Interoperable Communications Equipment (97.055)
Program
97.055 Interoperable Communications Equipment
Federal Agency
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Authorization
Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296; Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, 15 U.S.C., Section 2201-2232; Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, Public Law 108-7 (2003); Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, Public Law 108-11 (2003).
Program Number
97.055
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
Provide funding to jurisdictions across the nation for demonstration projects that will explore uses of equipment and technologies to increase interoperability among the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical service communities. These projects will illustrate and encourage the acceptance of new technologies and operating methods to assist communities in achieving interoperability.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Designated jurisdictions will be invited to submit applications for interoperable communications projects that include the purchase of interoperable communications equipment components for multi-disciplinary and/or multi-jurisdictional public safety communications projects. Requests may provide local jurisdictions with equipment or services to participate on public safety, commercial, or other shared networks and portable gateway solutions. Applicants may request assistance for other technologies if the application demonstrates how the proposed technology will improve interoperability among the public safety community. If an interoperable communications plan has not been developed, the application should also include a description of how a plan will be established as part of the proposed project.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Local governments nominated by State or Territory government to submit an application.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Local governments.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
FEMA will invite a limited number of local jurisdictions to submit competitive proposals for interoperable communications demonstration projects. FEMA will send a letter to each Governor explaining the program and requesting that the Governor designate one local jurisdiction from their State to submit an application for an interoperable communications demonstration project. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
FEMA will provide the application package directly to nominated applicants. Provided below is a summary of what should be included in the application, but the official request for funding package will have detailed instructions. At a minimum, the application must: Provide an Executive Summary (even if the requested funding is for equipment). Candidates must detail how the equipment will be used to enhance interoperability in their jurisdiction. Define the vision, goals, and objectives of what the jurisdiction is ultimately trying to accomplish and how the proposed project would fit into an overall effort to increase interoperability. If an interoperable communications plan has already been developed, it should be included in the application. Describe the specific problems or needs that will be addressed. Discuss how the proposal features new or innovative approaches or solutions to increase interoperability. Reflect a multi-disciplinary and/or multi-jurisdictional approach toward achieving interoperability. Identify partners and provide information on any existing agreements such as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Mutual Aid Agreement. Propose a detailed budget and timeline, including plans for meeting the cost-share requirement. Include an operational plan that addresses how the effort will be funded now and in the future.
Award Procedure
Applications will be peer-reviewed and grant awards will be made by the end of the fiscal year. Funding is at the discretion EP&R. The Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) also received funding for interoperable communications in FY 2003. EP&R and COPS are coordinating on the implementation of their grant programs. ER&R and the COPS office will award grants separately, but funding decisions will be coordinated to avoid any duplication of effort. The maximum Federal share for a grant will be $6 million.
Deadlines
States will be asked to nominate local jurisdictions and provide contact information to FEMA. Contact headquarters office for application deadlines.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Grant awards will require a 25% nonfederal cost share. The source of the match funds must be identified in the grant application. The match does not need to be a cash match. In-kind contributions are permitted and must be activities in direct support of and eligible under the project. The nonfederal share may not be funded by other federal funds unless permitted by Federal statute.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The period of performance is one year. Funding is awarded as a lump sum.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grantees are required to report expenditures within 30 days from the end of each quarter. Quarterly performance reports outlining accomplishments and establishing a timeline for fulfilling the conditions of the award are required to ensure that the funding is being spent in accordance with the established guidance and that program objectives are being met. Quarterly financial and performance report submission dates are January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Final financial and performance reports are required 90 days after the close of the grant. Grantees will also be required to conduct a final evaluation as a condition of the demonstration grant award.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive 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 No. A-133.
Records
In compliance with State law and procedures and with 44 CFR 13.42, Grantees are required to retain records, including source documentation to support expenditures/costs incurred against the grant award, for three years from the date of submission of the final Financial Status Report to FEMA.
Program Accomplishments
It is anticipated that 56 applications will be received and approximately 14 grants will be awarded in fiscal year 2003.
Financial Information
Account Identification
58-0101-0-1-999.
Obligations
FY 04 $79,750,000; FY 05 est $0; and FY 06 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Funding decisions will be at the discretion of FEMA. FEMA and the COPS Office will participate in coordination meetings to ensure the optimum use of limited funding while avoiding duplication of effort. Each agency will award its own funding. FEMA anticipates that awards will range from $50,000 to $6,000,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
None.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Office of National Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20472. Telephone: (202) 646-3850. FAX: (202) 646-3061.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Applications will be reviewed by peer-review panels, comprised of practitioners and technologists knowledgeable in interoperable communications. Applications must reflect multi-jurisdictional and/or multi-disciplinary participation and demonstrate that the proposal is based on an understanding of the fire service and other first responder needs. Proposals should be based on a clear and demonstrated plan for accomplishing improved interoperability between first responders of local, tribal, regional, and State public safety agencies or organizations. Applicants must explain how the proposed project would fit into an overall effort to increase interoperability for the public safety community. Even if the requested funding is only for a piece of an interoperability endeavor (i.e. procurement of new equipment), an executive summary should be provided to illustrate the broader context of the jurisdiction's interoperability plans. For example, the explanation could include information on the governance structure overseeing the effort; a communications system plan; a deployment plan; operations, maintenance, and training plan; and a financial plan. At a minimum, the application must: Define the vision, goals, and objectives of what the jurisdiction is ultimately trying to accomplish and how the proposed project would fit into an overall effort to increase interoperability. If an interoperable communications plan has already been developed, it should be included in the application. Describe the specific problems or needs that will be addressed. Discuss how the proposal features new or innovative approaches or solutions to increase interoperability. Reflect a multi-disciplinary and/or multi-jurisdictional approach toward achieving interoperability. Identify partners and provide information on any existing agreements such as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Mutual Aid Agreement. Propose a detailed budget and timeline, including plans for meeting the cost-share requirement.
