FY_2020_TSGP_NOFO_Final_strikethrough_03_19_20_508AB.pdf

FY 2020 TSGP NOFO

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

Fiscal Year 2020 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.

A. Program Description

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

2. Assistance Listings (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number) 97.075

3. Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title)

Rail and Transit Security Grant Program

4. Funding Opportunity Title

Transit Security Grant Program

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-20-GPD-075-00-01

6. 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)

7. Appropriation Authority for Program Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. No. 116-93)

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

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

Overview The Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) is one of four grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) DHS/Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the DHS to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. TSGP provides funds to transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the 2018 DHS Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, TSGP supports the goal to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience.

The 2018-2022 FEMA Strategic Plan creates a shared vision for managing the risks posed by terrorism and sets an ambitious, yet achievable, path forward to unify and further professionalize emergency management across the country. TSGP supports the goals of Building a Culture of Preparedness and Readying the Nation for Catastrophic Disasters. We invite our stakeholders and partners to also adopt these priorities and join us in building a more prepared and resilient nation.

Finally, for FY 2020, DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration to building a national culture of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other emerging threats to our national security. DHS and its homeland security mission were born from the “failures among federal agencies and between the federal agencies and state and local authorities to share critical information related to the threat of terrorism” prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks.1 The threat profile has changed in the last two decades – we now face continuous cyber threats by sophisticated actors, threats to soft targets and crowded places, threats to our democratic election process and threats from new and emerging technologies. But information sharing and cooperation between state, local, and tribal authorities and federal agencies, including all DHS officials, is just as vital, and perhaps even more vital, today. Therefore, for FY 2020, we have identified [three] priority areas, tied to some of the most serious threats that recipients should address with their TSGP funds. Perhaps most importantly, DHS will be focused on forging partnerships to strengthen information sharing and collaboration in each of these priority areas and looking for recipients to remove barriers to communication and cooperation with DHS.

Objectives The objective of the FY 2020 TSGP is to provide funds to eligible public transportation systems (which include intra-city bus, ferries, and all forms of passenger rail) to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the travelling public from terrorism, and to increase transportation infrastructure resilience.

1 Homeland Security Act of 2002: Report Together with Minority and Dissenting Views 222, Select Committee on Homeland Security: 107th Congress, U.S. House of Representatives (2002) (H. Rpt. 107-609).

Priorities Given the evolving threat landscape, it is incumbent upon DHS/FEMA to continuously evaluate the national risk profile and set priorities that help ensure appropriate allocation of scarce security dollars. In assessing the national risk profile for FY 2020, three areas attract the most concern:

1) Enhancing cybersecurity;

2) Enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places; and

3) Addressing emerging threats (e.g., transnational criminal organizations, weapons of mass destruction [WMD], unmanned aerial systems [UASs], etc.).

Likewise, there are several enduring security needs that crosscut the homeland security enterprise. The following are second-tier priorities that help recipients implement a comprehensive approach to securing critical transportation infrastructure:

1) Effective planning;

2) Training and awareness campaigns;

3) Equipment and capital projects; and

4) Exercises.

The table below provides a breakdown of these priority areas for the FY 2020 TSGP, showing both the core capabilities enhanced and lifelines supported, as well as examples of eligible project types for each area. A detailed description of allowable investments for each project type is included in the Preparedness Grants Manual. As discussed in Section E, projects that sufficiently address one or more of the three National Priorities (enhancing cybersecurity; enhancing the projection of soft targets/crowded places; or addressing emerging threats) will have their final review scores increased by a multiplier of twenty (20) percent.

FY 2020 TSGP Funding Priorities Priority Areas Core Capabilities Lifelines Example Project Types

National Priorities Enhancing Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Safety and security

• Transportation

• Cybersecurity risk assessments

• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments o Improving cybersecurity of critical infrastructure to meet minimum levels identified by CISA o Cybersecurity training and planning https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291

Priority Areas Core Capabilities Lifelines Example Project Types Enhancing the Protection of Soft Targets/Crowded Places

• Operational coordination

• Public information and warning

• Intelligence and

Information Sharing

• Interdiction and disruption

• Screening, search, and detection

• Access control and identity verification

• Physical protective measures

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Safety and security

• Transportation

• Physical security enhancements at rail and bus stations located in historically eligible Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) cities o Security cameras (CCTV) o Security screening equipment and technology for people and baggage o Access controls Fencing, gates, barriers, etc.

• Use of visible, unpredictable deterrence, to include Operational Packages o Explosive Detection Canine Teams o Mobile Screening Teams o Anti-terrorism Teams

• Directed/Surge Patrols on Overtime Addressing Emerging Threats, such as Transnational Criminal Organizations, WMD and UAS

• Interdiction and disruption

• Screening, search and detection

• Physical protective measures

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Safety and security

• Transportation

• Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) detection, prevention, response, and recovery equipment

• Explosive Detection Canine Teams

• Security screening equipment and technology for people and baggage

• UAS detection technologies

Enduring Needs Planning • Planning

• Risk management for protection programs & activities

• Risk & disaster resilience assessment

• Threats and hazards identification

• Operational coordination

• Safety and security

• Transportation

• Development of:

o System-wide Security Risk

Management Plans o Continuity of Operations Plans o Response Plans/Station Action Plans o System-wide and/or asset-specific vulnerability assessments

• Efforts to strengthen governance integration between/among regional partners

Training & Awareness

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Public information & warning

• Safety and security

• Transportation

• Active shooter training

• Security training for employees

• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns

Equipment & Capital Projects

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational communications

• Interdiction & disruption

• Screening, search & detection

• Access control & identity verification

• Physical protective measures

• Safety and security

• Transportation

• 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

Exercises • Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Safety and security

• Transportation

• Response exercises

10. Performance Metrics Performance metrics for this program are as follows:

• Percentage of funding allocated by the recipient to core capabilities to build or sustain the national priorities identified in the section above.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $88,000,000

2. Period of Performance: 36 months

3. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 9/1/2020

4. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 8/31/2023

5. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Governmental agencies with eligible rail, intra-city bus and ferry systems identified in the table below. Eligibility does not guarantee grant funding.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Agencies eligible for the FY 2020 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 below.

Certain ferry systems are eligible to participate in the FY 2020 TSGP and receive funds under this program. However, any ferry system electing to participate in and receive funds under the FY 2020 TSGP will not be eligible to participate under the FY 2020 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) and will not be considered for funding under the FY 2020 PSGP. Likewise, any ferry system that participates in the FY 2020 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. To be eligible for the FY 2020 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 three years prior to receiving an

FY 2020 TSGP award. A copy of the security plan and security assessment must be provided to DHS/FEMA upon request. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on security plan requirements.

Entities providing transit security (e.g., city/county police departments or the public transportation agencies’ own police departments) 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, agencies’ transit security providers are encouraged to review the Investment Justifications (IJs) prior to submission.

Each public transportation agency receiving funds through this program must also 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.

FY 2020 Eligible TSGP Applicants

State Urban Area Eligible System*

AZ

Phoenix Area

City of Phoenix Public Transit Department Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority

Tucson Area City of Tucson Transit

CA

Fresno Area Fresno Area Express

Greater Los Angeles Area (Los

Angeles/Long Beach and

Anaheim/Santa Ana UASI Areas)

City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation Foothill Transit Long Beach Transit Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Montebello Bus Lines Omnitrans (San Bernardino) Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink)

Sacramento Area Sacramento Regional Transit District

San Diego Area North San Diego County Transit District (NCTD) San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

San Francisco Bay Area

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) Central Contra Costa Transit Authority Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain) San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) San Mateo County Transit Authority (SamTrans) Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit Transbay Joint Powers Authority Water Emergency Transit Authority

CO Denver Area Regional Transportation District

Greater National Capital Region

(National Capital Region and

Baltimore UASI Areas)

Arlington Transit (ART)

DC/ MD/

VA

City of Alexandria (Alexandria Transit Company) Fairfax County Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Montgomery County Department of Transportation Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

State Urban Area Eligible System*

FL

Jacksonville Area Jacksonville Transportation Authority Broward County Division of Mass Transit

Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area (Miami and Fort

Lauderdale UASI)

Miami-Dade Transit

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Tri-Rail)

Orlando Area Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority Central Florida Commuter Rail Transit (SunRail)

Tampa Area Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

GA Atlanta Area Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)

HI Honolulu Area City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services

IL Champaign- Urbana Area Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District

IL/IN Chicago Area

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Northeast Illinois Commuter Railroad Corporation (METRA) Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) PACE Suburban Bus

IN Indianapolis Area Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation KY Louisville Area Transit Authority of River City

LA New Orleans Area Jefferson Parish Department of Transportation New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA)

MA Boston Area Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Springfield Area Pioneer Valley Transit Authority

MI Detroit Area City of Detroit Department of Transportation Detroit Transportation Corporation Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation

Lansing Area Capital Area Transportation Authority MN Twin Cities Metro Transit

MO Kansas City Area Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Kansas City Streetcar

MO-IL St. Louis Area Bi-State Development Agency (Metro) Madison County Transit District

NC Charlotte Area Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) NM Albuquerque Area Sun Tran of Albuquerque

NV Las Vegas Area Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada Reno Area Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County

NY

Albany Area Capital District Transportation Authority Buffalo Area Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

Rochester Area Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority

State Urban Area Eligible System*

NY/NJ/CT

New York City/Northern New Jersey Area (New

York City and Jersey

City/Newark UASI Areas)

Connecticut Department of Transportation Connecticut Transit Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) (all components) New Jersey Transit Corp. (NJT) New York City Department of Transportation Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Westchester County Department of Transportation

OH

Cincinnati Area Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky

Cleveland Area The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Columbus Area Central Ohio Transit Authority

Dayton Area Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority

OR

Eugene Area Lane Transit District

Portland Area Clark County Public Transportation Benefit Area (C-TRAN) Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (Tri-Met)

PA Pittsburgh Area Port Authority of Allegheny County

PA/DE/

NJ

Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Delaware Transit Corporation Philadelphia Area New Jersey Transit

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

PR San Juan Area Metropolitan Bus Authority Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (heavy rail)

RI Providence Area Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

TN Memphis Area Memphis Area Transit Authority Nashville Area Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority

TX

Austin Area Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Dallas/Fort

Worth/Arlington Area

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) Trinity Railway Express (TRE)

El Paso Area Mass Transit Department City of El Paso Houston Area Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

San Antonio Area VIA Metropolitan Transit

UT Salt Lake City Area Utah Transit Authority

VA Norfolk Area Hampton Roads Transit Richmond Area Greater Richmond Transit Company

WA Seattle Area

Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) King County Department of Transportation Pierce County Public Transportation Benefit Area Corporation (Pierce Transit) Snohomish County Transportation Benefit Area Corporation (Community Transit) Washington State Ferries (WSF)

WA Spokane Area Spokane Transit Authority

WI

Madison Area Madison Metro Transit

Milwaukee Area Milwaukee County Transit System *Eligibility does not guarantee grant funding.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria Prior to allocation of any Federal preparedness awards in FY 2020, recipients must adopt and/or maintain implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on NIMS.

4. Cost Share or Match

There is no cost share requirement for the FY 2020 TSGP.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 2/14/2020

b. Application Submission Deadline: 4/30/2020 4/15/2020 at 5

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. DHS/FEMA will not review applications that are not received by the deadline or consider these late applications 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.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than 7/1/2020

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than 9/30/2020

e. Other Key Dates:

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Obtaining DUNS Number 3/16/2020 3/1/2020 Obtaining a valid EIN 3/16/2020 3/1/2020 Updating SAM registration 3/16/2020 3/1/2020 mailto:askcsid@fema.dhs.gov

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available on Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants. Hard copies of the NOFO and associated application materials are not available. In order to obtain the application package, select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the Assistance Listings (formerly CFDA) and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice and all relevant NOFOs 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. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal and ND Grants.

4. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management (SAM) To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and Employer ID Number (EIN)

b. In the application, provide a valid Data Universal Numbering System DUNS number, which is currently the unique entity identifier;

c. Have an account with login.gov;

d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;

e. Create a Grants.gov account;

f. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account;

a. Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;

b. Submit an initial application in Grants.gov;

g. Submit the final application in the ND Grants system; and

h. 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 a federal awarding agency.

Starting application in Grants.gov 3/16/2020 3/1/2020

Completing the initial application in Grants.gov 4/23/2020 4/8/2020

Submitting the final application in ND Grants 4/30/2020 4/15/2020, 5 P.M. ET http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.login.gov/

Applicants are advised that DHS may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the application review period and when DHS is ready to make a federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before award, DHS 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.

5. Electronic Delivery DHS 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 encourages or requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity. For this funding opportunity, the DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency requires applicants to submit initial applications through Grants.gov and final applications in ND Grants.

6. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS 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 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

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

1) 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.

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

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

2) Register with SAM: 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

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

4) 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

5) 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 are 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

6) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

7) 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 people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

7. How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov Grants.gov applicants can 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 NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

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

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

b. 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. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. 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

d. 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.

e. 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.

f. 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 24- 48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

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

g. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, 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

h. 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 DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

8. Submitting the Final Application in the Non-Disaster Grants System (ND Grants)

For assistance registering for the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076. For step-by-step directions on using the ND Grants system and other guides, please see https://www.fema.gov/non-disaster-grants-management-system.

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

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

As application submission is a two-step process, the applicant with the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt, a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov, and an Agency Tracking Number (EMX-2020-XX-XXXX) with the successful transmission of the initial application. This notification does not serve as proof of timely submission as the application is not complete until it is submitted in ND Grants. All applications must be received in ND Grants by 5 p.m. ET on April 30, 2020 April 15, 2020. 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. Additionally, the applicant(s) listed as contacts on the application will receive a system-generated email to confirm receipt.

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

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:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:ndgrants@fema https://www.fema.gov/non-disaster-grants-management-system https://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home

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

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

• Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

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

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

• Investment Justification(s);

• Detailed Budget(s);

• Five-Year Security Capital and Operational Sustainment Plan, if applying for

Operational Packages; and

• Indirect Cost Agreement, if applicable

TSGP-Specific Application Instructions All applicants will submit their TSGP grant application and associated investment justifications, including detailed budgets and associated Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)/Memoranda of Agreement (MOA), as a file attachment within ND Grants prior to the application deadline.

Priority Investments (TSGP)

Cybersecurity Cybersecurity investments must support the security and functioning of critical infrastructure and core capabilities as they relate to achieving target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.

Soft Targets and Crowded Places Soft targets and crowded places are increasingly appealing to terrorists and other extremist actors because of their relative accessibility and the large number of potential targets. This challenge is complicated by the prevalent use of simple tactics and less sophisticated attacks. Segments of our society are inherently open to the general public, and by nature of their purpose do not incorporate strict security measures. Given the increased emphasis by terrorists and other extremist actors to leverage less sophisticated methods to inflict harm in public areas, it is vital that the public and private sectors collaborate to enhance security of locations such as transportation centers, parks, restaurants, shopping centers, special event venues, and similar facilities. Additional resources and information regarding securing soft targets and crowded places are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

https://www.cisa.gov/securing-soft-targets-and-crowded-places https://www.cisa.gov/securing-soft-targets-and-crowded-places

Emerging Threats The spread of rapidly evolving and innovative technology, equipment, techniques, and knowledge presents new and emerging dangers for homeland security in the years ahead. Terrorists remain intent on acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capabilities, and rogue nations and non-state actors are aggressively working to develop, acquire, and modernize WMDs that they could use against the Homeland. Meanwhile, biological and chemical materials and technologies with dual use capabilities are more accessible throughout the global market. Due to the proliferation of such information and technologies, rogue nations and no-state actors have more opportunities to develop, acquire, and use WMDs than ever before.

Similarly, the proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology increase opportunities of threat actors to acquire and use these capabilities against the United States and its interests. Additional resources and information regarding emerging threats are available through the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Investment Justification (IJ) As part of the FY 2020 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 a transit system’s operational security capability and capacity. IJs must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies (identified in a current vulnerability assessment) and must link to one or more core capabilities identified in the Goal. Please see www.grants.gov for the IJ template.

Applicants may attach the vulnerability assessment or cite relevant sections/passages within an IJ to demonstrate the linkage between the project request and the identified vulnerability. IJs should also describe an agency’s current security posture to demonstrate why the proposed project is necessary and appropriate. IJs must demonstrate the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by DHS/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 IJs are consistent with all requirements outlined in this NOFO. Applicants must provide information in the following categories for each proposed investment:

1. Background

2. Strategic and Program Priorities

3. Impact

4. Funding/Implementation Plan https://www.dhs.gov/topic/weapons-mass-destruction https://www.dhs.gov/topic/weapons-mass-destruction https://www.cisa.gov/uas-critical-infrastructure https://www.cisa.gov/uas-critical-infrastructure

Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting the IJs as part of the FY 2020 TSGP:

Region_Agency Name_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 option 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 DHS/FEMA for all Federally funded security positions. In order for an application for an OPack to be considered eligible, it must include a Five-Year Security Capital and Operational Sustainment Plan. Please see www.grants.gov for the required template.

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. 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 DHS/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. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on the EHP review process.

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 Name_IJ Number_Budget (Example: Chicago_CTA_IJ _1_Budget)

Sensitive Security Information (SSI) Requirements A portion of the information that is routinely submitted in the course of applying for funding or reporting under certain programs or that is provided in the course of an entity’s grant management activities under those programs that are under Federal control may be subject to protection under an SSI marking and must be properly identified and marked accordingly. SSI is a control designation used by DHS/FEMA 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, http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ land, or maritime transportation. Further information can be found at 49 C.F.R. Part 1520, Protection of Sensitive Security Information. For the purposes of the TSGP, and due to the high-frequency of SSI found in TSGP-related IJs, all TSGP 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.

11. 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 https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html; https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC- February-2019.pdf).

12. Funding Restrictions

All costs charged to awards covered by this NOFO must comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, unless otherwise indicated in the NOFO, the terms and conditions of the award, or the Preparedness Grants Manual. For more information on FEMA’s implementation of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, see Information Bulletin (IB) No. 400.

Federal funds made available through this award may be used for the purpose set forth in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other federal awards, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on funding restrictions and allowable costs.

13. Allowable Costs

Cost Principles All costs charged to awards covered by this NOFO must comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, unless otherwise indicated in the NOFO, the terms and conditions of the award, or the Preparedness Grants Manual. For more information on FEMA’s implementation of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, see Information Bulletin (IB) No. 400. Federal funds made available through this award may be used for the purpose set forth in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other federal awards, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on funding restrictions and allowable costs.

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291

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 $1,500.00.

Direct Costs

a. 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. Additionally, recipients are required to submit a SF-424C Budget and budget detail citing the project costs.

b. Operational Overtime

Operational Overtime costs are allowed under this program.

c. 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.

d. 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).

e. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

M&A costs are allowed. Recipients may use up to 5 percent of…