EBRC NOFO.pdf

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Community for Engineering Biology Research

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, Content and Form of Application Submission.

Contents A. Program Description

Issued By Assistance Listings Number (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number) Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title) Notice of Funding Opportunity Title NOFO Number Authorizing Authority for Program Appropriation Authority for Program Program Type Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions DHS Programmatic Involvement

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants Eligibility Criteria Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Cost Share or Match

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times Other Key Dates Address to Request Application Package Content and Form of Application Submission Application Instructions http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DHS-ST-19-108-CBD-0001

The Program Narrative

MANDATORY FORMS

Research & Related (R&R) Budget The Budget Justification Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Electronic Delivery How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission Funding Restrictions Equipment Travel Management and Administration (M&A) Costs Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs

E. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award Reporting Close Out Reporting Requirements Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information H. Additional Information Extensions Disclosure Financial Risk Assessment Evaluation Applicant Disclosure of Risk Status Obligation by DHS/GFAD

A. Program Description

Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T).

Assistance Listings Number (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number)

CFDA 97.108

Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title) Homeland Security, Research, Testing, Evaluation, and Demonstration of Technologies

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title Community for Engineering Biology Research

NOFO Number

DHS-ST-19-108-CBD-0001

Authorizing Authority for Program Homeland Security Act of 2002, Section 308, as amended, P.L. 107-296. codified at 6 U.S.C. 188

Appropriation Authority for Program Appropriations granted under P.L. 116-6, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019; Division A-Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2019; Title IV Research, Development, Training, and Services. For necessary expenses of the Science and Technology Directorate for research and development $511,265,000, to remain available until September 30, 2021.

Program Type

New

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is DHS’s primary research and development (R&D) arm. S&T manages science and technology research, from development through transition, for the department's operational components and the nation’s first responders.

S&T’s engineers, scientists and researchers work closely with industry and academic partners to ensure R&D investments address the high-priority needs of today and the growing demands of the future.

Advances in the ability to design and engineer biological organisms for intended purposes, an ability commonly called synthetic biology, increase our understandings of natural systems.

Improved understandings of natural systems can equate to improved performance of those (and other) systems. For instance, synthetic biology can be used to alter genetic information within cells to enable a range of outcomes, from simple things like changing the color of a plant to complex things like designing improved medicines that seek and eliminate diseased cells within a sick person. At the same time, improvements in engineering techniques, tools, and applications can be merged with biology to develop biological parts and systems that are working and sustainable. In addition, synthetic biology is unique among the basic sciences because it exists at the intersection of engineering, science and commercial impact – three valuable arenas. As a result of these advantages, synthetic biology is a field in which the U.S. cannot afford to lag.

To stay competitive in the search for answers through biology, the U.S. government needs to have close relationships with the bioengineering, or synthetic biology, community, including commercial companies and end users. Having a close relationship with the synthetic biology community would enable the government to keep abreast of the changes and impacts brought about by synthetic biology, so the government could assess the potential upsides and dangers resulting from synthetic biology processes. As a result, DHS proposes to bring together a community of scientists, engineering developers, commercial companies, and end users to enable DHS to both understand the possible directions the synthetic biology community may take in the future, and also influence those directions.

Finally, helping to build a community of synthetic biologists and users will help satisfy several of DHS’s goals. First, it would satisfy one of DHS’s strategic priorities to “mature and strengthen Homeland Security,” to expand and extend governmental, nongovernmental, domestic and international partnerships (Quadrennial Homeland Security Review 2014).

While there are many examples of public and private sector interests aligning with homeland security interests, it is particularly paramount in this era of advancing biological capabilities and emerging technologies that government decision-makers and commercial developers of engineered biological organisms have a common platform for discussion and understanding.

Second, the proposed community will help achieve the goals of DHS S&T. According to CBDD’s Strategic Goals, issued in 2017, Objective 1.5. is to “Conduct horizon scanning for emerging threats in support of Component missions.” The proposed community would enable DHS to have a continual means to scan the horizon for possible threats and to get an active read on next generation risks.

Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals to help DHS S&T to build this community to bridge the divide between government and commercial industry. A successful Community for Engineering Biology Research proposal will:

• include academic and industrial contacts and stakeholders from a range of biotechnology sectors, including commercial companies, educators, government agencies, and community leaders o Example: planning and hosting of workshops for academic, industry and government experts to come together to understand and address key issues in the synthetic biology field.

• demonstrate awareness of leading-edge advancements in synthetic biology o Example: prominent Community members publish in leading scientific journals and/or figure prominently in scientific conferences.

• develop or access roadmaps by which gaps in technology and policy can be closed, with an eye to both government and commercial levers to close those gaps o Example: published roadmaps or tutorials addressing how security in the synthetic biology field can be improved.

To prevent conflicts of interest whereby commercial companies advance their own interests unnecessarily, applicants should not be from a for-profit commercial company. Applicants may include academic members, but cannot be owned by an institution of higher education (either public or state controlled institution).

Milestones The work for this initiative will be divided into three (3) Phases. Each Phase has multiple tasks, performance periods and funding levels. Successful completion of each Phase is required to progress to the subsequent Phase.

It is anticipated that Phase I will include 1-2 awardees.

It is anticipated that Phase II will include 1-2 awardees.

It is anticipated that Phase III will include 1-2 awardees.

Phase II and Phase III are contingent upon government approval and funding availability.

Task Deliverables

PHASE I:

Conduct 10-15 security workshops at academic or not-for-profit research institutions in United States to iteratively refine educational materials and inform a broader pool of graduate students about the importance of considering biosecurity implications when designing and conducting research.

1. Hold 10-15 workshops in academia.

2. Feedback and material adjustments will be made following each set of five workshops, via phone or in-person briefing to sponsor (Months 6 & 12).

3. Briefings that summarize cumulative data reflecting workshop success: number of students receiving certificates of completion; numbers of schools briefed;

summaries of geographic reach evidenced by locations of schools; socioeconomic reach measured by anonymous survey data; numbers and types of companies offering jobs to students receiving certificates (if data obtainable); examples of students incorporating security considerations into their work.

PHASE II

Develop a security presentation and workshop for delivery to industrial audiences. Hold 5 workshops with companies.

Based on the previously developed security materials, develop materials, and briefings targeted to the engineering biology industry scientists, their leadership, and funders. The presentation materials for our graduate student workshops will be shortened and targeted to industrial biotechnology researchers. In addition to employees at the companies, their funders (e.g. venture capitalists, angel investors) will be engaged to being to consider security from the earliest possible opportunity. The materials will include standalone documents as well as briefing materials designed to engage these additional stakeholders.

At a minimum, the tools and materials will include:

● Short targeted documents (1-4 pages each) that discuss the relevant ways to inculcate a security mindset and incorporate security measures into engineering biology corporate culture. The documents will be targeted toward issues relevant to industry scientists, safety personnel, corporate executives, and investors (e.g. venture capitalists and angel investors).

● Briefing materials (slides) that include the same information as above.

Deliverable(s):

1. Industry focused presentation and workshop materials.

2. Hold workshops for at least five companies.

3. Briefings to sponsor of data indicating task success, at months 6 and 12. Metrics used to measure success will include number of companies briefed and persons/positions briefed in each company; technical/market area of focus of each company; evidence of longevity of a research security program, if previously established; examples of industry scientists incorporating security considerations into their work; number of funding avenues (angel, VC, etc.) engaged; number of follow up inquiries from industry attendees.

PHASE III

Engage professional societies and government agencies to encourage adoption of a security module as part of responsible conduct of research courses. We will generate a version for oral presentation, or abbreviated workshop, for a broader base of researchers than materials outlined in Tasks 1-2.

Based on the previously developed security materials and their associated feedback, develop a set of materials, and briefings designed for use with larger audiences at professional society meetings and conferences. Materials will be developed to fit within a broad range of technical meetings and events to ensure maximum utility.

Materials will be further developed for government agencies funding engineering biology and bioscience research. The materials will include standalone documents as well as briefing materials designed to engage these additional stakeholders facilitated in-person. These materials will be focused on helping funders find and institute proper incentives for their performers to ensure that security is considered when designing and conducting biological experiments.

At a minimum, the tools and materials will include:

● A set of short, targeted, documents (1-4 pages each) that discuss the relevant ways to inculcate a security in government funded research, much the same way as biosafety concerns are addressed.

● Briefing materials (slides) that include the same information as above.

● A briefing to be delivered as an oral presentation at professional society meetings attended by scientists utilizing tools and products of bioengineering (e.g., the American Chemical Society, the Society for Industrial Microbiology, etc.).

● Briefings will be delivered to appropriate stakeholders at NIH, NSF, DOE, and other agencies as schedules permit.

1. Develop materials for broader outreach.

2. Deliver presentations and/or hold small workshops at professional society meetings.

3. Agency specific white papers

4. Deliver briefings to science funding agencies.

5. Briefing to sponsor of data indicating task success, at months 6 and 12. Metrics used to measure success will include number of professional societies and government agencies briefed and persons/positions briefed in each;

technical/market area of focus of each society, and/or purpose of government agency, as applicable; addition of security sessions to future society meetings;

new incidence of inclusion of security aspects in journals and other society materials (e.g., website).

PHASE IV

Partner with external organizations to share lessons learned, leverage shared resources, and engage a broader base.

Partner with other organizations (e.g. NTI, JHU Center for Health Security) to disseminate our work broadly and utilized work performed by other institutions. By partnering with additional organizations, we can accelerate adoption of security considerations as part of the responsible conduct of research and lay the groundwork for international dissemination of these ideals.

1. Share Tasks 1-3 materials with other organizations and train them on use.

2. Participate in brainstorming and development meetings to coordinate complementary work.

3. Brief sponsor of metrics of success: number of organizations receiving disseminated materials; evidence of adoption of security practices by external agencies (government and commercial); number of security practices launched/improved as result of efforts.

Project Timeline (Milestones):

1. Months 1-2: Develop materials and presentation plan outlined in Tasks 1-4

2. Months 1-9: Hold workshops in academia

3. Months 3-6: Develop materials for industry workshop.

4. Months 3-9: Present material and hold small meetings at professional conferences.

5. Month 6: Brief sponsor on metrics of success. Briefing may be in person or telephonic, with in-person preferred.

6. Months 6-12: Hold workshops for industry

7. Months 9-11: Deliver briefings and recommendations to federal stakeholders and partner institutions.

8. Months 1-12: Engage external stakeholders and partner organizations.

9. Month 12: Brief sponsor on metrics of success of each task. Briefing may be in person or telephonic, with in-person preferred.

Project Metrics:

1. Number of workshops held, listed by academic, professional, government, partner institutions

2. Attendance at workshops, measured by number of attendees; level of academic achievement and/or industry focus; number of funding avenues engaged; number of follow-up inquiries fielded

3. Evidence of longevity of research security program, if already in place

4. Number of projects that incorporate security considerations into research plans as a result of hearing EBRC workshops, if research security program not already in place

5. Number of revisions to workshop materials to improve content

6. These data will be presented to the sponsor at months 6 and 12.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions Available Funding for the NOFO: up to $445,000

Projected number of Awards (Optional): 2

Period of Performance: 12 months

Extension to the period of performance is permitted (see Section H below)

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 08/01/2019

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 07/31/2020

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreements

DHS Programmatic Involvement

The DHS Program Manager (PM) will:

Provide technical guidance and direction in the form of emails and teleconferences.

Coordinate discussions, as required, with the appropriate stakeholders for input on program requirements and the Recipient’s proposed solutions.

Review and comment within 15 business days of submission to S&T on any information (e.g., papers, briefings, posters) to be publicly released by the awardee.

Participate in a bi-weekly face-to-face or teleconference meetings to discuss government furnished Quad chart (Government provided) project status reviews and Monthly Project Status Report with the Recipient’s Project Team.

Kickoff Meeting: A Kickoff meeting will be held within the first one (1) week after the start of the program. The Kickoff meeting will take place at DHS S&T or FEMA headquarters in Washington, DC, at the Recipient’s facility, or via teleconference. The Kickoff meeting will be comprehensive in nature and the following information will be discussed:

a. Introduction of the Recipient’s Project Team, including any subcontractor personnel;

b. Government stakeholder requirements: FEMA’s Individual, Community Preparedness Division (ICPD)

c. Program technical goals;

d. Technical Approach for the Phases of the Project;

e. Metrics / testing that will be used to measure progress against Phase and Project goals;

f. Potential technical risks and mitigation strategies;

End of Phase Meetings: Participate in End of Phase reviews for each project Phase to discuss the work that was conducted during the Phase and plans for the next Phase of the Program. The main purpose of this review is to evaluate the progress of the awardee in meeting the overall performance goals, and resolving any key technical risks necessary to continue the program. The End of Phase review will be the basis for determining continued funding for the follow-on Phase. The review shall include the following, where appropriate:

a. Review of the ending Phase’s activity;

b. Technical progress achieved against project and Phase goals;

c. Difficulties encountered and recovery actions;

d. An overview of all funds expended by task to date;

e. Scope of work for the proposed following Phase;

f. Schedule and cost breakdown for the proposed following Phase; and

g. Lessons learned and their impact on future R&D efforts for this Program.

The Recipient is required to maintain close and regular contact with the program office which includes submission of Monthly Project Status Reports (due by the 15th of the following month), biweekly calls to discuss the Quad charts and Monthly Project Status Report, and status updates from all sub-contractors to this effort. These discussions and/or correspondence will update the DHS Program Manager on each aspect of the effort and current funding levels and expenditures. In order to facilitate the timely exchange of information, the Recipient will also provide the Program Manager with Primary and Secondary Points of Contacts, e-mail addresses, office telephone numbers, and mobile telephone numbers.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institution of higher education

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institution of higher education

• Public & state controlled institutions of higher education

Eligibility Criteria Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in Section §501 (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. §501 (c)(4), that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply.

Applicants that do not meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline will be ineligible for review and consideration in this competition.

Applicants with academic or non-profit organizations who have advanced knowledge about synthetic biological systems are eligible to apply.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

There is no statutory maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement associated with this award of the funding in this Notice.

Cost Share or Match

There is no cost share or matching requirement associated with this award of the funding in this Notice.

D. Application and Submission Information Key Dates and Times

Application Start Date: 06/24/2019

Application Submission Deadline: 07/29/2019 at 23:59:59 [Eastern Standard Time] late applications are neither reviewed nor considered

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 08/12/2019

Anticipated Award Date: 08/19/2019

Other Key Dates

Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov , select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants.” In order to obtain the application package select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the Assistance Listings (formerly CFDA) and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

For a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please write or fax a request to:

Janet Bailey Office of Procurement Operations (MGMT I OPO) 245 Murray Lane SW Mail Stop 0115 Washington, D.C. 20528-0115 Phone: 202-447-0362

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 One week before actual submission deadline http://www.grants.gov/

Email: janet.bailey@HQ.DHS.GOV

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal.

Please note, The Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) registration process can take several days. If your organization is not currently registered with http://www.grants.gov, please begin this process immediately. For assistance with http://www.grants.gov, please contact support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time. At the http://www.grants.gov website, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, including the hours of operation. GFAD strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process through http://www.grants.gov because of the time involved to complete the registration process.

Content and Form of Application Submission Applicants must submit a Full Application by the specified due date and time to be considered for funding under this FOA. Applicants must complete the following application forms found on the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov, in accordance with the instructions.

Application Instructions

The Program Narrative The Program Narrative shall not exceed 30 single-sided pages in length, not including the cover page, Table of Contents, and resumes for key personnel. Any submissions where the Program Narrative exceeds 30 pages will not be evaluated. The cover page, Table of Contents and resumes for key personnel are not subject to the page limitation. The page size shall be 8-1/2 x 11 inches, single or double spaced, with 1 inch margins. Times New Roman 12 point font should be used for the submission (Text embedded within graphics or tables in the body of the Program Narrative shall be legible and not smaller than 8 point).

Electronic files will be in portable document format (PDF), readable by IBM-compatible PCs. Each file size must be no more than 10 MB.

Cover Page: This shall include the words “Program Narrative” and the following:

1) NOFO number;

2) Title of Full Proposal;

3) Identity of prime Offeror and complete list of subcontractors, if applicable;

4) Technical point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

5) Administrative/business point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address); and,

6) The signature and title of an authorized representative of the entity submitting the full proposal. If multiple organizations are participating, one signature from the principal/leading organization is acceptable.

The Program Narrative shall include the following:

mailto:janet.bailey@HQ.DHS.GOV http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/

1. Executive Summary- that summarizes the full proposal and the expected benefits of the solution.

2. Proposal: Describe the proposed work and the associated technical and management issues.

3. Performance Goals: Describe the overall methodology and how it will meet the program objectives and the specific Technical Task Area.

4. Detailed Technical Approach: Describe the proposed design and technical approach for each of the Tasks (see Appendix: Statement Of Objectives) addressing the evaluation criteria listed in Table 1 of Section E (Evaluation Criteria). Describe how each Task will be performed and identify sub-tasks, if appropriate. Provide an integrated display for the proposed research, showing each Task with major milestones. Include a proposed schedule for the effort (estimated dates of Tasks, milestones and deliverables).

Provide a brief summary of all deliverables proposed under this effort, along with suggested due dates (calendar days after the effective date of award).

5. Management Plan: Provide a summary of the management approach, including an explicit description of what role each participant or team member will play in the project, and their past experience in technical areas related to this proposal.

6. Facilities: List the location(s) where the work will be performed, and the facilities to be used. Describe any specialized or unique facilities which directly affect the effort.

7. Government-Furnished Resources: Provide a brief summary of required information and data which must be provided by the Government to support the proposed work, if any.

8. Resumes for Key Personnel: In Appendix A, provide resumes and curriculum vitae (CVs) for each of the key personnel. These resumes do not count toward the 30-page limit.

No Classified Proposals (or portions of proposals) will be accepted.

There are two groups of forms associated with this application: mandatory and optional.

Please read the instructions carefully to determine which forms you must submit.

MANDATORY FORMS

SF424 (R&R)

Instructions for Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

Item Field Name Information

1. Type of Submission: (Required) Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions.

• Pre-application

• Application

• Changed/Corrected Application - Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application.

Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this form to submit changes after the closing date.

2. Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions.

• New - An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time.

• Continuation - An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals.

• Revision - Any change in the federal government's financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided.

A. Increase Award B. Decrease Award C. Increase Duration D. Decrease Duration E. Other (specify)

3. Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.

4. Applicant Identifier: Leave this field blank.

5a. Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the Funding Opportunity

Number.

5b. Federal Award

Identifier:

For new applications leave blank. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned federal award grant number.

6. Date Received by State: Leave this field blank.

7. State Application

Identifier:

Leave this field blank.

8. Applicant Information: Enter the following in accordance with agency instructions:

a. Legal Name: (Required) Enter the legal name of applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the organization that has registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Information on registering with CCR may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.

b. Employer/Taxpayer Number (EIN/TIN):

(Required) Enter the employer or taxpayer identification number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44-4444444.

c. Organizational DUNS: (Required) Enter the organization's DUNS or DUNS+4 number received from Dun and Bradstreet. Information on obtaining a DUNS number may be obtained by visiting www.Grants.gov.

d. Address: Enter address: Street 1 (Required); city (Required); County/Parish, State (Required if country is US), Province, Country (Required), 9-digit zip/postal code (Required if country US).

e. Organizational Unit: Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department or division that will undertake the assistance activity.

f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:

Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix, title. Enter organizational affiliation if affiliated with an organization other than that in 7.a.

Telephone number and email (Required); fax number.

9. Type of Applicant:

(Required) Select up to three applicant type(s) in accordance with agency instructions.

A. State Government B. County Government C. City or Township Government D. Special District Government E. Regional Organization F. U.S. Territory or Possession G. Independent School District H. Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education I. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized) J. Indian/Native American Tribal

Government (Other than Federally Recognized) K. Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization L. Public/Indian Housing M. Nonprofit N. Private Institution of Higher Education O. Individual P. For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business) Q. Small Business R. Hispanic-serving Institution S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) T. Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions V. Non-US Entity W. Other (specify)

10. Name Of Federal Agency:

(Required) Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.

11. Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title:

Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable.

12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title:

(Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement.

13. Competition Identification Number/Title:

Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.

14. Areas Affected By Project:

This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than the place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance

Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment to enter additional areas, if needed.

15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:

(Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For pre-applications, attach a summary description of the project.

16. Congressional Districts Of:

15a. (Required) Enter the applicant's congressional district. 15b. Enter all district(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters state abbreviation - 3 characters district number, e.g., CA- 005 for California 5th district, CA-012 for California 12 district, NC-103 for North Carolina's 103 district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter "all" for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e. all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00-000. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Attach an additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.

17. Proposed Project Start and End Dates:

(Required) Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.

18. Estimated Funding: (Required) Enter the amount requested, or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses.

19. Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

(Required) Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process.

Select the appropriate box. If "a." is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State.

20. Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?

(Required) Select the appropriate box.

This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative.

Categories of federal debt include; but, may not be limited to: delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes. If yes, include an explanation in an attachment.

21. Authorized Representative:

To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization. Enter the first and last name (Required); prefix, middle name, suffix. Enter title, telephone number, email (Required);

and fax number. A copy of the governing body's authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant's office. (Certain federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)

Research & Related (R&R) Budget

An R&R Budget is required for ALL applications. Please ensure that the total requested corresponds to Block 16.a on the SF 424 R&R form.

The Budget Justification

A Budget Justification is also required for ALL applications.

The Budget Justification shall not exceed 10 single-sided pages in length, not including the cover page. The page size shall be 8-1/2 x 11 inches, single or double spaced, with 1 inch margins. Times New Roman 12 point font should be used for the submission (text embedded within graphics or tables in the body of the Budget Justification shall be legible and not smaller than 8 point).Electronic files will be in portable document format

(PDF), readable by IBM-compatible PCs. Each file size must be no more than 10 MB.

Cover Page: This shall include the words “Budget Justification” and the following:

1) NOFO number;

2) Title of Full Proposal;

3) Identity of prime Offeror and complete list of subcontractors, if applicable;

4) Technical point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

5) Administrative/business point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address); and,

6) The signature and title of an authorized representative of the entity submitting the full proposal. If multiple organizations are participating, one signature from the principal/leading organization is acceptable.

Part 1: Detailed breakdown of all costs by the cost categories (below). The Applicant shall provide a total estimated price for major demonstrations and other activities associated with the Program Narrative. The Applicant shall state whether any Independent Research and Development (IR&D) program is or will be dedicated to this effort, or if IR&D is being pursued to benefit related programs as well.

Part 2: Cost breakdown by task/sub-task using the same task numbers in the Statement of Objectives/Appendix.

The Budget Justification shall be consistent with the application for this Cooperative Agreement. Activities such as demonstrations required to reduce the various technical risks shall be identified and reflected in the Budget Justification. The Applicant shall provide a total estimated price for the activities associated with the program.

Please ensure that items listed in the budget justification correspond to the funds requested on the R&R Budget form. Attach the Budget Justification to the R&R Budget form. If you need to attach more than one file to fully capture your budget justification, you may use the optional “Attachments” form.

Please use the following guidance when assembling your budget justification:

Use the following cost categories to group items of cost in your budget justification.

PERSONNEL (Direct Labor-Individual labor category or person, with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates;) If subcontractors are participating, then include a detailed description of that participation. If Consultants are participating, then provide the consultant agreement or other document which verifies the proposed loaded daily/hourly rate.

FRINGE BENEFITS

TRAVEL - Number of trips, destinations, durations, etc. (Travel estimate shall include costs for attendance/presentation at an annual one-day First Responders Group Review that is held in the Washington metropolitan area.)

EQUIPMENT (see item C on R&R Budget Form)

SUPPLIES/MATERIALS - shall be specifically itemized with costs or estimated costs. Where possible, indicate purchasing method, (Competition, engineering estimate, market survey, etc.) (see item F.1 on R&R Budget Form)

CONTRACTUAL (see item F.5 on R&R Budget Form)

OTHER DIRECT COSTS - particularly any proposed items of equipment or facilities. Equipment and facilities generally must be furnished by the contractor/recipient. Justifications must be provided when Government funding for such items is sought. (see items under item F on R&R Budget Form) - INDIRECT COSTS - Fringe Benefits, Overhead, G&A, COM, etc.

(Must show base amount and rate)

Please ensure that you supply a total for each of the cost categories listed above (and related fields on the R&R Budget Form) for the proposed budget period in your application.

Research & Related Project/Performance Site Location(s) Please provide information for every site (including subcontractors and outside vendors, with sub-awards or subcontracts of $25,000 or more) in your project.

SF 424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs Submit this form. It will be electronically signed upon submission to Grants.gov as part of your application.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Submit this form. If paragraph two of the certification applies, then complete and submit the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying, which is provided as an optional form in the application package.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile Please supply biographical information on key personnel. The files can be attached at item 12 on the “Other Project Information Form”, or use the optional “Attachments” form.

OPTIONAL FORMS

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Do NOT submit this form UNLESS paragraph 2 of the “Certification Regarding Lobbying” form applies to your organization. Some items on this form auto-populate once you complete the SF-424.

Attachments Form Use this form to attach other documents if you need another place to electronically attach portions of your application.2. Content and Form of Application Submission.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants for this award must:

1. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

2. Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

3. 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.

DHS may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DHS is ready to make a 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.

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 applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

1. Instructions: 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, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

2. Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Data Universal Numbering System (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

3. Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, 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

4. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this process.

For more information, follow the on-screen instructions or refer to:

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

5. 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

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

7. Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

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

8. 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 individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov

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 Notice of Funding Opportunity, 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

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

2. 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.

3. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or DHS forms. 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, 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…