Intercity Bus Security Grants

Program Descriptions

Program Number

97.057

Title

Intercity Bus Security Grants

Federal Agency

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Authorization

Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, Public Law.110-53 and the Department of Homeland Security Appropriation Act, 2008, Division E, Consolidated Appropriations Act 2008, Public Law 110-161.

Status

Active

Objectives

To create a sustainable program for the protection of intercity bus systems and the traveling public from terrorism. To assist operators of fixed-route intercity and charter bus services in obtaining the resources required to support security measures such as enhanced planning, facility security upgrades, exercises, improved communication capabilities, and vehicle and driver protection.

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used for vehicle security enhancements; emergency communication technology; coordinating with local police and emergency responders; facility security enhancements; training and exercises; improvement of ticket identification and further implementation of passenger and baggage screening enhancements; and driver security enhancements. The program guidance outlines uses and restrictions in detail.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

This program is limited to applicants meeting one or both of the following criteria: 1) own/operate a fixed-route intercity bus service using over-the-road buses and providing services to a defined Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) jurisdiction; or 2) own/operate a charter bus service using over-the-road buses providing a minimum of 50 trips annually to a defined UASI jurisdiction.

Beneficiary Eligibility

General public.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is not covered under Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

Application Procedure

Application deadline and other information are contained in the application/program guidance.

Award Procedure

Applications or plans are reviewed by DHS program and administrative staff. Any issues or concerns noted in the application will be negotiated with the successful applicant prior to the award being issued.

Deadlines

Refer to announcement or application guidance for further information.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Refer to program guidance document.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Refer to program guidance. Awards are subject to the Cash Management Improvement Act for payment and/or reimbursement of expenditures.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Categorical Assistance Progress Reports (CAPR) are required semi-annually and are due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period (July 30 with a reporting period of January 1 through June 30, and January 30 with a reporting period of July 1 through December 31) for the life of the award. Grantees are also required to submit quarterly Financial Status Reports (FSR). The FSR are due 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter on January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Final CAPR and FSR reports are due 90 days after the expiration or termination of grant award, whichever occurs first.

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 (or receive property, or a combination of both, within the fiscal year) 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, submitted through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, not later than 9 months after the end of the grantees fiscal year.

Records

Grant records shall be retained for a period of 3 years from the day the recipient submits its final expenditure report. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later. Grant records include financial and program/progress reports, support documents, statistical records, and other documents that support the activity and/or expenditure of the recipient or sub-recipient under the award.

Financial Information

Account Identification

70-0560-0-1-402.

Obligations

FY 07 $11,640,000; FY 08 est $11,172,250; and FY 09 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Refer to program guidance.

Program Accomplishments

In the preceding fiscal year $9,603,000 was awarded to 27 intercity bus industry organizations.

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

For information on requirements and guidance please refer to the current FY Intercity Bus Security Grants Program Guide and Application Kit.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Lane, Bldg. #410, Washington, DC 20528.

Web Site Address

http://www.fema.gov

Related Programs

97.059, Truck Security Program
97.075, Rail And Transit Security Grant Program
97.078, Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP)
97.056, Port Security Grant Program

Examples of Funded Projects

Projects addressing: driver and vehicle security enhancements; emergency communications technology; coordination with local police and emergency responders; and training and exercises.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Refer to the program guidance for information on criteria for selecting proposals.