FY_2025_TSGP_NOFO_08_08_25_clean_508.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2025 Transit Security Grant 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 F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

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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 B. Notice of Award C. Pass-Through Requirements D. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs E. Obligation of Funds F. 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 G. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

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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

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

11. Appendix A: FY 2025 Eligible TSGP Applicants

12. Appendix B: 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. Authorized Use of Contractual Grant Writers and/or Grant Managers

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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 Transit Security Grant Program C. Announcement Type

Initial

D. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-25-GPD-075-00-99

E. Assistance Listing Number

97.075

F. Expected Total Funding

$83,700,000

G. Anticipated Number of Awards

25 awards

H. Expected Award Range

$348,373-$33,898,500

I. Projected Application Start Date

08/01/2025 12:00 p.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 or 08/31/2029*

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

O. Executive Summary

The TSGP provides funds to public transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism.

P. Agency Contact a. Program Office Contact FEMA has assigned region-specific Preparedness Officers for the TSGP. If you do not know your Preparedness Officer, please contact FEMA Grants News, who can be reached by e-mail at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR by phone at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov

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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.

h. 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) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), and other required mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-grants-news@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 https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/

6 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02 assessments using the PrepToolkit. For assistance, contact support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov.

i. 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

Eligible applicants are limited to the passenger rail, intra-city bus, and ferry systems identified in the table below. Eligibility does not guarantee grant funding. See Appendix A: FY 2025 TSGP Target Allocations for additional information.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Only eligible applicants identified in Appendix A may apply for TSGP funding. Applicants will apply for the funding amount specified in Appendix A. Funding designated for eligible applicants who fail to apply will be distributed among those applicants who apply by the application deadline. Funding may only be used for eligible projects outlined in this NOFO.

Agencies eligible for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 TSGP are determined based upon daily unlinked passenger trips (ridership) and transit systems that serve historically eligible Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) urban areas as indicated below.

Funding designated for eligible applicants who fail to apply by the application deadline may be distributed to other eligible applicants who apply by the application deadline.

Certain ferry systems are eligible to participate in the FY 2025 TSGP and receive funds under this program. However, any ferry system electing to participate (e.g., submit an application) under the FY 2025 TSGP will not be eligible to participate (e.g., submit an application) under the FY 2025 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) and will not be considered for funding under the FY 2025 PSGP. Likewise, any ferry system that participates in the FY 2025 PSGP will not be eligible for funding under the TSGP.

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

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Sections 1405 (6 U.S.C. § 1134) and 1406 (6 U.S.C. § 1135) of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 require that high risk public transportation agencies that receive grant funding develop a security plan based on a security assessment.

Additionally, the statutes direct that grant funds be used to address items in the security assessment or the security plan. To be eligible for the FY 2025 TSGP, transit agencies must have developed or updated their security plan. The security plan must be based on a security assessment, such as the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE), which is performed by the Transportation Security Surface Inspectors of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This security assessment must have been conducted within the three years prior to receiving a FY 2025 TSGP award. A copy of the security plan and security assessment must be provided to DHS/FEMA upon request. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on security plan requirements.

Entities providing transit security (e.g., city/county police departments, public transportation agencies’ police departments) for a public transportation agency must approve the security plan. The signature of a responsible official from the agency’s transit security provider serves as this approval. If there is more than one provider in the core service area, all transit security providers must review and concur with the plan. Associated documentation of this approval must be provided to DHS/FEMA upon request. In addition, agencies’ transit security providers are encouraged to review the Investment Justifications (IJs) prior to submission.

Each public transportation agency receiving funds through this program must also participate in a Regional Transit Security Working Group (RTSWG) or develop a RTSWG if one does not already exist. The RTSWG should serve as the forum for regional partners to discuss risk, planning efforts, and mitigation strategies.

These discussions should be held regardless of funding to continue enhancing the overall security of the region. Regional working groups are a best practice for enhancing security and are encouraged for all jurisdictions.

b. Subapplicants Subapplicants and subawards are not allowed.

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

8 | P a g e FEMA Version 25-02 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.

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 Appendix B: Allowable Costs for more information on allowable costs.

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. They must provide an email address unique to the recipient at the time of application and upon any change in assignment during the period of performance. Consultants or contractors of the recipient are not permitted to be the AOR or SA of the recipient. It is the sole responsibility of the recipient to keep their points of contact for the organization up-to-date and accurate in all federal systems.

D. Maximum Number of Applications

The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is:

1. One per eligible Transit Agency

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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.

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. Additionally, any voluntary cost share or match will not impact an application’s potential for funding.

H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions

Not applicable.

I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example

Not applicable.

J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

Not applicable.

3. Program Description

A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History The Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) is one of four grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMA’s focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. The TSGP provides funds to public transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. Examples of recent TSGP accomplishments include agencies increasing their mass notification and critical incident management system, thereby enabling more quick and effective emergency alerts and sharing of critical information via multiple channels (e.g., text message, email, voice, desktop, social media, etc.). Other examples of TSGP accomplishments include organizations providing surge support https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training

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(law enforcement personnel) for special events (e.g., Super Bowl, concerts, etc.), as well as tunnel hardening.

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 public transportation. The TSGP 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. Border Crisis Response and Enforcement Support.

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, 42 applications were received and 17 were approved for funding. For a full list of recipients, please refer to Information Bulletin (IB) 517a.

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

Objectives: TSGP achieves this through the following objectives:

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

2. Addressing and closing gaps identified in transit agency vulnerability assessments and the agency’s Public Transportation Risk Assessment Methodology (PT-RAM); and https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_ib-517a.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/national_preparedness_goal_2nd_edition.pdf

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3. Continuously engaging in a process of emergency related planning, exercising, and training, and using this cycle to test plans, validate capabilities, 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, DHS/FEMA 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:

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. Border Crisis Response and Enforcement Support.

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

3. Other jurisdictional responsibilities to support the enforcement of United

States immigration law.

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 project types for each area. More information on allowable investments can be found in the Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs section below.

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FY 2025 TSGP Funding Priorities All priorities in this table concern the Safety and Security and Transportation Lifelines.

Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types National Priorities Enhancing 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 rail and bus stations located in Urban Area Security Initiative urban areas o Security cameras (closed circuit television) o Security screening equipment and technology for people and baggage o Access controls: Fencing, gates, barriers, etc.

• Use of visible, unpredictable deterrence, to include

Operational Packages o Explosive detection canine teams o Mobile Screening Teams o Anti-terrorism Teams

Directed/Surge Patrols on Overtime.

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 , 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 System-wide Security Risk Management Plans o Continuity of Operations Plans o Response Plans o System-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

• Security training for employees, to include Basic security awareness

• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns Equipment and Capital Projects

• Long-term vulnerability reduction

• Infrastructure systems

• Operational communications

• Interdiction and disruption

• Screening, search, and detection

• Access control and identity verification

• Physical protective measures

• Supply chain integrity and security

• Threats and hazards identification

• Infrastructure systems

• Intelligence and information sharing

• Top Transit Asset List risk remediation

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

• 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 TSGP support Section 1406 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-53) (6 U.S.C. § 1135) by protecting critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism through the application of TSGP funding.

D. Federal Assistance Type Grant

E. Performance Measures and Targets Performance metrics for this program are as follows:

1. Performance Measure Name 1: Cybersecurity vulnerabilities reduced at “X” TSGP funded Transit Agency’s

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

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

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

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

F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs Specific unallowable costs for the TSGP include:

• Personnel costs (except as detailed above);

• Activities unrelated to the completion and implementation of the TSGP; and

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

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. See 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).

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%3AUSC-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

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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 TSGP.

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. 119-4. Recipients may use up to 5% of the amount of the award for their M&A and subrecipients may use up to 5% of the amount of they receive for M&A. M&A activities are those defined as directly relating to the management and administration of TSGP funds, such as financial management and monitoring. M&A expenses must be based on actual expenses or known contractual costs. Requests that are simple percentages of the award, without supporting justification, will not be allowed, or considered for reimbursement. M&A costs are not operational costs 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, and grant performance measurement or evaluation activities. If an applicant uses an outside consultant or contractor to provide pre-award grant writing services or post-award grant management services, additional considerations and restrictions shall apply as detailed below.

Additionally, funds may be used in the hiring of full-time or part-time staff, including contractors and consultants, to execute the following:

• Management of the current fiscal year award;

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

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

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

• Travel expenses (domestic travel only) related to 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 and will not be approved, with the exception of costs resulting from pre-award grant writing services provided by an independent contractor that shall not exceed $1,500 per applicant, per 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 1406 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub.

L. No. 110-53) (6 U.S.C. § 1135)

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

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

P. 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 TSGP does not require the review of pre-applications, letters of intent, or whitepapers.

Applicants are encouraged to pre-socialize projects with their RTSWGs.

B. Application Content and Format The TSGP 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.

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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

• 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:

• IJs;

• Detailed Budget(s); and

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

Packages (OPacks).

All applicants will submit their TSGP grant application for their allocated award within FEMA GO prior to the application deadline.

a. Priority Investments The FY 2025 TSGP aligns with the Administration’s priorities by directing resources toward the most urgent threats facing the Nation. TSGP 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:

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 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://go.fema.gov/ https://go.fema.gov/

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e. Border Crisis Response and Enforcement Support.

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

3. Other jurisdictional responsibilities to support the enforcement of United

States immigration law.

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. 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

3. Cybersecurity

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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. 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 in 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.

a. Investment Justification (IJ) 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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As part of the FY 2025 TSGP application process, applicants must develop a formal IJ that addresses each initiative being proposed for funding, including a project’s management and administration (M&A) costs. An agency may submit up to eight IJs. Agencies may also submit up to five additional IJs for projects related to law enforcement providers that are not part of the public transportation agency. Law enforcement providers may only submit projects that support a transit system’s operational security capability and capacity. IJs must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies (identified in a current vulnerability assessment) and must link to one or more core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal.

Please see grants.gov for the IJ template.

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

Applicants must use the following file naming convention when submitting the IJs as part of the

FY 2025 TSGP:

Region_Agency Name_IJ Number (Example: Chicago_CTA_IJ 1)

b. 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 TSGP). In addition, recipients must commit to minimum training standards for all Federally funded OPack positions. 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.

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

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