DHS FY 24 NOFO Template Version 24-01 October 2023_FINAL.pdf

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

National Computer Forensics Institute Grant Program

All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). The UEI number is issued by the System for Award Management (SAM) system.

UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms:

On April 4, 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier requested in, and assigned by, SAM.gov. This new identifier is the UEI. Entities that had a DUNS Number were automatically assigned a UEI. New entities needing a UEI must register in SAM.gov at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html

Grants.gov registration information can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

FY 2024 DHS NOFO Template Version 24-01 (October 2023)

Contents UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms:

Contents

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

2. Assistance Listing Number

3. Assistance Listing Title

4. Funding Opportunity Title

5. Funding Opportunity Number

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

8. Announcement Type

9. Program Category (Optional)

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

11. Performance Measures

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO

2. Projected number of Awards (Optional)

3. Period of Performance

4. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s)

5. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s)

6. Projected Budget Period(s) (If applicable/different from period of performance)

7. Funding Instrument Type: [Grant or Cooperative Agreement]

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

3. Subawards and Beneficiaries

4. Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions (If applicable)

5. Cost Share or Match

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

2. Address to Request Application Package

3. Steps Required to Obtain a UEI, Register in SAM.gov, and Submit an Application

4. Electronic Delivery

5. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov (if applicable)

6. How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov (if applicable)

7. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

8. Content and Form of Application Submission

9. Intergovernmental Review (include if applicable)

10. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation

2. Review and Selection Process

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. Monitoring and Oversight

5. Program Evaluation

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

1. Contact and Resource Information

2. Systems Information (if applicable)

H. Other Information

1. Period of Performance Extensions

2. Build America, Buy America

3. Appendices (if applicable)

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) United States Secret Service’s (USSS) National Computer Forensic Institute (NCFI)

2. Assistance Listing Number

97.142

3. Assistance Listing Title

National Computer Forensics Institute Facility Expansion Grant Program

4. Funding Opportunity Title

NCFI Facility Expansion Grant Program

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-24-USSS-142-NCFI-0001

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

National Computer Forensics Institute, 6 U.S.C. § 383 (as amended).

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Pub. L. No. 117-328, Div. F, Title II, Section 236.

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Pub. L. No. 117-328, Div. F, Title II, Section

8. Announcement Type

Initial

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Overview

This grant program is designed to renovate and expand the existing National Computer Forensics Institute’s (NCFI) current facility in Hoover, Alabama. The facility expansion enables the NCFI to grow its mission to educate, train, and equip State, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges regarding the investigation and prevention of cybersecurity incidents, electronic crimes, and related cybersecurity threats pursuant to 6 U.S.C. § 383.

b. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The renovation and expansion of the existing National Computer Forensic Institute’s current facility in Hoover, Alabama to increase facility student training capacity to more than 8,000 students annually.

c. Alignment to Program Purpose and DHS Strategic Plan

NCFI currently executes several of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Strategic Plan goals. Specifically, NCFI furthers DHS Goal 3, securing cyberspace and critical infrastructure. The NCFI Facility Expansion Grant Program increases NCFI’s capacity to meet the nation’s demand for education, training, and equipment for the investigation and prevention of cybersecurity incidents, electronic crimes, and related cybersecurity threats. NCFI provides education, training, and equipment to its federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutor, and judge audience. Students are educated on emerging threats and criminal trends, trained on appropriate threat mitigation and response, and equipped with the tools necessary to empower and support local operations.

For more information regarding DHS’s Strategic Plan, see:

https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024.

10. Performance Measures

a. Construction of three 35-person classrooms

b. Construction of one 250-person instructional auditorium

c. Construction of twenty administrative office spaces

d. Construction of common spaces and facilities to support the additional persons attending the NCFI.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO

$21,850,000.00

2. Projected number of Awards (Optional) https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024 https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024

3. Period of Performance

36 months. Extensions to the period of performance are permitted when requested in compliance with Section H: “Additional Information, Period of Performance Extensions.” Additional funding will not be provided.

4. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s)

03/01/2024

5. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s)

02/28/2027

6. Projected Budget Period(s)

There will be only a single budget period with the same start and end dates as the period of performance.

7. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

a. City or Township

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to the City of Hoover, Alabama.

3. Subawards and Beneficiaries

a. Subaward allowability - Subawards are not permitted under this funding opportunity.

4. Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions (If applicable)

N/A

5. Cost Share or Match

None

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 12/18/2023

b. Application Submission Deadline: 01/31/2024 at 11:59:59 PM EST

c. Anticipated Award Date (Optional): No later than 03/01/2024

d. Other Key Dates (If applicable)

2. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov.

For a hardcopy of the full NOFO, email a request to:

Marsha Mathis, Grants Officer Marsha.Mathis@hq.dhs.gov

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice is:

1-800-518-4726 (Grants.gov Help Desk).

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 C.F.R. § 25.110, must:

a. Be registered in SAM.gov before application submission.

b. Provide a valid UEI in its application.

c. Always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the federal award process.

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 01/03/2024 Creating an account with login.gov Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 01/03/2024 Registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier or renewing SAM registration

Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 01/03/2024

Starting application in [insert applicable system (e.g., Grants.gov)] Two weeks before actual submission deadline:01/17/2024 http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Marsha.Mathis@hq.dhs.gov

3. Steps Required to Obtain a UEI, Register in SAM.gov, and Submit an Application

To apply for a federal award under this funding opportunity, all applicants must:

a. Apply for or verify their Employer ID Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue

Service

b. Have an account with https://login.gov/

c. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and UEI and make sure the account is active.

d. Create a Grants.gov account.

e. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account.

f. Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov.

g. Submit (if applicable, add: an initial) application in Grants.gov.

h. (If applicable) Submit the final application in the <insert applicable system>.

i. (If applicable, insert other additional steps).

j. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information, including information on a recipient’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well on all predecessors that have been awarded a federal contract or grant within the last 3 years, if applicable, at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency.

Applicants are advised that DHS may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the application review period and when DHS is ready to make a federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before the federal award, DHS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

Further, following a federal award, a recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of the federal award. If a recipient’s SAM registration expires during the federal award period of performance, DHS may take a remedy for noncompliance at 2 C.F.R. § 200.339, which could include terminating the federal award.

Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.110(c)(2)(iii), if an applicant is experiencing exigent circumstances that prevents it from receiving a UEI number and completing SAM registration before receiving a federal award, the applicant must notify <DHS Component> as soon as possible by contacting <insert contact information> and providing the details of the circumstances that prevent completion of these requirements. If <DHS Component> determines that there are exigent circumstances and <DHS Component> has decided to make a federal award, the applicant will be required to obtain a UEI number, if applicable, and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the federal award date.

The Standard Language for Using Grants.gov to Apply is provided to aid in fulfilling these requirements (if applicable), based off of https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html.

4. Electronic Delivery

DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS encourages or requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity.

For this funding opportunity, the USSS requires applicants to submit applications through Grants.gov.

5. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov (if applicable)

General Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process and the following provides instructions about how to register. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the necessary information before beginning the Grants.gov registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to make sure it does not impact an applicant’s ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a UEI Number with an active SAM registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for a federal award under this funding opportunity.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but UEI SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an applicant should complete its registration in sufficient time to make sure it does not impact its ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

a. Obtain Employer Identification Number: All entities applying for funding must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN can be obtained from the IRS by visiting: “Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).”

b. Create a login.gov account: Applicants must have a login.gov account to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account at the “Create Account” page. Applicants with existing SAM accounts can use the same email address for the login.gov account as with SAM.gov so that the https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html two accounts can be linked. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page on SAM.gov for more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration.

c. Register with SAM: All applicants applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent an applicant from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Organizations will be issued a UEI number with the completed SAM registration.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html or Grants.gov Online Help

Note: The regulation at 2 C.F.R. § 25.200 requires that, in maintaining an active SAM registration with current information, an applicant must provide information on the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

d. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

e. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant). If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all your grant applications. Enter the UEI Number for the organization in the UEI field while adding a profile to add an Organization Applicant Profile to your Grants.gov account.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

Grants.gov Online Help.

f. EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After users register with Grants.gov and creates an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant’s request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving users permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the applicant. Users will be able to apply online for an applicant any time after they have been assigned an AOR role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#callingApp=c ustom&t=Applicants%2FManagement%2FManageOrganizationRoles.htm.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#t=Register%2FRegister.htm&callingApp=custom https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#t=Register%2FRegister.htm&callingApp=custom https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#t=Register%2FRegister.htm&callingApp=custom https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#callingApp=custom&t=Applicants%2FManagement%2FManageOrganizationRoles.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#callingApp=custom&t=Applicants%2FManagement%2FManageOrganizationRoles.htm

For more detailed information about the EBiz POC login, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#t=LoginAndM yAccount%2FEBizPOCLogin.htm&callingApp=custom.

g. Track Role Status: To track a user’s role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html.

h. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the AOR’s name who submitted the application on behalf of an applicant is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the applicant as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

6. How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov (if applicable)

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. Users can create individual instances of a workspace for each NOFO.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. Complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

a. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows users to complete it online and route it through an organization for review before submitting.

b. Complete a Workspace: Completing a workspace includes adding participants to the workspace to work on the application together, completing all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and checking for errors before submission.

The Workspace progress bar will display the state of the application process users apply. Users may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If users decide not to apply for an applicant by filling out webforms, users can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to a local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#t=LoginAndMyAccount%2FEBizPOCLogin.htm&callingApp=custom https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#t=LoginAndMyAccount%2FEBizPOCLogin.htm&callingApp=custom https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms: Users will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit an application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant’s name, address, and UEI number.

Applicants must complete the SF-424 information first to trigger this feature. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

f. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting an application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

g. Track a Workspace Submission: A Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application after successfully submitting a workspace application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Use the tracking number to access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

Additional training resources, including video tutorials, can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. Contact the number listed in the application package for questions related to the specific grant opportunity.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

7. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

All applications must be received by by 11:59:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. Users with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of the application. The AOR will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of timely submission. Applications received by Grants.gov after the deadline will be considered late and will not be considered for funding.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application via email to the AOR who submitted the application.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives an application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission via email to the AOR attempting to submit the application. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some users end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

8. Content and Form of Application Submission

REQUIRED FORMS

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• Grants.gov lobbying form

• SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction)

• SF-424D, Standard Assurances (Construction)

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Budget Narrative (Double-spaced, no page limit) The Budget Narrative should detail the proposed use of project funds in achieving projected outcomes. The Budget Narrative should address how the funds allocated to each eligible activity will be spent and how costs were determined for the following cost purposes:

Planning Costs. The Budget Narrative must identify the Planning activities on which proposed costs will be spent. Provide detail on proposed activities.

Project Narrative (Double-spaced, no page limit) For the proposed project, the application must include a program narrative that provides a detailed overview description of the proposed project and thoroughly addresses the objectives. Provide or describe the following:

a. Project Description

1. Provide a detailed description of the construction project, including the expansion's purpose, size, and key features.

2. Include any architectural or engineering drawings or plans to help visualize the construction.

b. Construction Timeline

1. Present a comprehensive timeline that outlines the construction process from start to finish.

2. Include milestones, deadlines, and phases of construction.

3. Specify any critical dates, such as groundbreaking and project completion.

c. Project Team:

1. List the key personnel and organizations involved in the construction project, including the project manager, contractors, architects, engineers, and any subcontractors.

2. Highlight their qualifications and experience relevant to the project.

d. Budget and Cost Estimate:

1. Detail the construction budget, including estimated costs for materials, labor, equipment, permits, and other expenses.

2. Specify how the budget aligns with the overall project budget mentioned in the grant application.

e. Funding Allocation:

1. Explain how the grant funds will be allocated for construction purposes.

2. Provide a breakdown of how much grant money will be used for various components of the construction.

f. Permits and Regulations:

1. Describe the process for obtaining necessary permits, approvals, and licenses for construction.

2. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and codes.

g. Contracting and Procurement:

1. Outline the process for selecting contractors, suppliers, and service providers.

2. Detail any competitive bidding processes or procurement methods to ensure transparency and cost-effectiveness.

h. Quality Control and Assurance:

1. Explain how the construction project will maintain quality standards and ensure that work is completed as specified.

2. Describe any quality control measures, inspections, and testing procedures.

i. Safety Measures:

1. Emphasize safety protocols and measures to protect workers, visitors, and the surrounding community during construction.

2. Highlight any safety training or certifications required for construction personnel.

j. Construction Challenges and Contingency Plans:

1. Identify potential challenges or risks that may arise during construction (e.g., weather delays, unexpected site conditions).

2. Explain contingency plans and strategies to address these challenges.

k. Communication and Reporting:

1. Outline communication channels and reporting mechanisms between the project team, the grant agency, and other stakeholders.

2. Specify how progress updates and construction milestones will be reported.

l. Site Management:

1. Detail how the construction site will be managed, including security measures and access control.

2. Address any disruption to normal operations during construction, if applicable.

Environmental Project Information Questionnaire (available attachment on Grants.Gov)

i. The questionnaire must be completed in order to provide the information necessary for USSS to determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources or historic properties.

9. Other Submission Requirements.

To access application forms and instructions for this funding opportunity, go to Grants.gov click on the “Search Grants” tab. Enter the NOFO Number located on the cover of this announcement. Click on the highlighted Funding Opportunity Number that appears and then click on the various tabs to: read the Synopsis; review the Version History; read the Full Announcement; and complete the Application Package. Please read the entire NOFO Application Package carefully before preparing and submitting an application. Application must be submitted in electronic format only. If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call the Grants.gov customer support hotline at 1-800-518-4726.

10. Intergovernmental Review (include if applicable)

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

(See https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf).

11. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs

a. General Requirements All costs charged to federal awards (including both federal funding and any non-federal matching or cost sharing funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf and regulations, policies, this NOFO, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. They must also comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200 unless otherwise indicated in the NOFO or the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered within the budget period. 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h).

b. Funding Restrictions Generally Recipients may not use federal funds and any cost sharing or matching funds under federal awards for the following activities:

1) Matching or cost sharing requirements for other federal grants and cooperative agreements (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306).

2) Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C. § 1913 or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.

3) Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.435).

c. Prohibition on Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services Recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors must comply with the prohibitions set forth in Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, Pub. L. No. 115-232 (2018) (FY 2019 NDAA) and 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200. The FY 2019 NDAA and these regulations, as they apply to recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors and subcontractors, provide for two distinct prohibitions: (1) prevent the use of federal award funds to procure or obtain covered telecommunications equipment or services; and (2) prevent the use of federal award funds to contract with an entity that uses such covered telecommunications equipment or services.

d. Pre-Award Costs Pre-award costs are not allowable and will not be approved.

e. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs (include if applicable) Management and Administration Costs are not allowed.

f. Indirect (Facilities and Administrative (F&A)) Costs Indirect Facilities and Administrative Costs are not allowed.

g. Evaluation Costs

Evaluation costs are allowable. See Section F.8.

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation

a. Programmatic Criteria

Applications will be reviewed to ensure conformance with the Eligibility Criteria in this NOFO and Application Submission requirements. The City of Hoover is the only eligible applicant as they are the sole lawful owner of NCFI’s current facility and is the sole authority that may permit modifications to the facility. The City of Hoover expressed that they will not permit any other source to modify this facility. As the grant or cooperative agreement requires that the expansion occur at NCFI’s existing facility, NCFI has not solicited any other potential sources as they would not have the authority to modify the facility. The application will be evaluated for its alignment with the National Computer Forensics Institute’s mission in training state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges in the areas of investigating cybersecurity incidents, electronic crimes, and related cybersecurity threats. This includes evaluating how the expansion project directly supports and enhances digital forensics training capabilities and capacity and the incorporation of innovative approaches, technology, and best practices for a training facility. A successful application will promote accessibility and inclusivity considerations to accommodate a diverse range of physical capabilities of students, and ensure the project’s budget allocates resources efficiently and effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.

b. Financial Integrity Criteria

The DHS Financial Awarding Office (DHS FAO), before making a federal award, is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3354 (enacted by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020)), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and 2 C.F.R. § 200.206 to review information available through any (OMB-designated repositories of government wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, including whether SAM.gov identifies the applicant as being excluded from receiving federal awards. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

1) Financial stability.

2) Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards.

3) History of performance in managing federal award.

4) Reports and findings from audits.

5) Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

c. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

Prior to making a federal award where the anticipated total federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000):

1) DHS FAO is required by 41 U.S.C. § 2313 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2) to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM, which is currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) and is accessible through the SAM.gov website.

https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://sam.gov/

2) An applicant, at its option, may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered.

3) DHS FAO will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

2. Review and Selection Process

N/A – this is a directed award

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

The AOR for the applicant should carefully read the federal award package before accepting the federal award. The federal award package includes instructions on administering the federal award and the terms and conditions of the federal award.

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the prerequisites stated in this NOFO and the material terms and conditions of the federal award, should they receive an award.

Applicants can expect to receive a grant executed by a DHS Grants Officer authorized to obligate DHS funding. Award notices will be sent via email to the senior/key person identified in the application.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

A recipient of a federal award under this funding opportunity will be required to comply with DHS Standard Terms and Conditions in effect at the time of the federal award. The DHS Standard Terms and Conditions are available online at DHS Standard Terms and Conditions. For renewal awards, the terms and conditions applicable to the initial federal award will apply unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions of the renewal award. The specific version of the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions applicable to the federal award will be clearly stated in the federal award package.

The USSS and the applicant may finalize additional specific terms and conditions for the award after application receipt and review.

b. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Compliance http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions

As a federal agency, USSS is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by USSS, including grant-funded projects, comply with federal law, Executive Orders, regulations, and policies, as applicable. As a result, the applicant must complete the Environmental Project Information Questionnaire identified above in section D.10. USSS may be required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public in order to complete necessary environmental and historic preservation review. Federal law requires that this review be completed before federal funds are released to carry out proposed projects. USSS may not be able to fund projects that are not incompliance with applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and policies.

c. Construction Project Requirements

By submitting an application for this funding opportunity, the applicant acknowledges the requirement that all federal, state, and local laws and regulations must be adhered to prior to the start of any construction activity. Failure to obtain all appropriate federal, state, and local environmental permits and clearances may jeopardize federal funding. Also:

• Any change to the approved scope of work will require re-evaluation by USSS for compliance with federal environmental and historic preservation laws, and other applicable federal laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and policies.

• If ground-disturbing activities occur during construction, the recipient and any subrecipients must ensure monitoring of ground disturbance, and if any potential archaeological resources are discovered, the subrecipient will immediately cease construction in that area and notify the recipient and USSS.

The applicant should also be aware of the Build America, Buy America Act requirements that will apply to the entire project as detailed below. Pub. L. No. 117-58, Title IX.

The applicant should be aware of the Davis-Bacon requirements that will apply to the entire project. Pub. L. No. 107-217.

3. Reporting

a. Federal Financial Reporting (FFR) Requirements

1) Recipients must report obligations and expenditures through a federal financial report. The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form, also known as Standard Form 425 (SF-425), is available online at: SF-425 OMB #4040-0014. Reports will be submitted via the GrantSolutions system within 30 days following the end of the reporting period

2) Recipients must submit the FFR (quarterly) throughout the period of performance (POP). The final reporting schedule will be determined by the award date and will be outlined in the official Notice of Award.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

Following is a SAMPLE reporting schedule:

Reporting Period Report Due Date October 1 – December 31 January 30 January 1 – March 31 April 30 April 1 – June 30 July 30 July 1 – September 30 October 30

3) The final FFR is due within 120 calendar days after the end of the POP.

4) The DHS FAO may withhold future federal awards and cash payments if the recipient does not submit timely financial reports or the financial reports submitted demonstrate lack of progress or provide insufficient detail.

b. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements

Quarterly performance and progress reporting is required within 30 days of the end of the reporting period via the GrantSolutions system. These performance and progress reports will detail the work completed and the work scheduled for the following quarter. The reports will include details regarding the following:

1) Compliance with Specifications

a. Detail completion of design specifications that align with the approved design plans and meet the required specifications, in addition to meeting required state and local building code specifications.

b. Discuss effective utilization of space within each constructed element, considering factors such as person capacity, layout, and functionality.

c. Discuss next quarter’s anticipated work towards completion.

2) Construction Quality

a. Identify number of construction defects or reworks required.

b. Assess the overall quality of finishes, including flooring, walls, ceilings, and fixtures, identify any defects, and list proposed remedies.

3) Safety and Accessibility

a. List the necessary safety regulations and guidelines, including fire safety, emergency exits, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and describe how they are being addressed.

4) Technological Integration

a. Describe the implementation of technological infrastructure, such as power outlets, sufficient building supplied power, data connectivity, audiovisual systems, video wall, desktop dual monitors, and computers, and how these items sufficiently meet the needs of the construction.

5) Indoor Environmental Quality

a. Evaluation of the effectiveness of cooling, heating, ventilation, in maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor conditions.

b. Assess the sound insulation and noise control measures to minimize disruptions in classroom.

6) Timeliness

a. Measuring whether the classrooms were completed within the specified timeframe or the agreed-upon schedule.

7) Cost Performance

a. Evaluate whether the construction costs for the classrooms align with the approved budget.

Additionally, performance reports require: 1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the federal award established for the period; 2) A computation of the costs related to units of accomplishment (where the accomplishments of the federal award can be quantified); 3) Performance trend data and analysis if data is available supporting the performance and there is analysis of performance data; 4) The reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate;

and 5) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs. (2 C.F.R. §200.329, Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance).

c. Closeout Reporting Requirements

Within 120 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a federal award, recipients must submit the following:

1) The final request for payment, if applicable.

2) The final FFR.

3) The final progress report detailing all accomplishments. The recipient must include with the final progress report an inventory of all construction projects.

4) A qualitative narrative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

5) Other documents required by this NOFO, terms and conditions of the federal award, or other DHS Component guidance.

After DHS FAO review and approves these reports, it will issue a closeout notice to close out the federal award. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be de-obligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the federal award records for three years from the date of the final FFR, unless a longer period applies, such as due to an audit or litigation, for equipment or real property used beyond the period of performance, or due to other circumstances outlined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.334.

In addition, pass-through entities are responsible for closing out those subawards as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.344; subrecipients are still required to submit closeout materials within 90 calendar days of the subaward period of performance end date.

When a subrecipient completes all closeout requirements, pass-through entities must promptly complete all closeout actions in time for the recipient to submit all necessary documentation and information to DHS FAO during the closeout of their prime award.

The recipient is responsible for returning any balances of unobligated or unliquidated funds that have been drawn down that are not authorized to be retained per 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(d).

d. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335

The regulation at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 requires an applicant to notify the DHS FAO before it enters the federal award if the applicant knows that it or any of the principals (as defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.995) fall under one or more of the following criteria listed for the federal award:

a) Are presently excluded or disqualified;

b) Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. § 180.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against it or any of the applicant’s principals for one of those offenses within that time period;

c) Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (federal, state, or local) with commission of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. § 180.800(a); or

d) Have had one or more public transactions (federal, state, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.

The regulation at 2 C.F.R. § 180.350 requires a recipient, at any time after entering a federal award, to provide immediate notice to DHS FAO if the recipient learns that either it failed to earlier disclose information as required by 2 C.F.R. §

180.335 or, due to changed circumstances, the applicant or any of the principles for the federal award now meet the criteria at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 listed above.

e. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

Appendix XII to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 sets forth a term and condition related to recipient integrity and performance matters that will apply to all federal awards under this funding opportunity. If the total value of currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of a federal award under this funding opportunity, then a recipient must maintain the currency of information of information reported in FAPIIS about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in paragraph 2 of Appendix XII at the reporting frequency described in paragraph 4 of Appendix XII.

f. Single Audit Report

A recipient that expends $750,000 or more during the recipient’s fiscal year in federal awards (as defined by 2 C.F.R. § 200.1) must have a single audit conducted in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.514 except when it elects to have a program-specific audit conducted in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.501. The audit must be conducted in accordance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F and, as required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.514, in accordance with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, which can be found on the Yellow Book page of the GAO website.

4. Monitoring and Oversight

The regulation at 2 C.F.R. § 200.337 provides DHS and any of its authorized representatives with the right of access to any documents, papers, or other records of the recipient [and any subrecipients] that are pertinent to a federal award in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, and transcripts. The right also includes timely and reasonable access to the recipient’s or subrecipient’s personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents. Pursuant to this right and per 2 C.F.R. § 200.329, DHS may conduct desk reviews and make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems to evaluate project accomplishments and to provide any required technical assistance. During site visits, DHS may review a recipient’s or subrecipient’s files pertinent to the federal award and interview and/or discuss these files with the recipient’s or subrecipient’s personnel. Recipients and subrecipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to DHS requests for information relating to a federal award.

5. Program Evaluation

Federal agencies are required to structure NOFOs that incorporate program evaluation activities from the outset of their program design and implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress towards meeting agency priority goal(s) and program outcomes.

OMB Memorandum M-21-27, Evidence-Based Policymaking: Learning Agendas and Annual Evaluation Plans, implementing Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-435 (2019) (Evidence Act), urges federal awarding agencies to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, improve equitable delivery, and elevate program service and delivery across the program lifecycle.

Evaluation means “an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.” Evidence Act, § 101 (codified at 5 U.S.C. § 311).

https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/M-21-27.pdf

As such, recipients and subrecipients are required to participate in a DHS Component, or PO-led evaluation if selected, which may be carried out by a third-party on behalf of the DHS, its component agencies, or the PO.