Competitive Training Grants (97.068)
Program
97.068 Competitive Training Grants
Federal Agency
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Authorization
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2004, Public Law 108-90.
Program Number
97.068
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide funding for training initiatives that prepare the nation to prevent, deter, respond to, and recover from incidents of terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Issue areas addressed in the Competitive Training Grants Program include: 1) training to address preparedness challenges in rural areas; 2) training to enhance preparedness for agricultural WMD incidents; 3) initiatives related to the prevention of cyberterrorism and increased awareness of cybersecurity issues; 4) training for state and local law enforcement to develop capabilities for terrorism prevention, to include areas such as detection, interdiction, intelligence analysis, critical infrastructure protection, and information sharing; 5) training initiatives to develop and enhance community outreach strategies for local audiences through existing non-governmental and volunteer organizations; and 6) addressing training gaps related to prevention and preparedness, to include assistance for special needs populations.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used in accordance with uses defined in the proposal and award documents.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Entities eligible to receive funding under this program include: national associations representing public safety agencies and institutions of higher education; institutions of higher education; private corporations working in conjunction with the nonprofit sector; and nonprofit organizations.
Beneficiary Eligibility
State and local units of government.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must submit proposals electronically through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Grant Management System (GMS). As outlined in the Competitive Training Grants Program Application Kit, proposals must include: 1) an element addressing how the proposed project builds sustainable preparedness at the state and local level; 2) a capacity-building component for state and local jurisdictions which includes a leave-behind capability for jurisdictions to employ themselves (e.g. job aids, planning tools, etc.); 3) a process for identifying lessons learned and best practices for inclusion in ongoing Department of Homeland Security efforts; and 4) incorporation of a blended learning approach.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
Applicants must apply using GMS. Applications will follow guidelines outlined in the Competitive Training Grants Program Application Kit and will consist of: 1) a 250-word proposal abstract; 2) a program narrative; and 3) budget detail worksheets and budget narrative.
Award Procedure
All proposals are subject to an independent peer-review panel evaluation. Peer review panelists will consist of representatives from academia, industry, or Federal Government organizations, along with practitioners from Federal, State, and local criminal justice and public safety agencies. Applicants will be notified in writing if they have received funding.
Deadlines
Application deadlines may vary.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Proposals funded through this program will be executed in a period of 18 to 24 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Recipients of funding are required to submit an initial quarterly progress report for the first full calendar quarter, followed by semi-annual progress reports for the remainder of the grant period. A final report is due 90 days after the end of the grant. These reports should consist of a brief narrative discussing achievements to date, and progress towards annual goals, and any issues which may need to be addressed. Required financial status reports (SF 269A) are due quarterly on the 45th day for every quarter the grant is active. The Office of the Comptroller will provide a copy of the financial and progress report forms in the initial award package.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, 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 that year, except as noted in Circular A-133. These audits are due to the cognizant Federal agency no later than 9 months after the end of the grantees fiscal year.
Records
Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to a grant shall be retained for a period of at least 3 years after the grant has been closed or until an audit has been conducted that does not show any questionable costs.
Program Accomplishments
Past training efforts has resulted in the training of over 390,000 first responders. ODP courses are designed to increase awareness of terrorism threats and WMD among public officials, public health and the medical community, public safety and public works personnel, as well as provide intensive technician and operations courses that demonstrate the effects of and response to live agents, explosives, and radiation.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0560-0-1-999.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 03 not available; FY 04 est $60,000,000; and FY 05 $60,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Award amounts will vary depending on the scope of project.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
The OJP Financial Guide and the Competitive Training Grants Program Application Kit.
Related Programs
97.067, Homeland Security Grant Program; 97.005 State and Local Homeland Security Training Program; 97.007, Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Office for Domestic Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security, 810 7th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20531. Telephone: 800-368-6498.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
None.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not available.
