Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) - CTG_508.pdf

1 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP)

Continuing Training Grants (CTG)

Fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and other criminal or noncriminal misconduct related to this program may be reported to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1 (800) 323-8603 and TTY 1 (844) 889-4357.

Contents

1. Basic Information A. Agency Name B. NOFO Title C. Announcement Type D. Funding Opportunity Number E. Assistance Listing Number F. Expected Total Funding G. Anticipated Number of Awards H. Expected Award Range I. Projected Application Start Date J. Projected Application End Date K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date L. Anticipated Award Date M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date N. Projected Period of Performance End Date O. Executive Summary P. Agency Contact

2. Eligibility A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types B. Project Type Eligibility C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties D. Maximum Number of Applications E. Additional Restrictions F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO G. Cost Sharing Requirement H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History B. Goals and Objectives C. Program Rationale D. Federal Assistance Type

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E. Performance Measures and Targets F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs G. General Funding Requirements H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs J. Pre-Award Costs K. Beneficiary Eligibility L. Participant Eligibility M. Authorizing Authority N. Appropriation Authority O. Budget Period P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

1. Application Contents and Format A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers B. Application Content and Format C. Application Components D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines A. Address to Request Application Package B. Application Deadline C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline E. Effects of Missing the Deadline

6. Intergovernmental Review A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

7. Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria B. Application Criteria C. Financial Integrity Criteria D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection F. Merit Review Process G. Final Selection

8. Award Notices A. Notice of Award B. Pass-Through Requirements C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs D. Obligation of Funds E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration F. Administrative and National Policy Requirements G. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions H. Financial Reporting Requirements I. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements

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A. Closeout Reporting Requirements B. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 C. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance D. Single Audit Report E. Monitoring and Oversight F. Program Evaluation G. Additional Performance Reporting Requirements H. Termination of a Federal Award by FEMA I. Best Practices J. Payment Information

10. Other Information K. Period of Performance Extension L. Other Information

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1. Basic Information

A. Agency Name

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA)

B. NOFO Title Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security National Training Program

Continuing Training Grants

C. Announcement

Type

Initial

D. Funding

Opportunity Number

DHS-25-NPD-005-00-96

E. Assistance Listing

Number

97.005

F. Expected Total

Funding

$ 5.4 million

G. Anticipated

Number of Awards

2-5 awards

H. Expected Award

Range

$0 – $5.4 million

I. Projected

Application Start

Date

08/01/2025 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

J. Projected

Application End Date

08/15/2025 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

K. Anticipated

Funding Selection

Date

September 1, 2025

L. Anticipated Award

Date

September 1, 2025

M. Projected Period of Performance Start

Date

September 1, 2025

N. Projected Period of Performance End

Date

August 31, 2028

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O. Executive

Summary

Through the Continuing Training Grants (CTG) program, the

Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Homeland

Security National Training Program (HSNTP) plays an important role in the National Preparedness System. The CTG program supports building, sustaining, and delivering core capabilities through the development and delivery of training to achieve the National

Preparedness Goal (the Goal), which is “a secure and resilient nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.”

P. Agency Contact

a. Program Office Contact

National Training and Education Division (NTED) maintains programmatic responsibility for the CTG program and will maintain the program management function and responsibilities throughout the life cycle of the awarded grant. Contact our NTED point of contact

Ms. Jessica Sterling at (202) 212-3042 or via email to jessica.sterling@fema.dhs.gov or Mr. Samuel Phillips at

Samuel.Phillips@fema.dhs.gov for additional information.

b. FEMA Grants News

This channel 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.

FEMA Grants News Team is reachable at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

c. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration

Division

GPD’s Award Administration Division (AAD) provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. AAD can be contacted at ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.

d. FEMA Regional Offices

FEMA Regional Offices also may provide fiscal support, including pre- and post-award administration and technical assistance. FEMA

Regional Office contact information is available at https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts.

e. Civil Rights

Consistent with Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination

& Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, the FEMA Office of Civil

Rights is responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of federal civil rights obligations in connection with programs and mailto:Jessica.Sterling@FEMA.DHS.GOV mailto:Samuel.Phillips@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts

6 | P a g e services conducted by FEMA. They are reachable at FEMA-

CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

f. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation

The FEMA Office of Environmental Planning and Historic

Preservation (OEHP) provides guidance and information about the

EHP review process to FEMA programs and recipients and subrecipients. Send any inquiries regarding compliance for FEMA grant projects under this NOFO to FEMA-OEHP-

NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov.

g. Payment System

FEMA uses FEMA GO for financial reporting, invoicing, and tracking payments. The Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer (DD/EFT) method of payment is used for recipients. For any questions about the system, contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.gov or

(877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.

h. FEMA GO

For technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the

FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.gov or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.

i. FEMA Preparedness Toolkit

The FEMA Preparedness Toolkit (PrepToolkit) provides access to tools and resources needed to implement the National Preparedness

System and provide a collaborative space for communities completing the Unified Reporting Tool (URT). Recipients complete and submit their Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), and other required assessments using the PrepToolkit. For assistance, contact support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov.

2. Eligibility

A. Eligible

Entities/Entity Types

Only the following entities or entity types are eligible to apply.

a. Applicants

• State governments, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territory governments.

• City or township governments

• County governments

• Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments (Tribal governments)

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) status

• Nonprofit private institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit national associations and organizations mailto:CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov mailto:NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/ mailto:support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov

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• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

b. Subapplicants

Subapplicants and subawards are allowed under this Funding

Opportunity.

Subapplicants should not have foreign nationals or noncitizens included. If a subapplicant has foreign nationals, they must be properly vetted and must adhere to all government statues, polices, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.

c. All Recipients – Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws

An immigration term and condition may be material to the

Department of Homeland Security’s decision to make this grant award, and the Department of Homeland Security may take any remedy for noncompliance, including termination, if the state or territorial recipient or any local government subrecipient fails to comply with this term and condition. No final agency determination has been made as of the date of this publication.

B. Project Type

Eligibility

a. Unallowable Project Types

This program does not allow construction and renovation projects.

C. Requirements for

Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties

Subapplicants should not have foreign nationals or noncitizens included. If a subapplicant has foreign nationals, they must be properly vetted and must adhere to all government statues, polices, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.

Subapplicants/subrecipients must submit short bios and resumes. This should include the type of entity, organizational leadership, and board members along with both the names and addresses of the individuals.

Resumes are subject to approval.

D. Maximum

Number of

Applications

The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is:

1 per applicant, per focus area

E. Additional

Restrictions

Applicants/subapplicants or recipients/subrecipients are required to certify their compliance with federal statues, DHS directives, polices, and procedures.

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F. References for

Eligibility Factors within the NOFO

Please see the following references provided below:

1. “Responsiveness Review Criteria” not applicable

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection C

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection D

4. FEMA may/will request financial information such as

Employer Identification Number (EIN) and bank information as part of the potential award selection. This will apply to everyone prospered, including subrecipients.

G. Cost Sharing

Requirement

There is no cost share requirement.

H. Cost Share

Description, Type and Restrictions

Not applicable.

I. Cost Sharing

Calculation Example

Not applicable

J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

Not applicable

3. Program Description

A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History

The Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) Continuing Training Grants (CTG) program, was created to enhance the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from various emergencies. This program provides financial support to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as non-profit organizations, to develop and deliver specialized training programs. These programs are designed to improve the skills and knowledge of emergency responders and community members in handling incidents such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other emergencies.

The CTG program is integral to the National Preparedness System, which aims to build and sustain core capabilities necessary for achieving a secure and resilient nation. Since its inception, the CTG program has focused on key areas such as public health emergencies, pandemic preparedness, mass care, and enhancing preparedness in tribal and rural communities. Each year, the program evolves to address new and emerging threats, ensuring that communities across the

United States are better equipped to face future challenges.

B. Goals and Objectives

FEMA recognizes the importance of education and training in rural communities and Tribal

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Nations to improve their abilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards.

Given the unique challenges faced by rural communities and Tribal Nations, FEMA supports the delivery of training curriculum to specifically support these communities and help them prepare for and respond to all types of disasters. FEMA’s objective is to obtain delivery of mission critical, mission essential training to empower states and Tribal Nations that will build capabilities and expand capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from complex incidents. This training will specifically address:

• Critical Infrastructure in Rural Communities and Tribal Nations. Training should address ways emergency management officials can advocate for and help advance plans to reduce the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards by lessening the likelihood, severity, and duration of the adverse consequences. Training should include learning objectives on Industrial

Control Systems, Water and Wastewater Systems and Electric Systems.

• Continuity for Rural Communities and Tribal Nations. Training should address the needs of government officials and emergency responders in rural communities and

Tribal Nations in the development and validation of plans and procedures to ensure the continuity of essential government functions across a spectrum of emergencies.

• Crisis Management for Rural and Tribal Nation School Based Incidents. Training should address crisis management training for significant school-based incidents to include bomb threats, active shooter, severe weather, structural/mechanical failures, and hazardous materials releases. Training should focus on the learning needs of rural and Tribal law enforcement officials, fire and EMS professionals/volunteers, school system administrators, staff, and volunteers.

FEMA recognizes that training is essential for National Special Security Event (NSSE) preparedness, as it ensures that all participating agencies (Federal, state, and local) are well-coordinated, capable, and ready to respond effectively to any threat or emergency. High profile events such as FIFA World Cup, NFL Super Bowls, and the Olympics involve large crowds and public figures, and require seamless communications, clear protocols, and precise execution of security plans to avoid putting public safety and national security at risk. FEMA’s objective is to obtain training that will strengthen preparations for these events particularly the

2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States and potentially to prepare for the 2028 Summer

Olympics. Training will address:

• Special Event Risk Management and Planning. Training should develop capabilities for multi-agency collaboration pertaining to sport and special event safety and security through activity-based training.

• Special Event Incident Management. Training should focus on the unique aspects of response to an incident occurring during a sports/special event, including considerations for continuity and after-action activities.

• Special Event Crowd Management, Evacuation, and Protective Action. Training should provide tools and techniques for conducting crowd management, crowd control, evacuation, and sheltering operations.

• Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification. Training should address pre-event communications, emergency messaging, incident communications, and post-incident communications.

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C. Program Rationale

The CTG program aims to achieve its goals and objectives through a structured approach that focuses on delivering FEMA-certified training solutions to enhance the capabilities of emergency responders.

Achieving Goals and Objectives

1. Training Delivery: The program focuses on providing training that helps emergency responders before, during, and after disasters.

2. Addressing Preparedness Gaps: By targeting specific gaps in preparedness and response capabilities, the program ensures a more integrated and risk-informed approach to emergency management.

3. Collaboration with FEMA: CTG works alongside FEMA program managers to provide training courses to communities across the nation.

4. Strengthening the Emergency Management Workforce: Aligning with the QHSR’s emphasis on building a skilled and ready workforce.

D. Federal Assistance Type

Cooperative Agreement

The CTG program, prescribed by this notice, is awarded through separate cooperative agreements, a form of federal financial assistance defined by 2 C.F.R. § 200.1, and consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (Pub. L. No. 95-234), (31 U.S.C.

§§ 6301-6308). FEMA maintains substantial involvement with all recipients as they carry out activities under the award to include financial monitoring and all training activities, including the creation and approval of course content, development of learning objectives, establishment of training delivery modes and methods, and use of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model. NTED

Training Partners Program managers provide approval and disapproval for all activities over the life cycle of the award. As a result, FEMA ensures that the resulting training meets agency standards for curriculum design and provides students with standardized, high-quality learning experiences.

E. Performance Measures and Targets

CTG awardees are required to collect data to allow FEMA to measure performance and outcomes. FEMA will measure performance using the following indicators:

1. In order to demonstrate good financial stewardship, the CTG awardees and FEMA will evaluate the direct cost per student. FEMA’s objective is to provide training under this agreement at $10 in direct costs per student.

2. In order to measure how well the grant helps strengthen preparedness through training

CTG awardees will use Kirkpatrick level 1, 2, and 3 evaluations.

▪ Level 1 surveys will be utilized to determine how well the training met student needs with a target goal of at least 75% of respondents indicating satisfaction or greater.

▪ Level 2 assessments compare pre- and post-test results to determine how much students learned with a target of an overall average of 26-point increase.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1

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▪ Level 3 assessments are used to measure to what degree students are applying the knowledge and skills gained through training to their roles within their home jurisdiction. There is no applicable target.

F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

This program does not allow construction and renovation costs and is subject to all Terms &

Conditions where restrictions are provided.

G. General Funding Requirements

Costs charged to federal awards (including federal and non-federal cost share funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, policies, this NOFO, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered within the budget period. 2 C.F.R. §

200.403(h).

Recipients may not use federal funds or any cost share funds for the following activities:

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

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

3. Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity (see 2

C.F.R. § 200.435).

H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs)

Indirect costs (IDC) are costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to specific cost objectives without disproportionate effort. Applicants with a current negotiated IDC rate agreement who desire to charge indirect costs to a federal award must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their applications.

Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement. Applicants that are not required to have a negotiated IDC rate agreement, but are required to develop an IDC rate proposal, must provide a copy of their proposal with their applications. Applicants without a current negotiated IDC rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an IDC rate proposal must reach out to FEMA for further instructions.

As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§

200.332 and 200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards.

I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

M&A costs are allowed at no greater than 5% of award.

M&A are not overhead costs but are necessary direct costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title18-section1913&num=0&edition=1999 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.450 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

12 | P a g e full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such, M&A costs can be itemized in financial reports.

J. Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowed.

K. Beneficiary Eligibility

This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any beneficiary.

L. Participant Eligibility

This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant.

M. Authorizing Authority

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4

N. Appropriation Authority

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Pub L. No. 119-4)

O. Budget Period

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

P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

Recipients, sub-recipients, and their contractors or subcontractors must comply with the prohibitions set forth in Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which restrict the purchase of covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services. Please see 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and

Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200, and FEMA Policy #405-143-1 - Prohibitions on Expending

FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services for more information.

4.Application Contents and Format

A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers

B. Application Content and Format https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf

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Please refer to Appendix A of this NOFO.

C. Application Components

The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard

Forms (SF) are also available at Forms | Grants.gov.

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information

Please refer to Appendix A of this NOFO.

The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in FEMA GO:

• Please refer to Appendix A of this NOFO.

E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

A. Address to Request Application Package

Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.

Steps Required to Apply For An Award Under This Program and Submit an Application:

To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and EIN from the Internal Revenue Service;

b. In the application, provide an UEI number;

c. Have an account with login.gov;

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

e. Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the Authorized

Organizational Representative (AOR). The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607;

f. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and

g. 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 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://go.fema.gov/ https://www.login.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607

14 | P a g e by a federal awarding agency. As part of this, applicants must also provide information on an applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.110(a)(2)(iv), if an applicant is experiencing exigent circumstances that prevents it from obtaining an UEI number and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA as soon as possible. Contact fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov and provide the details of the exigent circumstances.

How to Register to Apply:

General Instructions:

Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Below are instructions for registering to apply for FEMA funds. Read the instructions carefully and prepare the requested information before beginning the registration process. Gathering the required information before starting the process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. To ensure an application meets the deadline, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission.

Organizations must have a UEI number, EIN, and an active SAM registration.

Obtain a UEI Number:

All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI number.

Applicants must enter the UEI number in the applicable data entry field on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to SAM.gov.

Obtain Employer Identification Number:

In addition to having a UEI number, all entities applying for funding must provide an EIN. The

EIN can be obtained from the IRS by visiting https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online.

Create a login.gov account:

Applicants must have a login.gov account in order to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account at:

https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd.

Applicants only have to create a login.gov account once. For existing SAM users, use the same email address for both login.gov and SAM.gov so that the two accounts can be linked.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd

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For more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration, refer to https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf.

Register with SAM:

In addition to having a UEI number, all organizations must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through FEMA GO. SAM registration must be renewed annually and must remain active throughout the entire grant life cycle.

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

Note: per 2 C.F.R. § 25.200 , applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the past three years, if applicable.

Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR:

Applicants must register in FEMA GO and add their organization to the system. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see: FEMA GO Startup Guide

Note: FEMA GO will support only the most recent major release of the following browsers:

Google Chrome;

Mozilla Firefox;

Apple Safari; and

Microsoft Edge.

Applicants using tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA

GO.

Submitting the Final Application:

Applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information, and any program-specific information required. Standard Forms (SF) may be accessed in the Forms tab under the:

SF-424 Family | Grants.gov.

Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they are providing all required information.

After submitting the final application, FEMA GO will provide either an error message, or an email to the submitting AOR confirming the transmission was successfully received.

B. Application Deadline

08/15/2025; 11:59pm Eastern Time https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.200 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema-go_startup-guide.pdf https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

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C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline

D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline

E. Effects of Missing the Deadline

All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of submission and generates an electronic date/time stamp when

FEMA GO successfully receives an application. The submitting AOR will receive via email the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number to serve as proof of timely submission prior to the application deadline.

Applicants experiencing system-related issues have until 3:00 PM ET on the date applications are due to notify FEMA. No new system-related issues will be addressed after this deadline. Applications not received by the application submission deadline will not be accepted.

6. Intergovernmental Review

A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

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.

7. Application Review Information

A. Threshold Criteria

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. This notice provides funding to support, target, deliver, and evaluate mission critical and mission essential training solutions for state, local, tribal and territorial partners, which supports the objective of the National Preparedness System to facilitate an integrated, community-centric, risk-informed, capabilities-based approach to preparedness.

B. Application Criteria

Programmatic Criteria

1. Technical Merit (25 points)

The proposal will be reviewed and evaluated on an applicant’s understanding of the topic based upon statements provided in the narrative that describe knowledge of the topic to include an awareness of current and emerging issues.

2. National in Scope (25 points) https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf

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FEMA will review the proposal to determine the number and range of locations and communities directly and indirectly impacted according to the proposal.

3. Target Audience (15 points)

FEMA will review the proposal to determine whether the proposed training identifies and links to the target audience.

4. Training Plan (25 points)

FEMA will review the proposal to determine if the training plan correctly incorporates the Instructional System Design, Analysis Design Development Implementation

Evaluation (ISD ADDIE) model.

5. Budget (15 points)

FEMA will review the budget to determine whether an applicant addressed all categories and elements with dollar amounts and justifications as appropriate.

C. Financial Integrity Criteria

Before making an award, FEMA is required to review OMB-designated databases for applicants’ eligibility and financial integrity information. This is required by the Payment Integrity

Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020)), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and the “Do Not

Pay Initiative” (31 U.S.C. 3354). For more details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

Thus, the Financial Integrity 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.

D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

Before making an award expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently a total federal share of $250,000) over the period of performance:

FEMA is required by 41 U.S.C. § 2313: to review or consider certain information found in

SAM.gov. For details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2).

1. An applicant may review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

2. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, FEMA will consider any comments by the applicant.

E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection

Reviewers for the CTG program are selected through a process to ensure they have the necessary abilities.

https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/116/public/117 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/116/public/117 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/41/2313 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/3354 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/3354 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

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Expertise and Experience: Reviewers are selected based on their professional background in emergency management, homeland security, public safety, and related fields. This ensures they have the knowledge to evaluate training proposals effectively.

Professional Networks and Recommendations: Potential reviewers are often identified through professional networks and recommendations from peers in the field. This helps in finding individuals who are respected and knowledgeable.

Previous Experience: Individuals who have previously served as reviewers for similar grant programs or have experience in grant management are often considered. Their familiarity with the review process and criteria is valuable.

Difference of Perspectives: The selection process aims to include reviewers from different backgrounds and regions to ensure a wide range of perspectives and expertise.

This helps in making balanced and comprehensive evaluations.

Training and Orientation: Selected reviewers typically undergo training or orientation to familiarize them with the specific goals and criteria of the CTG program. This ensures consistency and fairness in the review process.

By following these steps, the CTG program ensures that the reviewers are well-equipped to assess the proposals and select the most effective training programs for funding.

F. Merit Review Process

The merit review process for the CTG program is designed to ensure a fair, thorough, and objective evaluation of all applications.

Initial Screening: Applications are first reviewed to ensure they meet basic eligibility criteria.

This includes checking for completeness and adherence to submission guidelines.

1. Threshold Screening: Applications that pass the initial screening are then evaluated against specified threshold criteria. These criteria are outlined in the Notice of Funding

Opportunity (NOFO) and typically include factors such as alignment with program goals and the applicant’s capacity to deliver the proposed training.

2. Merit Review Evaluation: Qualified reviewers, selected for their expertise in relevant fields, conduct a detailed evaluation of the applications. This phase involves scoring applications based on predefined criteria, such as the quality of the training proposal, the potential impact, and the applicant’s past performance. Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

3. Panel Review: In some cases, a panel of reviewers may be convened to discuss and compare scores, ensuring consistency and fairness in the evaluation process. The panel may also provide recommendations for funding.

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4. Selection and Award: Based on the merit review scores and panel recommendations, the final selection of grant recipients is made. The Selection Official considers the reviewers’ evaluations, program priorities, and available funding to make the final award decisions.

5. Notification and Feedback: Applicants are notified of the outcome of their submissions.

Those who are not selected for funding may receive feedback to help improve future applications.

This structured process ensures that the most effective and impactful training programs are selected for funding, ultimately enhancing community preparedness and resilience.

G. Final Selection

The Deputy Administrator, FEMA Resilience, using scores provided by panels, will recommend award recipients for the FEMA Administrator to submit to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

8. Award Notices

A. Notice of Award

The Authorized Organization Representative should carefully read the federal award package before accepting the federal award. The federal award package includes instructions on administering the federal award as well as terms and conditions for the award.

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the prerequisites stated in this

NOFO and the material terms and conditions of the federal award, should they receive an award.

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 the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO.

FEMA will provide the federal award package to the applicant electronically via FEMA GO.

Award packages include an Award Letter, Summary Award Memo, Agreement Articles, and

Obligating Document. An email notification of the award package will be sent through FEMA’s grant application system to the AOR that submitted the application.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 30 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify FEMA of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award through the

FEMA GO system.

Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through the FEMA GO system and all other conditions of the award have been satisfied or until the award is otherwise rescinded. Failure to accept a grant award within the specified timeframe may result in a loss of funds. The Authorized Organization Representative should carefully read the federal award package before accepting the federal award. The federal award package includes instructions on administering the federal award as well as terms and conditions for the award.

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B. Pass-Through Requirements

C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs

Even if pre-award costs are allowed, beginning performance is at the applicant and/or sub-applicant’s own risk.

D. Obligation of Funds

Funds will not be made available for obligation, expenditure, or drawdown until the applicant’s budget (to include Indirect Cost Agreement, if applicable) and budget narrative have been approved by FEMA and the grant award accepted by the recipient.

E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

In the CTG program, notifications to unsuccessful applicants are sent through a formal written communication process.

Adverse Decision Letter: Unsuccessful applicants receive an Adverse Decision Letter, which is a formal document outlining the reasons for the application’s rejection. This letter is typically sent via email or postal mail, depending on the applicant’s preferred method of communication.

Detailed Feedback: The letter includes specific feedback on why the application was not selected. This feedback may cover areas such as eligibility issues, deficiencies in the application, or how the proposal scored against the evaluation criteria. This helps applicants understand the specific reasons for the decision.

Dispute Resolution Information: The Adverse Decision Letter also provides information on the dispute resolution process. Applicants are informed about their rights to appeal the decision and the steps they need to take if they wish to contest the outcome.

Future Opportunities: In some cases, the letter may include suggestions for improving future applications or information about upcoming funding opportunities. This encourages applicants to refine their proposals and reapply in the future.

This structured notification process ensures transparency and provides applicants with valuable insights to enhance their future submissions.

9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Presidential Executive Orders

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Recipients must comply with the requirements of Presidential Executive Orders related to grants

(also known as federal assistance and financial assistance), the full text of which are incorporated by reference.

In accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty (June 6, 2025), and to the extent allowed by law, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients under this NOFO are permitted to purchase unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as drones, or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies.

Recipients must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and adhere to any statutory requirements on the use of federal funds for such unmanned aircraft systems, equipment, or services.

Subrecipient Monitoring and Management

Pass-through entities must comply with the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management as set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.331-333.

B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

A recipient under this funding opportunity must comply with the DHS Standard Terms and

Conditions in effect as of the date of the federal award. The DHS Standard Terms and

Conditions are available online: DHS Standard Terms and Conditions | Homeland Security. For continuation awards, the terms and conditions for the initial federal award will apply unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions of the continuation award. The specific version of the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions applicable to the federal award will be in the federal award package.

C. Financial Reporting Requirements

1. Recipients must report obligations and expenditures through a federal financial report.

The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form, also known as Standard Form 425 (SF-425), is available online at: SF-425 OMB #4040-0014.

2. Recipients must submit the FFR quarterly throughout the period of performance (POP) as detailed below:

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

FEMA may withhold future federal awards and cash payments if the recipient does not submit timely financial reports, or the financial reports submitted demonstrate lack of progress or provide insufficient detail.

D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements

Recipients are responsible for providing updated performance reports in Microsoft Word on a semi-annual basis. There is no prescribed government form for this report. The report is due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/11/2025-10803/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/11/2025-10803/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF425a_2_0-V2.0.pdf

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The semi-annual Performance Progress Report must follow the guidance provided by FEMA’s

National Training and Education Division (NTED) in the NTED Monitoring Policy and

Procedure Guide. FEMA/NTED will provide this guide to recipients of a FY 2025 CTG award as a post-award action.

E. Closeout Reporting Requirements

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

1. The final request for payment, if applicable.

2. The final FFR.

3. The final progress report detailing all accomplishments.

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

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

After FEMA approves these reports, it will issue a closeout notice. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds to be de-obligated, and address the record maintenance requirement. Unless a longer period applies, such as due to an audit or litigation, for equipment or real property used beyond the period of performance, or due to other circumstances outlined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.334, this maintenance requirement is three years from the date of the final FFR.

Also, pass-through entities are responsible for closing out those subawards as described in 2

C.F.R. § 200.344; subrecipients are still required to submit closeout materials within 90 calendar days of the subaward period of performance end date. When a subrecipient completes all closeout requirements, pass-through entities must promptly complete all closeout actions in time for the recipient to submit all necessary documentation and information to FEMA during the closeout of their prime award. The recipient is responsible for returning any balances of unobligated or unliquidated funds that have been drawn down that are not authorized to be retained per 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(e).

Administrative Closeout

Administrative closeout is a mechanism for FEMA to unilaterally execute closeout of an award.

FEMA will use available award information in lieu of final recipient reports, per 2 C.F.R. §

200.344(h)-(i). It is an activity of last resort, and if FEMA administratively closes an award, this may negatively impact a recipient’s ability to obtain future funding.

Additional Reporting Requirements

Anytime there is a chance in personnel for any of the awardees and/or subrecipients, their information needs to be submitted for approval (all the previous personal information identified).

F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R.