FY_2018_TSGP_NOFO_FINAL_508.pdf

FY 2018 TSGP NOFO

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS

Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information. Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and

SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Application and Submission

Information.

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 97.075

CFDA Title Rail and Transit Security Grant Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title Transit Security Grant Program

NOFO Number

DHS-18-GPD-075-00-02

Authorizing Authority for Program Section 1406 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007

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

Appropriation Authority for Program Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018, (Pub. L. No. 115-141) http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Program Type New

Program Overview, Objectives and Priorities

Overview

The FY 2018 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) 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 attempted 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 TSGP 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, the TSGP 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 Transit 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 TSGP is to provide funds to eligible public transportation systems (which include intra-city bus, ferries and all forms of passenger rail) for the protection of critical transportation infrastructure and the travelling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

Performance metrics for this program are as follows:

Percentage of funding building new capabilities

Percentage of funding sustaining existing capabilities

Priorities https://www.fema.gov/strategic-plan

Recipients of the FY 2018 TSGP are encouraged to accomplish these objectives through activities such as:

Planning

Use of visible, unpredictable deterrence, to include operational packages (K-9 Teams, mobile screening teams, or anti-terrorism teams)

Top Transit Asset List (TTAL) risk remediation

Protection of other high-risk/high-consequence areas or systems that have been identified through system-wide risk assessments

Security training for employees

Public awareness/preparedness campaigns

Emergency preparedness drills and exercises

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the TSGP: $88,000,000

Period of Performance: Thirty-six (36) months

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

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

Public Transportation Agencies as listed in Appendix A – Eligible Rail, Intra-City Bus, and

Ferry Transit Agencies.

Eligibility Criteria Agencies eligible for the FY 2018 TSGP are determined based upon daily unlinked passenger trips (ridership) and transit systems that serve historically eligible Urban Area Security Initiative

(UASI) jurisdictions as indicated in Appendix A. Certain ferry systems are eligible to participate in the FY 2018 TSGP and receive funds. However, any ferry system electing to participate and receive funds under the FY 2018 TSGP will not be eligible to participate under the FY 2018 Port

Security Grant Program (PSGP) and will not be considered for funding under the FY 2018

PSGP. Likewise, any ferry system that participates in the PSGP will not be eligible for funding under the TSGP.

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

Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 require that high risk public transportation agencies that receive grant funding develop a security plan based on a security assessment. Additionally, the statutes direct that grant funds be used to address items in the security assessment or the security plan. In order to be eligible for the FY 2018 TSGP, transit agencies must have developed, or updated, their security plan. The security plan must be based on a security assessment such as the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE), which is performed by the Transportation Security Inspectors-Surface division of the

Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This security assessment must have been conducted within the last three years prior to receiving an FY 2018 TSGP award.

A copy of the security plan and security assessment must be available for DHS/FEMA review upon request. Please see Appendix G – Security Plan Requirements for more information on security plan requirements.

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

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

Justifications (IJs) prior to submission.

Each public transportation agency receiving funds through this program must participate in a

Regional Transit Security Working Group (RTSWG) or develop a RTSWG if one does not already exist. The RTSWG should serve as the forum for regional partners to discuss risk, planning efforts, and mitigation strategies. These discussions should be held regardless of funding to continue enhancing the overall security of the region. Regional working groups are a best practice for enhancing security and are encouraged for all jurisdictions.

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

Other Eligibility Criteria

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation Prior to allocation of any Federal preparedness awards in FY 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 https://www.fema.gov/implementation-guidance-and-reporting 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.

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

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

DHS/FEMA will not review applications that are not received by the deadline or consider them for funding. DHS/FEMA may, however, extend the application deadline on request for any applicant who can demonstrate that good cause exists to justify extending the deadline.

Good cause for an extension may include technical problems outside of the applicant’s control that prevent submission of the application by the deadline, or other exigent or emergency circumstances.

Applicants experiencing technical issues must notify the FEMA Headquarters (HQ) Program

Analyst prior to the application deadline. If applicants do not know their FEMA HQ Program

Analyst or if there are programmatic questions or concerns, please contact the Centralized

Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) 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 (hardcopies 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 http://www.fema.gov/resource-management-mutual-aid http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:askcsid@fema.gov, http://www.grants.gov/

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 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 applications online through Grants.gov and 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.

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

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

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 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html 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 webforms 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.

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 webforms, 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html http://www.grants.gov/ 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

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 ten 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 opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

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 at the latest, ten 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) https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html 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

Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

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

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

Investment Justification(s);

Detailed Budget(s); and

Indirect Cost Agreement, if applicable.

Five-Year Security Capital and Operational Sustainment Plan (OPack requests only).

For assistance registering for the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800)

865-4076.

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

All final 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. The initial application in Grants.gov must be completed by June 13, 2018. 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 acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov 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.

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 set forth in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other Federal awards, lobbying, or intervention in Federal https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home http://www.grants.gov/ 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 http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, Federal funds may not be used to sue the

Federal Government or any other government entity.

Applicants should review Appendix C, Funding Guidelines, for detailed information on funding restrictions.

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance As a Federal agency, DHS/FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including 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 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 Orders, 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 TSGP 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.

FirstNet The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-96, as amended

(codified in part at 47 U.S.C. §§ 1401-1473) established the First Responder Network Authority

(hereinafter FirstNet Authority) as an independent authority within the National

Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”).1 The FirstNet Authority’s statutory mission is to establish a nationwide public safety broadband network

1 47 U.S.C. § 1424(a).

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

(FirstNet).2 FirstNet uses the 700 MHz D block spectrum to provide Long-Term Evolution

(LTE)-based broadband services and applications to public safety entities.3 FirstNet became operational in March 2018 and is based on a single, national network architecture that will evolve with technological advances and initially consist of a core network and radio access network (RAN).

FirstNet will provide public safety entities with mission critical broadband data capabilities and services including, but not limited to messaging, image sharing, video streaming, group text, voice, data storage, application, location-based services, and Quality of Service, and Priority and

Preemption. Public safety entities seeking to enhance their operational capabilities using broadband technology may seek grant funding to support the following:

Planning for integration of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, software, and site upgrades necessary to connect to FirstNet.

Handheld broadband devices including smartphones, feature phones, tablets, wearables, push-to-talk (PTT) devices.

Vehicle-mounted or otherwise field operated data devices such as ruggedized laptops.

Network access devices including portable Wi-Fi devices, Universal Serial Bus (USB) modems/dongles, trunk-mounted modems, routers.

Customer Owned and Managed (COAM) broadband deployable equipment, enabling public safety to own and dispatch coverage expansion or capacity enhancement equipment within their jurisdiction.

Broadband device accessories that enable efficient and safe public safety operations such as headsets, belt clips, ear pieces, remote Bluetooth sensors, ruggedized cases.

Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs)/Universal Integrated Circuit Cards

(UICCs) to allow public safety users to update existing devices to operate on public safety prioritized services.

One-time purchase and Subscription-based applications for public safety use which could include, among a number of other options, enterprise mobility management

(EMM), mobile device management (MDM), mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN), identify services, or cloud service tools.

As FirstNet is built out in all 56 states and territories and coverage and capacity for first responders expands, recipients are strongly encouraged to coordinate with the Statewide

Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) and FirstNet on (1) the planning, deployment timelines, and operational availability of the network deployment within a specific state or territory; (2) to ensure the project does not conflict with network planning efforts; and (3) that the project complies with all technical requirements. FirstNet requires participating agencies to demonstrate a subscription to public safety-prioritized broadband services to purchase FirstNet broadband devices or applications. Information Bulletin #386 is hereby rescinded as the technical requirements and nationwide network architecture has been developed, and FirstNet is operational. Recipients, however, must coordinate with FirstNet in advance of any strategic acquisition of broadband LTE equipment to ensure that purchases adhere to all applicable

2 47 U.S.C. § 1426(b).

3 47 U.S.C. §§ 1401(2), 1421(a).

standards for public safety entities. Recipients with questions on FirstNet should contact info@firstnet.gov. Please refer to the FY 2018 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency

Communications for additional guidance.

Pre-Award Costs Pre-award costs are not allowable and will not be approved, with the exception of costs resulting from pre-award grant writing services provided by an independent contractor that shall not exceed $1,500. See Authorized Use of Contractual Grant Writers and/or Grant Managers below for additional details and restrictions.

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

Equipment

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

Construction and Renovation

Construction and renovation costs to achieve capability targets related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism are allowed under this program. For construction costs to be allowed, they must be specifically approved by

DHS/FEMA in writing prior to the use of any program funds for construction or renovation.

Limits on the total amount of grant funding that may be used for construction or renovation may apply. See Appendix C for additional details. Additionally, recipients are required to submit a SF-424C Budget and budget detail citing the project costs.

Operational Overtime

Operational Overtime costs are allowed under this program.

Travel

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

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

mailto:info@firstnet.gov https://www.dhs.gov/safecom https://www.dhs.gov/safecom

Maintenance and Sustainment

Maintenance and Sustainment related costs, such as maintenance contracts, warranties, repair or replacement costs, upgrades, and user fees are allowable as described in FEMA Policy FP

205-402-125-1 (http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474).

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

– FY 18 TSGP Funding Guidelines.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

Management and administration costs are allowed. Recipients may use up to 5 percent (5%) of the amount of the award for their M&A and subrecipients may use up to 5 percent (5%) of the amount they receive for M&A. M&A activities are those defined as directly relating to the management and administration of TSGP funds, such as financial management and monitoring. Management and administrative expenses must be based on actual expenses or known contractual costs. Requests that are simple percentages of the award, without supporting justification, will not be allowed or considered for reimbursement. M&A costs are not operational costs. They are the necessary costs incurred in direct support of the grant or as a consequence of the grant and should be allocated across the entire lifecycle of the grant. Examples include preparing and submitting required programmatic and financial reports, establishing and/or maintaining equipment inventory, documenting operational and equipment expenditures for financial accounting purposes; and responding to official informational requests from state and federal oversight authorities.

If an applicant uses an outside consultant or contractor to provide pre-award grant writing services or post-award grant management services, the following considerations and restrictions shall apply:

Authorized Use of Contractual Grant Writers and/or Grant Managers A grant applicant may procure the services of a contractor to provide support and assistance for pre-award grant development services (grant writing) or post-award grant management and administrative services (grant management). As with all Federal grant-funded procurements, grant writer or grant management services must be procured in accordance with the Federal procurement standards at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317 – 200.326. See Section H regarding Procurement

Integrity, particularly the sections applicable to non-state entities that discuss organizational conflicts of interest under 2 C.F.R. § 200.319(a) and traditional conflicts of interest under 2

C.F.R. § 200.318(c)(1).

DHS/FEMA considers a contracted grant-writer to be an agent of the recipient for any subsequent contracts the recipient procures under the same Federal award in which the grant-writer provided grant writing services. Federal funds cannot be used to pay a contractor to carry out the work if that contractor also worked on the development of such specifications.

Regardless of whether an applicant or recipient uses grant writing and/or grant management services, the recipient is solely responsible for the fiscal and programmatic integrity of the grant and its authorized activities and expenditures. They must ensure adequate internal controls, http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/32474 including separation of duties, to safeguard grant assets, processes, and documentation, in keeping with the terms and conditions of its award, including this NOFO, and 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

Grant Writers Grant writing contractors may assist the applicant in preparing, writing, and finalizing grant application materials and assisting the applicant with handling online application and submission requirements in Grants.gov and ND Grants. Grant writers may assist in a variety of ways up to and including the actual submission of the application. Ultimately, the applicant that receives an award is solely responsible for all grant award and administrative responsibilities.

By submitting the application, applicants are certifying all of the information contained therein is true and an accurate reflection of the organization, and that regardless of the applicant’s intent, the submission of information that is false or misleading may result in actions by DHS/FEMA. These actions include but are not limited to the submitted application not being considered for award, temporary withholding of funding under the existing award pending investigation, or referral to the DHS Office of the Inspector General.

Grant Managers Grant management contractors provide support in the day to day management of an active grant and their services may be incurred as M&A costs of the award. Additionally, recipients may retain grant management contractors at their own expense.

Pre-Award Cost of up to $1,500 Eligible for Reimbursement To assist applicants with the cost of grant writing services, DHS/FEMA is permitting a one-time pre-award cost of no more than $1,500 per applicant per year for contractual grant writing services as part of the recipient’s M&A costs. This is only intended to cover costs associated with a grant writer and may not be used to reimburse the applicant for their own time and effort in the development of a grant application. Additionally, the applicant may be required to pay this fee with their own funds during the application preparation and submission period; if the applicant subsequently receives an award, they may then request to be reimbursed once grant funds become available for that cost, not to exceed $1,500. If the applicant does not receive an award, this cost will not be reimbursed by the Federal

Government. The applicant must understand this risk and be able to cover this cost if an award is not made.

If an applicant intends to request reimbursement for this one-time pre-award cost, it must include this request in its application materials, including in the Budget Detail Worksheet for each Investment Justification. Failure to clearly identify this as a separate cost in the application may result in its disallowance. This is the only pre-award cost eligible for reimbursement. Recipients must maintain grant writer fee documentation including, but not limited to: a copy of the solicitation, such as a quote request, rate request, invitation to bid, or request for proposals, if applicable; a copy of the grant writer’s contract agreement; a copy of the invoice or purchase order; and a copy of the cancelled check or proof of payment. These records must be made available to DHS/FEMA upon request.

https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home

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

TSGP Specific Application Instructions All applicants will submit their TSGP grant application and associated IJs, to include detailed budgets and associated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement

(MOA) as a file attachment within ND Grants prior to the application deadline.

Investment Justification (IJ) As part of the FY 2018 TSGP application process, applicants must develop a formal IJ that addresses each initiative being proposed for funding, including a project’s M&A costs. An agency may submit up to eight IJs. Agencies may also submit up to five additional IJs for projects related to law enforcement providers that are not part of the public transportation agency. Law enforcement providers may only submit projects that support the transit system’s operational security capability and capacity. The IJ must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies (identified in a current vulnerability assessment) in current programs and capabilities, and link to one or more core capabilities identified in the Goal.

The applicant may attach the vulnerability assessment or cite relevant sections/passages within the IJ to demonstrate the linkage between the project request and the identified vulnerability. The IJ should also describe the agency’s current security posture to demonstrate why the proposed project is necessary and appropriate. The IJ must demonstrate the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by FEMA. Applicants shall submit a separate IJ for each proposed project. TSGP projects must be: 1) both feasible and effective at reducing the risks for which the project was designed; and 2) able to be fully completed within the three-year period of performance.

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

Applicants will find an IJ Template in Appendix E – Investment Justification Template. This worksheet may be used as a guide to assist applicants in IJ preparation.

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

A. Background

B. Strategic and Program Priorities

C. Impact

D. Funding/Implementation Plan

Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting the IJs as part of the FY 2018 TSGP:

Region_Agency_IJ Number (Example: Chicago_CTA_IJ 1)

Operational Packages (OPacks) Applicants that meet basic OPack eligibility requirements may elect to pursue OPack funding, such as Canine Teams, Mobile Explosive Screening Teams, and Anti-Terrorism

Teams, for new capabilities as well as to sustain existing OPacks. Applicants pursuing both new OPacks and sustainment funding for existing OPacks must indicate in their IJs which is the higher priority for their agency. Additionally, applicants pursuing either new teams or sustainment of existing teams must include the number of OPack teams already in place

(either funded by the agency or by the TSGP).

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

Department for all Federally-funded security positions.

Detailed Budget Applicants must provide a detailed budget for the funds requested. The detailed budget must be submitted with the grant application as a file attachment within ND Grants.

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

Detail Worksheet. The budget must be complete, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to the proposed project. The budget should provide the basis of computation of all project-related costs, any appropriate narrative, and a detailed justification of M&A costs. A recipient may not obligate, expend, or draw down funds until a budget and budget narrative have been approved by FEMA. The budget detail worksheet may be used as a guide to assist applicants in the preparation of the budget and budget narrative. Note: Design and

Planning/Engineering costs must be clearly identified in a separate line item in order for partial funding to be released prior to EHP review and approval.

Detailed budgets must be submitted with the grant application as a file attachment within ND

Grants. Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting detailed budgets as part of the TSGP:

Region_Agency_IJ Number_Budget (Example: Chicago_CTA_IJ _1_Budget)

Sensitive Security Information (SSI) Requirements A portion of the information routinely submitted in the course of applying for funding or reporting under certain programs or provided in the course of an entity’s grant management activities under those programs which are under Federal control may be subject to protection under an SSI marking and must be properly identified and marked. SSI is a control designation used by DHS to protect transportation security related information. It is applied to information about security programs, vulnerability and threat assessments, screening processes, technical specifications of certain screening equipment and objects used to test screening equipment, and equipment used for communicating security information relating to air, land, or maritime transportation. Further information can be found at 49 C.F.R. Part

1520.

https://portal.fema.gov/

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

DHS/FEMA. Therefore applicants shall label all application documents as SSI in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 1520.13.

E. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria

Prior to making a Federal award, DHS/FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 note, 41 U.S.C. §

2313, and 2 C.F.R. § 200.205 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide 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.

Additionally, FY 2018 TSGP applications will be evaluated through a review process for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed investments. For additional information, please see Appendix D - Evaluation Plan, Scoring Criteria, and Score Sheet.

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

1. Risk Group Score. The agency’s risk group score is a score of 1-10 generated for each transit agency based on assessed risk to the transit system. This score is calculated by a risk process developed and maintained by DHS/FEMA and TSA.

2. Funding Priority Areas. Projects will be awarded up to seven (7) points based on the extent to which they align with the TSGP Funding Priority Areas…