FY_2017_EMPG_NOFO_Final.pdf

FY 2017 EMPG

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

Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) ligible recipients who plan to apply for this fu ned a Data Universal Numbering System (DU registered in the System for Award Managem obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and the w registration can take an average of 7-10 busine out some information for validation with outside ed; this includes Taxpayer Identification Number ervice (IRS) and Commercial and Government E epartment of Defense. This timeframe may be lo r manual validation by either party. If you notice d’ status for longer than 10 business days, and yo or update information, please contact the Federal w.fsd.gov. Information on obtaining a DUNS from Grants.gov at: http://www.grants.gov/web n regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in nd Form of Application Submission.

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NOTE g opportunity but who have not obt umber and/or are not curren SAM), should take immediate action register immediately in SAM. ys to process in SAM. SAM must se es before your registration can be activ N) validation with the Internal Revenu (CAGE) validation/assignment with th if the information you provide is flagged registration has had a ‘Submi ve not otherwise been contacted to corre ice Desk at 866-606-8220 or https://w ber and registering in SAM is availab nts/register.html. Detailed informa on D of this NOFO, subsection, Conten

A. Program D

Issued U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Grant Programs Directorate (GPD)

Catalo 97.042

CFDA

Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title Emergency Management Performance Grant

NOFO Number Grant Program Title NOFO Number EMPG – Region I DHS-17-GPD-042-01-01 EMPG – Region II DHS-17-GPD-042-02-01 EMPG – Region III DHS-17-GPD-042-03-01 EMPG – Region IV DHS-17-GPD-042-04-01 EMPG – Region V DHS-17-GPD-042-05-01 EMPG – Region VI DHS-17-GPD-042-06-01 https://www.fsd.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Grant Program Title NOFO Number EMPG – Region VII DHS-17-GPD-042-07-01 EMPG – Region VIII DHS-17-GPD-042-08-01 EMPG – Region IX DHS-17-GPD-042-09-01 EMPG – Region X DHS-17-GPD-042-10-01

Authorizing Authority for Program

Section 662 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA), as amended, (Pub. L. No. 109-295) (6 U.S.C. § 762); the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (Pub. L. No. 93-288) (42 U.S.C. §§ 5121 et seq.); the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended (Pub. L. No. 95-124) (42 U.S.C. §§ 7701 et seq.); and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended (Pub. L. No. 90-448) (42 U.S.C. §§ 4001 et seq.).

Appropriation Authority for Program Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2017 (Pub. L. No. 115-31)

Program Type

New

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

Overview The purpose of EMPG is to provide Federal funds to states to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by Section 662 of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (6 U.S.C. § 762) and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 5121 et seq.). Title VI of the Stafford Act authorizes DHS/FEMA to make grants for the purpose of providing a system of emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property in the United States from all hazards and to vest responsibility for emergency preparedness jointly in the Federal Government, states, and their political subdivisions.

The Federal Government, through EMPG, provides direction, coordination, and guidance, and provides necessary assistance, as authorized in this title, to support a comprehensive all-hazards emergency preparedness system. The FY 2017 EMPG will provide Federal funds to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management agencies to obtain the resources required to support implementation of the National Preparedness System and the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal) of a secure and resilient Nation. Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, EMPG supports the goal to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience.

Objectives EMPG supports a comprehensive, all-hazards emergency preparedness system by building and sustaining the core capabilities contained in the Goal. EMPG funding is used to support a whole community approach to strengthen a state’s or community’s emergency management program. Examples of EMPG funded activities include:

• Conducting risk assessments, assessing capabilities, identifying preparedness needs, and updating emergency plans;

• Building or augmenting core capabilities;

• Designing and conducting exercises that engage the whole community of stakeholders to validate core capabilities;

• Conducting emergency management training; and

• Providing funding support for emergency management personnel.

Priorities The National Preparedness System is the instrument the Nation employs to build, sustain, and implement core capabilities to achieve the Goal of a secure and resilient Nation.

Complex and far-reaching threats and hazards require a collaborative and a whole community approach to national preparedness that engages individuals, families, communities, private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and all levels of government. The guidance, programs, processes, and systems that support each component of the National Preparedness System allow for the integration of preparedness efforts that build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities and achieve the desired outcomes identified in the Goal.

DHS encourages EMPG recipients and subrecipients to prioritize grant funding toward investments that address capability targets and gaps identified through the annual Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and State Preparedness Report (SPR) process. Recipients and subrecipients should use grant funds to increase capability for high-priority core capabilities with low capability levels, validate capability levels, and maintain and/or sustain current capabilities. Additional information, including guidelines for completing the THIRA and SPR, can be found at:

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/26335 and http://www.fema.gov/state-preparedness-report.

DHS/FEMA annually publishes the annual National Preparedness Report (NPR) to evaluate progress in building, sustaining, and delivering the core capabilities outlined in the Goal. This analysis provides a national perspective on critical preparedness trends for whole community partners to use to inform program priorities, allocate resources, and communicate with stakeholders about issues of shared concern. The NPR can be found at http://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-report.

In developing applications for the FY 2017 EMPG, recipients should consider funding projects that address core capability gaps within the NPR national areas for improvement as they relate to emergency management capabilities, including:

• Cybersecurity;

• Infrastructure Systems;

• Economic Recovery;

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/26335 http://www.fema.gov/state-preparedness-report http://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-report

• Housing;

• Natural and Cultural Resources; and

• Supply Chain Integrity and Security.

Minimum funding amounts are not prescribed by DHS/FEMA for these priorities.

However, recipients are expected to support state, local, regional, tribal, territorial, and national efforts to achieve the desired outcomes for these priorities. Grant funds should clearly support resources the recipients need to achieve the THIRA targets and close capability gaps identified in the SPR.

For additional details on priorities for EMPG, please refer to Appendix A – FY 2017 EMPG Priorities.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the EMPG: $350,100,000

Period of Performance: Twenty four months (24 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(s): October 1, 2016

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): September 30, 2018

Funding Instrument: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

State governments (State Administrative Agency (SAA) or the State’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA)).

Eligibility Criteria

All 56 states and territories, as well as the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, are eligible to apply for FY 2017 EMPG funds. Either the SAA or the EMA is eligible to apply directly to FEMA for EMPG funds on behalf of each state or territory. However, only one application will be accepted from each state or territory.

Other Eligibility Criteria

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Membership In support of the Goal, EMPG recipients must belong to, be located in, or act as an EMAC temporary member state, except for American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not currently required to belong to EMAC. All assets supported in part or entirely with FY 2017 EMPG funding must, where applicable, be readily deployable to support emergency or disaster operations, per existing EMAC agreements.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

Prior to allocation of any Federal preparedness awards in FY 2017, recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS. FEMA describes the specific training and activities involved in NIMS implementation in the NIMS training program (https://www.fema.gov/training-0) and the NIMS Implementation Objectives (https://www.fema.gov/implementation-guidance-and-reporting).

Incident management activities require carefully managed resources (personnel, teams, facilities, equipment and/or supplies). 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. Recipients should manage resources purchased or supported with FEMA grant funding according to NIMS resource management guidance. Additional information on resource management and NIMS resource typing definitions and job titles/position qualifications is available under http://www.fema.gov/resource-management-mutual-aid.

Cost-Share or Match

A cost-match is required under this program.

The Federal share that is used towards the EMPG budget shall not exceed 50 percent of the total budget. The state must equally match (cash or in-kind) the Federal contribution pursuant to Sections 611(j) and 613 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Pub. L. No. 93-288), as amended, (42 U.S.C. §§ 5121et seq.).

Unless otherwise authorized by law, Federal funds cannot be matched with other Federal funds.

FEMA administers cost-matching requirements in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.

To meet matching requirements, the recipient contributions must be verifiable, reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary under the grant program and must comply with all Federal requirements and regulations. In accordance with 48 U.S.C. § 1469a, match requirements are waived for the insular areas: the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

https://www.fema.gov/training-0 https://www.fema.gov/implementation-guidance-and-reporting http://www.fema.gov/resource-management-mutual-aid

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov: June 2, 2017

Application Submission Deadline: June 22, 2017, 5:00 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, upon 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. Extensions based on exigent or emergency circumstances will be made on case-by-case basis, with the final determination resting with DHS/FEMA. Applicants who experience technical issues must notify the EMPG Regional Program Manager before the application deadline.

Anticipated Fuding Selection Date: September 1, 2017

Anticipated Award Date: Before September 30, 2017

Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov (hardcopies of the NOFO and associated application materials are not available). 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 submitting before the registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize the 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.

Applicants experiencing difficulties accessing information or who have any questions, should call the Grants.gov customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726.

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 DHS/FEMA’s Non- Disaster Grants (ND Grants) System.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

Content and Form of Application Submission Applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process. To ensure that an application is submitted on time, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission. Failure to comply with any of the required steps before the deadline for submitting the application may disqualify the application from funding.

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

1. Applying for, updating, or verifying their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number;

2. Applying for, updating, or verifying their Employer Identification Number

(EIN);

3. Updating or verifying their System for Award Management (SAM) Registration;

4. Establishing an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;

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

6. Submitting the final application in the ND Grants System.

Each of the required steps associated with the application process are explained in the sections below.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Before applying for a DHS grant at Grants.gov, applicants must have a DUNS number, be registered in SAM, and be approved as an AOR. The steps for completing these pre-application processes are outlined below.

NOTE: Applicants are encouraged to register early. The pre-application registration processes can take four weeks or more to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the applicant’s ability to meet required submission deadlines.

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 in Grants.gov. 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.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

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 the EIN and a DUNS number are required to register with SAM. The EIN base for an organization is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax ID number; for individuals, it is their Social Security number. The Social Security and IRS Tax ID numbers are both 9-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, a delay in the issuance of the funding award and/or incorrect payment to a recipient organization may result.

Organizations applying for an EIN should plan on a minimum of two full weeks to obtain an EIN. For assistance registering an EIN, please contact the IRS helpline. DHS/FEMA cannot assist applicants with questions related to obtaining a current EIN.

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

Payment under any DHS/FEMA award is contingent on the recipient 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 the 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 the EIN with the 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 entity records(s) in SAM, applicants will need to create a SAM User Account and link it to the migrated entity records.

For 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.

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.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/

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) 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.

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. 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 the applicant organization who is the contact listed for SAM, will receive an email to grant the AOR permission to submit applications on behalf of the organization. The E-Biz POC will then log-in to Grants.gov and approve an applicant as the AOR, thereby granting permission to submit applications. To learn more about AOR Authorization, visit: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html. To track an AOR status, visit:

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

Applicants are 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 jeopardize required submission deadlines. Approval as an AOR is necessary in order to submit applications online.

Electronic Signature Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute an electronically signed application. When submitting the application through Grants.gov, the name of the applicant’s AOR will be inserted into the signature line of the application.

Applicants experiencing difficulties accessing information or who have any questions should call the grants.gov customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726 or email Grants.gov at support@grants.gov.

The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements, and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Submitting an Initial Application in Grants.gov

Following completion of the procedures above, all applicants must submit their initial application through Grants.gov. Applicants may need to first create a Grants.gov user 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 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov 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 online which requires completing:

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

• Grants.gov Certification Regarding Lobbying Form.

Both forms are available in the Forms tab under the SF-424 Family. The initial application cannot be started or submitted in Grants.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 10 days before the June 22, 2017 5:00 PM (EDT) application deadline.

For 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 Final Application in Non Disaster Grants System (ND Grants)

After submitting the initial application in Grants.gov, 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 include all required information:

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

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

• 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:

• Program Work Plan (see Appendix C – FY 2017 EMPG Work Plan);

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable.

Applicants must submit copies of the following in ND Grants, if applying for construction projects:

• Standard Form 424C, Budget Information (Construction)

• Standard Form 424D, Standard Assurances (Construction) http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.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/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 mailto:support@grants.gov?subject=GRANTS.GOV%20Support%20Center http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html https://portal.fema.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/

The forms can be found here: http://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-grants and http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1.

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

Funding Restrictions Federal funds made available through this award may be used only 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.

EMPG recipients may only fund activities and projects that were included in the FY 2017 EMPG Work Plan that was submitted to and approved by FEMA. Activities and projects may include capability sustainment supported by previous EMPG funds provided the sustainment activity is cited in the FY 2017 Work Plan.

Additionally, DHS/FEMA has issued Information Bulletin (IB) 407a, Use of Grant Funds for Controlled Equipment, which placed further restrictions on controlled equipment. For more information on the Controlled Equipment List and Prohibited Equipment, see Appendix B- Funding Guidelines.

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/or historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including grant 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 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, DHS/FEMA is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public to complete the review process. The EHP review process must be completed and approved before funds are released to carry out the proposed project; otherwise, DHS/FEMA may not be able to fund the project due to non-compliance with EHP laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies.

http://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-grants http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1485452831667-ab397ce1d370652ec49c25a280419af4/IB_407a_Controlled_Equipment_FY2017_Update_GPD_FINAL_508.pdf

Additionally, all recipients are required to comply with DHS/FEMA EHP Policy Guidance. The DHS/FEMA EHP Policy Guidance can be found in FP 108-023-1, Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Policy Guidance and DHS/FEMA EHP Compliance and Reference Documentation at:

https://www.fema.gov/environmental-planning-and-historic-preservation-compliance.

SAFECOM

Recipients (including subrecipients) who receive awards under EMPG 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.

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

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.

Direct Costs

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

Organization Organization 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.

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

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

http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1421336453304-d48abd61f8b2a35d2bad325ae49ae531/FP1080231_Environmental_Planning_Historic_Preservation_Policy.pdf https://www.fema.gov/environmental-planning-and-historic-preservation-compliance https://www.dhs.gov/safecom https://www.dhs.gov/safecom

Travel Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program, as provided for in this NOFO.

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

Construction and Renovation Construction and renovation costs are allowed under this program only as described in this NOFO.

Operational Overtime Operational overtime costs are allowed under this program only as described in this

NOFO.

Maintenance and Sustainment Funding may be used to sustain programs that help achieve core capabilities that, while they may not be physically deployable, support national response capabilities, such as Geographic/Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), interoperable communications systems, capabilities as defined under the Response Mission Area of the Goal, and fusion centers.

For additional details on the use of funds, please refer to Appendix B – FY 2017 EMPG Funding Guidelines.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs Management and Administration (M&A) activities are those directly related to managing and administering the award, such as financial management and monitoring. It should be noted that salaries of state and local emergency managers are not typically categorized as M&A, unless the state or local EMA chooses to assign personnel to specific M&A activities.

M&A costs are allowable for both state and local-level EMAs. The state EMA may use up to five percent (5%) of the EMPG award for M&A purposes. In addition, local EMAs may retain and use up to five percent (5%) of the amount received from the state for local M&A purposes. If the SAA is not the state-level EMA, the SAA is not eligible to retain funds for M&A.

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

Application Evaluation Criteria Prior to making a Federal award, FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 and 41 U.S.C. § 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of governmentwide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

(1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing Federal awards; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

FY 2017 EMPG applications will be evaluated for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed Work Plan. The results from the review process may require applicants to revise submissions before the release of EMPG funding. There is a cost share for EMPG. Failure to note the match on the SF-424 at time of application may delay processing of the application

Grant recipients are expected to conform, as applicable, with accepted engineering practices, established codes, standards, modeling techniques, and best practices, and participate in the development of case studies demonstrating the effective use of grant funds, as requested.

Review and Selection Process

Initial Review FEMA’s Regional EMPG Managers conduct all pre-award reviews for EMPG grants. All EMPG Work Plans will require final approval by the appropriate FEMA regional office.

Funds for recipients who have not submitted their EMPG Work Plan as part of their application will not be released until such Work Plan is received, reviewed, and approved by FEMA. Recipients will be notified by their FEMA Regional Program Manager should any component of the EMPG application require additional information.

Overall Review FEMA regions are responsible for reviewing submitted applications. Each FEMA Regional EMPG Manager reviews the FY 2017 EMPG Work Plans for their states/territories to assess their proposed EMPG investments against recognized emergency preparedness needs, including support for maintenance and sustainment of core capabilities and progress made toward implementing the National Preparedness System.

For additional details on application review information, please refer to Appendix C – FY 2017 EMPG Work Plan.

Supplemental Financial Integrity Review If the anticipated Federal award amount will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $150,000:

• Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, DHS/FEMA is required to review and consider any information about the applicant in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), which is also accessible through the SAM website.

• An applicant, at its option, may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered.

• DHS/FEMA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the FAPIIS information, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants, as described in 2 CFR §200.205.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award

Notification of award approval is made through the ND Grants System through an automatic email to the recipient’s authorized official listed in the initial application. The “award date” for EMPG awards will be the date that FEMA approves the award. The recipient should follow the directions in the notification to confirm acceptance of the award.

Funds will remain on hold until the applicant accepts the award through ND Grants 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.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 90 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify DHS/FEMA of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award or provide a written notice of intent to decline. Instructions on accepting or declining an award in the ND Grants System are described in the ND Grants Grantee Training Manual, located here: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25949.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All successful applicants for all DHS grants and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions, which are available online at: DHS Standard Terms and Conditions.

The applicable DHS Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions will be those in effect at the time the award was made.

https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25949 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25949 https://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions

Before accepting the award, the AOR should carefully review the aw e includes instructions on administering the grant awar ociated with responsibilities under Federal awards. Th ditions in this NOFO as well as any Special Terms and ard to receive an award under this program.

fer to State EMA and Pass-Through Funding ll obligate 100 percent (100%) of its total EMPG alloc te-level EMA. If the SAA is also the EMA, this requir met. If the SAA is a separate agency or has a separate must be obligated to the EMA within 15 days of the gr here the state EMA is making sub-awards to local juris xpects the state EMA to make these awards as expediti required to submit various financial and programmati ward acceptance. Future awards and fund drawdowns re delinquent.

eporting Requirements ncial Report (FFR) st report obligations and expenditures on a quarterly b HS/FEMA. Recipients must file the FFR electronically Systems (PARS). An FFR must be submitted quarterl ormance, including partial calendar quarters, as well as d activity occurs. The final FFR is due 90 days after th eriod. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be wit t, demonstrate lack of progress, or are insufficient in de ailable online at:

rants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-form #4040-0014.

porting Periods and Due Dates reporting periods and due dates apply for the FFR:

RepRorting Period Report Due Date s a a u p c

October 1 – December 31 January 30

January 1 – March 31 April 30

April 1 – June 30 July 30 ard package. The award packag d and the terms and conditions as applicant must accept all con Conditions in the Notice of Aw

Obligation or Trans Each state sh ation to the designated sta ment is automatically budget process, then EMPG funds ant award date.

In instances w dictions, DHS/FEMA ously as possible.

Reporting Recipients ar reports as a condition of a may be withheld if these reports

Federal Financial R

Federal Fina Recipients m asis through the FFR (SF-425) to D using the Payment and Reporting y throughout the period of perf for periods where no grant awar end of the performance hheld if these reports are delinquen tail.

The FFR is av https://www.g s.html - sortby=1, SF-425 OMB

Financial Re The following https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/OnlineUserRegistration https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/OnlineUserRegistration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

Reporting Period Report Due Date

July 1 – September 30 October 30

Financial and Compliance Audit Report For audits of fiscal years beginning on or after December 26, 2014, recipients that expend $750,000 or more from all Federal funding sources during the fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report. The audit must be performed in accordance with the requirements of U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Government Auditing Standards, located at http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm, and the requirements of Subpart F of 2 C.F.R.

Part 200, located at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=sp2.1.200.f.

Program Performance Reporting Requirements

Performance Progress Reports (PPR) Recipients are responsible for providing updated performance reports to FEMA using a Microsoft Word (Word) document summary attached in ND Grants, and this must be done on a quarterly basis. As explained in the Standardized Programmatic Reporting section below, the Quarterly Performance Progress Reports must be based on the approved EMPG Work Plan and are due no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter (i.e., on January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30). Recipients must complete the summary of activities and submit it as an attachment to the ND Grants system.

Recipients are required to report quarterly on progress toward completing activities and projects approved in their EMPG Work Plans, how expenditures support maintenance and sustainment of core capabilities, and progress made toward implementing the National Preparedness System. This includes reporting on the following information:

• List of completed training courses and exercises and the Training and Exercise Data Table (templates are available in Appendix C – FY 2017 EMPG Work Plan).

• Percent completion of the Training and Exercise Plan (TEP) outlined in the FY 2017 EMPG Work Plan (templates are available in Appendix C – FY 2017 EMPG Work Plan).

http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm

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

Standardized Programmatic Reporting for EMPG The EMPG Work Plan Template was modified to standardize data collection for improved analysis and reporting. The EMPG Work Plan includes five components: (1) Program and Budget Narrative, (2) Personnel Data Table, (3) Training Data Table, (4) Exercise Data Table, and (5) Grant Activities Outline. Baseline data on Personnel, Training, and Exercises, as well as the Grant Activities Outline, must be provided in the EMPG Work Plan at the time of application and will form the basis of the Quarterly Performance Progress Report Word document submissions. The Grant Activities Outline is structured to enable reporting of quarterly activities according to Emergency Management Function (EMF) projects, as well as standardized reporting of activity completion status.

The EMPG Work Plan must summarize program activities in the following areas:

• Planning: Planning efforts should span all five Goal mission areas. The EMPG Work Plan should provide a baseline for determining potential threats and hazards, required capabilities, and required resources. It should also establish a framework for roles and responsibilities. Planning efforts should demonstrate whole community engagement to create a strategic, operational, and/or community-based approach to preparedness.

• Organization: EMPG funds may be used for all-hazards emergency management operations, staffing, and other day-to-day activities in support of emergency management, including staffing the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) position, as well as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Citizen Corps positions at the state and local levels in order to promote whole community engagement in all phases of emergency management and across the mission areas.

• Equipment: Allowable EMPG equipment categories are listed on the web-based version of the Authorized Equipment List (AEL), which is available at https://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list. Unless otherwise stated, equipment must meet all mandatory regulatory and/or DHS/FEMA-adopted standards to be eligible for purchase using these funds. In addition, agencies

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 https://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary certifications and licenses for the requested equipment.

• Training: EMPG funds may be used for a range of emergency management-related training activities to enhance the capabilities of state and local emergency management personnel, including establishing, supporting, conducting, and attending training deliveries. Training activities should align to a current, Multi-Year TEP developed through an annual Training and Exercise Plan Workshop (TEPW) and should reflect efforts to address training capabilities gaps identified through the THIRA/SPR processes.

• Exercises: Exercises conducted with grant funds should test and evaluate performance towards meeting capability targets established in a jurisdiction’s THIRA for the core capabilities needed to address its greatest risks. Exercise priorities should align to a current, Multi-Year TEP developed through an annual TEPW.

For more details on the EMPG Work Plan, please refer to Appendix C-FY 2017 EMPG Work Plan.

Additional Programmatic Reporting Requirements and Information

Biannual Strategy Implementation Report (BSIR) In addition to the Quarterly Performance Progress Reports, recipients are responsible for completing and submitting a BSIR biannually. The BSIR is due within 30 days of the end of the reporting period. The summer BSIR is due July 30 for the January 1 through June 30 reporting period, and the winter BSIR is due on January 30 for the July 1 through December 31 reporting period. Updated obligations and expenditure information must be provided within the BSIR to show progress made toward meeting strategic goals and objectives as well as how expenditures support Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training and Exercise (POETE) activities. Accordingly, reports should include project-level details by subrecipient to explain how expenditures support gaps identified in the recipient’s THIRA and SPR.

State Preparedness Report (SPR) Section 652(c) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (Pub. L. No. 109-295), 6 U.S.C.