oppDHS-18-NPD-005-00-02-cfda97.005-instructions.pdf

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

Fiscal Year 2018 Homeland Security National Training Program National Domestic Preparedness Consortium

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information. Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

A. Program Description

Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Directorate (NPD), National Training and Education Division (NTED)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 97.005

CFDA Title State and Local Homeland Security National Training Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title FY 2018 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) - National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC)

NOFO Number

DHS-18-NPD-005-00-02

Authorizing Authority for Program Section 1204 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, (Pub. L. No. 110-53), (6 U.S.C. § 1102)

Appropriation Authority for Program Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. No. 115-141)

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

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

Overview The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP), National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) plays an important role in the National Preparedness System to build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities in order to achieve the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal). The Goal is “a secure and resilient Nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.” The objective of the National Preparedness System is to facilitate an integrated, whole community, risk-informed, capabilities-based approach to preparedness. Complex and far-reaching threats and hazards require the engagement of individuals, families, communities, private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, and all levels of government (http://www.fema.gov/whole-community).

Objectives FY 2018 HSNTP/NDPC provides funding to eligible applicants to develop and provide training that furthers national preparedness through programs that address national preparedness gaps, correlate training needs with exercise activities and outcomes, incorporate the core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal, and ensure training is available and accessible to a nationwide audience.

The NDPC activities align directly with the FEMA Strategic Plan, in particular, Goal 1 – Build a Culture of Preparedness, Objective 1.3 Help People Prepare for Disasters (through NDPC training) and Goal 2 – Ready The Nation for Catastrophic Disasters, Objective 2.1 - Organize the “BEST” (Build, Empower, Sustain, and Train) scalable and capable incident workforce (through NDPC training).

FEMA has the option to sustain any training course created under the HSNTP at the end of the award period of performance. Once FEMA determines to sustain a course, after consulting with the course developer, FEMA may transfer any or all course material to another organization or entity in order to ensure program sustainability and to continue training delivery. FEMA will coordinate the orderly transition of courses between organizations

Priorities The highest priority of the HSNTP/NDPC is to develop and deliver training to build and sustain the core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal. FEMA places particular emphasis on development and delivery of training programs addressing training gaps reported through the annual Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) and capability targets set by Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (THIRA). For additional information on the SPR/THIRA, refer to: https://www.fema.gov/stakeholder-preparedness-review http://www.fema.gov/whole-community https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-goal https://www.fema.gov/stakeholder-preparedness-review https://www.fema.gov/stakeholder-preparedness-review

Performance Metric Training outcomes that present a twenty-six point increase in knowledge, skills, and abilities as captured from the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model - level 2 assessment.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions Available Funding for the NOFO: $79,000,000

Projected number of Awards: 5

Period of Performance: Twenty-Four Months (24)

FEMA allows extensions to the period of performance. For additional information on period of performance and extensions, refer to additional information in Section H in this NOFO.

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 09/30/2018

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 09/29/2020

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreements The HSNTP/NDPC program, prescribed by this NOFO, is awarded through separate cooperative agreements, as defined by 2 C.F.R. §200.24, and consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (Pub. L. No. 95-224), (31 U.S.C. §§6301- 6308). FEMA maintains substantial involvement with all recipients as they carry out activities under the award to include financial monitoring and all training development and delivery activities, including the creation and approval of course content, arrangement of learning objectives, establishment of training delivery modes and methods, and use of the Kirkpatrick four-level training evaluation model. The Kirkpatrick levels include level 1: the student’s assessment of the training setting, material, and instruction; level 2: a comparison of pre-course knowledge and skills with post-course knowledge and skills; level 3: an assessment of post-course applicability at the home organization or jurisdiction; and level 4:

the impact of training on the organization or jurisdiction. FEMA program managers and training specialists provide approval and disapproval for all activities over the life cycle of the award.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

• Louisiana State University, National Center for Biomedical Research and Training

• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Energetic Materials Research and

Testing Center

• Texas A&M University’s Texas Engineering Extension Service, National Emergency

Response and Rescue Training Center

• Transportation Technology Center, Inc., National Center for Emergency Response in Surface Transportation

• University of Hawaii, National Disaster Preparedness Training Center

Eligibility Criteria To receive funding under this program, recipients must be members of the NDPC as defined by 6 U.S.C. § 1102.

Other Eligibility Criteria Not Applicable

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) There is not a Maintenance of Effort requirement for this program.

Cost Share or Match There is no Cost Share or Cost Match requirement for this program.

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov: 06/26/2018

Application Submission Deadline: 07/26/2018

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 09/30/2018

Anticipated Award Date: 09/30/2018

Other Key Dates

Event Suggested Deadline For Completion Obtaining DUNS Number Four weeks before actual submission deadline Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in Grants.gov One week before actual submission deadline Submitting complete application in ND grants One week before actual submission deadline

Address to Request Application Package Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov on the Workspace application platform. To access the application package, select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants” followed by “Get Application Package.” Enter the Funding Opportunity Number or Opportunity Package ID located in this NOFO. Select “Apply” and then “Create Workspace.” Follow the prompts to download the instructions and begin the application.

Hardcopies of the NOFO and associated application materials are not available.

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

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

Initial Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal and the complete application will be processed through the ND Grants System.

Applications in Hard Copy are not accepted.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants for this award must:

1. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

2. Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

3. 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 DHS FEMA.

DHS may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DHS is ready to make a federal award. DHS 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.

The Standard Language for Using Grants.gov Apply is provided to aid in fulfilling these requirements:

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 applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

1. Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS 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. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

2. Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

3. Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, all organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (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

4. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS 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

5. 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, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html 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://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

6. 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 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.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

7. Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

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

8. 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.

How to Submit an Initial Application to DHS via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

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

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

2. 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.

3. 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 Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

4. 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.

5. 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 DUNS 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.

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

7. Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

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

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

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1- 800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

Submitting an Initial Application in Grants.gov The initial application cannot be started or submitted in Grants.gov unless the applicant’s registration in SAM is confirmed.

The initial application in grants.gov requires completing Standard Form 424 (SF424), Application for Federal Assistance. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. Applicants must now use the grants.gov Workspace to apply. The 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 NOFO you can create individual instances of a workspace.

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 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html

Applicants are encouraged to submit their initial application in Grants.gov at least 7 days before the final application deadline.

In addition, Grants.gov recommends submitting application packages through the workspace 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.

Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute an electronically signed application.

When submitting the application through Grants.gov, the name of the applicant’s AOR will be inserted into the signature line of the application.

Submitting the Final Application in Non Disaster Grants System (ND Grants) After submitting the initial application in Grants.gov, eligible applicants will be notified by DHS/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. Early registration will allow applicants to have adequate time to start and complete their application.

In ND Grants applicants will be prompted to submit all of the information contained in the following forms:

• Standard Form 424A, Budget Information (Non-construction)

• Standard Form 424B, Standard Assurances (Non-construction)

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form

• Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if the grantee has engaged or intends to engage in lobbying activities)

These forms can be found online.

If you need assistance registering for the ND Grants system, please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.

Applicants are also be required to submit their Application Narrative and Program Budget into ND Grants.

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Online Submissions. All applications must be received by Midnight Eastern Standard Time on the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html https://portal.fema.gov/ https://portal.fema.gov/ http://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-grants mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DHS.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

Intergovernmental Review (You may remove this paragraph if not applicable) 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 http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf).

Funding Restrictions Federal funds made available through this award are restricted to the purpose set forth in this award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Recipients may not use award funds for matching funds on any other Federal award, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, recipients cannot use Federal funds to sue the Federal government or any other government entity.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs.

Management and Administration costs are activities directly related to managing and administering the award. Recipients may use up to five percent (5%) of the amount of the award for their M&A.

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs.

Indirect costs are allowable under this program as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.414. With the exception of recipients who have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f), recipients must have an approved indirect cost rate agreement with their cognizant Federal agency to charge indirect costs to this award. A copy of the approved rate (a fully executed, agreement negotiated with the applicant’s cognizant Federal agency) is required at the time of application, and must be provided to DHS/FEMA before indirect costs are charged to the award.

Fringe Benefits Each recipient will base fringe benefits on actual known costs or an established formula.

Fringe benefits on overtime hours are limited to Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), Workman’s Compensation, and Unemployment Compensation.

Pre-award Costs Pre-award costs are allowable only with the prior written approval of DHS/FEMA and if they are included in the award agreement. To request pre-award costs a written request must be included with the application, signed by the Authorized Representative of the entity. The http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf letter must outline what the pre-award costs are for, including a detailed budget breakout of pre-award costs from the post-award costs, and a justification for approval.

Direct Costs Cost Principles. Costs charged to this award must be consistent with the Cost Principles for Federal Awards located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E.

Equipment. This program allows equipment costs.

Travel. This program allows domestic travel costs, as provided for in this NOFO. This program does not allow international travel unless approved in advance by DHS/FEMA.

Construction and Renovation. This program does not allow construction and renovation costs.

Other Cost Requirements

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance As a Federal agency, FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and/or historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including grants-funded projects, comply with Federal EHP regulations, laws and Executive Orders as applicable. Recipients and sub-recipients proposing projects that have the potential to impact the environment, including but not limited to construction of communication towers, modification or renovation of existing buildings, structures and facilities, or new construction including replacement of facilities, must participate in the FEMA EHP review process. The EHP review process involves the submission of a detailed project description that explains the goals and objectives of the proposed project along with supporting documentation so that FEMA may determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources and/or historic properties. In some cases, FEMA is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public in order to complete the review process. The EHP review process must be completed before funds are released to carry out the proposed project. FEMA will not fund projects that are initiated without the required EHP review.

Other Submission Requirements Not Applicable

E. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria Prior to making a federal award, the DHS FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 and 41 U.S.C. § 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk based considerations of the applicant:

1. Financial stability.

2. Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards.

3. History of performance in managing federal award.

4. Reports and findings from audits.

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

Technical Evaluation Criteria FEMA will evaluate FY 2018 HSNTP/NDPC applications using a review and approval process. Through this process, FEMA will determine whether the applicant is eligible, all required forms and documents are submitted, all objectives and priorities as they relate to each NDPC member’s program focus and capability are addressed, and all program requirements as described in Appendix B of this notice have been properly addressed. The FEMA Assistant Administrator for the National Preparedness Directorate will receive applications that pass this review. FEMA will return applications that do not meet the requirements to the applicant for required changes.

Review and Selection Process The Deputy Administrator of FEMA for Protection and National Preparedness, will, on behalf of the Administrator of FEMA, approve or disapprove the training projects funded through this program.

Prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, ($150,000.00) DHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS).

An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

DHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR § 200.205 federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.”

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award FEMA will notify recipients of awards through the ND Grants system using an automatic e-mail to the recipient point of contact (the “authorized official”) listed in the initial application. The date FEMA approves the award is the “award date.” The recipient should follow the directions in the notification to accept the award.

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 90 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify FEMA of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award, or provide a notice of intent to decline through the ND Grants system. For instructions on how to accept or decline an award in the ND Grants system, please use the following link to access the ND Grants Grantee Training Manual.

Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through the ND Grants system and all other conditions of award have been satisfied. FEMA may rescind the award if the intended recipient does not accept the award or if conditions are not satisfied within a 90-day timeframe.

Before accepting the award, the authorized official should carefully read the award package.

The award package contains instructions on administering the grant award, as well as terms and conditions with which the recipient must comply. Recipients must accept the conditions in this NOFO as well as Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program. Appendix A of this NOFO lists the Special Terms and Conditions.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All successful applicants for all DHS grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions, which are available online at: DHS Standard Terms and Conditions. The applicable DHS Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions will be those in effect at the time the award was made.

Reporting Recipients are required to submit various financial and programmatic reports as a condition of their award acceptance. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent.

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements.

Recipients must report obligations and expenditures on a quarterly basis through the FFR (SF-425) to DHS/FEMA. Recipients must file the FFR electronically using the Payment and Reporting System (PARS). Award recipients must submit an FFR quarterly throughout the period of performance, including partial calendar quarters, as well as for periods where no grant award activity occurs. FEMA may withhold future awards and fund drawdowns if these reports are delinquent, demonstrate lack of progress, or are insufficient in detail.

The Financial Reporting Form (FFR) is available online at: SF-425 OMB #4040-0014

The following reporting periods and due dates apply for the FFR:

Reporting Period Report Due Date October 1 – December 31 January 30 January 1 – March 31 April 30 April 1 – June 30 July 30 July 1 – September 30 October 30 https://www.fema.gov/ar/media-library/assets/documents/25949 https://www.fema.gov/ar/media-library/assets/documents/25949 http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

Financial and Compliance Audit Report For audits of fiscal years beginning on or after December 26, 2014, recipients that expend $750,000 or more from Federal funding sources during their fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report. The audit must be performed in accordance with the requirements of Government and Accountability Office’s (GAO) Government Auditing Standards, located at: http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm, and the requirements of Subpart F of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, located at:

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR

For audits of fiscal years beginning prior to December 26, 2014, recipients that expend $500,000 or more from Federal funding sources during their fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report. The audit must be in accordance with GAO’s Government Auditing Standards, located at:

http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm, and OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, located at:

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/a133/a133_revised_2007 .pdf

Program Performance Reporting Requirements.

Performance Progress Reports Recipients are responsible for providing updated performance reports in Microsoft Word on a semi-annual basis. These is no prescribed government form for this report. The report is due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period. Recipients must submit it as an attachment to the ND Grants system.

The semi-annual Performance Progress Report must follow the guidance provided by FEMA’s National Training and Education Division (NTED) in the NTED Monitoring Policy and Procedure Guide. FEMA/NTED will provide this guide to recipients of a FY 2018 HSNTP/NDPC award as a post-award action.

Program Performance Reporting Periods and Due Dates The following reporting periods and due dates apply for the PPR:

Reporting Period Report Due Date January 1 – June 30 July 30 July 1 – December 31 January 30

Close Out Reporting Requirements.

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/a133/a133_revised_2007.pdf https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/a133/a133_revised_2007.pdf

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by FEMA, a close-out notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be deobligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant records for three years from the date of the final FFR.

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Grant Operations Division GPD’s Grant Operations Division Business Office provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. Applicants and recipients can obtain additional guidance and information by contacting the FEMA Call Center at (866) 927-5646 or via e-mail to ASK-GMD@dhs.gov.

FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED) NTED maintains programmatic responsibility for the HSNTP/NDPC program and will maintain the program management function and responsibilities throughout the life cycle of the awarded grant. Contact an NTED point of contact Mr. Casey Berg at (202) 212-7682 or via e-mail casey.berg@fema.dhs.gov or Mr. Terry Pruitt at (202) 786-9565 or via e-mail terry.pruitt@fema.dhs.gov or email at fema-ntes@fema.dhs.gov for additional information.

Systems Information Questions Grants.gov: For technical assistance with Grants.gov, please call the customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726.

ND Grants: For technical assistance with the ND Grants system, please contact mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.

Financial and Administrative Questions GPD’s Grant Operations Division Business Office provides financial support and technical assistance, such as for password resets and registration requests, questions regarding Form 1199A, payment status, amendments, closeouts, and tracking de-obligation and award amounts. The FEMA Call Center (866) 927-5646 or via email at mailto:ASK- GMD@dhs.gov can provide additional guidance.

GPD Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (GPD-EHP) Questions OEHP provides guidance and information about the EHP review process to FEMA programs and its recipients and sub-recipients. All inquiries and communications about EHP compliance for FEMA grant projects or the EHP review process should be sent to: Portia Ross, CFM, Integration and Technology Branch Chief, Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, FEMA / DHS, 500 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20472, Desk:

202-212-5929, portia.ross@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@dhs.gov mailto:casey.berg@fema.dhs.gov mailto:terry.pruitt@fema.dhs.gov mailto:fema-ntes@fema.dhs.gov mailto:ndgrants@fema.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@dhs.gov mailto:ASK-GMD@dhs.gov mailto:portia.ross@fema.dhs.gov

Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) The Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Announcement is (800) 462-7585.

H. Additional Information

Extensions Extensions to this program are allowed. FEMA allows no-cost extensions to the Period of Performance for this program on a case-by-case basis. FEMA will consider only no-cost extensions to the initial period of performance identified in the award. FEMA will consider these requests for extensions made through formal, written requests to FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED). Extension requests must contain specific and compelling justifications as to why an extension is required. Extension requests may not exceed 12 months. FEMA advises recipients to coordinate with NTED as needed when preparing an extension request.

All extension requests must address the following:

• Grant Program, Fiscal Year, and award number;

• Reason for delay – this must include details of the legal, policy, or operational challenges being experienced that prevent the final outlay of awarded funds by the applicable deadline;

• Current status of the activity/activities;

• Approved period of performance termination date and new project completion date;

• Amount of funds drawn down to date;

• Remaining available funds, both Federal and non-Federal;

• Budget outlining how remaining Federal and non-Federal funds will be expended;

• Plan for completion including milestones and timeframes for achieving each milestone and the position/person responsible for implementing the plan for completion; and

• Recipients must provide assurance of task completion for the proposed extended period of performance. Applicants may not modify the original Statement of Work approved by FEMA.

Payments FEMA utilizes the Payment and Reporting System (PARS) for financial reporting, invoicing and tracking payments. For additional information, refer to:

https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/LogIn?sawContentMessage=true.

DHS/FEMA uses the Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer (DD/EFT) method of payment to recipients. To enroll in the DD/EFT, the recipients must complete a Standard Form 1199A, Direct Deposit Form.

https://isource.fema.gov/sf269/execute/LogIn?sawContentMessage=true.%20

Monitoring FEMA staff will monitor the grant and will perform a desk-based review or on-site monitoring visits, or both. Monitoring will involve the review and analysis of the financial, programmatic, performance, compliance and administrative processes, policies, activities, and other attributes of each Federal assistance award and will identify areas where technical assistance, corrective actions and other support may be needed.

Conflict of Interest Recipients and pass-through entities must follow their own policies and procedures regarding the elimination or reduction of conflicts of interest when making subawards and will serve to eliminate and reduce the impact of conflicts of interest in the subaward process. Recipients and pass-through entities are also required to follow any applicable Federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial statutes or regulations governing conflicts of interest in the making of subawards.

The recipient or subrecipient must disclose to the respective Program Manager, in writing, any real or potential conflict of interest as defined by the Federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial statutes or regulations or their own existing policies, which may arise during the administration of the Federal award within five days of learning of the conflict of interest. Similarly, subrecipients must disclose any real or potential conflict of interest to the pass-through entity as required by the recipient’s conflict of interest policies, or any applicable Federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial statutes or regulations.

Conflicts of interest may arise during the process of DHS/FEMA making a Federal award in situations where an employee, officer, or agent, any members of his or her immediate family, his or her partner has a close personal relationship, a business relationship, or a professional relationship, with an applicant, subapplicant, recipient, subrecipient, or DHS/FEMA employees.

Appendix A: Programmatic Terms and Conditions

Programmatic Terms and Conditions are Special Conditions or Agreement Articles that are specific to the HSNTP/NDPC, beyond the standard DHS Terms and Conditions.

Title of Term and Condition

Language/Description

Use of DHS Seal The recipient will use the DHS/FEMA seal and Design Standards when producing training course materials, aids, or other products funded through this award. Any use of the DHS/FEMA seal not addressed by these standards requires preauthorization and approval by

NTED.

Assessments and Data Collection

The recipient agrees to cooperate with any assessments, national evaluation efforts, information, or data collection requests, including, but not limited to, the provision of any information required for the assessment or evaluation of any activities within this Agreement.

Program Authority The recipient acknowledges that DHS/FEMA reserves a royalty-free, non-exclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and authorize others to use, for Federal government purposes: 1) the copyright in any work developed under an award or sub-award; and 2) any rights of copyright to which a recipient or subrecipient purchases ownership with Federal support.

Learning Management/Content System Requirements

The recipient agrees that any learning management, learning content, content management systems, browser or computer-based training employed by the recipient will be standards-based, meeting Section 508 accessibility requirements of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, 29 U.S.C. 794(d), and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Standards (36 C.F.R. Part 1194). Systems employed by the recipient will also support content interoperability specifications and standards such as Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), and ensure compatibility with industry standard relational database management systems (such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2). The recipient further agrees that any procurement of learning management, learning content management, or content management systems used by the recipient will be commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or open source software (OSS). Proprietary systems may not be procured, and functional customization of COTS products is discouraged. The recipient shall ensure that any data related to NTED program development, training content, and training delivery, or evaluation maintained in such a system is provided to NTED in interoperable formats in keeping with NTED specifications.

Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended states that "no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from; denied the benefits of; or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that either receives Federal financial assistance or is conducted by any Executive agency or the United States Postal Service.” All electronic documents, files, and supporting materials for the course, including classroom materials, shall meet NTED Section 508 requirements. Department of Homeland Security interpretation of Section 508 compliant video states the video must offer closed-captioning as well as a printable transcript. See http://training.fema.gov/devres/ for detailed descriptions for testing course materials for Section 508 compliance. For additional information, please reference the following website: http://www.section508.gov/. The contractor shall provide a letter documenting Section 508 compliance as a deliverable with the final course materials.

Submission and Approval of Course Documents and Disclaimer

The recipient shall submit to NTED for review and comment, all drafts of written documents funded by this Agreement. The recipient shall submit an electronic copy of the final draft of the written document in Microsoft Word or PDF format. The recipient agrees that all publications created with funding under this cooperative agreement shall prominently contain the following statement: “This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number (your award number goes here) administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Point of views or opinions expressed in this document are those of the author and do not represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Note: This requirement excludes press releases, newsletters, or issue analyses.

Equipment Equipment may only be purchased if it directly relates to the training being conducted and if it is an approved item in the recipient’s budget.

National Guidance Documents

Training curricula developed under this agreement must be consistent with all national policy and doctrine to include the National Preparedness Goal, National Preparedness System, National Incident Management System, and National Planning Frameworks. Where possible, training providers will address areas for improvement from the National Preparedness Report in the development and delivery of training programs. Training providers agree to modify their curricula in accordance with changes to these documents and any others, such as the core capabilities in the National Preparedness Goal.

Training and Grant Information Dissemination

The Recipient shall coordinate training and grant information sharing and dissemination with FEMA to establish a cooperative framework whereby information that is disseminated, by any means, including but not limited to press releases, newspapers, newsletters, and, training announcements complies with FEMA goals and objectives.

http://training.fema.gov/devres/ http://www.section508.gov/

Responder Training Development Center/Course Review

The recipient is responsible for complying with the online Responder Training Development Center (RTDC) guidelines for the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of each of its courses. The recipient must also adhere to NTED’s established course review process also located on the RTDC site which requires a minimum of three pilot deliveries and submission of the curriculum to a course review board.

Scheduling/Data Reporting Requirements

The recipient is required to comply…