FEMA’s preparedness grants, including the Homeland Security Grant Program, can only pay for equipment on FEMA’s Authorized Equipment List. We’ve pulled out the items a crime lab, medical examiner or crime scene unit would actually buy. The full list is searchable too.
The Homeland Security Grant Program isn’t taking applications at the moment. The list still governs any award your state is spending now, and it’s the place to start planning a request for the next round.
GC-MS, LC-MS, lab Raman and FTIR, PCR, and cold storage for samples and reagents.
Handheld detector utilizing microscopic technologies such as polarized light, phase contrast. and other optical techniques.
DNA/RNA detection analysis (example: PCR, ECL).
Laboratory-grade chemical detector using Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), or a combination of multiple types in a single device chassis.
Laboratory-grade chemical detector using Ion Mobility or Mass Spectrometry as well as systems that combine separation and spectrometry techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS, etc.) and supplies such as carrier gases and SPME collection devices.
Refrigerator/freezer for maintaining temperature control (cooling) for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, reagents, samples, or evidence.
FEMA’s note: Allowable if used to maintain pharmaceuticals, reagents, and other allowable items.
Fingerprint processing, alternate light sources, evidence collection and storage, sampling kits.
Equipment for post-blast investigation, explosives/Improvised Explosive Device (IED) investigation tools, portable and handheld metal detectors (HHMD), evidence processing equipment, scene preservation equipment, upgrades. Equipment list also includes Geospatial, GPS, UAS (Drone) and additional mapping and overlay capability for crime scene investigations. Note: additional support equipment for post-blast investigation is available in other sections such as Scene Control (03OE-03), Robots and Remotely Operated Vehicles (03OE-07), Power (10), and CBRNE Logistical Support Equipment (19).
FEMA’s note: Should be purchased for and used by accredited bomb squads. For information on establishing new bomb squad programs, agencies should contact the Special Agent Bomb Technician in the nearest FBI Office or call directly to the FBI Program Manager at the Hazardous Devices School, (256) 313-1910
Still camera, digital or film.
Biological batch sampling and evidence recovery kit. Collects samples for later analysis.
Air/vapor chemical sampling/evidence kit.
Liquid chemical sampling/evidence kit.
Solid chemical sampling/evidence kit.
Equipment/containers used to provide overpacking capability for collected samples at a contaminated scene.
Equipment for fingerprint processing, including Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) interface equipment. (This item replaces item 20FP-00-AFIS)
Mobile evidence collection and storage systems, including bags, canisters, or other containers for evidence storage and preservation.
Equipment and consumable supplies for crime scene processing activities including latent fingerprint collection, evidence collection, and documentation.
Crime scene processing equipment utilizing various frequencies of light (such as ultraviolet, near-infrared, etc.) to identify fingerprints, gunshot residue, blood spatter, and other trace evidence. Light source may be laser or incandescent.
Handheld instruments that identify drugs, chemicals and explosives at the scene.
Portable mass spectrometer that may be integrated with a separation technique such as gas chromatography or liquid chromatography.
Point chemical detector utilizing Raman spectroscopy. These detectors may also have explosive detection capability when equipped with appropriate spectra libraries. See Item 07ED-01-LASR. [Note: Replaces 07CD-01-DPFR.]
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) or Differential Ion Mobility Spectrometry (DMS) detector for point chemical agent detection.
Point chemical detector utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These detectors may also have explosive detection capability when equipped with appropriate spectral libraries. See Item 07ED-01-IRED. [Note: Replaces 07CD-01-DPFR.]
Chemical classifying kit for unknown liquids, solids and vapors.
Handheld trace explosive detectors using air-sampling, particulate sampling, or dual mode operation. Underlying technologies include Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), Differential Ion Mobility Spectrometry (DMS), Mass Spectrometry (MS), Fluorescence, etc. This item replaces item 07ED-01-SNIF.
An explosive detection system that utilizes cloths, papers, strips or other media to wipe or otherwise contact a surface to collect a sample. The sampling medium is then placed in or near a device that detects/identifies an explosive based upon its unique signature. Sampling technologies include, but are not limited to vapor and particle analysis via Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), Amplifying Fluorescent Polymers, and colorimetric analysis.
Handheld spectrometer for nuclide identification using crystals such as NaI, CsI, CZT, LaBr, Boron Triflouride, and HP Germanium. [Note: This item was previously numbered as 07RD-02-HHSP and 07RD-01-RIID.]
FEMA’s note: See ODP Bulletin 133 for special guidance on these items.
Software for examining computers and file systems.
Application suites that allow in-depth analysis of hosts based on operating system and file systems. Software of this type may be used by law enforcement officers, government/corporate investigators and consultants to investigate the aftermath of computer-related crimes. Forensics software generally includes disk analysis tools, tools for the recovery of deleted files, and integrated database support to mark files and data of interest to investigators. This functionality may also be obtainable via subscription as a cloud-based service using a web browser interface, as opposed to purchasing software. See 04AP-11-SAAS for further information.
Autopsy, odontology, anthropology, DNA and radiography kits, body storage and handling.
Body bags for recovery operations of bodies and body parts underwater; these bags require holes for drainage as the bag is removed from the water/liquid.
FEMA’s note: For use only by specialty teams such as Dive Teams or Swiftwater/Flood Search and Rescue Teams.
Non-transparent cadaver bags for contaminated remains. (See 09MY-02-BAGS for non-contaminated remains.)
Single-use body bag to contain deceased patients. See also 09MY-02-BAGS, 08D3-02-BCNT.
FEMA’s note: Medical equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals purchased under this grant program are allowable only to supplement normal stores, in order to provide the surge capacity necessary for CBRNE terrorism response. They are NOT intended for routine use.
Measurement and comparison models and tools for age and sex determination. [NOTE: Replaces and includes previous items 09MO-01-OBRD, 09MO-01-LITS, 09MO-01-TANT]
Tools and equipment used by forensic odontologists to conduct post mortem examination.
Equipment used to collect DNA samples from the deceased and family members.
Tools used to collect fingerprints from the deceased.
Tools and equipment used by forensic pathologists to conduct autopsy or examination by manipulating or removing bone or tissue as required. [Note: Replaces and includes items 09MO-01-BSAW, 09MO-01-CENT, 09MO-01-LITS, 09MO-1-MCRO, 09MO-01-MCRV, 09MO-01-RIBC, 09MO-01-SCAL, 09MO-01-SINK, 09MO-01-TABL, 01MO-01-TOOL]
Tools used to create photographic documentation of remains.
Includes miscellaneous equipment and supplies necessary to support mortuary operations such as buckets and basins, tables and chairs, wet/dry vacuum, rope, sifters, hot plate, truck seals, cleaning supplies, etc.
Equipment used for obtaining full body radiographic images of the deceased. [Note: Replaces and includes item 09MO-01-LTBX]
Bag or other sealing system designed to completely seal and contain all hazardous gases and fluids associated with the transport, handling and storage of human remains.
Cadaver lift designed for one or two persons to move a decedent in a confined area. [Note: Replaces item 09MO-02-BHST]
Portable lightweight racks for decedents to be used in temporary refrigerated areas such as tents or trailers. [Note: Replaces item 09MO-02-RACK]
Stand alone refrigerator units capable of storing multiple bodies to increase storage space in existing facilities or temporary morgues. [Note: Replaces item 09MO-01-REFR]
FEMA’s latest revision (January 2026): In this update of the AEL, items were removed and modified to reflect changes to technology and standards and to update item titles, descriptions, and/or grant notes. We check FEMA’s list every month and will note additions, removals and edits here. FEMA’s full changelog ↗
