FY22 EFSP NOFO_$130M Regular_OCC_CSS_GPD_OPPA_EA_OCC-20220415_FINAL.pdf

FY 2022 EFSP NOFO ($130 Million) Back to the Top

Department of Homeland Security Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2022 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program ($130 Million – Regular Program)

Effective April 4, 2022, the Federal Government transitioned from using the Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS number, to a new, non-proprietary identifier known as a Unique Entity Identifier or UEI. For entities that have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to the April 4 date, the UEI has automatically been assigned and no action is necessary. For all entities filing a new registration in SAM.gov on or after April 4, 2022, the UEI will be assigned to that Entity as part of the SAM.gov registration process.

Unique Entity Identifier registration information is available on GSA.gov at: Unique Entity Identifier Update | GSA.

Grants.gov registration information can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding UEI and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO.

Table of Contents A. Program Description

1. Issued By

2. Assistance Listings Number

3. Assistance Listings Title

4. Funding Opportunity Title

5. Funding Opportunity Number

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

8. Announcement Type

9. Program Category

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

11. Performance Measures

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $130,000,000.00

2. Projected Number of Awards: 1

3. Maximum Award Amount: $130,000,000.00

4. Period of Performance: 24 months

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2021

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 09/30/2023

7. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

3. Other Eligibility Criteria

4. Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

5. Cost Share or Match

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

3. Address to Request Application Package

4. Steps Required to Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, Register in the System for Award

Management (SAM), and Submit an Application

5. Electronic Delivery

6. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

7. How to Submit an Initial Application to FEMA via Grants.gov

8. Submitting the Final Application in ND Grants

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

11. Other Submission Requirements

12. Intergovernmental Review

13. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

2. Pass-Through Requirements

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

4. Reporting

5. Monitoring and Oversight

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

1. Contact and Resource Information

2. Systems Information

H. Additional Information

1. Termination Provisions

2. Program Evaluation

3. Period of Performance Extensions

4. Disability Integration

5. Conflicts of Interest in the Administration of Federal Awards or Subawards

6. Procurement Integrity

7. Record Retention

8. Actions to Address Noncompliance

9. Audits

10. Payment Information

11. Whole Community Preparedness

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Recovery Directorate/Individual Assistance Division

2. Assistance Listings Number

97.024

3. Assistance Listings Title Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program

4. Funding Opportunity Title Fiscal Year 2022, Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program ($130 Million – Regular Program)

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-22-DAD-024-00-02

6. Authorizing Authority for Program Section 311 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (Pub. L. No. 100-77, as amended) (42 U.S.C. § 11341).

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2022, Title III, Federal Assistance (10), (Pub. L. No. 117-103)

8. Announcement Type

Initial

9. Program Category Recovery: Assistance for Individuals

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Overview

Congress established the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both public and nonprofit, to help people in need of emergency assistance. The program serves more than 2,500 local jurisdictions that convene Local Boards, helping to fund approximately 10,000 to 12,000 public and nonprofit Local Recipient Organizations (LRO).

The EFSP was established on March 24, 1983, with the signing of the “Job Stimulus Bill,” Pub. L. No. 98-8. Congress was reacting to demands from charitable organizations across the country to help supplement the local food and shelter providers dealing with increasing demand for their services. Later, it was authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (Pub. L. No. 100-77, signed into law on July 22, 1987; subsequently reauthorized under Pub. L. No. 100-628, signed into law on November 7, 1988). Pub. L. No.

106-400, enacted October 30, 2000, renamed the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act as the “McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.”

By statute, the EFSP is governed by a National Board that sets the program’s policies and procedures and determines the funding allocations to local communities across the country as well as the eligible uses of the funds. FEMA chairs the National Board, with membership that includes individuals nominated by six national nonprofit organizations named in the statute: American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide. The program is administered at the community level by Local Boards whose membership mirrors the National Board, with a representative of local government replacing the National Board’s FEMA member. Local Boards also contain a homeless or formerly homeless representative and a Native American representative if the jurisdiction is located within or encompasses a Federally-recognized Native American reservation—or if a Native American population is in the jurisdiction—as well as other agencies active in assisting homeless and hungry persons in the community. Local Boards determine which LROs within their jurisdictions are to be awarded funds and the National Board disburses the funds directly to the LROs.

The EFSP makes available federal funds, through the program’s National Board, to assist people experiencing a severe economic crisis (not disaster-related [i.e., fires of any kind, floods, tornadoes, etc.] emergencies). Therefore, EFSP funds are not to be used to provide emergency assistance for circumstances that are the immediate result of a disaster situation.

EFSP funds may be used to provide economic assistance in the long term, even if the current circumstances may have been impacted by an earlier disaster occurrence. The EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people. EFSP funds must be used to supplement feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts, and supportive services.

b. Objectives

The funds made available under this NOFO will supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both public and nonprofit, to help people in need of emergency food and shelter assistance under EFSP’s authorizing statute for the program, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 11331-11352.

The EFSP supports the response and recovery mission areas of the National Preparedness Goal (NPG) by complementing actions undertaken to achieve an “all-of-Nation preparedness approach that optimizes the use of available resources.” When a disaster strikes, it is often those with economic vulnerabilities who suffer the most. The EFSP supports a population that would otherwise be more adversely impacted by a disaster situation and mitigates the potential burdens imposed on response and recovery efforts to assist those who are homeless or that otherwise have severe economic needs.

The EFSP supports Goal 5: Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience, Objective 5.1: Build a National Culture of Preparedness, of The DHS Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2020-2024, by assisting people with emergency economic needs to stabilize and become self-reliant so they are better prepared should a natural disaster occur. The EFSP fosters public and private local social service organization partnerships to identify populations within communities for assistance prior to a disaster—such as the elderly, the physically disabled, and those in areas plagued with the highest financial insecurities—who may have the greatest challenges immediately after a disaster and when disaster assistance resources are exhausted.

c. Priorities

Federal appropriations are awarded annually in full to the National Board and the law specifies that funds may be used (in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 11343(a):

1. to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food, and supportive services for homeless individuals with sensitivity to the transition from temporary shelter to permanent homes, and attention to the special needs of homeless individuals with mental and physical disabilities and illnesses, and to facilitate access for homeless individuals to other sources of services and benefits;

2. to strengthen efforts to create more effective and innovative local programs by providing funding for them; and

3. to conduct minimum rehabilitation of existing mass shelter or mass feeding facilities, but only to the extent necessary to make facilities safe, sanitary, and bring them into compliance with local building codes.

In accordance with congressional findings and purpose of the EFSP (see 42 U.S.C. § 11301, Findings and Purpose), the National Board encourages Local Boards, the decision-making local bodies, “to provide funds for programs to assist the homeless, with special emphasis on elderly persons, handicapped persons, families with children, Native Americans, and veterans.”

The National Board has determined that the eligible services that LROs may provide to clients using EFSP funds are:

• Food, in the form of served meals or groceries.

• Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel.

• One month’s rental or mortgage assistance to prevent evictions.

• One month’s utility payment to prevent service cut-offs.

• Transportation costs associated with the provision of food or shelter.

• Minimal repairs to mass feeding or sheltering facilities to address building code violations and occupant safety, or for providing access to those with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

• Supplies and equipment necessary to feed or shelter people.

In addition to the above services, the National Board shall also make allowable, with this FY 2022 EFSP funding, COVID-19 testing and associated medical care during quarantine and isolation. This will provide consistent, eligible use of EFSP FY 2022 funding with the EFSP FY 2021 supplemental funding made available under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

While many COVID-19 restrictions recently have been lifted, impacts of COVID-19 or its variants are still considerations to communities. Therefore, it is important that 2022 EFSP grant funding be flexible for use in providing COVID-19 testing and associated medical care for quarantine and isolation, where needed. It should be noted that the use of EFSP fiscal year appropriations for addressing impacts of the COVID-19 virus may not be applicable in subsequent fiscal years.

Besides the services heretofore listed, the National Board may determine that there are other eligible service(s) that LROs may provide to their clients under this funding opportunity in keeping with the mission of the EFSP.

National Board Responsibilities – The EFSP National Board is a restricted federal grant. All federal grants have terms and conditions that apply to all parties participating in the grant.

For the EFSP, all parties mean the National Board which is considered the Grantee or Recipient, and State Set-Aside Committees (SSAs), Local Boards, and Local Recipient Organizations (LROs), which are considered the Sub-Recipients. The National Board’s operating principles are:

• Efficiency—fiscal administration, reporting and procedural guidance to Local Boards and LROs

• Accountability—good steward of taxpayers’ dollars through reasonable oversight and transparency

• Responsiveness—prioritize the allocation of supplemental funds to the neediest areas in the nation

• Partnership—promote and strengthen collaboration between non- profit organizations and public sector

• Facilitating—maximizing appropriate local decision-making through clear guidance and training

The National Board will:

1. Select jurisdictions of highest need for food and shelter assistance and determine the amount to be distributed to each. The National Board’s formula is based upon average unemployment statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most current 12-month period available and poverty statistics from the U. S. Census Bureau. The poverty level is based on data collected in the American Community Survey (5-year estimates). Poverty and unemployment were selected as the best indicators of need available nationwide at the city or county level. The National Board adopted these combined criteria (i.e., unemployment and poverty) to target funds more effectively for high-need areas and to allocate these funds rapidly and fairly. Notwithstanding the current formula, the National Board may use at its discretion additional or replacement data that would better target EFSP funding to areas of highest need.

2. Develop operational guidance and establish criteria for expenditure of funds and distributing funds.

3. In jurisdictions that received previous awards, notify the jurisdiction that new funds are available. In areas potentially new to EFSP funding, notify the local United Way or other National Board organization and request that a Local Board be formed. The National Board will notify jurisdictions and local service agencies of the availability of funds. The National Board will determine whether reimbursements or advanced funding, or both, will be allowable for this grant.

4. Provide copies of award notification materials to National Board member affiliates and other interested parties.

5. Secure certification forms from local recipient agencies. Ensure Local Boards and

Local Recipient Organizations (LRO) comply with established guidelines.

6. Distribute funds to selected LRO.

7. Review and grant requests for program variances submitted by Local Boards.

8. Establish an equitable system to accomplish the reallocation of unclaimed or unused funds including hearing special requests from SSAs and Local Boards.

9. Ensure that funds are properly accounted for and that unused funds, and funds that must be returned due to compliance issues, are collected.

10. Provide consultation and technical assistance regarding the program.

11. Compile reports from data received from the Local Boards and submit a detailed accounting of use for all program monies in the form of a report to FEMA.

12. Conduct compliance reviews of food and shelter expenditures made under this program for specified LROs. The National Board, DHS FEMA, the National Board’s public accounting firm, and the DHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) may also conduct an audit/review of these funds. The National Board is also responsible for monitoring LRO compliance with Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133.

Site reviews are performed for specific LRO participating in the program as part of monitoring.

FEMA Responsibilities –

FEMA will:

1. Constitute a National Board consisting of individuals affiliated with American Red

Cross; Catholic Charities USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; The Salvation Army; United Way Worldwide; and

FEMA.

2. Chair the National Board, using parliamentary procedures and consensus by the National

Board as the mode of operation.

3. Provide policy guidance, monitoring and oversight, Federal coordination, and staff assistance to the National Board.

4. Award the EFSP grant in full to the National Board.

5. Assist the Secretariat and Fiscal Agent in implementing the National Board Program.

6. Report to Congress on the year’s program activities through the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Annual Report.

7. Through the DHS OIG, and FEMA Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), monitor the National Board's annual audit of the program.

8. Monitor the overall administration and management of the grant expenditures.

9. Obtain reports from the Secretariat and Fiscal Agent, which provide detailed accounting of all program monies.

11. Performance Measures The National Board is charged by Congress to provide food, shelter, and other services to families and individuals in need through private non-profit organizations and local governments. The National Board shall require funded organizations to report the assistance provided according to the following allowable categories:

• Number of meals provided to those struggling with hunger and/or food insecurity.

• Number of nights of lodging provided to the unsheltered.

• Number of rent/mortgage payments made to avoid eviction.

• Number of utility payments made to those facing disconnection or those with very low or no service.

• Number of COVID-19 tests administered.

• Number(s) and kind(s) of medical care provided.

• Number(s) of other eligible service(s) under the EFSP, as determined by the National

Board.

All expenditures must be for eligible purposes, delivered in adherence to program requirements, and thoroughly documented and reported.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $130,000,000.00

2. Projected Number of Awards: 1

3. Maximum Award Amount: $130,000,000.00

4. Period of Performance: 24 months

Extensions to the period of performance are allowed. For additional information on period of performance extensions, please refer to Section H of this NOFO.

FEMA awards under most programs, including this program, only one budget period, so it will be same as the period of performance. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.1 for definitions of “budget period” and “period of performance.”

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2021

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 09/30/2023

7. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

The National Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is the only eligible applicant.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (Pub. L. No. 100-77, as amended) (42 U.S.C. § 11341), provides that EFSP funds shall only be awarded to the National Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Not applicable.

4. Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

Maintenance of Effort is not a requirement.

5. Cost Share or Match

A cost share or match is not required.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 04/15/2022

b. Application Submission Deadline: 04/18/2022 at 05:00:00 PM

All applications must be received by the established deadline.

The Non-Disaster (ND) Grants System has a date stamp that indicates when an application is submitted. Applicants will receive an electronic message confirming receipt of their submission. For additional information on how an applicant will be notified of application receipt, see the subsection titled “Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission” in Section D of this NOFO.

FEMA will not review applications that are received after the deadline or consider these late applications for funding. 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, other exigent or emergency circumstances, or statutory requirements for FEMA to make an award.

Applicants experiencing technical problems outside of their control must notify FEMA as soon as possible and before the application deadline. Failure to timely notify FEMA of the issue that prevented the timely filing of the application may preclude consideration of the award. “Timely notification” of FEMA means: prior to the application deadline and within 48 hours after the applicant became aware of the issue.

A list of FEMA contacts can be found in Section G of this NOFO, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information.” For additional assistance using the ND Grants System, please contact the ND Grants Service Desk at (800) 865-4076 or NDGrants@fema.dhs.gov. The ND Grants Service Desk is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).

For programmatic or grants management questions, please contact your Program Analyst or Grants Specialist. If applicants do not know who to contact or if there are programmatic questions or concerns, please contact the Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by e-mail at askcsid@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

For additional information on how an applicant will be notified of application receipt, see the subsection titled “Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission” in Section D of this NOFO.

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than 04/19/2022

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than 04/19/2022

e. Other Key Dates

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion

Obtaining Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number Four weeks before actual submission deadline

Obtaining a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) Four weeks before actual submission deadline

Creating an account with login.gov Four weeks before actual submission deadline

Registering in SAM or Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline Registering in Grants.gov Four weeks before actual submission deadline Registering in ND Grants System Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in Grants.gov One week before actual submission deadline Submitting the final application in ND Grants By the submission deadline

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

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

mailto:NDGrants@fema.dhs.gov mailto:askcsid@fema.dhs.gov

3. Address to Request Application Package Initial applications are processed through the Grants.gov portal. Final applications are completed and submitted through FEMA’s Non-Disaster Grants (ND Grants) System.

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov.

Hard copies of the NOFO can be downloaded at Grants.gov or obtained via email from the Awarding Office points of contact listed in Section G of this NOFO, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information” or by TTY (800) 462-7585.

4. Steps Required to Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, Register in the System for Award

Management (SAM), and Submit an Application Applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Applicants are encouraged to register early as the registration process can take four weeks or more to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines.

Please review the table above for estimated deadlines to complete each of the steps listed.

Failure of an applicant to comply with any of the required steps before the deadline for submitting an application may disqualify that application from funding.

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

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number from SAM.gov and Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service;

b. In the application, provide an UEI number;

c. Have an account with login.gov;

d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;

e. Create a Grants.gov account;

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

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

h. Register in ND Grants

i. Submit an initial application in Grants.gov;

j. Submit the final application in ND Grants, including electronically signing applicable forms; and

k. Continue to maintain 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 a federal awarding agency. As part of this, applicants must also provide information on an applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

Specific instructions on how to apply for, update, or verify an UEI number or SAM registration or establish an AOR are included below in the steps for applying through Grants.gov.

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

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

Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.110(c)(2)(iii), if an applicant is experiencing exigent circumstances that prevents it from obtaining an UEI number and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA as soon as possible by contacting askcsid@fema.dhs.gov and providing the details of the circumstances that prevent completion of these requirements. If FEMA determines that there are exigent circumstances and FEMA has decided to make an award, the applicant will be required to obtain an UEI number, if applicable, and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the federal award date.

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

For this funding opportunity, FEMA requires applicants to submit initial applications through Grants.gov and a final application through ND Grants.

6. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. General Instructions:

Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for FEMA 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. To ensure an application meets the deadline, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission.

Organizations must have an UEI number, an EIN, an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration and Grants.gov account to apply for grants.

Organizations must also have a Grants.gov account to apply for an award under this program.

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

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

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to:

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

b. Obtain an UEI Number:

All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, prior to April 4, 2022, must have a UEI number. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the applicable data entry field on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to: Sam.gov.

c. Obtain Employer Identification Number All entities applying for funding must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

The EIN can be obtained from the IRS by visiting: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online.

d. Create a login.gov account:

Applicants must have a login.gov account in order to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account here:

https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd3.

Applicants only have to create a login.gov account once. For applicants that are existing SAM users, use the same email address for the login.gov account as with SAM.gov so that the two accounts can be linked.

For more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration, refer to:

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf.

e. Register with SAM:

All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with 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.

Note: As a new requirement per 2 C.F.R. § 25.200, applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd3 https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd3 https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf 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

I. ADDITIONAL SAM REMINDERS

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 should be renewed annually to avoid being “INACTIVE.” Please allow plenty of time before the grant application submission deadline to obtain an UEI number and then to register in SAM. It may be four weeks or more after an applicant submits the SAM registration before the registration is active in SAM, and then it may be an additional 24 hours before FEMA’s system recognizes the information.

It is imperative that the information applicants provide is correct and current. Please ensure that your organization’s name, address, and EIN are up to date in SAM and that the UEI number used in SAM is the same one used to apply for all other FEMA awards. Payment under any FEMA award is contingent on the recipient’s having a current SAM registration.

II. HELP WITH SAM

The 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.

f. Create a Grants.gov Account:

The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. If applicable, applicants must know their organization’s UEI 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.

See also Section D.8 in this NOFO, “Submitting the Final Application in ND Grants,” for instructions on how to register early in ND Grants.

g. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account:

A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, if applicable, enter the UEI number for the organization in the UEI field while adding a profile.

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

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

h. 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 https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html 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.

i. Track Role Status:

To track your role request, refer to:

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

j. 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.

7. How to Submit an Initial Application to FEMA via Grants.gov Standard Form 424 (SF-424) is the initial application for this NOFO.

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using a workspace. A 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 Notice of Funding Opportunity, you can create individual instances of a workspace. Applicants are encouraged to submit their initial applications in Grants.gov at least seven days before the application deadline.

In Grants.gov, applicants need to submit the following forms:

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

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

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

a. Create a Workspace:

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

b. Complete a Workspace:

Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission.

c. 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms:

In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color.

These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First:

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

f. Submit a Workspace:

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

g. Track a Workspace:

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.

h. Additional Training and Applicant Support:

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

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

Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 (except federal holidays) support via the toll-free number (800) 518-4726, email at support@grants.gov and the website at https://www.grants.gov/support.html. 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 and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist FEMA with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

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

8. Submitting the Final Application in ND Grants After submitting the initial application in Grants.gov, eligible applicants will be notified by 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 or, at the latest, seven days before the application deadline. Early registration will allow applicants to have adequate time to start and complete their applications.

Applicants needing assistance registering for the ND Grants system should contact ndgrants@fema.dhs.gov or (800) 865-4076. For step-by-step directions on using the ND Grants system and other guides, please see https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/non-disaster-grants-management-system.

In ND Grants, applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information and any program-specific information required as described in Section D.10 of this NOFO, “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The Standard Forms (SF) are auto generated in ND Grants, but applicants may access these forms in advance through the Forms tab under the SF-424 family on Grants.gov. Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they have all the information required.

For additional application submission requirements, including program-specific requirements, please refer to the subsection titled “Content and Form of Application Submission” under Section D of this NOFO.

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission As application submission is a two-step process, the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application in Grants.gov will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of its initial application. This notification does not serve as proof of timely submission, as the application is not complete until it is submitted in ND Grants. Applicants can also view the ND Grants Agency Tracking Number by accessing the Details tab in the submitted workspace section in Grants.gov, under the Agency Tracking Number column. Should the Agency Tracking Number not appear, the application has not yet migrated from Grants.gov into the ND Grants System. Please allow 24 hours for your ND Grants application tracking number to migrate.

All applications must be received in ND Grants by 5:00 PM ET on the application deadline.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by ND Grants. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by ND Grants. Additionally, the applicant(s) listed as contacts on the application will receive a system-generated email to confirm receipt.

Applicants who experience system-related issues will be addressed until 3:00 PM ET on the date applications are due. No new system-related issues will be addressed after this deadline. Applications not received by the application submission deadline will not be accepted.

mailto:ndgrants@fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/non-disaster-grants-management-system https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/non-disaster-grants-management-system https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Standard Required Application Forms and Information

The following forms or information are required to be submitted in either Grants.gov or ND Grants. The Standard Forms (SF) are submitted either through Grants.gov, through forms generated in ND Grants, or as an attachment in ND Grants. Applicants may also access the SFs at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

I. GRANTS.GOV

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, initial application submitted through

Grants.gov

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying, submitted through

Grants.gov

II. ND GRANTS

• SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants o For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants, in addition to or instead of SF-424A

• SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants o For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances (Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants, in addition to or instead of SF-424B

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants

• Indirect Cost Agreement or Proposal, submitted as an attachment in ND Grants if the budget includes indirect costs and the applicant is required to have an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal. If the applicant does not have or is not required to have an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal, please see Section D.13 of this NOFO, “Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs,” for further information regarding allowability of indirect costs and whether alternatives to an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal might be available, or contact the relevant FEMA staff identified in Section G of this NOFO, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information” for further instructions.

Generally, applicants have to submit either the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B) or construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D), meaning that applicants that only have construction work and do not have any non-construction work need only submit the construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D) and not the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B), and vice versa. However, applicants who have both construction and non-construction work under this program need to submit both the construction and non-construction forms.

b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

11. Other Submission Requirements

12. 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/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf).

13. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs All costs charged to awards covered by this NOFO must comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, unless otherwise indicated in the NOFO, or the terms and conditions of the award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered, within the period of performance of the award. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h) (referring to budget periods, which for FEMA awards under this program is the same as the period of performance).

In general, the Cost Principles establish standards for the allowability of costs, provide detailed guidance on the cost accounting treatment of costs as direct or administrative costs, and set forth allowability principles for selected items of cost. More specifically, except as otherwise stated in this NOFO, the terms and condition of an award, or other program materials, costs charged to awards covered by this NOFO must be consistent with the Cost Principles for Federal Awards located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E. In order to be allowable, all costs charged to a FEMA award or applied to the cost share must be reasonable in nature and amount and allocable to the particular FEMA award.

Additionally, all costs charged to awards must comply with the grant program’s applicable statutes, policies, requirements in this NOFO as well as with the terms and conditions of the award. If FEMA staff identify costs that are inconsistent with any of these requirements, these costs may be disallowed, and FEMA may recover funds as appropriate, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

As part of those requirements, grant recipients and subrecipients may only use federal funds or funds applied to a cost share for the purposes set forth in this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, and those costs must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award.

Grant funds may not be used for matching funds for 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.

a. Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf

Recipients and subrecipients of FEMA federal financial assistance are subject to the prohibitions described in section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 2019 NDAA), Pub. L. No. 115-232 (2018) and 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200.