indiana homeland security travel advisory map

Travel advisories, watches, warnings issued as winter storm moves through Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — As of Saturday morning, every county in Indiana, except Marion and Porter counties, is still under a travel status.

As of 9:45 a.m. Saturday, only Scott County is still under a travel warning, the highest level travel status.

This map is updated by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

MORE |  Latest forecast | LIVE UPDATES: Winter storm takes aim on Central Indiana | Winter weather safety: Now is the time to prepare for a winter storm

What does a travel advisory mean in Indiana? A travel advisory in Indiana is coded yellow on the travel map. This is the lowest level of a travel advisory and means routine travel and activities may be restricted in some areas due to a hazardous situation. People should use caution or avoid those areas if possible.

What does a travel watch mean in Indiana? A travel watch in Indiana is coded orange on travel map. People should only travel for essential purposes, like work or an emergency, when a county is under a travel watch. IDHS recommends emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, governments and other organizations.

What does a travel warning mean in Indiana? A travel warning is coded red on the travel map and is the highest travel alert. During a warning, travel may be restricted to only emergency management workers. People are asked to refrain from all travel, comply with emergency measures, and cooperate with public officials.

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Visit Indiana Department of Homeland Security County Travel Status Map for Real Time Notification of the County Emergency Travel Advisory

Advisory (Yellow)

Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation. Citizens should use caution or avoid these areas. Schools and businesses may begin to implement their emergency action plans.

Watch (Orange)

Conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel is recommended (i.e., to and from work, emergency situations, etc.). Emergency action plans have been or should now be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.

Warning (RED)

Travel may be restricted to emergency

personnel only. Citizens are directed to

refrain from all travel, comply with necessary

emergency measures, cooperate with public

officials and disaster services forces in

executing emergency operations plans, and

comply with the directions of properly

identified officers. Further and more specific

restrictions may be included in the disaster

declaration.

Q: What does the Emergency Proclamation say about travel?

A: Due to the above conditions all citizens are advised to stay off the roads unless driving to work or have an emergency which requires them to be on the roads. Any Vehicle blocking or stranded on an unincorporated road will be removed from the road as deemed necessary by the snow removal crews or emergency personnel. Delaware County will not be liable for damages or expenses associated with removal of vehicles.

Q: Can the City or County restrict traveling on the roads completely?

A: Yes, while very rare and under extreme conditions, the County Commissioner and the Mayor have the right to close the roads completely. This information will be added to any Emergency Proclamation signed by the City or the County and traffic enforcement will be the responsibility of the police. You are further restricted from all travel if the situation calls for a total restriction as documented in the Emergency Proclamation.

Q. What can happen if I go out on the roads?

A. If you become stuck during a declared emergency and you block any emergency vehicle you may be pushed out of the way by any means necessary. Any damage to your vehicle or that is the direct result of your vehicle obstructing an emergency vehicle you will be billed for the damage.

Q. Will I get a ticket if I go out?

A. The short answer is maybe! Although, Government Officials may impose fines on anyone who creates a travel problem (becoming stuck, blocking the roadway, abandoning a vehicle) and the police will ticket any motorist who created a hazard or breaks the law. If the situation was bad all roadway travel may be totally restricted.

Q. What if I have to go to work?

A. Many employers must stay open (Hospital, Nursing Homes, Veterinarians). Please check with your employer to see if you have a policy for emergency travel or necessary staff . You will not be stopped if you are on the roadway. But, travel with great caution. If you get stuck and become a traffic hazard you will be responsible for any damages or expenses associated with the removal of your vehicle.

Q. Do I have to go to work during if an emergency is declared?

A. This is a question to ask your employer. Although our recommendation is to always use caution, only your employer can impose a work stoppage and allow you to not to report to work.  Any business closure is at the discretion of the business owner.

Q. How do I get proof of the snow emergency?

A. Visit the link to the Travel Status Map and print off the PDF file for proof of Delaware County's status. http://www.in.gov/ai/appfiles/ dhs-countyMap/dhsCountyMap. html

Q. What is a winter weather watch? warning? advisory?

A.   NOAA's National Weather Service issues Winter Storm Outlooks when forecasters believe there is a good chance of a major winter storm. A Winter Storm Watch is issued to alert the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Warnings are issued when a hazardous winter weather event is imminent or occurring, and is considered a threat to life and property. Finally, a Winter Weather Advisory is issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet that will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

The importance of the Travel Advisory System is to help the public get a picture of what our community is dealing with . You must realize that each situation is different and that if you go out to see how bad it is you may become part of the problem. Please watch the local media outlets as well as the social networking sites for updates. Follow Emergency Management on facebook and Twitter as well as the local Government websites. 

• Never attempt to drive through a flood that you couldn't walk through and be aware that water hides dips in the road. Worse still, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can wash away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.
• Just six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars; this depth can cause loss of control or possible stalling as water is sucked into the exhaust or washes into the air intake.
• If negotiating a flooded section of road, drive in the middle where the water will be at its shallowest.
•  Consider other drivers - pass through flooded sections one car at a time, don't drive through water against approaching vehicles.
•  Many cars will start to float in as little as one foot of water - this can be extremely dangerous because as the wheels lose grip, you lose control.
• Two feet of flowing water can sweep away most vehicles - including large four-wheel drive cars. Don't try driving through fast-moving water, for example approaching a flooded bridge - your car could easily be swept away

For more information on Floods and Flash Floods you can check out the following websites.

Flood safety tips.

• Keep your vehicle fueled.
• Store drinking water in a safe place. Store food that requires little or no cooking or refrigeration.
• Keep a disaster supply kit ready and accessible. Have first aid supplies, a NOAA Weather Radio, flashlights and extra batteries.

Flood Fighting: How to use sandbags

Resource: view the idhs guidance document for flood protection using sandbags, resource: view the us army corps of engineers website on how to use sandbags.

A TORNADO WATCH means conditions are favorable for severe weather. A TORNADO WARNING Issued by local NWS offices to warn the public that a tornado has been sighted by storm spotters or has been indicated by radar. These warnings are issued with information concerning where the tornado is presently located and what communities are in the anticipated path of the tornado.

OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS

When you hear a  steady  tone, it means that a tornado has been sighted in Delaware County  or  the National Weather Service has issued a  tornado warning  for  Delaware County.

• Take cover immediately.
• There is  no  “All Clear” signal.
• Tune to your weather radio,  local cable TV or radio stations for information and instructions.

When OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS are activated:

• Do  seek shelter
• Do not  call emergency services dispatch (911) to ask why the sirens are sounding!

YOU SHOULD NOT RELY SOLELY ON OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS TO ALERT YOU TO SEVERE WEATHER!

Often times when severe weather threatens, high winds, rain and other atmospheric conditions limit the range that the sirens can be heard outdoors, and nearly impossible to hear indoors, even if close by.  If weather is severe enough, power may be out and the sirens may not function. You should have ways to receive notifications from the National Weather Service such as a Weather Alert Radio (see below) or an app for your phone that provides local severe weather alerts. Use common sense , if weather looks threatening and you see lightning or hear thunder, take shelter quickly.

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office . NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System , NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards - including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).

Known as the "Voice of NOAA's National Weather Service," NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. NWR includes 1000 transmitters , covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories. NWR requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the signal. Broadcasts are found in the VHF public service band at these seven frequencies (MHz): Please protect your family with a All Hazard NOAA Weather Radio ! Not just a weather radio but a mass notification system to protect your family from all hazards and emergency situations. Delaware County /Muncie transmitting frequency is 162.425 Call Sign KJY93 providing a 1000 watts alerting system. Delaware County S.A.M.E. Code: 018035

Outdoor Siren Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are they called outdoor warning sirens? The sirens are called outdoor warning sirens because their primary purpose is to alert people who are outside to severe weather, chemical, or other emergencies. The system is not designed to provide notification inside of your home or business. What should I do if I hear an outdoor warning siren? If you hear an outdoor warning siren you should seek shelter inside immediately. Once inside, you should turn on a television or weather radio to learn further information. Local officials will be disseminating information about the emergency through these outlets When should I expect to hear an outdoor warning siren? The outdoor warning sirens are tested on the Friday of each week at 11:00 am to ensure they are working properly. If there is any type of severe weather threat in the area during the scheduled test time, the test will be cancelled - this is to prevent confusion between the test and actual severe weather.

Delaware County Outdoor Warning Siren Coverage Map

Outdoor Warning Sirens are placed in areas of dense population, areas where people congregate outdoor (sports parks, city parks, schools, etc..) They are also placed in small towns and sometimes have a dual role of alerting the volunteer fire departments to fire calls.

Safe and Well

www.disastersrus.org

http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34326

http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/EmergencyPlan_REV6_0.pdf

http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/FamEmePlan_2013.pdf

http://72hours.org/

http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/checklist3.pdf

http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/35f3ff58f7cc6a2047fdb1e8bae8466b/FEMA_checklist_child_508_071513.pdf

http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1e04d512b273e2133cb865833cc0e32d/FEMA_checklist_parent_508_071513.pdf

http://www.ready.gov/kids/games

http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit

http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters/

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-disaster-preparedness-kit-141425

http://www.wikihow.com/Build-Your-Own-Emergency-Disaster-Kit http://www.areavibes.com/library/earthquake-safety-guide/

Family Emergency Plan

A unique brochure containing information for pet owners and suggestions for proactive pet emergency preparedness.

· "Prepare For Emergencies Now: Information For Pet Owners" (PDF - 354 Kb) This is a full-color, two-sided, tri-fold brochure.

A unique brochure with information specific to Older Americans and tips on how to prepare for emergency situations

· "Prepare For Emergencies Now: Information For Older Americans" (PDF - 545 Kb) This is a full-color, two-sided, quad-fold brochure.

People with Disabilities

A unique brochure with information specific to Americans with disabilities and other access and functional needs regarding emergency preparedness.

· "Prepare For Emergencies Now: Information For People With Disabilities." (PDF - 334Kb) This is a full-color, two-sided, quad-fold brochure.

While it may not take place on a large scale very often, disasters and emergencies do happen in Delaware County, Indiana.

Most all emergencies, a victim or a bystander provides the first immediate assistance on the scene, rendering first aid or calling 911.

That's why the Delaware County EMA and Indiana Department of Homeland Security are partnering, courtesy of a grant received by Delaware County EMA, in a series of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) workshops.

The workshops are be beneficial to individuals, families, neighborhood groups and companies.

People who attend CERT training will achieve a better understanding of threats to their home, workplace and community and will also be able to step in and help local first responders in the event an emergency is overwhelming.

Because everyday people are usually the first on the scene of vehicle and workplace incidents, those with CERT training will be able to provide useful aid and information to first responders when they arrive.

CERT members will learn basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, search and rescue, and some medical techniques.

There will be multiple opportunities to take part in this potentially life-saving training provided by, Delaware County EMA.

Community leaders, business owners and employees, manufacturing facility representatives, educational leaders, volunteer organizations, parents, faith-based groups, county and city employees, utility workers and anyone with a desire to participate are encouraged to sign up.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

To register for the free class, or to host the training class with 15 or more students, send an email with a name, any company or organization a person represents, and a phone number to be contacted at to [email protected]

The Delaware County EMA SRT is an all-volunteer professional team that provides emergency service and support for all first responding agencies in Delaware County.

Services Provided Include:

• Incident Management Assistance
• Traffic Control for large accident scenes
• Search & Rescue Operations (day and night)
• Traffic accident reconstruction - scene video
• Truck with equipment and supplies for rehabilitation of first responders
• drink, food, heating and cooling
• Inflatable command center (Zumro Tent) for field operations. (climate controlled)

How to request EMA SRT Resources?        EMA Resources require an official request from first responding agencies (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement) or elected officials through the 911 Communications (Dispatch Center) for emergency situations . For non-emergency requests, such as planned future events, resources can be requested directly from EMA.

Join an elite group of individuals who provide special skills and resources that makes our community a safer place to live. Inspiration through professionalism.

Interested in joining the SRT?  Fill out an application today!

• Recent News

Useful Links

News & notices.

• Press Release: Delaware County Indiana Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Acquires Programmable Sign Trailer with Support from Ball Brothers Foundation
• IDHS/USSBA Disaster Outreach Centers to open April 3 in Delaware & Randolph counties
• Be aware of Contractor Fraud if your property was damaged by the recent storms and tornado. NICB.org
• Press Release: Delaware County Indiana Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Acquires Programmable Sign Trailer with Support from Ball Brothers Foundation 
• PRESS RELEASE - TORNADO DAMAGE - DCEMA 3/14/2024 
• Delaware County EMA Press Release, DCEMA Prepares for April 8th Total Solar Eclipse 
• Closure of County Road 650 East for Bridge Replacement - Starting Feb 19th, 120 day closure.
• Delaware County Change to Watch (Orange) Travel Level - Signed Resolution 
• INDOT 511IN.org TrafficWise Road Conditions Map
• Indiana County Travel Advisory Map - IDHS

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Below are travel alerts and airport wait times from the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies.

• Airport Security Checkpoint Wait Times from TSA
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Area counties under ‘Travel Advisories’

NORTHEAST INDIANA (WPTA) - Several area counties are under travel advisories, including Allen County, because of snow.

The counties include DeKalb, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, and Wells.

You can check travel advisories for all of Indiana’s counties on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s website here .

An advisory means that travel may be restricted and drivers should use caution when driving.

To get the latest weather forecasts and alerts sent straight to your phone, download the 21Alive Weather App here .

Copyright 2024 WPTA. All rights reserved.

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Latest news.

First Alert Forecast: Rain chances through the weekend, but plenty of dry times

First Alert Forecast: Warming back up

Frost possible overnight. Warmer, wetter conditions return

First Alert Forecast: Frosty morning, sunshine ahead

Frosty conditions tonight, lots of sunshine Thursday

Some Indiana counties under travel advisories as winter weather takes hold

INDIANAPOLIS — Single-digit temperatures, combined with snow overnight, made travel hazardous in parts of Indiana.

In Marion County, for example, Indiana State Police said troopers with the Indianapolis District had responded to “dozens of crashes” since 3 a.m. Sgt. John Perrine with ISP said there were 76 crashes, including eight with injuries, and nine slide-offs.

Perrine added that troopers were still responding to incidents Tuesday morning and expected those numbers to increase. He reminded drivers to adjust to the road conditions.

“Remember, if you crash on a slick road, the crash report will not put the road at fault,” Perrine noted .

While Marion County didn’t change its travel status on Tuesday, several counties are under some level of travel advisory to alert drivers to changing conditions.

The county travel status map from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) showed several of the advisories have been in effect for a few days:

The department compiles the travel status for each of Indiana’s 92 counties on its website. The three travel advisories in order of severity are: advisory (yellow), watch (orange), and warning (red). IDHS distinguishes each advisory on the following criteria:

Advisory (Yellow): Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

Watch (Orange): Only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended. Emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

Warning (Red): Travel may be restricted to emergency mgt. workers only. All other motorists should: refrain from all travel; comply with necessary emergency measures; cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

You can also visit IDHS’ travel advisories page here: https://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/ .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.

Officials report slick roads across Indiana after overnight snowfall

The morning commute around the state had a rough start, with state police reporting slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses. Here's what's happening today.

What are the road conditions in Indiana?

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis reported on X (formerly Twitter) Friday morning that the roads were slick and dangerous winds were expected in the evening.

Indiana travel advisory map

As of noon Friday, LaPorte was the only Indiana county with a warning, the highest restriction on the travel advisory map managed by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Four Indiana counties — Porter, Starke, Clay and Jefferson — were in the watch category, which means only essential travel is recommended.

Check your county's status here .

Is it safe to drive today?

This morning, Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine posted that the list of crashes state troopers were responding to was "growing fast." He suggested drivers give themselves extra time if they need to be on the roads this morning.

NWS reminded drivers to remove snow from the roof of their cars before getting on the road.

Check if roads have been plowed and find safe driving tips here .

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The new Individual Assistance updates only apply to disasters declared on or after March 22, 2024. Read about the updates.

The U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Grant Program

Download a PDF Copy of this web page.

All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). The UEI number is issued by the system. Requesting a UEI using System for Award Management (SAM.gov) can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration">.

Updates in Grant Application Forms :

The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier requested in, and assigned by SAM.gov. This new identifier is the Unique Entity Identifier.

Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov:  https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-development/planned-uei-updates  

Table of Contents

Updates in Grant Application Forms

A.    Program Description

1. Issued By 2. Assistance Listings Number  3. Assistance Listings Title. 4. Funding Opportunity Title.  5. Funding Opportunity Number 6. Authorizing Authority for Program.. 7. Appropriation Authority for Program.. 8. Announcement Type. 9. Program Category. 10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities. 11. Performance Measures   

B.    Federal Award Information

1 .Available Funding for the NOFO 2.    Projected Number of Awards  3.    Period of Performance 4.    Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s) 5.    Projected Period of Performance End Date(s) 6.    Projected Budget Period(s) 7.    Funding Instrument Type

C.    Eligibility Information

1.    Eligible Applicants  2.    Applicant Eligibility Criteria. 3.    Subawards and Beneficiaries.    a.  Subaward Allowability.    b.  Subrecipient Eligibility.    c.  Other Subaward Information.    d.  Beneficiaries or Participants. 4.    Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions.    a.  National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation.    b.  Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Membership.    c.  Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) 5.    Cost Share or Match.

D.    Application and Submission Information

1.    Key Dates and Times. a.  Application Start Date:  04/16/2024. b.  Application Submission Deadline: 06/24/2024 at 5 p.m. ET. c.  Anticipated Funding Selection Date:  No later than August 23, 2024.  d.  Anticipated Award Date:   No later than September 30, 2024.  e.  Other Key Dates:  2.    Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award.  3.    Address to Request Application Package.  4.    Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)  5.    Steps Required to Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, Register in the System for Award Management (SAM), and Submit an Application  6.    Electronic Delivery.  7.    How to Register to Apply.    a.  General Instructions:     b.  Obtain an UEI Number:     c.  Obtain Employer Identification Number     d.  Create a login.gov account:     e.  Register with SAM:     f.  Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR:...  8.    Submitting the Application.  9.    Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission.  10.  Content and Form of Application Submission.     a.  Standard Required Application Forms and Information.     b.  Program-Specific Required Forms and Information.  11.  Other Submission Requirements    a.  Fusion Center Investments    b.  Emergency Communications Investments 12.  Intergovernmental Review.. 13.  Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs.    a.  Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services     b.  Pre-Award Costs.     c.  Management and Administration (M&A) Costs.    d.  Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs    e.  Funds Transfer Restrictions.    f.  Evaluation Costs    g.  Allowable Cost Matrix for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG.    h.  SHSP and UASI Other Direct Costs.    i.   OPSG Other Direct Costs    j.   Unallowable Costs for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG.

E.    Application Review Information

1.    Application Evaluation Criteria.     a.  Programmatic Criteria.     b.  Financial Integrity Criteria.     c.  Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review..  2.    Review and Selection Process.     a.  SHSP and UASI     b.  OPSG.

F.    Federal Award Administration Information

1.    Notice of Award.  2.    Pass-Through Requirements  3.    Administrative and National Policy Requirements     a.  DHS Standard Terms and Conditions.     b.  Ensuring the Protection of Civil Rights     c.  Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance.     d.  National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation.     e.  Emergency Communication Investments.     f.  Mandatory Disclosures  4.    Reporting.  5.    Monitoring and Oversight

G.    DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information. 

1.    Contact and Resource Information.    a.  Program Office Contact     b.  FEMA Grants News     c.  Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Award Administration Division.     d.  FEMA Regional Offices.     e.  Equal Rights.     f.  Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation.  2.    Systems Information.     a.  FEMA GO..     b.  FEMA Preparedness Toolkit

H.    Additional Information

1.    Termination Provisions     a.  Noncompliance.     b.  With the Consent of the Recipient     c.  Notification by the Recipient  2.    Program Evaluation.  3.    Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure.     a.  Build America, Buy America Act     b.  Waivers.     c.  Definitions.  4.    Report issues of fraud, waste, abuse.  5.    National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Program Office.     a.  Behavioral Threat Assessment Integration.     b.  Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative.

  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  

3.   assistance listings title.

Homeland Security Grant Program

4.   Funding Opportunity Title  

Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)  

• State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP)
• Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
• Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) 

5.   Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-24-GPD-067-00-98

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, 2024, Pub. L. No. 118-47, Title III, Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (2024 DHS Appropriations Act)

8.   Announcement Type

Initial 

9.   Program Category

Preparedness: Community Security 

10. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

A. overview.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is one of the 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, and respond to 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. 

In FY 2024, there are three components of the HSGP:

 1. 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.

 2. Urban AreaSecurity 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.

 3. OperationStonegarden (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 by participating in OPSG. 

Finally, for FY 2024, 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 represent one of the most persistent threats to the nation [1] . Therefore, for FY 2024, DHS has identified six priority areas (see Section A.10.b) related to the most serious threats to the nation, as well as required minimum funding allocations. 

For a full list of SHSP and UASI recipients and a breakdown of OPSG funding by state for FY 2023, please refer to  Information Bulletin (IB) 490a .

 b. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

Goal:   The HSGP will fund SLTT efforts and strengthen capabilities of SLTT governments to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to terrorist attacks and other threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States.

Objectives:  HSGP provides resources that support eligible SLTT governments; high-density urban areas, and SLTT law enforcement along international land/water borders and travel corridors in meeting the following objectives:

• Build and sustain core capabilities, including Law Enforcement and Terrorism Prevention Activities and the National Priority Areas (see priorities below); 
• Address capability gaps identified in their Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) process; and
• Implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address enduring security needs of communities that includes planning, training and awareness campaigns, equipment and capital projects, and exercises. 

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 2024, six National Priority Areas pose the most concern. Due to the unique threats that the nation faces in 2024, DHS/FEMA has determined that recipients should allocate a total of 30% of their SHSP and UASI award funds across these six priority areas. As indicated below, one of the priorities has a minimum spend requirement totaling 3% of SHSP and UASI awards. Recipients will have the flexibility to allocate the remaining 27% across the priorities. The following are the six priority areas for FY 2024, 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 – no minimum percent 
• Enhancing information and intelligence sharing and analysis – no minimum percent 
• Combating domestic violent extremism – no minimum percent 
• Enhancing cybersecurity – no minimum percent
• Enhancing community preparedness and resilience – no minimum percent 
• Enhancing election security – 3%

Additional information about these priority areas and how they relate to achieving anti-terrorism capabilities is included in Section D 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%) 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 (as applicable) and overall 30% of total SHSP and UASI funds. 

A state or high-risk urban area must allocate the remaining 70% of their funding to addressing capability gaps (e.g., building/sustaining capability and/or closing capability gaps) identified through their THIRA/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 planning [2] ;
• Training and awareness campaigns;
• Equipment and capital projects; and

The table below provides a breakdown of the FY 2024 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. More information on allowable investments can be found in the Section D.13 “Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs” below and in the  Preparedness Grants Manual (FM-207-23-001). 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. 

FY 2024 SHSP and UASI Funding Priorities

All priorities in this table concern the Safety and Security Lifelines.

For FY 2024, each SHSP and UASI recipient is required to submit an Investment Justification (IJ) for the National Priority Area with a minimum spend requirement (Enhancing Election Security). The investment must also account for at least the relevant minimum percentage (totaling 3%) 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 building capability and/or 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 tools and resources, can be found at  National Preparedness System | FEMA.gov . 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 2024 OPSG funding priority, which remains focused on and unique to border security.

FY 2024 OPSG Funding Priority

For FY 2024, each OPSG applicant is required to clearly articulate and identify how the Concept of Operations addresses the national priority identified above.  

 c. Alignment to Program Purpose and the DHS and FEMA Strategic Plan 

Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the  DHS Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2024 , the HSGP supports the goal to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience. 

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. 

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.

• Number of arrests that resulted from OPSG contacts 
• Value of drug seizures that resulted from OPSG contacts 

B.  Federal Award Information

1.   available funding for the nofo:                                   $1,008,000,000.

SHSP Allocations

For FY 2024, 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% 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% of the total funds allocated for grants under Sections 2003 and 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 , as amended.

Each state must include a separate IJ for the National Priority Area with a minimum spend requirement (Enhancing Election Security). All projects related to the minimum spend for the National Priority Area  must be included in the IJ. For this National Priority Area with a minimum spend percentage requirement, the funding level in that National Priority Area investment must equal or exceed 3%, 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%  of the total SHSP allocation.

FY 2024 SHSP Allocations

UASI Allocations

Eligible candidates for the FY 2024 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 (MSA) 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 Metropolitan and Micropolitan (census.gov) . THIRA/SPR results do not impact grant allocations or awards.  

The Metropolitan Areas Standardization and Protection (MAPS) Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-219) prohibits automatically updating core-based statistical areas, which are used to delineate MSAs, for grantmaking. The MAPS Act requires that FEMA issue notice-and-comment rulemaking to make any changes. Should changes be necessary in FY 2024, FEMA will issue notice-and-comment rulemaking within the statutorily defined guidelines.

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 the National Priority Area with a minimum spend requirement (Enhancing Election Security). All projects related to the minimum spend for the National Priority Area  must be included in the IJ. For the National Priority Area with a minimum spend percentage requirement, the funding level in that National Priority Area investment must equal or exceed 3%, 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%  of the total UASI allocation.

FY 2024 UASI Allocations

OPSG Allocations

For FY 2024, 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 2024 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 aliens, drug trafficking organizations, and alien 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 .

Extensions to the period of performance are allowed. For additional information on period of performance extensions, please refer to the Preparedness Grants Manual .

4.   Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s):               09/01/2024

5.   projected period of performance end date(s):                08/31/2027.

6.   Projected Budget Period(s)

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

7.    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 through the SAA.

2.   Applicant Eligibility Criteria

The SAA is the only eligible applicant. 

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.

• Subawards and Beneficiaries

a. Subaward Allowability

Subawards are allowed under the HSGP. The recipient (the SAA) is awarded, and then any funds passed through to other state or local entities (subrecipients) are considered subawards. 

 b. Subrecipient Eligibility

Eligible high-risk urban areas for the FY 2024 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. 

For 2024, each SAA is strongly encouraged to re-evaluate its process for collecting and evaluating subaward applications. FEMA encourages each SAA to minimize the type and quantity of information that it collects as part of the subaward application process, in order to decrease the overall financial and time burden associated with applying for subawards under this grant program. Each SAA should review its subaward application and reduce or eliminate the request for any information that is not needed for legal, financial, or oversight purposes. 

In FY 2024, 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 2024, 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. 

 c. Other Subaward Information

Please see the following sections for additional information on requirements or restrictions related to subawards/subrecipients:

• Section D.4 “Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Register in the System for Award Management”;
• Section D.10.b “Program-Specific Required Forms and Information”;
• Section D.13 “Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs”;
• Section F.2 “Pass-Through Requirements”;
• Section F.3.b “Ensuring the Protection of Civil Rights”;
• Section F.5 “Monitoring and Oversight”;
• Section G.1.f “Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation”;
• Section H.1 “Terminations Provisions”; 
• Section H.2 “Program Evaluation”; and
• Section H.3 “Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure.”

Additionally, please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for further information on requirements or restrictions related to subawards/subrecipients.

 d. Beneficiaries or Participants

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

4.   Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions

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, including implementation of important operational systems defined under NIMS, such as the Incident Command System (ICS). 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 the EMAC, except for the American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to the EMAC at this time. All assets supported in part or entirely with FY 2024 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, 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% of grant funding appropriated for grants awarded under HSGP’s authorizing statute are used for LETPAs. For FY 2024, DHS/FEMA is requiring that at least 35% of grant funding appropriated under HSGP is used for LETPA . DHS/FEMA meets this requirement, in part, by requiring all recipients allocate at least 35% 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 35% LETPA allocation may be met by funding projects in any combination of the six National Priority Areas identified above and any other investments. The 35% LETPA allocation requirement is in addition to the 80% pass-through requirement to local units of government and tribes, referenced below. Information Bulletin (IB) 485 includes the most up-to-date information on project selection considerations and allowable activities for LETPA investments and compliments  IB 473 . Both IBs are applicable to the FY 2024 HSGP NOFO. More information on allowable investments can also be found in the Allowable Costs Matrix section below.

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.

In support of efforts to enhance capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting, and preventing acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events, operational overtime costs are allowable for increased protective security measures at critical infrastructure sites or other high-risk locations and to enhance public safety during mass gatherings and high-profile events. More information about operational overtime costs can be found in Section D.13 “Funding Restrictions and Allowable Costs” below. 

5.   Cost Share or Match

There is no cost share or match requirements for the FY 2024 HSGP. 

D.  Application and Submission Information

1.   key dates and times.

a. Application Start Date:                      04/16/2024

b.  Application Submission Deadline:   06/24/2024 at 5 p.m. ET 

All applications must  be received by the established deadline.  

FEMA’s Grants Outcomes System (FEMA GO) automatically records proof of timely submission and the system generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives the application. The individual with the AOR role that submitted the application will also receive the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely 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 the following: 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 technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at [email protected] or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). For programmatic or grants management questions, please contact your Preparedness Officer or Grants Management Specialist. If applicants do not know who to contact or if there are programmatic questions or concerns, please contact [email protected] , Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

c.   Anticipated Funding Selection Date:      No later than August 23, 2024

d.   Anticipated Award Date:                         No later than September 30, 2024

e.   Other Key Dates:  

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

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

4.   Requirements: Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Register in the System for Award Management  ( SAM.gov) 

Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 CFR §25.110, must:

• Be registered in Sam.Gov before application submission. 
• Provide a valid UEI in its application.
• Continue to always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the federal award process. Note: Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.300, subrecipients are NOT required to go through the full SAM registration process. First-tier subrecipients (meaning entities receiving funds directly from the recipient) are only required to obtain a UEI through SAM, but they are not required to complete the full SAM registration in order to obtain a UEI. Recipients may not make subawards unless the subrecipient has obtained and provided the UEI.

Lower-tier subrecipients (meaning entities receiving funds passed through by a higher-tier subrecipient) are not required to have a UEI and are not required to register in SAM. Applicants are also not permitted to require subrecipients to complete a full registration in SAM beyond obtaining the UEI.

5.   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;
• Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the AOR. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (EBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see  https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup
• Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and
• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency. As part of this, applicants must also provide information on an applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.

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 [email protected] 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. 

6.   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 applications through FEMA GO.

7.   How to Register to Apply

a.   General Instructions: 

Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for FEMA funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. To ensure an application meets the deadline, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission.

Organizations must have an UEI number, an EIN, and an active SAM registration to apply for a federal award under this funding opportunity.

b.   Obtain an UEI Number: 

All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI number. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the applicable data entry field on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to: SAM.gov

c.   Obtain Employer Identification Number

All entities applying for funding must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN can be obtained from the IRS by visiting:  https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online . 

d.   Create a login.gov account: 

Applicants must have a login.gov account in order to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account here:  https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323-a62b99571fd3 . 

Applicants only have to create a login.gov account once. For applicants that are existing SAM users, use the same email address for the login.gov account as with SAM.gov so that the two accounts can be linked.

For more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration, refer to:  https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf . 

e.   Register with SAM: 

All applicants applying online through FEMA GO must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent an applicant from completing the application in FEMA GO. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Organizations will be issued a UEI number with the completed SAM registration.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to  https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm  

Note: Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.200, applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal  financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.  

i.    Additional SAM Reminders

Existing SAM.gov account holders should check their account to make sure it is “ACTIVE.” SAM registration should be completed at the very beginning of the application period and should be renewed annually to avoid being “INACTIVE.” Please allow plenty of time before the grant application submission deadline to obtain an UEI number and then to register in SAM. It may be four weeks or more after an applicant submits the SAM registration before the registration is active in SAM, and then it may be an additional 24 hours before FEMA’s system recognizes the information.

It is imperative that the information applicants provide is correct and current. Please ensure that your organization’s name, address, and EIN are up to date in SAM and that the UEI number used in SAM is the same one used to apply for all other FEMA awards. Payment under any FEMA award is contingent on the recipient’s having a current SAM registration.

ii.   Help with SAM

The SAM quick start guide for new recipient registration and SAM video tutorial for new applicants are tools created by the General Services Administration (GSA) to assist those registering with SAM. If applicants have questions or concerns about a SAM registration, please contact the Federal Support Desk at  https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do  or call toll free (866) 606-8220.

f.    Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR: 

Applicants must register in FEMA GO and add their organization to the system. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (EBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go/startup

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

·          Google Chrome

·          Internet Explorer

·          Mozilla Firefox

·          Apple Safari

·          Microsoft Edge

Users who attempt to use tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA GO.

8.   Submitting the Application

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) may be accessed in the Forms tab under the https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they have all the information required.

After submitting the final application, FEMA GO will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the AOR that submitted the application. Applicants using slow internet connections, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before FEMA GO receives your application.

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

All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of timely submission and the system generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives the application. The individual with the AOR role that submitted the application will also receive the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission on the date and time that FEMA GO received the application.

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

10.  Content and Form of Application Submission

a.   Standard Required Application Forms and Information

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. 

The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard Forms (SF) are also available at https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

·          SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

·          Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying

·          SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction)

          o    For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction) , in addition to or instead of SF-424A

·          SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction)

        o    For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances (Construction) , in addition to or instead of SF-424B

·          SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

 b. Program-Specific Required Forms and Information

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

• Investment Justification (SHSP and UASI)
• Concept of Operations (OPSG)
• Operations Orders (OPSG)
• Detailed Budgets

i.    IJ Development: SHSP and UASI

As part of the FY 2024 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 2024 SHSP and UASI applications must include one (1) IJ and at least one (1) respective project for the one National Priority Area with a minimum spend requirement (Enhancing Election Security) identified in this NOFO. This IJ 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 IJs that (1) meet the minimum spend requirement for the Enhancing Election Security priority area and (2) meet the overall 30% spending requirement across the National Priority Areas will have that funding placed on hold (up to the National Priority Area minimum percent and up to 30% 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:

 i. Support terrorism preparedness; and

 ii. Support building capability and/or 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:

 i. Prevent a threatened or an actual act of terrorism;

 ii. Prepare for all hazards and threats, while explaining the nexus to terrorism preparedness;

 iii. Protect citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards, relating to acts of terrorism; and/or 

 iv. 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 Strategic Implementation Report (BSIR) due by January 30, 2025. 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 2024 BSIR due January 30, 2025. DHS/FEMA will not reduce FY 2024 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 two (2) 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 building capability and/or 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 (no minimum 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. Additionally, it is important that personnel responding to incidents at these locations are trained on key operational systems, such as ICS, to ensure proper command, control, and coordination of on-scene incident management.

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.

While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit an investment related to protecting soft targets/crowded places. The proposed investment will be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments. States are 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 (no minimum 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, tribal, and territorial governments and private sector partners. Cooperation and information sharing among state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal partners across all areas of the homeland security enterprise, including counterterrorism, 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. Counterterrorism includes both international and domestic terrorism, cybersecurity, border security, transnational organized crime, immigration enforcement, economic security, and other areas.

While there is no minimum spend for this National Priority Area, applicants are required to include at least one dedicated fusion center project under this priority area. 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. The proposed investment will 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 (no minimum percent)

As stated in the  Homeland Threat Assessment 2024 , terrorism, including domestic violent extremism, remains a top threat to the Homeland. Domestic 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. 

While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit an investment related to combatting the rise, influence, and spread of domestic violent extremism. Investments under this priority may include the development, implementation, and execution of prevention-focused program and initiatives, such as threat assessment and management programs to identify, evaluate, and analyze indicators and behaviors indicative of terrorism and targeted violence. The investment will 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 of FY 2024 HSGP grant awards who do not accept the funding allocated to them through the FY 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) will be required to complete the 2024  Nationwide Cybersecurity Review (NCSR), enabling agencies to benchmark and measure progress of improving their cybersecurity posture. Completion of the NCSR is optional for all other recipients of FY 2024 HSGP funding. 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 2024 NCSR is estimated to be open from October 2024 through February 2025.

The NCSR is an annual requirement for recipients of SLCGP grant awards (and for those HSGP recipients who do not accept their allocated SLCGP funding) and is taken once for each fiscal year award. 

Additional resources and information regarding cybersecurity and cybersecurity performance goals are available through the  Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals | CISA , and the  National Institute of Standards and Technology . 

Community Preparedness and Resilience (no minimum 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. According to FEMA’s  2023 National Household Survey , only 57% of adults 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, consistent with applicable law. 

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.

While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit an investment related to addressing community preparedness and resilience. The investment will 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 (3%)

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. Additionally, the  Homeland Threat Assessment 2024 indicates that electoral processes remain an attractive target for many adversaries. 

Securing election infrastructure, ensuring its continued operation in the face of threats and harassment, advancing the safety of election officials, 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, at least one (1) investment must be in support of the state’s and high-risk urban area’s efforts to enhance physical election security and/or cyber election security. Additionally, the proposed investment must meet or exceed the FY 2024 national priority percentage for election security and will also be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments.

The SAA must coordinate with the State’s Chief Election Official for all projects and matters related to the election security National Priority Area. Any activities proposed that could be used to suppress voter registration or turnout will not be approved.  

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; and
• 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 2024.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:

v.   Completing IJs in the FEMA GO: 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 FEMA GO.

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 2024 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.

vii.  Development of Operations Orders for OPSG

Operations Order Template Instructions 

To access the OPSG Operations Order Template: 

• Find the Homeland Security Grant Program posting via the search function on  Grants.gov ;  
• Select the Related Documents tab on the posting; and 
• Click on the OPSG Operations Order Template and fill out all sections of the template.  

Executive Summary Overview

Operations order executive summary must: 

• Identify the organization name, point of contact, committees, and other structures accountable for implementing OPSG in the jurisdiction (typically this will be a program lead or manager overseeing operations and individuals assigned to that agency); and 
• Describe how federal and SLTT law enforcement agencies will work together to establish and enhance coordination and collaboration on border security issues. 

Budget Requirements Overview

Operations Order Detailed Annual Budget must: 

• Explain how costs and expenses were estimated; and 
• Provide a narrative justification for costs and expenses. Supporting tables describing cost and expense elements (e.g., equipment, fuel, vehicle maintenance costs) may be included. 

Submission Requirements 

Operations Orders must meet the following submission requirements: 

• Must be submitted as an Adobe PDF document;  
• All documents submitted must use the unique identifier created by the OPSG data management system from the original associated operation order; and 
• Applicable OPSG sector representatives must coordinate with the SAA and OPSG participants to submit an accurate inventory of all specified OPSG purchased property with each Operations Order/FRAGO. 
• Due to the competitive nature of this program, separate attachments will neither be accepted nor reviewed. 

viii.  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

 a. 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 .

 b. 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, 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 ;  Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List) (whitehouse.gov)

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 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  

See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on prohibitions on expending FEMA award funds for covered telecommunications equipment or services.

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 by the 2024 DHS Appropriations Act. 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.  

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

Recipients or subrecipients may apply or credit M&A funding toward the recipient’s requirement to allocate funding toward the National Priority Areas. For example, if a recipient spends $5,000 to manage or administer its funding dedicated toward its election security investment, the recipient may credit that funding toward its requirement to allocate at least 3% of its award to the enhancing election security 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 5% 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.

Specific for OPSG, subrecipients and friendly forces may retain funding for M&A purposes; however, the total amount retained cannot exceed 5% of the subrecipient’s subaward. Friendly forces are local law enforcement entities that are subordinate subrecipients under OPSG. In other words, friendly forces are entities that receive a subaward from a subrecipient under the OPSG program. Friendly forces must comply with all requirements of subrecipients under 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

In retaining these funds, states may retain a maximum of 2.5% 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% of the OPSG award. Examples applying this principle:

Total award: $6,000,000

SHSP: $1,000,000 OPSG: $2,500,000 UASI: $2,500,000

M&A Maximum: $300,000 (5% 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%) 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

Total award: $4,500,000

SHSP: $3,500,000 OPSG: $1,000,000

M&A Maximum: $225,000 (5% 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%) 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.

M&A charged to OPSG, SHSP, or UASI funding must be used to support that particular program.

d.   Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs

Indirect (F&A) costs (IDC) mean those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. IDC are allowable by the recipient [and subrecipients] as described in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, including 2 C.F.R. § 200.414. Applicants with a current negotiated IDC rate agreement who desire to charge indirect costs to a federal award must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their applications. Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement. Applicants that are not required to have a negotiated IDC rate agreement but are required to develop an IDC rate proposal must provide a copy of their proposal with their applications. Applicants who do not have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost allocation plan in lieu of an IDC rate proposal must reach out to the FEMA Point of Contact for further instructions. As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.332 and 200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards. For information on procedures for establishing indirect cost rates, see the  Preparedness Grants Manual .

e.   Funds Transfer Restrictions

The recipient is prohibited from transferring funds between programs (includes SHSP, UASI, and OPSG). Recipients can submit an investment/project where funds come from multiple funding sources (e.g., SHSP and UASI), however, recipients are not allowed to divert funding from one program to another due to the risk-based funding allocations, which were made at the discretion of DHS/FEMA.

f.     Evaluation Costs

Evaluation costs are allowable. See Section H.2 “Program Evaluation” for more details. 

g.   Allowable Cost Matrix for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG

The following matrix lists allowable cost activities across cost categories described above and below. The Preparedness Grants Manual includes additional information on allowable costs. 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 FEMA Headquarters (HQ) Preparedness Officer.

h.   SHSP and UASI Other Direct Costs  

Recipients must comply withall the requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 ( Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards ). In general, recipients should consult with their FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer prior to making any investment that does not clearly meet the allowable expense criteria. Fundingguidelines established within this section support four of the five mission areas—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, and Response—and associated core capabilities within the Goal. While Recovery is part of the Goal, it is not explicitly part of the HSGP. Allowable investments made in support of the national priorities, as well as other capability-enhancing projects must have a nexus to terrorism preparedness and fall into the categories of planning, organization, exercises, training, or equipment, aligned to building capability, closing capability gaps, and/or sustaining capabilities, as defined by CPG 201: THIRA/SPR Guide—3rd Edition ( Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 201, 3rd Edition (fema.gov) ). Recipients are encouraged to use grant funds for evaluating grant-funded project effectiveness and return on investment. FEMA encourages recipients to provide the results of that analysis to FEMA.

i.    Planning

SHSP and UASI funds may be used for a range of emergency preparedness and management planning activities, such as those associated with the development, review, and revision of the THIRA, SPR, continuity plans, and other planning activities that support the Goal and placing an emphasis on updating and maintaining a current Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that conforms to the guidelines outlined in Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 v3 . Planning efforts can also include conducting risk and resilience assessments on increasingly connected cyber and physical systems, on which security depends, using the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework  and related Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) resources.

Additionally, SHSP and UASI funds may be used for planning efforts related to state court cybersecurity, 911 call capabilities, alert and warning capabilities, and implementation of the REAL ID Act (Pub. L. No. 109-13).

ii.   Organization

  Preparedness Grants Manual .

States and high-risk urban areas must justify proposed expenditures of SHSP or UASI funds to support organization activities within their Investment Justification (IJ) submission. Organizational activities include:

• Program management;
• Development of whole community partnerships, through groups such as Citizen Corp Councils;
• Structures and mechanisms for information sharing between the public and private sector;
• Implementing models, programs, and workforce enhancement initiatives to address ideologically inspired radicalization to violence in the homeland;
• Tools, resources, and activities that facilitate shared situational awareness between the public and private sectors;
• Operational Support;
• Utilization of standardized resource management concepts such as typing, inventorying, organizing, and tracking to facilitate the dispatch, deployment, and recovery of resources before, during, and after an incident;
• Responding to an increase in the threat level under the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) or needs resulting from a National Special Security Event;
• Complete training to ensure baseline proficiency in intelligence analysis and production within six months of being hired; and/or,
• Previously served as an intelligence analyst for a minimum of two years either in a federal intelligence agency, the military, or state and/or local law enforcement intelligence unit.
• All fusion center analytical personnel must demonstrate qualifications that meet or exceed competencies identified in the Common Competencies for state, local, and tribal intelligence analysts, which outlines the minimum categories of training needed for intelligence analysts. A certificate of completion of such training must be on file with the State Administrative Agency (SAA) and must be made available to the recipient’s respective FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer upon request; and
• Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain.

All SAAs are allowed to use up to 50% of their SHSP funding, and all high-risk urban areas are allowed to use up to 50% of their UASI funding, for personnel costs per 6 U.S.C. § 609(b)(2)(A). Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant only to the extent that such expenses are for the allowable activities within the scope of the grant. Personnel expenses may include, but are not limited to training and exercise coordinators, program managers and planners, intelligence analysts, and Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs).

At the request of a recipient, the FEMA Administrator (or their designee) may grant a waiver of this 50% limitation under 6 U.S.C. § 609(b)(2)(B). Requests for waivers to the personnel cap must be submitted by the authorized representative of the SAA to FEMA in writing on official letterhead, with the following information:

• Documentation explaining why the cap should be waived;
• Conditions under which the request is being submitted; and
• A budget and method of calculation of personnel costs both in percentages of the grant award and in total dollar amount.

Please see IB 421b, Clarification on the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act of 2008 (Public L. No. 110–412 – the PRICE Act) , dated October 30, 2019, for additional information on the waiver request process.

iii.   Equipment

Equipment costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual .

The 21 allowable prevention, protection, mitigation, and response equipment categories for HSGP are listed on the Authorized Equipment List (AEL). Some equipment items require prior approval from FEMA before obligation or purchase of the items. Please reference the grant notes for each equipment item to ensure prior approval is not required or to ensure prior approval is obtained if necessary. Recipients and subrecipients may purchase equipment not listed on the AEL, but only  if they first seek and obtain prior approval  from FEMA.

Unless otherwise stated, all equipment must meet all mandatory regulatory and/or FEMA-adopted standards to be eligible for purchase using these funds. In addition, recipients will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary certifications and licenses for the requested equipment. Investments in emergency communications systems and equipment must meet applicable SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance) recommendations. Such investments must be coordinated with the SWIC and the State Interoperability Governing Body (SIGB) to ensure interoperability and long-term compatibility. For personal protective equipment (PPE), recipients are encouraged to give procurement preference to domestic manufacturers of PPE or PPE raw materials to the maximum practicable and allowed by law.

Grant funds may be used for the procurement of medical countermeasures. Procurement of medical countermeasures must be conducted in collaboration with state, city, or local health departments that administer federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services for this purpose and with existing Metropolitan Medical Response System committees where available, to sustain their long-term planning for appropriate, rapid, and local medical countermeasures, including antibiotics and antidotes for nerve agents, cyanide, and other toxins. Procurement must have a sound threat-based justification with an aim to reduce the consequences of mass casualty incidents during the first crucial hours of a response. Prior to procuring pharmaceuticals, recipients must have in place an inventory management plan to avoid large periodic variations in supplies due to coinciding purchase and expiration dates. Recipients are encouraged to enter into rotational procurement agreements with vendors and distributors. Purchases of pharmaceuticals must include a budget for the disposal of expired drugs within each fiscal year’s POP for HSGP. The cost of disposal cannot be carried over to another FEMA grant or grant period.

EMS electronic patient care data systems should comply with the most current data standard of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System .

Recipients are reminded that school hardening is an eligible activity under SHSP and UASI. School hardening measures include but are not limited to:

• Bullet resistant doors and glass;
• Hinge-locking mechanisms;
• Immediate notification to emergency 911 systems;
• Mechanisms that provide real time actionable intelligence directly to law enforcement and first responders;
• Installation of distraction devices or other countermeasures administered by law enforcement; and
• Other measures determined to provide significant improvements to schools’ physical security.

Additionally, SHSP and UASI funds may be used for equipment purchases related to state court cybersecurity, 911 call capabilities, alert and warning capabilities, and implementation of the REAL ID Act (Pub. L. No. 109-13).

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and critical emergency supply costs are allowable under this program. 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 EMAC [4]  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/general use vehicles (OPSG only);
• Emergency medical services equipment and vehicles;
• Fire service equipment and vehicles, to include hose, pump accessories, and foam concentrate for specialized chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear/explosive (CBRNE) response; 
• Interoperability of data systems, such as computer aided dispatch (CAD) and record management systems (RMS); and
• Office equipment for staff [5]  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 noted in Section B of FEMA Policy 207-22-0002, Prohibited or Controlled Equipment Under FEMA Awards , certain equipment is prohibited and is not allowable under HSGP. Grant funds under this program may not be used for the purchase of equipment not approved by DHS/FEMA. For example, the purchase of tracked armored vehicles, camouflage uniforms, weapons, and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is generally not allowed with HSGP funds. [6]

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. Contact your Preparedness Officer if you have questions concerning HSGP requirements for controlled equipment requests. 

Grant funds under this program must comply with the aforementioned FEMA Policy 207-22-0002, Prohibited or Controlled Equipment Under FEMA Awards . As per this FEMA Policy, excepted or controlled equipment must remain in the possession of the original FEMA grant recipient and may not be transferred. The use of controlled equipment under a Memorandum of Understanding or other regional sharing agreement (see Section D.6 of this FEMA Policy) does not constitute a transfer of controlled equipment. 

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.

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. Limits on the total amount of grant funding that may be used for construction or renovation may apply. Additionally, recipients are required to submit S F-424C and SF-424D . 

All proposed construction and renovation activities must undergo an Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) review, including approval of the review from FEMA, prior to undertaking any action related to the project. Failure of a grant recipient to meet these requirements may jeopardize Federal funding. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.

iv.   Training and Exercises

Training and exercise costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual . Recipients are encouraged to consider tuition-free courses offered by FEMA first, before investing in training. For more information and a catalog of courses please refer to the  National Preparedness Course Catalog at NTED .

Allowable training-related costs under HSGP include the establishment, support, conduct, and attendance of training specifically identified under the SHSP and UASI program and/or in conjunction with emergency preparedness training by other federal agencies (e.g., HHS and Department of Transportation [DOT]). Training conducted using HSGP funds should address a performance gap identified through an Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP) or other assessments (e.g., National Emergency Communications Plan [NECP] Goal Assessments) and contribute to building a capability that will be evaluated through a formal exercise. Any training or training gaps, including training related to under-represented, diverse populations that may be more impacted by disasters, including children, seniors, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs, individuals with diverse culture and language use, individuals with lower economic capacity and other underserved populations, should be identified in an IPP and addressed in the state or high-risk urban area training cycle. Emergency preparedness training related to those training gaps, including related to under-represented, diverse populations that may be more impacted by disasters, is allowable. Recipients are encouraged to use existing training rather than developing new courses. When developing new courses, recipients are encouraged to apply the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model of instructional design. 

Law Enforcement Readiness

SHSP or UASI grant funds may be requested and may be approved on a case-by-case basis for immigration enforcement training in support of the border security mission. Requests for training will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and can only be used for certification in the section 287(g) program provided by DHS/ICE. SHSP or UASI subrecipients with agreements under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)) to receive delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions may also be reimbursed for section 287(g) related operational activities with approval from FEMA on a case-by-case basis.  

v.   Maintenance and Sustainment

Maintenance and sustainment related costs are allowed under this program only as described in the  Preparedness Grants Manual .

vi.   Travel

Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program, as provided for in this NOFO. International travel is not an allowable cost under this program unless approved in advance by DHS/FEMA. See the Allowable Cost Matrix in Section D.13.g above for more information on allowable travel activities under SHSP and UASI.

vii.  Personnel

Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant to perform allowable HSGP planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities. All recipients and subrecipients of HSGP funds, including SHSP and UASI allocations, may not use more than 50% of their awards to pay for personnel activities unless a waiver is approved by FEMA. For more information on the 50% 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.

HSGP funds may not be used to support the hiring of any personnel to fulfill traditional public health and safety duties nor to supplant traditional public health and safety positions and responsibilities. The following definitions apply to personnel costs:

• Hiring . State and local entities may use grant funding to cover the salary of newly hired personnel who are exclusively undertaking allowable FEMA grant activities as specified in this guidance. This may not include new personnel who are hired to fulfill any non-FEMA program activities under any circumstances. Hiring will always result in a net increase of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees.
• Overtime . These expenses are limited to the additional costs that result from personnel working over and above 40 hours of weekly work time as the direct result of their performance of FEMA-approved activities specified in this guidance. Overtime associated with any other activity is not eligible.
• Backfill-Related Overtime . Also called “Overtime as Backfill,” these expenses are limited to overtime costs that result from personnel who are working overtime (as identified above) to perform the duties of other personnel who are temporarily assigned to FEMA-approved activities outside their core responsibilities. Neither overtime nor backfill expenses are the result of an increase of FTE employees.
• Supplanting . Grant funds will be used to supplement existing funds and will not replace (supplant) funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose. Applicants or recipients may be required to supply documentation certifying that a reduction in non-federal resources occurred for reasons other than the receipt or expected receipt of federal funds.

Operational Overtime Costs

In support of efforts to enhance capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting, and preventing acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events, operational overtime costs are allowable for increased protective security measures at critical infrastructure sites or other high-risk locations and to enhance public safety during mass gatherings and high-profile events. In that regard, HSGP recipients are urged to consider using grant funding to support soft target preparedness activities. SHSP or UASI funds may be used to support select operational expenses associated with increased security measures in the authorized categories cited in the table below, but this table is not exhaustive. FEMA retains the discretion to approve other types of requests that do not fit within one of the categories of the table. 

Authorized Operational Overtime Categories

All allowable operational overtime costs are also subject to the administration requirements outlined in the following subsection.

Administration of Operational Overtime Requests

• Except for an elevated NTAS alert, SHSP or UASI funds may only be spent for operational overtime costs upon prior written approval by FEMA. The SAA must submit operational overtime requests in writing to its assigned FEMA Preparedness Officer. FEMA will consider requests for special event activities up to one year in advance. However such requests must be within the award’s current POP and must not result in the need for a request to extend the period of performance. SAAs should contact FEMA Grants News by e-mail at  [email protected] or by phone at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET, for clarification.
• All operational overtime requests must clearly explain how the request meets the criteria of one or more of the categories listed in the table above. Requests must address the threat environment as it relates to the event or activity requiring operational overtime support and explain how the overtime activity is responsive to the threat. Request letters sent to FEMA must be UNCLASSIFIED but may be labeled “For Official Use Only.” If explaining the threat will require the sharing of classified information, the letter should state that fact. FEMA will then plan for the sharing of classified information through official channels;
• Post-event operational overtime requests will only be considered on a case-by-case basis, where it is demonstrated that exigent circumstances prevented submission of a request in advance of the event or activity;
• Under no circumstances may FEMA grant funding be used to pay for costs already supported by funding from another federal source;
• States with UASI jurisdictions can use funds retained at the state level to reimburse eligible operational overtime expenses incurred by the state (per the above guidance limitations). Any UASI funds retained by the state must be used in direct support of the high-risk urban area. States must provide documentation to the Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) and FEMA upon request demonstrating how any UASI funds retained by a state would directly support the high-risk urban area; and
• FEMA will consult and coordinate with appropriate DHS components as necessary to verify information used to support operational overtime requests. 

viii.  Secure Identification

Secure identification costs are allowed under this program. SHSP funds may be used to support the implementation activities associated with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), including the issuance of WHTI-compliant tribal identification cards.

ix. Multiple Purpose or Dual-Use of Funds

Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on multiple purpose of dual-use of funds under SHSP and UASI.

i.    OPSG Other Direct Costs  

Recipients must comply withall the requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 ( Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards ). In general, recipients should consult with their FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer prior to making any investment that does not clearly meet the allowable expense criteria. Fundingguidelines established within this section support four of the five mission areas—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, and Response—and associated core capabilities within the Goal. While Recovery is part of the Goal, it is not explicitly part of the HSGP. Allowable investments made in support of the national priorities, as well as other capability-enhancing projects must have a nexus to terrorism preparedness and fall into the categories of planning, organization, exercises, training, or equipment, aligned to building capability, closing capability gaps, and/or sustaining capabilities, as defined by CPG 201: THIRA/SPR Guide—3rd Edition ( Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 201, 3rd Edition (fema.gov) ). Recipients are encouraged to use grant funds for evaluating grant-funded project effectiveness and return on investment. FEMA encourages recipients to provide the results of that analysis to FEMA.

Planning costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice. See the Allowable Cost Matrix in Section D.13.g above for more information on allowable planning activities for OPSG.

Organization costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual . See the Allowable Cost Matrix in Section D.13.g above for more information on allowable organizational activities for OPSG.

iii. Equipment

Equipment costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual . 

OPSG equipment is intended to be incidental to the enhanced border security operations being performed.  The grant is not intended to be used to outfit or supply general equipment to SLTT law enforcement agencies. Equipment must be relatable to and justified by the operational benefit it will provide. Each appropriate OPSG sector coordinator is required to keep an inventory of OPSG purchased equipment that includes at a minimum: 1) grant funding year; 2) purchase amount; 3) purchase date; 4) purchase quantity; 5) equipment ID; 6) source of funding for the property, including the Federal Award Identification Number; 7) who holds title to the property; 8) federal share percent of the property; 9) location of the property; 10) use and condition of the property; 11) disposal date; and 12) brief disposal justification information and sale price if sold. Each Operations Order/FRAGO will require that each friendly force submit the equipment inventory for each Operations Order/FRAGO submission.

• Equipment Marking . Because equipment purchased with OPSG funding is intended to be used to support OPSG activities, it may be appropriately marked to ensure its ready identification and primary use for that purpose. When practicable , any equipment purchased with OPSG funding should be prominently marked as follows: "Purchased with DHS funds for Operation Stonegarden Use."
• Fuel Cost and Mileage Reimbursement.  There is no cap for reimbursement of fuel or mileage costs in support of operational activities. Subrecipients and friendly forces may not claim reimbursements for both mileage and fuel/maintenance for the same equipment at the same time.
• Vehicle and Equipment Acquisition, Including Leasing and Rentals . Allowable purchases under OPSG include patrol vehicles and other mission-specific equipment whose primary purpose is to increase operational capabilities on or near a border nexus in support of approved border security operations. A detailed justification must be submitted to the respective FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer prior to purchase.
• Medical Emergency Countermeasures. Allowable purchases under OPSG include narcotic antagonist pharmaceuticals, detection and identification equipment, safe storage and transportation, personnel protective equipment, and initial equipment training, as reflected in the AEL.

Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems 

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are allowable under the HSGP. See the  Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.

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 EMAC [7]  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:

• Office equipment for staff [8]  engaged in homeland security program activity.

However, not all equipment that is considered controlled equipment is allowable under the HSGP. As noted in Section B of FEMA Policy 207-22-0002, Prohibited or Controlled Equipment Under FEMA Awards , certain equipment is prohibited and is not allowable under HSGP. Grant funds under this program may not be used for the purchase of equipment not approved by DHS/FEMA. For example, the purchase of tracked armored vehicles, camouflage uniforms, weapons, and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is generally not allowed with HSGP funds. [9]  

OPSG funds may not be used for any construction. 

iv. Training and Exercises

Training and exercise costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual (e.g., related to EHP compliance). Recipients are encouraged to consider tuition-free courses offered by FEMA first, before investing in training. For more information and a catalog of courses please refer to the  National Preparedness Course Catalog at NTED .

Law Enforcement Readiness

OPSG grant funds may be used to increase operational, material, and technological readiness of SLTT law enforcement agencies. The Delegation of Immigration Authority, Section 287(g) of the INA program allows a state or local law enforcement entity to enter into a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under a joint Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to receive delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions. 

OPSG grant funds may be requested and may be approved on a case-by-case basis for immigration enforcement training in support of the border security mission. Requests for training will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and can only be used for certification in the section 287(g) program provided by DHS/ICE. OPSG subrecipients with agreements under section 287(g) of the INA (8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)) to receive delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions may also be reimbursed for section 287(g) related operational activities with approval from FEMA on a case-by-case basis. For OPSG, subrecipients must be authorized by USBP Headquarters and Sectors, and operational activities must be coordinated through a USBP Sector.

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. See the Allowable Cost Matrix in Section D.13.g above for more information on allowable travel activities under OPSG.

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 OPSG allocations, may not use more than 50% of their awards to pay for personnel activities unless a waiver is approved by FEMA. For more information on the 50% 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) .

Further, changes in scope or objective also require FEMA’s prior written approval pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(c)(1). If the cost changes are allowable under the grant, a Fragmentary Order (FRAGO) must be submitted to Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) to obtain FEMA’s prior written approval of such changes in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(c)(1). These modifications will be annotated in the annex section of the FRAGO.

OPSG funds may be used for domestic travel and per diem , including costs associated with the deployment/redeployment of personnel to border areas and for travel associated with law enforcement entities assisting other local jurisdictions in law enforcement activities. In addition, allowable costs include supporting up to six-month deployment of law enforcement personnel to critical Southwest Border locations for operational activities (travel costs must be in accordance with applicable travel regulations).

OPSG funds may be used to pay additional current part-time law enforcement personnel salaries to bring them to temporary full-time status. OPSG funds may support a Governor’s request to activate, deploy, or redeploy specialized National Guard Units/Package and/or elements of state law enforcement serving as friendly forces to increase or augment specialized/technical law enforcement elements’ operational activities. Costs associated with backfill for personnel supporting operational activities are allowable. 

As with all OPSG personnel costs, OPSG grant funds will be used to supplement existing funds and will not replace (supplant) funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose. Applicants or recipients may be required to supply documentation certifying that a reduction in non-federal resources occurred for reasons other than the receipt or expected receipt of federal funds.  

Operational Overtime Costs 

OPSG funds should be used for operational overtime costs associated with law enforcement activities in support of border law enforcement agencies for enhanced border security. Overtime pay is for increased patrol time for certified public safety officers, along with limited support for other law enforcement direct support personnel (e.g., Communication Officers/Dispatchers, non-sworn patrol pilots, etc.). Overtime shall be reimbursed consistent with the non-federal entity’s overtime policy and the requirements as stated below:

• Overtime is time worked that exceeds the required number of hours during an employee’s designated shift;
• Overtime must be worked to increase patrol capacity and be in support of identified and approved United States Border Patrol (USBP) border security operations;
• The OPSG overtime hourly rate of pay will be no more than the approved overtime rate per local law and policy and must be in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations;
• All overtime expenses under OPSG must be reasonable for the services rendered and conform to the non-federal entity’s established written policy, which must apply to both federally funded and non-federally funded activities and comply with the other applicable requirements under 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.430-200.431; and
• The non-federal entity may not utilize OPSG funding to pay for an employee’s overtime hours or pay that exceeds 16 hours worked in any 24-hour period. 

Intelligence Support

Per 6 U.S.C. § 609(a), OPSG funds may, as applicable and operationally beneficial, be used to pay salaries and benefits or overtime for personnel to serve as qualified Intelligence Analysts to enable and enhance information/intelligence sharing capabilities, as well as support existing intelligence analysts previously covered by OPSG funding. Qualified OPSG-funded intelligence analysts can be assigned to an applicable law enforcement facility/intelligence function as long as information/intelligence sharing is maintained. To serve as an OPSG-funded intelligence analyst, personnel must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Complete training to ensure baseline proficiency in intelligence analysis and production within six (6) months of being hired; and/or,

OPSG-funded intelligence analysts must demonstrate qualifications that meet or exceed competencies identified in the Common Competencies for state, local, and tribal intelligence analysts, which outlines the minimum categories of training needed for intelligence analysts. A certificate of completion of such training must be on file with the SAA and must be made available to the recipient’s respective FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer upon request.

viii.  Regional Border Projects

Recipients are encouraged to prioritize the acquisition and development of regional projects on the borders to maximize interoperability and coordination capabilities among federal agencies and with state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners. Such regional projects include:

• Communications equipment;
• Radio systems and repeaters;
• Integration with regional intelligence and information sharing effort (i.e., fusion centers):
• Intelligence analysts.

   4. Situational Awareness equipment:

• License Plate Reader Networks;
• Visual detection and surveillance systems;
• Sensor Systems;
• Radar Systems (for air and/or marine incursions); and
• Aircraft systems (manned or unmanned).

ix.  Transportation Costs and Costs Related to the Provision of Acute Medical Care

Vehicle, fuel, mileage, operational overtime, and other types of costs otherwise allowable under an OPSG award’s HSGP NOFO are allowable where the costs are in support of the necessary transportation of individuals interdicted while carrying out allowable OPSG-funded activities or operations from the point of interdiction to an applicable law enforcement facility. 

When transporting individuals interdicted in the course of carrying out allowable OPSG-funded activities or operations from the point of interdiction, non-Federal entities may charge vehicle, fuel, mileage, operational overtime, and other types of costs otherwise allowable under an OPSG award’s HSGP NOFO associated with necessary transportation to provide acute medical care for individuals being transported from the point of interdiction. In such cases, non-Federal entities may also charge operational overtime for personnel that monitor a detained individual receiving acute medical care where the individual remains in the custody of the non-Federal law enforcement agency. Costs incurred beyond the acute phase of medical care (e.g., upon admission to the hospital, or after transfer from an acute care facility to the hospital) and costs incurred once the custodial responsibility of the individual is transferred to CBP are not allowable under OPSG. 

Costs described above are allowable regardless of what entity or agency initially makes the interdiction. Personnel costs incurred by non-Federal law enforcement agencies eligible under OPSG (including deputies, corrections officers, or detention officers) for costs described above are allowable. 

x.    Temporary or Term Appointments

Temporary or term appointments are allowable under an OPSG award, so long as they comply with the following:

• Subrecipients may utilize temporary or term appointments to augment the law enforcement presence on the borders. However, applying funds toward hiring full-time or permanent sworn public safety officers is unallowable;
• For OPSG purposes, temporary appointments are non-status appointments for less than one year; and
• For OPSG purposes, term appointments are non-status appointments for one year, extendable for one year as necessary.
• OPSG funding for temporary or term appointments may pay for salary only. Benefits are not allowable expenses for term or temporary employees;
• To carry out specific enforcement operations work for ongoing OPSG-funded patrols throughout the Sector Area of Operation;
• To staff operations of limited duration, such as OPSG-enhanced enforcement patrols targeting specific locations or criminal activity; and
• To fill OPSG positions in activities undergoing transition or personnel shortages and local backfill policies (medical/military deployments).
• OPSG term and temporary appointments must have all necessary certifications and training to enforce state and local laws. OPSG funds will not be used to train or certify term or temporary appointments except as otherwise stated in this NOFO and the Preparedness Grants Manual; and

FEMA provides no guarantee of funding for temporary or term appointments. In addition to the terms of this NOFO, subrecipients must follow their own applicable policies and procedures regarding temporary or term appointments.

j.    Unallowable Costs for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG 

Per FEMA policy, the purchase of weapons and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is not allowed with HSGP funds. Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of equipment not approved by FEMA. Grant funds must comply with  FEMA Policy 207-22-0002, Prohibited or Controlled Equipment Under FEMA Awards , and may not be used for the purchase of the following equipment: firearms; ammunition; grenade launchers; bayonets; or weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind with weapons installed.Unauthorized exercise-related costs include:

• Reimbursement for the maintenance or wear and tear costs of general use vehicles (e.g., construction vehicles), medical supplies, and emergency response apparatus (e.g., fire trucks, ambulances); and
• Equipment that is purchased for permanent installation and/or use, beyond the scope of the conclusion of the exercise (e.g., electronic messaging sign).

i.     Unallowable Costs for OPSG  Only

OPSG unallowable costs include costs associated with evidence collection, arrest processing, prosecution, and Traffic/DUI checkpoints, such as evidence documentation cameras, fingerprinting supplies, alcohol breathalyzers, portable work lights, traffic barricades, and similar law enforcement expenses. OPSG unallowable costs also include costs associated with staffing and general IT computing equipment and hardware, such as personal computers, faxes, copy machines, modems, etc. OPSG is not intended as a hiring program. Therefore, applying funds toward hiring full-time or permanent sworn public safety officers is unallowable. OPSG funding shall not be used to supplant inherent routine patrols and law enforcement operations or activities not directly related to providing enhanced coordination between local and federal law enforcement agencies. Finally, construction and/or renovation costs are prohibited under OPSG. Applicants should refer to IB 421b,  or contact their FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer for guidance and clarification. Due to the nature of OPSG, exercise expenses are not allowable costs under OPSG.

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, individuals inspired by terrorists abroad, and the assessment of vulnerabilities and potential consequences. DHS defines risk as: “potential for an adverse outcome assessed as a function of hazard/threats, assets and their vulnerabilities, and consequences.” See DHS Lexicon Terms and Definitions: 2018 Edition – Revision 04, (Apr. 2018). The FEMA risk methodology is focused on three elements: 

• Threat : the likelihood of an attack being attempted by an adversary; 
• Vulnerability : the likelihood that an attack is successful, given that it is attempted; and 
• Consequence : the effect of an event, incident, or occurrence.

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 2024 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 building capability and/or 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  SAM.gov identifies the applicant as being excluded from receiving federal awards or is flagged for any integrity record submission.  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: 

i.    Financial stability. 

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

iii.  History of performance in managing federal award. 

iv.  Reports and findings from audits.

v.   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 :  

i.    FEMA is required by 41 U.S.C. § 2313 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2) 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).

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

iii.   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.

Review and Selection Process

a. 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 building capability and/or 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 CISA’s Emergency Communications Division (ECD) to verify compliance with SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (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 2024 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%) 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 their December 2024 BSIR, they will have funds placed on hold in the amount of 30%. The hold will be released only after their December 2024 BSIR submission has been reviewed, projects related to the National Priority Areas deemed in alignment by DHS/FEMA, and the funding hold is removed by 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; and
• 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 2024 SHSP and UASI investments and projects related to the National Priority Areas, effectiveness will be evaluated based on the following four 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 the 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.

 B. 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 section D.10 above and 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 2024 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 2024 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.

FEMA will provide the federal award package to the applicant electronically via FEMA GO. Award packages include an Award Letter, Summary Award Memo, Agreement Articles, and Obligating Document. An email notification of the award package will be sent through FEMA’s grant application system to the AOR that submitted the application. 

Recipients must accept their awards no later than 60 days from the award date. The recipient shall notify FEMA of its intent to accept and proceed with work under the award through the FEMA GO system. 

Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award through the FEMA GO system and all other conditions of the award have been satisfied or until the award is otherwise rescinded. Failure to accept a grant award within the specified timeframe may result in a loss of funds.

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% 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 FEMA GO system. If an SAA accepts its award within 15 calendar days of receiving notice of the award in the FEMA GO 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 FEMA GO system, the 45 calendar days pass-through period will begin 15 calendar days after the award notification is sent to the SAA via the FEMA GO 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, 2024, while the period of performance dates for that award are September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2027. In this example, the 45-day pass-through period will begin on the date the SAA accepts the HSGP award or September 9, 2024 (15 calendar days after the SAA was notified of the award), whichever date occurs first. The period of performance start date of September 1, 2024 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% 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% 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% 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 2024, 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 2024 award and comply with the four pass-through criteria described above before the written consent agreement can take effect for purposes of the FY 2024 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 of in this section and 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

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, as applicable. 

The DHS Standard Terms and Conditions include a fuller list of the civil rights provisions that apply to recipients. These terms and conditions can be found in the  DHS Standard Terms and Conditions . Additional information on civil rights provisions is available at  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 or other applicable regulations.

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

See the  Preparedness Grants Manual for information on EHP compliance.

d.   National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation 

In expending funds under this program, recipients that are state, local, tribal, or territorial governments must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS, including implementation of important operational systems defined under NIMS, such as ICS. The state, local, tribal, or territorial government must show adoption of NIMS during any point of the period of performance. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information about NIMS implementation.

e.    Emergency Communication Investments 

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 . The certification letter should be coordinated with the SWIC for each state and must be uploaded to FEMA GO 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 .

f .    Mandatory Disclosures

The non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. (2 CFR 200.113

Please note applicants and recipients may report issues of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, or other criminal or noncriminal misconduct to the  Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline . The toll-free numbers to call are 1 (800) 323-8603, and TTY 1 (844) 889-4357.

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

The regulation at 2 C.F.R. § 200.337 provides DHS and any of its authorized representatives with the right of access to any documents, papers, or other records of the recipient [and any subrecipients] that are pertinent to a federal award in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, and transcripts. The right also includes timely and reasonable access to the recipient’s or subrecipient’s personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents. Pursuant to this right and per 2 C.F.R. § 200.329, DHS may conduct desk reviews and make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems to evaluate project accomplishments and to provide any required technical assistance. During site visits, DHS may review a recipient’s or subrecipient’s files pertinent to the federal award and interview and/or discuss these files with the recipient’s or subrecipient’s personnel. Recipients and subrecipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to DHS requests for information relating to a federal 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, please contact FEMA Grants News by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by email at  [email protected] , Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 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 News can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] OR by phone at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 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 [email protected] .

d.   FEMA Regional Offices  

FEMA Regional Offices provide some fiscal support functions, including cash analysis and financial monitoring for this program. The FEMA Grant Programs Directorate, Office of Grants Administration, is responsible for financial and programmatic management of this program, and provides technical assistance, as needed or requested.

FEMA Regional Office contact information is available at: https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts .

e.   Equal Rights

The FEMA Office of Equal Rights (OER) 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 [email protected] .

f.    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 GPD projects under this NOFO or the EHP review process, including the submittal of EHP review materials, should be sent to [email protected] .

2.   Systems Information  

a.   FEMA GO

For technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at  [email protected] or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.

b.   FEMA Preparedness Toolkit

The FEMA Preparedness Toolkit (PrepToolkit) provides access to the tools and resources needed to implement the National Preparedness System and provide a collaborative community space for communities completing the Unified Reporting Tool (URT). Recipients complete and submit their THIRA/SPR, and other required assessments using the tools on PrepToolkit. For assistance, contact [email protected] .

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

• Termination Provisions

·    Whole Community Preparedness

·    Report Issues of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse 

·    Hazard Resistant Building Codes

·    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. Note that all information in this Section H.1 “Termination Provisions” is repeated in the  Preparedness Grants Manual .

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. See also the section on Actions to Address Noncompliance 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

Federal agencies are required to structure NOFOs that incorporate program evaluation activities from the outset of their program design and implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress towards meeting agency priority goal(s) and program outcomes.  

OMB Memorandum M-21-27 , Evidence-Based Policymaking: Learning Agendas and Annual Evaluation Plans, implementing Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-435 (2019) (Evidence Act), urges federal awarding agencies to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, improve equitable delivery, and elevate program service and delivery across the program lifecycle. Evaluation means “an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.” Evidence Act, § 101 (codified at 5 U.S.C. § 311). 

As such, recipients and subrecipients are required to participate in a DHS-, Component, or Program Office-led evaluation if selected, which may be carried out by a third-party on behalf of the DHS, its component agencies, or the Program Office. Such an evaluation may involve information collections including but not limited to surveys, interviews, or discussions with individuals who benefit from the federal award program operating personnel, and award recipients, as specified in a DHS-, component agency-, or Program Office-approved evaluation plan. More details about evaluation requirements may be provided in the federal award, if available at that time, or following the award as evaluation requirements are finalized. Evaluation costs incurred during the period of performance are allowable costs (either as direct or indirect). Recipients and subrecipients are also encouraged, but not required, to participate in any additional evaluations after the period of performance ends, although any costs incurred to participate in such evaluations are not allowable and may not be charged to the federal award. 

3.   Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure  

a.   Build America, Buy America Act

Recipients and subrecipients must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act §§ 70901-70927, Pub. L. No. 117-58 (2021); and Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers. See also 2 C.F.R. Part 184 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-24-02, Implementation Guidance on Application of Buy America Preference in Federal Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure.

None of the funds provided under this program may be used for a project for infrastructure unless the iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in that infrastructure are produced in the United States.

The Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. As such, it does not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site and removed at or before the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.

For FEMA's official policy on BABAA, please see FEMA Policy 207-22-0001: Buy America Preference in FEMA Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure available at  https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_build-america-buy-america-act-policy.pdf   To see whether a particular FEMA federal financial assistance program is considered an infrastructure program and thus required to include a Buy America preference, please see  Programs and Definitions: Build America, Buy America Act | FEMA.gov. and https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_build-america-buy-america-act-policy.pdf

b.   Waivers  

When necessary, recipients (and subrecipients through their pass-through entity) may apply for, and FEMA may grant, a waiver from these requirements. 

A waiver of the domestic content procurement preference may be granted by the agency awarding official if FEMA determines that:

• Applying the domestic content procurement preference would be inconsistent with the public interest.
• The types of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality.
• The inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25%.

For FEMA awards, the process for requesting a waiver from the Buy America preference requirements can be found on FEMA’s website at:  "Buy America" Preference in FEMA Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure | FEMA.gov .

c.   Definitions

For BABAA specific definitions, please refer to the FEMA Buy America website at: “ Programs and Definitions: Build America, Buy America Act | FEMA.gov .”

Please refer to the applicable DHS Standard Terms & Conditions for the BABAA specific term applicable to all FEMA financial assistance awards for infrastructure.

4.   Report issues of fraud, waste, abuse

Please note, when applying to this notice of funding opportunity and when administering the grant, applicants may report issues of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, or other criminal or noncriminal misconduct to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1 (800) 323-8603, and TTY 1 (844) 889-4357.

5.    National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Program Office

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Program Office empowers homeland security partners to adapt to new threats and prevent terrorism and targeted violence. NTER equips homeland security partners with tools and resources to identify, report, and mitigate threats of terrorism and targeted violence to keep the Homeland safe primarily through two lines of effort: the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) and Behavioral Threat Assessment Integration .

 a. Behavioral Threat Assessment Integration  

NTER assists federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial (F/SLTT) partners with integrating a behavioral approach to violence prevention into their processes for identifying and mitigating homeland security threats of targeted violence, regardless of motive. Through training, partner capacity building, and information sharing, NTER supports the identification and mitigation of threats. The Office fills a national gap by providing a framework for Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) as a best practice for targeted violence prevention.

• The Master Trainer Program certifies F/SLTT partners in the instruction of BTAM techniques and best practices. This instructor development and certification program prepares F/SLTT partners to engage their local communities and empowers homeland partners to help mitigate threats and aid in preventing acts of targeted violence. · 
• Foundations of Targeted Violence Prevention eLearning : This one-hour eLearning empowers partners to recognize threats or potentially concerning behaviors; understand what behaviors may be displayed by a person who is on a pathway to violence; learn where to report information of concern; and understand how the information reported will be used to keep our communities safe.

 b. Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative

The NSI is a joint collaborative effort by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and F/SLTT law enforcement partners. This initiative provides law enforcement with a tool to help prevent terrorism and other related criminal activity by establishing a national capacity for identifying, gathering, documenting, processing, analyzing, and sharing tips and leads. The NSI is a standardized process for identifying, reporting, and sharing suspicious activity in jurisdictions across the country.

• SAR Standardized Technical Assistance Consultation Guide : This document provides an overview of the technical assistance and training services.
• Online SAR Training for Law Enforcement and Hometown Security Partners : To increase the effectiveness of this multifaceted approach, the NSI has developed training programs for frontline officers and hometown security partners on how to report identified suspicious activity to the proper authorities while maintaining the protection of citizens' privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
• Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) Fundamentals | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) : This one-hour training course provides an interactive overview of the NSI. It provides users an understanding of the evaluation process used to determine whether identified behavior adheres to the Information Sharing Environment Functional Standard criteria, in accordance with privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections.  

[1] Strategic Intelligence Assessment and Data on Domestic Terrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security, June 2023.

[2] 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.

[3] For more information on considering the impacts of climate change, please see Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and Executive Order 14030, Climate-Related Financial Risk

[4] Except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time.

[5] 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.

[6] FEMA issued Policy 207-22-0002 in response to Executive Order (EO) 14074, Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety , which President Joseph R. Biden issued on May 25, 2022. EO 14074 directs the DHS to prohibit the use of grant funding to purchase certain types of military equipment by state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies and to comply with and implement the recommendations stemming from EO 13688 , which established prohibited equipment and controlled equipment lists.

[7] Except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time.

[8] 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.

[9] FEMA issued Policy 207-22-0002 in response to Executive Order (EO) 14074, Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety , which President Joseph R. Biden issued on May 25, 2022. EO 14074 directs the DHS to prohibit the use of grant funding to purchase certain types of military equipment by state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies and to comply with and implement the recommendations stemming from EO 13688 , which established prohibited equipment and controlled equipment lists.