Restatement and timeline: The DHS press release (Dec. 30, 2025) stated that “next year, the remaining $250 million will be distributed to all
U.S. states and territories with an expanded focus on building detection and response capacity nationwide,” implying distribution during calendar year 2026.
What has occurred so far: FEMA announced and awarded the first $250 million tranche on Dec. 30, 2025 to 11
World Cup host states and the National Capital Region to strengthen detection, identification, tracking, or mitigation capabilities.
Planned next steps in agency documents: FEMA/NOFO/FAQ materials make clear the program is $500 million total, with $250 million made available in
FY2026 and the remaining $250 million scheduled to be distributed in FY2027 to all 56 State Administrative Agencies to support nationwide detection and response capabilities.
Timing ambiguity and status: DHS press language (“next year…”) is ambiguous versus FEMA’s NOFO/FAQ schedule that places the second tranche in FY2027 (which begins Oct. 1, 2026). As of 2026-01-01 there is no public record that the remaining $250 million has been awarded to all states and territories.
Program constraints that affect execution: FEMA’s NOFO/FAQ set pass-through rules (SAAs must pass at least 97% to local/tribal subrecipients within 45 days), effectiveness reviews before expenditure, and training/mitigation requirements tied to
FBI NCUTC—factors that shape how and when funds translate into operational detection/response capacity.
Assessment of fulfillment likelihood: The funding is authorized and FEMA has documented the plan to distribute the remaining $250 million to all states and territories; because awards for that tranche had not occurred by 2026-01-01 and FEMA schedules distribution in
FY2027, the claim is documented and planned but not yet executed.
Impacts if completed as described: If the FY2027 tranche is awarded as planned, all 56 SAAs would be eligible to receive funds aimed at expanding detection and response capabilities nationwide, benefiting state and local public safety agencies subject to federal oversight, effectiveness reviews, and training requirements.