fy 2015 ibsgp nofo final.pdf

FY 2015 IBSGP

Department of Homeland Security

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Fiscal Year 2015 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP)

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-resources.html.

A. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Description

Issued By

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

(FEMA), Grant Programs Directorate (GPD)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

97.057

CFDA Title

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program

NOFO Number

DHS-15-GPD-057-000-01

Authorizing Authority for Program

Section 1532 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of

2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-53), (6 U.S.C. § 1182)

Appropriation Authority for Program

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. No. 114-4 )

Program Type

New http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

Overview

The FY 2015 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) is one of DHS’s FY 2015 grant programs that directly support transportation infrastructure security activities.

IBSGP is one tool in the comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to strengthen the Nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. IBSGP provides funding support for critical infrastructure hardening and other physical security enhancements to operators serving the Nation’s highest-risk metropolitan areas.

Objectives

The FY 2015 IBSGP objectives are to support efforts that:

Build and sustain core capabilities

Strengthen regional security cooperation

Encourage a whole community approach to security and emergency management

For additional information on program priorities and objectives for the FY 2015 IBSGP, refer to Appendix B – FY 2015 IBSGP Priorities.

Priorities

The FY 2015 IBSGP plays an important role in the implementation of the National

Preparedness System by supporting the development and sustainment of core capabilities. Core capabilities are the distinct critical activities essential for the execution of each of the five mission areas outlined in the Goal. Building and sustaining 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

IBSGP’s allowable costs support efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across the

Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery mission areas.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the FY 2015 IBSGP NOFO: $3,000,000

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: September 1, 2015

Projected Period of Performance End Date: August 31, 2018

Funding Instrument: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Private operators providing transportation by an over-the-road bus that have completed a vulnerability assessment and developed a security plan that the Secretary of Homeland

Security has approved as described in Section 1531 of the Implementing

Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act) (Pub. L. No. 110-53)

(6 U.S.C. § 1181) are eligible to apply for funding under this program.

Eligibility for funding is limited to applicants that meet one or both of the following criteria:

Operate fixed-route intercity bus transportation providing services to a defined Urban

Area Security Initiative (UASI) jurisdiction.

Operate a charter bus service using over-the-road buses and provide a minimum of 50 trips annually to one or more defined UASI jurisdictions.

The following definitions are applicable for the purpose of meeting FY 2015 program eligibility requirements:

Fixed-route intercity bus service is defined as passenger transportation service provided to the general public for compensation over specified, predetermined, and published routes between cities or terminals using over-the-road-buses.

Charter bus service is defined as a bus service that operates neither over fixed-routes nor on regular schedules. Note: A charter bus service is characterized by the rental of a bus and the services of a driver to a person or group where all passengers embark and disembark at the same point. A charter bus service must use over-the-road buses.

An over-the-road bus is defined as a vehicle designated for long-distance transportation of passengers, characterized by integral construction with an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment and at least 35 feet in length, with a capacity of more than 30 passengers. Only over-the-road buses are eligible for vehicle security enhancements through this program. Limousines, mini-coaches, school buses, or any other vehicle that does not fit the definition of an over-the-road bus are not eligible.

UASI jurisdiction is defined in the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) FY

2015 Notice of Funding Opportunity. Refer to Appendix A- FY 2015 IBSGP UASI-

Eligible Urban Areas of this NOFO.

A trip is defined as a single bus journey from an embarkation point to the furthest destination in that journey. For example, a trip from New York City to Denver to San

Francisco would be considered a single trip. A trip is made to a defined UASI jurisdiction if at any point in the trip the bus stops in a UASI jurisdiction and embarks or disembarks passengers. For example, a trip from Newburgh, NY to Manhattan to

Charleston, WV is a trip to a defined UASI jurisdiction if passengers embark or disembark in Manhattan.

Note: Intracity bus service is not eligible for funding under the FY 2015 IBSGP. Funding for intracity bus security is addressed through the FY 2015 Transit Security Grant

Program.

Ineligible Service Categories

School buses

Fixed service routes under contract to transit authorities within UASI jurisdictions

Fixed service routes not stopping in qualifying UASI jurisdictions

Intracity trolley and/or tour services

Bus company owners that are not operators

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for the FY 2015 IBSGP, operators must have developed or updated their security plan, which must be based on a security assessment such as the Baseline

Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) performed by Transportation Security

Inspectors-Surface from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), within the last three years prior to receiving an FY 2015 award. A copy of the security plan and security assessment must be available for DHS review upon request. All operators must have completed a vulnerability assessment and developed a security plan as required by

Section 1531 of the 9/11 Act (6 U.S.C. § 1181).

1) Developing assessments or security plans that include, as appropriate:

Identification and evaluation of critical assets and infrastructure, including platforms, stations, terminals, and information systems

Identification of vulnerabilities to those assets and infrastructure

Identification of gaps in physical security; passenger and cargo security, the security of programmable electronic devices, computers, or other automated systems which are used in providing over-the-road bus transportation; alarms, cameras, and other protection systems communications systems and utilities needed for over-the-road bus security purposes, including dispatching systems;

emergency response planning; and employee training

2) Development of a security plan that includes, as appropriate:

The identification of a security coordinator having authority to implement security actions, coordinate security improvements, and receive communications from appropriate Federal officials regarding over-the-road bus security

A list of needed capital and operational improvements

Procedures to be implemented or used by the operator in response to a terrorist attack, including evacuation and passenger communication plans that include individuals with disabilities

The identification of steps taken with state and local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and Federal officials to coordinate security measures and plans for response to a terrorist attack

A strategy and timeline for conducting training to prepare front-line employees for potential security threats and conditions

Enhanced security measures to be taken by the operator when the Secretary of

DHS declares a period of heightened security risk

Plans for providing redundant and backup systems required to ensure the continued operation of critical elements of the operator’s system in the event of a terrorist attack

For additional information on the above resources, please contact highwaysecurity@tsa.dhs.gov.

Other project requests will not be considered until the vulnerability assessments and security plans are developed and/or certified by the bus operator. See Section D.

Application and Submission Information for the Vulnerability Assessment/Security Plan certification statement.

Other Eligibility Criteria:

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

Prior to allocation of any Federal preparedness awards in FY 2015, recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS.

Emergency management and incident response activities require carefully managed resources (personnel, teams, facilities, equipment and/or supplies) to meet incident needs.

Utilization of the standardized resource management concepts such as typing, credentialing, and inventorying promote a strong national mutual aid capability needed to support delivery of core capabilities. Additional information on resource management and NIMS resource typing definitions and job titles/position qualifications are available on DHS/FEMA’s website under National Integration Center Resource Management.

DHS/FEMA developed the NIMS Guideline for Credentialing of Personnel to describe national credentialing standards and to provide written guidance regarding the use of those standards. This guideline describes credentialing and typing processes, and identifies tools which Federal Emergency Response Officials (FEROs) and emergency managers at all levels of government may use both routinely and to facilitate multijurisdictional coordinated responses.

Although state, local, tribal, and private sector partners—including nongovernmental organizations—are not required to credential their personnel in accordance with these guidelines, DHS/FEMA strongly encourages them to do so in order to leverage the

Federal investment in the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 201 infrastructure and to facilitate interoperability for personnel deployed outside their home jurisdiction. Additional information is available from the NIMS Guideline for the

Credentialing of Personnel.

Maintenance of Effort mailto:highwaysecurity@tsa.dhs.gov http://www.fema.gov/resource-management-mutual-aid http://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.201-2.pdf http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/nims_alert_cred_guideline.pdf http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/nims_alert_cred_guideline.pdf

Maintenance of effort is not required under this program.

Cost Share or Match

Cost Share or Cost Match is not required under this program.

D. Application and Submission Information

Submission Date and Other Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov: April 2, 2015

Application Submission Deadline: May 19, 2015 at 11:59 PM EDT

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, DHS/FEMA will not review applications that are not received by the deadline or consider them for funding. DHS/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 Program Analyst as soon as possible.

Anticipated Award Date: No later than 9/30/2015

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.

Task Suggested timeframe for completion of task to meet submission deadline

Obtain DUNS Number April 21, 2015

Obtain valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) April 21, 2015

Update SAM registration April 21, 2015

Submit initial application in grants.gov May 9, 2015

Submitting application in ND Grants May 19, 2015 (firm)

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 (Wait at least 7-10 business days after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active, 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 IBSGP NOFO are not available.

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal

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

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal and DHS/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 six 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 being considered for 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 authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;

5. Submitting an initial application in Grants.gov; and

6. Submitting the complete application in ND Grants.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/sheath/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/stacey.street/Local%20Settings/Documents%20and%20Settings/lwatson6/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20I http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html

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 Organization Representative (AOR).

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:

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

Grants.gov (GG) Form Certification Regarding Lobbying Form.

Both forms are available in the Forms tab under SF-424 Family. The initial application cannot be started or submitted in Grant.gov unless 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 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 at least ten days before the May 19, 2015 application deadline.

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

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

Eligible applicants will be notified by DHS/FEMA and asked to proceed with submitting their complete application package in ND Grants. Applicants can register early with ND

Grants and are encouraged to begin their ND Grants registration at the time of this announcement. Early registration will allow applicants to have adequate time to start and complete their application.

In ND Grants 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 have all the information required.

Standard Form 424A, Budget Information (Non-construction)

Standard Form 424B, Standard Assurances (Non-construction)

Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

In addition applicants must submit copies of the following in ND Grants:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/grant-application-process.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/grant-application-process.html mailto:support@grants.gov?subject=GRANTS.GOV%20Support%20Center http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html https://portal.fema.gov/

Investment Justification

Budget

Vulnerability Assessment/Security Plan Certificate (if applicable)

Standard Form 424C, Budget Information (Construction), if applying to use funds for construction or renovation

Standard Form 424D, Standard Assurances (Construction) if applying for funds to use for construction; and

Indirect Cost Agreement

If you need assistance registering for the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.

Dun and Bradstreet 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 the System for Awards Management (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. DHS/FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to obtaining a current DUNS number.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

DHS/FEMA requires both the EIN and a DUNS number prior to the issuance of a financial assistance award and for grant award payment; both 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 of which are nine-digit numbers.

Organizations and individuals submitting their applications must correctly identify the

EIN from the DUNS since both are 9-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 and/or incorrect payment to a recipient organization.

Organization applicants applying for an EIN should plan on a minimum of 2 full weeks to obtain an EIN. If you need assistance registering an EIN please contact the IRS helpline. DHS/FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to obtaining a current EIN.

mailto:ndgrants@fema.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.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)

Applicants applying for grant funds electronically through Grants.gov must register with the Federal System for Award Management (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 register with the SAM will result in your application being rejected by Grants.gov during the submissions process.

Payment under any DHS/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

DHS/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. DHS/FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to registering in SAM or obtaining a current CAGE code.

Authorized Organization 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/applicant-resources.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/applicant-resources.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.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/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.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.

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 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 is often missed and it is crucial for valid submissions.

DHS/FEMA may not make an IBSGP 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.

IBSGP Specific Application Instructions:

Investment Justification (IJ)

As part of the FY 2015 IBSGP application process, applicants must develop a formal IJ that addresses each initiative being proposed for funding, including estimated M&A costs. Applicants may submit up to three investment justifications. These IJs must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies in current programs and capabilities. The IJ must demonstrate the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by DHS/FEMA. IBSGP projects must be: 1) both feasible and effective at reducing the risks for which the project was designed; and 2) able to be fully completed within the 3-year period of performance.

Applicants must ensure that the IJ is consistent with all applicable requirements outlined in this NOFO.

IJs for all projects must be completed in full in order to be considered for funding.

Detailed Budget

The applicant must also provide a detailed budget for the funds requested. The budget must be complete, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to the proposed project. The budget should provide the basis of computation of all project-related costs, any appropriate narrative, and a detail of all M&A costs. Budgets should also round costs to the nearest whole dollar, and not include cents.

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/applicant-resources.html

The detailed budget must be submitted with the grant application as a file attachment within https://portal.fema.gov. Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting required documents as part of the FY 2015 IBSGP:

Legal Name of Bus Company_IJ Number_Budget (Example: ABC Bus

Lines_IJ#1_Budget)

When completing the budget, applicants should break costs down to the smallest unit possible. For instance, a fencing project should provide the cost per linear foot of fencing and a closed circuit television (CCTV) project should provide the cost per camera. This will greatly assist the review panel in determining the type and cost effectiveness of the different components of the project.

Additionally, any technical or computer equipment should be described in adequate detail to improve understanding of the function of such devices. The budget narrative section of the application allows applicants the opportunity to describe the purpose and function of project components. Budget narratives should also clearly identify any optional features or capabilities, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit equipped with a panic button. Optional or potential capabilities not clearly identified will be assumed as not being present.

Applicants will find a sample budget detail worksheet in Appendix D - FY 2015 IBSGP

Investment Justification and Budget Template. This worksheet may be used as a guide to assist applicants in the preparation of the budget and budget narrative.

Vulnerability Assessment and Security Plan Certification Statement (if applicable)

If an operator already has a current (updated within the last three years) vulnerability assessment and security plan and wishes to apply for other projects, they must certify as such using the certification Appendix.

If applying for other projects, applicants must justify those projects based on the findings and recommendations in their vulnerability assessment and security plan. Applicants that do not tie their proposed projects back to their company specific security plans risk receiving lower scores than applicants that do tie their proposed projects to their security plan.

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.

http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc

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/or 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 and subrecipients 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 is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and 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 DHS/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

SAFECOM

Recipients (including subrecipients) who receive awards under IBSGP that wholly or partially provide funding for emergency communication projects and related activities must comply with the most recent version of the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency

Communications Grants. This guidance provides recommendations to recipients regarding interoperable emergency communications projects, including allowable costs, eligible activities, grants management best practices for emergency communications grants, and information on technical standards that ensure greater interoperability. The guidance is intended to ensure that Federally-funded investments are compatible, interoperable, and support the national goals and objectives for improving emergency communications nationwide. Recipients (including subrecipients) investing in broadband-related investments should review IB 386, Clarification on Use of

DHS/FEMA Public Safety Grant Funds for Broadband-Related Expenditures and

Investments, and consult their DHS/FEMA HQ Program Analyst on such investments before developing applications.

http://www.dhses.ny.gov/grants/ehp/EHP-PolicyGuidance-508.pdf http://www.dhses.ny.gov/grants/ehp/EHP-PolicyGuidance-508.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1388411752234-6ddb79121951a68e9ba036d2569aa488/18Dec13-NoNEPAReview.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1388411752234-6ddb79121951a68e9ba036d2569aa488/18Dec13-NoNEPAReview.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1837-25045-1238/ib_386.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1837-25045-1238/ib_386.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1837-25045-1238/ib_386.pdf

Pre-award Costs

Pre-award costs are allowable only with the prior written approval of DHS/FEMA and if they are included in the award agreement. To request pre-award costs a written request must be included with the application, signed by the 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 Principals for

Federal Awards located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E.

Planning

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

Organization

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

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. § 200.313, located at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c836a011886f180dac489e15c059b1aa&node=sg2.1.200_1309.sg2&rg n=div7.

Training

Training related costs are allowed under this program only as described in this

Exercises

Exercise related costs are allowed under this program only as described in this

Travel

Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program only as described in this

NOFO. International travel is not an allowable cost unless otherwise approved in advance by FEMA.

Construction and Renovation http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c836a011886f180dac489e15c059b1aa&node=sg2.1.200_1309.sg2&rgn=div7 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c836a011886f180dac489e15c059b1aa&node=sg2.1.200_1309.sg2&rgn=div7 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c836a011886f180dac489e15c059b1aa&node=sg2.1.200_1309.sg2&rgn=div7

Construction and renovation costs for modifying terminals, garages, and facilities to increase their security are allowed under this program only as described in this

Operational Overtime

Operational Overtime costs are allowed under this program only as

Maintenance and Sustainment

Maintenance and sustainment costs are not allowed under this program only as

Critical Emergency Supplies

Critical Emergency Supply related costs are not allowed under this program. For additional details on allowable costs under the IBSGP, See Appendix C - FY 2015

IBSGP Funding Guidelines for additional details.

Management and Administration (M&A)

Management and Administration (M&A) costs are allowed under this program.

Any M&A costs associated with individual projects submitted for consideration of funding under the FY 2015 IBSGP must be included in the budget for that project. M&A costs associated with managing the overall IBSGP award itself must be accounted for separately. M&A costs may not exceed five percent (5%) of the total grant award.

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

DHS/FEMA before indirect costs are charged to the award.

E. Application Review Information

Criteria

FY 2015 IBSGP applications will be evaluated through a review process for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed investments. This section is a synopsis. For additional information, please see

Appendix E – Application Review Information.

Grant projects must be: 1) both feasible and effective at reducing the risks for which the project was designed; and 2) able to be fully completed within the 3-year period of performance.

FEMA will use the information provided in the application, as well as any supporting documentation, to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the grant project.

Information that would assist in the feasibility and effectiveness determination includes the following:

Scope of work (purpose and objectives of the project, identification of what is being protected)

Desired outcomes, including expected long-term impact where applicable

Summary of status of planning and design accomplished to date (e.g. included in a capital improvement plan)

Project schedule

Grantees are expected to conform, as applicable, with accepted engineering practices, established codes, standards, modeling techniques, and best practices.

Applications requesting funds will be reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

Funding priorities. Projects will be evaluated and prioritized based on the extent to which they address the specific funding priorities described in this FY 2015 NOFO. The

IJ should provide details on specific needs to be addressed, vision, goals, and objectives.

It should also provide evidence of how the project fits into an overall effort to meet critical infrastructure security requirements, and how the investment provides significant security impact.

Review Panel Funding Priorities Score: 0-55 points

Cost effectiveness. Projects will be evaluated and prioritized on the expected impact on security relative to the investment. The IJ should provide quantitative evidence of the security impact, as well as justification for the strategic use of the proposed budget. The

IJ should reflect robust regional coordination and an investment strategy that institutionalizes regional security strategy integration in the Nation’s highest risk metropolitan areas. The project cost levels should be commensurate with the security impact, and the proposed solution should be reasonable and advantageous over other possible solutions.

Possible Review Panel Cost Effectiveness Score: 0-10 points

Ability to reduce risk of catastrophic events. Projects will be evaluated and prioritized on their ability to reduce risk. The IJ should demonstrate an ability to reduce risk, providing quantitative evidence of the project’s security impact, consequence of not funding the project, and strategy to address specific risk areas.

Possible Review Panel Risk Reduction Score: 0-15 points

Sustainability without additional Federal funds and leveraging of other funding.

Projects will be evaluated and prioritized regarding the extent to which they exhibit a likelihood of success, or continued success, without requiring additional Federal assistance, as well as offer a long-term sustainability plan.

Possible Review Panel Sustainability Score: 0-10 points

Timelines. Projects will be evaluated and prioritized on the ability of the applicant to complete the proposed project within submitted timeframes. The IJ should provide a timeline and schedule, and demonstrate evidence of ability to complete it within submitted timeline based on proposed strategy, identified implementation challenges, management and resource plan, and reasonableness of anticipated schedule.

Possible Review Panel Timelines Score: 0-10 points

Risk to critical infrastructure. Priority will be given to bus systems serving UASI jurisdictions within the Homeland Security Grant Program and to systems with routes passing through underwater tunnels. This score is calculated by a risk process developed and maintained by TSA and provided separately in accordance with proper Sensitive

Security Information (SSI) handling.

Possible Review Panel Critical Infrastructure Score: 0-10 points

Review and Selection Process

Recipients must comply with all administrative requirements described herein ― including the submission of IJs, budgets, and other application materials as required.

Having met all administrative requirements, the application will be scored based on a methodology that will ensure consistent and accurate evaluations of projects and proposals.

The FY 2015 IBSGP will use risk-based prioritization consistent with DHS policy. The following method of selection will be followed under this program:

The following process will be used to make awards for the program:

DHS/FEMA will verify compliance with each of the administrative and eligibility criteria identified in the application kit.

Eligible applications will be reviewed by a National Review Panel (NRP) to determine the risk mitigation and regional collaboration scores. The NRP will consist of Federal officials from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management

Agency. Each panelist will independently review each application and score it based on the above criteria outlined using a standard scoring sheet.

The NRP will meet to review and compare scores with discussion of project criteria.

Each panelist will then confirm their final scores. Panelist scores will be averaged to obtain scores for each criteria on each project.

DHS/FEMA will calculate a total score to aid with funding selections. The total score will consist of the sum of the funding priorities score (0-55), cost effectiveness score (0-

10), risk reduction score (0-15), sustainability score (0-10), time-line (0-10), and the risk to critical infrastructure score calculated by TSA (0-10).

DHS/FEMA will calculate a total score to aid with funding selections.

The NRP results, scoring summary, and funding recommendations, will be reviewed by an Executive Committee made up of senior leadership from DHS/FEMA and

TSA.

The output of the Executive Committee review will be the final slate of recommended projects, the associated funding recommendations and official comments and justifications. DHS/FEMA and TSA will brief the final results of the Executive

Committee’s review, approved projects and funding to senior DHS leadership through multiple briefings. Ultimately, IBSGP authorizing statutes place final funding determinations at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The final slate of approved projects will then be forwarded to GPD for final award processing.

Financial Review

The DHS/FEMA headquarters grants management specialists will also conduct a financial risk assessment using the following criteria:

Allowability, allocability, and financial reasonableness of the proposed budget and investment information.

If the recipient meets the financial and legal requirements listed in 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award

Notification of award approval is made through the ND Grants system through an automatic electronic mail to the awardee authorized official listed in the initial application. The “award date” for IBSGP will be the date that DHS/FEMA approves the award. The awardee should follow the directions in the notification to confirm acceptance of the award.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 90 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify the awarding agency of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award through the ND Grants system. For instructions on how to accept or decline and award in the ND Grants system, please see pages 40-43 in the ND Grants

Grantee Training Manual.

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

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

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Successful applicants for all DHS 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 the 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.

Reporting

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

Federal Financial Requirements

Federal Financial Report (FFR)

Recipients must report obligations and expenditures on a quarterly basis through the FFR

(SF-425) to DHS/FEMA. Recipients must file the FFR electronically using the Payment and…