How the New Appropriations Bill Impacts Security Companies

funding bill

President Trump has signed an appropriations bill funding several government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Security Industry Association (SIA) members who actively participate in or are considering participation in the federal marketplace should pay close attention to funding amounts since it could impact future procurement opportunities. The funds are available until the end of the fiscal year denoted in each section.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Customs and Border Patrol

Procurement, construction and improvements (PCI): Includes unmanned aerial system (UAS) procurements; $2.5 billion available until FY 2023. Out of the $2.5 billion, $2.3 billion can be used for the following purposes:

  • $1.375 billion for “fencing/barrier construction” along the Rio Grande Valley
  • $725 million for “border security technologies,” but of that, $570 million must be used for “non-intrusive inspection equipment” at the ports of entry

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

PCI: $45 million available until FY 2021

Transportation Security Administration

PCI: $169 million available until FY 2021

Research and development (R&D): $21 million available until FY 2020

U.S. Coast Guard

PCI: $2.2 billion available until FY 2023 (could potentially include UAS procurements)

R&D: $2.1 million available until FY 2020

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

PCI: $322 million available until FY 2021

R&D: $13 million available until FY 2020

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

PCI: $133 million available until FY 2023

FEMA grants: $3.1 billion until FY 2020; figures below indicate which relevant-to-SIA-members grant programs compose the $3.1 billion figure:

  • $525 million for the State Homeland Security Grant program
  • $640 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative
  • $100 million for the Port Security Grant program
  • $100 million for the Public Transportation Security Assistance, Railroad Security Assistance and Over-the-Road Bus Security Assistance Grant program

U.S. Department of Justice

STOP School Violence Act

The Office of Justice Programs will receive $1 million to study root causes of school violence and efficacy of grants administered pursuant to the STOP School Violence Act.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance will receive $75 million for grants to be administered pursuant to the STOP School Violence Act.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services will receive $25 million for grants to be administered pursuant to the STOP School Violence Act.