FY_2025_PSGP_NOFO_08_04_25_508-ed.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2025 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)

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 N. Appropriation Authority O. Budget Period P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

4. Application Contents and Format A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers B. Application Content and Format C. Application Components D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information E. 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 F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335

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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. Payment Information .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

2. Termination of the Federal Award by FEMA N. Best Practices O. Sanctuary Jurisdiction ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

P. 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 C. Training and Awareness Campaigns D. Exercises E. Maintenance and Sustainment Costs F. Construction and Renovation G. Organization Costs H. Authorized Use of Contractual Grant Writers and/or Grant Managers I. Reprogramming Award Funds J. Limitations on Funding

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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 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)

C. Announcement

Type

Initial

D. Funding

Opportunity Number

DHS-25-GPD-056-00-99

E. Assistance Listing

Number

97.056

F. Expected Total

Funding

$90,000,000

G. Anticipated

Number of Awards

200 awards

H. Expected Award

Range

$10,000 – $6,500,000

I. Projected

Application Start

Date

08/01/2025 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

J. Projected

Application End Date

08/15/2025 05:00 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 PSGP is focused on enhancing security of Maritime Facilities within U.S. navigable waterways. Funding is prioritized towards terrorism prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation based on port area risk through implementation of Area Maritime Transportation

Security Plans and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies required to provide port security services and to train public safety personnel under section 70132 of Title 46.

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P. Agency Contact

a. Program Office Contact

FEMA has assigned region-specific Preparedness Officers for the

PSGP. If you do not know your Preparedness Officer, please contact

FEMA Grants News by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by email at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00

PM ET.

b. FEMA Grants News

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.

g. 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.

mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov 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-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov

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h. Preparedness Grants Manual

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

2. Eligibility

A. Eligible

Entities/Entity Types

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

a. Applicants

1. Eligible Applicants

All entities subject to an Area Maritime Security Plan (AMSP), as defined by 46 U.S.C. § 70103(b), may apply for PSGP funding.

Eligible applicants include port authorities, facility operators, and state, local, and territorial government agencies. A facility operator owns, leases, or operates any structure or facility of any kind located in, on, under, or adjacent to any waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Facility operators include those that are subject to the AMSP and verified by the Captain of the Port (COTP), which may include but are not limited to terminal operators, ferry systems, bar/harbor pilots, and merchant’s exchanges. See the “Applications

Submitted by Eligible Entities” section below for further detail.

2. Applicant Eligibility

Pursuant to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002

(MTSA), Pub. L. No. 107-295, as amended, DHS established a risk-based grant program to support maritime security risk management.

Funding is directed towards the implementation of AMSPs, Facility

Security Plans (FSP), and Vessel Security Plans (VSP) among port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies that are required to provide port security services. Entities, whether public or private, who provide maritime security services on a for hire basis are not eligible applicants (i.e. security companies, see

“Subapplicants” below for additional detail). In administering the grant program, national, economic, energy, and strategic defense concerns based upon the most current risk assessments available will be considered.

Port Area Definition

A Port Area is a location on a coast, shore, or inland waterway containing one or more harbors where vessels can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land. For the purposes of the PSGP, eligible ports included those identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

(USACE) Principal Port List (PPL), as well as unlisted ports which have the presence of MTSA-regulated facilities.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291

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Applications Submitted by Eligible Entities

Subject to the information and exceptions in this section, an eligible entity may submit only one application within each Port Area. An application may contain up to five Investment Justifications (IJs).

See Section D, below, for further instructions regarding IJs.

• A single eligible entity may have multiple facilities, departments, subcomponents, or agencies operating within a

Port Area. FEMA will generally view multiple agencies within a local government (e.g., police department, fire department, emergency management office) operating within one Port Area as a single eligible entity. An applicant’s

Employer Identification Number (EIN) will help inform

FEMA’s determination of which applicants may constitute a single eligible entity.

o An eligible entity operating multiple facilities, departments, subcomponents, or agencies within a single

Port Area may choose to submit separate applications for facilities, departments, subcomponents, or agencies within it, but any such separate applications will be considered part of the same eligible entity for purposes of the cost-share requirements and limited to 5 projects total.

o If a single eligible entity chooses to have its components submit separate applications, each individual facility, department, subcomponent, or agency of that single eligible entity should submit no more than one application.

For example, a police department should submit no more than one collective application. If an individual facility, department, subcomponent, or agency of an eligible entity submits more than one application for a single Port Area, FEMA reserves the discretion to consolidate the projects or determine which application(s) to approve or deny.

• Funding allocation decisions are based partially on Port Area risk. Therefore, no single application should include IJs for projects intended to be implemented in multiple Port Areas.

Applications that include multiple port areas may be deemed ineligible in whole or part. For example, a state agency or facility operator that operates in multiple Port Areas must submit separate applications to fund projects in each Port Area.

o Exception: “Hub and spoke” cybersecurity projects may affect a parent organization’s multiple eligible entities in multiple Port Areas. Such projects may be submitted within a primary Port Area for the project implementation.

Proportionally, costs associated with entities or

8 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02 subcomponents that are not covered under an AMSP and are not instrumental to enhancing maritime security must not be included in the detailed budget worksheet or IJ and thereby prorating the cost of the project only to those facilities that are covered by the AMSP.

b. Subapplicants

Subapplicants and subawards are not allowed.

Applicants are prohibited from applying on behalf of other, separate entities. Notwithstanding this prohibition, community-based projects for maritime security planning, training, exercises, port-wide cyber vulnerability assessments and cyber interoperability projects may include multiple beneficiaries (participants from other separate entities). Only recipient incurred expenses are eligible under PSGP awards, meaning that 3rd party participating entities are responsible for their own incurred expenses.

For example, a port authority hosts a large exercise and may receive funding for port authority personnel expenses, venue rental, and contracted design/development/conduct of the exercise, but other participating agencies are responsible for their own incurred expenses for personnel, fringe benefits, equipment, travel, etc.

The primary purpose and use of PSGP funded equipment is for the recipient and only the recipient is permitted to take ownership of

PSGP-funded equipment and other non-consumables until disposition actions are required.

Vendor, manufacturer, or service provider submitted applications on behalf of potential ‘recipients’ will not be considered for funding.

c. All Recipients – Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws

An immigration term and condition may be material to the

Department of Homeland Security’s decision to make this grant award, and the Department of Homeland Security may take any remedy for noncompliance, including termination, if the state or territorial recipient or any local government subrecipient fails to comply with this term and condition. No final agency determination has been made as of the date of this publication.

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.

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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 for more information on these allowable categories. 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 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.

D. Maximum

Number of

Applications

The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is:

1. One per eligible entity/subcomponent per Port Area

For additional information, see Section 2A “Eligible Entities/Entity

Types.”

E. Additional

Restrictions

Applicants or recipients are required to certify their compliance with federal statues, DHS directives, polices, and procedures.

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.

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

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Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on

NIMS.

b. Compliance with Maritime Security Regulations

As a condition of eligibility, all PSGP applicants must be fully compliant with relevant Maritime Security Regulations (33 C.F.R.

Parts 101-106). Any applicant who, as of the grant application deadline, has an open or outstanding Notice of Violation (NOV) will not be considered for PSGP funding if:

1. The applicant has failed to pay the NOV within 45 days of receipt of the NOV and the applicant has failed to decline the

NOV within 45 days of receipt of the NOV, resulting in the

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) entering a finding of default in accordance with 33 C.F.R. § 1.07- 11(f)(2); or

2. The applicant appealed the NOV pursuant to 33 C.F.R § 1.07-

70 and received a final appeal decision from the Commandant, USCG, as described in 33 C.F.R. § 1.07-75, and failed to come into compliance with the terms of the final appeal decision within the timelines noted herein.

The local USCG Captain of the Port (COTP) will verify security compliance eligibility during the field review process. Eligibility does not guarantee grant funding.

c. Ferry Systems

Ferry systems are eligible to apply for PSGP funds. However, any ferry system electing to participate (e.g., submit an application) under the PSGP will not be eligible to participate (e.g., submit an application) under the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) and will not be considered for funding under the TSGP. Likewise, any ferry system that participates in the TSGP will not be eligible for funding under the PSGP.

d. Foreign Adversarial System Users

As proscribed in Section 825 of the National Defense Authorization

Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, Pub. L. No. 118-31 (2023), no funds may be awarded to any covered entity that utilizes or provides in part or in whole: the national transportation logistics public information platform (commonly referred to as ‘LOGINK’) provided by the People’s Republic of China, or departments, ministries, centers, agencies, or instrumentalities of the Government of the People’s Republic of China; any national transportation logistics information platform provided by or sponsored by the People’s

Republic of China, or a controlled commercial entity; or a similar system provided by Chinese state-affiliated entities.

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F. References for

Eligibility Factors within the NOFO

Please see the following references provided below:

1. “Application Review Information” subsection

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection

4. FEMA may/will request financial information such as EIN and bank information as part of the potential award selection. This will apply to everyone prospered, including subrecipients.

G. Cost Sharing

Requirement

Applicants selected for this award must commit to an acceptable cost share agreement. Otherwise, they will not be funded.

H. Cost Share

Description, Type and Restrictions

The PSGP has a cost-share requirement. The non-federal entity contribution can be cash (hard match) or third-party in-kind (soft match), with the exception of construction activities, which must be a cash (hard) match. In-kind contributions are defined as third-party contributions per 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.

All applicants will be required to commit to the cost-share requirement of each project at the time of application. The required cost share is based on and calculated against the total of all PSGP funds awarded to an eligible entity as described in the “Applications

Submitted by Eligible Entities” section above during this fiscal year within a single Port Area. For example, if an entity operates multiple facilities under the same Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) within the same Port Area and each facility requests projects exempt of cost share due to being $25,000 or less, FEMA will view these projects collectively for purposes of determining the appropriate cost share and a cost share will be required if the total exceeds $25,000. As a result, multiple components within a single eligible entity (i.e., port authority, facility operator, local government, or state government) are strongly encouraged to coordinate their applications if they apply separately

(even if addressing multiple, disparate projects within the Port Area) for these cost share purposes.

Public-Sector Cost Share

All public sector and non-governmental, nonprofit PSGP award recipients—meaning recipients other than private, for-profit entities—must provide a non-federal entity contribution supporting

25% of the total of all project costs as submitted in the application and approved in the award. The non-federal contribution should be specifically identified for each proposed project. The non-federal contribution, whether cash or third-party in-kind match, has the same eligibility requirements as the federal share (e.g., operational costs for routine patrols are ineligible, and operational costs for overtime to conduct an approved exercise may be eligible as part of the IJ) and

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Because the statute at 46 U.S.C. § 70107(c)(1) states that the federal share shall not exceed 75% of the total cost, any application of the percentages that would result in a decimal will be rounded down in favor of the federal share not exceeding 75%, even if normal rounding standards would indicate rounding up in certain instances.

In accordance with Public Law 96-205, title VI, section 601, Mar.

12,1980 as amended, 48 U.S.C. § 1469a(d), and OMB Controller

Alert CA-23-04, Waiving Matching Fund Requirements for Insular

Areas (Feb. 6, 2023), agencies are required to waive any requirement for local matching funds for grants to an Insular Area under $200,000, when the match is otherwise required by law. Insular Areas include the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin

Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For the four Insular Areas, agencies may waive the requirement for matching where the local match amount otherwise required by law is

$200,000 or greater. For amounts $200,000 or greater it is at the applicable program’s discretion to waive cost shares either in part or in total.

Private-Sector Cost Share

Private, for-profit PSGP award recipients must provide a non-federal entity contribution supporting 50% of the total of all project costs as submitted in the application and approved in the award. The non-federal entity contribution should be specifically identified for each proposed project. The non-federal contribution, whether cash

(hard) or third-party in-kind (soft), has the same eligibility requirements as the federal share (e.g., operational costs for routine patrols are ineligible, and operational costs for overtime to conduct an approved exercise may be eligible as part of the IJ) and must be justified as part of the project within the IJ.

Ultimately, the recipient is responsible for ensuring that it contributes the proper cost share to its actual project costs. If actual total project costs exceed the projected total project costs stated in the Federal

Award, the recipient will not receive any additional federal funding and will be responsible for contributing additional funds above the required cost match. If actual total project costs are less than the projected total project costs stated in the federal award, the recipient will be responsible for contributing a cost match calculated as a percentage of those actual project costs.

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Cash and third-party in-kind matches must consist of eligible costs

(i.e., same allowability as the federal share) and must be identified as part of the submitted detailed budget worksheet. A cash-match includes cash spent for project-related costs, while a third-party in-kind match includes the valuation of in-kind services. The cost match requirement for the PSGP award may not be met by funds from another federal grant or assistance program, or by funds used to meet matching requirements for another federal grant program, unless otherwise permitted by federal statute. Likewise, third-party in-kind matches used to meet the matching requirement for the PSGP award may not be used to meet matching requirements for any other federal grant program. Additionally, normal routine operational costs cannot be used as a cost match unless a completely new capability is being awarded and must be justified as “reasonable and necessary” to complete the project. Please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306, as applicable, for further guidance regarding cost matching.

Exceptions to the Cost Match Requirements

The following exceptions to the cost match requirement may apply:

• Port-Wide Benefit: The cost match requirements for projects that have a port-wide benefit need only to be funded at the public-sector matching fund level of 25% (with a federal share not to exceed 75% per 46 U.S.C. § 70107(c)(1)). These projects must be certified by the COTP as having a port-wide benefit. Examples of projects with a port-wide benefit include, but are not limited to:

o Port-wide planning, training, and exercises;

o Security camera systems with shared access;

o Response vessels; and o Other maritime domain awareness systems.

• $25,000 or Less: There is no matching requirement for grant awards where the total project cost for all projects under the award is $25,000 or less in accordance with 46 U.S.C. §

70107(c)(2)(A). If multiple small projects for the same Port

Area by the same entity (i.e., same UEI) are submitted totaling more than $25,000 under this exemption, a cost match is required to be demonstrated at the time of application.

• Public Safety Personnel Security Zone Training: There is no matching requirement for grants to train public safety personnel in the enforcement of security zones as defined by

46 U.S.C. § 70132 or in assisting in the enforcement of such security zones. Per 46 U.S.C. § 70132(d), the term “public safety personnel” includes any federal, state (or political subdivision thereof), territorial, or tribal law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency response provider.

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• Waiver Requests: Requests for cost match waivers as outlined in 46 U.S.C. § 70107(c) may be considered for successful applicants only after awards have been made.

Applicants must have demonstrated the ability to comply with the cost match requirement at the time of application and since being awarded the grant, have experienced significant financial constraints as outlined in DHS/FEMA Information Bulletin

(IB) 376, (i.e., specific economic issues preclude provision of the cost share identified in the original grant application). Cost share waiver requests that do not demonstrate new, post-award difficulties and cost share waivers submitted at the time of application will not be considered. Cost share waiver requests must comply with the process identified in IB 376.

I. Cost Sharing

Calculation Example

Public Sector: If the federal award for a public sector recipient requires a 25% cost share and the total project cost is $100,000, then:

• Federal share is 75% of $100,000 = $75,000

• Recipient cost share is 25% of $100,000 = $25,000

Private Sector: If the federal award for a private sector recipient requires a 50% cost share and the total project cost is $100,000, then:

• Federal share is 50% of $100,000 = $50,000

• Recipient cost share is 50% of $100,000 = $50,000

J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

Applicants should submit the following cost share (or match) documents:

1. FF-207-FY-23-108 (formerly 089-5) IJ-Budget

Please see the “Application Format and Contents” subsection for more details.

3. Program Description

A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History

The Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) 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 the

Administration to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. The PSGP provides funds to state, local, territorial, and private sector maritime partners to support increased port-wide risk management and protect critical marine transportation system infrastructure from acts of terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies. Cumulative funding for the PSGP from inception (2001) to present is approximately $3,378,610,706, representing approximately 5,000 grant awards dedicated specifically for enhancing maritime security capabilities throughout U.S. ports https://www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/bulletins/info376.pdf

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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 cruise and ferry terminals. PSGP 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. Projects that do so will have their final review scores increased by a multiplier of 20%.

For FY 2024, 466 applications were received and 203 were approved for funding. For a full list of recipients, please refer to Information Bulletin (IB) 517a.

B. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

Goals: The goal of PSGP is strengthened port-wide risk management and protection of critical surface transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies.

Objectives: PSGP provides resources that support port authorities; facility operators; and state, local, and territorial agencies in meeting the following objectives:

1. Build and sustain core capabilities of maritime infrastructure systems in alignment with the FY 2025 NPAs.

2. Address and close gaps identified in Area Maritime Security Plans and Facility Security

Plans.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_ib-517a.pdf

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3. Implement a comprehensive and coordinated (all-inclusive) approach to address enduring security needs of communities that includes planning, training and awareness campaigns, equipment and capital projects, and exercises.

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:

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

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

2. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers;

3. Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency;

4. Enhancing election security; and

5. Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement.

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

b. Participation in the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs

Enforcement 287(g) training program;

c. Cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers; and

d. Other jurisdictional responsibilities to support the enforcement of the United

States immigration law.

Enduring needs include:

6. Effective planning

7. Training and awareness campaigns

8. Equipment and capital projects

9. 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. As discussed in Section E, projects that sufficiently address one or more of the NPAs will have their final review scores increased by a multiplier of 20%.

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FY 2025 PSGP 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.

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

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Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types

• 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)

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

Exercises • Long-term vulnerability reduction • Response exercises

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• Operational coordination

• Operational communications

• Community resilience

C. Program Rationale

The stated goals, objectives, and priorities of PSGP support Section 102 of the Maritime

Transportation Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. No. 107-295, as amended) (46 U.S.C. § 70107) to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and State and local government agencies.

D. Federal Assistance Type

Grant

E. Performance Measures and Targets

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 Section B above.

F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

Specific unallowable costs for the PSGP include:

• Projects in which federal agencies are the primary beneficiary or that enhance federal property, including sub-components of a federal agency;

• Projects that study technology development for security of national or international cargo supply chains (e.g., e-seals, smart containers, container tracking or container intrusion detection devices);

• Proof-of-concept projects;

• Development of training;

• Projects that duplicate capabilities being provided by the Federal Government (e.g., vessel traffic systems);

• Business operating expenses (certain security-related operational and maintenance costs are allowable—see “Maintenance and Sustainment” and “Operational Costs” for further guidance);

• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card fees;

• Reimbursement of pre-award security expenses;

• Outfitting facilities, vessels, or other structures with equipment or items providing convenience rather than a direct security benefit. Examples of such equipment or items include but are not limited to office furniture, CD players, DVD players, AM/FM radios, TVs, stereos, entertainment satellite systems, entertainment cable systems and other such entertainment media, unless sufficient justification is provided. This includes weapons and associated equipment (i.e., holsters, optical sights, and scopes), including but not limited to, non-lethal or less-than-lethal weaponry including firearms, ammunition, and weapons affixed to facilities, vessels, or other structures;

• Standard issue uniforms (other than maritime security personal protective equipment

[PPE]);

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• Expenditures for items such as general-use software, general-use computers, and related equipment (other than for allowable M&A activities, or otherwise associated preparedness or response functions), general-use vehicles and licensing fees;

• Land acquisitions and right of way purchases;

• Funding for standard operations vehicles utilized for routine duties, such as patrol cars and fire trucks;

• Fuel costs (except as permitted for training and exercises);

• Exercise(s) that do not support maritime security preparedness efforts;

• Patrol vehicles and firefighting apparatus, other than those chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection equipped vehicles for port area and/or facility patrol or response purposes;

• Specialty vehicles such as trucks for towing boat trailers/equipment and armored personnel carriers;

• Providing protection training to public police agencies or private security services to support protecting VIPs or dignitaries;

• Aircraft pilot training, including aircraft operations such as aircraft ditch training (does not include sUAS training when requested in conjunction with sUAS purchases);

• Post incident investigation training;

• Basic or advanced dive training (except marine unit CBRNE detection/response dive training);

• Training for personnel not primarily assigned to maritime security activities or MTSA required security personnel (e.g., vessel patrol officers, facility security officers); and

• Reimbursement for the maintenance and wear and tear costs of general use vehicles (e.g., construction vehicles) and emergency response apparatus (e.g., fire trucks, ambulances, repair, or cleaning of PPE, etc.).

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.

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 of the PSGP.

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

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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.