SFTSG_FY25_NOFO Clean_v2_OCC edits 7.31.25_clean- OMB cleared.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2025 State Fire Training Systems Grant

Fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and other criminal or noncriminal misconduct related to this program may be reported to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1 (800) 323-8603 and TTY 1 (844) 889-4357.

Contents

1. Basic Information

A. Agency Name B. NOFO Title C. Announcement Type D. Funding Opportunity Number E. Assistance Listing Number F. Expected Total Funding G. Anticipated Number of Awards H. Expected Award Range I. Projected Application Start Date J. Projected Application End Date K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date L. Anticipated Award Date M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date N. Projected Period of Performance End Date O. Executive Summary P. Agency Contact

2. Eligibility A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types B. Project Type Eligibility C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties D. Maximum Number of Applications E. Additional Restrictions F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO G. Cost Sharing Requirement H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

3. Program Description A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History B. Goals and Objectives C. Program Rationale D. Federal Assistance Type

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E. Performance Measures and Targets F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs G. General Funding Requirements H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs J. Pre-Award Costs K. Beneficiary Eligibility L. Participant Eligibility M. Authorizing Authority N. Appropriation Authority O. Budget Period P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

4. Application Contents and Format A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers B. Application Content and Format C. Application Components D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines A. Address to Request Application Package B. Application Deadline C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline E. Effects of Missing the Deadline

6. Intergovernmental Review A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

7. Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria B. Application Criteria C. Financial Integrity Criteria D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection F. Merit Review Process G. Final Selection

8. Award Notices A. Notice of Award B. Pass-Through Requirements C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs D. Obligation of Funds E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions C. Financial Reporting Requirements D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements E. Closeout Reporting Requirements

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F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 G. Single Audit Report H. Monitoring and Oversight I. Program Evaluation J. Additional Performance Reporting Requirements K. Termination of the Federal Award L. Best Practice M. Payment Information N. Immigration Conditions

10. Other Information A. Period of Performance Extension B. Other Information

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1. Basic Information

A. Agency Name U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

B. NOFO Title Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 State Fire Training Systems Grant

C. Announcement Type Initial D. Funding Opportunity Number DHS-25-USFA-043-00-99 E. Assistance Listing Number 97.043 F. Expected Total Funding $1,000,000 G. Anticipated Number of Awards 50 H. Expected Award Range $20,000-$20,000 I. Projected Application Start

Date 08/01/2025 12 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

J. Projected Application End Date 08/15/2025 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) K. Anticipated Funding Selection

Date 08/29/2025

L. Anticipated Award Date 09/15/2025 M. Projected Period of

Performance Start Date 10/01/2025

N. Projected Period of Performance End Date

09/30/2026

O. Executive Summary In accordance with the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, the State Fire Training Systems Grant makes available federal funds to pay for the direct delivery of government-funded courses to the states; the distribution and sharing of student manuals, instructor guides, and other course materials to enable states to supplement and tailor their training delivery needs using courses from the National Fire Academy.

P. Agency Contact Program Office Contact Michael Bercaw, Program Manager Michael.bercaw@fema.dhs.gov

FEMA Grants News This channel provides general information on all FEMA grant programs and maintains a comprehensive database containing key personnel contact information at the federal, state, and local levels. FEMA Grants News Team is reachable at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR (800) 368- 6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

ET.

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

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Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration Division GPD’s Award Administration Division (AAD) provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. AAD can be contacted at ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA Regional Offices FEMA Regional Offices also may provide fiscal support, including pre- and post-award administration and technical assistance. FEMA Regional Office contact information is available at https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts.

Civil Rights Consistent with Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination & Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, the FEMA Office of Civil Rights is responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of federal civil rights obligations in connection with programs and services conducted by FEMA. They are reachable at FEMA- CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation The FEMA Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (OEHP) provides guidance and information about the EHP review process to FEMA programs and recipients and subrecipients.

Send any inquiries regarding compliance for FEMA grant projects under this NOFO to FEMA-OEHP- NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov.

Payment and Reporting System FEMA uses FEMA GO for financial reporting, invoicing, and tracking payments. The Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer (DD/EFT) method of payment is used for recipients. For any questions about the system, contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.gov or (877) 585- 3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

ET.

mailto:ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts mailto:FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov mailto:FEMA-OEHP-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov

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FEMA GO

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, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.

FEMA Preparedness Toolkit The FEMA Preparedness Toolkit (PrepToolkit) provides access to tools and resources needed to implement the National Preparedness System and provide a collaborative space for communities completing the Unified Reporting Tool (URT).

Recipients complete and submit their Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), and other required assessments using the PrepToolkit. For assistance, contact support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov mailto:femago@fema.dhs.gov https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/ mailto:support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov

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2. Eligibility

A. Eligible Entities/

Entity Types Only the following entities or entity types are eligible to apply.

a. Applicants

1. Eligible Applicants State fire training systems as designated by state legislation or Governor’s declaration.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be designated either by legislation or by Governor’s declaration as the sole state fire service training agency within the state.

b. Subapplicants

Subapplicants and subawards are not allowed.

B. Project Type Eligibility

a. Unallowable Project Types Training courses related to the fire and the emergency response community that do not conform to the training curriculum(s) of the National Fire Academy.

b. Allowable Project Types

Educational and training programs consistent with the training curriculums of the National Fire Academy that have a national focus and are outside state and local training missions or that exceed state and local capabilities because of cost or audience.

C. Requirements for

Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties

Not Applicable

D. Maximum Number of Applications

The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is 1 per state.

E. Additional Restrictions

Applicants/Subapplicants or recipients/subrecipients are required to certify their compliance with federal statues, DHS directives, polices, and procedures.

F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO

Please see the following references provided below:

1. “Responsiveness Review Criteria” subsection

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection

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3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection

4. FEMA may/will request financial information such as Employer Identification Number (EIN) and bank information as part of the potential award selection. This will apply to everyone prospered, including subrecipients.

G. Cost Sharing Requirement

There is no cost share requirement.

H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions

Not applicable.

I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example

Not Applicable

J. Required information for verifying Cost Share

Not Applicable

3. Program Description

A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History

In accordance with the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, the Superintendent of the National Fire Academy (NFA) delivers training in cooperation with State fire service training agencies. This cooperation includes the State Fire Training Systems Grant (SFTSG) program providing grants to pay for: the direct delivery of government-funded courses in the states; the distribution and sharing of Student Manuals, Instructor Guides, and other course materials; and funding to the states to help supplement and tailor their training delivery needs using NFA courses and programs.

B. Goals and Objectives

The goal of the SFTSG is to enhance public safety and reduce burdens that result from fire through promotion of the professional development of the fire and emergency response community and its allied professionals and support state and local organizations in fulfilling their obligation to career and volunteer fire and emergency services.

The objectives of the SFTSG are to:

• Develop, deliver, and manage educational and training programs having a national focus that are outside state and local training missions or that exceed state and local capabilities because of cost or audience.

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• Establish a safer FEMS community through training that results in fewer fire and emergency service-related deaths for first responders and the public.

• Build understanding and application of fire reduction and response strategies.

• Fill training gaps that are outside state and local training missions or that exceed state, local, tribal, and territorial capabilities.

C. Program Rationale

The goals of the State Fire Training Programs align with and support the FY 23 DHS Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR).

D. Federal Assistance Type

Grant

E. Performance Measures and Targets

1. The number of courses that are consistent with NFA-approved curriculum.

2. The number of subjects (below) that are taught within the course(s) as outlined by the program office:

a. Leadership

b. Incident Management

c. Community Risk Reduction

d. Wildland Urban Interface

e. Basic Training

f. Advanced Training

3. The percent of volunteer personnel that passed the course (pass/success rate).

4. The percent of career personnel that passed the course (pass/success rate).

Program effectiveness is evaluated by asking students to complete a course evaluation at the end of their training experience. End-of-course evaluations are used to identify opportunities for improvement and to ensure our training meets the needs of the fire and EMS community.

F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

N/A

G. General Funding Requirements

Costs charged to federal awards (including federal and non-federal cost share funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, policies, this NOFO, and 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).

https://www.dhs.gov/publication/2023-quadrennial-homeland-security-review-qhsr https://www.dhs.gov/publication/2023-quadrennial-homeland-security-review-qhsr https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403

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Recipients may not use federal funds or any cost share funds for the following activities:

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

2. Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C. § 1913 18 USC 1913:

Lobbying with appropriated moneys or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.

3. Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity

(see 2 C.F.R. § 200.435).

H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs)

Indirect costs are NOT allowed.

I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs

M&A costs are allowed. It is the policy of USFA to allow M&A for the SFTSG.

Management and administration costs are activities directly related to implementing the award. FEMA will permit recipients to use up to 5% of the amount of the award for their M&A.

M&A are not overhead costs but are necessary direct costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such, M&A costs can be itemized in financial reports.

J. Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowed.

K. Beneficiary Eligibility

There is no program requirement for Beneficiary Eligibility

This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any beneficiary.

L. Participant Eligibility

There are no program requirements for Participant Eligibility.

This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title18-section1913&num=0&edition=1999 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-1999-title18-section1913&num=0&edition=1999 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.450 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435

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M. Authorizing Authority

Section 7(f) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (Pub. L. No. 93-498), as amended (15 U.S.C. § 2206(f)).

N. Appropriation Authority

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4, §

O. Budget Period

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

Recipients need prior written approval from FEMA to carry forward unobligated balances across budget periods.

P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

Recipients, sub-recipients, and their contractors or subcontractors must comply with the prohibitions set forth in Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which restrict the purchase of covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services. Please see 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200, and FEMA Policy #405-143-1 - Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services for more information.

4. Application Contents and Format

A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers

B. Application Content and Format

Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.

C. Application Components

The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard Forms (SF) are also available at Forms | Grants.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5515/text 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_policy-405-143-1-prohibition-covered-services-equipment-gpd.pdf https://go.fema.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/forms

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• 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

D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information

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

FEMA GO:

• Program Narrative

• Budget Narrative

• Detailed Budget Breakdown

• Workplan – to include title of course delivery, beginning and end dates, and city/state of course delivery.

E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

A. Address to Request Application Package

Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.

Steps Required to Apply For An Award Under This Program and Submit an Application:

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

• Apply for, update, or verify their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and EIN from the Internal Revenue Service;

• In the application, provide an UEI number;

• Have an account with login.gov;

• Register for, update, or verify their System for Award Management (SAM) account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;

• Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the

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

• Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and https://go.fema.gov/ https://www.login.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/181607

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• 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.

Per 2 CFR 25.110(a)(2)(iv), 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. Contact fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov and provide the details of the exigent circumstances.

How to Register to Apply:

1. General Instructions:

Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Below are instructions for registering to apply for FEMA funds. Read the instructions carefully and prepare the requested information before beginning the registration process. Gathering the required information before starting the 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 a UEI number, EIN, and an active SAM registration.

2. Obtain a 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.

3. Obtain Employer Identification Number:

In addition to having a UEI number, all entities applying for funding must provide an 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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 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

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4. 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 at:

https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c- 8323-a62b99571fd.

Applicants only have to create a login.gov account once. For existing SAM users, use the same email address for both login.gov and 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.

5. Register with SAM:

In addition to having a UEI number, all organizations must register with SAM.

Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through FEMA GO. SAM registration must be renewed annually and must remain active throughout the entire grant life cycle.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to: Register with

SAM

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 past three years, if applicable.

6. 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 FEMA GO Startup Guide

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

• Google Chrome;

• Mozilla Firefox;

• Apple Safari; and

• Microsoft Edge.

https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.200 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema-go_startup-guide.pdf

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Applicants using tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA GO.

7. Submitting the Final Application:

Applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information, and any program-specific information required. Standard Forms (SF) may be accessed in the Forms tab under the: SF-424 Family | Grants.gov.

Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they are providing all required information.

After submitting the final application, FEMA GO will provide either an error message, or an email to the submitting AOR confirming the transmission was successfully received.

B. Application Deadline

08/15/2025 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time

C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline

D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline

E. Effects of Missing the Deadline

All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of submission and generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives an application. The submitting AOR will receive via email the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number to serve as proof of timely submission prior to the application deadline.

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

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

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6. Intergovernmental Review

A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

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.

7. Application Review Information

A. Threshold Criteria

Applications will be reviewed to determine if the applicant is not a State Fire Training Office or if they do not submit the correct paperwork for consideration as outlined in section 4 subsection D.

B. Application Criteria

Each application will be reviewed for work performed and completion of application.

C. Financial Integrity Criteria

Before making an award, FEMA is required to review OMB-designated databases for applicants’ eligibility and financial integrity information. This is required by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020)), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and the “Do Not Pay Initiative” (31 U.S.C. 3354). For more details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

Thus, the Financial Integrity Criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

• Financial stability.

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

• History of performance in managing federal award.

• Reports and findings from audits.

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

D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

Before making an award expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently a total federal share of $250,000) over the period of performance:

FEMA is required by 41 U.S.C. § 2313: to review or consider certain information found in SAM.gov. For details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2).

https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/116/public/117 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/116/public/117 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/41/2313 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/3354 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

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1. An applicant may review and comment on any information in the responsibility/ qualification records available in SAM.gov.

2. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, FEMA will consider any comments by the applicant.

E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection

Program manager as designated by the Superintendent of the National Fire Academy.

F. Merit Review Process

Applicants selected for funding will clearly demonstrate the ability to develop, deliver, and manage educational and training programs that have a national focus and are consistent with the State Fire Training Priorities listed in Appendix A of this notice. This is a fixed $20,00 per state award.

G. Final Selection

Final decisions will be made by the Program Director and made within 30 days after the end of application period.

8. Award Notices

A. Notice of Award

The Authorized Organization Representative should carefully read the federal award package before accepting the federal award. The federal award package includes instructions on administering the federal award as well as terms and conditions for the award.

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the prerequisites stated in this NOFO and the material terms and conditions of the federal award, should they receive an award.

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 award package notification email is sent via the grant application system to the submitting AOR.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

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Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award via FEMA GO 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.

B. Pass-Through Requirements

C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowed under this program.

D. Obligation of Funds

Funds are obligated at the time of acceptance of the grant award.

E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

Applicants are notified through FEMA GO and email if an unsuccessful application is submitted.

9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Presidential Executive Orders

Recipients must comply with the requirements of Presidential Executive Orders related to grants (also known as federal assistance and financial assistance), the full text of which are incorporated by reference.

In accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty (June 6, 2025), and to the extent allowed by law, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients under this NOFO are permitted to purchase unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as drones, or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. Recipients must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and adhere to any statutory requirements on the use of federal funds for such unmanned aircraft systems, equipment, or services.

Subrecipient Monitoring and Management

Pass-through entities must comply with the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management as set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.331-333.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/11/2025-10803/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/11/2025-10803/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty

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B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

A recipient under this funding opportunity must comply with the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions in effect as of the date of the federal award. The DHS Standard Terms and Conditions are available online: DHS Standard Terms and Conditions | Homeland Security. For continuation awards, the terms and conditions for the initial federal award will apply unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions of the continuation award. The specific version of the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions applicable to the federal award will be in the federal award package.

A recipient under this funding opportunity must comply with the FY 2025 Department of Homeland Security Standard Terms and Conditions, v. 3 (Apr. 18, 2025), with the exception Paragraph C.IX (Communication and Cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration Officials) and paragraph C.XVII(2)(a)(iii) (Anti- Discrimination Grant Award Certification regarding immigration). Paragraphs C.IX and C.XVII(2)(a)(iii) do not apply to any federal award under this funding opportunity. The FY 2025 Department of Homeland Security Standard Terms and Conditions, v. 3 (Apr.

18, 2025) are available at www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions.

C. Financial Reporting Requirements

1. Federal Financial Report (FFR)

a. Recipients must report obligations and expenditures through a federal financial report. The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form, also known as Standard Form 425 (SF-425), is available online at: SF-425 OMB #4040- 0014.

b. Recipients must submit the FFR quarterly throughout the period of performance (POP) as detailed below:

c. The final FFR is due within 120 calendar days after the end of the POP.

d. FEMA may withhold future federal awards and cash payments if the recipient does not submit timely financial reports, or the financial reports submitted demonstrate lack of progress or provide insufficient detail.

2. FFR Reporting Periods and Due Dates

An FFR must be submitted quarterly throughout the POP, including partial calendar quarters, as well as in periods where no grant award activity occurs. The final FFR is due within 120 calendar days after the end of the POP. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these reports are delinquent, demonstrate lack of progress, or are insufficient in detail.

https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF425a_2_0-V2.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF425a_2_0-V2.0.pdf

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Except for the final FFR due at 120 days after the end of the POP for purposes of closeout, 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

FEMA may withhold future federal awards and cash payments if the recipient does not submit timely financial reports, or the financial reports submitted demonstrate lack of progress or provide insufficient detail.

D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements

The recipient is responsible for completing and submitting a PPR using FEMA GO. The PPR must be submitted through FEMA GO based on the calendar year beginning with the period after the award is made. Grant recipients are required to submit a PPR throughout the entire period of performance of the grant and for closeout. The PPR should include the following:

• Provide report on all performance measures as outlined in the performance measures section of this document. The report will be due on a quarterly basis.

• Enhance training for the local FEMS community using grant funds and report the number of classes and number of students served in each class.

A Performance Report must be submitted quarterly throughout the POP.

A Performance Report must include:

• Provide report on all performance measures as outlined in the performance measures section of this document. The report will be due on a quarterly basis.

Enhance training for the local FEMS community using grant funds and report the number of classes and number of students served in each class.

• The Progress Report must be submitted through FEMA GO. Please use the provided PPR supplied to you by the Program Manager.

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Performance Report Due Dates

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

E. Closeout Reporting Requirements

Within 120 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a federal award, recipients must submit the following:

• The final request for payment, if applicable.

• The final FFR.

• The final progress report detailing all accomplishments.

• A qualitative narrative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

• Other documents required by this NOFO, terms and conditions of the federal award, or other DHS Component guidance.

After FEMA approves these reports, it will issue a closeout notice. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds to be de-obligated, and address the record maintenance requirement. Unless a longer period applies, such as due to an audit or litigation, for equipment or real property used beyond the period of performance, or due to other circumstances outlined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.334, this maintenance requirement is three years from the date of the final FFR.

Also, pass-through entities are responsible for closing out those subawards as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.344; subrecipients are still required to submit closeout materials within 90 calendar days of the subaward period of performance end date. When a subrecipient completes all closeout requirements, pass-through entities must promptly complete all closeout actions in time for the recipient to submit all necessary documentation and information to FEMA during the closeout of their prime award. The recipient is responsible for returning any balances of unobligated or unliquidated funds that have been drawn down that are not authorized to be retained per 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(e).

Administrative Closeout

Administrative closeout is a mechanism for FEMA to unilaterally execute closeout of an award. FEMA will use available award information in lieu of final recipient reports, per 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(h)-(i). It is an activity of last resort, and if FEMA administratively closes an award, this may negatively impact a recipient’s ability to obtain future funding.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR682eb6fbfabcde2/section-200.344 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR682eb6fbfabcde2/section-200.344 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR682eb6fbfabcde2/section-200.344 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR682eb6fbfabcde2/section-200.344 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR682eb6fbfabcde2/section-200.344

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Additional Reporting Requirements

Anytime there is a chance in personnel for any of the awardees and/or subrecipients, their information needs to be submitted for approval (all the previous personal information identified).

F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335

Before entering into a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA if it knows that the applicant or any of the principals (as defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.995) for the federal award:

• Are presently excluded or disqualified;

• Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against you for one of those offenses within that time period;

• Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) with the commission of any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a); or

• Have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.

This is requirement is fully described in 2 C.F.R. §180.335.

Additionally, 2 C.F.R. § 180.350 requires recipients to provide immediate notice to FEMA at any time after entering a federal award if:

• The recipient learns that either it failed to earlier disclose information as required by 2 C.F.R. § 180.335;

• Due to changed circumstances, the applicant or any of the principals for the federal award now meet the criteria at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 listed above.

Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

Appendix XII to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 states the terms and conditions for recipient integrity and performance matters used for this funding opportunity.

If the total value of all active federal grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts for a recipient exceeds $10,000,000 at any time during the period of performance:

• The recipient must maintain the currency of information reported in SAM.gov about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in paragraph 2 of Appendix XII;

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• The required reporting frequency is described in paragraph 4 of Appendix XII.

G. Single Audit Report

A recipient expending $1,000,000 or more in federal awards (as defined by 2 C.F.R. § 200.1) during its fiscal year must undergo an audit. This may be either a single audit complying with 2 C.F.R. § 200.514 or a program-specific audit complying with 2 C.F.R.

§§ 200.501 and 200.507. Audits must follow 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F, 2 C.F.R. § 200.501, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards.

H. Monitoring and Oversight

Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.337, DHS and its authorized representatives have the right of access to any records of the recipient or subrecipient pertinent to a federal award to perform audits, site visits, and any other official use. The right also includes timely and reasonable access to the recipient’s or subrecipient’s personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents or the federal award in general.

Pursuant to this right and per 2 C.F.R. § 200.329, DHS may conduct desk reviews and make site visits to review and evaluate project accomplishments and management control systems as well as provide any required technical assistance. Recipients and subrecipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to DHS requests for information relating to a federal award.

I. Program Evaluation

Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, Pub. L. No.

115-435 (2019) (Evidence Act), PUBL435.PS urges federal agencies to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, improve delivery, and elevate program service and delivery across the program lifecycle. Evaluation means “an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.” Evidence Act, § 101 (codified at 5 U.S.C. § 311). OMB A-11, Section 290 (Evaluation and Evidence-Building Activities) further outlines the standards and practices for evaluation activities. Federal agencies are required to specify any requirements for recipient participation in program evaluation activities (2 C.F.R. § 200.301). Program evaluation activities incorporated from the outset in the NOFO and program design and implementation allow recipients and agencies to meaningfully document and measure progress and achievement towards program goals and objectives, and identify program outcomes and lessons learned, as part of demonstrating recipient performance (2 C.F.R. § 200.301).

As such, recipients and subrecipients are required to participate in a Program Office (PO) or a DHS Component-led evaluation, if selected. This may be carried out by a third-party on behalf of the PO or the DHS Component. Such an evaluation may involve information collections including but not limited to, records of the recipients; surveys, interviews, or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F/subject-group-ECFRea73e47c9a286e6/section-200.514 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F/subject-group-ECFRfd0932e473d10ba/section-200.501 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F/subject-group-ECFRfd0932e473d10ba/section-200.501 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F/subject-group-ECFRfd0932e473d10ba/section-200.507 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F/subject-group-ECFRfd0932e473d10ba/section-200.507 https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.337 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.329 https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ435/PLAW-115publ435.pdf

Version 25-02 24 discussions with individuals who benefit from the federal award, program operating personnel, and award recipients; and site visits or other observation of recipient activities, as specified in a DHS Component or PO-approved evaluation plan. More details about evaluation requirements may be provided in the federal award, if available at that time, or following the award as evaluation requirements are finalized. Evaluation costs incurred during the period of performance are allowable costs (either as direct or indirect) in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.413.

Recipients and subrecipients are also encouraged, but not required, to participate in any additional evaluations after the period of performance ends, although any costs incurred to participate in such evaluations are not allowable and may not be charged to the federal award.

J. Additional Performance Reporting Requirements

K. Termination of the Federal Award

1. Paragraph C.XL of the FY 2025 DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, v.3 sets forth a term and condition entitled “Termination of a Federal Award.” The termination provision condition listed below applies to the grant award and the term and condition in Paragraph C.XL of the FY 2025 DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, v.3 does not.

2. Termination of the Federal Award by FEMA

FEMA may terminate the federal award in whole or in part for one of the following reasons identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.340:

a. If the recipient or subrecipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award.

b. With the consent of the recipient, in which case FEMA and the recipient must agree upon the termination conditions. These conditions include the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.

c. If the federal award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. Under this provision, FEMA may terminate the award for these purposes if any of the following reasons apply:

i. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that a specific award objective is ineffective at achieving program goals as described in this NOFO;

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ii. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that an objective of the award as described in this NOFO will be ineffective at achieving program goals or agency priorities;

iii. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that the design of the grant program is flawed relative to program goals or agency priorities;

iv. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that the grant program is not aligned to either the DHS Strategic Plan, the FEMA Strategic Plan, or successor policies or documents;

v. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, changes or re-evaluates the goals or priorities of the grant program and determines that the award will be ineffective at achieving the updated program goals or agency priorities; or

vi. For other reasons based on program goals or agency priorities described in the termination notice provided to the recipient pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.341.

vii. If the awardee falls out of compliance with the Agency’s statutory or regulatory authority, award terms and conditions, or other applicable laws.

3. Termination of a Subaward by the Pass-Through Entity

The pass-through entity may terminate a subaward in whole or in part for one of the following reasons identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.340:

a. If the subrecipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award.

b. With the consent of the subrecipient, in which case the pass-through entity and the subrecipient must agree upon the termination conditions. These conditions include the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.

c. If the pass-through entity’s award has been terminated, the pass-through recipient will terminate its subawards.

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