USR_PB NOFO_APPROVED_FINAL.pdf

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

National Urban Search and Rescue Response System

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information. Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection 4, How to Register to Apply.

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Office of Response and Recovery, Response Directorate, Operations Division, Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Branch

2. Assistance Listings (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number) 97.025

3. Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title) National Urban Search and Rescue Response System

4. Funding Opportunity Title

Fiscal Year 2020 National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-20-DOD-025-00-01

6. Authorizing Authority for Program The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Pub. L. No. 93- 288, as amended, 42 U.S.C § 5165f

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. No. 116-93), Title III – Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Operations and Support.

8. Announcement Type Initial http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities The National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System (the System) provides funding for 28 national task forces staffed and equipped to assist State and local governments conduct around-the-clock search-and-rescue operations following a Presidentially declared major disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act (e.g., earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, aircraft accidents, hazardous materials spills and catastrophic structure collapses). When deployed, these task forces support State and local emergency responders' efforts to locate survivors and manage recovery operations.

This program supports DHS Mission 5, Goal 5.1: “Enhance National Readiness,” as provided in the DHS 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.

The objective of this Cooperative Agreement is to provide for the sustainment and readiness of the System and local jurisdictions, through the funding of administration and management, training, equipment, and storage and maintenance.

Program Priorities are as follows:

1. Ensure that System Sponsoring Agency Administrative Organizations manage and administer task force affairs and activities consistent with best practices; to include making available training and exercises that enable task force personnel to safely perform assigned duties in accordance with established FEMA and System standards and guidance.

2. Ensure a state of readiness and enhance operational effectiveness by acquiring and maintaining equipment and tools in accordance with the System’s current approved FEMA Equipment Cache List.

3. Provide leased space to meet the office, training site and storage requirements of the System.

4. Optimize standby activities by making available resources to enable catastrophic event planning, mobilization exercises and technical assistance.

5. Provide forums to enable FEMA and System Sponsoring Agency senior leadership coordination and discussion on System strategic issues.

10. Performance Metrics

A FEMA Urban Search & Rescue resource will arrive on scene within 16 hours of notification for no-notice events within the Contiguous United States from the time a request is received from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $37,832,000.00

2. Projected number of Awards: 28

3. Period of Performance: 36 months

Details of funding amounts can be found in the accompanying Appendices. Extensions to the period of performance will not be permitted unless the recipient has a compelling justification. Recipients shall follow the steps identified in Section H of this document to obtain an extension to the period of performance.

4. Projected Period of Performance Start Date: 09/01/2020

5. Projected Period of Performance End Date: 08/31/2023

6. Funding Instrument Type:

Cooperative Agreement

Program authority and responsibility under this Cooperative Agreement reside with FEMA. FEMA retains the right to terminate all or part of the Cooperative Agreement and may conduct site visits and monitoring throughout the Period of Performance.

FEMA will work with the recipient to develop and refine the details of executing this award, including work plans, goals and objectives, timelines, deliverables, effectiveness measures, selection of key partners, outreach or educational materials, coordination of multi state efforts, and definition of eligible and ineligible tasks to ensure that program is effectively implemented. The recipient shall not engage in the development of tasks not approved in the recipient’s application without prior approval and the issuance of an amendment to the award by FEMA. Details for implementing this Cooperative Agreement are provided in the Statement of Work. (Appendix A)

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

FEMA-designated Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Sponsoring Agencies (See Appendix C)

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

FEMA-designated Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Sponsoring Agency.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria There are no Other Eligibility Criteria for this program.

4. Cost Share or Match There is no Cost Share or Cost Match requirement under this program.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Date posted to Grants.gov 06/24/2020

b. Initial Application Submission in Grants.gov (SF-424) 07/10/2020

c. Application Submission Deadline in ND Grants: 07/24/2020 at

5:00 pm ET

d. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 08/30/2020

e. Anticipated Award Date: 09/01/2020

f. Other Key Dates

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3. Address to Request Application Package

Initial Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal, and the complete application will be processed through the ND Grants System. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

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

Hardcopies of the NOFO may be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice is: (800) 462-7585

4. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for

Award Management (SAM) To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and Employer ID Number (EIN)

b. In the application, provide a valid Data Universal Numbering System DUNS number, which is currently the unique entity identifier;

c. Have an account with login.gov;

d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;

e. Create a Grants.gov account;

f. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account;

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

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Obtaining DUNS Number Four weeks before actual submission deadline Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in Grants.gov Two weeks before actual submission deadline Final application in ND Grants One week before actual submission deadline http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.login.gov/

b. Submit an initial application (SF-424) in Grants.gov;

g. Submit the final application in the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants system; and

h. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information 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/FEMA may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and 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/FEMA is ready to make a federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active 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 award, DHS/FEMA 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.

5. 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 DHS/FEMA requires applicants to submit initial applications through Grants.gov and the final and complete application through the ND Grants System.

a. How to Register to Apply Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS funds.

Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the 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 ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

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

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

2) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

3) 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

4) 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) or an individual 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 of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS field while adding a profile.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

5) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create 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 Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization.

You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

6) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

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

7) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application 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 organization 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 Initial Application to DHS via Grants.gov Standard Form 424 (SF-424) is the initial application for this NOFO.

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. For each NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

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

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

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your 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

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

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

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

To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first.

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 your application package at least 24- 48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

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

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

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. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to 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. Submitting the Final Application to DHS/FEMA in ND Grants After submitting the initial application in Grants.gov, eligible applicants will be notified by DHS/FEMA and asked to proceed with submitting their complete application package in ND Grants. Applicants can register early with ND Grants and are encouraged to begin their ND Grants registration at the time of this announcement. Early registration will allow applicants to have adequate time to start and complete their application.

If you need assistance registering for the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.dhs.gov or (800) 865-4076. For step-by-step directions on using the ND Grants system and other guides, please see https://www.fema.gov/non-disaster-grants-management-system.

In ND Grants, applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information required as described below. The Standard Forms (SF) are auto generated in ND Grants, but applicants may access these forms in advance through the Forms tab under the SF- 424 family on Grants.gov. Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they have all the information required:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:ndgrants@fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/non-disaster-grants-management-system https://www.fema.gov/non-disaster-grants-management-system

SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction) in addition to or instead of SF-424A

SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances

(Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424B SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Indirect Cost Agreement or Proposal, if the budget includes indirect costs and the applicant is required to have an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal. See further information below regarding allowability of indirect costs and documentation requirements, including if the applicant does not have or is not required to have an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal, or contact the relevant DHS/FEMA staff identified in Section G, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information” for further instructions.

Generally, applicants have to submit either the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B) or construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D), meaning that applicants that only have construction work and do not have any non-construction work need only submit the construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D) and not the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B), and vice versa. However, applicants who have both construction and non-construction work under this program need to submit both the construction and non-construction forms.

For program-specific application submission requirements, please refer to the subsection titled “Content and Form of Application Submission” under Section D of this NOFO, Appendix A, and FEMA Form 089-0-10 (Available on http://www.grants.gov)

8. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission As application submission is a two-step process, the applicant 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 their initial application. This notification does not serve as proof of timely submission as the application is not complete until it is submitted in the ND Grants System. Applicants can also view the ND Grants Agency Tracking Number by accessing the Details tab in the submitted workspace section in Grants.gov, under the Agency Tracking Number column. Should the Agency Tracking Number not appear, the application has not yet migrated from Grants.gov into the ND Grants System. Please allow 24 hours for your ND Grants application tracking number to migrate. All applications must be received in ND Grants by 5:00 PM (ET) on 07/24/2020. Failure to submit by the deadline may result in an applicant being denied consideration for this funding opportunity.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by ND Grants. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by ND Grants. Additionally, the applicant(s) listed as contacts on the application will receive a system-generated email to confirm receipt.

9. Content and Form of Application Submission The following forms or information are required to be submitted in either Grants.gov or ND Grants. The Standard Forms (SF) are submitted either through Grants.gov, through forms generated in ND Grants, or as an attachment in ND Grants. Applicants may also access the SFs at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

a. Grants.gov SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (Initial Application) Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

b. ND Grants: Standard Forms or Information SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction) in addition to or instead of SF-424A

SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances

(Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424B SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or Proposal if the budget includes indirect costs.

See further information below regarding allowability of indirect costs and documentation requirements, including if the applicant does not have or is not required to have an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal, or contact the relevant DHS/FEMA staff identified in Section G, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information” for further instructions.

c. ND Grants: Program-Specific Forms or Information

(Available on http://www.grants.gov or https://www.fema.gov/grant-forms) In addition, applicants are also be required to submit the following in ND Grants:

Completed US&R Budget Narrative Workbook, FEMA Form 089-0-10 Any requests & approvals received for pre-award costs (if applicable) If one or more vehicle purchases is/are included in the budget narrative, include the following:

o Vehicle (rolling or floating) specifications of the vehicle(s) the applicant intends to purchase o A completed Vehicle Support Unit Purchase Replacement/Disposal

Justification Form, FEMA Form 089-0-26

10. Other Submission Requirements Submitting Sponsoring Agency applicants must submit one complete application each, including a budget plan that is in accordance with the items outlined in the US&R Task Force FY 2020 Readiness Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work. (Appendix A)

11. Intergovernmental Review

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-https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/grant-forms https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html order/12372.html; https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC- February-2019.pdf).

12. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs Federal funds made available through this award may only be used for the purpose set forth in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award.

Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other Federal grants/cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the federal government or any other government entity. Additional instructions on funding restrictions and allowable costs are in US&R Task Force FY 2020 Readiness Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work (Appendix A) and through internally issued National US&R Response System Program Directives. (Available from the US&R Branch)

a. Pre-Award Costs

Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.458, pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the Federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the Federal award and only with the written approval from FEMA.

To apply for the approval to of pre-award costs (i.e., costs incurred prior to the beginning of the Period of Performance for this Cooperative Agreement) the recipient shall submit a justification as to why the pre-award cost approval is necessary, along with a detailed estimate of costs, in the application. The US&R Branch will review and forward the application to the Grant Programs Directorate for approval. The recipient will then be instructed to include their request and the approval with their application package submission.

Once the cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient may then draw down this funding to cover the pre-award expenses at that time.

b. Direct Costs

• Planning: Planning costs related to training or exercises are allowed under this program.

• Training: Training related costs are allowed under this program.

• Exercises: Exercise related costs are allowed under this program.

• Equipment: Equipment costs are allowed under this program.

• Medical Monitoring: Medical Monitoring costs are allowed under this program

• Domestic: Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program.

• International: International travel is not an allowable cost under this program unless approved in advance by FEMA.

• Except for minor renovations and modifications of existing warehouse facilities that do not change the footprint of the structure, construction and renovation costs are not allowed. Examples of permissible minor renovation and modification https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf costs include but are not limited to office/storage space build-out/reconfiguration, ceilings, loading docks/doors, lighting, HVAC, and security fencing. US&R Branch approval is required for reimbursement of renovation and modification costs. The purpose of allowing minor renovation and modification costs is to ensure the equipment cache is maintained as required under the National Urban Search and Rescue Response program. See 42 U.S.C. § 5165f(l)(2); 44 C.F.R. § 208.23(c)(4).

• You may only use cooperative agreement funds to pay for warehouse leases for a twelve-month consecutive period within the overall period of performance and that there is no guarantee of cooperative agreement funding in future years. Task forces may write contracts with an available fund’s clause or option years for protection.

c. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

Management and Administration costs are allowed under this program, as outlined in 44 C.F.R. § 208.23. Management and Administration costs are activities directly related to implementing the award. Funding levels for M&A costs, if proposed, will be negotiated on a per applicant basis.

d. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs Indirect costs are allowable under this program as described in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, including § 200.414. Applicants with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement that desire to charge indirect costs to an award must provide a copy of their negotiated indirect cost rate agreement at the time of application. Applicants that are not required by 2 C.F.R. Part 200 to have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement but are required by 2 C.F.R. Part 200 to develop an indirect cost rate proposal must provide a copy of their proposal at the time of application. Post-award requests to charge indirect costs will be considered on a case-by-case basis and based upon the submission of an agreement or proposal as discussed above.

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria

Only FEMA-designated Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Sponsoring Agencies (28 total, see Appendix C) are eligible to apply for this NOFO.

Applicants must be a FEMA-designated Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Sponsoring Agency.

Submitting Sponsoring Agency applicants must submit one complete application each, including a budget plan that is in accordance with the items outlined in the US&R Task Force FY 2020 Readiness Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work.

(Appendix A).

b. Financial Integrity Criteria

Prior to making a federal award, FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 note, 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and 2 C.F.R. § 200.205 to review information available through any

OMB-designated repositories of government wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. 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 (see Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-91, OMB Memorandum M-18-18 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf):

1) FEMA is required 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 https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ website.

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) FEMA 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. § 200.205.

2. Review and Selection Process

FEMA staff, professionally and technically qualified in the System, will evaluate applications and select applicants for funding. Applicants will be evaluated and selected for funding based on the following:

a. The applicant demonstrates expertise and qualifications necessary to support

Emergency Support Function #9 (ESF #9) activities under the National Incident Management System and the National Response Framework.

b. The applicant’s proposed work plan is consistent with the US&R Task Force FY 2020 Readiness Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work. (Appendix A)

c. The applicant proposes costs that are allowable, reasonable and allocable in relation to proposed projects and tasks.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award Before accepting the award, the AOR and recipient should carefully read the award package. The award package includes instructions on administering the grant award and https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards.

Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any special terms and conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

Notification of award approval is made through the ND Grants system through an automatic e-mail to the awardee point of contact (the “authorized official”) listed in the initial application. The date FEMA approves the award is the “award date.” The awardee should follow the directions in the notification to accept the award.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 90 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify the awarding agency of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award or provide a notice of intent to decline through the ND Grants system.

For Instructions on how to accept or decline an award in the ND Grants system, please see the ND Grants Grant Recipient User Guide. Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through the ND Grants system and all other conditions of award have been satisfied, or the award is otherwise rescinded. Failure to accept the grant award within the 90-day timeframe may result in a loss of funds.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions All successful applicants for DHS grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, which are available online at: DHS Standard Terms and Conditions.

The applicable DHS Standard Terms and Conditions will be those in effect at the time the award is made. What terms and conditions will apply for the award will be clearly stated in the award package at the time of award.

b. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance As a Federal agency, FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and/or historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including grant-funded projects, comply with Federal EHP regulations, laws, and Executive Orders as applicable.

3. Reporting

Below is an overview of the reporting requirements for this program. Additional reporting information is in US&R Task Force FY 2020 Readiness Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work. (Appendix A)

a. Federal Financial Reporting Requirements The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form (SF-425) is available online at:

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

Recipients must report obligations and expenditures on a quarterly basis through the FFR to DHS/FEMA. Recipients must file the FFR electronically using the Payment and Reporting Systems (PARS).

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1553003058332-2016d7d4ab538f3e6fa49b6e0c59e236/2019_Grant_Recipient_User_Guide.pdf http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/LogIn?sawContentMessage=true

An FFR must be submitted quarterly throughout the period of performance (POP), including partial calendar quarters, as well as in periods where no grant award activity occurs. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent, demonstrate a lack of progress, or are insufficient in detail.

b. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements Awardees are responsible for providing updated performance reports using FEMA Form 089-0-11 (Available on http://www.grants.gov or https://www.fema.gov/grant-forms) on a Semi-Annual basis through ND Grants. FEMA Form 089-0-11 is due within 30 after the end of the reporting period; recipients must complete FEMA Form 089-0-11 and submit it as an attachment to the ND Grants system.

c. Financial and Programmatic Reporting Periods and Report Due Dates

Quarterly Federal Financial Report

(SF-425)

January 1 – March 31

April 30

Semi-Annual Performance Report (FEMA Form 089-0-11)

January 1 – June 30

July 30

Quarterly Federal Financial Report

(SF-425)

April 1 – June 30

July 30

Quarterly Federal Financial Report

(SF-425)

July 1 – September 30

October 30

Semi-Annual Performance Report (FEMA Form 089-0-11)

July 1 – December 31

January 30

d. Financial and Compliance Audit Report

For audits of fiscal years beginning on or after December 26, 2014, recipients that expend $750,000 or more from Federal funding sources during their fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report.

The audit must be performed in accordance with the requirements of Government and Accountability Office’s (GAO) Government Auditing Standards, located at:

http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm, and the requirements of Subpart F of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, located at:

https://w w.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-subpartF

e. Closeout Reporting Requirements

Report Type Reporting Period

Report Due Date

Quarterly Federal Financial Report

(SF-425)

October 1 – December 31

January 30

Semi-Annual Performance Report (FEMA Form 089-0-11)

October 1 – December 31

January 30 http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/grant-forms http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm, https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-subpartF https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-subpartF https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-subpartF

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, recipients must submit the following:

1) The final request for payment, if applicable;

2) The final FFR (SF-425);

3) The final progress report detailing all accomplishments;

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

5) Other documents required by this NOFO, terms and conditions of the award, or other US&R Branch and GPD guidance.

If applicable, an inventory of all construction projects that used funds from this program must be reported with the final progress report.

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by the US&R Branch and GPD, a closeout notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be deobligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant 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. § 200.333.

In addition, any recipient that issues subawards to any subrecipient is responsible for closing out those subawards as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.343. Recipients acting as pass-through entities must ensure that they complete the closeout of their subawards in time to submit all necessary documentation and information to FEMA during the closeout of their prime grant award. The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

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

This reporting requirement pertains to disclosing information related to government-wide suspension and debarment requirements. Before a recipient enters into a grant award with FEMA, the recipient must notify FEMA if it knows if it or any of the recipient’s principals under the award fall under one or more of the four criteria listed at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335:

1) Are presently excluded or disqualified;

2) 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 recipient’s principals for one of those offenses within that time period;

3) 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

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

At any time after accepting the award, if the recipient learns that it or any of its principals falls under one or more of the criteria listed at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335, the recipient must provide immediate written notice to FEMA in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 180.350.

g. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance Per 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Appendix I § F.3, the additional post-award reporting requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Appendix XII may apply to applicants who, if upon becoming recipients, have a total value of currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all federal awarding agencies that exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of an award under this funding opportunity. Recipients that meet these criteria must maintain current 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.

4. Monitoring Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.336, FEMA, through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems to review project accomplishments and to provide any required technical assistance. During site visits, FEMA will review grant recipients’ files related to the grant award. As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, grant recipients must permit FEMA, upon reasonable notice, to review grant-related records and to interview the organization’s staff and contractors regarding the program.

Recipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to FEMA requests for information relating to the grant program.

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information

1. The following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay

Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice is: (800) 462-7585.

2. For Program Questions About Applying for an Award

The Centralized Services Information Desk (CSID) is a non-emergency comprehensive management and information resource developed by DHS for grants stakeholders. CSID provides general information on all FEMA grant programs and maintains a comprehensive database containing key personnel contact information at the Federal, State, and local levels. When necessary, recipients will be directed to a Federal point of contact who can answer specific programmatic questions or concerns. CSID can be reached by phone at (800) 368- 6498 or by e-mail at: askcsid@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.

3. For Financial and Administrative Questions About Applying for an Award mailto:askcsid@fema.dhs.gov, GPD’s Grant Operations Division Business Office provides financial support and technical assistance, such as for password resets and registration requests, questions regarding Form 1199A, payment status, amendments, closeouts, and tracking de-obligation and award amounts. Additional guidance and information can be obtained by contacting the FEMA Call Center at (866) 927-5646 or via e-mail to: ASK- GMD@fema.dhs.gov.

4. Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (OEHP) OEHP provides guidance and information about the EHP review process to FEMA programs and its recipients and sub-recipients. All inquiries and communications about EHP compliance for FEMA grant projects or the EHP review process should be addressed with the US&R Branch.

H. Additional Information

1. Period of Performance Extensions

The POP for this Cooperative Agreement is 36 months to allow sufficient time to complete and execute the budget. Extensions to the POP for this program are allowed.

Extensions to the POP identified in the award will only be considered through formal, written requests to both the US&R Branch and the FEMA Grants Assistance Officer and must contain specific and compelling justifications as to why an extension is required.

All extension requests must be submitted using FEMA Form 089-0-012 – Amendment (Available on http://www.grants.gov or https://www.fema.gov/grant-forms) and must address the following:

• Brief status of ongoing activity under this Cooperative Agreement

• Outline of remaining funds available and necessary to finish activity during extension, and

• Explanation of why activity could not be completed within the Period of

Performance

Awardees should submit all proposed extension requests to DHS/FEMA for review and approval at least 60 days before the end of the Period of Performance.

2. Payment

FEMA utilizes the Payment and Reporting System (PARS) for financial reporting, invoicing and tracking payments. Additional information can be obtained at:

https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/LogIn?sawContentMessage=true .

DHS/FEMA uses the Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer (DD/EFT) method of payment to Recipients. To enroll in the DD/EFT, the Recipient must complete a Standard Form 1199A, Direct Deposit Form.

3. Appendices:

A. National Urban Search and Rescue Response System (US&R) Task Force FY 2020 Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work mailto:%20ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.

mailto:%20ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.

http://www.grants.gov/ https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/LogIn?sawContentMessage=true%20

B. Cooperative Agreement Funding – Recommended Allocations C. Task Force Allocations and Budget Totals D. Administration Budget E. Special Cache Allocations (HEPP, IST, Medical) F. Annual Advisory Organization Stipends G. Summary of Deliverables

Appendix A US&R Task Force FY 2020 Readiness Cooperative Agreement

Statement of Work

A. Purpose The U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA) are accountable to provide support and funding for the maintenance and readiness of the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System (the System).

The purpose of this Readiness Cooperative Agreement is to support the continued development and maintenance of a national urban search and rescue capability.

Specifically, this agreement provides a mechanism for distribution of Cooperative Agreement funding for certain purposes in preparation of a Federal US&R capability for disaster response. This Cooperative Agreement allows each Sponsoring Agency of a System US&R task force the opportunity to maintain a high standard and condition of operational readiness and includes guidance on key areas for task force management to focus on continued preparedness efforts.

This Cooperative Agreement provides direction to the System task force’s Sponsoring Agency for the use of funding to provide administrative and program management, training, support, equipment cache procurement, maintenance and storage.

B. Background FEMA, in cooperation with other federal, state and local agencies created the System to provide a national US&R…