FEMA has announced the FY 2015 Notice of Funding Opportunities for two of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs:  Flood Mitigation Assistance and Pre-Disaster Mitigation.  HMA grant programs provide states, tribes, territories, and local governments funding for eligible mitigation activities to strengthen our nation’s ability to reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages.

All 50 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and Federally-recognized tribal governments are eligible to apply.  Local governments are considered sub-applicants and must apply to their Applicant state/territory.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Unified Guidance for detailed information regarding eligibility and to contact their FEMA Regional Office for additional information.  Grant applications must be submitted to FEMA through the Mitigation eGrants system on the FEMA Grants Portal accessible on the Internet no later than 3:00 PM EDT on August 28, 2015.

DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson announced the fiscal year 2015 notices of funding opportunity for more than $1.6 billion in preparedness grant programs on Thursday, April 2.

“The FY 2015 homeland security grants demonstrate the department’s continued commitment to strengthening our nation’s ability to prepare and respond to a wide variety of emergencies,” said Johnson in a statement. “These grant programs reflect the department’s strong partnerships across all levels of government and the private sector in order to ensure we remain vigilant in an ever-changing threat environment.”

According to the DHS, the grant guidance will focus on the United States’ highest risk areas. For example, the Urban Area Security Initiative grants for fiscal 2015 will provide funding to 28 high-threat, high-density urban areas. “This represents congressional intent to limit FY 2015 UASI funding to those urban areas that represent up to 85 [percent] of the nationwide risk,” the department reported.

Based on feedback from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, Johnson has increased the period of performance for grant awards from two years to three years for fiscal 2015 grant programs, with the exception of Assistance to Firefighters Grants and the Emergency Management Performance Grant.

As provided by the DHS, preparedness grant program allocations for fiscal year 2015 include:

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) — provides more than $1 billion for states and urban areas to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other threats.

• State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) — provides more than $402 million to all states and territories to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets.
• Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) — provides $587 million to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities the nation’s 28 highest-risk, highest-threat, highest-density urban areas.
• Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) — provides $55 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.

Since the 9/11 Act, FEMA has required states to ensure that at least 25 percent of the total funds awarded to them under SHSP and UASI are dedicated toward law enforcement terrorism prevention activities (LETPA). The total LETPA allocation can be satisfied from SHSP, UASI or both. In addition, states must obligate at least 80 percent of the funds awarded under SHSP and UASI to local or tribal units of government within 45 days of receipt of the funds.

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) — provides $10 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives to help strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) — provides $13 million to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack and located within one of the FY 2015 UASI-eligible urban areas.

Intercity Passenger Rail - Amtrak (IPR) Program — provides more than $10 million to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system.

Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) — provides more than $100 million to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) — provides more than $87 million to owners and operators of transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) — provides $3 million to owners and operators of intercity bus systems to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

All preparedness Notices of Funding Opportunity can be found at www.grants.gov. There are some key changes to DHS grant programs this year including a 36-month period of performance and compliance with the requirements at 2 C.F.R. Part 200. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity — Key Changes — for each grant program.

The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) applications, announced on March 25, 2015, are due no later than April 24, 2015. All other preparedness grant applications — excluding Fire Grant programs — are due no later than May 19, 2015. Final submissions must be made through the Non-Disaster Grants system located at https://portal.fema.gov.
  

WASHINGTON—Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate today announced the release of the FY 2015 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program. The FY 2015 EMPG Program provides over $350 million to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Delivering core capabilities requires the combined effort of the whole community, rather than the exclusive effort of any single organization or level of government. The FY 2015 EMPG Program supports efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across the prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery mission areas.

Under the Stafford Act, FEMA is authorized to make grants to bolster emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property in the United States. The Federal government, through the EMPG Program, provides necessary direction, coordination, guidance, and assistance so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards and for all levels of government. 

The notice of funding opportunity can be found at www.grants.gov. EMPG applications are due no later than April 24, 2015.  Final submissions must be made through the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants system located at https://portal.fema.gov.

Further information on DHS’s preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.

The FY 2014 FP&S application period begins on Monday, March 16. You can begin the application by visiting the AFG website. The tools below were produced specifically to help potential applicants begin to plan their 2014 applications.  The tools can be viewed on the AFG website or downloaded to your computer.

FY 2014 FP&S Application Assistance Tools

• Application Checklist
• This checklist will help you prepare your FP&S grant application
• Self-Evaluation
• Use this guide to help you understand the criteria that needs to be addressed in your narrative statement.
• FY 2014 FP&S Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• FY 2014 FP&S Cost Share Calculator
• Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
• Program Guidance
• FY 2014 FP&S Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• SAM.gov Get Ready Guide
• Sam.gov application preparation guide

  If you have questions about the technical assistance tools listed below, call or e-mail the FP&S Grants help Desk.  The toll-free number is 1-866-274-0960 ; the e-mail address for questions is firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.

The application period for the 2015 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open. The awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward making their communities safer, stronger, better prepared, and more resilient.

Every year we are inspired by the tremendous work being done by so many people to prepare their communities for emergencies, or to help their neighbors cope with the effects of a disaster. Our applicants consistently showcase admirable compassion for others, innovative new approaches, and a drive to make a difference in their communities.

Please help spread the word about the 2015 FEMA Individual Community Preparedness Awards! Download an application form, and apply or nominate an individual or organization who inspires you today.  Applicants can be individuals or organizations, as they align with the awards categories listed below.  To be considered for this year’s awards, all applications must be sent to citizencorps@fema.dhs.gov by April 10, 2015 at 11:59 P.M. E.T. and must feature program activities occurring between January 1, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

Once all applications have been received, a distinguished panel of representatives from the emergency management community will select winners in each of the following categories:

·         Outstanding Citizen Corps Council 

·         Community Preparedness Heroes

·         Awareness to Action

·         Technological Innovation

·         Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness

·         Preparing the Whole Community

·         Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives

·         Outstanding Citizen Corps Partner Program

·         Excellence in Volunteer Sustainability

Winners of the 2015 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards will be announced in fall 2015, and they will be FEMA’s honored guests at a community preparedness roundtable event. As candidates prepare their applications, it is helpful to take a look at previous winners on our website.

The Funding Opportunity Announcements for the FY 2014 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and the 2014 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Programs are now available online! 

The FY 2014 application periods for both programs are right around the corner.The application periods are currently scheduled for the following dates (subject to change):

• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER): February 9, 2015 – March 6, 2015
• Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S): March 16, 2015 – April 17, 2015

Begin preparing your application now by reviewing the guidance materials that are available now. It is important to read the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) thoroughly. The FOA contains the key programmatic updates and application requirements necessary, for all eligible applicants.

You can view the 2014 SAFER and 2014 FP&S Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) below

2014 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Funding Opportunity Announcement

2014 Fire Prevention and Safety  Funding Opportunity Announcement

In addition to the $5,000, the winning department will receive a commemorative plaque and the department's name inscribed on the winners’ plaque displayed at NFPA headquarters. Many recipients find that the grant helps to generate positive media coverage for the fire department and raises the profile of the department in the community.

The application is available on the NFPA website. You have until February 6, 2015, to apply

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce a training opportunity on Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Buildings for architects, engineers, and local code enforcement officials. Course E0279 provides engineering and economics guidance for the retrofitting of existing one- to four-family residential structures situated in flood-prone areas. The retrofitting measures presented are creative, practical, and compliant with applicable floodplain regulations, and satisfactory to most homeowners.

Dates: May 4–7, 2015; 4 days in length.

Location: Emergency Management Institute (EMI) National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Concepts:

• flood-proofing and retrofitting
• regulatory framework
• design parameters
• benefit-cost analysis
• technical feasibility considerations

Participants will complete a design activity on a real-life case study. The course will also include a computer laboratory session with hands-on exercises using the FEMA benefit-cost analysis program modules.

To Apply: Complete a FEMA Form 119-25-1, General Admissions Application, with student signature and signature of supervisor or sponsoring agency official. Submit the application no later than 6 weeks prior to the start of the course. FEMA Form 119-25-1 must be received by NETC Admissions no later than March 23, 2015. Mail, scan, or fax the application to:

NETC Admissions Office (Room I-216)
National Emergency Training Center
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727-8998
Phone: (301) 447-1035
Fax: (301) 447-1658
Email: netcadmissions@fema.dhs.gov