FY2016 Fire Prevention and Safety NOFO_Final.pdf

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

FY 2016 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S)

NOTE: Applicants pursuing this funding opportunity who have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) should take immediate action to obtain a DUNS number, if applicable, and then register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 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. Application and Submission Information.

A. Program Description Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Grant Programs Directorate (GPD)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 97.044

CFDA Title Assistance to Firefighters Grant

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S)

NOFO Number

DHS-16-GPD-044-000-98

Authorizing Authority for Program Section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (Pub. L. No. 93-498, as amended) (15 U.S.C. § 2229)

Appropriation Authority for Program Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2016 (Pub. L. No. 114-113)

Program Type New http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

Program Overview The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Grant Programs Directorate administers the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program as part of the AFG Program.

The purpose of the FP&S Grant Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards by assisting fire prevention programs and supporting firefighter health and safety research and development.

In awarding grants, the Administrator of FEMA shall consider the following:

• The findings and recommendations of the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP);

• The degree to which an award will reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage by reducing the risks associated with fire related and other hazards; and

• The extent of an applicant’s need for an FP&S Grant and the need to protect the United States as a whole.

FP&S Grants are offered to support projects in two activities. This NOFO provides potential applicants with application requirements and details for processing and evaluating applications for financial assistance for both of these activity areas.

• Fire Prevention and Safety Activity: FP&S Activities are projects designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards.

Accordingly, the four project categories eligible for funding under this activity are:

o Community Risk Reduction (formerly General Education/Awareness);

o Code Enforcement/Awareness;

o Fire & Arson Investigation; and o National/State/Regional Programs and Studies.

Each category within this activity has specific priorities. For additional details, please see Appendix B., Section IV. Funding Priorities.

• Firefighter Safety Research and Development (R&D) Activity: R&D projects are aimed at improving firefighter safety, health, or wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries.

The five project categories eligible for funding under this activity are:

o Clinical Studies;

o Technology and Product Development;

o Database System Development;

o Dissemination and Implementation Research; and o Preliminary Studies.

For additional information on program priorities and objectives for the FY 2016 FP&S Grant Program, refer to Appendix B., FY 2016 FP&S Programmatic Information and Priorities.

Program Objectives The objective of the FY 2016 FP&S Grant Program is to award grants directly to eligible applicants in order to carry out fire prevention and education, fire code enforcement, fire and arson investigation, and firefighter safety and health programming and prevention efforts.

The FY 2016 FP&S Grant Program also plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System. The National Preparedness System is the instrument the Nation employs to build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities in order to achieve the National Preparedness Goal (Goal) of a secure and resilient Nation.

Complex and far-reaching threats and hazards require a collaborative and whole community approach to national preparedness that engages individuals, families, communities, private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and all levels of government. The guidance, programs, processes, and systems that support each component of the National Preparedness System allow for the integration of preparedness efforts that build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities and achieve the desired outcomes identified in the Goal while maintaining the civil rights of individuals.

The FY 2016 FP&S Grant Program’s allowable costs support efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across the Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery mission areas. Examples of tangible outcomes that may be seen for projects funded in FY 2016 FP&S include building and sustaining core capabilities, such as Fire Management and Suppression and Long term Vulnerability Reduction.

Additional details on the National Preparedness Goal can be found at https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-goal.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: $34,500,000

Projected number of Awards: 100

Period of Performance: 12-36 months https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-goal

• FP&S Activity: The period of performance for projects funded under the FP&S Activity is generally 12 months. Eligible applicants who propose complex projects, such as those under the national/regional/state Programs and Studies project category, may apply for up to a 24 month period of performance from the date of award.

• R&D Activity: The period of performance for projects proposed under the R&D Activity is 12, 24, or 36 months from the date of award.

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 08/01/2017

08/31/2018-Projected Period of Performance End Date(s):

08/31/2020

Funding Instrument: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants The following entities are eligible to apply directly to FEMA under this NOFO:

1. Fire Prevention and Safety Activity (FP&S) Fire departments; and national, regional, state, local, tribal, and non-profit organizations that are recognized for their experience and expertise in fire prevention and safety programs and activities. Both private and public non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding in this activity.

For-profit organizations, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to receive a FP&S Grant Award under the FP&S Activity.

2. Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity (R&D) National, state, local, Native American tribal, and non-profit organizations, such as academic (e.g., universities), public health, occupational health, and injury prevention institutions. Both private and public non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding in this activity.

Fire departments are not eligible to apply for funding in the R&D Activity.

Additionally, for-profit organizations, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to receive a grant award under the R&D Activity.

Eligibility Criteria

FP&S Grants are offered to support projects in two activities:

• Fire Prevention and Safety Activity: FP&S Projects are designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards.

• Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity: R&D Projects are aimed at improving firefighter safety, health, or wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries.

Each activity has its own application and eligibility requirements. These requirements are outlined in Appendix B., Programmatic Information and Priorities.

Other Eligibility Criteria

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) NFIRS reporting is not a requirement to apply for or be awarded a grant within the FP&S Grant Program. However, any fire department that receives an award under this NOFO must commence reporting to NFIRS prior to accepting their Award.

The recipient may be asked by FEMA to provide proof of compliance in reporting to NFIRS. Any recipient that stops reporting to NFIRS during the grant period of performance is subject to having their award modified or withdrawn.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation FP&S Grant Program applicants are not required to be in compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to apply for funding under this NOFO or to be awarded a grant under this NOFO. However, any applicant that receives an FY 2016 FP&S Grant Program award must achieve the level of NIMS compliance required by the authority having command and control jurisdiction over the applicant’s emergency service operations (e.g., a local government), prior to the end of the grant’s period of performance.

Maintenance of Effort

A maintenance of effort is required under this program for all recipients, unless modified by a waiver, subject to waiver eligibility. An applicant seeking an award under this NOFO shall agree to maintain during the term of the grant the applicant’s aggregate expenditures relating to the activities allowable under this NOFO at not less than 80 percent (80%) of the average amount of such expenditures in the two (2) fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which the grant award is received.

For more information on waiver eligibility, please see Appendix C., Award Administration Information, Section I. Economic Hardship Waivers of Cost Share and Maintenance of Effort Requirements for the FP&S Grant Program for more information.

Cost Share or Match An eligible applicant seeking an FP&S Grant Program award to carry out an activity shall agree to make available non-federal funds to carry out such activity in an amount equal to and not less than five percent of the grant awarded. The cost share is automatically calculated by the eGrant system in the Budget section of the application.

All recipients should ensure that they are thoroughly familiar with FEMA’s cost sharing requirements identified below, as well as the appropriate cost principles as identified at 2 C.F.R. § 200.101(b)(1).

The recipient is not required to have the cost share at the time of application. However, before a grant is awarded, FEMA may contact potential awardees to determine whether the recipient has the funding in hand or if the recipient has a viable plan to obtain the funding necessary to fulfill the cost sharing requirement.

Types of Cost Share

1) Cash

Cost share match (cash or hard match), including non-federal cash spent for project-related costs.

2) In-Kind In-kind (soft; other than cash payments) cost share matches are allowable for FP&S Grants. Such matches include, but are not limited to, the valuation of in-kind services, complementary activities, and provision of staff, facilities, services, material, or equipment. In-kind is the value of something received or provided that does not have a cost associated with it. For example, where an in-kind match is permitted, then the value of donated services could be used to comply with the match requirement. Also, third party in-kind contributions may count toward satisfying match requirements, provided the recipient receiving the contributions expends them as allowable costs in compliance with provisions listed above.

Recipients who use in-kind contributions for their five percent cost share must comply with all applicable regulations and 2 C.F.R. Part 200 regarding matching or cost-sharing. Applicants who are under consideration for award and plan to use in-kind as their method for cost sharing will be asked to submit their plan for documenting and verifying in-kind contributions prior to award. Please see 2 CFR § 200.306, as applicable, for further guidance regarding cost matching. For more information on 2 C.F.R. Part 200, please visit https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/101236.

Economic Hardship Waivers The Administrator of FEMA may waive or reduce cost share requirements in cases of demonstrated economic hardship. Please see Appendix C. Award Administration Information, Section I. Economic Hardship Waivers of Cost Share and Maintenance of Effort Requirements for the FP&S Grant Program for more information.

D. Application and Submission Information Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov:

Application Start Date:

04/10/2017

04/17/2017 at 8:00 AM ET https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/101236 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/101236

Application Submission Deadline: 05/19/2017 at 5:00 PM ET

In general, DHS/FEMA will not review applications received after the deadline or consider them for funding. DHS/FEMA may, however, extend the application deadline on request for any applicant who can demonstrate that good cause exists to justify extending the deadline. Good cause for an extension may include technical problems outside of the applicant’s control that prevent submission of the application by the deadline, or other exigent or emergency circumstances. If applicants experience technical issues, they must notify the FEMA Help Desk as soon as possible.

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 07/01/2017

Anticipated Award Date: 08/01/2017

Address to Request Application Package The online FY 2016 FP&S Grant Program application is available through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program’s (AFGP) eGrants system application portal at https://portal.fema.gov/. There are several ways to access application information:

• AFGP website (http://www.fema.gov/firegrants)

• Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov)

• U.S. Fire Administration (http://www.usfa.fema.gov)

Hard copies of the application are not available.

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

Application tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain the current FP&S grant program, assist with the online grant application, and highlight lessons learned and changes for FY 2016. For more details, please visit the AFGP website at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

Content and Form of Application Submission DHS makes all funding opportunities available on the Internet, accessible at http://www.grants.gov. If applicants experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at (800) 518-4726.

The Grants.gov website will direct applicants to the eGrants system application portal at https://portal.fema.gov/, which contains the online FP&S application. All required forms have been incorporated into the online FP&S application.

The eGrants system will allow an authorized representative to log in and create a user name and password. This user name and password is specific to the authorized user and must not be shared with other personnel. If the applicant has submitted any AFGP applications (including Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S), or Station https://portal.fema.gov/ http://www.fema.gov/firegrants http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.usfa.fema.gov/ http://www.fema.gov/firegrants http://www.grants.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/

Construction Grant (SCG)) in a previous grant cycle, they must continue to use the same username, password, and DUNS number for any FY 2016 application(s).

If the applicant has forgotten the password or the primary point of contact has changed, please visit http://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grant-program-most-frequently-asked-questions for instructions on how to update and correct the organization’s information.

The automated application is designed with help screens and drop-down lists to assist the applicant throughout the process. Applicants can save, retrieve, update, and revise their work through the end of the application period. Applicants should save their work often as the electronic application includes a time-out feature. The automated system does not allow an applicant to submit an incomplete application. The system alerts the applicant when required information has not been entered.

NO APPLICATION WILL BE RELEASED AFTER FINAL SUBMISSION

After an application has been completed and submitted, no changes can be made. There is no appeal process for inaccurate or incomplete information retained by the system due to improper or multiple browser usage by the applicant. Therefore, please:

• Do not use any other browsers than Internet Explorer (IE 6 or higher). The eGrants system can run up to Internet Explorer 11, which should be used if available to the applicant.

• Do not have multiple browser tabs open when entering information, even when using Internet Explorer (IE 6 or higher). There are several known problems entering application information using non-IE browsers or having multiple browsers open, including but not limited to:

o System failure to recognize correct information o System failure to capture and retain correct information o System functions like “cut and paste” being disabled

The primary point of contact listed in the application will automatically be notified by email, via the eGrants system, once the application is received.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative that provides the grant communities a single site to find grant funding opportunities. Before applying for a DHS grant, applicants must have a DUNS number and must be registered in SAM.

Please allow plenty of time before the grant application submission deadline to obtain a DUNS number and then to register in SAM. It may take four weeks or more after the applicant submits the SAM registration before the registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize the information.

FEMA may not make an award to an entity until the entity has complied with the requirements to provide a valid DUNS number and maintain an active SAM registration http://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grant-program-most-frequently-asked-questions http://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grant-program-most-frequently-asked-questions with current information. If the applicant is noncompliant at the time of award offer, then FEMA may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award, and award to another applicant.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure that applicant’s organization name, address, DUNS number, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) are up to date in SAM and that the DUNS number used in SAM is the same one used to apply for all FEMA applications.

The applicant’s organization name in SAM must also match the organization name provided on the applicant’s SF-1199a Direct Deposit Form. Future payments will be contingent on the information provided in SAM; therefore, it is imperative that the information is correct.

DUNS Number Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following website:

http://www.grants.gov//web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html. The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the Standard Forms (SF)-424 forms submitted as part of this application.

System for Award Management Applicant registration in SAM is free. All applicants must register with SAM in order to apply online. Step-by-step instructions for registering with SAM can be found here:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html. Please remember that SAM registration is only active for one year and must be renewed annually.

Existing SAM.gov account holders should check their account to make sure it is “active.”

SAM registration should be completed at the very beginning of the application period, and renewed annually to avoid being "inactive."

Help with SAM SAM quick start guide for new recipient registration and SAM video tutorial for new applicants are tools created by the General Services Administration (GSA) to assist those registering with SAM. If applicants have questions or concerns about a SAM registration, please contact the Federal Support Desk at https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do or call toll free (866) 606-8220.

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code To get a CAGE code, applicants must first be registered in SAM, which is a requirement for doing business with the Federal Government. Applicants will be assigned a CAGE code as part of the SAM validation process, and as soon as the registration is active, applicants can view the CAGE code online by logging in to the SAM account.

Funding Restrictions Federal funds made available through this award may only be used for the purpose set forth in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do

Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other federal grants/cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings.

In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity. Failure to adhere to the award conditions will cause the recipient to be considered in default of the grant agreement, and may require the return of all federal funds disbursed under the grant.

Applicants may only submit one application, but may submit up to three projects under each activity (FP&S and R&D). Any applicant that submits more than one application may have all applications deemed ineligible.

For more information on restrictions on use of award funds, please see Appendix C., Award Administration Information, Section II. Other Allowable Costs.

Construction or Remodeling/Renovation Costs Construction costs are not eligible under the FP&S Grant Program. Construction includes major alterations to a building that changes the profile or footprint of the structure. To support eligible awarded activities, remodeling/renovations to an existing facility are limited to minor interior alterations costing less than $10,000 and should be requested under Modification to Facilities. Some of these activities may require an Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review; certain costs associated with an EHP review are eligible for reimbursement.

Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance As a federal agency, DHS/FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and 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 proposing projects that have the potential to impact the environment, including, but not limited to modification or renovation of existing buildings, structures and facilities, must participate in the DHS/FEMA EHP review process. The EHP review process involves the submission of a screening form that includes detailed project description that explains the goals and objectives of the proposed project along with supporting documentation so that DHS/FEMA may determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources and/or historic properties. In some cases, DHS/FEMA is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public in order to complete the review process. The EHP review process must be completed before funds are released to carry out the proposed project. DHS/FEMA will not fund projects that are initiated without the required EHP review.

Additionally, all recipients are required to comply with FEMA EHP Policy Guidance.

This EHP Policy Guidance can be found in FEMA Policy (FP) 108-023-1, Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Policy Guidance, and FP 108-24-4, Environmental Planning and Historical Preservation Policy.

FP&S Grant Program projects that involve the installation of equipment not specifically excluded from a FEMA EHP Review, per the GPD Programmatic Environmental https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/85376 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/85376 http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1388411752234-6ddb79121951a68e9ba036d2569aa488/18Dec13-NoNEPAReview.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1388411752234-6ddb79121951a68e9ba036d2569aa488/18Dec13-NoNEPAReview.pdf

Assessment (PEA), ground-disturbing activities, or modification/renovation of existing buildings or structures must undergo a FEMA EHP Review.

No facilities modification project can proceed, with the exception of project planning, prior to formal FEMA approval. Funds for activities that do not require an EHP Review may be requested by the recipient.

The following activities would not require the submission of the FEMA EHP Screening Form:

• Planning and development of policies or processes

• Management, administrative, or personnel actions

• Classroom-based training

• Acquisition of mobile and portable equipment (not involving installation) on or in a building

The AFG EHP Screening form and instructions are available at:

http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1431970163011- 80ce3cd907072a91295b1627c56d8fd2/gpd_ehp_screening_for m_51815.pdf

Complete the AFG EHP Screening form and submit to the EHP Office at GPDEHPInfo@fema.dhs.gov.

Pre-award Costs Only costs incurred during the period of performance are allowable (see Section F:

Federal Award Administration Information, Period of Performance Guidance). However, recipients may request to be reimbursed for grant writer fees (see Appendix C., Award Administration Information, Section I. Grant Writer/Preparation Fees; see also Appendix B: Programmatic Information and Priorities, Section IV. Eligible and Ineligible Projects and Costs).

Award Limits Applications and awards under the FP&S Grant Program are limited to a maximum federal share of $1.5 million.

Management and Administration Management and administrative (M&A) expenses are not operational costs but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the grant or as a consequence of it. As such, these costs can be itemized in financial reports. M&A expenses should be based only on actual expenses or known contractual costs; requests that are simple percentages of the award, without supporting justification, will not be allowed or considered for reimbursement. Salaries and fringe benefits for personnel directly supporting the grant are not required to be included in the M&A budget line item.

No more than three (3) percent of the federal share of FP&S funds awarded may be expended by the recipient for M&A associated with the FP&S award.

http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1431970163011-80ce3cd907072a91295b1627c56d8fd2/gpd_ehp_screening_form_51815.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1431970163011-80ce3cd907072a91295b1627c56d8fd2/gpd_ehp_screening_form_51815.pdf http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1431970163011-80ce3cd907072a91295b1627c56d8fd2/gpd_ehp_screening_form_51815.pdf mailto:GPDEHPInfo@fema.dhs.gov

Indirect (Facilities & Administrative [F&A]) Costs Indirect F&A costs are those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective. These costs are not readily assignable to the costs objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved.

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 FEMA before indirect costs are charged to the award. Copies of the indirect cost rate agreements, along with the AFG application number, must be submitted electronically to FireGrants@fema.dhs.gov.

Indirect costs will be evaluated as part of the application for federal funds to determine if they are allowable, reasonable, or disproportionally impact an application’s cost benefit.

Multiple Projects Eligible applicants (identified by unique federal tax identification numbers) may only submit one application. Applicants may submit an application for up to three projects under each activity (FP&S and R&D). Applicants applying for funding under both the FP&S and R&D Activities must do so within the same application. Each project within an application must be presented separately as a free-standing proposal. Any applicant that submits more than one application may have all applications deemed ineligible.

Example 1 A community has a strategic goal of reducing the number of fires caused by the use of barbecue grills on the balconies of apartments. Attainment of this goal will be supported through two projects.

The applicant plans to:

• Launch a public education project

• Strengthen code enforcement activities

While both projects aim to reach the same goal, the projects are independent of one another and will be funded as such. Therefore, the public education items would be listed as one supporting project and the code enforcement items listed as the second supporting project.

Although both projects will be included in one application, the projects must be independent in that the completion of one project, or any tasks within that project, does not depend on the funding of the other project. Each project requires its own separate supporting budget and Narrative Statement explaining how accomplishing these independent projects will help achieve the overall goal.

mailto:FireGrants@fema.dhs.gov

Example 2 A community or organization may have more than one strategic goal depending on its audience or risk.

For example, a national organization may have a goal to reduce firefighter fatalities through a national outreach project. It may also have a goal studying the effectiveness of public education messages. The organization would create one project for firefighter safety initiatives and a second project for national public education efforts.

E. Application Review Information

Funding priorities and criteria for evaluating applications submitted under this NOFO are established by FEMA based on the recommendations from the Criteria Development Panel. Each year, FEMA convenes a panel of fire service professionals to develop funding priorities for the FP&S Grant Program. The panel makes recommendations about funding priorities as well as developing criteria for awarding grants.

The nine major fire service organizations represented on the panel are:

International Association of Fire Chiefs International Association of Fire Fighters National Volunteer Fire Council National Fire Protection Association National Association of State Fire Marshals International Association of Arson Investigators International Society of Fire Service Instructors North American Fire Training Directors Congressional Fire Service Institute

The Criteria Development Panel is charged with making recommendations to FEMA regarding the creation or modification of previously established funding priorities as well as developing criteria for awarding grants. The content of this NOFO reflects implementation of the Criteria Development Panel’s recommendations with respect to the priorities, direction, and criteria for awards.

Prior to making a federal award, the federal awarding agency is required by (31 U.S.C.

§ 3321) and (41 U.S.C. § 2313) to review information available through any 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 awards; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Simplified Acquisition Threshold (currently $150,000)

i. 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).

ii. 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.

iii. 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.

Review and Selection Process

All applications submitted under this NOFO are scored competitively by (no less than three) members of the Peer Panel Review process. Applications will also be evaluated through a series of internal FEMA review processes for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, technical feasibility, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed project(s). Below is the process by which applications will be reviewed:

Criteria All complete and eligible applications are evaluated relative to FP&S Grant Program funding priorities (see information on the funding priorities in the full NOFO, Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description, B. Program Priorities and Appendix B, Section IV Program Priorities).

i. Peer Review Panel Process – Fire Prevention and Safety Activity Projects All FP&S activity applications will be evaluated by a Peer review process. A panel of peer reviewers is comprised of a fire service representatives recommended by the CDP.

These peer reviewers will assess each application’s merits with respect to the detail provided in the Narrative Statement on the activity, including the evaluation elements listed in the Narrative Evaluation Criteria below.

The panel will independently score each project within the application, discuss the merits or shortcomings of the application, and document the findings. A consensus is not required.

ii. Peer Review Panel Process – Research and Development Activity Projects The peer review process is comprised of a Fire Service Panel Review and a Science Panel Review. All eligible applications will first be reviewed and scored by a panel of fire service experts to assess the need for the research results and the likelihood that the results would be implemented by the fire service in the United States. The applications that are determined most likely to be implemented to enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or wellness will be deemed to be in the “competitive range” and will be forwarded to the second level of application review, which is the scientific panel review process. This panel will be comprised of scientists and technology experts who have expertise pertaining to the subject matter of the proposal.

Scientific reviewers will independently score applications in the competitive range and, if necessary, discuss the merits or shortcomings of the application in order to reconcile any major discrepancies identified by fellow reviewers. A consensus is not required.

iii. Technical Evaluation Process (TEP) The highest ranked applications from both Activities will be deemed in the fundable range. Applications that are in the fundable range will undergo a Technical Review by the FEMA Program Office prior to being recommended for award. The FEMA Program Office will assess the request with respect to costs, quantities, feasibility, eligibility, and recipient responsibility prior to recommending any application for award.

Once the review process is complete, each application’s cumulative score will be determined and a final ranking of applications will be created. FEMA will award grants based on this final ranking.

Narrative Evaluation Criteria The Narrative Statement of the application must provide specific details about the activity for which applicants are seeking funding, including budget details. The relative weight of the evaluation criteria used by the peer reviewers in the determination of the grant award, makes up the Narrative.

Applicants should save their work often as the electronic application includes a time-out feature. If no-save activity is detected for a period of time, the application will time-out and all information that is not saved could be lost. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants type the Narrative Statement information offline using a word processing program to avoid losing any information.

Once the Narrative Statement is complete, applicants can then cut-and-paste the text into the appropriate sections within the Narrative Statement section of the online application.

Please note the Narrative Statement blocks do not allow for formatting. Do not type the narrative using only capital letters. Additionally, do not include tables, special fonts (e.g., quotation marks, bullets), or graphs.

Space for the Narrative Statement is limited. Each element must have a minimum of 200 characters and each element will have a character limit; the limit varies based on the questions being asked. Once the Narrative Statement is saved to the online application, log-out and then log back in to the application to verify that the information was successfully saved.

Peer Review Panelists will evaluate and score each activity based on the following narrative elements within each activity:

i. Evaluation Criteria for Projects - Fire Prevention and Safety Activity

• Financial Need (10%): Applicants should provide details in the Applicant

Information section of the application on the need for financial assistance to carry out the proposed project(s). Included in the description might be other unsuccessful attempts to acquire financial assistance. Applicants should: provide detail about the applicant’s operating budget, including a high-level breakdown of the budget;

describe the applicant’s inability to address financial needs without federal assistance;

and, discuss other actions the applicant has taken to meet their staffing needs (e.g., state assistance programs or other grant programs).

• Vulnerability Statement (25%): The assessment of fire risk is essential in the development of an effective project goal, as well as meeting FEMA’s goal to reduce risk by conducting a risk assessment as a basis for action. Vulnerability is a “weak link,” demonstrating high risk behavior, living conditions, or any type of high risk situation or behavior. The Vulnerability Statement should include a description of the steps taken to determine the vulnerability (weak link) and identify the target audience.

The methodology for determination of vulnerability (i.e., how the weak link was found) should be discussed in-depth in the application’s Narrative Statement.

o The specific vulnerability (weak link) that will be addressed with the proposed project can be established through a formal or informal risk assessment. FEMA encourages the use of local statistics, rather than national statistics, when discussing the vulnerability.

o In a clear, to-the-point statement, the applicant should summarize the vulnerability (weakness) the project will address, including who is at risk, what the risks are, where the risks are, and how the risks can be prevented.

o For the purpose of the FY 2016 FP&S NOFO, formal risk assessments consist of the use of software programs or recognized expert analysis that assess risk trends.

o Informal risk assessments could include an in-house review of available data (e.g., National Fire Incident Reporting System [NFIRS]) to determine fire loss, burn injuries or loss of life over a period of time, and the factors that are the cause and origin for each occurrence.

• Implementation Plan (25%): Each project should provide details on the implementation plan which discusses the proposed project’s goals and objectives.

The following information should be included to support the implementation plan:

o Goals and objectives o Details regarding the methods and specific steps that will be used to achieve the goals and objectives o Timelines outlining the chronological project steps o Where applicable, examples of marketing efforts to promote the project, who will deliver the project (e.g., effective partnerships), and the manner in which materials or deliverables will be distributed o Requests for props (i.e., tools used in educational or awareness demonstrations), including specific goals, measurable results, and details on the frequency for which the prop will be utilized as part of the implementation plan. Applicants should include information describing the efforts that will be used to reach the high risk audience and/or the number of people reached through the proposed project (examples of props include safety trailers, puppets, robots, or portable safety houses)

NOTE: For applicants proposing a complex project that may require a 24 month Period of Performance, please include significant justification and details in the implementation plan that justify the applicant’s need for a Period of Performance of more than 12 months.

• Evaluation Plan (25%): Projects should include an evaluation of effectiveness and identify measurable goals. Applicants seeking to carry out awareness and educational projects, for example, should identify how they intend to determine that there has been an increase in knowledge about fire hazards, or measure a change in the safety behaviors of the audience. Applicants should demonstrate how they will measure risk at the outset of the project in comparison to how much the risk decreased after the project is finished. There are various ways to measure the knowledge gained about fire hazards, including the use of surveys, pre- and post-tests, or documented observations.

• Cost-Benefit (10%): Projects will be evaluated and scored by the Peer Review

Panelists based on how well the applicant addresses the fire prevention needs of the department or organization in an economic and efficient manner. The applicant should show how it will maximize the level of funding that goes directly into the delivery of the project. The costs associated with the project must also be reasonable for the target audience that will be reached and a description of how the anticipated benefit(s) (quantified if possible) of their projects outweighs the cost(s) of the requested item(s) should be included. The application should provide justification for all costs included in the project in order to assist the TEP with their review.

• Funding Priorities (5%): Applicants will be evaluated and scored by the Peer

Review Panelists on whether the proposed project meets the stated funding priority (listed below) for the applicable category.

o Community Risk Reduction: Comprehensive home fire safety campaign with door-to-door smoke alarm installations and/or sprinkler awareness.

o Fire/Arson Investigation Priority: Projects that aim to aggressively investigate every fire.

o Code Enforcement/Awareness Priority: Projects that focus on first time or reinstatement of code adoption and code enforcement.

o National/State/Regional Programs and Studies Priority: Projects that focus on residential fire issues and/or firefighter safety and wellness by dissemination and implementation of programs, policies, or products from previous studies that used rigorous scientific methods to determine effectiveness. Firefighter safety and wellness projects should aim to measurably change firefighter behavior and decision-making. Research to determine effectiveness of programs, polices, or products should be applied for under the Research and Development Activity. Fire departments that wish to carry out internal, local, firefighter safety and wellness projects should apply for this activity under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

o Meeting the needs of people with disabilities (additional consideration): Applicants in the Community Risk Reduction category will receive additional consideration if, as part of their comprehensive smoke alarm installation and education program, they address the needs of people with disabilities (e.g., deaf/hard-of-hearing) in their community.

o Experience and Expertise (additional consideration): Applicants who demonstrate their experience and ability to conduct fire prevention and safety activities, and to execute the proposed or similar project(s), will receive additional consideration.

NOTE: Applicants in the National/State/Regional Programs and Studies project category will be required to list in the Narrative Section any proposed or in place partnerships that would support the project.

ii. Evaluation Criteria for Projects - Research and Development Activity Funding decisions will be informed by an assessment of how well the application addresses the criteria and considerations listed below. All applications will be reviewed by a fire service expert panel using weighted evaluation criteria, and those applications deemed to be in the “competitive range” will then be reviewed by a scientific peer review panel using weighted evaluation criteria to score the project. Scientific evaluations will impact the ranking of a project for funding.

Fire Service Evaluation Criteria:

• Purpose (25%): Applicants should clearly identify the benefits of the proposed research project to improve firefighter safety, health, or wellness, and identify specific gaps in knowledge that will be addressed.

• Implementation by Fire Service (25%): Applicants should discuss how the outcomes/products of this research, if successful, are likely to be widely/nationally adopted and accepted by the fire service as changes that enhance firefighter safety, health, or wellness.

• Potential Impact (15%): Applicants should discuss the potential impact of the research outcome/product on firefighter safety by quantifying the possible reduction in the number of fatal or non-fatal injuries or on the projected wellness by significantly improving the overall health of firefighters.

• Barriers (15%): Applicants should recognize that all research contains some level of risk and that the proposed outcomes may not be realized. The applicant needs to identify and discuss potential fire service and other barriers to successfully complete the study on schedule, including contingencies and strategies to deal with barriers if they materialize. This may include barriers that could inhibit the proposed fire service participation in the study or the adoption of successful results by the fire service when the project is completed.

• Partners (20%): Applicants should recognize that participation of the fire service as a partner in the research from development to dissemination is regarded as an essential part of all projects. Describe the fire service partners and contractors that will support the project to accomplish the objectives of the study. The specific roles and contributions of the partners to the project should be described. Partnerships may be formed with local and regional fire departments and also with national fire-related organizations. Letters of support and letters of commitment to actively participate in the project should be included in the Appendix of the application. Generally, participants of a diverse population, including both career and volunteer firefighters, are expected to facilitate acceptance of results nationally. In cases where this is not practical, due to the nature of the study or other limitations, these circumstances should clearly be explained.

Science Panel Evaluation Criteria

• Project goals, objectives, and specific aims (15%): Applicants should address how the purpose, goals, objectives, and aims of the proposal will lead to results that will improve firefighter safety, health, or wellness. For multi-year projects, greater detail should be given for the first year. Also, describe the specific goals and objectives for the second and third year.

• Literature Review (10%): Applicants should provide a literature review that is relevant to the project’s goals, objectives, and specific aims. The citations are placed in the narrative text and references listed at the end of the Narrative Statement (and not in the Appendix) of the application.