Applying for Bulletproofing Projects From the State Homeland Security Grants Programs

Physical security upgrades can be costly, but federal and state homeland security grants can help offset those expenses.

The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP), part of the Homeland Security Grant Program operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is designed to help states, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and certain nonprofits strengthen building security to protect against threats including forced entry and active shooters.

FEMA also makes funding available through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to be used for agencies located in high-risk urban areas and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

These programs were recently expanded under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in July, making more than $1.3 billion in funding available with the potential to cover many different security elements, from additional personnel and training to physical security enhancements, including:

Installing bulletproof doors to secure main entrances
Adding bulletproof windows, including exterior windows to protect against shootings and forced entry
Custom ballistic transaction windows to protect employees

Bulletproof guard booths to protect front-line security
Safe rooms to give employees a secure place to hide from an attacker
Security cameras and equipment
Access control systems

Fences, gates, and barriers
Improved lighting to increase visibility in vulnerable areas, such as parking lots
Security training exercises for law enforcement or agency staff

A Case for Strengthening Physical Security

Across the country, violence in public places has become increasingly common, including targeted attacks taking place at schools, law enforcement offices, and government buildings.

Specifically, lawmakers have seen an increased number of threats in the past year, with the Capitol Police opening more than 9,474 investigations.

At the same time, many government agencies still rely on single-point security solutions, such as security cameras, window film or off-the-shelf barrier systems. A systems approach to security that hardens multiple vulnerable areas is much more effective.

Because so many different agencies interact with the public, each in varying respective ways, collaboration is essential to implementing successful security measures and solutions.

What the State Homeland Security Grant Program Requires

Unlike other grant programs, local organizations don’t apply directly to the State Homeland Security Grant Program. State emergency management agencies apply on their behalf with the goal of encouraging individual organizations to work together toward broader national security goals.

These national priorities include:

Enhancing the protection of soft targets or crowded places, like transportation hubs, event venues, and shopping centers
Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers, which are federal and local law enforcement partners focused on fighting terrorism, human trafficking, immigration enforcement, and other priorities
Enhancing cybersecurity for at-risk local agencies, examples include election boards or utilities
Enhancing election security, including physical security for election boards, such as locks, alarms, and bullet-resistant glass
Supporting border crisis response and enforcement

At least 30% of the total funding for each state must go toward these priorities.

Each state has also defined its own priorities that align with national objectives. These may include more specific categories, such as security communications, training, or preventing mass casualties.

Proposed state priorities illustrate these collaborative efforts. For instance:

The Michigan State Police Headquarters is seeking funding for additional disaster planning, emergency response, public education, and training from the grants
Massachusetts identified Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response activities among their state priorities in a September 2025 Notice of of Availability of Grant Funds document, citing the need to increase preparedness for shooting incidents following the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas
The Arkansas-Texas Council of Governments is seeking funding to support investments related to law enforcement activities at the border

Other states have released their own Notices of Funding Projects that will have the best chance of success are those that align with both federal and state priorities. Check with your state’s administrative agency to see what priorities are outlined and how your proposal can support them.

Five Steps for Preparing a Strong Application

At Total Security Solutions, we’ve supported thousands of physical security projects across the country—many of them funded through federal and state grants, including the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP). Over the years, we’ve worked closely with public safety officials, state administrative agencies, and grant writers to help them plan and implement upgrades that align with FEMA’s priorities.

We understand what reviewers are looking for: clear justifications, threat-driven designs, and realistic timelines. Whether you're leading the grant application or supporting it as a subrecipient, following these five best practices will give your project both a stronger foundation and a better chance at getting funded.

1. Review the Notice and Start Early

Every year, FEMA releases a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) outlining eligibility and requirements for the SHSGP. If your agency plans to apply or to partner as a subrecipient, it’s essential to review this notice carefully and reach out early to your state's administrative agency (SAA). Your SAA coordinates the application process and submits the request for funding. Each state has different deadlines and requirements, so early engagement helps you stay ahead of deadlines.

2. Complete a Detailed Threat Assessment

To strengthen your proposal, start with a detailed threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment (TVRA). This helps define your facility’s security gaps, such as unprotected public lobbies or vulnerable entrances. Some states or local jurisdictions can assist with this step through local law enforcement or emergency management offices. The more clearly your project addresses specific, credible threats, the more viable your application will be.

This checklist can help you assess your risks, plan your project, and understand your timeline.

3. Align Projects With Regional Risk Plans

SHSGP applications are evaluated based on how well they align with your region’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR). These documents identify regional risks and gaps; your project should address and help close one of these gaps.

For example, if your regional THIRA identifies the threat of violence at government facilities, a project to add ballistic barriers to those areas would directly support that goal.

4. Provide a Clear Budget and Timeline

FEMA wants to ensure grant-funded projects can be completed on time and within budget. Including a clear scope of work, cost estimate, and implementation timeline is essential. The more detailed and realistic your documentation, the better. We frequently work with agencies to specify materials that mitigate identified risks without adding unnecessary costs.

For instance, many government agencies benefit from adding bullet-resistant barriers in key areas, such as at transaction windows or in front of reception desks. The UL 752 standard specifies eight levels of protection, but most government agencies don’t need the highest level. Many local agencies benefit from barriers tested to UL Level 1, while UL Level 3 is the standard for many city halls, state offices, courthouses, and law enforcement agencies.

We can help you identify the right solutions based on the threats you face and develop phased plans within a realistic budget and timeline.

5. Support the Investment Justification Process

Your state agency will draft the formal Investment Justification (IJ) submitted to FEMA.

As a subrecipient, you’ll need to supply documentation, drawings, and justification that all clearly demonstrate how your project addresses FEMA priorities. That includes showing how it mitigates real-world threats, such as active shooter incidents or civil unrest.

Be ready to provide any supporting bios, compliance forms, or details on personnel involved in the project.

Grant Application Timeline & Checklist

To put this together, here’s a suggested project timeline working backwards from the Notice of Funding deadlines and a checklist of items to address. Adjust for your state’s deadlines.

Grant Application Stage

Review the Notice of Funding, noting important dates and contact information
Identify your state administrative agency
Identify security upgrades needed
Perform or update threat/vulnerability assessment
Identify specific physical security needs
Begin researching physical security solution providers
Map project to state and federal priorities
Work with state or local agencies that share similar needs to expand the scope of the project, as broader, multi-agency projects aligned with federal and state priorities may be more likely to receive approval
Get cost estimates and design drawings
Secure stakeholder support letters and draft narrative justification
Assist your SAA with completing the application; ensure all required attachments are included, such as vendor quotes or risk assessments
Review budget for allowable costs

Award Stage

Based on current guidelines, FEMA typically makes awards within about six weeks of the application deadline. Once you are notified, you’ll need to share your project’s intended start and completion date and provide an itemized budget and timeline.

Post-Award Stage

Manage procurement, delivery, and installation of security upgrades
Maintain documentation, including purchase orders, receipts, and progress photos
Report all required updates to your SAA
Establish a plan for training your agency’s employees and maintaining the system you’ve implemented, including proper care and cleaning of bulletproof systems

Examples of Our Government Projects

Bulletproofing the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Bankruptcy Courthouse

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) needed to harden the entrypoint of a 19th-century courthouse building in Brooklyn, N.Y., without altering or damaging the historic architecture. The building, a Romanesque Revival landmark, featured irreplaceable marble, intricate woodwork, and finishes that could not be drilled into or removed.

TSS engineered and installed a custom ballistic glass entry system using glass-clad polycarbonate glazing tested to UL Level 3, capable of stopping up to three shots from common handguns, supported by Level 3 ballistic aluminum framing.

The team performed much of the prep work ahead of time to speed up installation time. designed to be completely freestanding and visually compatible with the historic space

They constructed elevated “curbs” to level out the sloped marble floors and used custom fillers to match the existing materials.

Our team completed the installation within one week.

The result was a highly secure ballistic checkpoint that preserved the architectural integrity of the space. This project shows how ballistic upgrades can be integrated even into sensitive, historic government buildings and serves as a blueprint for other agencies facing similar constraints.

FAQs

What types of projects qualify for Homeland Security grants?

Projects must address identifiable threats or capability gaps and align with one or more National Priority Areas. For physical security, qualifying upgrades often include:

Bullet-resistant doors, windows, and transaction systems
Entryway vestibules or mantraps for public lobbies
Ballistic panels for interior walls or public service counters
Access control systems (badges, turnstiles, biometrics)
Surveillance and intrusion detection systems
Protective barriers, fencing, and secure perimeters

To be eligible, your project should be part of a broader security plan and supported by a threat or vulnerability assessment.

Can my organization apply for both SHSGP and other grant programs?

Possibly. While many projects typically would not qualify for funding from more than one of these programs, Federal Emergency Management Agency informational bulletin dated March 11, 2024, states law enforcement agencies at higher education institutions may be eligible for funding under the SHSGP, Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and Urban Area Security Initiative if they are nonprofit institutions, meet minimum requirements, and do not duplicate funding requests. These requests must be coordinated through the appropriate state or regional agency.

What level of ballistic protection do we need?

That depends on your specific threat profile. Most public-facing government facilities, including schools, DMVs, courthouses, and health departments, choose UL 752 Levels 1–3, which protect against:

Level 1: 9mm handguns (most common in workplace and public violence)
Level 2: .357 Magnum
Level 3: .44 Magnum

If your facility is at higher risk or houses critical infrastructure, you may want to explore Level 4 or higher, which includes protection against rifles. TSS can help assess your threat level and recommend the appropriate glazing, framing, and accessories.

How long does it take to complete a grant-funded project with TSS?

While every project is unique, a typical timeline from planning to completed installation is three to six months. Key factors include:

The scope and complexity of your project
Custom fabrication requirements
Supply chain lead times
Building access and installation constraints

We coordinate with your team and the grant timeline to ensure the project is completed within the grant’s period of performance.

What funding alternatives do I have if I don’t win the grant?

If your SHSGP application isn’t successful, don’t give up. Many successful projects are awarded on the second or third try. Our team can also work with you to help you break your project into phases so it’s more affordable to implement, starting with the highest priority needs.

You may be able to use a portion of your capital improvements budget to make these upgrades as well. You can also consider applying to other grant programs if you are eligible, such as the NSGP if you are a nonprofit.

What services does TSS provide as part of a grant-funded project?

TSS offers full-service support, including:

Working with your team to identify the most common threats
Recommending materials based on your risks
Providing detailed project specifications, designs and drawings
Fabrication, shipping, and professional installation
Post-installation support and compliance documentation

We’ve helped thousands of agencies across the U.S. protect their teams and facilities, and we’re happy to help yours.

Work With TSS To Develop Your Physical Security Grant Proposal

Obtaining SHSP funds for physical security upgrades like bulletproofing is achievable, but success depends on doing the foundational work: threat assessments, detailed designs, clear alignment with federal and state priorities, realistic budgets, and early, careful application preparation.

Total Security Solutions is ready to assist at any step, from assessment to spec to installation. Schedule a consultation today to get started.