FY26 Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) | O COPS 2026 172557

FY26 Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) Program FAQs

What is the FY26 Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) program?

The FY26 PASS program is a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) grant opportunity focused on improving readiness for active shooter incidents and related threats. It supports efforts to help communities prepare for, and respond to, an active shooter threat or an act of terrorism through practical, scenario-based training.

Which federal agency is offering and administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Justice and administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), the DOJ office focused on strengthening community policing and supporting law enforcement agencies nationwide through guidance and grant funding.

What is the main purpose of PASS funding?

PASS funding is intended to support the delivery of nationally recognized, scenario-based training that improves community readiness and coordinated response to active shooter threats and acts of terrorism. The training is designed to be practical and integrated across the disciplines involved in real-world incidents.

What kind of training does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes nationally recognized, scenario-based training. It is described as practical and integrated, meaning it is intended to mirror real incident conditions and bring together the people and organizations that would respond in an actual event.

Who is the training meant to include?

The program is designed to include a broad set of partners who may play critical roles in an effective response, including:

• Law enforcement officers
• Firefighters
• Emergency medical services (EMS)
• Dispatchers
• Medical personnel
• Facility security staff
• Emergency management personnel
• Other relevant response partners

Does PASS include mental health and social service providers?

Yes. The NOFO explicitly includes mental health and social service providers as part of the preparedness ecosystem, reflecting the need for coordination beyond traditional first responder roles.

Is school-based preparedness a priority under this program?

Yes. A key feature of the FY26 PASS program is that it prioritizes access to training for School Resource Officers (SROs) who are funded under the COPS Hiring Program. This is intended to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities in primary and secondary school settings.

Which School Resource Officers (SROs are prioritized for training access)?

The program prioritizes training access for SROs who are funded under the COPS Hiring Program, with the goal of improving readiness in primary and secondary schools.

Why does PASS emphasize cross-discipline coordination?

The program frames active shooter preparedness as a national public safety priority tied to coordinated emergency response. The training model is designed to integrate the roles of multiple disciplines and partners so response planning, rapid coordination, and communication can function effectively during real-world incidents.

What type of federal award is this?

This opportunity is issued as a discretionary cooperative agreement. The cooperative agreement structure indicates the recipient will typically have responsibilities aligned with federal program and reporting expectations and will likely coordinate training delivery at scale.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 16.710.

What category is this funding opportunity listed under?

The opportunity is listed in the Law, Justice and Legal Services category.

How many awards are expected under this NOFO?

The NOFO indicates an expected single award (ExpectedAwards: 1).

What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $10,350,000.

What does the single expected award suggest about the selected recipient's role?

With one expected award and a large award ceiling, the selected recipient will likely serve as a lead organization responsible for delivering training at scale, coordinating partners, and fulfilling federal cooperative agreement requirements.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes:

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Federally recognized Tribes
• Nonprofit organizations (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status)
• For-profit organizations (including small businesses and other for-profits)
• Other entities such as community groups and faith-based organizations

Can for-profit organizations apply?

Yes. For-profit organizations (including small businesses and other for-profits) are included in the eligibility list.

Are for-profit or management fees allowed under this grant?

No. A notable condition is that for-profit organizations, and in practice any recipient, must forgo profit or management fees. Grant funds must be used for allowable program costs rather than profit-taking.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is O-COPS-2026-172557.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed is August 4, 2026.

When was the NOFO created?

The NOFO was created on June 9, 2026.

What outcomes is PASS ultimately trying to improve?

PASS is structured to increase public and officer safety nationwide by expanding access to standardized, scenario-driven active shooter preparedness training, with an emphasis on cross-discipline coordination and a specific boost to school-based preparedness through priority training access for certain SROs.