FY23 Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF Program_v5_omnibus edits.pdf

FY 2023 Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF NOFO Back to the Top

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

Fiscal Year 2023 Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund 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 (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) Unique Entity Identifier registration information is available on GSA.gov at: Unique Entity Identifier Update | GSA (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)

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: $50,000,000

2. Period of Performance: 24 months from date of award

3. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): Will vary by award

4. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 24 months from date of award unless ... 7 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.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.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.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.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

5. Funding Instrument Type: Grant 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

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. Intergovernmental Review

12. 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. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. Monitoring and Oversight

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

1. Contact and Resource Information

2. Systems Information

3. Termination Provisions

4. Program Evaluation

5. Period of Performance Extensions

6. Disability Integration

7. Conflicts of Interest in the Administration of Federal Awards

8. Procurement Integrity

9. Record Retention

10. Actions to Address Noncompliance

11. Audits

12. Payment Information

13. Whole Community Preparedness

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/ Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration/ Mitigation Division/Policy, Tools and Training Branch

2. Assistance Listings Number 97.139

3. Assistance Listings Title Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program

4. Funding Opportunity Title Fiscal Year 2023 Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-23-STORM-139-00-01

6. Authorizing Authority for Program Section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), as amended (Pub. L. No. 93-288) (42 U.S.C. § 5135); Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Act (Pub. L. No. 116-284).

7. Appropriation Authority for Program Division J, Title V of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. No. 117-58, 135 Stat. 1386) (2021).

8. Announcement Type Modification

9. Program Category Mitigation: Natural Hazards

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Overview

Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 5135, FEMA will provide grants to capitalize revolving loan funds which may be used to provide loans to finance various types of hazard mitigation projects to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters. Through the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund (Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF) program, eligible entities (refer to Section C.1) will use these capitalization grants to establish a revolving loan fund (referred to herein as an entity loan fund) from which they will provide direct loans to local governments for projects and activities that mitigate the impacts of drought, intense heat, severe storms (including hurricanes, tornadoes, wind storms, cyclones, and severe winter storms), wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other natural hazards. Eligible activities may include the construction or modification of natural or built infrastructure to increase resilience and reduce risk of harm. A full description of allowable costs under this NOFO is provided in Section D.12.

Entity loan funds will be programmatically and financially administered by the respective entity. FEMA will monitor the administration of the entity loan funds during the period of performance per the reporting requirements described in Sections F.3 and will continue to monitor administration of the entity loan funds after the capitalization grant closeout via biennial audits (described in Section G.11) and post-closeout reporting (described in Section F.3.c.i). Under 42 U.S.C. § 5135(h)(3)(C), FEMA may make recommendations for or require specific changes as needed to improve the effectiveness of the funds.

Funding for the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is limited. Pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), FEMA must award funding through multiple Notices of Funding Opportunity over a 5-year period.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program aligns with the goal of promoting resilience and adaptation in light of current risks, including those posed by climate change, and the 2020- 2024 DHS Strategic Plan (https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024) through Goal 5: Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience. Specifically, Objective 5.1: Build a National Culture of Preparedness has several sub-objectives that the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program supports. The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program serves primarily to bolster Sub-Objective 5.1.1: Incentivize investments that reduce risk and increase pre-disaster mitigation, including expanding the use of insurance to manage risk through funding hazard mitigation projects, particularly ones that reduce risk to infrastructure. By focusing on increasing resilience and reducing harm to built infrastructure, this program will help members of underserved communities,1 who might be at heightened risk as a result of current hazards, including those associated with climate change.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program complements and supplements FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant portfolio to support mitigation projects at the local government level and increase the Nation’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change.

Entity loan funds can be leveraged differently than other funding opportunities to meet unique funding needs. This program will support entity-led hazard mitigation priorities and allow participating entities to meet their funding needs as described in the entity’s Intended Use Plan (see Section D.10.b). Such needs may include but are not limited to: meeting non- Federal cost-share requirements for other grants, upfront project design costs, smaller projects that may not qualify for other HMA grant programs, or projects that do not meet the cost-effectiveness requirements applicable for other programs.

For more detailed program information, please go to Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program (https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf).

1 Underserved communities is defined in Executive Order (EO) 13895: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government, and cited in the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan.

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 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 https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government https://www.fema.gov/about/strategic-plan

b. Objective The objective of the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is to capitalize applicant-established revolving loan funds that will provide loans to local governments most in need of financing assistance to complete hazard mitigation projects and activities that will reduce risks from natural hazards for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities in order to decrease the loss of life and property; the cost of insurance; and federal disaster payments.

c. Priorities FEMA’s primary priority for the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is to capitalize multiple revolving loan funds that will provide local governments most in need of financing assistance with low-interest loans to finance hazard mitigation projects in their entirety, or the non-federal cost share requirement for other FEMA HMA grants. For this inaugural funding opportunity, other priorities include collaborating with participating entities to understand programmatic capacity and capability needs; promoting equity in the distribution of loan funds; and supporting the delivery of innovative and transformational hazard mitigation projects addressing the priorities established in 42 U.S.C. § 5135 (d)(3).

The program framework has incorporated key components of FEMA’s agency-wide strategic priorities to minimize administrative burden on entities. At the grant level, FEMA will leverage the technical assistance allowable under 42 U.S.C. § 5135 (d)(2) to work with entities in the Year 1 application period to develop a more simplified grant application process, while still complying with statutory requirements and equity priorities. Application requirements are provided in more detail in Section C.2 of this NOFO.

11. Performance Measures The performance measures for the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program focus on evaluating the success of the entity loan funds in reaching local governments most in need of financing assistance, and the effectiveness of projects funded. Performance measures align with program objectives throughout and after the Period of Performance (POP). The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program requires entities to effectively monitor and evaluate the revolving loan fund program through four processes, including publication of project information, Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR), an annual audit, and a biennial audit. FEMA will evaluate the performance of the entity loan funds, and under 42 U.S.C. § 5135(h)(3)(C), as needed may make recommendations for or require specific changes to improve the effectiveness of the fund.

Performance evaluation will support execution of the following objectives:

• Fund Administration: Ensure Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF funds are administered efficiently, managed effectively, and maintained in perpetuity. FEMA will measure the efficiency of loan distribution through loans executed as a percent of total available assets. The measurement aims to assess the amount of capitalization grant funding disbursed as loans to local governments throughout the period of performance. FEMA will also monitor additional metrics related to entity loan fund health in areas such as but not limited to program management, staffing capacity and resources, and loan repayment.

• Equitable Distribution of Financing: Use Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF funds to reach local governments most in need of financing assistance, including low-income geographic areas2 and underserved communities.3 Although the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is not currently included in the Justice40 Initiative, FEMA has included an equity-specific performance measure to align with Executive Order (EO) 14008:

Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad). FEMA will measure the percentage of loan funds distributed in low-income geographic areas and/or underserved communities. A goal of the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is that 40 percent of the overall benefits generated by the entity loan funds flow to underserved communities.

• Effective Project Implementation: Use Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF funds to reduce natural hazards risk and future losses. FEMA will monitor metrics related to project effectiveness in areas such as but not limited to insurance premium reductions, expected avoided losses, and reduction in hazard risk and vulnerability. FEMA will also assess project effectiveness by measuring the percentage of completed projects.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF performance measurement process aims to ensure that the program’s intended goals are met. As each loan fund will be revolving in structure and operate beyond the POP of the grant, long-term monitoring is necessary to verify that the program is operating as intended, including monitoring the financial position of the fund and the use of federal dollars. Therefore, evaluating the performance of the fund administration, the promotion of loans going to the local governments most in need of financing assistance, and the effectiveness of projects, require monitoring throughout the life of the fund. Performance reporting, including requirements after the POP of the grant, are discussed further under Section F.3 of this NOFO.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $50,000,000

2 Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 5135(m)(5), a “low-income geographic area” is an area, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 3161(a)(1) that meets one of the two following criteria: (1) “the area has a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average”; or (2) “ “the area has an unemployment rate that is, for the most recent 24-month period for which data are available, at least 1 percent greater than the national average unemployment rate.”

3 Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity And Support For Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government, defines “underserved communities” as “populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life...” and includes communities such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. It also includes “communities environmentally overburdened,” which are communities adversely and disproportionately affected by environmental and human health harms or risks, and “disadvantaged, communities” as referenced in Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and defined in Office of Management and Budget’s Memo M-21-28: Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice40 Initiative.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad

2. Period of Performance: 24 months from date of award

Within the period of performance for capitalization grants awarded under this NOFO, recipients must establish the revolving loan fund and utilize the full federal and non-federal share of funding made available to issue loans. Projects funded by the loans do not need to be completed within the period of performance for capitalization grants. Loans do not need to be fully repaid during the period of performance for capitalization grants.

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

For this award the budget period will be same as the period of performance. See 2 C.F.R. §

200.1 for definitions of “budget period” and “period of performance.”

3. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): Will vary by award

4. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 24 months from date of award unless otherwise approved by FEMA

5. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible to apply for Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program funds.

Federally recognized tribal governments having received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are also eligible to apply.

FEMA has determined that the tribes with a qualifying major disaster declaration include, but may not be limited to, the following: Cahuilla Band of Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Havasupai Tribe, Hoopa Valley Tribe, Karuk Tribe, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Navajo Nation, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Pueblo of Acoma, Resighini Rancheria, Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, Santa Clara Pueblo, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Tohono O’odham Nation.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must:

• Provide an Intended Use Plan that has been published by the applicant for review and comment prior to submitting an application, as required by 42 U.S.C. § 5135(g).

• Provide a project proposal list, prior to submitting an application, that results from a public notice of no less than six weeks in length, inviting hazard mitigation project proposals from local governments, as required by 42 U.S.C. § 5135(b)(1)(A).

• Have a FEMA-approved State or Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 201 by the application deadline and at the time of obligation of the award.

3. Cost Share or Match Once an applicant receives notification from FEMA of a potential grant award, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 5135(c)(4), the applicant must confirm its intent to contribute not less than 10 percent of the proposed grant to the entity loan fund. If the applicant indicates it will contribute less than 10 percent of the proposed grant amount, FEMA will reduce the amount of the capitalization grant to an amount that is 10 times that of what the applicant proposes to contribute. Thereafter, on or before the date on which the capitalization grant is received, the applicant entity must contribute to the entity loan fund an amount equal to at least 10 percent of the capitalization grant. The source of the entity contribution may include entity programs or budgets, private investment, or other available sources. Entities may not use contributions from potential loan recipients to source the entity contribution. Any source of funding an applicant uses towards the 10 percent contribution must comply with the requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

4. Entity Loan Fund Prior to receipt of a capitalization grant award, an entity loan fund must be established and thereafter administered by the applicant agency responsible for emergency management, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 5135(c).

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 02/01/2023

b. Application Submission Deadline: 04/28/2023 at 3:00:00PM ET

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 –5:00 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.

c. 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 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.

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.

mailto:NDGrants@fema.dhs.gov mailto:askcsid@fema.dhs.gov https://www.grants.gov/ 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 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 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.

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

mailto:askcsid@fema.dhs.gov 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.

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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://sam.gov/content/home 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://sam.gov/content/home 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 https://sam.gov/content/home 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.

i. 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.

j. EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles:

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

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

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

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

k. Track Role Status:

To track your role request, refer to:

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

l. 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 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 individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

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

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on 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. 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 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 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.

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 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 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 3:00 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.

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, as specified below. 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

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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

• 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

• SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants

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

b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information

The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in ND Grants:

• Applicants must submit a Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF application in ND Grants using the application form available on the FEMA website at https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf. The application, in concert with the applicant’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, must document an assessment of recurring major disaster vulnerabilities impacting the applicant that demonstrates a risk to life and property, as well as a proposal of the systematic and regional approach to achieve resilience in a vulnerable area.

• Applicants must provide access to their Hazard Mitigation Plan in their application via a weblink. If the Hazard Mitigation Plan is not publicly available online, applicants may contact FEMA-STORMRLF@fema.dhs.gov to coordinate submission of their Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Applicants must include with their application an Intended Use Plan. The Intended Use Plan, which must be provided to the public for review and comment before submitting it with the application, provides information to FEMA, potential loan recipients, and other interested parties on goals for the revolving loan fund and the entity’s planned approach to programmatic and financial administration of the loan fund. Topics to be addressed include but are not limited to: intended applicability of the up to 1% interest rate, loan amortization schedules and repayment timelines, requirements for repayment sources, and the process for management of the loan fund. An entity’s Intended Use Plan will be reviewed by FEMA to ensure it is developed in accordance with the requirements outlined in 42 U.S.C. § 5135(g). The Intended Use Plan, including addressing each of the criteria set forth at 42 U.S.C. § 5135(g)(2), must establish the criteria and methods for loan distribution and the applicant’s plan to ensure loan funds are distributed to local governments with the greatest financial need and that 40 percent of the overall benefits of loan funds flow to underserved communities.