FY_2025_ IPR_NOFO_08-01-25_Finalfor508c.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2025 Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) Program

Fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and other criminal or noncriminal misconduct related to this program may be reported to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1 (800) 323-8603 and TTY 1 (844) 889-4357.

Contents

1. Basic Information A. Agency Name B. NOFO Title C. Announcement Type D. Funding Opportunity Number E. Assistance Listing Number F. Expected Total Funding G. Anticipated Number of Awards H. Expected Award Range I. Projected Application Start Date J. Projected Application End Date K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date L. Anticipated Award Date M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date N. Projected Period of Performance End Date O. Executive Summary P. Agency Contact

2. Eligibility A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types B. Project Type Eligibility C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties D. Maximum Number of Applications E. Additional Restrictions F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO G. Cost Sharing Requirement H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History B. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities C. Program Rationale D. Federal Assistance Type E. Performance Measures and Targets

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F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs G. General Funding Requirements H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs J. Pre-Award Costs K. Beneficiary Eligibility L. Participant Eligibility M. Authorizing Authority Appropriation Authority N. Budget Period O. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

4. Application Contents and Format A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers Application Content and Format C. Application Components D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines A. Address to Request Application Package B. Application Deadline C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline E. Effects of Missing the Deadline

6. Intergovernmental Review A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

7. Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria B. Application Criteria C. Financial Integrity Criteria D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection F. Merit Review Process G. Final Selection

8. Award Notices A. Notice of Award B. Pass-Through Requirements C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs D. Obligation of Funds E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions C. Financial Reporting Requirements D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements E. Closeout Reporting Requirements

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F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 G. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance H. Single Audit Report I. Monitoring and Oversight J. Program Evaluation K. Additional Performance Reporting Requirements L. Termination of the Federal Award M. Best Practices N. Payment Information O. Immigration Conditions

10. Other Information A. Period of Performance Extension B. Other Information

11. Appendix A: Allowable Costs A. Planning B. Operational Activities C. Equipment and Capital Projects D. Training and Awareness Campaigns E. Exercises F. Construction and Renovation G. Backfill, Overtime, and Hiring H. Travel I. Maintenance and Sustainment J. Excess Funds

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1. Basic Information

A. Agency Name

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA)

B. NOFO Title Fiscal Year 2025 Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) Program

C. Announcement

Type

Initial

D. Funding

Opportunity Number

DHS-25-GPD-157-00-98

E. Assistance Listing

Number

97.157

F. Expected Total

Funding

$9,000,000

G. Anticipated

Number of Awards

1 award

H. Expected Award

Range

$9,000,000

I. Projected

Application Start

Date

08/01/2025 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET)

J. Projected

Application End Date

08/15/2025 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

K. Anticipated

Funding Selection

Date

No later than August 23, 2025

L. Anticipated

Award Date

No later than September 30, 2025

M. Projected Period of Performance Start

Date

09/01/2025

N. Projected Period of Performance End

Date

08/31/2028

O. Executive

Summary

The IPR provides funds to the National Railroad Passenger

Corporation (Amtrak) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism.

P. Agency Contact

a. Program Office Contact

FEMA has assigned a Preparedness Officer for the IPR. If you do not know your Preparedness Officer, please contact please contact FEMA

Grants News by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by email at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.

b. FEMA Grants News mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov

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This channel provides general information on all FEMA grant programs and maintains a comprehensive database containing key personnel contact information at the federal, state, and local levels.

FEMA Grants News Team is reachable at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov. OR (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

c. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration

Division

GPD’s Award Administration Division (AAD) provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. AAD can be contacted at ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.

d. FEMA Regional Offices

FEMA Regional Offices also may provide fiscal support, including pre- and post-award administration and technical assistance. FEMA

Regional Office contact information is available at https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts.

e. Civil Rights

Consistent with Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination

& Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, the FEMA Office of Civil

Rights is responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of federal civil rights obligations in connection with programs and services conducted by FEMA. They are reachable at FEMA-

CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

f. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation

The FEMA Office of Environmental Planning and Historic

Preservation (OEHP) provides guidance and information about the

EHP review process to FEMA programs and recipients and subrecipients. Send any inquiries regarding compliance for FEMA grant projects under this NOFO to FEMA-OEHP-

NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov.

h. FEMA GO

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 ET.

i. FEMA Preparedness Toolkit

The FEMA Preparedness Toolkit (PrepToolkit) provides access to tools and resources needed to implement the National Preparedness

System and provide a collaborative space for communities completing the Unified Reporting Tool (URT). Recipients complete and submit their Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts mailto:FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/

6 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02 and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), and other required assessments using the PrepToolkit. For assistance, contact support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov.

j. Preparedness Grants Manual

Recipients seeking guidance on policies and procedures for managing preparedness grants should reference the Preparedness Grants Manual at Preparedness Grants Manual.

mailto:support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291

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2. Eligibility

A. Eligible

Entities/Entity Types

Only the following entities or entity types are eligible to apply.

a. Applicants

1. Eligible Applicants

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) is the only eligible entity per the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and

Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4, § 1101.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Sections 1512 and 1513 of the Implementing Recommendations of the

9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (6 U.S.C. §§ 1162 and 1163) require a recipient to complete a vulnerability assessment and develop a security plan. To be eligible for the FY 2025 IPR, Amtrak must have developed, or updated, its security plan. The security plan must be based on a security assessment, such as the Baseline Assessment for

Security Enhancement, which is performed by TSA’s Transportation

Security Inspectors-Surface. This security assessment must have been conducted within the last three years prior to receiving the FY 2025

IPR 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.

Amtrak, in receiving funds through this program, must participate in

Regional Transit Security Working Groups (RTSWGs) in participating urban areas. 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.

b. Subapplicants

Subapplicants and subawards are not allowed.

B. Project Type

Eligibility

a. Unallowable Project Types

See Section 3.F “Program-Specific Unallowable Costs” for more information on unallowable project types.

b. Allowable Project Types

Costs generally need to fit within one of the categories listed below to be allowable under this program.

https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual

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Specific investments made in support of the NOFO funding priorities generally fall into one of the following allowable cost categories:

• Planning

• Operational Activities

• Equipment and Capital Projects

• Training and Awareness Campaigns

• Exercises

Please see the Appendix A: Allowable Costs for more information on these allowable categories. The manual also contains additional information on unallowable costs and excess funds. Applicants who have questions about whether a cost is allowable under this program should contact their Preparedness Officer.

C. Requirements for

Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties

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 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 and 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 the 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.

The AOR is responsible for submitting programmatic and financial performance reports, accepting award packages, signing assurances and certifications, and submitting award amendments.

D. Maximum

Number of

Applications

The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is:

1. 1 per Applicant

E. Additional

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

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F. References for

Eligibility Factors within the NOFO

Please see the following references provided below:

1. “Programmatic Review Criteria” subsection

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection

4. FEMA may/will request financial information such as

Employer Identification Number (EIN) and bank information as part of the potential award selection. This will apply to everyone prospered, including subrecipients.

G. Cost Sharing

Requirement

There is no cost share requirement.

H. Cost Share

Description, Type and Restrictions

Not applicable

I. Cost Sharing

Calculation Example

J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description

A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History

The Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) – Amtrak program 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 potential terrorist attacks.

The IPR provides funds to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism.

Examples of recent IPR accomplishments include successfully executed full-scale and tabletop exercises building upon the outcomes of previously funded exercises with a focus on response plans, policies, and procedures. Additional examples of IPR accomplishments include efforts to increase security awareness through public campaigns (e.g., Text-a-Tip, passenger security awareness videos displayed through kiosks, etc.), as well providing training for law enforcement personnel focusing on railroad infrastructure and counter-terrorism.

DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration in building a national mindset 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. However, the threat profile has changed in the past two decades. We now face continuous cyberattacks by sophisticated actors, as well as ongoing threats to soft targets and crowded places, such as

10 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02 intercity passenger rail infrastructure. The IPR reflects DHS’s commitment to risk-informed investment, collaboration, and resilience. To ensure that priorities reflect the current threat environment, FEMA’s Preparedness Grant Programs are guided by annually designated National

Priority Areas (NPAs). The FY 2025 NPAs are:

a. Enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places,

i. This includes faith-based organizations and election sites;

b. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers;

c. Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency;

d. Enhancing election security; and

e. Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement.

i. Example activities under border crisis response and enforcement support may include:

1. Participation in the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and

Customs Enforcement 287(g) training program;

2. Cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers; and

3. Other jurisdictional responsibilities to support the enforcement of United

States immigration law.

For FY 2025, the Administration encourages applicants to propose innovative solutions that support the broader homeland security mission reflected in the NPAs, as applicable. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed projects address an NPA and how they align with the stated purpose and objectives of this NOFO.

For FY 2024, one application was received and one approved for funding. Amtrak is the only permitted recipient for this grant.

B. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

Goals: Strengthen the nation’s critical transportation infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks.

Objectives: IPR achieves this goal through the following objectives:

1. Building and sustaining core capabilities (identified in the National Preparedness Goal) relevant to transit security and annual NPAs.

2. Continuously engaging in a process of effective 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.

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. The FY 2025 NPAs reflect FEMA’s broader mission across all preparedness efforts. Applicants should be familiar with these NPAs, as they represent DHS’s current focus areas and may shape future guidance:

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b. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers;

c. Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency;

d. Enhancing election security; and

e. Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement.

ii. Example activities under border crisis response and enforcement support may include:

1. Participation in the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and

Customs Enforcement 287(g) training program;

2. Cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers; and

Enduring needs include:

• Effective planning

• Training and awareness campaigns

• Equipment and capital projects

• Exercises

The table below provides a breakdown of the NPAs and core capabilities impacted, as well as examples of eligible maritime security project types for each area. More information on allowable investments can be found in the Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs section below.

FY 2025 IPR 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 the

Protection of

Soft Targets and

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 cruise and ferry terminals o Explosive detection canine teams o Security cameras (closed circuit television

[CCTV])

o Security screening equipment for people and baggage o Access controls

▪ Landside fencing, gates, barriers, etc.

▪ Marine (floating) barriers to prevent access to sensitive berthing areas

• Enhanced security aboard ferries o Explosive detection canine teams o Security cameras (CCTV)

• Rapid response boats for preventing or responding to security incidents on waterways, especially in and around airports, cruise terminals, ferry terminals, etc.

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Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types Supporting

Homeland

Security Task

Forces and

Fusion Centers

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Interdiction and disruption

• Public information and warning

• Operational coordination

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Establishing or enhancing multi-agency

Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs), including operational coordination centers

• Enhancing capabilities and integration with local fusion centers

• Procurement of technology or equipment to support surveillance, communications, and data analysis

• Development of standard operating procedures for information sharing, joint operations, and immigration enforcement coordination

• Personnel training, credentialing, and certification to improve interoperability and mission alignment

• Intelligence analysis, reporting, and suspicious activity monitoring

• Exercises and simulations focused on joint operations, intelligence sharing, or interdiction/disruption of criminal or smuggling networks

• Community engagement efforts to foster trust and encourage threat reporting

• Information sharing with all DHS components;

fusion centers; other operational, investigative, and analytic entities; and other federal law enforcement and intelligence entities

• Cooperation with DHS and other entities in intelligence, threat recognition, assessment, analysis, and mitigation

• Identification, assessment, and reporting of threats of violence

• Intelligence analysis training, planning, and exercises

• Coordinating the intake, triage, analysis, and reporting of tips/ leads and suspicious activity, to include coordination with the Nationwide

Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative

(NSI)

https://www.dhs.gov/nationwide-sar-initiative-nsi https://www.dhs.gov/nationwide-sar-initiative-nsi https://www.dhs.gov/nationwide-sar-initiative-nsi

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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

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational communications

• Cybersecurity risk assessments

• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments o Improving cybersecurity of critical port infrastructure, such as cranes, to meet minimum levels identified by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the

National Institute of Standards and

Technology Cybersecurity Framework

(Version 1.1) or equivalent o Adoption of cybersecurity performance goals

(CISA's Cross-Sector Cybersecurity

Performance Goals)

• Cybersecurity training and planning

Enhancing

Election

Security

• Cybersecurity

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Planning

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Situational assessment

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational coordination

• Community resilience

• Prioritize compliance with the VVSG 2.0 established by the U.S. Election Assistance

Commission

• Complete testing through a VSTL accredited by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission

• Physical security planning and exercise support

• Physical/site security measures – e.g., locks, shatter proof glass, alarms, access controls, etc.

• General election security navigator support

• Cyber and general election security navigator support

• Cybersecurity risk assessments, training, and planning

• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments

• Iterative backups, encrypted backups, network segmentation, software to monitor/scan, and endpoint protection

• Distributed Denial of Service protection

• Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain

• Online harassment and targeting prevention services

• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns discussing election security and integrity measures

• Long-term vulnerability reduction and community resilience https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.cisa.gov/cpg https://www.cisa.gov/cpg

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Supporting

Border Crisis

Response and

Enforcement

• Training and awareness

• Community resilience

• Operational coordination

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Staffing support to expand 287(g) screening operations within correctional facilities

• Operational overtime costs directly tied to 287(g) screening, processing, and enforcement activities

• Training programs for state and local law enforcement officers in immigration law, civil rights protections, and 287(g) procedures

• Development or enhancement of information-sharing platforms between ICE and local agencies

• Procurement of screening, detection, and communications technology to support immigration enforcement activities

• Establishing secure and dedicated communication networks with ICE Field Offices

• Conducting joint training exercises with ICE and local law enforcement to test operational coordination

• Support for facilities upgrades, such as creating dedicated interview rooms and secure processing spaces

• Community engagement and public briefings to promote transparency and understanding of

287(g) operations and protections

Enduring Needs Planning • Planning

• Risk management for protection programs and activities

• Risk and disaster resilience assessment

• Threats and hazards identification

• Operational coordination

• Community resilience

• Development of:

o Port-wide Security Risk Management Plans o Continuity of Operations Plans o Response Plans o Port-wide and/or asset-specific vulnerability assessments o Efforts to strengthen governance integration between/among regional partners

Training and

Awareness

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Public information and warning

• Operational coordination

• Situational assessment

• Community resilience

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

• Shipboard firefighting training

• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns

• Maritime domain awareness projects

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

• Supply chain integrity and security

• Threats and hazards identification

• Infrastructure systems

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Implementing risk management projects that support port resilience and recovery

• Implementing physical security enhancement projects

• Transportation Worker Identification Credential projects

• Sharing and leveraging intelligence and information

• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and

Explosive prevention, detection response and recovery equipment

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems and detection technologies

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Exercises • Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Operational coordination

• Operational communications

• Community resilience

• Response exercises

C. Program Rationale

The stated goals, objectives, and priorities of IPR support Section 1513 of the Implementing

Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-53) (6 U.S.C. § 1163) by protecting critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism through the application of IPR funding.

D. Federal Assistance Type

Cooperative Agreement

Program authority and responsibility under this Cooperative Agreement reside with DHS/FEMA.

DHS/FEMA retains the right to terminate all or part of the Cooperative Agreement as permitted by 2 C.F.R. § 200.340 and may conduct site visits and monitoring throughout the period of performance.

DHS/FEMA will work with Amtrak to develop and refine the details of executing this award, for example, including work plans, goals and objectives, timelines, deliverables and effectiveness measures, selection of key partners, development of outreach or educational materials, coordination of multistate efforts, and defining eligible and ineligible tasks to ensure that the program is effectively implemented. Amtrak shall not develop or engage in the development of tasks not approved in the application without prior approval and the issuance of an amendment to the award by DHS/FEMA.

IPR Program Management: Roles and Responsibilities at DHS (Substantial Role of

Agency)

Effective management of the IPR program entails a collaborative effort and partnership within

DHS/FEMA. For the FY 2025 IPR program, DHS/FEMA is responsible for designing and operating the required administrative mechanisms to implement and manage the grant program.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within DHS provides programmatic subject matter expertise for the transportation industry. TSA assists by coordinating the intelligence information and risk/vulnerability assessments resulting in ranking and rating rail and mass transit assets nationwide against threats associated with potential terrorist attacks and in defining the parameters for identifying, protecting, deterring, responding, and recovering from such incidents. Together, these two DHS agencies, with the additional assistance and cooperation of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), determine the primary security architecture of the

IPR program.

DHS/FEMA and DHS/TSA provide substantial federal involvement with the following activities:

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• Review and approve the Investment Justifications before submitting the formal application;

• Retain the authority to halt Amtrak’s funded activity immediately if Amtrak does not meet all conditions as listed in the award;

• Review Amtrak’s project management plans and decisions;

• Require Amtrak to maintain close collaboration with federal program staff for the purpose of controlling all aspects of Amtrak’s performance of grant program activities;

and

• On a quarterly basis, review Amtrak’s progress towards resolution of identified project issues.

E. Performance Measures and Targets

• Performance metrics for this program are as follows:

• Performance Measure Name 1: Cybersecurity vulnerabilities reduced

• Performance Measure Name 2: Number of Dedicated Surge Force Hours.

• Performance Measure Name 3: Number of Security Exercises conducted.

• Performance Measure Name 4: Number of Security Personnel trained.

• Performance Measure Name 5: Number of Physical Security Hardening improvements completed

F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

Specific unallowable costs for IPR include:

• Personnel costs (except as detailed above or otherwise allowed by statute);

• Activities unrelated to the completion and implementation of the IPR program;

• Other items not in accordance with the AEL or not previously listed as allowable costs;

• Costs related to any matching or cost share requirement for any other federal award;

• Costs related to lobbying or intervention in federal regulatory proceedings;

• Costs related to suing the Federal Government or any other government entity;

• Pre-award costs, unless approved in writing by FEMA and included in the grant award;

and

• Costs that are not consistent with the Cost Principles located in FAR 31.2, as applicable.

G. General Funding Requirements

Costs charged to federal awards (including federal and non-federal cost share funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, policies, this NOFO, the Preparedness

Grants Manual, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered within the budget period. 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h).

Recipients may not use federal funds or any cost share funds for the following activities:

1. Matching or cost sharing requirements for other federal grants and cooperative agreements (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306).

2. Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C. § 1913 or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title18-section1913&num=0&edition=1999 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.450

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3. Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity (see 2

C.F.R. § 200.435).

See the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on funding restrictions and allowable costs.

H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs)

Indirect costs are allowed for recipients.

Indirect costs (IDC) are costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to specific cost objectives without disproportionate effort. Applicants with a current negotiated IDC rate agreement who desire to charge indirect costs to a federal award must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their applications.

Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement. Applicants that are not required to have a negotiated IDC rate agreement, but are required to develop an IDC rate proposal, must provide a copy of their proposal with their applications. Applicants without a current negotiated IDC rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an IDC rate proposal must reach out to FEMA for further instructions.

As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§

200.332 and 200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards. See the Preparedness Grants

Manual for information on establishing indirect cost rates.

I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

M&A costs are allowed by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-2. Recipients may use up to 5% of the award for their M&A. M&A activities are those defined as directly relating to the management and administration of IPR funds, such as financial management and monitoring. M&A expenses must be based on actual expenses or known contractual costs. M&A requests that are simple percentages of the award, without supporting justification, will not be allowed or considered for reimbursement.

M&A costs are not operational costs but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such, M&A costs can be itemized in financial reports. Other M&A cost examples include preparing and submitting required programmatic and financial reports, establishing and/or maintaining equipment inventory, documenting operational and equipment expenditures for financial accounting purposes, responding to official informational requests from state and federal oversight authorities, including completing the Civil Rights Evaluation Tool as require by DHS; and grant performance measurement or evaluation activities. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for additional information on Direct Costs.

Funds may be used for the following M&A costs:

• Hiring of full-time or part-time staff, including contractors and consultants, to execute the following:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.332 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291

18 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02 o Management of the current fiscal year IPR, Award;

o Design and implementation of the current fiscal year IPR submission meeting compliance with reporting/data collection requirements, including data calls;

o Information collection and processing necessary to respond to FEMA data calls;

o Travel expenses (domestic travel only) related to IPR grant administration, in compliance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200; and

• Acquisition of authorized office equipment, including personal computers or laptops for

M&A purposes.

J. Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowed unless approved in writing by FEMA and included in the grant award.

K. Beneficiary Eligibility

There are no program requirements. See Section 2 for additional information on eligibility. This

NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any beneficiary.

L. Participant Eligibility

There are no program requirements. This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant.

M. Authorizing Authority

Section 1513 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub.

L. No. 110-53) (6 U.S.C. § 1163)

Appropriation Authority

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4, § 1101.

N. Budget Period

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

O. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on prohibitions on expending funds on covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services.

4. Application Contents and Format

A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers

The IPR does not require the review of pre-applications, letters of intent, or whitepapers.

Application Content and Format

The IPR Investment Justification and Detailed Budget Worksheet are required to be completed in full and uploaded within FEMA GO at the time of application submission to be considered for funding. Applicants who fail to complete the “Eligibility” section of this form or fail to attach the forms in FEMA GO will not be considered for funding.

bookmark://_2._Eligibility_1/

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C. Application Components

The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard

Forms (SF) are also available at Forms | Grants.gov SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• 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

D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information

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

• Associated Investment Justifications

• Detailed budgets

• Operational Package Sustainability Plan

• Associated Memoranda of Understanding/Memoranda of Agreement

a. Priority Investments

FY 2025 IPR aligns with the Administration’s priorities by directing resources toward the most urgent threats facing the Nation. IPR supports the development and sustainment of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal (NPG): “A secure and resilient

Nation.”

To ensure strategic focus, DHS has identified five NPAs that reflect the evolving risk landscape and national policy objectives. These priorities serve as a framework for targeting investments that build capability, reduce risk, and promote cross-sector coordination.

The FY 2025 NPAs are:

b. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers;

c. Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency;

d. Enhancing election security; and

e. Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement.

https://www.grants.gov/forms

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ii. Example activities under border crisis response and enforcement support may include:

1. Participation in the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and

Customs Enforcement 287(g) training program;

2. Cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers; and

These NPAs are rooted in the core mission areas of the NPG—prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery—and reflect a whole-of-government approach to homeland security.

Applicants should use these priorities to guide planning, investment, and implementation to drive measurable outcomes and long-term resilience.

b. Additional Information

1. Enhancing the Protection of 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 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 rolling stock, transportation centers, passenger stations, and similar infrastructure.

Additional resources and information regarding securing soft targets and crowded places are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

2. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers

This priority supports the Administration’s direction under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which calls for the establishment of Homeland Security

Task Forces (HSTFs) nationwide. These multi-agency teams—composed of federal and local law enforcement partners—are tasked with disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations, targeting cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks (especially those involving children), and using all appropriate law enforcement tools to support lawful immigration enforcement.

Activities under this NPA also enhance broader national efforts in:

• Counterterrorism

• Cybersecurity

• Border security

• Immigration enforcement

• Transnational organized crime

• Protection of economic and critical infrastructure

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3. Enhancing and Integrating Cybersecurity Resiliency

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

4. Enhancing Election Security

In January 2017, DHS designated the infrastructure used to administer the Nation’s elections as critical infrastructure. This designation recognizes that the United States’ election infrastructure is of such vital importance to the American way of life that its incapacitation or destruction would have a devastating effect on the country. Additionally, the Homeland Threat Assessment

2024 indicates that electoral processes remain an attractive target for many adversaries.

Securing election infrastructure, ensuring its continued operation in the face of threats and harassment, advancing the safety of election officials, and protecting against foreign interference are national security priorities. Because threats to election systems are constantly evolving, defending these systems requires constant vigilance, innovation, and adaptation. By integrating the directives of Executive Order 14248, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American

Elections, into the Election Security NPA, recipients can ensure that their efforts contribute to a secure, transparent, and resilient electoral process, thereby reinforcing public trust and the integrity of democratic institutions.

5. Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement

State and local law enforcement agencies are essential partners in safeguarding national security and public safety. Pursuant to Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against

Invasion, it is the policy of the United States to enforce immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens—particularly those who threaten the safety or security of the American people. This includes the efficient execution of these laws through lawful incentives and enhanced detention capabilities.

This NPA supports efforts that align with this policy and promote cooperation between local and federal partners. Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Participation in the DHS/ICE 287(g) program, allowing trained local officers to support

ICE with immigration enforcement;

• Cooperation with ICE detainers and other jurisdictional responsibilities related to immigration enforcement; and

• Supportive activities such as officer training, technology, and information sharing, operational support, and community engagement.

https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity https://www.cisa.gov/cpg https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework

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c. Investment Justification (IJ)

As part of the FY 2025 IPR 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. Applicants may submit up to eight IJs. IJs must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies in current programs and capabilities and link to one or more core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal. Applicants are encouraged to submit a separate IJ for each proposed project. IPR projects must be: 1) feasible and effective at reducing the risks for which the project was designed, and 2) able to be fully completed within the three-year period of performance. Applicants must ensure that the IJs are consistent with all applicable requirements outlined in this NOFO. IJs must be submitted with the grant application as a file attachment within FEMA GO. Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting IJ attachments through FEMA GO as part of the FY

2025 IPR program:

Name of Applicant_IJ Number (Example: Amtrak_IJ 1)

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

d. Operational Packages (OPacks)

Applicants that meet basic OPack eligibility requirements may elect to pursue OPack funding for

Canine Teams, Mobile Explosives Detection 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 IPR). In addition, recipients must commit to minimum training standards for all federally funded OPack 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. Please refer to the Operational Activities section below for more information.

e. Detailed Budget

Applicants must provide detailed budgets for the funds requested. The detailed budgets must be submitted with the grant application as a file attachment within FEMA GO. The budgets must be complete, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to the proposed projects. The budgets should provide the basis of computation of all project-related costs, any appropriate narrative, and a detailed justification of M&A costs. Applicants receiving funds may not obligate, expend, or draw down funds until budgets and budget narratives have been approved by DHS/FEMA. The budget detail worksheet on Grants.gov may be used as a guide to assist applicants in the preparation of budgets and budget narratives. Note: Design and Planning/Engineering costs https://go.fema.gov/ https://go.fema.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://go.fema.gov/

23 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02 must be clearly identified in a separate line item in order for partial funding to be released prior to Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (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 FEMA

GO. Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting detailed budgets as part of the IPR application process:

Agency Name_IJ Number_Budget (Example: Amtrak IJ _1_Budget)

f. Sensitive Security Information (SSI) Requirements

A portion of the information that is routinely submitted in the course of applying for funding, reporting under certain programs, or that is provided in the course of an entity’s grant…