fy 2015 fema hsntp continuing training grants (ctg) nofo - final.pdf

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

Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) Continuing Training Grants (CTG) Program

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/applicants/applicant-faqs.html

A. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Description

Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Directorate (NPD), National Training and Education Division (NTED)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

97.005

CFDA Title State and Local Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

FY 2015 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) - Continuing Training Grants (CTG) Program

NOFO Number

DHS-15-NPD-005-000-01

Authorizing Authority for Program The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. No.

114-4)

Appropriation Authority for Program

The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. No.

114-4)

Program Type

New

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html

Overview The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP), Continuing Training Grants (CTG) program plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal) of a secure and resilient Nation. Delivering core capabilities requires the combined effort of the whole community, rather than the exclusive effort of any single organization or level of government. The FY 2015 HSNTP/CTG supports efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery mission areas, with specific focus on addressing the training needs of our Nation.

Objectives FY 2015 HSNTP/CTG training programs will provide training solutions to address specific national preparedness gaps, correlate training needs with exercise activities and outcomes, incorporate the core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal, and ensure training is available and accessible to a nationwide audience.

Priorities The highest priority of the HSNTP/CTG is to build and sustain the core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal. Particular emphasis will be placed on development and delivery of training programs which address the preparedness gaps in the following specific focus areas:

• Cybersecurity

• Hazardous Materials

• Countering Violent Extremism

• Rural Preparedness

These focus areas, along with associated training objectives which must be addressed by applicants, are described in Appendix C of this NOFO.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: $11,521,000

Projected number of Awards: Between Four (4) and Eight (8) (estimate only)

Period of Performance: Thirty-six (36) Months

Extensions to the period of performance are allowed. For additional information on period of performance extensions, refer to Section H of this NOFO: Additional Information (Extensions).

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 9/30/2015

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 10/01/2018

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreements

The HSNTP/CTG program, prescribed by this NOFO, is awarded through separate cooperative agreements, as defined by 2 C.F.R. §200.24, and consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (Pub. L. No. 95-224), (31 U.S.C. §§6301- 6308). FEMA maintains substantial involvement with all non-federal entities in carrying out the activities contemplated by HSNTP/CTG awards to include financial monitoring and all training development and delivery activities, such as the creation and approval of course content, arrangement of learning objectives, delivery modes and methods, and use of the four-level training evaluation model. FEMA program managers and training specialists provide approval and disapproval for all activities over the life cycle of the award.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants:

State governments City or township governments County governments Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institution of higher education Nonprofit private institutions of higher education Nonprofit national associations and organizations Public & State controlled institutions of higher education

Eligibility Criteria

Training Expertise. Applicants must either have an existing training program or demonstrable expertise to create and operate a training program that is capable of developing and delivering training for a national whole community audience. For the purposes of the HSNTP/CTG program, the minimum standard for training expertise is defined as the principal activities that an organization conducts which are primarily focused on the development and delivery of training for an external audience, but may include an internal audience, resulting in a change or increase of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. Training types/modes that meet this definition include web-based training, instructor-led courses conducted in classrooms and/or training areas (to include mobile courses), and seminars and workshops. Drill and exercise-only type activities, without a learning component, do not meet the definition of training expertise for the HSNTP/CTG program.

Applications that do not describe an organization with appropriate training expertise are ineligible.

Suspension and Debarment. Applicants must not be on a government debarment or suspension list. Organizations on debarment or suspension lists are ineligible.

Maintenance of Effort

There is no Maintenance of Effort requirement for this program.

Cost Share or Match No cost share or match is required.

D. Application and Submission Information

Submission Date and Other Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov: 06/25/2015

Start Date of Application Submission: 06/25/2015

Application Submission Deadline: 08/10/2015 at 11:59:59 PM EST

All applications must be received by the established deadline. The Non-Disaster (ND) Grants System has a date stamp that indicates when an application is submitted.

Applicants will receive an electronic message confirming receipt of the full application.

In general, FEMA will not review applications that are not received by the deadline or consider them for funding. FEMA may, however, extend the application deadline on request for any applicant who can demonstrate that good cause exists to justify extending the deadline. Good cause for an extension may include technical problems outside of the applicant’s control that prevent submission of the application by the deadline, or other exigent or emergency circumstances. If you experience technical issues, you must notify the respective Headquarters (HQ) Program Point of Contact as soon as possible.

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than 09/30/2015

Anticipated Award Date: No later than 09/30/2015

Other Key Dates The chart below outlines suggested/estimated deadlines for completing the five steps required for a successful application submission prior to the deadline. These dates are only recommendations as applicants are responsible for planning far enough in advance to complete their application. The requirements outlined in the chart below are outside of FEMA’s purview. Therefore, FEMA does not guarantee the timeframes for completing those processes. Failure of an applicant to comply with any of the required steps before the deadline for submitting their application may disqualify their application from funding.

Applicants are encouraged to register early for Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) authorization. The registration process can take four weeks or more to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines.

Event Suggested Deadline For Completion Obtaining DUNS Number July 10, 2015 Obtaining a valid EIN July 10, 2015 Updating SAM registration July 10, 2015 Submitting application in Grants.gov August 10, 2015 (firm)

FEMA strongly recommends that organizations submit applications at least five (5) business days before the submission deadline.

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,” read the registration requirements and register if necessary (Allow up to 7-10 business days after you submit before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information). In order to obtain the application package select “Download a Grant Application Package”. Enter the 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.

If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions please call the Grants.gov customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726.

Hard copies of the FY 2015 HSNTP/CTG NOFO are not available.

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

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal and FEMA’s Non-Disaster Grants (ND Grants) System.

Content and Form of Application Submission Applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. To ensure that an application is submitted on time applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission. Please review the table above under “Submission Dates and Other Key Dates and Times” for estimated deadlines to complete each of the five steps listed below. Failure of an applicant to comply with any of the required steps before the deadline for submitting their application may disqualify their application from funding.

The steps involved in applying for an award under this program are:

1. Applying for, updating or verifying their DUNS Number;

2. Applying for, updating or verifying their EIN Number;

3. Updating or verifying their SAM Number;

4. Establishing an AOR in Grants.gov

5. Submitting an initial application in Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/

For additional information regarding the DUNS Number, EIN Number, SAM Number, and AOR requirements, please see the section below entitled Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, System for Award Management (SAM), and Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR).

Refer to Appendix E of this NOFO for application narrative proposal requirements.

Submitting an Initial Application in Grants.gov All applicants must submit their initial application through Grants.gov. Applicants may need to first create a Grants.gov user profile by visiting the Get Registered section of the Grants.gov website. Successful completion of this step is necessary for DHS/FEMA to determine eligibility of the applicant. Applicants should complete this initial step on-line, which requires completing:

• Application for Federal Assistance, Standard Form 424 (SF-424)

• Grants.gov (GG) Form Lobbying Form

• Application Narrative – Refer to Appendix E of this NOFO for required format and content

The SF-424 and GG Lobbying Form are available in the Forms tab under SF-424 family.

The initial application cannot be started or submitted in Grants.gov until the applicant’s registration in SAM is confirmed.

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov by selecting Apply for Grants. Enter the CFDA number (97.005) or the Opportunity ID Number noted in this NOFO, select Download Application Package, and follow the prompts to download the application package. The information submitted in Grants.gov will be retrieved by ND Grants, which will allow DHS/FEMA to determine if an applicant is eligible. Applicants are encouraged to submit their initial application in Grants.gov by August 3, 2015.

If you need assistance applying through Grants.gov, please go to the Grant Application page, contact support@grants.gov, or call 800-518-4726. FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to registering with Grants.gov.

Submitting the Complete Application in Non-Disaster Grants System (ND Grants).

Selected applicants will be notified by FEMA and asked to proceed with submitting their complete application package in ND Grants. This step will not occur until after the application period closes on August 10, 2015 and only selected recipients will be notified to complete this step. Applicants can register early with ND Grants and are encouraged to begin their ND Grants registration at the time of this announcement. Early registration will allow selected recipients to have adequate time to start and complete their application.

In ND Grants, selected applicants will be prompted to submit all of the information contained in the following forms. Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they include all required information.

• Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, (Standard Form (SF) 424A) http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html%23sortby%3D1 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov

• Assurances for Non-construction Programs, (SF - 424B)

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form (if the recipient has engaged or intends to engage in lobbying activities)

• Budget Documents (refer to Appendix B of this NOFO)

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable

Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, System for Award Management (SAM), and Authorized Organizational Representative

(AOR)

Before you can apply for a DHS grant at Grants.gov, you must have a DUNS number and must be registered in SAM.

Obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following website: http://www.grants.gov//web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

The applicant must provide a DUNS number with their application. This number is a required field for all subsequent steps in the application submission. Applicants should verify they have a DUNS number, or take the steps necessary to obtain one.

Applicants can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the DUNS number request line at (866) 705-5711. FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to obtaining a current DUNS number.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) FEMA requires both the EIN and a DUNS number prior to the issuance of a financial assistance award and for grant award payment; both EIN and DUNS are also required to register with SAM (see below). The EIN base for an organization is the IRS Tax ID number, for individuals it is their social security number, (both the EIN and social security number are nine-digit numbers). Organizations and individuals submitting their applications must correctly differentiate the EIN from the DUNS since both are nine-digit numbers. If these numbers are not correctly identified in the application, this may result in a delay in the issuance of the funding award or incorrect payment to a recipient organization.

Organizations applying for an EIN should plan on a minimum of two full weeks to obtain an EIN. If you need assistance registering an EIN please contact the IRS helpline.

FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to obtaining a current EIN.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants applying for grant funds electronically through Grants.gov must register with the Federal SAM. Step-by-step instructions for registering with SAM can be found here:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html. All applicants must register with SAM in order to apply online. Failure to http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-%26-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-%26-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html register with SAM will result in your application being rejected by Grants.gov during the submissions process.

Payment under any FEMA award is contingent on the recipient’s having a current SAM registration. The SAM registration process must be completed by the applicant. It is imperative that the information provided by the applicant is correct and current. Please ensure that your organization’s name, address, DUNS number and EIN are up to date in SAM and that the DUNS number used in SAM is the same one used to apply for all other FEMA awards.

SAM registration is a multi-step process, including validating your EIN with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.

The CAGE code is only valid for one year after issuance and must be current at the time of application.

SAM sends notifications to the registered user via email 60, 30, and 15 days prior to expiration of the SAM registration for the Entity. SAM registration may lapse due to inactivity. To update or renew your Entity records(s) in SAM you will need to create a SAM User Account and link it to your migrated Entity records.

If you need assistance registering, please go to SAM or call 866-606-8220. FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to registering in SAM or obtaining a current CAGE code.

Authorized Organizational Representative The next step in the registration process is creating a username and password with Grants.gov to become an AOR. AORs will need to know the DUNS number of the organization for which they will be submitting applications to complete this process.

To read more detailed instructions for creating a profile on Grants.gov visit:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html.

AOR Authorization After creating a profile on Grants.gov, the E-Biz Point of Contact (E-Biz POC), a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM, will receive an email to grant the AOR permission to submit applications on behalf of their organization. The E-Biz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and approves an applicant as the AOR, thereby giving him or her permission to submit applications. To learn more about AOR Authorization visit:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html. To track an AOR status visit:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html.

Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to register early. The registration process can take four weeks or more to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines. After you have been approved as an AOR you will be able to submit your application online.

Electronic Signature Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute a submission as electronically signed applications. The registration and account creation with Grants.gov with E-Biz POC approval establishes an AOR. When you submit the application through Grants.gov, the name of your AOR on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the AOR; this step often is overlooked and it is crucial for valid submissions.

DHS/FEMA may not make an 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/FEMA is ready to make an award, DHS/FEMA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372 (see http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf). Name and addresses of the SPOCs are maintained at the Office of Management and Budget’s home page at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc to ensure currency.

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

Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other federal award, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the federal government or any other government entity.

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance As a Federal agency, DHS/FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including grants-funded projects, comply with federal EHP regulations, laws and Executive Orders as applicable. Recipients proposing projects that have the potential to impact the environment, including, but not limited to construction of communication towers, modification or renovation of existing buildings, structures and facilities, or new construction including replacement of facilities, must participate in the DHS/FEMA EHP review process. The EHP review process involves the submission of a detailed project description that explains the goals and objectives of the proposed project along with supporting documentation so that DHS/FEMA may determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources and/or historic properties. In some cases, DHS/FEMA also is required to consult with other regulatory agencies and http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf) http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc the public in order to complete the review process. The EHP review process must be completed before funds are released to carry out the proposed project. DHS/FEMA will not fund projects that are initiated without the required EHP review.

Additionally, all recipients are required to comply with FEMA EHP Policy Guidance.

This EHP Policy Guidance can be found in FP 108-023-1, Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Policy Guidance, and FP 108.24.4, Environmental Planning and Historical Preservation Policy

Pre-Award Costs Pre-award costs are allowable only with the prior written approval of FEMA and if they are included in the award agreement. To request pre-award costs, a written request must be included with the application. The request must be signed by the Authorized Representative of the entity. The letter must outline what the pre-award costs are for, including a detailed budget break-out of pre-award costs from the post-award costs, and a justification for approval.

Direct Costs

Cost Principles Costs charged to this award must be consistent with the Cost Principles for Federal Awards located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E.

Equipment Equipment costs are allowed under this program only as described in this NOFO.

Applicants should analyze the cost benefits of purchasing versus leasing equipment, especially high cost items and those subject to rapid technical advances. Large equipment purchases must be identified and explained. For more information regarding property management standards for equipment, please reference 2 C.F.R. § 200.310 – 2 C.F.R. § 200.316, located at the following website: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1#se2.1.200_133

Travel Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program as described in this NOFO.

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

Construction and Renovation Construction and renovation are not allowable costs under this program.

Maintenance and Sustainment Maintenance and Sustainment related costs, such as maintenance contracts, warranties, repair or replacement costs, upgrades, and user fees are allowable as described in FEMA Policy FP 205-402-125-1 (http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474).

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2%3A1.1.2.2.1%23se2.1.200_133 http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474 http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474 http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474

Management and Administration (M&A) Management and Administration (M&A) costs are allowed. Recipients may use up to five percent (5%) of the amount of the award for their M&A. M&A activities are defined as those directly relating to the management and administration of HSNTP/CTG funds, such as financial management and monitoring.

Indirect (Facilities and Administrative [F&A] Costs) Indirect costs are allowable under this program as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.414. With the exception of recipients who have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f), recipients must have an approved indirect cost rate agreement with their cognizant federal agency to charge indirect costs to this award. A copy of the approved rate (a fully executed, agreement negotiated with the applicant’s cognizant federal agency) is required at the time of application, and must be provided to FEMA before indirect costs are charged to the award.

Fringe Benefits: Fringe benefits should be based on actual known costs or an established formula. Fringe benefits on overtime hours are limited to Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), Workman’s Compensation, and Unemployment Compensation.

E. Application Review Information

Criteria FY 2015 HSNTP/CTG applications will be evaluated based on the following eight criteria:

• Technical Merit

• Needs Analysis

• National in Scope

• Target Audience

• Organizational Experience

• Training Development Plan

• Training Delivery Plan

• Budget

For additional information concerning these criteria, please see Appendix D of this NOFO.

Review and Selection Process

Eligibility Screening. Applications will be screened by FEMA’s National Training and Education Division for compliance with the eligibility requirement Training Expertise as described in Section C of this notice. Any application that does not meet this eligibility requirement will not be reviewed or scored.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review and Scoring. Applications that pass eligibility screening will be independently (non panel) reviewed and scored by programmatic SMEs from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and agencies, along with SMEs from industry and academia, as appropriate for each focus area. SMEs will score (numerically) each application based on the criteria described in this notice. SMEs will review and score 5 categories (described in the evaluation criteria table in Appendix D) and may award a total of 85 points. SME scores will be averaged to provide a final score.

FEMA Review and Scoring. Applications that pass eligibility screening will be reviewed and scored by FEMA program managers, training specialists (to include Instructional System Design experts), and members of leadership from FEMA’s National Preparedness Directorate. FEMA reviewers will also provide scores (numerical) with supporting narrative comments. FEMA will review and score 8 categories (described in the evaluation criteria table in Appendix D) and may award a total of 145 points. FEMA scores will be averaged to provide a final score.

All reviewers will utilize the guidance contained in this notice for evaluation; this includes all focus area objectives and referenced standards. Reviewers will provide narrative support (scoring comments) for all numerical scores.

FEMA senior leadership will review all scoring results and will then apply additional factors such as executive and legislative guidance, alignment with DHS and FEMA strategic priorities, along with investment strategy and budgetary limits in order to prioritize the top-scoring applications. The results will be presented to the Deputy Administrator of FEMA for Protection and National Preparedness, who will, on behalf of the Administrator of FEMA, approve or disapprove the recommended selection of recipients for this program. The Deputy Administrator of FEMA for Protection and National Preparedness will then forward these selections to the Secretary of Homeland Security. All final funding determinations will be made by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who retains the discretion to consider other factors and information in addition to FEMA’s funding recommendations.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award Notification of award approval is made through the Non Disaster (ND) Grants system through an automatic e-mail to the recipient point of contact (the “authorized official”) listed in the initial application. The date FEMA approves the award is the “award date.”

The recipient should follow the directions in the notification to accept the award.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 90 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify FEMA of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award, or provide a notice of intent to decline through the ND Grants system. For Instructions on how to accept or decline an award in the ND Grants system, please see pages 40-43 in the ND Grants Grantee Training Manual.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25949

Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through the ND Grants system and all other conditions of award have been satisfied, or the award is otherwise rescinded. Failure to accept the award within the 90 day timeframe may result in a loss of funds.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Successful applicants for all DHS/FEMA grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions, which are available online at: http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions

Before accepting the award the authorized official should carefully read the award package. The award package contains instructions on administering the grant award, as well as terms and conditions with which the recipient must comply. Recipients must accept all the conditions in this NOFO as well as all Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program. Special Terms and Conditions are provided in Appendix B of this notice.

Reporting

Recipients are required to submit various financial and programmatic reports as a condition of their award acceptance. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent.

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

Federal Financial Report (FFR) Recipients must report obligations and expenditures ported on a quarterly basis through the FFR (SF-425) to FEMA. Recipients must file the FFR electronically using the Payment and Reporting System (PARS). A FFR must be submitted quarterly throughout the period of performance, including partial calendar quarters, as well as for periods where no grant award activity occurs. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent, demonstrate lack of progress, or are insufficient in detail.

Recipients may review the Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR) (SF-425) here:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/grants/approved_forms/SF-425.pdf, SF-425 OMB #00348-0061.

Financial Reporting Periods and Due Dates The following reporting periods and due dates apply for the FFR:

Reporting Period Report Due Date October 1 – December 31 January 30 January 1 – March 31 April 30 April 1 – June 30 July 30 July 1 – September 30 October 30 http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/grants/approved_forms/SF-425.pdf

Financial and Compliance Audit Report For audits of fiscal years beginning on or after December 26, 2014, recipients that expend $750,000 or more from all federal funding sources during their fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report. The audit must be performed in accordance with the requirements of GAO’s Government Auditing Standards, located at http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm, and the requirements of Subpart F of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, located at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=876f827f6fae2c4bce610e9427a6d229&node=sp2.1.200.f&rgn=div6

For audits of fiscal years beginning prior to December 26, 2014, recipients that expend $500,000 or more from all federal funding sources during their fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report. The audit must be performed in accordance with GAO’s Government Auditing Standards, located at http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm, and OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, located at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133_compliance_supplement_2012

Program Performance Reporting Requirements

Performance Progress Reports (SF-PPR) Recipients are responsible for providing updated performance reports using the SF-PPR on a biannual basis. Recipients must submit the cover page of the SF-PPR as an attachment in the ND Grants system. The SF-PPR can be accessed online at http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fap/SF-PPR_Cover%20Sheet.pdf.

Program Performance Reporting Periods and Due Dates The following reporting periods and due dates apply for the PPR:

Reporting Period Report Due Date January 1 – June 30 July 30 July 1 – December 31 January 30

Close Out Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by FEMA a close-out notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be de-obligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant records for three years from the date of the final FFR.

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=876f827f6fae2c4bce610e9427a6d229&node=sp2.1.200.f&rgn=div6 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=876f827f6fae2c4bce610e9427a6d229&node=sp2.1.200.f&rgn=div6 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=876f827f6fae2c4bce610e9427a6d229&node=sp2.1.200.f&rgn=div6 http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133_compliance_supplement_2012 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133_compliance_supplement_2012 http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fap/SF-PPR_Cover%20Sheet.pdf

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information Contact and Resource Information

Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) The Centralized Services Information Desk (CSID) is a non-emergency comprehensive management and information resource developed by DHS for grants stakeholders. CSID provides general information on all FEMA grant programs and maintains a comprehensive database containing key personnel contact information at the federal, state, and local levels. When necessary, recipients will be directed to a federal point of contact who can answer specific programmatic questions or concerns. CSID can be reached by phone at (800) 368- 6498 or by e-mail at askcsid@dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST.

GPD Grant Operations Division GPD’s Grant Operations Division Business Office provides financial support and technical assistance. The Grant Operations Division manages, administers, and conducts application budget review, creates the award package, approves, amends and closes out awards. Additional guidance and information can be obtained by contacting the FEMA Call Center at (866) 927-5646 or via e-mail to ASK- GMD@dhs.gov..

FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED) The National Preparedness Directorate (NPD)/National Training and Education Division (NTED) has the programmatic responsibility for the HSNTP/CTG program and will also maintain the program management function and responsibilities throughout the life-cycle of the awarded grant. Additional guidance and information can be obtained by contacting the NTED point of contact Mr. Patrick Cowhey at (202) 786-0905 or via e-mail patrick.cowhey@fema.dhs.gov, or Mr. Terry Pruitt at (202) 786-9565 or via e-mail terry.pruitt@fema.dhs.gov or email NTED firstrespondertraining@fema.dhs.gov.

Systems Information Grants.gov. For technical assistance with Grants.gov, please call the customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726.

Non-Disaster (ND) Grants. For technical assistance with the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.

GPD Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (GPD-EHP) The FEMA GPD-EHP Team provides guidance and information about the EHP review process to recipients. All inquiries and communications about GPD projects or the EHP review process, including the submittal of EHP review materials, should be sent to gpdehpinfo@fema.gov. EHP Technical Assistance, the EHP Screening Form, can be found at http://www.fema.gov/media-library-mailto:askcsid@dhs.gov mailto:GMD@dhs.gov mailto:GMD@dhs.gov mailto:patrick.cowhey@fema.dhs.gov mailto:terry.pruitt@fema.dhs.gov mailto:terry.pruitt@fema.dhs.gov mailto:firstrespondertraining@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov mailto:gpdehpinfo@fema.gov http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1806-25045-2839/gpd_ehp_screening_form_omb_1660_0115_june_2011.pdf data/20130726-1806-25045- 2839/gpd_ehp_screening_form_omb_1660_0115_june_2011.pdf.

Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) The Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Announcement is: (800) 462-7585.

Hard Copies of the NOFO Hard Copies of the NOFO are not available.

H. Additional Information

Extensions No-cost extensions to the Period of Performance for this program are allowed on a case-by-case basis. Only no-cost extensions to the initial period of performance identified in the award will be considered. Only requests for extensions made through formal, written requests to FEMA/National Training and Education Division (NTED) will be considered.

Extension requests must contain specific and compelling justifications as to why an extension is required. Extension requests may not exceed 12 months. Recipients are advised to coordinate with NTED as needed when preparing an extension request.

All extension requests must address the following:

• Grant Program, Fiscal Year, and award number;

• Reason for delay – this must include details of the legal, policy, or operational challenges being experienced that prevent the final outlay of awarded funds by the applicable deadline;

• Current status of the activity/activities;

• Approved period of performance termination date and new project completion date;

• Amount of funds drawn down to date;

• Remaining available funds, both federal and non-federal;

• Budget outlining how remaining federal and non-federal funds will be expended;

• Plan for completion including milestones and timeframes for achieving each milestone and the position/person responsible for implementing the plan for completion; and

• Certification that the activity/activities will be completed within the extended period of performance without any modification to the original Statement of Work approved by FEMA.

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

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

http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1806-25045-2839/gpd_ehp_screening_form_omb_1660_0115_june_2011.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1806-25045-2839/gpd_ehp_screening_form_omb_1660_0115_june_2011.pdf https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/LogIn?sawContentMessage=true

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

Monitoring Recipients will be monitored on an annual and as needed basis by FEMA staff, both programmatically and financially, to ensure that the project goals, objectives, performance requirements, timelines, milestone completion, budgets, and other related program criteria are being met.

Monitoring may be accomplished through either a desk-based review or on-site monitoring visits, or both. Monitoring will involve the review and analysis of the financial, programmatic, performance, compliance and administrative processes, policies, activities, and other attributes of each federal assistance award and will identify areas where technical assistance, corrective actions and other support may be needed.

Conflict of Interest To eliminate and reduce the impact of conflicts of interest in the subaward process, recipients and pass-through entities must follow their own policies and procedures regarding the elimination or reduction of conflicts of interest when making subawards.

Recipients and pass-through entities are also required to follow any applicable State, local, or tribal statutes or regulations governing conflicts of interest in the making of subawards.

The recipient or pass-through entity must disclose to FEMA, in writing, any real or potential conflict of interest as defined by the federal, state, local, or tribal statutes or regulations or their own existing policies that may arise during the administration of the federal award. Recipients and pass-through entities must disclose any real or potential conflicts to Program Analyst within five days of learning of the conflict of interest.

Similarly, subrecipients must disclose any real or potential conflict of interest to the pass-through entity as required by the Recipient’s conflict of interest policies, or any applicable State, local, or tribal statutes or regulations.

Conflicts of interest may arise during the process of FEMA making a federal award in situations where an employee, officer, or agent, any members of his or her immediate family, his or her partner has a close personal relationship, a business relationship, or a professional relationship, with an applicant, subapplicant, recipient, subrecipient, or FEMA employees.

Appendix A: Budget Template

(Applicants may recreate and submit as a table or spreadsheet) Personnel (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed) | % refers to the percent of time/labor planned per person

Name Position Salary Year 1 % Total Yr 1 Year 2 % Total Yr 2 Year 3 % Total Yr 3 Total

Total Personnel Costs (Salary) $ Explain salary changes (e.g. annual scheduled increases) here:

Explain/clarify any figures here:

Fringe Benefits (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed)

Name Benefit Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Fringe

Total Personnel Costs (Fringe Benefits) $ Travel (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed)

Name # of Trips: From > To and Purpose Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Travel

Equipment (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed)

Item # of Items Purpose Cost Supplies (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed)

Item # of Items Purpose Cost

Appendix A: Budget Template

Total Yr 2

Total Yr 3

Total

Total Consultant Costs

Year 2 Year 3 nel Costs (Fringe Benefits)

Total Cost l Proposed Federal Government Cost $

Consultant Costs (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed)

Name Purpose Cost Total Yr 1

Explain consultant costs here:

Other Expenses (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed) Expense Source and Purpose Year 1

Total Person

Explain consultant costs here:

Total Direct Costs (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Direct

Total Indirect Costs (Add rows as required and modify cell height and width as needed)

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Indirect

Grand Tota Cost Per Student

(Add Rows for Courses with Varying Costs)

Course Title: $

Appendix B: Programmatic Terms and Conditions

Programmatic Terms and Conditions are Special Conditions or Agreement Articles that are specific to the HSNTP/CTG Program, beyond the standard DHS Terms and Conditions.

The Fiscal Year 2015 DHS Standard Terms and Conditions can be found here:

https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/FY%2015%20Standard%20TC%20Version%205.1%202015-2-23.pdf

Title of Term and

Condition Language/Description

Use of DHS Seal The recipient will utilize the DHS/FEMA seal and Design Standards when producing training course materials, aids, or other products funded through this award. Any use of the DHS/FEMA seal not addressed by these standards requires preauthorization and approval by NTED.

Assessments and Data Collection

The recipient agrees to cooperate with any assessments, national evaluation efforts, information, or data collection requests, including, but not limited to, the provision of any information required for the assessment or evaluation of any activities within this Agreement.

Program Authority The recipient acknowledges that DHS/FEMA reserves a royalty-free, non-exclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and authorize others to use, for federal government purposes: 1) the copyright in any work developed under an award or sub-award; and 2) any rights of copyright to which a recipient or subrecipient purchases ownership with federal support.

Learning Management/Content System Requirements

The recipient agrees that any learning management, learning content, content management systems, browser or computer-based training employed by the recipient will be standards-based, meeting Section 508 accessibility requirements of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, 29 U.S.C. 794(d), and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Standards (36 C.F.R. Part 1194). Systems employed by the recipient will also support content interoperability specifications and standards such as Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), and ensure compatibility with industry standard relational database management systems (such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2).