Opportunity Information: Apply for O SMART 2026 172794
The SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program is a discretionary federal grant run by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). Its core purpose is to help eligible jurisdictions develop, upgrade, or strengthen the policies, procedures, staffing, technology, and interagency practices needed to implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), which is the national framework created under the Adam Walsh Act to standardize sex offender registration and community notification across the United States.
The funding is aimed at supporting “jurisdictions” as that term is defined under SORNA. In practical terms, that includes U.S. states, the District of Columbia, major U.S. territories, and federally recognized Indian tribes that have chosen to implement SORNA to the extent authorized under federal law (34 U.S.C. 20911(10)). The underlying expectation of SORNA is that each covered jurisdiction maintains a sex offender registry and ensures that people who are required to register keep their registration current in every jurisdiction where they live, work, or attend school. Because offenders can move between jurisdictions, the program emphasizes consistent rules and effective information-sharing so registration and notification do not break down at state, territorial, or tribal boundaries.
The opportunity is specifically designed to support work that brings a jurisdiction’s registry and operational practices into alignment with SORNA’s detailed requirements. Those requirements cover what information must be collected and maintained in a registry, what information registrants must provide and keep updated, and what information registries must be able to share. A key component is participation in the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW.gov), which is the national public portal that links state, territorial, and tribal sex offender public websites and helps standardize public access and interjurisdictional connectivity. The program also recognizes modern compliance needs, including SORNA’s requirement that registrants provide advance notice when traveling internationally, which adds an operational and coordination component for jurisdictions managing travel-related notifications and related data exchanges.
Applicants are encouraged to rely on established federal guidance when shaping their proposals, since SORNA implementation is highly standards-driven. The notice points applicants to the National Guidelines for Sex Offender Registration and Notification, multiple sets of Supplemental Guidelines (including guidance related to juvenile registration under SORNA), and relevant Attorney General rules. These materials, along with other implementation resources, are available through the SMART Office website at SMART.gov. The grant notice also signals that applicants should pay close attention to the application formatting requirements and to the budget rules on allowable versus unallowable costs, since those constraints will affect what kinds of planning, technology, training, staffing, and operational enhancements can be supported with grant funds.
From an administrative standpoint, this opportunity is listed under CFDA 16.750 and is categorized under Law, Justice, and Legal Services. The funding instrument is a grant, with an award ceiling of $400,000. The program anticipates making roughly 50 awards. Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and other eligible entities as described in the notice, but the program focus remains on jurisdiction-level SORNA implementation work. The funding opportunity number is O-SMART-2026-172794, and the application closing date is November 25, 2026. For purposes of eligibility and definitions in this notice, “state” explicitly includes the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.Apply for O SMART 2026 172794
- The SMART in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.750.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-10-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-11-25. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $400,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program
What is the SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program?
It is a discretionary federal grant program administered by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). The program is designed to help eligible jurisdictions develop, upgrade, or strengthen the policies, procedures, staffing, technology, and interagency practices needed to implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) under the Adam Walsh Act.
What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?
The main purpose is to support work that helps a jurisdiction bring its sex offender registry and related operational practices into alignment with SORNA's requirements, including consistent rules and effective information-sharing across jurisdictions.
Which federal law/framework does the grant support?
The grant supports implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), which is the national framework created under the Adam Walsh Act to standardize sex offender registration and community notification across the United States.
Who is eligible to apply as a "jurisdiction" under SORNA for this funding?
Eligible jurisdictions include U.S. states, the District of Columbia, major U.S. territories, and federally recognized Indian tribes that have chosen to implement SORNA to the extent authorized under federal law (34 U.S.C. 20911(10)).
How does this notice define "state" for eligibility and program purposes?
For purposes of eligibility and definitions in this notice, "state" explicitly includes the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
What types of improvements can this grant support?
The grant is intended to support development or strengthening of policies, procedures, staffing, technology, and interagency practices needed for SORNA implementation, including improvements that enhance registry operations, data collection and maintenance, information-sharing, and coordinated practices across agencies.
Is this funding focused on sex offender registry alignment with SORNA requirements?
Yes. The opportunity is specifically designed to support work that brings a jurisdiction's registry and operational practices into alignment with SORNA's detailed requirements.
What kinds of registry information does SORNA require jurisdictions to collect and maintain (as referenced in the notice)?
The notice indicates that SORNA requirements address what information must be collected and maintained in a registry, what information registrants must provide and keep updated, and what information registries must be able to share.
Why does the grant emphasize consistent rules and information-sharing across jurisdictions?
Because registrants can move between jurisdictions, the program emphasizes consistent rules and effective information-sharing so registration and community notification processes do not break down at state, territorial, or tribal boundaries.
Does the program address participation in NSOPW.gov?
Yes. A key component referenced in the notice is participation in the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW.gov), which links state, territorial, and tribal public sex offender websites and helps standardize public access and interjurisdictional connectivity.
What is NSOPW.gov in the context of this grant?
NSOPW.gov is described as the national public portal that links state, territorial, and tribal sex offender public websites and supports standardization of public access and connectivity among jurisdictions.
Does the notice mention SORNA requirements related to international travel?
Yes. The notice references modern compliance needs, including SORNA's requirement that registrants provide advance notice when traveling internationally, which creates operational and coordination needs for jurisdictions managing travel-related notifications and related data exchanges.
What guidance should applicants rely on when designing a SORNA implementation proposal?
Applicants are encouraged to rely on established federal guidance referenced in the notice, including the National Guidelines for Sex Offender Registration and Notification, multiple sets of Supplemental Guidelines (including guidance related to juvenile registration under SORNA), and relevant Attorney General rules.
Where can applicants find SORNA implementation resources referenced by the notice?
The notice states that these materials and other implementation resources are available through the SMART Office website at SMART.gov.
Does the opportunity highlight any application compliance issues applicants should pay attention to?
Yes. The notice signals that applicants should pay close attention to application formatting requirements and to budget rules on allowable versus unallowable costs, because those constraints affect what kinds of planning, technology, training, staffing, and operational enhancements can be supported.
What is the CFDA number for this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 16.750.
How is this funding opportunity categorized?
It is categorized under Law, Justice, and Legal Services.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $400,000.
How many awards does the program expect to make?
The program anticipates making roughly 50 awards.
Who are the eligible applicants listed in the notice?
Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and other eligible entities as described in the notice, with the program focus remaining on jurisdiction-level SORNA implementation work.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is O-SMART-2026-172794.
What is the application closing date?
The application closing date is November 25, 2026.
What is the overall expectation for jurisdictions supported by this program?
The notice describes an underlying expectation that each covered jurisdiction maintains a sex offender registry and ensures that individuals required to register keep their registration current in every jurisdiction where they live, work, or attend school.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Law, Justice and Legal Services
Previous opportunity: National Parks Business Plan Internship
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for O SMART 2026 172794
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (O SMART 2026 172794) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| OJJDP FY 2026 Opioid Affected Youth Initiative Apply for O OJJDP 2026 172748 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2026 172748 Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2026 Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence Apply for O OJJDP 2026 172752 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2026 172752 Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $815,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2026 Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Opioids and Other Substance Use Apply for O OJJDP 2026 172743 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2026 172743 Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2027 Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program Apply for DHS 27 GPD 161 00 99 Funding Number: DHS 27 GPD 161 00 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $18,665,396 |
| OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program Round 10 Apply for O BJA 2026 172792 Funding Number: O BJA 2026 172792 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| OJP FY 2026 Integrity in American Elections Grant Program Apply for O BJA 2026 172793 Funding Number: O BJA 2026 172793 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "O SMART 2026 172794", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.