Operation Safe Commerce (OSC) (97.058)
Program
97.058 Operation Safe Commerce (OSC)
Federal Agency
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Authorization
The Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2002 for Further Recovery From and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States, Public Law 107-206.
Program Number
97.058
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
1) Validate security at the point of origin, to include security of the shipment itself; 2) Secure the supply chain from the point of origin of the shipment to its final destination, including all waypoints; 3) Enhance the accuracy and communication of cargo information used by Federal agencies, carriers, and shippers; and 4) Monitor the movement and integrity of cargo in transit (e.g., pilot the use of commercial-off-the shelf technology and emerging technologies, such as GPS transceivers, sensors, electronic seals, container design, and data querying).
Types of Assistance
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
Allowable costs are detailed in the Request for Applications (RFA). Cost principles applicable to the awards are OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, with OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations, and with 48 CFR Part 31 for commercial organizations. In general, funds may be used for equipment, supplies, services or consultants, travel, audits, other direct costs, facilities and administrative costs (i.e., indirect costs), and other costs related to meeting the program objectives and that TSA deems appropriate. Funds shall not be used for personnel.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Load Centers, defined as the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Seattle/Tacoma, and the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey. Public/private partnerships and other individuals or organizations representing the supply chain may submit proposals through the eligible Load Centers.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Immediate beneficiaries include the eligible Load Centers and associated stakeholders in the supply chain. Other ports will benefit from the security prototype demonstrated through OSC.
Credentials/Documentation
Stakeholder participation must be demonstrated through letter(s) of commitment. A copy of the applicant's Federally approved indirect cost rate agreement should be submitted.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
Application Procedure
The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency must be used for this program. Each application must contain a signed Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), signed cost-share commitment letter, assurances and certifications, and indirect cost rate agreement. Each proposal must contain a technical project plan, budget breakdown, budget justification, and response to a vulnerability self-assessment rating tool.
Award Procedure
Funding recommendations based upon a Federal interagency and Executive Steering Committee review process will be forwarded to the Secretary for approval. Awards will be sent to the successful applicants following discussions with them. TSA anticipates providing full or partial funding awards for approved projects.
Deadlines
Contact DHS, TSA, Maritime and Land Security, Grants/Contracts Management Branch for application deadlines. Written notice will be published in the "Federal Register" (http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html) and Federal Grants Opportunities for Grants (http://www.fedgrants.gov).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Renewals: Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula and no matching requirements. TSA encourages POST ASSIS award recipients to consider cost sharing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The award period is for 12 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Request for Advance or Reimbursement (SF 270) submissions, quarterly Financial Status Reports (SF 269), and quarterly technical progress reports are required.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997 and June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 (or $500,000 for fiscal years after December 31, 2003) or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 or $500,000, as applicable, a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133 or the award document.
Records
Applicants must maintain project related materials for 3 years following submission of the final financial status report.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2003, 21 projects totaling $55,044,042 were approved through three grants.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0508-0-1-402.
Obligations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 02 $28,000,000; FY 03 $30,000,000; and FY 04 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$13,697,053 to $27,528,219; $18,348,014.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Department of Transportation (DOT) grant related regulations include 49 CFR Parts 17-21, 26 and 29. DOT regulations may be superseded by corresponding or applicable new regulations issued by the Department of Homeland Security for this program. Cost principles applicable to the awards are OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, with OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations, and with 48 CFR Part 31 for commercial organizations. In addition, the U.S. Customs Service operates related initiatives called the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI). See http://www.customs.treas.gov/ for further information on those programs.
Related Programs
97.056, Port Security Grants for Critical National Seaports.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Queries may be directed to Transportation Security Administration Headquarters, Office of Maritime and Land Security, Grants/Contracts Management Branch, TSA-8, 701 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals will be selected based on the availability of funding, the quality of the proposals submitted, and the evaluation criteria established in the program announcement. See the RFA for specific criteria.
