Centers For Homeland Security (97.061)
Program
97.061 Centers For Homeland Security
Federal Agency
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Authorization
Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, Section 308(b)(2), as amended; Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriation Act of 2003, Public Law 108-7.
Program Number
97.061
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
Establishment of a coordinated, university-based system to enhance the Nation's homeland security. The Homeland Security Centers are envisioned to be an integral and critical component of the new homeland security complex that will provide the Nation with a robust, dedicated and enduring capability that will enhance our ability to anticipate, prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks. These Centers will also provide a locus to attract and retain the Nation's best and brightest academic scholars in pursuit of homeland security related disciplines. The DHS Centers will complement other programs within the Department (including the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency) and in other Federal agencies that fund projects-focused research aimed at the development and deployment of specific homeland security technologies and capabilities.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grant funds may be used by selected universities for: (1) targeted research areas that leverage the multidisciplinary capabilities of universities and fill gaps in our needed knowledge and our ability to counter terrorist attacks; and (2) involve U.S. graduate and undergraduate students who are interested, dedicated and committed to making important contributions in science and technology endeavors that will enhance the overall security of the nation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants are accredited U.S. institutions of higher education.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Public and private colleges and universities.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Only solicited applications are accepted.
Award Procedure
Proposals are reviewed by an external peer-review panel for technical merit. Proposals are reviewed by an internal panel for technical merit and relevance to the DHS mission. Based on the review comments and recommendations of the reviewers, some proposals may be selected for site visits. The final selection will be made by the DHS. Notification and formal award is made, in writing, by a Notice of Grant Award issued from the DHS Headquarters office.
Deadlines
Application deadlines will be identified in the solicitation announcement.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Renewals of grant awards are based on performance and may be awarded for an additional two years of funding.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Periods of performance are up to three years and may, depending on the availability of funds and program recommendation, be renewed.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly progress and Financial Status Reports are required for the first year of funding. If the awards are renewed, annual reports will be required within 30 days after the end of each budget period; Financial Status Reports will continue to be due quarterly. Financial Status Reports are required within 30 days after the end of each quarter: January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. A final progress report and final Financial Status Report must be submitted within 90 days after from the expiration date of the grant award.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular NO. A-133, (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Government, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records must be kept for three years after submission of the final expenditure report, and three years after the final disposition of non-expendable property. If questions remain, such as those raised as a result of an audit, records must be retained until the problem is resolved.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2004, up to two awards are anticipated.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0800-0-1-999.
Obligations
FY 03 $0; FY 04 est $70,000,000; and FY 05 est $30,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$4,000,000 to $6,000,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
None.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Drive, SW., Washington, DC 20528. Email: universityprograms@dhs.gov.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
None. New program.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals are evaluated on the basis of the: (1) technical merit; (2) relevancy to the mission of DHS; (3) degree to which the applicant met the objectives of the specific broad agency announcement; (4) the administrative and managerial ability of the applicant to carry out the project in a cost-effective manner; (5) the adequacy of the staff and faculty to carry out the project; (6) the soundness of the budget for assuring effective utilization of grant funds; (7) the demonstration and level of commitment by the institution to involve undergraduate and graduate students in the project; and (8) extent and significance of the impact of the proposed work on the achievement of stated DHS goals.
