FY19 National Domestic Preparedness Consortium NOFO.pdf

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

Fiscal Year 2019 Homeland Security National Training Program National Domestic Preparedness Consortium

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take four weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information. Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

A. Program Description

Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Directorate (NPD), National Training and Education Division (NTED)

Assistance Listings Number (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number) 97.005

Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title) State and Local Homeland Security National Training Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title FY 2019 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) - National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC)

NOFO Number

DHS-19-NPD-005-00-02

Authorizing Authority for Program Section 1204 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, (Pub. L. No. 110-53), (6 U.S.C. § 1102)

Appropriation Authority for Program Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-6)

Program Type New http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.congress.gov/110/plaws/publ53/PLAW-110publ53.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities Overview The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP), National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) provides funding to eligible applicants to develop and deliver training solutions to address national preparedness gaps, map training to the core capabilities, and ensure training is available and accessible to a nationwide audience.

The FY 2019 NDPC plays an important role in the National Preparedness System to build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities to achieve the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal).

The Goal is “a secure and resilient nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk”. The objective of the National Preparedness System is to facilitate an integrated, whole community, risk-informed, capabilities-based approach to preparedness. Complex and far-reaching threats and hazards require the engagement of individuals, families, communities, private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and all levels of government (http://www.fema.gov/whole-community).

Objectives As the National Preparedness System matures, we are getting better data on our capabilities as a nation that we can use to drive our focus and our resources at all levels. States, tribes, and territories provide annual data on their proficiency across 32 core capabilities through the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, Stakeholder Preparedness Reports, after-action reports, and other preparedness data. This data feeds into the National Preparedness Report and forms a shared national picture of training and exercise needs relative to capability gaps—including what threats and hazards are posing the greatest risks, and what core capabilities are most in need of improvement or sustainment. Analytic results help shape prioritization decisions at FEMA and across the nation to make sure we are focusing our time and our resources in the right areas.

The FY 2019 NDPC will highlight lessons learned from the catastrophic disasters of 2017.

The purpose is to ensure all FEMA training partners utilize a unified approach and work together on a national level to address the challenges with the greatest impact on the nation’s preparedness. Although the 2017 disaster season was characterized by major hurricanes and wildfires, future seasons could be defined by other types of incidents. Through collaboration, FEMA and the NDPC members will address long-term trends that influence national preparedness—including rising disaster costs, new technology, an older and more diverse population, and emerging threats such as cybersecurity. Focusing on capabilities rather than specific threats and hazards enables communities to build a culture of preparedness and ready the nation for catastrophic disasters.

Priorities The FY 2019 NDPC Program supports several strategic priorities that grantees are expected to incorporate these priorities into products and activities funded through the NDPC program to the greatest extent possible:

http://www.fema.gov/whole-community https://www.fema.gov/core-capabilities https://www.fema.gov/threat-and-hazard-identification-and-risk-assessment https://www.fema.gov/stakeholder-preparedness-review https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/170861 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/170861

• Core Capabilities; and

• Community Lifelines.

Core Capabilities: The highest priority of the NDPC is to develop and deliver training to build and sustain the core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal. The 2018 National Preparedness Report highlighted gaps in the following areas:

• Operational Coordination;

• Infrastructure Systems;

• Housing;

• Economic Recovery; and

• Cybersecurity.

Lifelines: Through the NDPC program, FEMA places significant emphasis on development and delivery of training programs that enable community lifelines. Lifelines enable the continuous operation of critical business and government functions, and are critical to human health and safety or national economic security. For more information on Lifelines, please refer to the Community Lifelines Implementation Toolkit. The Lifelines are:

• Safety and Security;

• Food, Water, and Sheltering;

• Health and Medical;

• Energy (Power and Fuel);

• Communications;

• Transportation; and

• Hazardous Material.

Return on Investment The NDPC program aligns with the FEMA Strategic Plan, specifically, Goal 1 – Build a Culture of Preparedness, Objective 1.3 Help People Prepare for Disasters and Goal 2 – Ready The Nation for Catastrophic Disasters, Objective 2.1 - Organize the “BEST” (Build, Empower, Sustain, and Train) scalable and capable incident workforce.

The NDPC program supports FEMA Strategic Plan Objective 1.3, Measure 2:

• To build the capacity and resilience of community-based organizations, a total of 22,000 organizations will receive training from FEMA and its partners by 2022.

The NDPC program is specifically designed and delivered to close critical training gaps by increasing and sustaining knowledge and competency for the Emergency Management, Response, and Recovery communities. The Return on Investment is measured as individuals, teams, departments, jurisdictions and regions reach and maintain fully qualified/mission capable status. FEMA uses a systematic, measurable, and capabilities-based approach to optimize training, align resources to address capability gaps through the most effective and efficient means available, and ensure a sound return on investment.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1541781185823-2ae55a276f604e04b68e2748adc95c68/2018NPRRprt20181108v508.pdf https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1541781185823-2ae55a276f604e04b68e2748adc95c68/2018NPRRprt20181108v508.pdf https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/177222 https://www.fema.gov/strategic-plan

Through cooperative agreements FEMA requires HSNTP partners, consisting of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) members and the Continuing Training Grants recipients, to collect and submit data and information required to evaluate training grant effectiveness, as follows:

• Training needs assessments; Course scheduling and student throughput reports;

• Kirkpatrick evaluation reports - levels I, II, and III;

• Training partner audits;

• Performance and financial reviews;

• Annual grant application/statement of work reviews;

• Course design and development management oversight;

• State and tribal training officer training seat allocations;

FEMA uses the data to demonstrate how grantees use the funds to improve preparedness, which is essential to demonstrate value and receive continued support and funding for the program.

Performance Metrics The Kirkpatrick Model is used for analyzing and evaluating the results of training and educational programs. It considers any style of training, both informal or formal, to determine aptitude based on four levels criteria. If possible, individuals take the test or evaluation prior to the training (pre-test) and following training (post-test) to figure out how much the participant comprehended.

The Kirkpatrick levels include level 1: the student’s assessment of the training setting, material, and instruction; level 2: a comparison of pre-course knowledge and skills with post-course knowledge and skills; level 3: an assessment of post-course applicability at the home organization or jurisdiction; and level 4: the impact of training on the organization or jurisdiction.

Kirkpatrick Level II Learning: Measures the degree to which participants acquire the intended knowledge, skills, attitude, confidence and commitment based on their participation in the training. As a measure of outcome for its training, FEMA training partners utilize the widely accepted standard of a twenty-six-point increase in knowledge, skills, and abilities as captured from the Kirkpatrick Level 2 assessment. Evaluating at this level is meant to gauge the level participants have developed in expertise, knowledge, or mindset.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: $79,000,000

Projected number of Awards: Five

Period of Performance: Twenty-four months

FEMA allows extensions to the period of performance. For additional information on period of performance and extensions, refer to additional information in Section H in this NOFO.

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 9/1/2019

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 8/31/2021

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreements The NDPC program, prescribed by this NOFO, is awarded through separate cooperative agreements, as defined by 2 C.F.R. §200.24, and consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (Pub. L. No. 95-224), (31 U.S.C. §§6301-6308). FEMA maintains substantial involvement with all recipients as they carry out activities under the award to include financial monitoring and all training development and delivery activities, including the creation and approval of course content, arrangement of learning objectives, establishment of training delivery modes and methods, and use of the Kirkpatrick four-level training evaluation model. FEMA program managers and training specialists provide approval and disapproval for all activities over the life cycle of the award.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligibility Criteria To receive funding under this program, recipients must be members of the NDPC as defined by 6 U.S.C. § 1102.

Eligible Applicants

• The National Center for Biomedical Research and Training, Louisiana State

University;

• The National Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center, New Mexico

Institute of Mining and Technology;

• The National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, Texas A&M

University;

• The Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated, in Pueblo, Colorado; and

• The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center, University of Hawaii.

Other Eligibility Criteria Not Applicable

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) There is no Maintenance of Effort requirement for this program.

Cost Share or Match There is no Cost Share or Match requirement for this program.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/6/1102

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times Date Posted to Grants.gov: 05/14/2019

Application Submission Deadline: 06/14/2019 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 09/01/2019

Anticipated Award Date: 09/01/2019

Other Key Dates

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Obtaining DUNS Number Four weeks before actual submission deadline Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in Grants.gov One week before actual submission deadline Submitting final application in ND grants

One week before actual submission deadline

Address to Request Application Package Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants.” To obtain the application package, select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the Assistance Listings (formerly CFDA) and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

Hardcopies of the NOFO and associated application materials are not available.

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice is (800) 462-7585.

Initial Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal and the complete application will be processed through the ND Grants System.

Applications in Hard Copy are not accepted.

Content and Form of Application Submission Applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. To ensure that an application is submitted on time applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission. Applicants should review the table above under Other Key Dates for estimated deadlines to complete each required step.

Failure of an applicant to comply with any of the required steps before the deadline for http://www.grants.gov/ submitting their application will automatically disqualify their application from funding.

Required application content is located in Appendix B.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) All applicants for this award must:

• Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

• Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by DHS/FEMA.

DHS may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DHS is ready to make a federal 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.

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 applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov Instructions: 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 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, 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, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

• Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

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

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html.

• Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, 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. 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.

• Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this process. For more information, follow the on-screen instructions or refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

• 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 your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS 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.

• 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 Authorized Organization Representative (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.

• Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

• 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 individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.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 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

How to Submit an Initial 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 Notice of Funding Opportunity, 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.

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

• 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.

• Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out Webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or DHS forms. 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-ompatibility.html.

• 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.

• 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 DUNS 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.

• 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.

• Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, 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.

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

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 you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center at 1-800-518-4726 and get a ticket number. The Grants.gov Applicant Support is available 24/7 (except federal holidays). The Support Center ticket number will assist DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

Submitting an Initial Application in Grants.gov The initial application cannot be started or submitted in Grants.gov unless the applicant’s registration in SAM is confirmed.

The initial application in grants.gov requires completing Standard Form 424 (SF424), Application for Federal Assistance. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. Applicants must now use the grants.gov Workspace to apply. The Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each NOFO you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their initial application in Grants.gov at least 7 days before the final application deadline.

In addition, Grants.gov recommends submitting application packages through the workspace 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.

Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute an electronically signed application.

When submitting the application through Grants.gov, the name of the applicant’s AOR will be inserted into the signature line of the application.

Submitting the Final Application in Non-Disaster Grants System (ND Grants) After submitting the initial application in Grants.gov, eligible applicants will be notified by DHS/FEMA and asked to proceed with submitting their complete application package in ND Grants. Applicants can register early with ND Grants and are encouraged to begin their ND Grants registration at the time of this announcement. Early registration will allow applicants to have adequate time to start and complete their application.

In ND Grants applicants will be prompted to submit all the information contained in the following forms:

• Application Narrative (Appendix B of this NOFO);

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home https://portal.fema.gov/famsVuWeb/home

• Standard Form 424A, Budget Information (Non-construction);

• Standard Form 424B, Standard Assurances (Non-construction);

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form; and

• Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if the grantee has engaged or intends to engage in lobbying activities).

These forms can be found online.

If you need assistance registering for the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.

Applicants are also being required to submit their Application Narrative and Program Budget into ND Grants.

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission Online Submissions. All applications must be received by Midnight Eastern Standard 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. 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.

Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

See https://www.archives.gov/Federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf.

Funding Restrictions https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov https://www.archives.gov/Federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf

Federal funds made available through this award are restricted to the purpose set forth in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Recipients may not use award funds for matching funds on any other federal award, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, recipients cannot use federal funds to sue the federal government or any other government entity.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs Management and Administration costs are activities directly related to managing and administering the award. Recipients may use up to five percent (5%) of the amount of the award for their M&A.

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs Indirect costs are allowable under this program as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.414. With the exception of recipients who have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f), recipients must have an approved indirect cost rate agreement with their cognizant federal agency to charge indirect costs to this award. A copy of the approved rate (a fully executed, agreement negotiated with the applicant’s cognizant federal agency) is required at the time of application and must be provided to DHS/FEMA before indirect costs are charged to the award.

Fringe Benefits Each recipient will base fringe benefits on actual known costs or an established formula.

Fringe benefits on overtime hours are limited to Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), Workman’s Compensation, and Unemployment Compensation.

Pre-award Costs Pre-award costs are allowable only with the prior written approval of DHS/FEMA and if they are included in the award agreement. To request pre-award costs a written request must be included with the application, signed by the Authorized Representative of the entity. The letter must outline what the pre-award costs are for, including a detailed budget breakout of pre-award costs from the post-award costs, and a justification for approval.

Direct Costs Cost Principles. Costs charged to this award must be consistent with the Cost Principles for Federal Awards located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E.

Equipment. This program allows equipment costs.

Travel. This program allows domestic travel costs, as provided for in this NOFO and applicable regulations. This program does not allow international travel unless approved in advance by DHS/FEMA.

Construction and Renovation. This program does not allow construction and renovation costs.

Other Cost Requirements Not Applicable

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance https://www.govinfo.gov/

As a federal agency, FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and/or historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including grants-funded projects, comply with Federal EHP regulations, laws and Executive Orders as applicable. Recipients and sub-recipients proposing projects that have the potential to impact the environment, including but not limited to construction of communication towers, modification or renovation of existing buildings, structures and facilities, or new construction including replacement of facilities, must participate in the FEMA EHP review process. The EHP review process involves the submission of a detailed project description that explains the goals and objectives of the proposed project along with supporting documentation so that FEMA may determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources and/or historic properties. In some cases, FEMA is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public to complete the review process. The EHP review process must be completed before funds are released to carry out the proposed project. FEMA will not fund projects that are initiated without the required EHP review.

Other Submission Requirements Not Applicable

E. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria Prior to making a federal award, DHS/FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 note, 41 U.S.C. § 2313 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.205 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:

• Financial stability;

• Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards;

• History of performance in managing federal award;

• Reports and findings from audits; and

• Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Technical Evaluation Criteria FEMA will evaluate FY 2019 NDPC applications using a review and approval process.

Through this process, FEMA will determine whether the applicant is eligible, all required forms and documents are submitted, all objectives and priorities as they relate to each NDPC member’s program focus and capability are addressed, and all program requirements as described in Appendix B of this notice have been properly addressed. The FEMA Assistant Administrator for the National Preparedness Directorate will receive applications that pass this review. FEMA will return applications that do not meet the requirements to the applicant for required changes.

Review and Selection Process The Deputy Administrator of FEMA for Resilience, will, on behalf of the Administrator of FEMA, approve or disapprove the training projects funded through this program.

Prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000.00), 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.”

Supplemental Financial Integrity Review If the anticipated federal share of a federal award will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000 (see Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal year 2008, Pub. L. No. 115-91, OMB Memorandum M-18-18 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf):

• 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 C.F.R. § 200.205 federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award FEMA will notify recipients of awards through the ND Grants system using an automatic e-mail to the recipient point of contact (the “authorized official”) listed in the initial application. The date FEMA approves the award is the “award date.” The recipient should follow the directions in the notification to accept the award.

https://www.govinfo.gov/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf)

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 90 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify FEMA of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award, or provide a notice of intent to decline through the ND Grants system. For instructions on how to accept or decline an award in the ND Grants system, please use the following link to access the ND Grants Grantee Training Manual.

Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through the ND Grants system and all other conditions of award have been satisfied. FEMA may rescind the award if the intended recipient does not accept the award or if conditions are not satisfied within a 90-day timeframe.

Before accepting the award, the authorized official should carefully read the award package.

The award package contains instructions on administering the grant award, as well as terms and conditions with which the recipient must comply. Recipients must accept the conditions in this NOFO as well as Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program. Appendix A of this NOFO lists the Special Terms and Conditions.

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 apply. What terms and conditions will apply for the award will be clearly stated in the award package at the time of award.

Before accepting the award, the AOR should carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any special terms and conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

Reporting Recipients are required to submit various financial and programmatic reports as listed within this NOFO as a condition of their award acceptance. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent.

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

Federal Financial Report (FFR) Recipients must report obligations and expenditures on a quarterly basis through the FFR form (SF-425) to DHS/FEMA. Recipients must file the FFR electronically using the Payment and Reporting Systems (PARS). An FFR must be submitted quarterly throughout the POP, including partial calendar quarters, as well as in periods where no grant award activity occurs. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent, demonstrate a lack of progress, or are insufficient in detail.

https://www.fema.gov/ar/media-library/assets/documents/25949 https://www.fema.gov/ar/media-library/assets/documents/25949 https://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/LogIn?sawContentMessage=true

Recipients may review the Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR) (SF-425) at https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/Federal-financial-report.

Financial Reporting Periods and Due Dates The following reporting periods and due dates apply for the FFR:

Reporting Period Report Due Date

October 1 – December 31

January 30

January 1 – March

April 30

April 1 – June 30 July 30

July 1 – September

October 30

Financial and Compliance Audit Report For audits of fiscal years beginning on or after December 26, 2014, recipients that expend $750,000 or more from all federal funding sources during their fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report. The audit must be performed in accordance with the requirements of Government and Accountability Office’s (GAO) Government Auditing Standards, located at https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook/overview, and the requirements of Subpart F of 2 C.F.R.

Part 200, located at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=sp2.1.200.f.

Program Performance Reporting Requirements

Performance Progress Reports Recipients are responsible for providing updated performance reports in Microsoft Word on a semi-annual basis. These is no prescribed government form for this report. The report is due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period. Recipients must submit it as an attachment to the ND Grants system.

The semi-annual Performance Progress Report must follow the guidance provided by FEMA’s National Training and Education Division (NTED) in the NTED Monitoring Policy and Procedure Guide. FEMA/NTED will provide this guide to recipients of a FY 2019 NDPC award as a post-award action.

https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/Federal-financial-report https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook/overview http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=sp2.1.200.f

Program Performance Reporting Periods and Due Dates The following reporting periods and due dates apply for the PPR:

Reporting Period Report Due Date

January 1 – June 30 July 30

July 1 – December 31 January 30

Close Out Reporting Requirements Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by FEMA, a close-out notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be deobligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant records for three years from the date of the final FFR or longer, such as in cases of litigation or audit, as described in the regulations, see 2 C.F.R. § 200.333.

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 This reporting requirement pertains to disclosing information related to government-wide suspension and debarment requirements. Before a recipient enters into a grant award with a federal agency, the recipient must notify the federal agency if it knows if it or any of the recipient’s principals under the award fall under one or more of the four criteria listed at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335. At any time after accepting the award, if the recipient learns that it or any of its principals falls under one or more of the criteria listed at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335, the recipient must provide immediate written notice to the federal agency in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 180.350.

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information

Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Grant Operations Division GPD’s Grant Operations Division Business Office provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. Applicants and recipients can obtain additional guidance and information by contacting the FEMA Call Center at (866) 927-5646 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time or via e-mail to ASK-GMD@dhs.gov.

FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED) NTED maintains programmatic responsibility for the NDPC program and will maintain the program management function and responsibilities throughout the life cycle of the awarded grant. Contact our NTED point of contact Ms. Jessica Sterling at (202) 212-3042 or via email https://www.govinfo.gov/ https://www.govinfo.gov/ https://www.govinfo.gov/ https://www.govinfo.gov/ https://www.govinfo.gov/ mailto:ASK-GMD@dhs.gov to jessica.sterling@fema.dhs.gov or Mr. Terry Pruitt at (202) 786-9565 or via email to terry.pruitt@fema.dhs.gov or email at fema-ntes@fema.dhs.gov for additional information.

Systems Information Questions Grants.gov: For technical assistance with Grants.gov, please call the customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726; the hotline is open 24/7 except for federal holidays.

ND Grants: For technical assistance with the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.

Financial and Administrative Questions GPD’s Grant Operations Division Business Office provides financial support and technical assistance, such as for password resets and registration requests, questions regarding Form 1199A, payment status, amendments, closeouts, and tracking de-obligation and award amounts. The FEMA Call Center (866) 927-5646 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, or via email at ASK-GMD@dhs.gov can provide additional guidance.

GPD Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (GPD-EHP) Questions OEHP provides guidance and information about the EHP review process to FEMA programs and its recipients and sub-recipients. All inquiries and communications about EHP compliance for FEMA grant projects or the EHP review process should be sent to: Portia Ross, CFM, Integration and Technology Branch Chief, Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, FEMA / DHS, 500 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20472, Desk:

202-212-5929, Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) The Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this announcement is (800) 462-7585 between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

H. Additional Information

Extensions Extensions to your period of performance are allowed. An award’s period of performance must be active for a recipient to submit a proposed extension request to FEMA. Recipients should request extensions sparingly and only under exceptional circumstances. Approval is not guaranteed. FEMA will only consider no-cost extensions to the initial period of performance identified in the award. FEMA will consider these requests for extensions made through formal, written requests to FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED). Extension requests must contain specific and compelling justifications as to why an extension is required. FEMA advises recipients to coordinate with NTED as needed when preparing an extension request. Recipients must submit all proposed extension requests to DHS/FEMA for review and approval no later than 120 days prior to the end of the period of performance. Individual extension requests may not exceed 12 months.

All extension requests must address the following:

mailto:jessica.sterling@fema.dhs.gov mailto:terry.pruitt@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-ntes@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@dhs.gov

• Grant Program, Fiscal Year, and award number;

• Reason for delay – this must include details of the legal, policy, or operational challenges being experienced that prevent the final outlay of awarded funds by the applicable deadline;

• Current status of the activity/activities;

• Approved period of performance termination date and new project completion date;

• Amount of funds drawn down to date;

• Remaining available funds;

• Budget outlining how remaining funds will be expended;

• Plan for completion including milestones and timeframes for achieving each milestone and the position/person responsible for implementing the plan for completion; and

• Recipients must provide assurance of task completion for the proposed extended period of performance. Applicants may not modify the original Statement of Work unless approved by FEMA.

Payments FEMA utilizes the Payment and Reporting System (PARS) for financial reporting, invoicing and tracking payments.