

Why Emergency Repatriation Preparedness Matters

Emergency repatriation operations require strong coordination between federal, state, local, and community organizations. Without proper planning and training, response efforts may face delays and operational challenges.

This program helps communities:

• Improve emergency response readiness.
• Strengthen communication systems.
• Prepare trained personnel.
• Identify operational gaps before emergencies happen.
• Improve assistance delivery during repatriation events.

Effective planning ensures that returning individuals receive appropriate support, resources, and services during critical situations.

Key Areas Supported Under the Program

The funding supports activities related to:

• Emergency repatriation planning.
• Disaster preparedness.
• Training programs.
• Emergency exercises.
• Capability development.
• Government coordination.
• Plan improvement and updates.
• Operational readiness assessments.

Applicants are expected to focus on improving long-term preparedness rather than only responding after emergencies occur.

Funding Information

The program provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements.

Funding details include:

• Estimated total program funding: $750,000.
• Award ceiling: $375,000.
• Award floor: $375,000.

The funding will support eligible organizations in improving emergency repatriation planning and preparedness activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• State governments.
• County governments.
• City or township governments.
• Special district governments.
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
• Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments.
• Public and private institutions of higher education.
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
• Independent school districts.
• Public housing authorities.
• Indian housing authorities.
• Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status.
• Small businesses.
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to support emergency preparedness activities and collaborate with relevant state agencies.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following entities are not eligible to apply:

• Individuals.
• Sole proprietorships.
• Federal entities.
• Foreign entities.

These applicants cannot receive funding under this opportunity.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide required documentation demonstrating state support and organizational capacity.

A required component of the application is a letter from a state executive that must:

• Identify the responsible state agency.
• Confirm the state agency’s commitment to collaborate on planning activities.
• Support participation in training and emergency exercises.
• Confirm cooperation in updating the State Emergency Repatriation Plan.
• Verify that the applicant has not previously received an OHSEPR Planning, Training, and Exercises cooperative agreement award.

This letter demonstrates official state-level commitment to emergency preparedness activities.

How the Program Works

Selected organizations will support emergency repatriation preparedness through several activities:

1. Planning and Assessment

Organizations will review existing emergency repatriation plans, identify gaps, and develop improvements.

2. Training and Capacity Building

Applicants will provide training programs to improve the skills of emergency management personnel and partner organizations.

3. Exercises and Simulations

Organizations will conduct exercises to test response plans and improve coordination.

4. Plan Updates

Recipients will update State Emergency Repatriation Plans based on lessons learned from exercises and changing emergency requirements.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a complete proposal demonstrating their ability to strengthen emergency repatriation preparedness.

Applications should include:

• Organizational information.
• Project plan.
• Emergency preparedness approach.
• Training and exercise strategy.
• Budget details.
• Partnership and coordination plan.
• Required state executive letter.

Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed activities will improve emergency response capabilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting applications without the required state executive letter.
• Failing to demonstrate collaboration with state agencies.
• Providing unclear emergency preparedness strategies.
• Not explaining how training activities will improve capabilities.
• Ignoring exercise planning and evaluation methods.
• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Failing to show how plans will be updated and maintained.

Strong applications should demonstrate practical planning, measurable outcomes, and long-term emergency preparedness benefits.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly describing emergency repatriation challenges.
• Including experienced emergency management professionals.
• Developing realistic training and exercise plans.
• Demonstrating coordination with state agencies.
• Providing measurable goals and evaluation methods.
• Explaining how improvements will continue after funding ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Emergency Repatriation Planning, Training, and Exercise Program?

It is a funding program designed to strengthen state and territorial preparedness for emergency repatriation operations through planning, training, exercises, and capability development.

What activities does the program support?

The program supports emergency planning, training programs, exercises, operational improvements, and updates to emergency repatriation plans.

How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding is $750,000, with awards of $375,000 available for eligible recipients.

Who can apply for this funding?

Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, tribal organizations, housing authorities, and certain businesses.

Can individuals apply for this opportunity?

No. Individuals, sole proprietorships, federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible.

What document is required from the state executive?

Applicants must submit a letter from a state executive confirming agency responsibility, collaboration commitment, and eligibility requirements.

Why are emergency exercises important?

Emergency exercises help organizations test response plans, identify weaknesses, improve coordination, and strengthen readiness before real emergencies occur.

Conclusion

The Emergency Repatriation Planning, Training, and Exercise Program provides critical support for improving state and territorial emergency preparedness. By funding planning, training, exercises, and capability development, the program helps organizations build stronger response systems and ensure effective assistance during emergency repatriation operations.