FY'23 REMCDP NOFO_FINAL_508.pdf

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

Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project

(REMCDP)

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

Grants.gov registration information can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

2. Assistance Listings Number 97.120

3. Assistance Listings Title

4. Funding Opportunity Title

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-23-CISA-120-REMCDP-001

6. Authorizing Authority for Program Section 102(b)(2) and Title XVIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended (Pub. L. No. 107-296); (6 U.S.C. § 112(b)(2); 6.U.S.C. § 571 et seq.)

7. Appropriation Authority for Program Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117-328), Division F; Title III;

Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery; Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

8. Announcement Type One-Time

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Program Overview This funding opportunity is to fund demonstration projects addressing the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) implementation gaps and rural medical communications, which supports the DHS Strategic Plan goal to strengthen preparedness and resilience and the CISA Strategic Plan goal to reduce risk and strengthen resilience.

The Presidential Policy Directive–8 emphasizes national preparedness as a shared responsibility of the whole community,1 requiring greater involvement across multiple jurisdictions and disciplines to prepare for the threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of the nation, including acts of terrorism, cyber attacks, pandemics, and catastrophic natural disasters. The NECP recognizes this evolving landscape with the involvement of new stakeholders and rapid changes in technologies and policies impacting emergency communications. Response agencies are becoming more connected to additional sources of information during emergencies, such as medical personnel, public health professionals, critical infrastructure operators, and private citizens. Collaboration with whole community representatives is key to support a broad set of NECP activities, including rural emergency medical care and other needs (e.g., cybersecurity solutions, patient tracking, alerting systems, and social media guidance).

Emergency responders are not always trained for the types of incidents they encounter but can share valuable information and provide situational awareness during response and recovery efforts. Specifically, medical providers require communications systems and procedures to transmit patient information and coordinate an influx of patients following large-scale disasters or ongoing crises. As the whole community increases its engagement during emergencies and as technology advances, the need for medical communications and trained personnel increases to ensure coordinated and effective response.

In addition to evolving technology and responders, the NECP recommends improved planning and coordination across the Emergency Communications Ecosystem and across geographies, especially in rural areas. CISA recognizes the impact of geography on medical response and interoperable communications. Rural communities are often underserved regions with several health disparities, such as high mortality rates and cardiovascular diseases. Due to the dire health needs of rural communities, coordinated emergency response is often provided by a variety of medical providers and non-medical emergency responders.

To implement the NECP, CISA must continue to improve its understanding of communications among emergency responders and medical personnel, especially in rural communities. Thus, CISA is reestablishing the Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project (REMCDP).

1 As referenced in the National Emergency Communications Plan, “the term whole community applies to the focus on enabling the participation in national preparedness activities of a wider range of players from the private and nonprofit sectors, including nongovernmental organizations and the general public, in conjunction with the participation of federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local governmental partners in order to foster better coordination and working relationships.”

https://www.cisa.gov/necp https://www.cisa.gov/necp https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024 https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/StrategicPlan_20220912-V2_508c.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/presidential-policy-directive-8-national-preparedness https://www.cisa.gov/necp

Program Objectives A demonstration project must meet the REMCDP Program Objectives. All applicants should clearly state how the following objectives would be addressed in the proposed project:

• Use of or enhancements to a current statewide or regional emergency communications system to address NECP implementation gaps and deliver rural medical care and services;

• Development of trainings and exercises to ensure that first responders and personnel can use emergency medical communications systems and equipment effectively;

• Collaboration with state leaders to address the adoption of broadband communications (e.g., First Responder Network Authority’s public safety broadband network) to supplement current land mobile radio and statewide or regional emergency communications systems;

• Collaboration with whole community representatives to support a broad set of NECP activities, including rural emergency medical care and other needs (e.g., cybersecurity solutions, patient tracking, alerting and social media guidance);

• Experimentation with innovative solutions designed to ensure that emergency responders and medical practitioners can communicate in various geographies (e.g., rural), operating conditions, and scenarios, as needed and when authorized; and

• Identification, documentation, and sharing of lessons learned and best practices of the demonstration project, which in turn could be shared with other stakeholders to address NECP implementation activities.

Program Priorities Through demonstration projects with up to two recipients, REMCDP’s priority is to examine communications barriers and identify solutions that enhance existing emergency communications infrastructure to improve the delivery of rural medical care and address NECP implementation gaps. This priority aligns with CISA’s efforts to support and promote communications capabilities used by emergency responders and government officials to keep America safe, secure, and resilient. In turn, REMCDP supports the NECP goals and objectives.

10. Performance Measures

As defined in “Section E. Application Review Information, Application Evaluation Criteria,” innovativeness in the approach to addressing the defined program objectives is paramount. As such, DHS has defined and will use performance measures that do not presuppose recipients’ approaches to achieving the program objectives and priorities.

DHS will measure how the demonstration project advances the community along the Interoperability Continuum, specifically focusing on the project’s impact to emergency communications capabilities in rural communities.

DHS will also measure the overall ability to replicate the innovative solutions in other communities to benefit rural populations across the nation. Depending on the proposed projects’ respective approaches, DHS will consider the impact to the whole community, number of stakeholders benefitting, the ability to complete the project within the period https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0615_cisa_safecom_interoperability_continuum_brochure_final.pdf of performance, and budget to determine replicability. Applications should include one or more innovative solutions to improve the delivery of rural medical care and address NECP implementation gaps.

Applicants may submit one or multiple innovative solutions for funding. However, submitting multiple solutions within a proposed project is not a factor for award. In other words, applications containing multiple innovative solutions will not score higher due to additional solutions. Applications will be reviewed for overall merit based on the evaluation criteria.

Depending on the recipients’ respective approaches, the recipients will define and report on additional performance measures regarding project outputs and outcomes. DHS will review these project-specific performance measures with recipients at the start of the period of performance. For example, a training-focused demonstration project would have these measures:

• Number of trainings completed by the recipient in support of the program objectives and priorities

• Percentage of participants with an improved understanding and use of the current statewide or regional emergency communications system

DHS will work closely with recipients as they implement their respective innovative solutions to address the stated problems. Though rural communities face many similar challenges, each faces unique hardships and has varying access to existing emergency communications systems, which will shape the submitted projects. REMCDP offers recipients an opportunity to tackle significant challenges in their respective communities in a low-risk environment. As a demonstration project, some projects will be successful and offer innovative solutions that can be ideally replicated in other rural communities.

Other projects may not achieve the recipient’s desired outcomes but still provide valuable lessons learned to DHS to inform development of future demonstration projects, grant programs, or cooperative agreements.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $4,000,000.00 (Up to $2,000,000 per award)

2. Projected number of Awards: Two (2)

3. Period of Performance: 24 months

No-cost extensions to the period of performance are permitted. See “Section H.

Additional Information, Period of Performance Extensions,” which specifies the steps recipients must follow and what information must be included in the justification for such a request to be considered.

4. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 09/30/2023

5. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 09/29/2025

6. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement (see Section F.5 for description of DHS’ substantial involvement)

DHS will facilitate the implementation of demonstration projects by:

1. Establishing a mechanism to ensure that the information, knowledge, and lessons learned gained by the demonstration project recipients are transferred among the program participants and to other interested parties responsible for providing rural medical care.

2. Working with CISA Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program to identify innovative solutions that can be replicated in other rural communities, advise CISA on translation of these demonstration projects to modify existing or develop new service offerings (e.g., CISA Technical Assistance Catalog), and provide consultation on any CISA service offerings as needed.

3. Contributing subject matter expertise to specify data elements, milestones, and measures of success that are tailored to the demonstration project, and show the impact of the project execution and enhancement of rural emergency communications and medical care.

4. Providing assistance to recipients in the form of emails, teleconferences (to include regular quarterly teleconferences), workshops, webinars, training opportunities, and site visits as the Program Office deems necessary.

5. Reviewing and approving publications developed under this project prior to their submission for publication.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, states, U.S. territories, local governments (e.g., county, city, or township), or Federally-recognized Tribal governments

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria The entity applying for REMCDP must operate or have access to an existing statewide or regional emergency communications system that is leveraged to address rural health disparities such as mortality rates and cardiovascular diseases. The applicant must also either operate a medical facility that provides rural emergency medical care or have partnered with a medical facility or organization that provides rural emergency medical care. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government agencies must provide a letter of intent from the cooperating medical facility or organization to demonstrate commitment to partner in project execution.

https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/resources-tools/programs/interoperable-communications-technical-assistance-program

3. Cost Share or Match There is no cost share requirement for this program. Cost share is not a preference factor.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 05/30/2023

b. Application Submission Deadline: 07/28/2023 at 11:59:00 PM EDT

All applications must be received by the established deadline. CISA will not consider or review applications that received after the deadline.

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than 09/26/2023

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than 09/29/2023

Reference “Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission” subsection on page 10 of 21 for detailed guidance and clarification regarding application submission and details regarding the stated submission deadline.

e. Other Key Dates

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

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

3. Address to Request Application Package Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to https://www.grants.gov.

For a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please write or fax a request to:

Marsha Mathis, Grants Officer marsha.mathis@hq.dhs.gov, FAX: (202) 447-5600

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice is: 1-800-518-4726 (Grants.gov Help Desk).

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Initial Registration at SAM.gov (includes UEI issuance) Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 06/30/2023

Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 06/30/2023 Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline: 06/30/2023 Starting application in Grants.gov Two weeks before actual submission deadline: 07/14/2023 https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:marsha.mathis@hq.dhs.gov

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal.

4. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 C.F.R. § 25.110, must:

a. Be registered in SAM.gov before application submission.

b. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application.

c. Continue to always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the Federal Award process.

5. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management

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

a. Have an account with https://login.gov/;

b. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active and

Employer ID Number (EIN) before submitting the application;

c. Create a Grants.gov account;

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

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

f. Submit application in Grants.gov; and

g. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information, including information on a recipient’s immediate and highest level owner and subsidiaries, as well on all predecessors that have been awarded a federal contract or grant within the last 3 years, if applicable, at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency.

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

6. Electronic Delivery DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS encourages or requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity. For this funding opportunity, the DHS requires applicants to submit applications through Grants.gov.

https://login.gov/

7. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number with an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

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

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

1) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Organizations will be issued a UEI number with the completed SAM registration.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html.

2) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with

Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

3) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html account, enter the UEI Number for the organization in the UEI field while adding a profile.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

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

4) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

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

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

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

6) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

8. How to submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

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

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

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

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

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and UEI number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

f. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24- 48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

g. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant to which you are applying.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

a. Online Submission: All applications must be received by Midnight Eastern Daylight time on the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DHS.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role attempting to submit the application. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

10. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must submit all required forms and required documents listed in this section. Applications missing any of the required forms or documents listed in this section may not be considered for review.

REQUIRED FORMS

1. Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance

Complete the SF-424 application form. This form may be completed on the Grants.gov website or it can be completed offline in its entirety.

NOTE: Applications submitted through Grants.gov must use the SF-424 provided by Grants.gov. The SF-424 application forms can only be viewed and downloaded once Adobe Reader has been installed. The SF-424 application form on Grants.gov is formatted so applicants are only required to complete fields that are indicated with an asterisk (*) and color coded. Once the application is complete, close the document (you will then be prompted to save changes or not).

2. Form SF-424A – Budget Complete the budget in its entirety. Provide budget amounts by object class (e.g., salaries, fringe, travel, indirect). Funds may be requested as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work and are not precluded by the cost principles or program funding restrictions. Additional guidance on how to complete the Form SF-424A can be found at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Budget Narrative (Double-spaced, no page limit) The Budget Narrative should detail the proposed use of project funds in achieving projected outcomes. The Budget Narrative should address how the funds allocated to each eligible activity will be spent and how costs were determined for the following cost purposes:

Planning Costs. The Budget Narrative must identify the Planning activities on which proposed costs will be spent. Provide detail on proposed activities.

Training Costs. The Budget Narrative must provide detail on proposed numbers of personnel to be trained, number of days of training, location of training, and outcomes expected.

Exercises Costs. The Budget Narrative should identify how funds allocated for Exercises will be spent and how costs were determined. The Budget Narrative should detail all activities, location, number of days, personnel involved, contract staff involved, reports or deliverables expected, and outcomes expected.

Equipment Purchase Costs. Each project that proposes equipment purchase must provide a line-item cost breakout of equipment, including equipment description, unit cost, and quantity proposed for purchase. All equipment purchases will be reviewed by the Program Office.

2. Program Narrative (Double-spaced, no page limit) For the proposed project, the REMCDP application must include a program narrative that provides a detailed overview description of the proposed project and thoroughly addresses the objectives. Provide or describe the following:

a. Title of the project.

b. Jurisdictional or geographic area(s) of a rural region affected by the proposed project. Provide the county or other equivalent jurisdiction in which the project is located and any other counties or jurisdictions that will benefit from this project.

c. Confirmation the applicant operates or has access to an existing statewide or regional emergency communications system, and operates or has partnered with a medical facility or organization that provides rural emergency medical care.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

d. Specific interoperability problem(s) to be addressed by project and how the problem was identified.

e. Proposed project solution(s) and how the solution addresses identified interoperability problems and risks.

f. Expected project outcomes.

g. Detailed description of proposed project activities (Planning, Training, Exercises, and Equipment Purchase).

h. Specific information on the ways in which the proposed project addresses REMCDP program objectives, including:

• How the project will address NECP implementation gaps, as well as barriers and challenges in rural emergency medical communications;

• Clearly outline how well the project will advance the rural community’s interoperability capabilities to efficiently deliver medical care services using existing statewide or regional medical communications infrastructure and broadband communications (e.g., First Responder Network Authority’s public safety broadband network) in collaboration with state leaders;

• Alignment to the goals and objectives of the NECP to inform future emergency communications planning;

• Use of a current statewide or regional system or capabilities that provide emergency communications to, among others, medical care, emergency medical services, and public health, and why the project is the most effective solution for addressing NECP implementation gaps in the rural region;

• How the program will benefit other rural communities and can generate best practices and lessons learned for other rural areas with similar emergency medical communication needs or future efforts;

• Involvement of whole community representatives, including non-medical professionals and emergency communications stakeholders, that use existing rural emergency medical communications;

• Consideration of the development of trainings and exercises to ensure first responders and personnel can use rural emergency medical communications systems and equipment safely and effectively; and

• How performance measures (e.g., number of innovative solutions to improve the delivery of rural medical care and address NECP implementation gaps) and project-specific performance measures (e.g., defined by the applicant based on proposed projects) will be collected and reported.

Refer to the CISA Communications Interoperability Performance Measurement Guide to develop and propose project-specific performance measures relevant to addressing the REMCDP program objectives, as well as mapping to the Interoperability Continuum and the National Emergency Communications Plan goals.

i. Description of how the project will comply with the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants. Refer to Section F. Federal Award Administration Information of this NOFO for more information.

3. Letter of Intent (if applicable, no page limit)

Any applicant that is partnering with a medical facility or organization that provides rural emergency medical care must provide a letter of intent from that partnering medical facility or organization. The letter of intent should describe the following:

a. Title of the project.

b. Confirmation the partnering facility or organization provides rural emergency medical care.

c. Detailed description of facility or organization’s role in the execution of the proposed project solution(s) and contribution to expected project outcomes.

11. Other Submission Requirements To access application forms and instructions for this funding opportunity, go to Grants.gov click on the “Search Grants” tab. Enter the NOFO Number located on the cover of this announcement. Click on the highlighted Funding Opportunity Number that appears and then click on the various tabs to: read the Synopsis; review the Version History; read the Full Announcement; and complete the Application Package. Please read the entire NOFO Application Package carefully before preparing and submitting an application. Application must be submitted in electronic format only. If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call the Grants.gov customer support hotline at 1-800-518-4726.

12. Funding Restrictions DHS cooperative agreement funds may only be used for the purpose set forth in the agreement and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Pre-award costs are not allowable and will not be approved. Cooperative agreement funds may not be used for matching funds for other federal grants, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings, or for support allocation for other federal awards.

In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the federal government or any other government entity.

https://www.cisa.gov/publication/sop-documents https://www.cisa.gov/publication/sop-documents https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0615_cisa_safecom_interoperability_continuum_brochure_final.pdf https://www.cisa.gov/necp https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/funding https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/funding

This cooperative agreement from CISA is a small award that concentrates on examining barriers and developing solutions to enhance communications for the delivery of rural medical care, including public health, if applicable. The cooperative agreement will focus on using existing statewide or regional communications systems to deliver rural medical care and address NECP implementation gaps. The Recipient(s) should use funding to leverage existing communications technologies to train and coordinate with whole community representatives (e.g., non-medical professionals) to provide emergency medical response.

Cooperative agreements recipients should be aware of restrictions on the procurement and use of certain covered telecommunications equipment and services as a result of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115-232) § 889, 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200, and subsequent legislation. In compliance with the Act, federal grant funds obligated by executive agencies may not be used to procure or obtain, extend or renew, or enter into a contract to procure or obtain certain types of telecommunications and video surveillance equipment, services, or systems produced by certain foreign commercial entities. The Federal Communications Commission maintains the list of covered communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons at https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist.

13. Allowable Costs

a. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

Management and Administration Costs are allowable. M&A activities are those directly relating to the management and administration of REMCDP funds, such as financial management and monitoring. A maximum of up to five percent of REMCDP funds awarded may be retained by the cooperative agreement recipient, and any funds retained are to be used solely for M&A purposes associated with the REMCDP award.

b. Indirect Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs Indirect Costs are allowable by the Recipient(s). Applicants with a federally negotiated and approved rate must provide the most recent copy of the federally approved rate agreement confirming the negotiated rate at the time of application.

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria

When all applications are received a completeness review will be conducted to confirm the Eligibility Information (see Section C) and Application and Submission Information (see Section D) listed in this NOFO are met. Applications meeting those https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist requirements will then be reviewed by subject matter experts (SMEs) participating in the merit review panel.

The merit review will focus on the overall quality of the proposed project and the completion and thoroughness of the project narratives, budgets, and budget narratives. The review panel will determine whether proposed projects address the REMCDP Program Objectives and Priorities listed in Section A of this NOFO. In addition, DHS will use the following criteria, weighted as indicated based on their importance, to evaluate applications.

• Innovation (40%): Application review will focus on the innovativeness in approach, including strategies for management, governance, operations, training and exercises, and how well the project uses advanced and innovative technology solutions (e.g., technology solutions that use voice or radio over Internet Protocol, broadband voice, data, or video applications, mobile public safety networks, multi-band/multi-mode software designed radios, network interconnect technologies, satellite communication systems) to achieve interoperability with rural communities or address NECP implementation gaps. Reviewers will focus on how an existing solution (technical or non-technical) was altered or enhanced to address the issue or how the applicant used a combination of solutions to address a unique problem (e.g., applicants must operate or have access to an existing statewide or regional emergency communications system that is leveraged to address rural health disparities such as mortality rates and cardiovascular diseases). Reviewers will also determine what potential does the innovation demonstrated by the project have for generating valuable insight and lessons learned that can be replicated in other communities regarding ways to further interoperability.

• Impact on Rural Community Interoperability Communications (20%):

Application review will focus on how significantly the project will advance the community along the Interoperability Continuum. The Continuum can be applied to communications among emergency responders within a jurisdiction and between other local, tribal, state, and federal responders. The review will specifically focus on the impact of the project on its emergency communications capabilities in rural communities (i.e., assess current interactions with rural communities and expected improvements to medical response in these communities resulting from REMCDP funding).

• Stakeholder Engagement (20%): Application review will focus on how extensively the project describes partnerships with various whole community representatives, including, amongst others, non-medical professionals, public health professionals, and critical infrastructure providers. Reviewers will evaluate new partnerships and agreements that will benefit interoperable emergency communications in rural communities. While there is no specific target number of stakeholders to involve, reviewers will determine if proposed projects include representation across the whole community unique to the rural area.

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0615_cisa_safecom_interoperability_continuum_brochure_final.pdf

• Comprehensive Approach (20%): Application review will focus on how the project considers the lanes of the Interoperability Continuum (e.g., governance, standard operating procedures, technology, training and exercises) in its planning and development of the project to ensure stakeholders develop, manage, operate, and maintain communications interoperability to enhance existing emergency communications infrastructure.

b. Financial Integrity Criteria

Prior to making a federal award, the DHS is required by the Payment Integrity Act of 2019, 41 U.S.C. § 2313 – Database for federal agency contract and grant officers and suspension and debarment officials, and 2 C.F.R. § 200.206 to review information available through any Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-designated repositories of government wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

1) Financial stability.

2) Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards.

3) History of performance in managing federal award.

4) Reports and findings from audits.

5) Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

c. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review Prior to making a federal award where the anticipated total federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000 (see Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Pub. L. No. 115-91), OMB Memorandum M-18-18 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf):

1) DHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM, which is currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) and is accessible through the sam.gov website.

2) An applicant, at its option, may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered.

3) DHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 C.F.R. §200.206.

2. Review and Selection Process The REMCDP review process will involve two review phases. First, all applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility and completeness. Then, a panel of federal employees and SMEs knowledgeable in emergency communications and interoperability in local communities will review the applications and determine a merit score. The merit score will be based on the degree to which an application addresses the Application Evaluation Criteria listed above (see Section E). DHS will review the applications and recommend for funding based on the reviews described above. DHS’ designated Selection Authority https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0615_cisa_safecom_interoperability_continuum_brochure_final.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home https://sam.gov/ will make a final funding decision to implement the demonstration project(s) based upon the results of all evaluations, availability of funds, and the overall goals of REMCDP.

In addition, DHS will also review the budget narrative to ensure proposed cost estimates are in line with eligible costs and available program funding.

• Prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, DHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS).

• An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

• DHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR § 200.205 federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

Before accepting the award, the AOR and recipient should carefully read the award package. The award package includes instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards. By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

Successful applicants can expect to receive a grant executed by a DHS Grants Officer authorized to obligate DHS funding. Award notices will be sent via email to the senior/key person identified in the application.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements All successful applicants for DHS grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, which are available online at: DHS Standard Terms and Conditions.

The applicable DHS Standard Terms and Conditions will be those in effect at the time the award was made, unless the application is for a continuation award. In that event, the terms and conditions in effect at the time the original award was made will generally http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions apply. What terms and conditions will apply for the award will be clearly stated in the award package at the time of award.

SAFECOM Guidance As part of the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, all DHS grant recipients that wholly or partially provide funding for emergency communication projects and related activities must comply with Appendix D of the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance). Appendix D outlines requirements for any DHS recipient using funds for emergency communication activities. These requirements include alignment to national and state communications plans, project coordination, and technical standards for emergency communications technologies. The SAFECOM Guidance is intended to ensure that federally funded investments are compatible, interoperable, and support the national goals and objectives for improving emergency communications nationwide.

3. Reporting

a. Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form is available online at: SF-425 OMB #4040- 0014.

The Recipient(s) is responsible for the:

1) Quarterly Federal Financial Report. The Recipient(s) shall submit quarterly financial reports (SF-425, FFR) to the DHS Grants Officer within 30 days following the end of the reporting period.