FY_2018_HSGP_NOFO_FINAL_508.pdf

FY 2018 HSGP NOFO

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)

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/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and

SAM is also provided in Section D – Application and Submission Information of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

A. Program Description

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

(FEMA), Grant Programs Directorate (GPD)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 97.067

CFDA Title Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title Fiscal Year 2018 Homeland Security Grant Program

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)

NOFO Number

DHS-18-GPD-067-00-01

Authorizing Authority for Program Section 2002 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. No. 107-296, as amended)

(6 U.S.C. § 603)

Appropriation Authority for Program

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. No. 115-141)

Program Type New http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Program Overview, Objectives and Priorities

Overview

The FY 2018 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is set against the backdrop of a year in which the United States faced numerous and unprecedented homeland security challenges. These included the three major hurricanes that devastated parts of Texas, Florida, and much of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as massive wildfires across the State of California. In addition to these natural disasters, the Nation also responded to multiple incidents as part of the evolving threat landscape, including witnessing the first known terrorist attack against mass transportation on our soil; cyberattacks against critical port infrastructure; and mass casualty events involving both vehicles and active shooters.

The National Preparedness Goal (the Goal) defines what it means to be prepared for such diverse and complicated events. The National Preparedness System is the instrument the

Nation employs to build, sustain, and deliver the core capabilities needed to achieve the goal of a more secure and resilient Nation. The development and sustainment of these core capabilities is not exclusive to any single level of government or organization, but rather requires the combined effort of the whole community. To that end, the FY 2018 HSGP represents one part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration. Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, HSGP supports the goal to Strengthen

National Preparedness and Resilience.

The recently released 2018-2022 FEMA Strategic Plan creates a shared vision for the field of emergency management and sets an ambitious, yet achievable, path forward to unify and further professionalize emergency management across the country. The Homeland Security

Grant Program supports the goal of Readying the Nation for Catastrophic Disasters. We invite all of our stakeholders and partners to also adopt these priorities and join us in building a stronger Agency and a more prepared and resilient Nation.

Objectives

Within this broader construct, the objective of the FY2018 HSGP is to provide funds to eligible entities to support state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events and to prepare the Nation for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States.

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): The SHSP supports state, tribal, territorial, and local preparedness activities that address high priority preparedness gaps across all core capabilities that support terrorism preparedness.

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): The UASI program assists high-threat, high-density Urban Areas in efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.

https://www.dhs.gov/quadrennial-homeland-security-review https://www.fema.gov/strategic-plan

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG): The OPSG Program supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Border

Patrol (USBP), and Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies.

The OPSG Program provides funding to support joint efforts to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with international water borders.

Performance metrics for this program are as follows:

SHSP and UASI:

Percent improvement in Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) capabilities against

Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) targets.

Percent of states and territories with a THIRA and SPR that meet current DHS/FEMA guidance.

OPSG:

Percent of funding that provides intelligence-based operational support.

Percent of funding that provides force multiplier activities across two or more state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies.

Priorities

The 2017 National Preparedness Report identified the following subset of core capabilities as national areas for improvement:

Cybersecurity;

Infrastructure Systems;

Economic Recovery;

Housing;

Supply Chain Integrity and Security;

Natural and Cultural Resources; and

Risk Management for Protection Programs and Activities.

In developing applications for the FY 2018 HSGP, recipients should consider funding projects that address core capability gaps within the NPR national areas for improvement to the extent that they relate to terrorism preparedness.

For purposes of SHSP and UASI, DHS/FEMA requires states, territories, and Urban Areas to complete a Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and

Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) (formerly known as the State Preparedness

Report) and prioritize grant funding to support closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in this process. Additional information on the THIRA/SPR process, including other NPS tools and resources, can be found at https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-system.

https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-system

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the HSGP NOFO: $1,067,000,000

HSGP Programs FY 2018 Allocation

State Homeland Security Program $402,000,000

Urban Area Security Initiative $580,000,000

Operation Stonegarden $85,000,000

Total $1,067,000,000

For details on program-specific funding amounts, refer to Appendix A – FY 2018 Program

Allocations.

Period of Performance: Thirty-six (36) months

Extensions to the Period of Performance (PoP) are allowed. For additional information on PoP extensions, refer to Section H - Additional Information, of this NOFO, subsection, Period of

Performance Extensions.

Projected Period of Performance Start Date: September 1, 2018

Projected Period of Performance End Date: August 31, 2021

Funding Instrument: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants All 56 states and territories, which includes any state of the United States, the District of

Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are eligible to apply for SHSP funds.

The State Administrative Agency (SAA) is the only entity eligible to submit HSGP applications to DHS/FEMA, including those applications submitted on behalf of UASI and OPSG applicants.

A list of eligible Urban Areas and OPSG States can be found in Appendix A - FY 2018 HSGP

Program Allocations. Tribal governments may not apply directly for HSGP funding; however, funding may be available to tribes under the SHSP and OPSG through the SAA.

Eligibility Criteria Eligible high-risk Urban Areas for the FY 2018 UASI program have been determined through an analysis of relative risk of terrorism faced by the 100 most populous Metropolitan Statistical

Areas (MSAs) in the United States. Sub-awards will be made by the SAA to the designated

Urban Areas identified in Appendix A - FY 2018 Program Allocations.

Eligible subrecipients under the FY 2018 OPSG Program are local units of government at the county level or equivalent level of government and Federally-recognized tribal governments in states bordering Canada or Mexico and states and territories with international water borders.

All applicants must have active ongoing USBP operations coordinated through a CBP sector office to be eligible for OPSG funding.

Under the FY 2018 OPSG Program, subrecipients eligible to apply for and receive a subaward directly from the SAA are divided into three Tiers. Tier 1 entities are local units of government at the county level or equivalent and Federally-recognized tribal governments that are on a physical border in states bordering Canada, states bordering Mexico, and states and territories with international water borders. Tier 2 eligible subrecipients are those not located on the physical border or international water but are contiguous to a Tier 1 county. Tier 3 eligible subrecipients are those not located on the physical border or international water but are contiguous to a Tier 2 eligible subrecipient. Tier 2 and Tier 3 eligible subrecipients may be eligible to receive funding based on border security risk as determined by the USBP, as described in Section E of the NOFO.

Other Eligibility Criteria

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation Prior to allocation of any Federal preparedness awards in FY 2018, recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS. FEMA describes the specific activities involved in NIMS implementation in 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 on DHS/FEMA’s website under http://www.fema.gov/resource-management-mutual-aid.

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Membership In support of the Goal, recipients must belong to, be located in, or act as a temporary member of EMAC, except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time. All assets supported in part or entirely with FY 2018 HSGP funding must be readily deployable and NIMS-typed when possible to support emergency or disaster operations per existing EMAC agreements. In addition, funding may be used for the sustainment of 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 mitigation mission area of the Goal, and fusion centers.

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

Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) Per section 2006 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended (6 U.S.C. § 607), DHS/FEMA is required to ensure that at least 25 percent of grant funding appropriated for grants awarded under HSGP’s authorizing statute are used for law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. DHS/FEMA meets this requirement, in part, by requiring all SHSP and

UASI recipients to ensure that at least 25 percent of the combined HSGP funds allocated under SHSP and UASI are dedicated towards law enforcement terrorism prevention activities, as defined in 6 U.S.C. § 607. The LETPA allocation can be from SHSP, UASI, or both. This requirement does not include award funds from OPSG. Please refer to Appendix

A – FY 2018 Program Allocations for LETPA minimum allocations for SHSP and UASI by jurisdiction. The 25 percent LETPA allocation is in addition to the 80 percent pass through requirement to local units of government and Tribes, referenced below.

The National Prevention Framework describes those activities that should be executed upon the discovery of intelligence or information regarding an imminent threat to the homeland, in order to thwart an initial or follow-on terrorist attack, and provides guidance to ensure the

Nation is prepared to prevent, avoid, or stop a threatened or actual act of terrorism.

Activities outlined in the National Prevention Framework are eligible for use as LETPA-focused funds. Also, where capabilities are shared with the protection mission area, the

National Protection Framework activities are also eligible. Other terrorism prevention activities proposed for funding under LETPA must be approved by the FEMA Administrator.

Cost Share or Match There is no cost share or match requirement for the FY 2018 HSGP.

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov: May 21, 2018

Application Submission Deadline: June 20, 2018, 5:00 p.m. ET

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 received after the deadline or consider them for funding. DHS/FEMA may, however, extend the application deadline on request for an 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 there are technical issues, please notify the respective FEMA Headquarters (HQ) Program

Analyst before the application deadline. Applicants should contact the Centralized

Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) for FEMA HQ Program Analyst contact http://www.grants.gov/ information. CSID can be reached by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by e-mail at askcsid@fema.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: August 27, 2018

Anticipated Award Date: No later than September 30, 2018

Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available on Grants.gov (hard copies of the NOFO and associated application materials are not available). To access the application package, select

“Applicants” then “Apply for Grants” followed by “Get Application Package.” Enter the

Funding Opportunity Number located on the first page of this NOFO. Select “Apply” and then

“Create Workspace.” Follow the prompts to download the instructions and begin the application.

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

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

Initial applications are processed through the Grants.gov portal. Final applications are completed and submitted through FEMA’s Non-Disaster Grants (ND Grants) System.

Content and Form of Application Submission Applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process. To ensure that an application is submitted on time applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission. 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 Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS) Number and Employer ID Number (EIN);

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

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

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

5. Submitting the final application in the ND Grants system.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants for this award must:

1. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

2. Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by DHS/FEMA.

DHS/FEMA 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 DHS/FEMA is ready to make a federal award. DHS/FEMA may mailto:askcsid@fema.gov, http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ 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.

Electronic Delivery

DHS/FEMA is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS/FEMA requires applicants to submit their initial applications online through Grants.gov and to submit final applications through ND Grants.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

1. Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS/FEMA funds.

Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a DUNS Number, active SAM registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

2. Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html.

3. Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, all organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html.

http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

4. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this process.

For more information, follow the on-screen instructions or refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

5. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS field while adding a profile.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html.

6. EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an

Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html.

7. Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html.

8. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

How to Submit an Initial Application to DHS/FEMA via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), you can create individual instances of a Workspace. Applicants are encouraged to submit their initial application in Grants.gov at least seven days before the June 20, 2018, application deadline.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

1. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission.

3. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out web forms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or

DHS/FEMA forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

4. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

5. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

6. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the

“Sign and Submit” button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least seven days prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

7. Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, a Grants.gov

Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the

Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-

518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant for which you are applying.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support

Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the DHS/FEMA with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

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 or the latest, seven days before the application deadline. Early registration will allow applicants to have adequate time to start and complete their application.

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

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

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

Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

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

Investment Justification (located on https://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-grants);

List of Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) and Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) members;

SAC charter; and

Indirect Cost Agreement, if requesting indirect costs. If there is no current indirect cost agreement, then the applicant must contact the Federal Cognizant Agency to negotiate a rate and notify the relevant HQ Program Analyst or Grant Management Specialist.

Applicants must submit copies of the following in ND Grants if applying for construction projects. The forms may be accessed in the Forms tab under SF-424 Family on Grants.gov:

Standard Form 424C, Budget Information (Construction); and

Standard Form 424D, Standard Assurances (Construction).

Applicants needing assistance registering for the ND Grants system should contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

All applications must be received in ND Grants by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on June 20, 2018.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by ND Grants. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by ND

Grants. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgment of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ file:///C:/Users/sheath/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/TROS8IAK/at%20https:/portal.fema.gov https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home https://portal.fema.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-grants https://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-grants https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home with the successful transmission of their initial application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov and ND Grants receive your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the systems time to process the application.

Applicants needing assistance with the ND Grants system should contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.

HSGP Specific Application Instructions

Development of the Investment Justification (SHSP and UASI) As part of the FY 2018 HSGP application process for SHSP and UASI funds, applicants must develop formal investment justifications (IJs) that address the proposed investments.

Each IJ must demonstrate how proposed investments:

Support terrorism preparedness;

Support closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in the 2017

THIRA/SPR process and national priorities as outlined in the National Preparedness

Report; and

Engage and/or impact the whole community, including children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with limited English proficiency, individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and ensure the protection of civil rights in the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities.

Each IJ must explain how the proposed investments will support the applicant’s efforts to:

Prevent a threatened or an actual act of terrorism;

Prepare for all hazards and threats, while explaining the nexus to terrorism preparedness;

Protect citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards, relating to acts of terrorism; and/or

Respond quickly to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs in the aftermath of an act of terrorism or other catastrophic incidents.

Development of Investments and Projects (SHSP)

Applicants must propose at least one, and may include up to 10 investments.

Within each investment in their IJ, applicants must propose at least one project to describe the activities they plan to implement with SHSP funds. There is no limit to the number of projects that may be submitted.

Any projects funded with SHSP funds that are not included in the application must subsequently be included in the first Biannual Strategy Implementation Report (BSIR).

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov

For further information on the BSIR, refer to Section F – Federal Award

Administration Information, subsection Additional Programmatic Requirements and

Information.

Of the proposed SHSP-funded investments, one (1) single investment must be in support of a designated fusion center. Recipients must coordinate with the fusion center when developing a fusion center investment prior to submission. See additional information on how to develop fusion center investments below.

Of the proposed SHSP-funded investments, at least one (1) investment must be in support of the state or territory’s cybersecurity efforts. Recipients must limit the use of SHSP funds for projects that support the security and functioning of critical infrastructure and core capabilities as they relate to terrorism preparedness and may simultaneously support enhanced preparedness for other hazards unrelated to acts of terrorism. The investment name must include the word “Cybersecurity” to easily identify the required cybersecurity investment.

All emergency communications investments must describe how such activities align with their Statewide Communication Interoperable Plan (SCIP). Recipients must coordinate with their Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) and/or Statewide

Interoperability Governance Body (SIGB) when developing an emergency communications investment prior to submission to ensure the project supports the statewide strategy to improve emergency communications and is compatible and interoperable with surrounding systems. The investment name must include the words

“emergency communications” to easily identify any emergency communications investments.

Projects should describe how the proposed investment supports closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in the THIRA/SPR process.

Development of Investments and Projects (UASI)

Applicants must propose at least one, and may include up to 10 investments.

Within each investment in their IJ, Urban Areas must propose at least one project to describe the activities they are planning to implement with UASI funds. There is no limit to the number of projects that may be submitted. Any projects funded with UASI funds that are not included in the application must subsequently be included in the first

BSIR.

Of the proposed 10 investments, Urban Areas are required to propose one (1) single investment in support of a designated fusion center within the Urban Area, if applicable. Recipients must coordinate with the fusion center when developing a fusion center investment prior to submission. See additional information on how to develop fusion center investments below.

Of the proposed UASI-funded investments, at least one (1) investment must be in support of the urban area’s cybersecurity efforts. Recipients must limit the use of

UASI funds for projects that support the security and functioning of critical infrastructure and core capabilities as they relate to terrorism preparedness and may simultaneously support enhanced preparedness for other hazards unrelated to acts of terrorism. The investment name must include the word “Cybersecurity” to easily identify the required cybersecurity investment.

If UASI funds are used by the State in support of the Urban Area, the SAA must, as part of the list of proposed investments, describe how those funds will directly support the Urban Area.

All emergency communications investments must describe how such activities align to the SCIP. Recipients must coordinate with the SWIC and/or SIGB when developing an emergency communications investment prior to submission to ensure the project supports the statewide strategy to improve emergency communications and is compatible and interoperable with surrounding systems. The investment name must include the words “emergency communications” to easily identify any emergency communications investments.

Projects should describe how the proposed investment supports building or sustaining capabilities to meet their 2017 THIRA targets.

Development of Fusion Center Investments (SHSP and UASI)

If applicable, each IJ must include and identify a fusion center investment that will:

Indicate alignment to a designated Fusion Center.

Provide both a brief narrative description and funding itemization of the project activities relating to the proposed resources that directly support the designated Fusion

Center. This descriptive narrative should align with both the financial itemization and improvement or sustainment of performance measures as a result of receiving the proposed funding. If the project description and funding itemization do not directly support the fusion center and the relationship to the fusion center is not identified, then the investment may be conditionally approved until a Fusion Center Addendum is submitted and approved. Note: A sample project description and funding itemization are below.

Identify the expected improvement or sustainment of performance measures as a result of receiving the proposed funding for the itemized projects.

Effectively address performance measures identified in each fusion center’s individual assessment data found in the HSIN-Intel Fusion Center Profile. A list of the 2018

Performance Measures can be found in Appendix H-Fusion Center Performance

Measures.

Sample Fusion Center Project Description

The following is an example of a sample fusion center project description that could be included in a SHSP or UASI investment:

The X Fusion enhancement project will fund salaries, benefits, and training for X number of Fusion Center intelligence analysts, maintenance and support for the center's enabling systems, travel costs associated with training, and the replacement of X computer monitors within the Fusion Center. The project will directly sustain the Center’s achieved abilities and work to close the gap of any current capabilities through the sustained funding of its current analytical staff and enabling systems. This project is in direct alignment with performance measures 2018.1-2018.23. We anticipate seeing an improvement of the quality and quantity of reporting as a direct result of the funding of this project.

Sample Fusion Center Funding Itemization

The funding itemization for a fusion center investment should include the amount and percent of each relevant solution area. As an example:

Solution Area and Amount of Proposed

Funding

Percent of Proposed

Funding

Planning: $10,000.00 2%

Organization: $200,000 48%

Equipment: $200,000 48%

Training: $10,000 2%

Exercises: $0 0%

Total: $420,000 100%

Completing IJs in the Grant Reporting Tool (GRT) (SHSP and UASI) The IJ Planning Guide contains the IJ template and instructions for collecting the required information for investments and projects. A fillable version of the IJ template can be obtained from the FEMA HQ Program Analyst. Applicants should contact the Centralized

Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) for FEMA HQ Program Analyst contact information. CSID can be reached by phone at 800-368-6498 or by e-mail at askcsid@fema.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET. Additionally, applicants should utilize the Project Worksheet to assemble the information required for each project, which will facilitate the input of that information into the GRT.

For more information on how to complete IJs, refer to the Investment Justification

Planning Guide located on fema.gov/grants.

Development of Concept of Operations for OPSG

As part of the FY 2018 OPSG application process, each eligible local unit of government at the county or Federally-recognized tribal government level must develop a strategic plan called a Concept of Operations (CONOP)/Application, which is a formal proposal of action to address a specific situation and forms the basis for Operations Orders, in coordination with state and Federal law enforcement agencies, to include, but not limited to CBP/USBP.

CONOPs that are developed at the county level should be inclusive of city, county, tribal, and other local law enforcement agencies that are eligible to participate in OPSG operational activities, and the CONOP/Application should describe participating agencies in the

Executive Summary. CONOP/Application details should include the names of the agencies, points of contact, and individual funding requests. All CONOPs/Applications must be developed in collaboration with the local USBP sector office, the SAA and the local unit of government. Requests for funding in CONOPs/Applications must be based on risks and the operational enforcement support requirements of its corresponding USBP Sector. Sector offices will forward the CONOPs to USBP Headquarters for vetting and coordination.

Applicants will forward corresponding OPSG Applications to the SAA for submission to

FEMA. USBP Headquarters will reconcile all submitted CONOPs with the OPSG mailto:askcsid@fema.gov, http://www.fema.gov/grants

Applications. For more information, refer to Appendix D – FY 2018 OPSG Operations Order

Template and Instructions and Appendix E – OPSG Operational Guidance.

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).

Funding Restrictions Federal funds made available through this award may be used only for the purpose outlined in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other Federal award, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, Federal funds may not be used to sue the

Federal Government or any other government entity.

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance As a Federal agency, DHS/FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and/or historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including 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 the 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 DHS/FEMA may determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources and/or historic properties. In some cases, DHS/FEMA is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public in order to complete the review process. The EHP review process must be completed before funds are released to carry out the proposed project;

otherwise, DHS/FEMA may not be able to fund the project due to non-compliance with EHP laws, executive order, regulations, and policies.

Additionally, all recipients are required to comply with DHS/FEMA EHP Policy Guidance, FEMA Policy #108-023-1. The EHP screening form is located here, and further EHP guidance can be found at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/85376.

Emergency Communications and Resilience All entities using HSGP funding to support emergency communications investments are required to comply with the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM

Guidance). The SAFECOM Guidance provides current information on emergency communications policies, eligible costs, best practices, and technical standards for State, local, tribal, and territorial grantees investing Federal funds in emergency communications projects. It is also designed to promote and align with the National Emergency Communications Plan

(NECP). Conformance with the SAFECOM Guidance helps ensure that Federally-funded investments are compatible, interoperable, resilient, and support national goals and objectives for improving emergency communications. Additional information on this topic can be found in http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1501003650506-853eeedee8632ebd25408cd0241683c4/FEMA_Form_024-0-1_Final_Version_7-25-2017.pdf https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/85376 https://www.dhs.gov/safecom/funding https://www.dhs.gov/safecom/funding https://www.dhs.gov/national-emergency-communications-plan

Appendix I - FY 2018 Supplemental Emergency Communications Guidance.

Requirements Applicable to Emergency Communications Investments

If an entity uses HSGP funding to support emergency communications investments, the following requirements shall apply to all such grant-funded communications investments in support of the emergency communications priorities and recognized best practices:

Applicants must describe in the investment how proposed communications investments align to needs identified in their Statewide Communication

Interoperability Plan (SCIP). Effective project alignment will require advance coordination with the SWIC and consultation with governing bodies such as the

Statewide Interoperability Governing Body (SIGB) or Statewide Interoperability

Executive Committee (SIEC), as they serve as the primary steering group for the statewide interoperability strategy. Additionally, grantees should consult subject matter experts serving on governance bodies such as broadband experts, chief information officers, representatives from utilities, or legal and financial experts when developing proposals.

The signatory authority for the SAA must certify in writing to DHS/FEMA their compliance with the SAFECOM Guidance. The certification letter should be coordinated with the SWIC for each State and must be uploaded to ND Grants at the time of the first Program Performance Report (PPR) submission.

All states and territories must designate a full-time SWIC who has the authority and resources to actively improve interoperability with emergency management and response agencies across all levels of government, to include establishing statewide plans, policies, and procedures, and coordinating decisions on communications investments funded through Federal grants. SWIC status information will be maintained by the DHS Office of Emergency Communications and will be verified by

FEMA GPD through programmatic monitoring activities.

By the period of performance end date, all states and territories must update their

SCIP, with a focus on communications resilience/continuity, to include assessment and mitigation of all potential risks identified in the SCIP: natural disasters, accidental damage (human failures), intentional damage (sabotage, terrorism), cybersecurity, etc. Following the initial update, the SCIP should be updated on an annual basis. SCIP status information will be maintained by the DHS Office of

Emergency Communications and will be verified by FEMA GPD through programmatic monitoring activities.

All states and territories must test their emergency communications capabilities and procedures (as outlined in their operational communications plans) in conjunction with regularly planned exercises (separate/addition emergency communications exercises are not required) and must submit an After Action Report/Improvement

Plan (AAR/IP) to the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program’s

(HSEEP) electronic message inbox at hseep@fema.dhs.gov within 90 days of exercise completion (see Appendix B – FY 2018 HSGP Program Priorities). Exercises should be used to both demonstrate and validate skills learned in training and to identify gaps in capabilities. Resilience and continuity of communications should be tested during training and exercises to the extent possible. Further, exercises should include participants from multiple jurisdictions, disciplines, and levels of government and https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home mailto:hseep@fema.dhs.gov include emergency management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, interoperability coordinators, public health officials, hospital officials, officials from colleges and universities, and other disciplines and private sector entities, as appropriate. Findings from exercises should be used to update programs to address gaps in emergency communications as well as emerging technologies, policies, and partners. Recipients are encouraged to increase awareness and availability of emergency communications exercise opportunities across all levels of government.

States, territories, and other eligible grant recipients are advised that…