Effective April 4, 2022, the Federal Government transitioned from using the Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS number, to a new, non-proprietary identifier known as a Unique Entity Identifier or UEI. For entities that have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to this date, the UEI has automatically been assigned and no action is necessary. For all entities filing a new registration in SAM.gov on or after April 4, 2022, the UEI will be assigned to that entity as part of the SAM.gov registration process.
UEI registration information is available on GSA.gov at Unique Entity Identifier Update | GSA.
Visit Grants.gov for registration information. Detailed information regarding UEI and SAM is also provided in Section D of this funding notice.
Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov.
Table of Contents
A. Program Description
- Issued By
- Assistance Listings Number
- Assistance Listings Title
- Funding Opportunity Title
- Funding Opportunity Number
- Authorizing Authority for Program
- Appropriation Authority for Program
- Announcement Type
- Program Category
- Program Overview, Objectives and Priorities
- Performance Measures
B. Federal Award Information
- Available Funding: $1,120,000,000
- Projected Number of Awards: 56
- Period of Performance: 36 months
- Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): September 1, 2022
- Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): August 31, 2025
- Funding Instrument Type: Grant
C. Eligibility Information
- Eligible Applicants
- Applicant Eligibility Criteria
- Other Eligibility Criteria
- Cost Share or Match
D. Application and Submission Information
- Key Dates and Times
- Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award
- Address to Request Application Package
- Steps Required to Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, Register in the System for Award Management (SAM), and Submit an Application
- Electronic Delivery
- How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov
- How to Submit an Initial Application to FEMA via Grants.gov
- Submitting the Final Application in ND Grants
- Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission
- Content and Form of Application Submission
- Other Submission Requirements
- Intergovernmental Review
- Funding Restrictions and Allowable Cost
E. Application Review Information
- Application Evaluation Criteria
- Review and Selection Process
F. Federal Award Administration Information
- Notice of Award
- Pass-Through Requirements
- Administrative and National Policy Requirements
- Reporting
- Monitoring and Oversight
G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information
- Contact and Resource Information
- Systems Information
H. Additional Information
- Termination Provisions
- Program Evaluation
- Period of Performance Extensions
A. Program Description
1. Issued By
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Grant Programs Directorate (GPD)
2. Assistance Listings Number
97.067
3. Assistance Listings Title
Homeland Security Grant Program
4. Funding Opportunity Title
Fiscal Year 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
- State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
- Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
- Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)
5. Funding Opportunity Number
DHS-22-GPD-067-000-02
6. Authorizing Authority for Program
Section 2002 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. No. 107-296, as amended) (6 U.S.C. § 603)
7. Appropriation Authority for Program
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. No. 117-103)
8. Announcement Type
Initial
9. Program Category
Preparedness: Community Security
10. Program Overview, Objectives and Priorities
a. Overview
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is one of three grant programs that constitute the DHS/FEMA focus on enhancing the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as nonprofits, to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the Nation’s communities against potential terrorist attacks. Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Strategic Plan, the HSGP supports the goal to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience.
In FY 2022, there are three components of the HSGP:
- State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): SHSP assists state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism.
- Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): UASI assists high-threat, high-density Urban Area efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism.
- Operation Stonegarden (OPSG): OPSG supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to improve overall border security. OPSG provides funding to support joint efforts to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress/egress to and from international borders, to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with international water borders. SLTT law enforcement agencies utilize their inherent law enforcement authorities to support the border security mission and do not receive any additional authority as a result of participation in OPSG.
The 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan outlines three goals designed to position FEMA to address the increasing range and complexity of disasters, support the diversity of communities we serve, and complement the nation’s growing expectations of the emergency management community. The HSGP supports FEMA’s efforts to achieve equitable outcomes for those we serve (Goal 1) and to promote and sustain a prepared nation (Goal 3). We invite our stakeholders and partners to also adopt these priorities and join us in building a more prepared and resilient nation.
Finally, for FY 2022, DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration to building a national culture of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other threats to our national security. The threats to our nation have evolved during the past two decades. We now face continuous cyber threats by sophisticated actors, threats to soft targets and crowded places, and threats from domestic violent extremists who currently pose the greatest terrorism threat to the nation1. Therefore, for FY 2022, DHS has identified six priority areas related to the most serious threats to the nation. Recipients are expected to address those priority areas with their HSGP funds.
b. Objective
The objective of the FY 2022 HSGP is to fund SLTT efforts to prevent terrorism and prepare the Nation for threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States.
c. Priorities
SHSP and UASI Funding Priorities
Given the evolving national security threat landscape, DHS/FEMA has evaluated the national risk profile and set priorities that help inform appropriate allocation of scarce security dollars. In assessing the national risk profile for FY 2022, six priority areas attract the most concern. Due to the unique threats that the nation faces in 2022, DHS/FEMA has determined that recipients should allocate a total of 30 percent of their SHSP and UASI award funds across these six priority areas. As indicated below, four of the priorities have minimum spend requirements totaling 12 percent of SHSP and UASI awards. Recipients will have the flexibility to allocate the remaining 18 percent across the priorities. The following are the six priority areas for FY 2022, along with the minimum corresponding percentage of SHSP and UASI funds that each recipient will be required to allocate:
- Enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places – 3 percent
- Enhancing information and intelligence sharing and analysis – 3 percent
- Combating domestic violent extremism – 3 percent
- Enhancing cybersecurity – no minimum percent
- Enhancing community preparedness and resilience – 3 percent
- Enhancing election security – no minimum percent
Additional information about these priority areas and how they relate to achieving anti-terrorism capabilities is included in Section D.10.b.II of this NOFO. Failure by a recipient to propose investments and projects that align with the priority areas and spending requirements will result in a recipient having a portion of their SHSP and UASI funds (up to 30 percent) placed on hold until they provide projects that sufficiently align to the National Priority Areas, and total at least the minimum percentages per National Priority Area priority area (as applicable) and overall 30 percent of total SHSP and UASI funds.
A state or high-risk urban area must allocate the remaining 70 percent of their funding to gaps identified through their Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) process.
Likewise, there are several enduring security needs that crosscut the homeland security enterprise to which recipients should consider allocating funding across core capability gaps and national priorities. The following are enduring needs that help recipients implement a comprehensive approach to securing communities:
- Effective planning2
- Training and awareness campaigns
- Equipment and capital projects
- Exercises
The table below provides a breakdown of the FY 2022 SHSP and UASI priorities (the focus of OPSG remains unique to border security), showing the core capabilities enhanced and lifelines supported, as well as examples of eligible project types for each area. A detailed description of allowable investments for each project type is included in the Preparedness Grants Manual. DHS/FEMA anticipates that in future years, national priorities will continue to be included and will be updated as the threats evolve and as capability gaps are closed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin planning to sustain existing capabilities through funding mechanisms other than DHS preparedness grants. The example project types in the table below are allowable to prepare for disasters unrelated to acts of terrorism as long as they also help achieve target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.
National Priorities
| Priorities | Core Capabilities | Lifelines | Example Project Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhancing Cybersecurity |
Cybersecurity Intelligence and information sharing Planning Public information and warning Operational coordination Screening, search, and detection Access control and identity verification Supply chain integrity and security Risk management for protection programs and activities Long-term vulnerability reduction Situational assessment Infrastructure systems Operational communications |
Safety and Security |
Cybersecurity risk assessments Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments Improving cybersecurity of critical infrastructure to meet minimum levels identified by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework Cybersecurity training and planning |
| Enhancing the Protection of Soft Targets/ Crowded Places |
Operational coordination Public information and warning Intelligence and information sharing Interdiction and disruption Screening, search, and detection Access control and identity verification Physical protective measures Risk management for protection programs and activities |
Safety and Security |
Operational overtime Physical security enhancements Closed-circuit television (CCTV) security cameras Unmanned aircraft system detection technologies |
| Enhancing information and intelligence sharing and analysis |
Intelligence and information sharing Interdiction and disruption Planning Public information and warning Operational coordination Risk management for protection programs and activities |
Safety and Security |
Fusion center operations (Fusion Center project will be required under this investment, no longer as a stand-alone investment) Information sharing with all DHS components; fusion centers; other operational, investigative, and analytic entities; and other federal law enforcement and intelligence entities Cooperation with DHS officials and other entities designated by DHS in intelligence, threat recognition, assessment, analysis, and mitigation Identification, assessment, and reporting of threats of violence Joint intelligence analysis training and planning with DHS officials and other entities designated by DHS |
| Combating Domestic Violent Extremism |
Interdiction and disruption Intelligence and information sharing Planning Public information and warning Operational coordination Risk management for protection programs and activities |
Safety and Security |
Open-source analysis of disinformation and misinformation campaigns, targeted violence and threats to life, including tips/leads, and online/social media-based threats Sharing and leveraging intelligence and information, including open-source analysis Execution and management of threat assessment programs to identify, evaluate, and analyze indicators and behaviors indicative of domestic violent extremists Training and awareness programs (e.g., through social media, suspicious activity reporting [SAR] indicators and behaviors) to help prevent radicalization Training and awareness programs (e.g., through social media, SAR indicators and behaviors) to educate the public on misinformation and disinformation campaigns and resources to help them identify and report potential instances of domestic violent extremism |
| Enhancing Community Preparedness and Resilience |
Planning Public Information and Warning Community Resilience Risk Management for Protection Programs and Activities Mass Care Services Intelligence and Information Sharing Risk and Disaster Resilience Assessment Long Term Vulnerability Reduction |
Safety and Security |
Establish, train, and maintain Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and Teen CERT, with a focus on historically undeserved communities, including procurement of appropriate tools, equipment and training aides Local delivery of CERT Train-the-Trainer and CERT Program Manager to build local program training and maintenance capacity Provide continuity training, such as FEMA’s Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs training, to faith-based organizations, local businesses, and community-based organizations such as homeless shelters, food pantries, nonprofit medical providers and senior care facilities to bolster their resilience to all hazards Partner with local school districts to deliver the Student Tools for Emergency Planning curriculum or other educational programming to guide students on how to create emergency kits and family communications plans Partner with key stakeholders to assist with completing the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit or a similar tool to bolster the disaster centric financial resilience of individuals and households Execute You are the Help Until the Help Arrives workshops in concert with community-based organizations to bolster individual preparedness Target youth preparedness using FEMA programming such as Prepare with Pedro resources and Ready2Help Promote community planning, coordination, and integration of children’s needs during emergencies through workshops like FEMA’s Integrating the Needs of Children Community Mapping: identify community resources and characteristics in order to identify gaps in resources, identify hazards and vulnerabilities, and inform action to promote resilience Provide training and awareness programs with key stakeholders (e.g., through social media, community and civic organizations) to educate the public on misinformation and disinformation campaigns to increase individual and community resilience. |
| Enhancing Election Security |
Cybersecurity Intelligence and information sharing Planning Long-term vulnerability reduction Situational assessment Infrastructure systems |
Safety and Security |
Physical security planning support Physical/site security measures – e.g., locks, shatter proof glass, alarms, etc. General election security navigator support Cyber navigator support Cybersecurity risk assessments, training, and planning Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in cybersecurity risk assessments Iterative backups, encrypted backups, network segmentation, software to monitor/scan, and endpoint protection Distributed Denial Of Service protection Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain |
Enduring Needs
| Priorities | Core Capabilities | Lifelines | Example Project Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning |
Planning Risk management for protection programs and activities Risk and disaster resilience assessment Threats and hazards identification Operational coordination Community resilience |
Safety and Security |
Development of: Efforts to strengthen governance integration between/among regional partners Joint training and planning with DHS officials and other entities designated by DHS Cybersecurity training and planning Revision of existing plans to strengthen community resilience in underserved communities |
| Training & Awareness |
Long-term vulnerability reduction Public information and warning Operational coordination Situational assessment Community resilience |
Safety and Security |
Active shooter training Intelligence analyst training SAR and terrorism indicators/behaviors training Security training for employees Public awareness/preparedness campaigns Joint training and planning with DHS officials and other entities designated by DHS Cybersecurity training and planning Sharing and leveraging intelligence and information Targeted outreach and preparedness training for underserved communities in conjunction with community-based organizations |
| Equipment & Capital Projects |
Long-term vulnerability reduction Infrastructure systems Operational communications Interdiction and disruption Screening, search and detection Access control and identity verification Physical protective measures |
Safety and Security |
Protection of high-risk, high-consequence areas or systems that have been identified through risk assessments Physical security enhancements Security cameras (CCTV) Security screening equipment for people and baggage Lighting Access Controls Fencing, gates, barriers, etc. Enhancing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and/or improvised explosive device (IED) prevention, detection, response and recovery capabilities Chemical/Biological/Radiological/ Nuclear/Explosive (CBRNE) detection, prevention, response, and recovery equipment |
| Exercise |
Long-term vulnerability reduction Operational coordination Operational communications Community resilience |
Safety and Security | Response exercises, including exercise planning with community-based organizations |
For FY 2022, each SHSP and UASI recipient is required to submit an Investment Justification (IJ) for the four National Priority Areas with associated minimum spend requirements. Each of these four investments must also account for at least the relevant minimum percentage (12 percent) of the applicant’s SHSP and UASI allocation. State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) may submit complete project-level information at the time of application, including the National Priority Area IJs, but are not required to do so. As a reminder, all SHSP- and UASI-funded projects must have a demonstrated nexus to achieving target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to acts of terrorism. However, such projects may simultaneously support enhanced preparedness for disasters unrelated to acts of terrorism.
DHS/FEMA also requires SHSP and UASI recipients (states, territories, and high-risk urban areas) to complete a THIRA/SPR and prioritize grant funding to support closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities that address national priorities and/or support enduring needs. Additional information on the THIRA/SPR process, including other National Preparedness System (NPS) tools and resources, can be found at https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-system. Detailed information on THIRA/SPR timelines and deadlines can be found in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
OPSG Funding Priorities
The table below provides a breakdown of the FY 2022 OPSG funding priority, which remains focused on and unique to border security.
National Priorities
| Priorities | Core Capabilities | Lifelines | Example Project Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhancing information and intelligence sharing and analysis, and cooperation with federal agencies, including DHS | Intelligence and information sharing | Safety and Security |
Participation in the DHS/ICE 287(g) training program Information sharing with all DHS components; fusion centers; other operational, investigative, and analytic entities; and other federal law enforcement and intelligence entities Cooperation with DHS officials and other entities designated by DHS in intelligence, threat recognition, assessment, analysis, and mitigation Identification, assessment, and reporting of threats of violence Joint intelligence analysis training and planning with DHS officials and other entities designated |
For FY 2022, each OPSG applicant is required to clearly articulate and identify how the Concept of Operations addresses the national priority identified above.
11. Performance Measures
Performance metrics for this program:
SHSP and UASI:
- Percentage of funding allocated by the recipient to core capabilities to build or sustain national priorities identified in the section above
- Percentage of funding and projects allocated by the recipient that align to capability gaps identified through the THIRA/SPR process
- Percentage of projects identified by the recipient that address a capability gap in a core capability that has a target(s) rated as high
FEMA will calculate and analyze the above metrics through a review of state/territory and urban area SPR submissions and required programmatic reports.
OPSG:
- Number of contacts that occurred as a result of OPSG deployments
- Number of arrests that resulted from OPSG contacts
- Value of drug seizures that resulted from OPSG contacts
B. Federal Award Information
1. Available Funding
$1,120,000,000
| HSGP Programs | FY 2022 Allocation |
|---|---|
| SHSP | $415,000,000 |
| UASI | $615,000,000 |
| OPSG | $90,000,000 |
| Total | $1,120,000,000 |
SHSP Allocations
For FY 2022, DHS/FEMA will award SHSP funds based on DHS/FEMA’s relative risk methodology and statutory minimums pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. THIRA/SPR results do not impact grant allocations or awards.
Each state and territory will receive a minimum allocation under the SHSP using thresholds established in the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. All 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will receive 0.35 percent of the total funds allocated for grants under Section 2003 and Section 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. Each of the four territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will receive a minimum allocation of 0.08 percent of the total funds allocated for grants under Section 2003 and 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended.
Each state must include a separate IJ for each of the four National Priority Areas with a minimum spend requirement. All projects related to the minimum spend for the National Priority Area must be included in the IJ. For the National Priority Areas that have a minimum spend percentage requirement, the funding level in each of those National Priority Area investments must equal or exceed the percentage for that respective National Priority Area, calculated as a percentage of the state’s SHSP allocation in the table below. The funding levels across all six National Priority Areas must equal or exceed 30 percent of the total SHSP allocation.
FY 2022 SHSP Allocations
| State/Territory | FY 2022 Allocation | State/Territory | FY 2022 Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alabama |
$4,847,500 |
Montana |
$4,847,500 |
|
Alaska |
$4,847,500 |
Nebraska |
$4,847,500 |
|
American Samoa |
1,108,000 |
Nevada |
$4,847,500 |
|
Arizona |
$4,847,500 |
New Hampshire |
$4,847,500 |
|
Arkansas |
$4,847,500 |
New Jersey |
$7,074,841 |
|
California |
$57,035,623 |
New Mexico |
$4,847,500 |
|
Colorado |
$4,847,500 |
New York |
$68,033,267 |
|
Connecticut |
$4,847,500 |
North Carolina |
$5,085,387 |
|
Delaware |
$4,847,500 |
North Dakota |
$4,847,500 |
|
District of Columbia |
$5,085,387 |
Northern Mariana Islands |
$1,108,000 |
|
Florida |
$9,343,905 |
Ohio |
$6,190,947 |
|
Georgia |
$5,288,656 |
Oklahoma |
$4,847,500 |
|
Guam |
$1,108,000 |
Oregon |
$4,847,500 |
|
Hawaii |
$4,847,500 |
Pennsylvania |
$8,136,252 |
|
Idaho |
$4,847,500 |
Puerto Rico |
$4,847,500 |
|
Illinois |
$13,894,910 |
Rhode Island |
$4,847,500 |
|
Indiana |
$4,847,500 |
South Carolina |
$4,847,500 |
|
Iowa |
$4,847,500 |
South Dakota |
$4,847,500 |
|
Kansas |
$4,847,500 |
Tennessee |
$4,847,500 |
|
Kentucky |
$4,847,500 |
Texas |
$18,210,451 |
|
Louisiana |
$4,847,500 |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
$1,108,000 |
|
Maine |
$4,847,500 |
Utah |
$4,847,500 |
|
Maryland |
$7,074,841 |
Vermont |
$4,847,500 |
|
Massachusetts |
$6,190,947 |
Virginia |
$8,136,252 |
|
Michigan |
$5,085,387 |
Washington |
$6,190,947 |
|
Minnesota |
$4,847,500 |
West Virginia |
$4,847,500 |
|
Mississippi |
$4,847,500 |
Wisconsin |
$4,847,500 |
|
Missouri |
$4,847,500 |
Wyoming |
$4,847,500 |
|
Total |
$415,000,000 |
UASI Allocations
Eligible candidates for the FY 2022 UASI program are identified in the table below. Eligibility has been determined through an analysis of relative risk of terrorism faced by the 100 most populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the United States, in accordance with the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. Detailed information on MSAs is publicly available from the United States Census Bureau at https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/metro-micro.html. THIRA/SPR results do not impact grant allocations or awards.
The following table identifies the UASI allocations for each high-risk urban area based on DHS/FEMA’s relative risk methodology pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended.
In its application, each high-risk urban area, through the state, must include a separate IJ for each of the four National Priority Areas with minimum spend requirements. All projects related to the minimum spend for the National Priority Area must be included in the IJ. For the National Priority Areas that have a minimum spend percentage requirement, the funding level in each of those National Priority Area investments must equal or exceed the percentage for that respective National Priority Area, calculated as a percentage of the urban area’s UASI allocation in the table below. The funding levels across all six National Priority Areas must equal or exceed 30 percent of the total UASI allocation.
FY 2022 UASI Allocations
| State/Territory | Urban Area | FY 2022 UASI Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Phoenix Area | $5,250,000.00 |
| California | Anaheim/Santa Ana Area | $5,250,000.00 |
| California | Bay Area | $37,049,000.00 |
| California | Los Angeles/Long Beach Area | $67,182,000.00 |
| California | Riverside Area | $3,900,000.00 |
| California | Sacramento Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| California | San Diego Area | $16,696,000.00 |
| Colorado | Denver Area | $3,900,000.00 |
| District of Columbia | National Capital Region | $51,127,000.00 |
| Florida | Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area | $14,750,000.00 |
| Florida | Orlando Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Florida | Tampa Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Georgia | Atlanta Area | $6,700,000.00 |
| Illinois | Chicago Area | $67,182,000.00 |
| Indiana | Indianapolis Area | $1,500,000.00 |
| Louisiana | New Orleans Area | $1,500,000.00 |
| Maryland | Baltimore Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Massachusetts | Boston Area | $16,900,000.00 |
| Michigan | Detroit Area | $5,250,000.00 |
| Minnesota | Twin Cities Area | $5,250,000.00 |
| Missouri | Kansas City Area | $1,500,000.00 |
| Missouri | St. Louis Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Nevada | Las Vegas Area | $5,250,000.00 |
| New Jersey | Jersey City/Newark Area | $18,915,000.00 |
| New York | New York City Area | $176,599,000.00 |
| North Carolina | Charlotte Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Ohio | Cincinnati Area | $1,500,000.00 |
| Ohio | Cleveland Area | $1,500,000.00 |
| Oregon | Portland Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia Area | $16,900,000.00 |
| Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh Area | $1,500,000.00 |
| Texas | Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington Area | $16,900,000.00 |
| Texas | Houston Area | $24,600,000.00 |
| Texas | San Antonio Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Virginia | Hampton Roads Area | $3,800,000.00 |
| Washington | Seattle Area | $6,250,000.00 |
| Total | $615,000,000.00 |
OPSG Allocations
For FY 2022, DHS/FEMA will award OPSG funds based on risk and the anticipated effectiveness of the proposed use of grant funds upon completion of the application review process. The FY 2022 OPSG risk assessment is designed to identify the risk to border security and to assist with the distribution of funds for the grant program. Funding under OPSG is distributed based on the risk to the security of the border and the effectiveness of the proposed projects. Entities eligible for funding are the state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies that are located along the border of the United States. DHS/FEMA will make final award determinations based upon a review of the anticipated effectiveness of the state’s application as described in Section D, below. The THIRA/SPR process is not required for OPSG.
For the purposes of OPSG, the risk is defined as the potential for an adverse outcome assessed as a function of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences associated with an incident, event, or occurrence.
Based upon ongoing intelligence analysis and extensive security reviews, DHS/CBP continues to focus the bulk of OPSG funds based upon risk analyses. The risk model used to allocate OPSG funds considers the potential risk that certain threats pose to border security and estimates the relative risk faced by a given area. In evaluating risk, DHS/CBP considers intelligence, situational awareness, criminal trends, and statistical data specific to each of the border sectors, and the potential impacts that these threats pose to the security of the border area. For vulnerability and consequence, DHS/CBP considers the expected impact and consequences of successful border events occurring in specific areas.
Threat and vulnerability are evaluated based on specific operational data from DHS/CBP. Threat components present in each of the sectors are used to determine the overall threat score. These components are terrorism, criminal noncitizens, drug trafficking organizations, and noncitizen smuggling organizations.
Effectiveness of the proposed investments will be evaluated based on the recipient’s investment strategy, budget, collaboration, and past performance.
2. Projected Number of Awards
56
3. Period of Performance
36 months
4. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s)
September 1, 2022
5. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s)
August 31, 2025
6. Funding Instrument Type
Grant
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
The SAA is the only entity eligible to submit HSGP applications to DHS/FEMA, including those applications submitted on behalf of UASI and OPSG applicants. All 56 states and territories, including any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are eligible to apply for SHSP funds. Tribal governments may not apply directly for HSGP funding; however, funding may be available to tribes under SHSP and OPSG through the SAA.
2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria
Eligible high-risk urban areas for the FY 2022 UASI program have been determined through an analysis of relative risk of terrorism faced by the 100 most populous MSAs in the United States. Subawards will be made by the SAAs to the designated high-risk urban areas.
In FY 2022, OPSG eligible subrecipients are local units of government at the county level or equivalent level of government and federally recognized tribal governments in states bordering Canada or Mexico and states and territories with international water borders. All applicants must have active ongoing USBP operations coordinated through a CBP sector office to be eligible for OPSG funding.
In FY 2022, OPSG subrecipients eligible to apply for and receive a subaward directly from the SAAs are divided into three Tiers. Tier 1 entities are local units of government at the county level or equivalent and federally recognized tribal governments that are on a physical border in states bordering Canada, states bordering Mexico, and states and territories with international water borders. Tier 2 eligible subrecipients are those not located on the physical border or international water but are contiguous to a Tier 1 county. Tier 3 eligible subrecipients are those not located on the physical border or international water but are contiguous to a Tier 2 eligible subrecipient. The tier structure is only applicable with regard to eligibility. OPSG funding allocations are based on the assessed border security risks as determined by the USBP.
An application submitted by an otherwise eligible non-federal entity (i.e., the applicant) may be deemed ineligible when the person that submitted the application is not: 1) a current employee, personnel, official, staff, or leadership of the non-federal entity; and 2) duly authorized to apply for an award on behalf of the non-federal entity at the time of application.
Further, the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) must be a duly authorized current employee, personnel, official, staff, or leadership of the recipient and provide an email address unique to the recipient at the time of application and upon any change in assignment during the period of performance. Consultants or contractors of the recipient are not permitted to be the AOR of the recipient.
3. Other Eligibility Criteria
a. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation
Prior to allocation of any federal preparedness awards, recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS. The list of objectives used for progress and achievement reporting is on FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training.
Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on NIMS.
B. Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Membership
In support of the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal), SHSP recipients must belong to, be in, or act as a temporary member of EMAC, except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time. All assets supported in part or entirely with FY 2022 HSGP funding must be readily deployable and NIMS-typed, when possible, to support emergency or disaster operations per existing EMAC agreements. In addition, funding may be used for the sustainment of core capabilities that, while they may not be physically deployable, support national response capabilities, such as Geographic/Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), interoperable communications systems, capabilities as defined under the Mitigation Mission Area of the Goal, and fusion centers.
C. Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA)
Per section 2006 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended (6 U.S.C. § 607), DHS/FEMA is required to ensure that at least 25 percent of grant funding appropriated for grants awarded under HSGP’s authorizing statute are used for LETPAs. For FY 2022, DHS/FEMA is requiring that at least 30 percent of grant funding appropriated under HSGP is used for LETPA. DHS/FEMA meets this requirement, in part, by requiring all recipients allocate at least 30 percent of the combined HSGP funds allocated under SHSP and UASI towards LETPAs, as defined in 6 U.S.C. § 607. The LETPA allocation can be from SHSP, UASI, or both. The 30 percent LETPA allocation may be met by funding projects in any combination of the six National Priority Areas identified above and any other investments. The 30 percent LETPA allocation requirement is in addition to the 80 percent pass-through requirement to local units of government and tribes, referenced below. The Preparedness Grants Manual includes additional information on project selection considerations and allowable activities for LETPA investments.
The National Prevention Framework describes those activities that should be executed upon the discovery of intelligence or information regarding an imminent threat to the homeland, to thwart an initial or follow-on terrorist attack and provides guidance to ensure the Nation is prepared to identify, prevent, avoid, or stop a threatened or actual act of terrorism. Activities outlined in the National Prevention Framework are eligible for use as LETPA-focused funds. Also, where capabilities are shared with the protection mission area, the National Protection Framework activities are also eligible. All other terrorism prevention activities proposed for funding under LETPA must be approved by the FEMA Administrator.
4. Cost Share or Match
There is no cost share or match requirement for the FY 2022 HSGP.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Key Dates and Times
a. Application Start Date:
May 13, 2022
b. Application Submission Deadline:
June 13, 2022 at 5 p.m. ET
All applications must be received by the established deadline. The Non-Disaster (ND) Grants System has a date stamp that indicates when an application is submitted. Applicants will receive an electronic message confirming receipt of their submission. For additional information on how an applicant will be notified of application receipt, see the subsection titled “Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission” in Section D of this NOFO.
FEMA will not review applications that are received after the deadline or consider these late applications for funding. FEMA may, however, extend the application deadline on request for any applicant who can demonstrate that good cause exists to justify extending the deadline. Good cause for an extension may include technical problems outside of the applicant’s control that prevent submission of the application by the deadline, other exigent or emergency circumstances, or statutory requirements for FEMA to make an award.
Applicants experiencing technical problems outside of their control must notify FEMA as soon as possible and before the application deadline. Failure to timely notify FEMA of the issue that prevented the timely filing of the application may preclude consideration of the award. “Timely notification” of FEMA means prior to the application deadline and within 48 hours after the applicant became aware of the issue.
A list of FEMA contacts can be found in Section G of this NOFO, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information.” For additional assistance using the ND Grants System, please contact the ND Grants Service Desk at (800) 865-4076 or NDGrants@fema.dhs.gov. The ND Grants Service Desk is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). For programmatic or grants management questions, please contact your Program Analyst or Grants Specialist. If applicants do not know who to contact or if there are programmatic questions or concerns, please contact the FEMA Grants Information Desk by e-mail at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR by phone at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date:
No later than August 17, 2022
D. Anticipated Award Date:
No later than September 30, 2022
E. Other Key Dates
| Event | Suggested Deadline for Completion |
|---|---|
| Obtaining an UEI number | Four weeks before actual submission deadline |
| Obtaining a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) | Four weeks before actual submission deadline |
| Creating an account with login.gov | Four weeks before actual submission deadline |
| Registering in SAM or updating SAM registration | Four weeks before actual submission deadline |
| Registering in Grants.gov | Four weeks before actual submission deadline |
| Starting application in Grants.gov | One week before actual submission deadline |
| Submitting the final application in ND Grants | By 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
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for requesting and submitting an application.
Initial applications are processed through the Grants.gov portal. Final applications are completed and submitted through FEMA’s Non-Disaster Grants (ND Grants) System. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov.
Hard copies of the NOFO can be downloaded at Grants.gov or obtained via email from the Awarding Office points of contact listed in Section G of this NOFO, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information” or by TTY (800) 462-7585.
4. Steps Required to Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, Register in the System for Award Management (SAM), and Submit an Application
Applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Applicants are encouraged to register early as the registration process can take four weeks or more to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines.
Please review the table above for estimated deadlines to complete each of the steps listed. Failure of an applicant to comply with any of the required steps before the deadline for submitting an application may disqualify that application from funding.
To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:
- Apply for, update, or verify their UEI number and Employer Identification Number (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 SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;
- Create a Grants.gov account;
- Add a profile to a Grants.gov account;
- Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;
- Register in ND Grants
- Submit an initial application in Grants.gov;
- Submit the final application in ND Grants, including electronically signing applicable forms; and
- Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have 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 their immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.
Specific instructions on how to apply for, update, or verify a UEI number or SAM registration or establish an AOR are included below in the steps for applying through Grants.gov.
Applicants are advised that FEMA may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the application review period and when FEMA is ready to make a federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before award, FEMA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.
Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.110(c)(2)(iii), if an applicant is experiencing exigent circumstances that prevents it from obtaining an UEI number and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA as soon as possible by contacting fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov and providing the details of the circumstances that prevent completion of these requirements. If FEMA determines that there are exigent circumstances and FEMA has decided to make an award, the applicant will be required to obtain an UEI number, if applicable, and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the federal award date.
5. Electronic Delivery
DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS encourages or requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity.
For this funding opportunity, FEMA requires applicants to submit initial applications through Grants.gov and a final application through ND Grants.
6. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov
For information on how to register to apply through Grants.gov, please see the Preparedness Grants Manual.
7. How to Submit an Initial Application to FEMA via Grants.gov
Standard Form 424 (SF-424) is the initial application for this NOFO.
Grants.gov applicants can apply online using a workspace. A workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each Notice of Funding Opportunity, applicants can create individual instances of a workspace. Applicants are encouraged to submit their initial applications in Grants.gov at least seven days before the application deadline.
In Grants.gov, applicants need to submit the following forms:
- SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
- Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying
For further information on how to submit an initial application via Grants.gov, please see the Preparedness Grants Manual.
8. Submitting the Final Application in ND Grants
After submitting the initial application in Grants.gov, eligible applicants will be notified by FEMA and asked to proceed with submitting their complete application package in ND Grants. Applicants can register early with ND Grants and are encouraged to begin their ND Grants registration at the time of this announcement or, at the latest, seven days before the application deadline. Early registration will allow applicants to have adequate time to start and complete their applications.
Applicants needing assistance registering for the ND Grants system should contact ndgrants@fema.dhs.gov or (800) 865-4076. For step-by-step directions on using the ND Grants system and other guides, please see https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/non- disaster-grants-management-system.
In ND Grants, applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information and any program-specific information required as described in Section D.10 of this NOFO, “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The Standard Forms (SF) are auto generated in ND Grants, but applicants may access these forms in advance through the Forms tab under the SF-424 family on Grants.gov. Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they have all the information required.
For additional application submission requirements, including program-specific requirements, please refer to the subsection titled “Content and Form of Application Submission” under Section D of this NOFO.
9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission
As application submission is a two-step process, the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application in Grants.gov will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of its initial application. This notification does not serve as proof of timely submission, as the application is not complete until it is submitted in ND Grants. Applicants can also view the ND Grants Agency Tracking Number by accessing the Details tab in the submitted workspace section in Grants.gov, under the Agency Tracking Number column. Should the Agency Tracking Number not appear, the application has not yet migrated from Grants.gov into the ND Grants System. Please allow 24 hours for your ND Grants application tracking number to migrate.
All applications must be received in ND Grants by 5:00 PM ET on the application deadline date. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by ND Grants. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by ND Grants. Additionally, the applicant(s) listed as contacts on the application will receive a system-generated email to confirm receipt.
10. Content and Form of Application Submission
a. Standard Required Application Forms and Information
The following forms or information are required to be submitted in either Grants.gov or ND Grants. The Standard Forms (SF) are submitted either through Grants.gov, through forms generated in ND Grants, or as an attachment in ND Grants. Applicants may also access the SFs at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.
I. GRANTS.GOV
- SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, initial application submitted through Grants.gov
- Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying, submitted through Grants.gov
II. ND GRANTS
- SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants
- For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants, in addition to or instead of SF-424A
- To comply with 2 C.F.R. § 200.402 - 2 C.F.R. § 200.405, HSGP applicants must complete and submit an SF-424A or SF-424C, as appropriate, reflecting cost breakdown per budget cost categories per sub-program (SHSP, UASI, OPSG) and Management and Administration costs as applicable to align with the SHSP and UASI allocations and OPSG requests. The SF-424A or SF-424C with the pre-filled requirements can be found with the HSGP NOFO and associated attachments on grants.gov. Adjustments to the SF-424A or SF-424 C may be required after the FY 2022 OPSG allocations are finalized. GPD Grants Management Specialists will contact applicants for any necessary revisions.
- SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants
- For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances (Construction), submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants, in addition to or instead of SF-424B
- SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, submitted via the forms generated by ND Grants
- Indirect Cost Agreement or Proposal, submitted as an attachment in ND Grants if the budget includes indirect costs and the applicant is required to have an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal. If the applicant does not have or is not required to have an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal, please see Section D.13 of this NOFO, “Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs,” for further information regarding allowability of indirect costs and whether alternatives to an indirect cost rate agreement or proposal might be available or contact the relevant FEMA staff identified in Section G of this NOFO, “DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information” for further instructions.
Generally, applicants have to submit either the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B) or construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D), meaning that applicants that only have construction work and do not have any non-construction work need only submit the construction forms (i.e., SF-424C and SF-424D) and not the non-construction forms (i.e., SF-424A and SF-424B), and vice versa. However, applicants who have both construction and non-construction work under this program need to submit both the construction and non- construction forms.
b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information
I. IJ Development: SHSP and UASI
As part of the FY 2022 HSGP application process for SHSP and UASI funds, applicants must develop formal IJs that address the proposed investments. Failure to fulfill all of the terms contained in this section will be considered by DHS/FEMA in its evaluation of the effectiveness of the IJs submitted to meet the minimum percent spend requirement for the National Priority Areas. Failure to sufficiently align projects to the National Priority Areas and meet the minimum percent spend requirement will result in funds being placed on hold until those issues are addressed.
FY 2022 SHSP and UASI applications must include one (1) IJ and at least one (1) respective project for each of the four National Priority Areas with a minimum spend requirement (Soft Targets/Crowded Places, Intelligence and Information Sharing, Countering Domestic Violent Extremism, and Community Preparedness and Resilience) identified in this NOFO. Each of these IJs must also meet or exceed the minimum percent spend requirement based on the applicant’s SHSP and UASI allocation stated in this NOFO. All projects associated with the minimum spend of a National Priority Area must be submitted in the same IJ. SAAs may submit complete project-level information at the time of application but are not required to do so at the time of application. However, any SHSP or UASI application that does not include an IJ for each National Priority Area that meets the minimum spend requirement will have that funding placed on hold (up to the National Priority Area minimum percent and up to 30 percent of the total SHSP or UASI allocations) until those IJs and project-level details that sufficiently address the National Priority Areas are received and approved by DHS/FEMA.
Each IJ must demonstrate how proposed investments:
- Support terrorism preparedness; and
- Support closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in the community’s THIRA/SPR process.
Each IJ must explain how the proposed investments will support the applicant’s efforts to:
- Prevent a threatened or an actual act of terrorism;
- Prepare for all hazards and threats, while explaining the nexus to terrorism preparedness;
- Protect citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards, relating to acts of terrorism; and/or
- Respond quickly and equitably to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs in the aftermath of an act of terrorism or other catastrophic incidents.
If not included in the application, SHSP and UASI recipients must submit complete project-level information for each SHSP and UASI IJ as part of the Biannual Strategy Implementation Report (BSIR) due by January 30, 2023. This includes IJs for the National Priority Areas.
DHS/FEMA will evaluate the effectiveness of the projects submitted in support of the National Priority Areas, either at the time of application or as part of the December 2022 BSIR. DHS/FEMA will not reduce FY 2022 HSGP awards based on the effectiveness review but will work with recipients to ensure compliance with the National Priority Area requirements based on the results of the effectiveness review. Recipients and subrecipients will not be permitted to expend funding under the National Priority Areas until the effectiveness of the proposed projects has been reviewed and confirmed by FEMA.
II. Development of Investments and Projects: SHSP and UASI
- Applicants must propose at least four and may include up to 12 investments.
- Within each investment, applicants must propose at least one project to describe the activities they plan to implement with SHSP and UASI funds. There is no limit to the number of projects that may be submitted.
- Required National Priority Area IJs must include the name of the priority in the investment name for easy identification.
- All requested funding must be associated with specific projects. For each project, several pieces of information must be provided to submit the project for consideration in the application, including:
- Project name;
- Project description;
- Subrecipient name, if applicable;
- Recipient type (e.g., state or local);
- Project location (zip code of the primary location of the project);
- Primary core capability the project supports;
- Whether the project activities are shareable and deployable; and
- Which National Priority Area (if any) the project supports.
- Projects should describe how the proposed investment supports closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in the THIRA/SPR process.
- FEMA encourages states to use any DHS provided assessments, such as those performed by DHS’s Protective Security Advisors and Cybersecurity Advisors, when developing their IJs.
III. National Priority Area Investments: SHSP and UASI
States are encouraged to review the Strategic Framework for Countering Terrorism and Targeted Violence when developing investments.
- Soft Targets/Crowded Places (3 percent)
Soft targets and crowded places are increasingly appealing to terrorists and other violent extremist actors because of their relative accessibility and the large number of potential targets. This challenge is complicated by the prevalent use of simple tactics and less sophisticated attacks. Segments of our society are inherently open to the general public, and by nature of their purpose do not incorporate strict security measures. Given the increased emphasis by terrorists and other violent extremist actors to leverage less sophisticated methods to inflict harm in public areas, it is vital that the public and private sectors collaborate to enhance security of locations such as transportation centers, parks, restaurants, shopping centers, special event venues, polling places, and similar facilities.
The malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems poses a threat to the safety and security of the American people, communities, and institutions. Technologies to detect or mitigate unmanned aircraft systems are an allowable use under the HSGP in accordance with the Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) National Action Plan. Recipients should ensure that, prior to the testing, acquisition, installation, or use of UAS detection and/or mitigation systems, they seek the advice of counsel experienced with both federal and state criminal, surveillance, and communications laws which may apply to the use of such technologies.
Given the increased risk to soft targets and crowded places, at least one investment must be in support of the state’s and high-risk urban area’s efforts to protect soft targets/crowded places. Additionally, the proposed investment must meet or exceed the FY 2022 national priority percentage for soft targets/crowded places and will also be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments. States are also encouraged to engage DHS’ Protective Security Advisors’ security assessments of soft targets to ensure that recommendations from those assessments are taken into consideration when allocating grant funding.
Additional resources and information regarding securing soft targets and crowded places are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- Information and Intelligence Sharing (3 percent)
Effective homeland security operations rely on access to, analysis of, and the timely sharing of open source, unclassified, and classified information, suspicious activity reports, tips/leads, and actionable intelligence on indicators and behaviors to accurately identify, assess, and mitigate a wide array of threats against the United States, including terrorism, threats to life, targeted violence, and other threats within the DHS mission space. Accordingly, DHS works diligently to enhance intelligence collection, integration, analysis, and information sharing capabilities to ensure partners, stakeholders, and senior leaders receive actionable intelligence and information necessary to inform their decisions and operations. A critical and statutorily charged mission of DHS is to deliver intelligence and information to federal, state, local, and tribal governments and private sector partners. Cooperation and information sharing among state, federal, and local partners across all areas of the homeland security enterprise, including counterterrorism – including both international and domestic terrorism, cybersecurity, border security, transnational organized crime, immigration enforcement, economic security, and other areas, while upholding privacy, civil rights and civil liberties protections, is critical to homeland security operations and the prevention of, preparation for, protection against, and response to acts of terrorism, and other threats to life and criminal acts of targeted violence.
Given the importance of information sharing and collaboration to effective homeland security solutions, at least one investment must be in support of the state’s and high-risk urban area’s efforts to enhance information sharing and cooperation with DHS and other federal agencies. As noted above, this requirement must include at least one dedicated fusion center project. Additional instructions on development of the fusion center project can be found below. Applicants must justify persuasively how they will contribute to the information sharing and collaboration purposes of the investment and a culture of national preparedness. Additionally, the proposed investment must meet or exceed the FY 2022 national priority percentage for information sharing and will also be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments.
Additional resources and information regarding collaboration and information sharing are available through the Department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
- Domestic Violent Extremism (3 percent)
As stated in the October 2020 DHS Homeland Threat Assessment, domestic violent extremists, including ideologically motivated lone offenders and small groups, present the most persistent and lethal terrorist threat to the Homeland. These violent extremists capitalize on social and political tensions, which have resulted in an elevated threat environment. They utilize social media platforms and other technologies to spread violent extremist ideologies that encourage violence and influence action within the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has further created an environment that may lead to accelerated mobilization to targeted violence and/or radicalization to domestic terrorism, including leveraging lawful protests to incite violence, intimidate targets, and promote their violent extremist ideologies.
Given the rise of domestic violent extremism in recent years, at least one investment must be in support of the state’s and high-risk urban area’s efforts to combat the rise, influence, and spread of domestic violent extremism. Additionally, the proposed investment must meet or exceed the FY 2022 national priority percentage for domestic violent extremism and will also be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments.
Additional resources and information regarding domestic violent extremism are available through Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships | Homeland Security (dhs.gov).
- Cybersecurity (no minimum percent)
Today’s world is more interconnected than ever before, but with increased connectivity comes increased risk of our adversaries, including terrorists, exploiting cyber vulnerabilities and weaknesses to disrupt our way of life. While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit an investment related to their ongoing or near-term high priority cybersecurity projects. The investment will be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments. Cybersecurity investments must support the security and functioning of critical infrastructure and core capabilities as they relate to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism. Recipients and subrecipients of FY 2022 HSGP grant awards will be required to complete the 2022 Nationwide Cybersecurity Review (NCSR), enabling agencies to benchmark and measure progress of improving their cybersecurity posture. The Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or equivalent for each recipient should complete the NCSR. If there is no CIO or CISO, the most senior cybersecurity professional should complete the assessment. The NCSR is available at no cost to the user and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. The 2022 NCSR is estimated to be open from October 2022 – February 2023.
The NCSR is an annual requirement for recipients and subrecipients of HSGP funds. Additionally, FEMA recognizes that some subawards will not be issued until after the NCSR has closed. In such cases, such subrecipients will be required to complete the first available NCSR offered after the subaward has been issued by the pass-through entity. Although not required by SLTTs that did not receive HSGP funds, all SLTT agencies with preparedness responsibilities are highly encouraged to participate and complete the NCSR to evaluate their cybersecurity posture. For detailed information and background on the NCSR, please see IB 439.
Additional resources and information regarding cybersecurity are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- Community Preparedness and Resilience (3 percent)
Community organizations are the backbones of American civic life, both during “blue skies” and in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. Community organizations, such as homeless shelters, food banks, public libraries, faith-based institutions, and nonprofit medical providers must have the capabilities to withstand acts of terrorism and provide essential services, especially to members of underserved communities, in the aftermath of an attack. In addition, individual citizens and volunteer responders, such as Community Emergency Response Teams, are often the first on the scene after a terrorist attack. The ability of these volunteers to provide assistance to their fellow citizens prior to the arrival of professional first responders is paramount to a community’s resilience. FEMA’s 2021 National Household Survey recorded an 11% decline in the number of Americans that have taken at least three preparedness actions to bolster individual and household resilience. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant burden on community-based organizations such as homeless shelters, food banks, public libraries, faith-based institutions, and nonprofit medical providers to continue to provide key services during and after disasters, including acts of terrorism. This National Priority Area will bolster community preparedness and resilience by investing in local, community-driven capabilities.
Additionally, equity in emergency management requires proactively prioritizing actions that reinforce cultural competency, accessibility, and inclusion, as well as reflect the historical context of specific groups of people. To that end, states, territories, and high-risk urban areas are strongly encouraged to explore how SHSP- and UASI-funded activities can address the needs of underserved, at-risk communities to help ensure consistent and systematic, fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals before, during, and after a disaster.
The focus on equity and investing in strategies that meet the needs of underserved communities will strengthen the whole of community system of emergency management. Substantial and ongoing prioritization of, and investment in, underserved communities is essential for the entire system to be effective and efficient. Engaging the whole community requires all members of the community to be part of the emergency management team, including representatives of underserved communities, diverse community members, social and community service groups and institutions, faith-based and disability advocacy groups, academia, professional associations, the private and nonprofit sectors, and government agencies that may not traditionally have been directly involved in emergency management. The whole community includes children; older adults; individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs; those from religious, racial, and ethnically diverse backgrounds; people with limited English proficiency; and owners of animals including household pets and service animals.
These factors underpin the requirement that at least one investment must be in support of the state’s and urban area’s efforts to address community preparedness and resilience. Additionally, the proposed investment must meet or exceed the FY 2022 national priority percentage for community preparedness and resilience and will also be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments.
Additional resources and information regarding community preparedness and resilience are available through Individuals and Communities | FEMA.gov.
- Election Security (no minimum percent)
In January 2017, DHS designated the infrastructure used to administer the Nation’s elections as critical infrastructure. This designation recognizes that the United States’ election infrastructure is of such vital importance to the American way of life that its incapacitation or destruction would have a devastating effect on the country. Securing election infrastructure and ensuring an election free from foreign interference are national security priorities. Threats to election systems are constantly evolving, so defending these systems requires constant vigilance, innovation, and adaptation. As such, while not required, applicants are encouraged to submit an investment related to their election security needs.
Additional resources and information regarding election security are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
IV. Development of Fusion Center Projects: SHSP and UASI
Each applicant must identify a fusion center project that will:
- Indicate alignment to a designated Fusion Center; and
- Provide both a brief narrative description and funding itemization for the proposed project activities that directly support the designated fusion center.
The descriptive narrative and the financial itemization should align improvement or sustainment requests with fusion center activities as they relate to the Fusion Center Performance Measures found in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
Sample Fusion Center Funding Itemization
A sample project description and funding itemization are below. For the itemized projects, clearly identify the anticipated fusion center performance improvement or sustainment as a result of the proposed funding.
The X Fusion enhancement project will fund:
- Salaries, benefits, and training for X number of Fusion Center intelligence analysts
- Travel costs associated with fusion center analyst training
- This project will directly sustain the Center’s current capabilities and performance and directly aligns with performance measures 2022.XXX
- We anticipate seeing an improvement in the quality and quantity of analytic production and responses to requests for information as a direct result of the funding of this project
The funding itemization for a fusion center project should include the amount and percent of each relevant solution area. As an example:
| Solution Area and Amount of Proposed Funding | Percent of Proposed Funding |
|---|---|
| Planning: $10,000 | 2% |
| Organization: $200,000 | 48% |
| Equipment: $200,000 | 48% |
| Training: $10,000 | 2% |
| Exercises: $0 | 0% |
|
Total: $420,000
|
100% |
V. Completing IJs in the Grant Reporting Tool (GRT): SHSP and UASI
In the Related Documents section of the Grants.gov posting, applicants can find the IJ template and instructions for collecting the required information for investments and projects. Additionally, applicants should utilize the Project Worksheet located in Grants.gov posting to assemble the information required for each project, which will facilitate the input of that information into the GRT.
Applicants must ensure the appropriate National Priority Area “Investment Type” (Overview Tab – Investment Information Section) is selected for the corresponding National Priority Area.
VI. Development of Concept of Operations for OPSG
As part of the FY 2022 OPSG application process, each eligible local unit of government at the county or federally recognized tribal government level must develop a strategic plan called a Concept of Operations (CONOP)/Application, which is a formal proposal of action to address a specific situation and forms the basis for Operations Orders, in coordination with state and federal law enforcement agencies, to include, but not limited to CBP/USBP. CONOPs that are developed at the county level should be inclusive of city, county, tribal, and other local law enforcement agencies that are eligible to participate in OPSG operational activities, and the CONOP/Application should describe participating agencies in the Executive Summary.
CONOP/Application details should include the names of the agencies, points of contact, and individual funding requests. All CONOPs/Applications must be developed in collaboration with the local USBP sector office, the SAA, and the local unit of government. Requests for funding in CONOPs/Applications must be based on risks and the operational enforcement support requirements of its corresponding USBP Sector, as well as the national priorities identified below. USBP Sector offices will forward the CONOPs to USBP Headquarters for vetting and coordination. Applicants will forward corresponding OPSG Applications to the SAA for submission to FEMA. USBP Headquarters will reconcile all submitted CONOPs with the OPSG Applications. FEMA will review and evaluate all CONOPs and OPSG Applications and funding will be allocated based on the review and selection criteria identified in this NOFO.
OPSG Applicants will be required to clearly articulate and identify how the CONOPs will address the national priority identified below:
- Information and Intelligence Sharing and Cooperation Effective border security operations rely on access to, analysis of, and the timely sharing of open source, unclassified, and classified information, suspicious activity reports, tips/leads, and actionable intelligence on indicators and behaviors to accurately identify, assess, and mitigate a wide array of threats against the United States, including terrorism, threats to life, targeted violence, and other threats within the DHS mission space. Accordingly, DHS works diligently to enhance intelligence collection, integration, analysis, and information sharing capabilities to ensure partners, stakeholders, and senior leaders receive actionable intelligence and information necessary to inform their decisions and operations. One critical, statutorily required mission of DHS is to deliver intelligence and information to federal, state, local, and tribal governments and private sector partners. Cooperation and information sharing among state, federal, and local partners across all areas of the homeland security enterprise, including both international and domestic terrorism, cybersecurity, transnational organized crime, economic security, border security, immigration enforcement, and other areas, while upholding privacy, civil rights and civil liberties protections, is critical to homeland security operations and the prevention of, preparation for, protection against, and responding to acts of terrorism, and other threats to life and criminal acts of targeted violence.
Given the importance of information sharing and collaboration to effective homeland security solutions, the CONOP must support the recipient’s efforts to enhance information sharing and cooperation with DHS and other federal agencies. Applicants must justify persuasively how they will contribute to the information sharing and collaboration purposes of the OPSG program and a culture of national preparedness.
Additional resources and information regarding collaboration and information sharing are available through the Department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
VII. Detailed Budget
Applicants must provide budget summary worksheets for all funds requested at the time of application. The budget summary worksheets must be complete, reasonable, and cost-effective in relation to the proposed project and should provide the basis of computation of all project-related costs (including management and administrative costs) and any appropriate narrative. FEMA must be able to thoroughly evaluate the projects being submitted based on the information provided. FEMA must be able to determine how much funding is being passed through to subrecipients for each sub-program (UASI, SHSP, OPSG). Consequently, applicants must provide an appropriate level of detail within the budget summary worksheets to clarify what will be purchased and spent. Sample budget summary worksheets are available on the grants.gov posting for the HSGP in the Related Documents tab and may be used as a guide to assist applicants in the preparation of budgets and budget narratives.
11. Other Submission Requirements
Fusion Center Investments
Of the proposed SHSP- and UASI-funded investments, one single project must be in support of a designated fusion center. Recipients must coordinate with the fusion center when developing a fusion center project prior to submission. See additional information on how to develop the fusion center projects below and in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
Emergency Communications Investments
All emergency communications investments must describe how such activities align with needs identified in their Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP). Recipients must coordinate with their Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) and/or Statewide Interoperability Governing Body (SIGB) when developing an emergency communications investment prior to submission to ensure the project supports the statewide strategy to improve emergency communications and is compatible and interoperable with surrounding systems. Effective project alignment will require advance coordination with the SWIC and consultation with governing bodies such as the SIGB or Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC), as they serve as the primary steering group for the statewide interoperability strategy. Additionally, recipients should consult subject matter experts serving on governance bodies, such as broadband experts, chief information officers, representatives from utilities, or legal and financial experts, when developing proposals. The investment name must include the words “emergency communications” to easily identify any emergency communications investments.
12. Intergovernmental Review
An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372 (See https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html; https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf ).
13. Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs
All costs charged to awards covered by this NOFO must comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, unless otherwise indicated in the NOFO, the terms and conditions of the award, or the Preparedness Grants Manual. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered, within the period of performance of the award. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h) (referring to budget periods, which for FEMA awards under most programs, including this program, is the same as the period of performance).
Federal funds made available through this award may be used for the purpose set forth in this NOFO, the Preparedness Grants Manual, and the terms and conditions of the award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Award funds may not be used for matching funds for any other federal awards, 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. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on funding restrictions and allowable costs.
a. Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services
Recipients and subrecipients of FEMA federal financial assistance are subject to the prohibitions described in section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 2019 NDAA), Pub. L. No. 115-232 (2018) and 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200. Beginning August 13, 2020, the statute – as it applies to FEMA recipients, subrecipients, and their contractors and subcontractors – prohibits obligating or expending federal award funds on certain telecommunications and video surveillance products and contracting with certain entities for national security reasons.
Guidance is available at Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services (Interim) FEMA Policy #405-143-1, or superseding document.
Additional guidance is available Contract Provisions Guide: Navigating Appendix II to Part 200 - Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards (fema.gov).
Effective August 13, 2020, FEMA recipients and subrecipients may not use any FEMA funds under open or new awards to:
- Procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system;
- Enter into, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system; or
- Enter into, extend, or renew contracts with entities that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.
I. REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES
FEMA grant funding may be permitted to procure replacement equipment and services impacted by this prohibition, provided the costs are otherwise consistent with the requirements of the NOFO and the Preparedness Grants Manual.
II. DEFINITIONS
Per section 889(f)(2)-(3) of the FY 2019 NDAA and 2 C.F.R. § 200.216, covered telecommunications equipment or services means:
- Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation, (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);
- For the purpose of public safety, security of Government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);
- Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment; or
- Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the People’s Republic of China.
Examples of the types of products covered by this prohibition include phones, internet, video surveillance, and cloud servers when produced, provided, or used by the entities listed in the definition of “covered telecommunications equipment or services.” See 2 C.F.R. § 200.471.
b. Pre-Award Costs
Pre-award costs are allowable only with the prior written approval of DHS/FEMA and as included in the award agreement. To request pre-award costs, a written request must be included with the application, signed by the AOR of the entity. The letter must outline what the pre-award costs are for, including a detailed budget break-out of pre-award costs from the post-award costs, and a justification for approval.
c. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs
M&A costs are allowed. Recipients may use a maximum of up to 5% of HSGP funds awarded for their M&A, and any funds retained are to be used solely for M&A purposes associated with the HSGP award. Subrecipients may also use a maximum of up to 5% of the funding passed through by the state solely for M&A purposes associated with the HSGP award. M&A activities are those directly relating to the management and administration of HSGP funds, such as financial management and monitoring. M&A expenses must be based on actual expenses or known contractual costs. M&A requests that are simple percentages of the award, without supporting justification, will not be allowed or considered for reimbursement. A maximum of up to five percent of HSGP funds awarded may be retained by the state, and any funds retained are to be used solely for M&A purposes associated with the HSGP award. Subrecipients may also retain a maximum of up to five percent of the funding passed through by the state solely for M&A purposes associated with the HSGP award.
M&A costs are not operational costs. They are the necessary costs incurred in direct support of the grant or as a consequence of the grant and should be allocated across the entire lifecycle of the grant. Examples include preparing and submitting required programmatic and financial reports, establishing and/or maintaining equipment inventory, documenting operational and equipment expenditures for financial accounting purposes, responding to official informational requests from state and federal oversight authorities, including completing the Civil Rights Evaluation Tool as required by DHS, and grant performance measurement or evaluation activities. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for additional information on direct costs.
Recipients or subrecipients may apply or credit M&A funding toward the recipient’s requirement to allocate funding toward the five National Priority Areas. For example, if a recipient spends $5,000 to manage or administer its funding dedicated toward its soft targets/crowded places investment, the recipient may credit that funding toward its requirement to allocate at least 3 percent of its award to the enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places National Priority Area.
A state’s HSGP funds for M&A calculation purposes includes the total of its SHSP, UASI, and OPSG awards. While the SAA may retain up to five percent of this total for M&A, the state must still ensure that all subrecipient award amounts meet the mandatory minimum pass-through requirements that are applicable to each HSGP program. To meet this requirement, the percentage of SHSP and UASI funds passed through to local or tribal jurisdictions must be based on the state’s total HSGP award prior to withholding any M&A.
In retaining these funds, states may retain a maximum of 2.5 percent of the OPSG allocation, which must be withheld from the pass-through to each subrecipient county or tribe in an equal percentage. The SAA may also retain additional funding from its SHSP award to manage and administer the OPSG award, but that additional amount is also capped at an amount equal to 2.5 percent of the OPSG award. Examples applying this principle:
SAA 1:
- Total award: $6,000,000
- SHSP: $1,000,000 OPSG: $2,500,000 UASI: $2,500,000
- M&A Maximum: $300,000 (5 percent of $6,000,000)
- Maximum M&A for SHSP = $50,000
- Maximum M&A for OPSG = $125,000. Of that amount, $62,500 (2.5 percent) may be retained from the OPSG allocation, and the other $62,500 would come from the SHSP allocation. Any amount used to manage and administer OPSG that is charged to SHSP may be above and beyond the $50,000 available to manage the SHSP allocation.
- Maximum M&A for UASI = $125,000
SAA 2:
- Total award: $4,500,000
- SHSP: $3,500,000 OPSG: $1,000,000
- M&A Maximum: $225,000 (5 percent of $4,500,000)
- Maximum M&A for SHSP = $175,000
- Maximum M&A for OPSG = $50,000. Of that amount, $25,000 (2.5 percent) may be retained from the OPSG allocation, and the other $25,000 would come from the SHSP allocation. Any amount used to manage and administer OPSG that is charged to SHSP may be above and beyond the $175,000 available to manage the SHSP allocation.
HSGP recipients are also reminded that any M&A charged to a recipient’s or subrecipient’s UASI funding must be directly allocable to administration of the UASI grant program and cannot be used to cover M&A costs that are directly allocable to SHSP or OPSG funding. Similarly, any M&A charged to a recipient’s or subrecipient’s SHSP or OPSG funding cannot be used to cover M&A costs directly allocable to UASI funding.
Please note, IB 365: Management and Administration Costs in the Homeland Security Grant Program and DHS/FEMA Policy 207-087-1 do not apply to awards made in FY 2022 under this NOFO. Please also reference IB 416 for additional clarification on OPSG M&A, but to the extent that there is any conflict between IB 416 and this NOFO, the requirements of this NOFO will apply to FY 2022 awards made under this NOFO.
D. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs
Indirect costs are allowable under this program as described in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, including 2 C.F.R. § 200.414. Applicants with a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement that desire to charge indirect costs to an award must provide a copy of their negotiated indirect cost rate agreement at the time of application. Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement. Applicants that are not required by 2 C.F.R. Part 200 to have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement but are required by 2 C.F.R. Part 200 to develop an indirect cost rate proposal must provide a copy of their proposal at the time of application. Applicants who do not have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to the FEMA Grants Management Specialist for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an indirect cost rate must also reach out to the FEMA Grants Management Specialist for further instructions. Post-award requests to charge indirect costs will be considered on a case-by-case basis and based upon the submission of an agreement or proposal as discussed above or based upon on the de minimis rate or cost allocation plan, as applicable.
E. Funds Transfer Restriction
F. Other Direct Costs
I. Planning
Planning costs are allowed under this program. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
II. Organization
Organization costs are allowed under this program. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
III. Equipment
Equipment costs are allowed under this program. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
- General Purpose Equipment
HSGP allows expenditures on general purpose equipment if it aligns to and supports one or more core capabilities identified in the Goal and has a nexus to terrorism preparedness. General purpose equipment, like all equipment funded under the HSGP, must be sharable through the EMAC3 and allowable under 6 U.S.C. § 609, and any other applicable provision of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. Examples of such general-purpose equipment may include:- Law enforcement vehicles;
- Emergency medical services (EMS) equipment and vehicles;
- Fire service equipment and vehicles, to include hose, pump accessories, and foam concentrate for specialized CBRNE response;
- Interoperability of data systems, such as computer aided dispatch (CAD) and record management systems (RMS); and
- Office equipment for staff4 engaged in homeland security program activity.
- Controlled Equipment
For decades, the federal government has provided equipment to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies (LEAs) through federal grants. Some federal grant programs have assisted LEAs as they carry out their critical missions to keep the American people safe. The equipment acquired by LEAs through these programs includes administrative equipment, such as office furniture and computers. Some federal grant programs also may include military and military-styled equipment, firearms, and tactical vehicles provided by the federal government, including property covered under 22 C.F.R. Part 121 and 15 C.F.R. Part 774 (collectively, "controlled equipment").
However, not all equipment that is considered controlled equipment is allowable under the HSGP. As discussed below, certain equipment is “prohibited” and is not allowable under HSGP. For some controlled equipment that is allowable under the HSGP, additional documentation, justifications, reviews, and approvals are required, including but not limited to proof of policies and procedures to safeguard individuals’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
DHS/FEMA will continue to collaborate with federal agency partners to ensure that there is a consistent and reasonable approach to the restrictions placed on controlled equipment expenditures while continuing to support these investments when there is a justifiable need. Further, DHS/FEMA will continue to maintain an awareness of the evolving policy developments related to controlled equipment expenditures and keep grant recipients up to date on future developments.
Grant funds under this program may not be used for the purchase of equipment not approved by DHS/FEMA. The purchase of tracked armored vehicles, camouflage uniforms, weapons and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is not allowed with HSGP funds. Grant funds under this program must also comply with IB 426 and may not be used for the purchase of the following equipment: 1) firearms; 2) ammunition; 3) grenade launchers; 4) bayonets; or 5) weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind with weapons installed.
IV. Training
Training costs are allowed under this program. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
V. Exercises
Exercise costs are allowed under this program. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
VI. Personnel
Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant to perform allowable HSGP planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities. Under OPSG, overtime costs are allowable only in so far as they meet the intent of the program. All recipients and subrecipients of HSGP funds, including SHSP, UASI, and OPSG allocations, may not use more than 50 percent of their awards to pay for personnel activities unless a waiver is approved by FEMA. For more information on the 50 percent personnel cap, please see FEMA IB 421b, Clarification on the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-412) – the PRICE Act. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
VII. Operational Overtime
Operational overtime costs are allowed under this program. Prior to use of funds for operational overtime, recipients must receive approval from DHS/FEMA. Operational overtime costs are also subject to the 50 percent personnel cap. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
VIII. Travel
Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program, as provided for in this NOFO and in the Preparedness Grants Manual. International travel is not an allowable cost under this program unless approved in advance by DHS/FEMA.
IX. Construction and Renovation
Construction and renovation costs to achieve capability targets related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism are allowed under this program. For construction and renovation costs to be allowed, they must be specifically approved by DHS/FEMA in writing prior to the use of any program funds. Applicants must use the Environmental Planning and Historical Preservation (EHP) approval process. Limits on the total amount of grant funding that may be used for construction or renovation may apply. Additionally, recipients are required to submit SF-424C and SF-424D. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
X. Maintenance and Sustainment
Maintenance- and sustainment-related costs, such as maintenance contracts, warranties, repair or replacement costs, upgrades, and user fees, are allowable. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
XI. Critical Emergency Supplies
Critical emergency supplies are allowed under this program. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
XII. Secure Identification
Secure Identification costs are allowed under this program. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
Allowable Cost Matrix
The following matrix provides allowable cost activities that fall under each of the cost categories noted above. Recipients and subrecipients must follow all applicable requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. HSGP funds may be used to cover the costs for evaluating the impact of these grants on the state or urban area’s core capabilities and capability gaps. This list is not exhaustive, therefore, if there are any questions regarding allowable costs, please contact the appropriate HQ FEMA Preparedness Officer. For additional information on allowable costs, see the Preparedness Grants Manual.
TABLE
[1] Except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time.
[2] This applies to all homeland security personnel and is not limited to M&A staff, and costs are to be captured outside the cap on M&A costs
E. Application Review Information
1. Application Evaluation Criteria
a. Programmatic Criteria
I. Risk Methodology
The risk methodology determines the relative risk of terrorism faced by a given area considering the potential risk of terrorism to people, critical infrastructure, and economic security. The analysis includes, but is not limited to, threats from violent domestic extremists, international terrorist groups, and individuals inspired by terrorists abroad. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for additional information on the risk methodology.
NOTE: The THIRA/SPR process is separate from the risk methodology and its results do not affect grant allocations.
The Risk Methodology is used to inform allocations under HSGP. For more information on the SHSP, UASI, and OPSG allocation processes, please see Section B.1 of this NOFO, “Available Funding for the NOFO.”
II. Application Evaluation Criteria
FEMA will evaluate the FY 2022 HSGP applications for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed investments. FEMA’s review will include verification that each IJ and project:
- Aligns with at least one core capability identified in the Goal;
- Demonstrates how investments support closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in the THIRA/SPR process; and
- Supports a NIMS-typed resource and whether those assets are deployable/shareable to support emergency or disaster operations per existing EMAC agreements.
In addition to the above, FEMA will evaluate whether proposed projects are: 1) both feasible and effective at reducing the risks for which the project was designed; and 2) able to be fully completed within the three-year period of performance. FEMA will use the information provided in the application and after the submission of the first BSIR to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a grant project. To that end, IJs should include:
- An explanation of how the proposed project(s) will achieve objectives as identified in the SPR, including expected long-term impact where applicable, and which core capability gap(s) it helps to close and how;
- A summary of the status of planning and design efforts accomplished to date (e.g., included in a capital improvement plan); and
- A project schedule with clear milestones.
Recipients are expected to conform, as applicable, with accepted engineering practices, established codes, standards, modeling techniques, and best practices, and participate in the development of case studies demonstrating the effective use of grant funds, as requested.
FEMA will also review any submitted National Priority Area-aligned IJs and projects to ensure they meet the minimum spend requirements. Additional information on how the National Priority Area IJs and projects will be reviewed for effectiveness is included in the Review and Selection Process section below.
b. Financial Integrity Criteria
Prior to making a federal award, FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3354, as enacted by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, Pub. L. No. 116-117 (2020); 41 U.S.C. § 2313; and 2 C.F.R. § 200.206 to review information available through any Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-designated repositories of governmentwide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, including whether the applicant is suspended or debarred.
FEMA may also pose additional questions to the applicant to aid in conducting the pre-award risk review. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:
- 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.
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:
- FEMA is required to review and consider any information about the applicant, including information on the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors, if applicable, that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through the System for Award Management (SAM), which is currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).
- An applicant, at its option, may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered.
- FEMA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.
2. Review and Selection Process
I. SHSP and UASI
All proposed investments will undergo a federal review by DHS/FEMA to verify compliance with all administrative and eligibility criteria identified in the NOFO. The federal review will be conducted by FEMA HQ Preparedness Officers. FEMA HQ Preparedness Officers will use a checklist to verify compliance with all administrative and eligibility criteria identified in the NOFO. Recipients must be able to demonstrate how investments support closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in the THIRA/SPR process. IJs will be reviewed at both the investment and project level.
Emergency communications investments will be jointly reviewed by FEMA and the DHS Emergency Communications Division (ECD) to verify compliance with SAFECOM guidance. FEMA and ECD will coordinate directly with the recipient on any compliance concerns and will provide technical assistance as necessary to help ensure full compliance.
Additional Effectiveness Evaluation Criteria for the National Priority Areas
FEMA will evaluate the FY 2022 HSGP IJs and projects submitted in support of the National Priority Areas for anticipated effectiveness. FEMA’s review will include verification that each IJ or project meets the National Priority Area required spend percentages.
Cybersecurity investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA, CISA, and other DHS components as appropriate, for compliance with purposes and requirements of the priority investment area. Proposed investments will be reviewed for effectiveness using the criteria set forth in this NOFO.
Soft Targets/Crowded Places investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA, CISA, and other DHS components as appropriate, for compliance with purposes and requirements of the priority investment area. Proposed investments will be reviewed for effectiveness using the criteria set forth in this NOFO.
Information Sharing and Cooperation Investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA, DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and other DHS components as appropriate, for compliance with purposes and requirements of the priority investment area. Proposed investments will be reviewed for effectiveness using the criteria set forth in this NOFO.
For additional information on Fusion Center requirements, please see the Preparedness Grants Manual.
Domestic violent extremism investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA, DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, and other DHS components as appropriate, for compliance with purposes and requirements of the priority investment area. Proposed investments will be reviewed for effectiveness using the scoring criteria set forth in this NOFO.
Community preparedness and resilience investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA and other DHS components as appropriate, for compliance with purposes and requirements of the priority investment area. Proposed investments will be reviewed for effectiveness using the scoring criteria set forth in this NOFO.
Election security investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA, CISA, and other DHS components as appropriate, for compliance with purposes and requirements of the priority investment area. Proposed investments will be reviewed for effectiveness using the scoring criteria set forth in this NOFO.
FEMA will determine whether the proposed approach is clear, logical, and reasonable to address the priority areas of interest and contribute to a culture of national preparedness. This includes factors such as the objectives and strategies proposed to address the priority area, how the objectives and strategies overcome legal, political, or practical obstacles to reduce overall risk, the process and criteria to select additional relevant projects, and the approach to monitor awards to satisfy the funding percentage allocations.
For applicants that elect to submit IJs and project-level details for the National Priority Areas at the time of application, effectiveness will be evaluated prior to award. If the projects are found to not sufficiently align with the National Priority Area(s), applicants may have funds placed on hold (up to 30 percent) until the projects are revised to satisfactorily address the National Priority Areas.
For applicants that elect to submit IJs and project-level details for the National Priority Areas as part of the December 2022 BSIR, they will have funds placed on hold in the amount of 30 percent. The hold will be released only after their December 2022 BSIR submission has been reviewed, and projects related to the National Priority Areas deemed in alignment by DHS/FEMA.
SAAs are still required to meet pass-through requirements even if funds are on hold related to the National Priority Areas.
To that end, IJs should include:
- How the proposed investment addresses the National Priority Area;
- An explanation of how the proposed projects were selected and will achieve objectives and strategies to build or sustain the core capability gaps identified in the SPR, including expected long-term impact where applicable;
- A summary of the collaboration efforts to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism as well as anticipated outcomes of the project.
For FY 2022 SHSP and UASI investments and projects related to the National Priority Areas, effectiveness will be evaluated based on the following five factors:
- Investment Strategy (40%): Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to which applicants describe an effective strategy that demonstrates that proposed projects support the program objective of preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to acts of terrorism, to meet its target capabilities, and otherwise reduce the overall risk to the high-risk urban area, the state, or the Nation.
- Budget (20%): Proposals will be evaluated based on the extent to which applicants describe a budget plan for each investment demonstrating how the applicant will maximize cost effectiveness of grant expenditures.
- Impact/Outcomes (40%): Proposals will be evaluated on how this investment helps the jurisdiction close capability gaps identified in its SPR and addresses the relevant National Priority Area outlined in this NOFO. Further, proposals will be evaluated on their identification and estimated improvement of core capability(ies), the associated standardized target(s) that align with their proposed investment, and the ways in which the applicant will measure and/or evaluate improvement.
- Past Performance (additional consideration): Proposals will be evaluated based on the applicants demonstrated capability to execute the proposed investments. In evaluating applicants under this factor FEMA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources.
II. OPSG
Applications will be reviewed by the SAA and USBP Sector Headquarters for completeness and adherence to programmatic guidelines and evaluated for anticipated feasibility, need, and impact of the Operations Orders. For more information on Operations Orders and other requirements of OPSG, see the Preparedness Grants Manual.
DHS/FEMA will verify compliance with all administrative and eligibility criteria identified in the NOFO and required submission of Operations Orders and Inventory of Operations Orders by the established due dates. DHS/FEMA and USBP will use the results of both the risk analysis and the federal review by DHS/FEMA to make recommendations for funding to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
FY 2022 OPSG funds will be allocated among the eligible jurisdictions based on risk-based prioritization using the OPSG Risk Assessment described above. Final funding allocations are determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who may consider information and input from various law enforcement offices or subject-matter experts within the Department. Factors considered include, but are not limited to threat, vulnerability, miles of the border, and other border-specific law enforcement intelligence, as well as the feasibility of FY 2022 Operations Orders to designated localities within border states and territories.
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 and the Preparedness Grants Manual as well as any specific terms and conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on Notice of Award.
2. Pass-Through Requirements
Awards made to the SAA for HSGP carry additional statutorily mandated pass-through requirements. Pass-through is defined as an obligation on the part of the SAA to make funds available to local units of government, combinations of local units, tribal governments, or other specific groups or organizations. These entities are defined at 6 U.S.C. § 101(13) as:
- A county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments (regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law), regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government.
- An Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native Corporation.
- A rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.
Four criteria must be met to pass-through grant funds:
- The SAA must make a firm written commitment to passing through grant funds to subrecipients;
- The SAA’s commitment must be unconditional (i.e., no contingencies for the availability of SAA funds);
- There must be documentary evidence (i.e., award document, terms, and conditions) of the commitment; and
- The award terms must be communicated to the subrecipient.
Timing and Amount
The SAA must pass-through at least 80 percent of the funds awarded under SHSP and UASI to the above-defined local or tribal units of government within 45 calendar days of receipt of the funds. “Receipt of the funds” occurs either when the SAA accepts the award or 15 calendar days after the SAA receives notice of the award, whichever is earlier.
SAAs are sent notification of HSGP awards via the GPD’s ND Grants system. If an SAA accepts its award within 15 calendar days of receiving notice of the award in the ND Grants system, the 45 calendar days pass-through period will start on the date the SAA accepted the award. Should an SAA not accept the HSGP award within 15 calendar days of receiving notice of the award in the ND Grants system, the 45 calendar days pass-through period will begin 15 calendar days after the award notification is sent to the SAA via the ND Grants system.
It is important to note that the period of performance start date does not directly affect the start of the 45 calendar days pass-through period. For example, an SAA may receive notice of the HSGP award on August 25, 2022, while the period of performance dates for that award are September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2025. In this example, the 45-day pass-through period will begin on the date the SAA accepts the HSGP award or September 9, 2022 (15 calendar days after the SAA was notified of the award), whichever date occurs first. The period of performance start date of September 1, 2022, would not affect the timing of meeting the 45-calendar day pass-through requirement.
Other SHSP and UASI Pass-Through Requirements
The signatory authority of the SAA must certify in writing to DHS/FEMA that pass-through requirements have been met. A letter of intent (or equivalent) to distribute funds is not considered sufficient. A letter of intent is not a firm commitment and if issued before FEMA makes the award, then a letter of intent is also not unconditional since it is inherently conditioned on receipt of funds.
The pass-through requirement does not apply to SHSP awards made to the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is required to comply with the pass-through requirement, and its SAA must also obligate at least 80 percent of the funds to local units of government within 45 calendar days of receipt of the funds.
Under SHSP, the SAA may retain more than 20 percent of funding for expenditures made by the state on behalf of the local unit(s) of government, such as expenditures by the state in order to pass through goods or services to local unit(s) of government in lieu of cash. This may occur only with the written consent, such as a Memorandum of Understanding, between the SAA and the local unit(s) of government. Separate written consent is necessary for each local unit of government in which more than 20 percent of funding is retained on their behalf by the state. The written consent must specify the amount of funds to be retained and the intended use of funds, including whether any goods or services will be passed through in lieu of cash. It must also be signed by authorized representatives of both the state and the local unit of government.
States shall review their written consent agreements yearly and ensure that they are still valid. If a written consent agreement is already in place from previous fiscal years, DHS/FEMA will continue to recognize it for FY 2022, unless the written consent review indicates the local government is no longer in agreement. If modifications to the existing agreement are necessary, the SAA should contact their assigned FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer.
However, even if a written consent agreement is in place from previous fiscal years, the SAA must still initially carry out the pass-through documentation for its FY 2022 award and comply with the four pass-through criteria described above before the written consent agreement can take effect for purposes of the FY 2022 funding.
Additional OPSG Requirements
The recipient is prohibited from obligating or expending funds provided through this award until each unique and specific county-level or equivalent Operational Order/Fragmentary Operations Order budget has been reviewed and approved through an official electronic mail notice issued by DHS/FEMA removing this special programmatic condition.
3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
In addition to the requirements in this section and elsewhere in this NOFO, FEMA may place specific terms and conditions on individual awards in accordance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200.
In addition to the information regarding DHS Standard Terms and Conditions and Ensuring the Protection of Civil Rights, see the Preparedness Grants Manual for additional information on administrative and national policy requirements, including the following:
- Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance
- FirstNet
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation
- SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants
a. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions
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. What terms and conditions will apply for the award will be clearly stated in the award package at the time of award.
b. Ensuring the Protection of Civil Rights
As the Nation works towards achieving the National Preparedness Goal, it is important to continue to protect the civil rights of individuals. Recipients and subrecipients must carry out their programs and activities, including those related to the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities, in a manner that respects and ensures the protection of civil rights for protected populations.
Federal civil rights statutes, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with DHS and FEMA regulations, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status in connection with programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from FEMA.
Recipients must complete the DHS Civil Rights Evaluation Tool within 30 days of receipt of the Notice of Award. Information about this requirement and a fuller list of the civil rights provisions that apply to recipients can be found in the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions of Award. Additional information on civil rights provisions is available at https://www.dhs.gov/civil-rights-resources-recipients-dhs-financial-assistance and https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/equal-rights/civil-rights.
Monitoring and oversight requirements in connection with recipient compliance with federal civil rights laws are also authorized pursuant to 44 C.F.R. Part 7.
In accordance with civil rights laws and regulations, recipients and subrecipients must ensure the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment.
c. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance
As a federal agency, FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by FEMA, including grant-funded projects, comply with federal EHP laws, Executive Orders, regulations, and policies, as applicable.
FEMA grant funding for new construction or substantial improvement must comply with Executive Order (EO) 14030, Climate-Related Financial Risk and applicable FEMA implementing policies in place at the time of disbursement, including FEMA Policy #-206-21-0003, Partial Implementation of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs (Interim) (fema.gov) or superseding policies.
Recipients and subrecipients proposing projects that have the potential to impact the environment, including, but not limited to, the construction of communication towers, modification or renovation of existing buildings, structures, and facilities, or new construction including replacement of facilities, must participate in the FEMA EHP review process. The EHP review process involves the submission of a detailed project description along with any supporting documentation requested by FEMA in order to determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources or historic properties.
In some cases, FEMA is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public in order to complete the review process. Federal law requires EHP review to be completed before federal funds are released to carry out proposed projects. FEMA may not be able to fund projects that are not incompliance with applicable EHP laws, Executive Orders, regulations, and policies.
DHS and FEMA EHP policy is found in directives and instructions available on the FEMA.gov EHP page, the FEMA website page that includes documents regarding EHP responsibilities and program requirements, including implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act and other EHP regulations and Executive Orders.
The GPD EHP screening form is located at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/90195. Additionally, all recipients under this funding opportunity are required to comply with the FEMA GPD EHP Policy Guidance, FEMA Policy #108-023-1, available at https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/85376.
d. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation
If an entity uses HSGP funding to support emergency communications investments, the following requirements shall apply to all such grant-funded communications investments in support of the emergency communications priorities and recognized best practices:
- The signatory authority for the SAA must certify in writing to DHS/FEMA their compliance with the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants. The certification letter should be coordinated with the SWIC for each state and must be uploaded to ND Grants at the time of the first Program Performance Report submission.
- All states and territories must designate a full-time SWIC who has the authority and resources to actively improve interoperability with emergency management and response agencies across all levels of government, to include establishing statewide plans, policies, and procedures, and coordinating decisions on communications investments funded through federal grants. Note that the designated full-time SWIC may also be the state’s or territory’s cybersecurity point of contact. SWIC status information will be maintained by CISA and will be verified by FEMA GPD through programmatic monitoring activities.
- By the period of performance end date, all states and territories must update the SCIP, with a focus on communications resilience/continuity, to include assessment and mitigation of all potential risks identified in the SCIP: natural disasters, accidental damage (human failures), intentional damage (sabotage, terrorism), cybersecurity, etc. Following the initial update, the SCIP should be updated on an annual basis. SCIP status information will be maintained by CISA and will be verified by FEMA GPD through programmatic monitoring activities.
All states and territories must test their emergency communications capabilities and procedures (as outlined in their operational communications plans) in conjunction with regularly planned exercises (separate/addition emergency communications exercises are not required). Exercises should be used to both demonstrate and validate skills learned in training and to identify gaps in capabilities. Resilience and continuity of communications should be tested during training and exercises to the greatest extent possible. Further, exercises should include participants from multiple jurisdictions, disciplines, and levels of government and include emergency management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, interoperability coordinators, public health officials, hospital officials, officials from colleges and universities, and other disciplines and private sector entities, as appropriate. Findings from exercises should be used to update programs to address gaps in emergency communications as well as emerging technologies, policies, and partners. Recipients are encouraged to increase awareness and availability of emergency communications exercise opportunities across all levels of government.
States, territories, and other eligible grant recipients are advised that HSGP funding may be used to support communications planning (including the cost of hiring a SWIC, participation in governance bodies and requirements delineated above), training, exercises, and equipment costs. Costs for transitioning to the FirstNet network may also be eligible. More information regarding FirstNet can be found in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
4. Reporting
Recipients are required to submit various financial and programmatic reports as a condition of award acceptance. Future awards and funds drawdown may be withheld if these reports are delinquent.
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on reporting requirements.
5. Monitoring and Oversight
Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.337, FEMA, through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits or conduct desk reviews to review project accomplishments and management control systems to review award progress and to provide any required technical assistance. During site visits or desk reviews, FEMA will review recipients’ files related to the award. As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, recipients must permit FEMA, upon reasonable notice, to review grant-related records and to interview the organization’s staff and contractors regarding the program.
Recipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to FEMA requests for information relating to the award.
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on monitoring and oversight.
G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information
1. Contact and Resource Information
a. Program Office Contact
FEMA has assigned state-specific Preparedness Officers for the HSGP. If you do not know your Preparedness Officer, contact the FEMA Grants Information Desk by e-mail at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR by phone at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
b. FEMA Grants News
FEMA Grants News is a non-emergency comprehensive management and information resource developed by FEMA for grants stakeholders. 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. When necessary, recipients will be directed to a federal point of contact who can answer specific programmatic questions or concerns. FEMA Grants Information Desk can be reached by e-mail at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR by phone at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
c. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration Division
GPD’s Award Administration Division (AAD) provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. Additional guidance and information can be obtained by contacting the AAD’s Help Desk via e-mail at ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.
d. Equal Rights
The FEMA Office of Equal Rights (OER), in coordination with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, is responsible for compliance with and enforcement of federal civil rights obligations in connection with programs and services conducted by FEMA and recipients of FEMA financial assistance. All inquiries and communications about federal civil rights compliance for FEMA grants under this NOFO should be sent to FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.
e. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation
GPD’s EHP Team provides guidance and information about the EHP review process to recipients and subrecipients. All inquiries and communications about projects under this NOFO or the EHP review process, including the submittal of EHP review materials, should be sent to gpdehpinfo@fema.dhs.gov.
2. Systems Information
a. Grants.gov
For technical assistance with Grants.gov, call the customer support hotline 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (except federal holidays) at (800) 518-4726 or e-mail at support@grants.gov.
b. Non-Disaster (ND) Grants
For technical assistance with the ND Grants system, please contact the ND Grants Helpdesk at ndgrants@fema.dhsgov or (800) 865-4076, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET. User resources are available at https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/non- disaster-grants-management-system
c. Payment and Reporting System (PARS)
FEMA uses the Payment and Reporting System (PARS) for financial reporting, invoicing, and tracking payments. FEMA uses the Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer (DD/EFT) method of payment to recipients. To enroll in the DD/EFT, recipients must complete a Standard Form 1199A, Direct Deposit Form. If you have questions about the online system, please call the Customer Service Center at (866) 927-5646 or email ask-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.
H. Additional Information
GPD has developed the Preparedness Grants Manual to guide applicants and recipients of grant funding on how to manage their grants and other resources. Recipients seeking guidance on policies and procedures for managing preparedness grants should reference the Preparedness Grants Manual for further information. Examples of information contained in the Preparedness Grants Manual include:
- Actions to Address Noncompliance
- Audits
- Case Studies and Use of Grant-Funded Resources During Real-World Incident Operations
- Community Lifelines
- Conflicts of Interest in the Administration of Federal Awards and Subawards
- Disability Integration
- National Incident Management System
- Payment Information
- Period of Performance Extensions
- Procurement Integrity
- Record Retention
- Whole Community Preparedness
- Other Post-Award Requirements
1. Termination Provisions
FEMA may terminate a federal award in whole or in part for one of the following reasons. FEMA and the recipient must still comply with closeout requirements at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.344-200.345 even if an award is terminated in whole or in part. To the extent that subawards are permitted under this NOFO, pass-through entities should refer to 2 C.F.R. §200.340 for additional information on termination regarding subawards.
a. Noncompliance
If a recipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a federal award, FEMA may terminate the award in whole or in part. If the noncompliance can be corrected, FEMA may first attempt to direct the recipient to correct the noncompliance. This may take the form of a Compliance Notification. If the noncompliance cannot be corrected or the recipient is non- responsive, FEMA may proceed with a Remedy Notification, which could impose a remedy for noncompliance per 2 C.F.R. § 200.339, including termination. Any action to terminate based on noncompliance will follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.341-200.342 as well as the requirement of 2 C.F.R. § 200.340(c) to report in FAPIIS the recipient’s material failure to comply with the award terms and conditions. See also the section on Actions to Address Noncompliance in this NOFO or in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
b. With the Consent of the Recipient
FEMA may also terminate an award in whole or in part with the consent of the recipient, in which case the parties must agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
c. Notification by the Recipient
The recipient may terminate the award, in whole or in part, by sending written notification to FEMA setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. In the case of partial termination, FEMA may determine that a partially terminated award will not accomplish the purpose of the federal award, so FEMA may terminate the award in its entirety. If that occurs, FEMA will follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.341-200.342 in deciding to fully terminate the award.
2. Program Evaluation
Recipients and subrecipients are encouraged to incorporate program evaluation activities from the outset of their program design and implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress towards meeting an agency priority goal(s). Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act), Pub. L. No. 115-435 (2019) urges federal awarding agencies and federal assistance recipients and subrecipients to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, to improve equitable delivery, and to 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). Evaluation costs are allowable costs (either as direct or indirect), unless prohibited by statute or regulation.
3. Period of Performance Extensions
Extensions to the period of performance (POP) for this program are allowed. Extensions to the POP identified in the award will only be considered through formal, written requests to the recipient’s FEMA Preparedness Officer and must contain specific and compelling justifications as to why an extension is required. Recipients are advised to coordinate with the FEMA Preparedness Officer as needed when preparing an extension request. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
Footnotes
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Strategic Intelligence Assessment and Data on Domestic Terrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security, May 2021.
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Including assessment of critical infrastructure system vulnerabilities and plans to reduce consequences of disruptions, using the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework and Regional Resiliency Assessment Methodology produced by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
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Except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time.
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This applies to all homeland security personnel and is not limited to M&A staff, and costs are to be captured outside the cap on M&A costs.