Program Descriptions
Program Number
97.055
Title
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).
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, as designated by their respective State's Governor, to submit competitive proposals for interoperable communications demonstration projects. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
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
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
Refer to program guidance. Awards are subject to the Cash Management Improvement Act for payment and/or reimbursement of expenditures.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grantees are required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports. Quarterly Progress Reports must include the progress of each sub-grant award. Reports are due 30 days after the end of each quarter: January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Final financial and performance reports are due 90 days after the expiration or termination of grant award. 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 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
58-0101-0-1-999.
Obligations
FY 07 est not available; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Refer to program guidance.
Program Accomplishments
It is anticipated that 56 applications will be received and approximately 14 grants will be awarded.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), c/o 245 Murray Lane - Bldg. #410, Washington, DC 20523, Telephone: (202) 646-3850 FAX: (202) 646-3061.
Web Site Address
http://www.fema.gov
Related Programs
None.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Refer to the program guidance for information on criteria for selecting proposals.
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