fy 2015 tsgp nofo final.pdf

FY 2015 TSGP

Department of Homeland Security

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY 2015 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)

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

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

97.075

CFDA Title

Transit Security Grant Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

Transit Security Grant Program

NOFO Number

DHS-15-GPD-075-000-02

Authorizing Authority for Program

Section 1406 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007

(Pub. L. No. 110-53) (6 U.S.C. 1135).

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 TSGP is one of DHS/FEMA’s FY 2015 grant programs that directly support transportation infrastructure security activities. TSGP 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. TSGP provides funds to eligible publicly owned operators of public transportation (which include intra-city bus, commuter bus, ferries, and all forms of passenger rail) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

Objectives

Recipients under the FY 2015 TSGP are encouraged to build and sustain core capabilities through activities such as:

Strengthening governance integration

Operational activities

Operational Packages (OPacks)

Top Transit Asset List (TTAL) remediation

Other critical infrastructure asset remediation

Priorities

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

Preparedness System by supporting the development and sustainment of core capabilities.

Core capabilities are essential for the execution of the Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery mission areas outlined in the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient Nation. The development and sustainment of these core capabilities are not exclusive to any single level of government or organization, but rather require the combined effort of the whole community.

The FY 2015 TSGP supports all core capabilities across the five mission areas based on allowable costs. Examples of tangible outcomes from the TSGP Program include building and sustaining emergency management capabilities through operational activities; operational packages (OPacks); TTAL remediation; protection of high risk/high consequence underwater and underground rail assets; planning; use of visible, unpredictable deterrence; emergency preparedness drills and exercises; public awareness and preparedness campaigns; and protection of other high risk, high consequence areas or systems that have been identified through system wide risk assessments.

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

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available funding for the FY 2015 TSGP NOFO: $87,000,000

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.

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

Public Transportation Agencies as listed in Appendix A – Eligible Rail, Intra-city Bus, and Ferry Transit Agencies.

Eligibility Criteria

Agencies eligible for the FY 2015 TSGP are determined based upon daily unlinked passenger trips (ridership) and transit systems that serve historically eligible Urban Area

Security Initiative (UASI) jurisdictions as indicated in Appendix A. Certain ferry systems are eligible to participate in the FY 2015 TSGP and receive funds. However, any ferry system electing to participate and receive funds under the FY 2015 TSGP will not be eligible to participate under the FY 2015 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) and will not be considered for funding under the FY 2015 PSGP. Likewise, any ferry system that participates in the PSGP will not be eligible for funding under the TSGP.

Sections 1405 (6 U.S.C. § 1134) and 1406 (6 U.S.C. § 1135) of the Implementing

Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 require that high risk public transportation agencies that receive grant funding develop a security plan based on a security assessment. Additionally, the statutes direct that grant funds be used to address items in the security assessment or the security plan. In order to be eligible for the FY

2015 TSGP, transit agencies 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/FEMA review upon request. Please see Appendix G – Security

Plan Requirements for more information on security plan requirements.

Entities providing transit security (e.g., city/county police department, public transportation agency’s own police department) for a public transportation agency must approve the security plan. The signature of a responsible official from the agency’s transit security provider serves as this approval. If there is more than one provider in the core service area, all transit security providers must review and concur with the plan.

Associated documentation of this approval must be provided to DHS/FEMA upon request. In addition, the agency’s transit security provider is encouraged to review the

Investment Justifications (IJs) prior to submission.

Each public transportation agency receiving funds through this program must participate in a Regional Transit Security Working Group (RTSWG) or develop a RTSWG if one does not already exist. The RTSWG should serve as the place where regional partners discuss risk, planning efforts, and mitigation strategies. These discussions should be held regardless of funding in order to continue to enhance the overall security of the region.

Appendix A – Eligible Rail, Intra-city Bus, and Ferry Public Transportation Agencies provides a list of eligible transit agencies. Eligibility does not guarantee grant funding.

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 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 is available on FEMA’s website under National Integration Center Resource Management.

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, 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.

http://www.fema.gov/resource-management-mutual-aid https://www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system https://www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system

Maintenance of Effort

There is no Maintenance of Effort requirement for this program.

Cost Share or Match

There is no Cost Share or Cost Match requirement for 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, 11:59PM 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, 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 Program Analyst as soon as possible.

Anticipated Award Date: No later than September 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 (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 TSGP NOFO are not available.

In addition, the 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 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 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/ 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/

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).

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 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 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 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. 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 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 include all required information.

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

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

Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if the recipient has engaged or intends to engage in lobbying activities).

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

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ 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/ https://portal.fema.gov/

Standard Form 424C, Budget Information (Construction) if applying for grants to support construction;

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

Investment Justification

Indirect Cost Agreement, if applicable

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

NOTE: A single password should be provided for all SSI documents within the same application

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/FEMA grant at Grants.gov, you must have a DUNS number and must be registered in the 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 the EIN and DUNS are also required to register with SAM (see below). The EIN base for an organization is the

Internal Revenue Service (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 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.

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

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 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 Authorized Organizational Representative (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 approve 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/ 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/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ 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/ http://www.grants.gov/ 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 Authorized Organization Representative (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

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); this step often is overlooked and it is crucial for valid submissions.

DHS/FEMA may not make a TSGP 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.

TSGP Specific Application Instructions

All applicants will submit their TSGP grant application, the associated IJs to include detailed budgets and associated MOUs/MOAs as a file attachment within https://portal.fema.gov prior to the application deadline date and time.

Investment Justification (IJ)

As part of the FY 2015 TSGP application process, applicants must develop a formal IJ that addresses each initiative being proposed for funding, including a project’s M&A costs. An agency may submit up to eight IJs per region. Agencies may also submit up to five additional IJs for projects related to law enforcement providers that are not part of the public transportation agency. The IJ must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies in current programs and capabilities and link to one or more core capabilities identified in the Goal. The IJ must demonstrate the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by FEMA. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a separate IJ for each proposed project. TSGP 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 application kit.

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/ http://www.grants.gov/

Applicants will find an IJ Template in Appendix E – Investment Justification Template.

This worksheet may be used as a guide to assist applicants in the preparation of the IJ.

Applicants must provide information in the following categories for each proposed investment:

A. Background

B. Strategic and Program Priorities

C. Impact

D. Funding/Implementation Plan

Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting the IJs as part of the FY 2015 TSGP:

Region_ Agency_IJ Number (Example: Chicago_CTA_IJ 1)

Operational Packages (OPacks)

The applicant may elect to pursue OPack funding, such as Canine Teams, Mobile

Explosive Screening Teams, and Anti-Terrorism Teams, for new capabilities as well as to sustain existing OPacks. Applicants pursuing both new OPacks and sustainment funding for existing OPacks must indicate in their IJs which is the higher priority for their agency.

Additionally, applicants pursuing either new teams or sustainment of existing teams must include the number of OPack teams already in place (either funded by the agency, or by the TSGP).

In addition, recipients must commit to minimum training standards to be set by the

Department for all Federally-funded security positions.

Detailed Budget

The applicant must also provide a detailed budget for the funds requested. The detailed budget must be submitted with the grant application as a file attachment within https://portal.fema.gov. 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 detailed justification of M&A costs. A recipient may not obligate, expend, or draw down funds until a budget and budget narrative have been approved by the Grant Operations Division.

Detailed budgets 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 detailed budgets as part of the TSGP:

Region_Agency_IJ Number_Budget (Example: Chicago_CTA_IJ _1_Budget)

Applicants will find a sample Budget Detail Worksheet in Appendix F – Sample Budget

Detail Worksheet.

This worksheet may be used as a guide to assist applicants in the preparation of the budget and budget narrative. Note: Design and Planning/Engineering costs must be clearly identified in a separate line item in order for partial funding to be released prior to

EHP review and approval.

Sensitive Security Information (SSI) Requirements

A portion of the information routinely submitted in the course of applying for funding or reporting under certain programs or provided in the course of an entity’s grant management activities under those programs which is under Federal control is subjected to protection under SSI, and must be properly identified and marked. SSI is a control designation used by DHS to protect transportation security related information. It is applied to information about security programs, vulnerability and threat assessments, screening processes, technical specifications of certain screening equipment and objects used to test screening equipment, and equipment used for communicating security information relating to air, land, or maritime transportation. Further information can be located at 49 CFR § 1520.7.

For the purposes of TSGP, and due to the high-frequency of SSI found in IJs, all IJs shall be considered SSI and treated as such until they have been subject to review for SSI by

FEMA. This means that applicants shall label documents as SSI in accordance with 49

CFR § 1520.13 and password protect prior to submission. The passwords for protected documents must be sent (in a separate email from that containing the documents) to the following e-mail address: askcsid@dhs.gov. For further information, please contact

CSID at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST.

The subject line of the email should identify:

Applicant name

Application number

The body of the e-mail should clearly identify:

Applicant name

IJ number(s) and/or summary description

Urban Area

POC information

NOTE: A single password should be provided for all SSI documents within the same application.

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 mailto:askcsid@dhs.gov http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc

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 awards, 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, 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 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

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 FEMA may determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources and/or historic properties. In some cases, FEMA also is 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. 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.

SAFECOM

Recipients (including subrecipients) who receive awards under the TSGP 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 Information Bulletin (IB 386), Clarification on Use of DHS/FEMA Public Safety Grant Funds for Broadband-Related Expenditures and Investments, and consult their FEMA Headquarters Program Analyst on such investments before developing applications.

Pre-award Costs 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.safecomprogram.gov/grant/Default.aspx http://www.safecomprogram.gov/grant/Default.aspx http://www.fema.gov/grants/grant-programs-directorate-information-bulletins

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.

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

Training

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

Exercise

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

Construction and Renovation

Construction and renovation costs to achieve capability targets related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism are allowed under this program. For construction costs to be allowed, they must be specifically approved by FEMA in writing prior to the use of any program funds for construction or renovation. Limits on the total amount of grant funding that may be used for construction or renovation may apply. See Appendix C for additional details. Additionally, recipients are required to submit a SF-424C

Budget and budget detail citing the project costs.

Operational Overtime

Operational Overtime costs are allowed under this program

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.

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).

For additional details on allowable costs under the TSGP, see Appendix C of this

NOFO – FY 15 TSGP Funding Guidelines.

Management and Administration (M&A)

Management and administration costs are allowed. Recipients may use up to five percent

(5%) of the amount of the award for M&A. M&A activities are those defined as directly relating to the management and administration of TSGP funds, such as financial management and monitoring.

Indirect (Facilities & 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.

E. Application Review Information

Criteria

FY 2015 TSGP 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

D - Evaluation Plan, Scoring Criteria, and Score Sheet.

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

1. Risk Group Score. The agency’s risk group score is a score of 1-6 generated for each transit agency based on relative risk. This score is calculated by a risk process developed and maintained by TSA and provided separately in accordance with proper

SSI handling.

2. Funding Priority Areas. Projects will be scored in one priority area based on the extent to which they align with the Funding Priority Areas (see Table 2 in Appendix

B - Program Priorities).

http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474 http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474

3. Risk Mitigation Score*. Projects will be evaluated based on the potential risk mitigation of the project (as determined by the information provided in the IJ). This score has several possible components, and is calculated by the average of the applicable sub-components described below, and shown in Table 1 below.

a. Cost effectiveness. Projects will be evaluated and prioritized on the expected impact on security relative to the investment.

b. Ability to reduce risk of catastrophic events. Projects will be evaluated and prioritized on their ability to reduce risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and all other types of hazards.

c. 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.

d. Timelines. Projects will be evaluated and prioritized on the ability of the applicant to complete the proposed project within submitted timeframes, and how quickly the project can be implemented once funding is received due to planning activities, contracting issues, construction requirement, or other such factors.

e. BASE Deficiency (for all Funding Priority A projects). Projects will be evaluated and prioritized on linkages to deficiencies identified in their BASE or a comparable vulnerability assessment/security plan.

f. TTAL Remediation (for all Funding Priority B projects, and certain Priority

D projects). Projects will be evaluated and prioritized based on their ability to fully remediate known vulnerabilities of assets on the TTAL.

4. Regional Collaboration. Projects will be given an additional 0-1.5 points based on the collaboration of agencies within a specified region.

Table 1: Funding Priority Areas Risk Mitigation Score Components Priority Project Types Risk Mitigation Score Components

A Operational Activities

Cost effectiveness

Ability to reduce risk of catastrophic events

Sustainability without additional Federal funds/leveraging of other funding

Timelines

BASE Deficiency linked to assessment score

B TTAL Remediation (Prevention/Protection)

Cost effectiveness

Ability to reduce risk of catastrophic events

Sustainability without additional Federal funds/leveraging of other funding

Timelines

TTAL Remediation

C OPacks/Surge Patrols

Cost effectiveness

Ability to reduce risk of catastrophic events

Sustainability without additional Federal funds/leveraging of other funding

Timelines

D

All Other Projects, including TTAL Consequence Management

Cost effectiveness

Ability to reduce risk of catastrophic events

Sustainability without additional Federal funds/leveraging of other funding

Priority Project Types Risk Mitigation Score Components

Timelines

As identified in Table 1, Operational Activities remain the highest TSGP Funding

Priority Area (FPA), A.

The 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, and

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

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.

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

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

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

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 Federal Transit Administration, Office of

Infrastructure Protection, TSA, and FEMA. Each panelist will independently review each application and score it based on the criteria outlined in Table 1 above 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.

FEMA will calculate a total score to aid with funding selections. The total score will consist of four individual parts: an agency-based risk score, a score associated with an application’s alignment to the funding priority areas, a score based on project risk mitigation, and the degree of regional collaboration. Final project scores will be calculated as follows:

Risk Group Score

Funding Priority Area Score

Risk Mitigation Score*

Regional Collaboration Component

*As outlined in Table 1, above, the “risk mitigation” component will have different review factors based on the project type.

The NRP results will be reviewed by an Executive Committee. The Executive

Committee, made up of senior leadership from FEMA and TSA, will review the

NRP’s scoring summary and funding recommendations.

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

Committee’s review, approved projects and funding to senior DHS/FEMA leadership through multiple briefings. Ultimately, TSGP 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.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award

Notification of award approval is made through the ND Grants system through an automatic e-mail to the awardee point of contact (the “authorized official”) listed in the initial application. The “award date” for TSGP will be the date that 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 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25949 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25949 rescinded. Failure to accept the grant 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 the terms and conditions with which the recipient must comply. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well 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 fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent.

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

Federal Financial Report (FFR)

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

(SF-425) to FEMA. Recipients must file the FFR electronically using PARS. A FFR report 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:

http://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

Financial and Compliance Audit Report

For audits of fiscal years beginning on or…