FY_2024_TSGP_NOFO_04-10-24_Final_508AB.pdf

FY 2024 TSGP NOFO

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

Fiscal Year 2024 Transit Security Grant Program

All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). The UEI number is issued by the system. Requesting a UEI using System for Award Management (SAM.gov) can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

Updates in Grant Application Forms:

The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier requested in, and assigned by SAM.gov. This new identifier is the Unique Entity Identifier.

Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-development/planned-uei-updates.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-development/planned-uei-updates https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-development/planned-uei-updates

Table of Contents Updates in Grant Application Forms:

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

2. Assistance Listings Number

3. Assistance Listings Title

4. Funding Opportunity Title

5. Funding Opportunity Number

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

8. Announcement Type

9. Program Category

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

11. Performance Measures

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $83,700,000

2. Period of Performance: 36 or 48 months

3. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 09/01/2024

4. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 08/31/2027 or 08/31/2028

5. Projected Budget Period

6. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

3. Subawards and Beneficiaries

4. Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions

a. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

5. Cost Share or Match

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 04/16/2024

b. Application Submission Deadline: 06/24/2024 at 5 p.m. ET

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than August 23, 2024

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than September 30, 2024

e. Other Key Dates:

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

3. Address to Request Application Package

4. Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Register in the System for

Award Management (SAM.gov)

5. Steps Required to Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, Register in the System for Award

Management (SAM), and Submit an Application

6. Electronic Delivery

7. How to Register to Apply

a. General Instructions:

b. Obtain an UEI Number:

c. Obtain Employer Identification Number

d. Create a login.gov account:

e. Register with SAM:

f. Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR:

8. Submitting the Application

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Standard Required Application Forms and Information

b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information

11. Other Submission Requirements

12. Intergovernmental Review

13. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs

a. Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services

b. Pre-Award Costs

c. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

d. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs

e. Evaluation Costs

f. Other Direct Costs

g. Unallowable Costs

h. Excess Funds

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria and Review and Selection Process

a. Overview

b. Pre-NRP Review Process

c. NRP Review Process

d. Post-NRP Review Process

e. Financial Integrity Criteria

f. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

b. Ensuring the Protection of Civil Rights

c. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance

d. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

e. Mandatory Disclosures

3. Reporting

4. Monitoring and Oversight

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

1. Contact and Resource Information

a. Program Office Contact

b. FEMA Grants News

c. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration Division

e. Equal Rights

f. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation

2. Systems Information

a. FEMA GO

H. Additional Information

1. Termination Provisions

a. Noncompliance

b. With the Consent of the Recipient

c. Notification by the Recipient

2. Program Evaluation

3. Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure

a. Build America, Buy America Act

b. Waivers

c. Definitions

4. Report issues of fraud, waste, abuse

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 Number 97.075

3. Assistance Listings Title Rail and Transit Security Grant Program

4. Funding Opportunity Title Fiscal Year 2024 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-24-GPD-075-00-99

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, 2024, Pub. L. No. 118-47, Title III, “Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery”

8. Announcement Type Initial

9. Program Category Preparedness: Infrastructure Security

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Overview The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) is one of four grant programs that constitute DHS/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 DHS to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. The TSGP provides funds to public transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. Examples of recent TSGP accomplishments include jurisdictions increasing their mass notifications and critical incident management systems enabling organizations and communities to quickly and effectively send emergency alerts and share critical information through multiple channels (e.g., text message, email, voice, desktop, social media). Other examples of TSGP accomplishments include organizations providing surge support (law enforcement personnel) for special events (e.g., Super Bowl, concerts) as well as tunnel hardening.

For FY 2024, DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration to building a national culture of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other 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 past 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.

Information sharing and cooperation among state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities, and federal agencies, including all DHS officials, is just as vital, and perhaps even more vital, today. Therefore, for FY 2024, we have identified two priority areas related to some of the most serious threats that recipients should address with their TSGP funds. These two priority areas are enhancing cybersecurity and enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places. DHS also will continue to forge partnerships to strengthen information sharing and collaboration in each of these priority areas.

For FY 2023, 70 applications were received and 15 approved for funding. For a full list of recipients, please refer to Information Bulletin (IB) 490a.

b. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities Goals: Protecting critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increasing the resilience of the transportation infrastructure itself.

Objectives: TSGP achieves this through the following objectives:

1. Building and sustaining core capabilities (identified in the National Preparedness Goal) relevant to transit security and annual national priority areas (see priorities below);

2. Addressing and closing gaps identified in transit agency vulnerability assessments and the agency’s Public Transportation Risk Assessment Methodology (PT-RAM), and updating the PT-RAM annually; and

3. Continuously engaging in a process of emergency related planning, exercising, and training. Using this cycle to test plans; validate capabilities and identify gaps; inform investments; and continuously update plans to reflect organizational changes as well as findings from exercises and real-world events.

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).

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_ib_2023_award_announcement_thgsp_update_signed_508c.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/national_preparedness_goal_2nd_edition.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/national_preparedness_goal_2nd_edition.pdf

Priorities: Given the evolving threat landscape, DHS/FEMA continuously evaluates the national risk profile and set priorities that help ensure appropriate allocation of scarce security dollars. In assessing the national risk profile for FY 2024, two priority areas pose the most concern:

1. Enhancing cybersecurity; and

2. Enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places.

For more information about these priorities, see Section D.10.b.

Additionally, 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 2024 TSGP, showing both the core capabilities enhanced and lifelines supported, as well as examples of eligible project types for each area. More information on allowable investments can be found in the Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs section below. As discussed in Section E, projects that sufficiently address one or more of the two National Priorities (enhancing cybersecurity or enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places) will have their final review scores increased by a multiplier of 20%.

FY 2024 TSGP Funding Priorities All priorities in this table concern the Safety and Security and Transportation Lifelines.

Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types National Priorities Enhancing Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Planning

• Public information and warning

• Operational coordination

• Screening, search, and detection

• Access control and identity verification

• Supply chain integrity and security

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Situational assessment

• Cybersecurity risk assessments

• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments o Improving cybersecurity of critical infrastructure to meet minimum levels identified by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (Version 1.1) o Adoption of cybersecurity performance goals (CISA's Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals) o Cybersecurity training and planning https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.cisa.gov/cpg

Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational communications

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

• Physical security enhancements at rail and bus stations located in historically eligible Urban Area Security Initiative urban areas o Security cameras (closed circuit television) 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

• Explosive Detection Canine Teams

Enduring Needs Planning • Planning

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Risk and disaster resilience assessment

• Threats and hazards identification

• Operational coordination

• 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 Assessments should consider the impacts of climate change on investments to close identified security gaps2

• Efforts to strengthen governance integration between/among regional partners

Training and Awareness

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Public information and warning

• Active shooter training, including integrating the needs of persons with disabilities

• Security training for employees, to include:

o Basic security awareness

• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns Equipment and Capital Projects

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational communications

• Interdiction and disruption

• Screening, search, and detection

• Access control and identity verification

• Physical protective measures

• Intelligence and Information Sharing

• Top Transit Asset List risk remediation

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

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

• Security screening equipment and technology for people and baggage

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems and detection technologies

Exercises • Long-term vulnerability reduction • Response exercises

2 For more information on considering the impacts of climate change, please see Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and Executive Order 14030, Climate-Related Financial Risk https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/05/20/executive-order-on-climate-related-financial-risk/

c. Alignment to Program Purpose and the DHS and FEMA Strategic Plan Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2024, the TSGP supports the goal to Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience.

The 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan outlines three bold, ambitious goals in order to position FEMA to address the increasing range and complexity of disasters, support the diversity of communities we serve, and complement the nation’s growing expectations of the emergency management community. The TSGP supports Goal 3 to Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and Prepared Nation. We invite our stakeholders and partners to also adopt these priorities and join us in building a more prepared and resilient nation.

11. Performance Measures

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: $83,700,000

2. Period of Performance: 36 or 48 months

The period of performance for capital infrastructure projects is 48 months. The period of performance for all other projects is 36 months.

Extensions to the period of performance are allowed. For additional information on period of performance extensions, please refer to the Preparedness Grants Manual (FM-207-23-001).

3. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 09/01/2024

4. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 08/31/2027 or 08/31/2028

5. Projected Budget Period

There will be only a single budget period with the same start and end dates as the period of performance.

6. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are limited to the passenger rail, intra-city bus, and ferry systems identified in the table below. Eligibility does not guarantee grant funding.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/25/2021-11168/climate-related-financial-risk https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria Agencies eligible for the FY 2024 TSGP are determined based upon daily unlinked passenger trips (ridership) and transit systems that serve historically eligible Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) urban areas as indicated below.

Certain ferry systems are eligible to participate in the FY 2024 TSGP and receive funds under this program. However, any ferry system electing to participate (e.g., submit an application) under the FY 2024 TSGP will not be eligible to participate (e.g., submit an application) under the FY 2024 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) and will not be considered for funding under the FY 2024 PSGP. Likewise, any ferry system that participates in the FY 2024 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 2024 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 Surface Inspectors of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This security assessment must have been conducted within the three years prior to receiving a FY 2024 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, public transportation agencies’ 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.

An application submitted by an otherwise eligible non-federal entity (i.e., the applicant) may be deemed ineligible when the person that submitted the application is not: 1) a current employee, personnel, official, staff, or leadership of the non-federal entity; and 2) duly https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291 authorized to apply for an award on behalf of the non-federal entity at the time of application.

Further, the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and Signatory Authority (SA) must be a duly authorized current employee, personnel, official, staff or leadership of the recipient. They must provide an email address unique to the recipient at the time of application and upon any change in assignment during the period of performance.

Consultants or contractors of the recipient are not permitted to be the AOR or SA of the recipient. It is the sole responsibility of the recipient to keep their points of contact for the organization up-to-date and accurate in all federal systems.

FY 2024 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 Corridor 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 Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) 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

State Urban Area Eligible System

DC/

MD/

VA

Greater National Capital Region

(National Capital Region and

Baltimore UASI Areas)

Arlington Transit (ART) 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

FL

Jacksonville Area Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area (Miami and Fort

Lauderdale UASI)

Broward County Transit

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

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Xpress Cobb County Transit Service (CobbLinc) Gwinnett County Transit (Ride Gwinnett) 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 (IndyGo) KY Louisville Area Transit Authority of River City

LA New Orleans Area Jefferson Parish Transit Administration 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

State Urban Area Eligible System 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

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 Corporation (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 Authority

(C-TRAN)

Portland Streetcar Salem Area Mass Transit District (Cherriots) South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (Tri-Met)

PA Pittsburgh Area Pittsburgh Regional Transit

PA/

DE/

NJ

Philadelphia Area

Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Delaware Transit Corporation 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

State Urban Area Eligible System

TN

Memphis Area Memphis Area Transit Authority

Nashville Area Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (WeGo Public Transit)

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 Metro Transit Department (King County Metro) 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

3. Subawards and Beneficiaries

a. Subaward allowability Subawards are not allowed under the TSGP.

b. Beneficiaries or Participants This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant or beneficiary.

4. Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions

a. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

Prior to allocation of any federal preparedness awards, recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS. The list of objectives used for progress and achievement reporting is on FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training.

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

https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training

5. Cost Share or Match There is no cost-share requirement for the FY 2024 TSGP. Additionally, any voluntary cost share or match will not impact an application’s potential for funding.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 04/16/2024

b. Application Submission Deadline: 06/24/2024 at 5 p.m. ET

All applications must be received by the established deadline.

FEMA’s Grants Outcomes System (FEMA GO) automatically records proof of timely submission and the system generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives the application. The individual with the AOR role that submitted the application will also receive the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission. For additional information on how an applicant will be notified of application receipt, see the subsection titled “Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission” in Section D of this NOFO.

FEMA will not review applications that are received after the deadline or consider these late applications for funding. FEMA may, however, extend the application deadline on request for any applicant who can demonstrate that good cause exists to justify extending the deadline. Good cause for an extension may include technical problems outside of the applicant’s control that prevent submission of the application by the deadline, other exigent or emergency circumstances, or statutory requirements for FEMA to make an award.

Applicants experiencing technical problems outside of their control must notify FEMA as soon as possible and before the application deadline. Failure to timely notify FEMA of the issue that prevented the timely filing of the application may preclude consideration of the award. “Timely notification” of FEMA means the following: prior to the application deadline and within 48 hours after the applicant became aware of the issue.

A list of FEMA contacts can be found in Section G of this NOFO, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information.” For technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.gov or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). For programmatic or grants management questions, please contact your Preparedness Officer or Grants Management Specialist. If applicants do not know who to contact or if there are programmatic questions or concerns, please contact fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than August 23, 2024

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than September 30, 2024 mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov

e. Other Key Dates:

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 Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.

4. Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 CFR §25.110, must:

a. Be registered in Sam.Gov before application submission.

b. Provide a valid UEI in its application.

c. Continue to always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the federal award process. Note: Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.300, subrecipients are NOT required to go through the full SAM registration process. First-tier subrecipients (meaning entities receiving funds directly from the recipient) are only required to obtain a UEI through SAM, but they are not required to complete the full SAM registration in order to obtain a UEI. Recipients may not make subawards unless the subrecipient has obtained and provided the UEI.

Lower-tier subrecipients (meaning entities receiving funds passed through by a higher-tier subrecipient) are not required to have a UEI and are not required to register in SAM.

Applicants are also not permitted to require subrecipients to complete a full registration in SAM beyond obtaining the UEI.

5. Steps Required to Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, Register in the System for Award

Management (SAM), and Submit an Application Applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Applicants are encouraged to register early as the registration process can take four weeks or more to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines. Please review

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Obtaining Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number

Four weeks before actual submission deadline

Obtaining a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) Four weeks before actual submission deadline

Creating an account with login.gov Four weeks before actual submission deadline Registering in SAM or updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline

Registering Organization in FEMA GO Prior to beginning application

Submitting complete application in FEMA GO One week before actual submission deadline https://go.fema.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/home the table above for estimated deadlines to complete each of the steps listed. Failure of an applicant to comply with any of the required steps before the deadline for submitting an application may disqualify that application from funding.

To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Apply for, update, or verify their UEI number and Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service;

b. In the application, provide an UEI number;

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. Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the AOR.

The organization’s electronic business point of contact (EBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup;

f. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and

g. 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. As part of this, applicants must also provide information on an applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

Applicants are advised that FEMA may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable 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 FEMA 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, 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.

Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.110(c)(2)(iii), if an applicant is experiencing exigent circumstances that prevents it from obtaining an UEI number and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA as soon as possible by contacting fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov and providing the details of the circumstances that prevent completion of these requirements. If FEMA determines that there are exigent circumstances and FEMA has decided to make an award, the applicant will be required to obtain an UEI number, if applicable, and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the federal award date.

6. 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 https://www.login.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup mailto:at%20fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity.

For this funding opportunity, FEMA requires applicants to submit applications through

FEMA GO.

7. How to Register to Apply

a. General Instructions:

Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for 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. To ensure an application meets the deadline, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission.

Organizations must have an UEI number, an EIN, and an active SAM registration to apply for a federal award under this funding opportunity.

b. Obtain an UEI Number:

All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI number. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the applicable data entry field on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to: SAM.gov.

c. Obtain Employer Identification Number All entities applying for funding must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN can be obtained from the IRS by visiting:

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online.

d. Create a login.gov account:

Applicants must have a login.gov account in order to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account here:

https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd3.

Applicants only have to create a login.gov account once. For applicants that are existing SAM users, use the same email address for the login.gov account as with SAM.gov so that the two accounts can be linked.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd3 https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd3

For more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration, refer to:

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf.

e. Register with SAM:

All applicants applying online through FEMA GO must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent an applicant from completing the application in FEMA GO. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Organizations will be issued a UEI number with the completed SAM registration.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm.

Note: Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.200, applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

I. ADDITIONAL SAM REMINDERS

Existing SAM.gov account holders should check their account to make sure it is “ACTIVE.” SAM registration should be completed at the very beginning of the application period and should be renewed annually to avoid being “INACTIVE.”

Please allow plenty of time before the grant application submission deadline to obtain an UEI number and then to register in SAM. It may be four weeks or more after an applicant submits the SAM registration before the registration is active in SAM, and then it may be an additional 24 hours before FEMA’s system recognizes the information.

It is imperative that the information applicants provide is correct and current.

Please ensure that your organization’s name, address, and EIN are up to date in SAM and that the UEI number used in SAM is the same one used to apply for all other FEMA awards. Payment under any FEMA award is contingent on the recipient’s having a current SAM registration.

II. HELP WITH SAM

The SAM quick start guide for new recipient registration and SAM video tutorial for new applicants are tools created by the General Services Administration (GSA) to assist those registering with SAM. If applicants have questions or concerns about a SAM registration, please contact the Federal Support Desk at https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do or call toll free (866) 606-8220.

f. Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the

AOR:

Applicants must register in FEMA GO and add their organization to the system. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (EBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup.

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup

Note: FEMA GO will support only the most recent major release of the following browsers:

• Google Chrome

• Internet Explorer

• Mozilla Firefox

• Apple Safari

• Microsoft Edge

Users who attempt to use tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA GO.

8. Submitting the Application Applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information and any program-specific information required as described in Section D.10 of this NOFO, “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The Standard Forms (SF) may be accessed in the Forms tab under the https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family. Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they have all the information required.

After submitting the final application, FEMA GO will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the AOR that submitted the application. Applicants using slow internet connections, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before FEMA GO receives your application.

For additional application submission requirements, including program-specific requirements, please refer to the subsection titled “Content and Form of Application Submission” under Section D of this NOFO.

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of timely submission and the system generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives the application. The individual with the AOR role that submitted the application will also receive the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission on the date and time that FEMA GO received the application.

Applicants who experience system-related issues will be addressed until 3:00 PM ET on the date applications are due. No new system-related issues will be addressed after this deadline. Applications not received by the application submission deadline will not be accepted.

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Standard Required Application Forms and Information

Generally, applicants have to submit either the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B) or construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D), meaning that applicants that only have construction work and do not have any non-construction https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family work need only submit the construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D) and not the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B), and vice versa. However, applicants who have both construction and non-construction work under this program need to submit both the construction and non-construction forms.

The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard Forms (SF) are also available at https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family.

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

• SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424A

• SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction) o For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard

Assurances (Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424B

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information

The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in

FEMA GO:

• IJs;

• Detailed Budget(s); and

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

Operational Packages (OPacks).

All applicants will submit their TSGP grant application and associated IJs, including detailed budgets and associated Memoranda of Understanding/Memoranda of Agreement, as a file attachment within FEMA GO prior to the application deadline.

I. PRIORITY INVESTMENTS

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. Cybersecurity project requests must be in alignment with relevant cybersecurity assessment(s). Additional resources and information regarding cybersecurity and cybersecurity performance goals are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Soft Targets and Crowded Places Soft targets and crowded places are increasingly appealing to terrorists and other violent 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 https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://go.fema.gov/ https://go.fema.gov/ https://go.fema.gov/ https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity https://www.cisa.gov/cpg https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework 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 violent 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.

II. INVESTMENT JUSTIFICATION (IJ)

As part of the FY 2024 TSGP application process, applicants must develop a formal IJ that addresses each initiative being proposed for funding, including a project’s management and administration (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 National Preparedness Goal. Please see 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.