STC FY 2021 NOFO - Chicago Final.pdf

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

Securing the Cities Program (STC)

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.

Contents A. Program Description

1. Issued By

2. Assistance Listings (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number)

3. Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title)

4. Funding Opportunity Title

5. Funding Opportunity Number

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

8. Announcement Type

9. Program Category (Optional)

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

1) Goals and Objectives

2) Priorities

11. Performance Measures B. Federal Award Information

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

3. Other Eligibility Criteria

4. Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

5. Cost Share or Match

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

3. Address to Request Application Package http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

4. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management (SAM)

5. Electronic Delivery

6. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

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

8. Submitting the Final Application in [another grant system] (if applicable)

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

11. Other Submission Requirements

12. Intergovernmental Review (Include if applicable)

13. Funding Restrictions

14. Allowable Costs

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

2. Pass-Through Requirements

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

4. Reporting

5. Monitoring and Oversight

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

H. Additional Information

I. Appendix 1

6. Section A: STC Program Phases and Deployment Postures

7. Section B: Eligible Equipment

8. Section C: Eligible Training

9. Section D: Reports

10. Section E: Final Performance Reports

11. Section F: Eligible Costs

12. Section G: Sample Budget Format

13. Section H: Memorandum of Understanding Template

A. Program Description

1. Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office

2. Assistance Listings (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number) 97.106.

3. Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title) Securing the Cities Program

4. Funding Opportunity Title Securing the Cities Program, 2021 STC Sustainment

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-ST-21-106-STC-0001

6. Authorizing Authority for Program Section 1928 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended (6 U.S.C. §596b).

7. Appropriation Authority for Program Department of Homeland Security Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. No.

116-260), Division F Department of Homeland Security; Title IV Research Development, Training, and Services; Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction; Federal Assistance.

8. Announcement Type New

9. Program Category (Optional) Not Applicable

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

1) Program Overview

The STC program enhances the ability of the Unites States to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials that pose a high risk to the homeland security in high risk urban areas. Support to recipients includes assistance in developing and integrating local or regional programs into a national detection structure, guiding the development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) and standard operating procedures, providing radiological/nuclear (R/N) detection equipment, providing training and exercise products to ensure detection is integrated into day-to-day activities and that partners are proficient in the detection mission area. Capability is defined as trained and equipped personnel who are proficient in the use of R/N detection equipment and guided by detection and response protocols.

The STC Program supports the ‘Prevent Terrorism and Enhance Security’ Mission Area as specified in the 2018 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review and is a prevention program as defined in Presidential Policy Directive – 8 (PPD-8).

The STC Program is implemented in four phases; Phase I (Engagement), Phase II (Implementation), Phase III (Integration), and Phase IV (Sustainment). All recipients of this award have advanced to Phase IV, where they will be recapitalizing equipment and expanding capabilities along routes of ingress to the HRUA. Recipients in other phases may be funded under separate NOFOs.

1) Goals and Objectives

The STC Program has three primary goals:

1) Enhance regional capabilities to detect, analyze, report, and interdict radiological and nuclear materials that could be used by an adversary;

2) Guide the coordination of STC partners in their roles in a local, regional, and national defense in depth detection structure; and

3) Encourage participants to sustain their R/N detection program over time.

To accomplish the above goals, the STC Program has the four (4) following objectives:

Objective 1: Assist State, local, territorial and tribal governments in developing local radiological/nuclear detection architectures resulting in awareness, training, technical support, exercises, and capability development. The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) will use a common strategy in each STC implementation that will then be tailored for the requirements of that area. This strategy will put in place a comprehensive structure for developing all architectural elements and will encompass all elements of capability development.

Objective 2: Provide a common information sharing environment. Establish information connectivity among domestically deployed detection systems and Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, and regional data analysis centers, to include connectivity for technical reachback and adjudication support. Information exchange is critical to reducing the risk of any terrorist attack. An Operations Plan will document coordination protocols among operational partners and with federal agencies. Additionally, an Information Exchange Plan will ensure that proper and effective information sharing practices and policies are institutionalized within the region with respect to the STC Program.

Objective 3: Use a regional approach to coordinate activities and resources for all participating agencies. Establish administrative infrastructure to support a nuclear detection program.

Objective 4: Establish coordination mechanisms between operational partners that support the Domestic Detection Concept of Operations1 and have concurrence from all principal STC partners. Further, an Information Exchange Plan is required, which documents the utilization of the CWMD STC methodology and DHS Geospatial Information Infrastructure (GII) system for exchanging information between partners, other STC implementations, and the Federal Government. The DHS GII houses the authoritative data set for all STC regions. All secondary screening alarms must be reported via CWMD STC approved mechanisms, in accordance with the Domestic Detection CONOPS.

2) Priorities

This specific NOFO will focus on previous STC Program Recipients to sustain the regional capabilities and/or expanding those capabilities (by incorporating additional partners into the program), by recapitalizing the R/N detection equipment which has reached the end of its expected usable life cycle and funding the Regional Program Office to continue to manage the detection efforts within the region. This will enable the eligible applicants to continue to provide uninterrupted detection capabilities for their region and reducing the risk of R/N materials posing a threat to the high-risk urban area.

11. Performance Measures

Section D of the NOFO Appendix 1 details performance measures. The STC Program Management Office will monitor regional progress against the measures on a quarterly basis to determine progress in meeting the above objectives. Reporting on these performance metrics and measures is required and is directly tied to continuation awards from paragraph 8 above.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $650,000.00

2. Projected number of Awards (Optional): 1

1 DHS CWMD worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Energy to create the Domestic Detection CONOPS to facilitate an effective “whole of government” response among mission partners to detect and communicate about potential or actual threats involving R/N materials within the United States. DHS will provide the Domestic Detection CONOPS to grant recipients as a basis for planning their regional CONOPS.

3. Maximum Award Amount (Optional): N/A

4. Period of Performance: 107 months

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 09/30/2021

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 08/31/2030

7. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

By and through the lead agency/recipient, DHS provides assistance to regional partners to:

o Closely coordinate planning, operations, and information exchange between regional partners, CWMD, and other Federal agencies.

o Conduct training and exercises to further the nuclear detection mission in the region and gain proficiency in detection operations.

o Develop a robust mobile architecture and equipment set for both land and maritime pathways focused on steady-state operations that is flexible enough to surge to enhanced detection postures.

o Execute the CWMD STC information exchange methodology so that multiple STC regions may exchange data amongst each other, CWMD, and other Federal partners.

o Achieve better integration of Federal, State, and local capabilities allowing regional support to national operations, in accordance with the Domestic Detection CONOPS. CWMD will provide the Domestic Detection CONOPS to grant recipients along with templates for regional and local operational plans and procedures.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Only previously awarded lead agencies under the Securing the Cities grant number

16DNSTC00001 are eligible to apply. The City of Chicago Fire Department and the city of Houston were originally selected for funding in FY15 under NOFO DHS-15-DNDO- 106-001. The City of Houston is already covered under a sustainment cooperative agreement. Therefore, the City of Chicago Fire Department is the only entity eligible to apply for the sustainment funding for the STC Program under this announcement. Refer to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (“HSA”) (Pub. L. 107-296), as amended by section 2(a) (10) of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-387), codified at 6 U.S.C. 596b.

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria This NOFO focuses on existing high-risk urban areas that were previous recipients under the STC Program and that are in the Sustainment phase under their original award. The STC Program recipient will submit only one application for their region from their Lead Agency, which will encompass the urban area as well as its regional partners.

The application must clearly identify the lead agency and all principal partners. It is crucial to the success of the program for each principal partner to assign personnel sufficient rank and possessing necessary authority to be able to make decisions for their organizations. Sub-partners should also be included in the resulting regional nuclear detection program and plans, but do not need to be identified in a region’s application.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria No other eligibility criteria applicable.

4. Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

There is no statutory maintenance-of-effort (MOE) requirement associated with this award of the funding in this Notice.

5. Cost Share or Match

There is no cost share or matching requirement associated with this award of the funding in this Notice.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 05/07/2021

b. Application Submission Deadline: 06/07/2021 at 23:59:59

PM Eastern Daylight Time

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: No later than 09/01/2021

d. Anticipated Award Date: No later than 09/01/2021

e. 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

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grantsolutions.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.Grants.gov.

For a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please write or fax a request to:

Janet Bailey Office of Procurement Operations (MGMT I OPO) 245 Murray Lane SW Mail Stop 0115 Washington, D.C. 20528-0115 Phone: 202-447-0362 Email: janet.bailey@HQ.DHS.GOV

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal

4. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management (SAM)

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

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and Employer ID Number (EIN)

b. In the application, provide a valid Data Universal Numbering System DUNS number, which is currently the unique entity identifier;

c. Have an account with login.gov;

d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;

e. Create a Grants.gov account;

f. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account;

Starting application in Grantsolutions.gov Two weeks before actual submission deadline http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.login.gov/

g. Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;

h. Submit application in Grants.gov;

i. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information, including information on a recipient’s immediate and highest level owner and subsidiaries, as well on all predecessors that have been awarded a Federal contract or grant within the last 3 years, if applicable, at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency.

Applicants are advised that DHS may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the application review period and when DHS is ready to make a federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before award, 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 to Apply is provided to aid in fulfilling these requirements (if applicable), based off of https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html:

5. Electronic Delivery

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

6. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. 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.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grantsolutions.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

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

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a 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

2) Register with SAM: 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

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

4) 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.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-%09obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-%09obtain-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

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

https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

5) 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

6) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

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

7) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grantsolutions.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 people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

7. How to Submit an 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 NOFO, 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

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

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html 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 click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. 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.

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

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and 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.

f. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. 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.

g. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, 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.

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

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 DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

8. Submitting the Final Application in [another grant system] (if applicable) If the DHS FAO requires applicants to finish their application in another system, this section must include instructions for that process.

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

a. Online Submission. All applications must be received by 23:59:59 Eastern time on the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grantsolutions.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 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 attempting to submit the application. 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.

b. If the application is submitted initially through Grants.gov and then finalized in another system, use language like this: As application submission is a two-step process, the applicant with the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgment of receipt, a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov, and [insert DHS FAO’s tracking number or information] with the successful transmission of the initial application.

This notification does not serve as proof of timely submission as the application is not complete until it is submitted in [DHS FAO’s system]. All applications must be received in [DHS FAO’s system] by HH:MM AM/PM Eastern Time on [Month Day, Year]. If applicable, add how the applicant will know whether its final submission in DHS FAO’s system is successful & submitted on time, such as stating that there is an electronic date/time stamp generated in the system or that the applicant will receive an email to confirm receipt.

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

c. Mandatory Files:

SF 424 – Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must complete an SF 424 application form. This form may be completed while on the Grants.gov Web site or it can be completed offline in its entirety. NOTE:

Applications submitted through Grants.gov must use the SF 424 provided by Grants.gov. The SF 424 application form can only be viewed and downloaded once Adobe Reader has been installed. The SF 424 application form on Grants.gov is formatted so applicants are only required to complete fields which are indicated with an asterisk (*) and color coded. Once the application is complete, close the document (you will then be prompted to save changes or not).

SF 424A Application Budget Applicants must complete the budget in its entirety. Applicants must provide budgets by object class (salaries, fringe, travel, indirect, etc.). Funds may be requested if the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work and are not precluded by the cost principles or program funding restrictions.

d. Project Narrative:

Applicants must complete a project narrative as part of their application. This narrative should address the following areas at a minimum:

1. Cost of program office sustainment

2. New Principle Partners or sub-partners – plans for pro-growth expansion

3. The age of the equipment being recapitalized

4. The condition of the equipment being recapitalized

5. The type and quantity of the equipment being recapitalized

6. A detailed schedule for the recapitalization of R/N detection equipment throughout the period of performance

e. Principal Partners:

Application must identify the lead agency (applicant) and all participating and planned principal jurisdictions (“principal partners”) by name only, accounting for the eligibility information above and include type of organization (city, county, etc.).

f. Existing Capability:

Capability, in this sense, is comprised of appropriately trained and equipped personnel, proficient in the use of radiation detection equipment, and guided by detection and response protocols. Describe the existing R/N detection capabilities of each NEW principal partner:

o Equipment: Make, model, quantity, and age o Training: Number of personnel trained for each equipment type

g. Need for Assistance:

Given the age of some of the equipment procured with STC funding, it is imperative that this equipment be programed for recapitalization. This need should be clearly articulated in the application, in the Project Narrative section. This award will only be utilized to recapitalize R/N detection equipment, expand the R/N capability within the Region, and to sustain the STC Regional Program Office.

h. Coordination with other Federal Programs:

The Lead Agency will continue to serve as the focal point for coordination between STC partners. The applicant should describe how activities under the STC Program will complement, but not duplicate, activities under other U.S. government-funded programs.

i. Project Description:

Supply a detailed scope of work for assistance requested through this funding opportunity. This scope of work should harmonize with the Budget Narrative and Justification (see item below). At a minimum, the scope must include:

o Regional goals and objectives linked to STC Program goals and objectives listed in

Section A: Notice of Funding Opportunity Description.

o The specific activities to meet each regional goal and objective.

o Metrics for success in meeting each regional objective. Provide a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) that you intend to use to measure progress against objectives listed in Section A.

o Plan of Actions and Milestones (POAM) or Gantt chart with detailed descriptions showing work tasks and project milestones associated with each major STC task.

Include estimated dates for the beginning of regional training and exercises, operations plan development, commencement of information exchange between principal partners and CWMD, and, assuming the lead agency were to procure equipment with its funds, equipment selection, estimated procurement timelines, and deployment. This document must provide sufficient detail to allow DHS to evaluate the project schedule. A brief list of bullet points containing vague timeframes, with little or no explanation or illustration of task dependencies is unacceptable. This POAM or Gantt chart with detailed description will form the basis of the Regional Implementation Plan.

o How the architecture will be designed for steady state operations and be capable of surging to enhanced steady state and search operations.

j. Budget Narrative: Provide a cost breakdown of all items requested and a narrative establishing need.

k. Project Plan Requirements: The Lead Agency should verify that each of the following documents have been created and updated, as required, and provide certification to this fact or a projected date of completion. Each document will indicate concurrence by all STC principal partners. The CWMD STC Program Office will provide templates and help coordinate significant assistance in the production of these documents if required:

o Regional Strategic Plan o Regional Organizational Chart o Committee Charters o Regional Implementation Plan o Regional Operations Plan o Regional Multi-Year Training and Exercise Plan/Calendar o Regional Information Exchange Plan o Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan Once finalized, each of the above documents should be placed in a periodic review cycle to update as the program matures.

11. Other Submission Requirements

a. 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 federal awarding agency.

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.

b. DHS is participating in the Grant Solution initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities.

12. Intergovernmental Review (Include if 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 https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf).

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

13. Funding Restrictions DHS grant or cooperative agreement funds may only be used for the purpose set forth in the agreement and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Grant or cooperative agreement funds and non-monetary support may not be used for cost-sharing or matching funds for other Federal grants, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, Federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal government or any other government entity.

i) Equipment purchases.

(1) Except in limited circumstances, CWMD will not provide cooperative agreement funds for recipients to use to buy equipment. At its discretion, CWMD may provide monetary assistance for the procurement of equipment by the recipient, if CWMD determines that monetary assistance is in the Government’s best interest as a means to meet the needs of an applicant in a particular instance. CWMD will work with recipients to identify the appropriate equipment for their operations and procure that equipment for them. Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs) will become the property of the recipients. Other equipment will remain the property of the Federal Government, loaned to the recipients for their use as long as they participate in the STC program, or until they need to be replaced. CWMD STC will maintain or replace all equipment as needed, as funding permits.

(2) The Recipient shall be responsible for maintaining records of the location, functionality, status of the instrument and other related information, using the STC Inventory template. The recipient shall also be responsible for notifying the CWMD STC-designated regional asset management point of contact, to regularly report changes in instrument status and to provide an updated STC Inventory spreadsheet on a quarterly basis.

(3) Title of PRDs will remain with the Recipient until closeout when disposition will be provided in writing by the DHS within 120 days of submission of final reports.

Title of all other equipment will remain with CWMD.

ii) Profit/Fee is not allowable except when subcontracting for routine goods and services with commercial organizations.

iii) Foreign travel is not permitted under this announcement.

iv) Construction costs are not allowable under this funding opportunity.

v) Training is limited to CWMD STC allowable courses.

vi) Funds may be restricted in the event of the submission of an incomplete, untimely, or noncompliant application.

14. Allowable Costs

a) Pre-Award Costs Pre-Award Costs are not allowable, unless prior written approval is received from the CWMD Assistant Secretary. Requests for Pre-Award Costs will require the submission of written justification on letterhead from the Executive level of the jurisdiction applying for the STC award.

b) Management and Administration (M&A) Costs M&A costs are allowable. M&A are not operational costs but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the grant or cooperative agreement 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 these can be itemized in financial reports.

An application must provide in the Project Narrative a detailed description of these expenses. DHS recommends the grant recipient establish a STC Program office to manage the day-to-day administration of the program. This office should consist of a qualified full-time program manager and other part-time personnel required to manage the program locally (i.e. part-time financial specialist familiar with grant administration, a part-time program analyst familiar with nuclear detection operations, and administrative specialists to perform clerical duties). At a minimum, an initial region-wide program manager is required. Applicants should propose the minimum staff and supplies required for the program. DHS will allow the salary for this initial region-wide program manager to be an allowable M&A cost until CWMD hires and provides a federal employee to coordinate the STC program.

c) Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs Indirect costs are allowable. Provide a copy of the latest rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates and submit it to the cognizant agency.

Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate that is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant’s organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

d) Supplanting of Funds

Funds approved under this Award will be used to supplement and not to supplant other funds dedicated to this effort.

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria

Consistent with the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (“HSA”) (Pub. L. 107-296), as amended by section 2(a)(10) of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-387), codified at 6 U.S.C. 596b., subsection 1928(c), the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated eligible STC Program implementation cities/regions from among the FEMA Administrator’s designated section 2003’s high-risk urban areas that are also which are located in the proximity of FBI Level 5 Stabilization Teams. The STC eligibility requirement is based on Urban Area Security Initiative eligibility; however, CWMD has added the Stabilization Team alignment to the eligibility requirements to synchronize with the FBI in critical areas of the country by leveraging partnerships and unique capabilities that the FBI has established in these regions.

b. Financial Integrity Criteria

Prior to making a federal award, the DHS GFAD is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 note, 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and 2 C.F.R.§ 200.205 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.

c. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

Prior to making a federal award where the anticipated total federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000 (see Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-91, OMB Memorandum M-18-18 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf):

1) DHS GFAD is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM, which is currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) and is accessible through the beta.sam website.

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

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://beta.sam.gov/

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

2. Review and Selection Process

This is an initial announcement for application for a new multi-year cooperative agreement centered on sustainment and expansion of existing STC implementations.

This is a non-competitive process open only to those eligible as defined in Section C.

In FY21, STC will focus this NOFO on all STC regions that are previous recipients under the STC Program, have received their fifth year of funding under the program, and which have R/N detection equipment that has exceeded or is at the end of its expected lifecycle.

The Applicant will be required to submit a new budget that will go through a cost analysis review and justification for any changes in scope.

Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, 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 at 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.”

Applications from eligible applicants under this NOFO will be reviewed by the STC Program Office and the GFAD personnel to ensure that the application contains all the required information and that the project aligns with the priorities of the STC Program. If additional information is required, the appropriate DHS point of contact will contact the Lead Agency to coordinate the required documentation. DHS may withhold making an award until the required documentation is received or make an award with restrictions depending on the requirement needing to be met.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

Before accepting the award, the AOR and recipient should carefully read the award package. The award package includes instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards.

Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any special terms and conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

The applicant can expect to receive a cooperative agreement award via Grants Solution and by email executed by a DHS Grants Officer authorized to obligate DHS funding.

2. Pass-Through Requirements There are no pass-through requirements.

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

The applicable DHS Standard Terms and Conditions will be those in effect at the time the award was made, unless the application is for a continuation award. In that event, the terms and conditions in effect at the time the original award was made will generally apply. What terms and conditions will apply for the award will be clearly stated in the award package at the time of award.

4. Reporting

a. Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form is available online at: SF-425 OMB #4040-

b. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements Quarterly operations reporting is required and is a vital tool for the STC Federal Program Office’s monitoring of the implementation process and the overall effectiveness of the program. Quarterly Operations Reports will include detailed information from cities on achieving key performance metrics and program milestones and enforcing reporting requirements on performance during exercises.

The quarterly operations reporting is directly tied to the performance measures and completing the report enables the CWMD STC Program Office to monitor progress and continually improve the implementation process.

1) Quarterly Operations and Grant Progress Reports will be uploaded in Grants

Solution and submitted to the DHS STC Program Officer.

http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions 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

2) The Recipient will submit quarterly Operations Reports within 30 days of the end of each reporting period. Quarterly Performance Reports will describe accomplishments in terms of the approved project objectives as detailed in a Plan of Actions and Milestones or Gantt chart. The Quarterly Operations Reports will include information on:

i. Operations, such as use of equipment for steady-state, enhanced steady-state operations, and search operations;

ii. Equipment, such as how many of each type of equipment CWMD provided to the grant recipient during the quarter, and how many are operational;

iii. Training, such as the numbers of instructors, the numbers of courses conducted and of which types, and the total number of qualified operators;

iv. Exercises, such as the number and types of drills and exercises planned and conducted, along with status of after-action reports and improvement plans;

v. Reachback and reporting, such as the number of…