FY24 FEMA NEHRP ISEA_4.24.24_FINAL.pdf

FY 2024 NOFO Template – FEMA Version 24-02

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

Fiscal Year 2024 Individual State 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 System for Award Management (SAM.gov) can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

Updates in Grant Application Forms:

The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier requested in, and assigned by SAM.gov. This new identifier is the Unique Entity Identifier.

Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-development/planned-uei-updates https://sam.gov/content/entity-%20%20registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-%20%20registration https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-development/planned-uei-updates https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-development/planned-uei-updates

Table of Contents 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

11. Performance Measures

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $2,096,364.00

2. Projected Number of Awards: 22

3. Period of Performance: 18 months

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 09/01/2024

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 02/28/2026

7. Projected Budget Period(s)

8. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

3. Subawards and Beneficiaries

6. Cost Share or Match

7. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 05/17/2024

b. Application Submission Deadline: 06/24/2024 at 05:00 PM ET

a. Anticipated Award Date: No later than 08/01/2024

b. 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 (UEI) and Register in the System for

Award Management (SAM.gov)

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

Management (SAM), and Submit an Application

6. Electronic Delivery

7. How to Register to Apply

a. General Instructions:

b. Obtain an UEI 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:

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

d. Mandatory Disclosures

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. FEMA Grants News

c. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration Division

d. FEMA Regional Offices

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

e. Waivers

8. Record Retention

a. Record Retention Period

b. Types of Records to Retain

9. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation

10. Actions to Address Noncompliance

11. Audits

12. Payment Information

13. Whole Community Preparedness

14. Report issues of fraud, waste, abuse

15. Hazard-Resistant Building Codes

16. Appendices

17. Appendix A - Vision, Mission, Strategic Goals, and Program Responsibilities

18. Appendix B – Programmatic Information

19. Appendix C - Sample Performance Progress Report

20. Appendix D –Combined Master Schedule/Deliverable Table Example

21. Appendix E - ISEA Grant Program Statement of Work

22. Appendix F – Template Grant Budget and Grant Program Spend Tracker

23. Appendix G – Sample Logic Model

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Resilience/Risk Management Directorate/Planning, Safety, and Building Sciences Division/Earthquake and Wind Programs Branch

2. Assistance Listings Number 97.082

3. Assistance Listings Title Earthquake State Assistance

4. Funding Opportunity Title Fiscal Year 2024 Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA)

5. Funding Opportunity Number FEMA Region 2 DHS-24-MT-082-02-99 FEMA Region 4 DHS-24-MT-082-04-99 FEMA Region 5 DHS-24-MT-082-05-99 FEMA Region 6 DHS-24-MT-082-06-99 FEMA Region 7 DHS-24-MT-082-07-99 FEMA Region 8 DHS-24-MT-082-08-99 FEMA Region 9 DHS-24-MT-082-09-99 FEMA Region 10 DHS-24-MT-082-10-99

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 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024, Pub. L. No. 118-47, Division C, Title III, “Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery”

8. Announcement Type Initial

9. Program Category Mitigation

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Overview The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) grant program makes funds available to states and https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-1999-title42-section7704&num=0 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-1999-title42-section7704&num=0

U.S. territories to increase and enhance the effective implementation of earthquake risk reduction at the state and local level.

FEMA recognizes that earthquakes cannot be prevented, but their impacts on life, property, and the economy can be managed. The ISEA grant program prioritizes reducing the risks to life and property from future earthquakes in the U.S. through the establishment and maintenance of an effective earthquake hazards reduction program.

All activities funded by the ISEA grant program must be consistent with the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) vision, mission, and strategic goals.

b. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities FEMA awards non-competitive grants to eligible states and territories with high to very high seismic risks to fund one or more of the following allowable activities. The purpose is to support the establishment of earthquake hazards reduction programming and the implementation of earthquake safety, mitigation, and resilience activities at the state and local level.

• Support seismic mitigation planning

• Prepare inventories and conduct seismic vulnerability evaluations and safety inspections of buildings, critical structures, and lifeline infrastructure

• Update building codes, zoning codes, and ordinances to enhance seismic safety

• Increase earthquake awareness and education

• Participation in emergency management exercises that substantially benefit earthquake mitigation efforts

• Promotion of earthquake insurance

• Assistance to multi-state groups for the purpose of supporting any or all allowable activities under this funding opportunity

c. Alignment to Program Purpose and the DHS and FEMA Strategic Plan The stated goals, objectives, and priorities of NEHRP 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.

d. Accomplishments Activities that increase earthquake awareness and education (educational or informational materials, online tools, outreach or marketing plans, workshops);

Participating in emergency management exercises; Promotion of earthquake insurance; Support for the development of multi-state groups to support the goals of

NEHRP.

11. Performance Measures See Appendix B – Programmatic Information for detailed Performance Measures.

https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024 https://www.fema.gov/about/mission

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $2,096,364.00

2. Projected Number of Awards: 22

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 NOFO.

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 09/01/2024

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 02/28/2026

7. Projected Budget Period(s):

There will be only a single budget period with the same start and end dates as the period of performance.

8. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

See Appendix B – Programmatic Information, for a complete list of all eligible states and territories.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria This funding opportunity is provided to those states and territories that have been determined to be at a high or very high risk of earthquakes. This determination is made and published annually by FEMA as the State Assistance Target Allocation Plan. The FY 2024 plan determination is based on the Seismic Design Category (SDC) per the 2020 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures FEMA P-2082, American Society of Civil Engineers and Structural Engineering Institute ASCE/SEI 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, as shown in the International Code Council (ICC) approved 2024 IBC SDC map and at-risk population in a state. A state of high earthquake risk (with areas in the state boundary designated as SDC D or above per the 2024 IBC SDC map and at-risk population more than 50,000 based on 2020 US Census population), OR more than 1000 square miles of high seismic area (SDC D or above per 2024 IBC SDC map) will be eligible for a baseline amount plus an additional risk-based award amount. Applicants should be aware that changes in areas of earthquake hazard within the state and changes in population size affect the determination.

The additional amount is in proportion to the state’s Annualized Earthquake Loss, which is documented in FEMA P-366 HAZUS Estimated Annualized Earthquake Losses for the United States.

Participation in this funding opportunity is further limited to those states and territories that can provide the statutory 25% non-federal cost share. The cost share requirement does not apply to those territories that are considered "Insular Areas" (U.S. Virgin Islands), and otherwise eligible for program participation. See Section C – Eligibility Information below for additional details.

3. Subawards and Beneficiaries

a. Subaward allowability Subawards are allowed.

b. Subrecipient Eligibility Per Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 2, Section 200.1, “Subaward.” Subaward means an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity.

It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement that the pass-through entity considers a contract.

Tribes and Tribal Nations are an example of a subrecipient. Subaward recipients are subject to the same conditions of the award as the pass-through entity.

c. Beneficiaries or Participants This NOFO and any subsequent Federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant or beneficiary.

4. Cost Share or Match A cost share is required for all ISEA grants funded under this program. Recipients must provide a statutory 25% non-federal cost share for which assistance is being given. The non-federal cost share may consist of cash, donated or third-party in-kind services, materials, or any combination thereof.

The cost share requirement does not apply to those territories that are considered "Insular Areas" (U.S. Virgin Islands), and otherwise eligible for program participation.

For a cost share, the recipient contribution is calculated based on total project cost as:

• The value of the federal contribution in US dollars divided by the federal contribution in percent. This requires a two-step calculation.

• For example, if a program requires a 25% cost share and the federal contribution is $75,000 then:

o Step 1: The federal contribution is 100% - 25% = 75% o Step 2: The recipient contribution is calculated as $100,000 (total project cost) x 25% (cost share requirement) = $25,000.

o The non-federal cost share in this example is $25,000.

See Appendix B – Programmatic Information, for individual state cost share amounts.

5. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions States and territories may use third-party in-kind contributions to meet the 25% cost share requirement. Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 200.96 describes in-kind contributions as the value of non-cash contributions (i.e., property or services) that – (a) Benefit a federally assisted project or program; and (b) Are contributed by non-federal third parties, without charge, to a non-federal entity under a federal award.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 05/17/2024

b. Application Submission Deadline: 06/24/2024 at 05:00 PM ET

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 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 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 NOFO, “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) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 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 fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

a. Anticipated Award Date: No later than 08/01/2024

b. Other Key Dates

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 Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.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. Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 CFR §25.110, must:

a. Be registered in Sam.Gov before application submission.

b. Provide a valid UEI in its application.

c. Continue to always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the federal award process. Note: Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.300, subrecipients are NOT required to go through the full SAM registration process. First-tier subrecipients (meaning entities receiving funds directly from the recipient) are only required to obtain a UEI through SAM, but they are not required to complete the full SAM registration in order to obtain a UEI. Recipients may not make subawards unless the subrecipient has obtained and provided the UEI.

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 Organization in FEMA GO Prior to beginning application

Submitting complete application in FEMA GO One week before actual submission deadline mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov https://go.fema.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/home

d. Lower-tier subrecipients (meaning entities receiving funds passed through by a higher-tier subrecipient) are not required to have a UEI and are not required to register in SAM. Applicants are also not permitted to require subrecipients to complete a full registration in SAM beyond obtaining the UEI.

5. 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 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 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/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup

f. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and

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 last three years, if applicable.

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

https://www.login.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup

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 fema-grants-news@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 SAM registration and Grants.gov account to apply for a federal award under this funding opportunity.

b. Obtain an UEI Number:

All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, 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.

mailto:fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov 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

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 applicants applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent an applicant from completing the application in 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://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm

Note: 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 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 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://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm

(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. 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

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

• Google Chrome

• Internet Explorer

• Mozilla Firefox

• Apple Safari

• Microsoft Edge

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

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 NOFO, “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The Standard Forms (SF) may be accessed in the Forms tab under the https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they have all the information required.

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 NOFO.

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 AOR 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.

https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

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

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://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

• 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

b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information

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 grant funding that identifies the strategies, goals, and proposed activities and elements demonstrating enhanced seismic safety must be submitted. Work Plans must include expected products and measurable improvements associated with proposed activities, as identified below. Work Plans must also include any intended sub-award plans (see Appendix E – ISEA Grant Program Statement of Work).

• Master Schedule/Deliverable Table. A sample table that combines both 1 and 2 is found in Appendix D – Combined Master Schedule/Delivery Table Example. 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 completed within the FEMA GO at the time of application for an application to be submitted. The budget must be complete, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to the proposed project. The budget should provide the basis of computation of all project-related costs, any appropriate narrative, and a detailed justification of Management and Administrative (M&A) costs. To prepare the Grant 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 Grant 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. Use a monthly spreadsheet provided by the respective FEMA Regional Earthquake Program Manager. ISEA Grant Program applicants may obtain a sample budget spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel source file) from the FEMA Regional Earthquake Program Manager. A template is available in Appendix F - Template Grant Budget and Grant Program Spend Tracker. Funds will not be made available for obligation, expenditure, or drawdown until the applicant’s budget and budget narrative have been approved by FEMA.

• Outcomes Report/Logic Model. The Applicant must include an initial Outcomes

Report/Logic Model that includes all proposed activities. See Appendix G – 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;

Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List) (whitehouse.gov)

12. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs All costs charged to federal awards (including both federal funding and any non-federal matching or cost sharing funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, and policies, this NOFO, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. They must also comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200 unless otherwise indicated in the NOFO or the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred and products and services must be delivered within the budget period. 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h). The following identifies a list of activities for which a recipient may not use federal funds and any cost sharing or matching funds under federal awards:

• Matching or cost sharing requirements for other federal grants and cooperative agreements (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306)

• Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C. § 1913 or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450

• Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity

(see 2 C.F.R. § 200.435) See subsections below for information on any other funding restrictions.

a. Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications

Equipment or Services Recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors must comply with the prohibitions set forth in Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, Pub. L. No. 115-232 (2018) (FY 2019 NDAA) and 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200. The FY 2019 NDAA and these regulations, as they apply to recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors and subcontractors, provide for two distinct prohibitions: (1) prevent the use of federal award funds to procure or obtain covered telecommunications https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-15483/pdf/COMPS-15483.pdf equipment or services; and (2) prevent the use of federal award funds to contract with an entity that uses such covered telecommunications equipment or services.

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).

FEMA recipients and subrecipients may not use any FEMA funds under open or new awards 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;

• 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. § 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. § 200.471.

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

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 Individual State 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 Individual State Earthquake Assistance funds awarded for M&A purposes associated with the Individual State 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.

e. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs Indirect (F&A) costs (IDC) mean those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. IDC are allowable by the recipient as described in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, including 2 C.F.R. §

200.414. Applicants with a current negotiated IDC rate agreement who desire to charge indirect costs to a federal award must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their applications. Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement. Applicants that are not required to have a negotiated IDC rate agreement but are required to develop an IDC rate proposal must provide a copy of their proposal with their applications. Applicants who do not have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an IDC rate proposal must reach out to the FEMA Point of Contact for further instructions. As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.332 and 200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards.

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

1) Planning related costs are allowed under this program only as described in this notice.

2) Personnel costs are allowed under this program only as described in this notice.

3) Training related costs are allowed under this program only as described in this notice.

4) Exercise related costs are allowed under this program only as described in this notice (see Appendix B – Programmatic Information).

5) Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program only as described in this notice.

6) Equipment costs are NOT allowed under this program.

7) International travel is NOT allowed under this program unless approved in advance otherwise by FEMA.

8) Construction and renovation costs are NOT allowed under this program.

9) Earth science related costs are NOT allowed under this program.

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria FEMA will review all applications to ensure compliance with all conditions stated in this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Once FEMA has determined that the application is eligible and complete, FEMA will make funding decisions based on the agency’s NEHRP responsibilities, and the most effective use of available funds as indicated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov.

The following Programmatic Criteria will apply:

• The applicant has proposed developing and implementing only those activities described in Appendix B – Programmatic Information of this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

• The applicant demonstrates expertise and experience necessary, including technical experience and qualifications, as required to develop, communicate, implement, and manage the activities proposed in their application work plan.

This may include information about the qualifications they will use to identify and engage key project personnel and roles, such as seismic design professionals, building officials, or other trained/certified professionals as required for technical activities.

• The applicant’s proposed work plan includes all requested information and employs realistic timetables; proposed projects are deliverable, sustainable, and consistent with the goals and objectives of ISEA.

• The application contains all documents and information as described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity, and as explained in Part D. Application and Submission Information. Specific note should be taken regarding Program Office requirements under Section D. 10 Content and Form of Application Submissions.

• The applicant proposes costs that are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to proposed activities.

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. § 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 SAM.gov identifies the applicant as being excluded from receiving federal awards or is flagged for any integrity record submission. 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.

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 by 41 U.S.C. § 2313 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2) 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 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

2. Review and Selection Process

FEMA Regional Earthquake Program Managers, professionally and technically serving as subject matter experts of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), will evaluate and select applicants for funding. Each of the below three factors are mandatory to receive funding. Applicants will be evaluated on the demonstration of the following required factors:

• The applicant demonstrates the expertise necessary (i.e., education, training and/or https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/#/home experience of project staff) to develop and implement activities proposed in support of the goals and objectives of NEHRP.

• The applicant’s proposed work plan employs realistic timetables; proposed projects are deliverable, sustainable and consistent with the goals and objectives of NEHRP.

• The applicant proposes costs that are allowable, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to proposed projects and tasks.

Applications are reviewed by qualified FEMA Regional Earthquake Program Managers to ensure compliance with grants management principles, such as administrative requirements and cost principles. Applicants/applications that do not meet eligibility requirements are removed from consideration.

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 NOFO 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 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 NOFO, 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…