Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS FEMA 08 GDA 089 1756
Apply for DHS FEMA 08 GDA 089 1756
- The Department of Homeland Security FEMA in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "The Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.089 Drivers License Security Grant Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 4, 2008 and posted on Dec 13, 2007.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 7, 2008. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $79,875,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program was a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through FEMA, designed to help states strengthen the security and reliability of driver licensing and identification systems in line with the REAL ID Act and the 9/11 Commission recommendations. The core purpose was to support the idea of "one person, one REAL ID" by improving how identities are established, validated, and protected during the issuance process. In practical terms, the program aimed to reduce the risk of fraudulent identity documents being issued and to better safeguard the personal data of REAL ID holders from theft or misuse, especially where compromised identity information could support criminal activity or terrorism-related threats inside the United States.
This funding opportunity was categorized under homeland security, public safety, and preparedness, reflecting its focus on strengthening a foundational security function carried out by state motor vehicle agencies: identity proofing and credential issuance. The grant program emphasized both sides of the problem: preventing fraud at the front end (making it harder for someone to obtain an ID under a false identity) and protecting sensitive identity information on the back end (reducing opportunities for data breaches, insider misuse, and identity theft). Because it was framed as a demonstration program, it was intended to help states pilot, test, and implement improvements that could show measurable progress toward more secure issuance practices and better protection of personally identifiable information.
Funding was substantial, with an estimated total of $79,875,000 available and an expectation of about 25 awards. The program did not require cost sharing or matching funds, which lowered the barrier for states to participate and encouraged broader adoption of security enhancements without requiring additional state budget commitments as a prerequisite. Eligibility was limited to state governments, consistent with the fact that driver licensing and state identification issuance are primarily state responsibilities and that states would be the entities implementing any system upgrades, process changes, or technology deployments supported through the grants.
From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity was listed under Funding Opportunity Number DHS FEMA 08 GDA 089 1756 and tied to CFDA 97.089, identified as the Drivers License Security Grant Program. The posting date was December 13, 2007, and although the original application deadline was February 4, 2008, the closing date reflected in the final listing was extended to April 7, 2008. The opportunity was later archived on May 4, 2008. For applicants or interested parties who had trouble accessing the announcement, DHS provided support through the Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) at (800) 368-6498, available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Overall, this grant opportunity was focused on helping states modernize and harden the systems and procedures used to issue driver licenses and identification cards so that they are more resistant to fraud, better aligned with national security objectives, and more protective of residents personal identity information, with the broader goal of reducing the likelihood that identity weaknesses could be exploited in serious crimes or terrorism-related activity.
FY 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program (DHS/FEMA) - FAQs
What was the FY 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program?
The FY 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program was a discretionary funding opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through FEMA. It was designed to help states strengthen the security and reliability of driver licensing and identification systems in line with the REAL ID Act and the 9/11 Commission recommendations.
What was the main purpose of this grant program?
The core purpose was to support the concept of "one person, one REAL ID" by improving how identities are established, validated, and protected during the ID issuance process. The program focused on reducing the risk of fraudulent identity documents and improving protections for the personal data of REAL ID holders.
What types of risks was the program trying to reduce?
The program aimed to reduce (1) front-end risks, such as someone obtaining a driver license or ID card under a false identity, and (2) back-end risks, such as data breaches, insider misuse, identity theft, or other misuse of personally identifiable information. These risks were highlighted due to their potential connection to criminal activity or terrorism-related threats inside the United States.
How did the program relate to homeland security and public safety?
This opportunity was categorized under homeland security, public safety, and preparedness because it focused on strengthening a foundational security function carried out by state motor vehicle agencies: identity proofing and credential issuance.
Why was it called a "demonstration" grant program?
It was framed as a demonstration program to help states pilot, test, and implement improvements that could show measurable progress toward more secure issuance practices and stronger protection of personally identifiable information.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was limited to state governments. This aligns with the fact that driver licensing and state identification issuance are primarily state responsibilities and states would be implementing the supported system upgrades, process changes, or technology deployments.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No. The program did not require cost sharing or matching funds, which reduced barriers for states to participate and encouraged broader adoption of security enhancements without requiring additional state budget commitments as a prerequisite.
How much funding was available?
The estimated total funding available was $79,875,000.
How many awards were expected?
About 25 awards were expected.
Which federal agency administered the program?
The program was run by DHS through FEMA.
What was the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number was DHS FEMA 08 GDA 089 1756.
What CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity was tied to CFDA 97.089, identified as the Drivers License Security Grant Program.
When was the opportunity posted?
The posting date was December 13, 2007.
What was the application deadline?
The original application deadline was February 4, 2008, and the closing date in the final listing reflected an extension to April 7, 2008.
When was the opportunity archived?
The opportunity was later archived on May 4, 2008.
What kinds of improvements was the funding meant to support?
Based on the stated goals, funding was meant to support state efforts to modernize and harden driver license and ID issuance systems and procedures, including improvements to identity establishment and validation, fraud prevention during issuance, and protection of sensitive identity information from theft or misuse.
What was the broader goal behind strengthening REAL ID issuance?
The broader goal was to reduce the likelihood that identity weaknesses could be exploited in serious crimes or terrorism-related activity by making state-issued identity credentials more resistant to fraud and better aligned with national security objectives.
Who could be contacted for help accessing the announcement?
DHS provided support through the Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) at (800) 368-6498.
What were the CSID support hours?
CSID support was available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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