FY23 FEMA NEHRP Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance.pdf

Fiscal Year 2023 MSNEA NOFO Back to the Top

The Department of Homeland Security Notice of Funding Opportunity

Fiscal Year 2023 Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance

All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). The UEI number is issued by the system. Requesting a UEI using Sam.gov can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

Grants.gov registration information can be found at:

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

Planned UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms:

On April 4, 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier requested in, and assigned by, the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This new identifier is the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html

Table of Contents Planned UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms:

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

a. Overview

b. Objectives

11. Performance Measures B. Federal Award Information C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

3. Cost Share or Match

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: May 8, 2023

b. Application Submission Deadline: June 7, 2023, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than July 10, 2023 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than July 24, 2023

e. Other Key Dates

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

3. Address to Request Application Package

4. Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and Register in the System for Award

Management

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

Management, and Submit an Application

6. Electronic Delivery

7. How to Register to Apply

a. General Instructions:

b. Obtain an Unique Entity Identifier Number:

c. Obtain Employer Identification Number

d. Create a login.gov account:

e. Register with SAM:

f. Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR:

g. Track Role Status:

h. Electronic Signature:

8. Submitting the Final Application in FEMA GO

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Standard Required Application Forms and Information

b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information

11. Intergovernmental Review

12. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs

a. Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services

b. Pre-Award Costs

c. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

d. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs

e. Other Direct Costs The following conditions/restrictions apply to Direct Costs:

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria

b. Financial Integrity Criteria

c. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

2. Review and Selection Process F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

2. Pass-Through Requirements

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

b. Ensuring the Protection of Civil Rights

c. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance

4. Reporting

a. Financial Reporting Requirements

b. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements

c. Closeout Reporting Requirements

d. Additional Reporting Requirements

5. Monitoring and Oversight G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

1. Contact and Resource Information

a. Program Office Contact

b. Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID)

c. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration Division

d. Equal Rights

e. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation

2. Systems Information

a. FEMA GO

H. Additional Information

1. Termination Provisions

a. Noncompliance

b. With the Consent of the Recipient

c. Notification by the Recipient

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

a. Important Changes to Procurement Standards in 2 C.F.R. Part 200

b. Competition and Conflicts of Interest

c. Supply Schedules and Purchasing Programs

d. Procurement Documentation

7. Record Retention

a. Record Retention Period

b. Types of Records to Retain

8. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

9. Actions to Address Noncompliance

10. Audits

11. Payment Information

12. Whole Community Preparedness

15. Appendices

3. General Performance Measures for Allowable Activities

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Resilience

2. Assistance Listings Number

97.082

3. Assistance Listings Title

Earthquake State Assistance

4. Funding Opportunity Title Fiscal Year 2023 Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance (MSNEA)

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-23-MT-082-00-99

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

Sections 7704 (a)(2)(B), (b)(2)(a)(i) and (b)(2)(B) of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program Act of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-124 (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. § 7704 et seq.)

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law No. 117-328, Division F).

8. Announcement Type Initial

9. Program Category Mitigation

10. Program Overview, Objectives and Priorities

a. Overview

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program NEHRP seeks to mitigate earthquake losses in the United States through basic and directed research and implementation activities in the fields of earthquake science and engineering. NEHRP is a multi-agency collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), FEMA, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NEHRP program supports the mission area of the FY20-24 Department of Homeland Security Strategic Plan titled “Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience,” as well as the national preparedness goal of mitigation, as provided in the Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-8).

NEHRP also supports the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan, by contributing to the accomplishment of Strategic Goal 3: Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and Prepared Nation.

b. Objectives https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2020-title42/USCODE-2020-title42-chap86-sec7704 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2020-title42/USCODE-2020-title42-chap86-sec7704 https://www.nehrp.gov/ https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024 https://www.fema.gov/about/mission https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024 https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to provide grant funding to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education who possess the expertise and experience necessary to develop and deliver multi-state and national earthquake mitigation and preparedness products and services (See Appendix A.), on behalf of states and territories participating FEMA NEHRP State Assistance program (See Appendix D.). This notice funds multi-state and national activities and is not intended to assist any one particular state or territory.

c. Priorities All activities funded by the Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance grant program must be consistent with the vision, mission, goals and FEMA Program Responsibilities (See Appendix C.), and ultimately result in a measurable enhancement of National seismic safety and earthquake risk awareness.

Priorities include:

• Support for the Eastern and Western assistance regions (see Appendix D);

• Support for the National Earthquake Program Managers annual meeting;

• Support for Seismic Community Professional Development;

• Support for Business Sector Outreach (QuakeSmart); and

• Support for the annual earthquake preparedness drills (ShakeOut) for individual and communities

d. Accomplishments

Support of Seismic Mitigation Planning; Developing inventories and seismic safety inspections of critical structures and lifeline infrastructure; Updating building codes, zoning codes, and ordinances to enhance seismic safety; Activities that increase earthquake awareness and education; Participating in emergency management exercises that substantially benefit earthquake mitigation efforts; Promotion of earthquake insurance;

Monitoring the disaster-resistant provisions of the Nation’s model building codes; Support for the NETAP; Support for the development of multi-state groups to support the goals of

NEHRP.

11. Performance Measures

See Appendix B for detailed Performance Measures.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for this notice: $1,159,000.00

2. Projected Number of Awards: Four or five

3. Period of Performance: 18 months

Extensions to the period of performance are allowed. For additional information on period of performance extensions, please refer to Section H. 1. of this notice.

FEMA awards under most programs, including this program, only include one budget period, so it will be same as the period of performance. See Title 2 of the Federal Code of Regulations (Title 2 C.F.R.) Section 200.1 for definitions of “budget period” and “period of performance.”

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): Aug. 1, 2023

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): Jan. 31, 2025

7. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

a. Nonprofit organizations as defined by Title 2 C.F.R Section 200.1

b. Institutions of higher education as defined by Title 2 C.F.R. Section 200.1

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is restricted to those nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education, with a demonstrated capability and capacity to develop, promote and deliver national and/or multi-state seismic risk reduction activities referenced in Appendix A (Allowable Activities) and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff and leadership at the highest levels of state and federal governments.

3. Cost Share or Match Cost Share or Match is not required

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: May 8, 2023

b. Application Submission Deadline: June 7, 2023, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time

All applications must be received by the established deadline.

FEMA’s Grants Outcomes System (FEMA GO) automatically records proof of timely submission and the system generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives the application. The individual with the Authorized Organization Representative role that submitted the application will also receive the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely 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 notice.

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 the following: 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 notice, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information.” For technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.gov or (877) 611-4700, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). For programmatic or grants management questions, please contact your Program Analyst or Grants Management 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 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than July 10, 2023

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than July 24, 2023

e. Other Key Dates

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Initial registration in SAM.gov includes UEI issuance

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 FEMA GO Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in FEMA GO One week before actual submission deadline Submitting the final application in FEMA GO 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 notice and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3. Address to Request Application Package Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.

mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov mailto:askcsid@fema.dhs.gov https://go.fema.gov/

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

4. Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and Register in the System for Award

Management Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 CFR 25.110, must:

1) Be registered in Sam.Gov before application submission.

2) Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in its application.

3) Continue to always maintain an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration with current information during the Federal Award process.

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

Management, 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 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. Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the Authorized

Organizational Representative (AOR). The organization’s electronic business point of contact (EBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607.

f. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO.

g. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by 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 past three years, if applicable.

Applicants are advised that FEMA may not make a federal award until the applicant has https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.login.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607 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 Title 2 C.F.R. Section 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.

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

For this funding opportunity, FEMA requires applicants to submit applications through

FEMA GO.

7. How to Register to Apply

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.

b. Obtain an Unique Entity Identifier Number:

As of April 4, 2022, all entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have an 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 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. Organizations will be issued a UEI number with the completed SAM registration.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html.

Note: As a new requirement per Title 2 C.F.R. Section 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 past three years, if applicable.

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 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 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 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. Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR:

Applicants must register in FEMA GO and add their organization to the system. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (EBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607.

Note: FEMA GO will support only the most recent major release of the following browsers:

• Google Chrome;

• Internet Explorer;

• Mozilla Firefox;

• Apple Safari; and

• Microsoft Edge.

Users who attempt to use tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA GO.

g. Track Role Status:

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

h. 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.

8. Submitting the Final Application in FEMA GO

Applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information and any program-specific information required as described in Section D.10 of this notice, “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The Standard Forms (SF) may be accessed in 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.

https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html

After submitting the final application, FEMA GO will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the AOR that submitted the application. Applicants using slow internet connections, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before FEMA GO receives your application.

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 notice.

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of timely submission and the system generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives the application. The individual with the Authorized Organization Representative role that submitted the application will also receive the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission on the date and time that FEMA GO received the application.

Applicants who experience system-related issues will be addressed until 3 p.m. 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.

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Standard Required Application Forms and Information

The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard Forms (SF) are also available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

• SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction)

• SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction)

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

• Indirect Cost Agreement or Proposal 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 notice, “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 notice, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information” for further instructions.

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

The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in FEMA

GO:

• Work Plan Narrative. A summary (narrative) of an applicant’s Work Plan for the grant funding that identifies the proposed Allowable Activities, tasks, schedule, and deliverables, and the project management strategy. Appendix F provides the template.

• Master Schedule/Deliverable Table. A sample table that combines both 1 and 2 is found in Appendix G. This one document will combine a schedule of planned activities with milestones and expected dates for completion, along with their associated deliverables (i.e. people trained, publications distributed, conferences/workshops/drills held, policies made, website improvements, etc.).

• Grant Budget. The applicant must provide a detailed budget for the funds requested.

The budget must be submitted with the grant application as a file attachment within the FEMA GO system. The budget must be complete, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to the proposed project. It should also provide the basis of computation of all activity-related costs, any appropriate narrative, and a detailed justification of Management and Administrative (M&A) costs. To prepare the budget, the grantee must use Earned Value Management methodology to report the Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled (Projected Costs), and the Actual Cost of Work Performed. The budget shall be prepared with Work Breakdown Structure cost categories. Tasks and sub-tasks will be categorized in terms of discrete effort and shall correlate directly with the Work Plan master schedule and deliverables identified in the work plan delivery table. See Appendix I. SAMPLE Grant Budget.

• Outcomes Report/Logic Model. For those awards that may exceed $400,000, the

Applicant must include an initial Outcomes Report/Logic Model that includes all proposed activities. See Appendix L. SAMPLE Logic Model. Only the “Activities,” and “Inputs” need to be included in the initial Logic Model.

11. 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;

www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf .

12. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs All costs charged to awards covered by this notice must comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, unless otherwise indicated in the funding notice, 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.

Section 200.403(h) (referring to budget periods, which for FEMA awards is the same as the period of performance).

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html http://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf%20.

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 notice, the terms and condition of an award, or other program materials, costs charged to awards covered by this notice 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 notice 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 notice 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 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.

Sections 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200. Beginning Aug.

13, 2020, the statute – as it applies to FEMA recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors and subcontractors – prohibits obligating or expending federal award funds on certain telecommunications and video surveillance products and contracting with certain entities for national security reasons.

Guidance is available at FEMA Policy #405-143-1 - Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services

Additional guidance is available at Contract Provisions Guide: Navigating Appendix II to Part 200 - Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards (fema.gov).

Effective Aug. 13, 2020, FEMA recipients and subrecipients may not use any FEMA funds under open or new awards to:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text?format=txt https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text?format=txt https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_contract-provisions-guide_6-14-2021.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_contract-provisions-guide_6-14-2021.pdf https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_contract-provisions-guide_6-14-2021.pdf

• Procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system;

• Enter into, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system; or

• Enter into, extend, or renew contracts with entities that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

I. DEFINITIONS

Per section 889(f)(2)-(3) of the FY 2019 NDAA and 2 C.F.R. Section 200.216, covered telecommunications equipment or services means:

i. Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation, (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

ii. For the purpose of public safety, security of Government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

iii. Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment; or

iv. Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the People’s Republic of China.

Examples of the types of products covered by this prohibition include phones, internet, video surveillance, and cloud servers when produced, provided, or used by the entities listed in the definition of “covered telecommunications equipment or services.” See 2 C.F.R. Section 200.471.

b. Pre-Award Costs Pre-Award Costs are NOT allowed under this program.

c. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs M&A activities are those directly relating to the management and administration of Multi- State and National Earthquake Assistance funds, such as financial management and monitoring. M&A costs are not operational costs. They are the necessary costs incurred in direct support of the grant or as a result of the grant and should be allocated across the entire lifecycle of the grant. Recipients may retain a maximum of 5% of Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance funds awarded for M&A purposes associated with the Multi- State and National Earthquake Assistance award. An organization partnering with a recipient (limit one per recipient) may in turn retain 5% of the subaward they receive from the recipient for

M&A purposes.

d. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs Indirect costs are allowable under this program as described in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, including 2 C.F.R. Section 200.414. Applicants with a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement that desire to charge indirect costs to an award must provide a copy of their negotiated indirect cost rate agreement at the time of application. Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement. Applicants that are not required by 2 C.F.R.

Part 200 to have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement but are required by 2 C.F.R. Part 200 to develop an indirect cost rate proposal must provide a copy of their proposal at the time of application. Applicants who do not have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to the FEMA Headquarters Program Specialist for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an indirect cost rate must also reach out to the FEMA Headquarters Program Specialist for further instructions.

e. Other Direct Costs The following conditions/restrictions apply to Direct Costs:

1) Planning related costs, personnel costs, training related costs, exercise related costs, and domestic travel costs are allowed under this program only as described in this notice.

2) Equipment costs, international travel, construction and renovation costs, and earth science related costs are NOT allowed under this program.

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria

Applications must conform with the guidance provided in Section D. Application and Submission Information, and Appendix F. Sample Work Plan. Applications will also be evaluated for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed activities.

Failure to obtain a Satisfactory Score in any single criteria listed below, will result in the Application not being considered for award.

Below is a summary of the evaluation criteria. The full criteria are found in Appendix K.

Evaluation and Scoring Criteria, which details the specific criteria and the number of possible points awarded for each of the Project Narrative Requirements below:

1) Demonstration of Experience and Expertise. The applicant demonstrates that it possesses the experience and expertise necessary to carry out the objectives of NEHRP, in accordance with Appendix C. Program Vision, Mission, Goals and FEMA Responsibilities.

Possible Points: 0 – 20 maximum. A satisfactory score is 15 points, with up to five additional points possible if narrative demonstrates previous successful implementation of earthquake mitigation projects/activities, and/or previous and ongoing participation in multi-state and national efforts that advance the goals of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.

2) Work Plan. The applicant describes (on behalf of themselves and their partner, if applicable) an effective work plan that incorporates all elements listed in Appendix F. Sample, Work Plan

Possible points: 0 – 30 maximum. Satisfactory score is 20 points.

3) Deliverable Schedule. The applicant provides a Deliverable Schedule in accordance with Appendix G. Sample, Deliverable Schedule. The Deliverable Schedule must categorize all projects/activities by Allowable Activity (see Appendix A. Allowable Activities) and detail when the activity will be implemented during the Period of Performance. The Deliverable Schedule should consider scheduling activities leveraging established national and state events/activities. The Deliverable Schedule should also coincide with the proposed budget.

Possible Points: 0 – 15. Satisfactory score is 10 points.

4) Outcomes of full Work Plan Implementation. The applicant demonstrates the impact of their proposed work plan, detailing how the implementation of their proposed activities will result in measurable earthquake risk-reduction and earthquake risk awareness, nationally or in the multi-state region they intend to support (Eastern or Western region).

Possible Points: 0 – 20 maximum.

5) Budget and Budget Narrative. The applicant demonstrates a reasonable and cost-effective budget, including an explanation of project costs and relative cost effectiveness across the requested categories, and their ability as an applicant to manage federal grants (on behalf of themselves and their partner, if applicable). The Budget Narrative should explain in plain language how the activities (and their associated costs) provide real value to the program and the Nation.

Possible Points: 0 – 15 maximum

b. Financial Integrity Criteria Prior to making a federal award, FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3354, as enacted by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, Pub. L. No. 116-117 (2020); 41 U.S.C. § 2313;

and 2 C.F.R. Section 200.206 to review information available through any Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-designated repositories of governmentwide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, including whether the applicant is suspended or debarred. FEMA may also pose additional questions to the applicant to aid in conducting the pre-award risk review. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

i. Financial stability;

ii. Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards;

iii. History of performance in managing federal award;

iv. Reports and findings from audits; and

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

c. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review Prior to making a federal award where the anticipated total federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000:

i. FEMA is required to review and consider any information about the applicant, including information on the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors, if applicable, that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through the System for Award Management (SAM), which is currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

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

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

2. Review and Selection Process

FY 2023 Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance applications will be evaluated through a two-part review and selection process that encompasses: 1) an Initial Eligibility Review; and 2) a National Panel Review.

Initial Eligibility Review Prior to application consideration, FEMA will conduct an initial review of all applications to verify applicant eligibility and ensure each application is complete.

FEMA will not process incomplete applications for further review and will not consider them for funding. All eligible and complete applications will progress to the FEMA Program Office where it will be evaluated and scored by a National Panel of FEMA subject-matter experts.

National Panel Review Applications will be reviewed and scored by a review panel comprised of personnel from FEMA. Applicants that do not meet initial eligibility and application submission requirements will not be evaluated and scored by the national review panel. The review panel will score applications based on specific criteria described in Appendix K, Evaluation and Scoring Criteria.

In addition to meeting all programmatic criteria, the following additional factors https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home will be used by the National Review Panel in selecting applications for federal awards:

a. Multiple State (Multi-State) Assistance

1) FEMA will select one applicant for each of the two assistance regions. Those recipients will provide multi-state assistance for each of the two national multi-state assistance regions (Eastern and Western) as indicated in Appendix D.

2) FEMA will select for funding those Applicants who demonstrate most clearly in their applications that their proposed activities will result in measurable earthquake risk- reduction and earthquake risk awareness in the region they will be supporting (Eastern or Western region).

3) Applicants providing multi-state assistance must be headquartered within one of the two multi-state assistance regions indicated in Appendix D.

4) Applicants cannot propose activities that would require the use of FEMA NEHRP Multi-State and National Earthquake Assistance funding to provide support to states and territories not listed as Program Participants in Appendix D.

5) Applicants cannot propose activities for states and territories outside of the multi-state assistance region where they are headquartered.

6) As the program will benefit most from activities designed to benefit the largest number of states and territories within an assigned region, FEMA will prioritize applications that demonstrate the greatest economies of scale for activities proposed in their Work Plan.

b. National Level Assistance

1) FEMA will select for funding those Applicants who demonstrate in their application the greatest likelihood of successfully developing, promoting and implementing national level assistance activities listed in Appendix A.

2) FEMA will prioritize for funding those national level activities that provide the greatest benefit to the largest number of participating states and territories.

3) FEMA will prioritize for funding those activities that will result in measurable earthquake risk-reduction and earthquake risk awareness nationally.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

Before accepting the award, the AOR and recipient should carefully read the award package.

The award package includes instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this notice as well as any specific terms and conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

FEMA will provide the federal award package to the applicant electronically via FEMA GO.

Award packages include an Award Letter, Summary Award Memo, Agreement Articles, and Obligating Document. An email notification of the award package will be sent through FEMA’s grant application system to the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) that submitted the application.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 30 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify FEMA of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award through the FEMA GO system.

Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through the FEMA GO system and all other conditions of the award have been satisfied or until the award is otherwise rescinded. Failure to accept a grant award within the specified timeframe may result in a loss of funds.

2. Pass-Through Requirements Subaward recipients are subject to the same conditions of the award as the pass-through entity.

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements In addition to the requirements of in this section and in this notice, FEMA may place specific terms and conditions on individual awards in accordance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

a. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

All successful applicants for DHS grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, which are available online at DHS Standard Terms and Conditions.

Th…