81 FR 27159 - Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 87 (May 5, 2016)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 87 (May 5, 2016)
| Page Range | 27159-27164 | |
| FR Document | 2016-10481 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 27159-27164] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-10481] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA-2016-0008] Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; Fire Prevention and Safety Grants AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS ACTION: Notice of guidance. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This Notice provides guidelines that describe the application process for grants and the criteria for awarding Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants in the fiscal year (FY) 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program year. It explains the differences, if any, between these guidelines and those recommended by representatives of the Nation's fire service leadership during the annual Criteria Development meeting, which was held October 27-28, 2014. The application period for the FY 2015 FP&S Grant Program year will be held April 4-May 6, 2016, and will be announced on the AFG Web site (www.fema.gov/firegrants), www.grants.gov, and U.S. Fire Administration Web site (www.usfa.fema.gov). Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229. DATES: Grant applications for the FP&S Grant Program will be accepted electronically at https://portal.fema.gov, from April 4-May 6, 2016. ADDRESSES: Assistance to Firefighters Grants Branch, Stop 3620, DHS/ FEMA, 400 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Patterson, Chief, Assistance to Firefighters Grants Branch, 1-866-274-0960. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the AFG Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The FEMA Grant Programs Directorate administers the FP&S Grant Program as part of the AFG Program. FP&S Grants are offered to support projects in two activities: [[Page 27160]] 1. Activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire- related hazards (``FP&S Activity''). 2. Projects aimed at improving firefighter safety, health and wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries (``R&D Activity''). The grant program's authorizing statute requires that each year DHS publish in the Federal Register the guidelines that describe the application process and the criteria for grant awards. Approximately 1,000 applications for FP&S Grant Program funding are anticipated to be submitted electronically, using the application submission form and process available at the AFG e-Grant application portal: https://portal.fema.gov. Specific information about the submission of grant applications can be found in the ``FY 2015 Fire Prevention and Safety Program Notice of Funding Opportunity,'' which will be available for download at www.fema.gov/firegrants and at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID FEMA-2016-0008. Appropriations Congress appropriated $340,000,000 for AFG in FY 2015 pursuant to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 114-4. From this amount, $34,000,000 will be made available for FP&S Grant awards, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 2229(h)(5), which states that not less than 10 percent of available grant funds each year are awarded under the FP&S Grant Program. Funds appropriated for all FY 2015 AFG awards, pursuant to Public Law 114-4, will be available for obligation and award until September 30, 2016. From the approximately 1,000 applications that will be requesting assistance, FEMA anticipates that it will award approximately 100 FP&S Grants from available grant funding. Background of the AFG Program DHS awards grants on a competitive basis to the applicants that best address the FP&S Grant Program's priorities and provide the most compelling justification. Applications that best address the Program's priorities will be reviewed by a panel composed of fire service personnel. Award Criteria All applications for grants will be prepared and submitted through the AFG e-Grant application portal (https://portal.fema.gov). The FP&S Grant Program panels will review the applications and score them using the following criteria areas:Vulnerability Implementation Evaluation Plan Cost Benefit Financial Need Funding Priorities Experience and Expertise The applications submitted under the R&D Activity will be reviewed first by a panel of fire service members to identify those applications most relevant to the fire service. The following evaluation criteria will be used for this review: Purpose Potential Impact Implementation by the fire service Partners Barriers The applications that are determined most likely to be implemented to enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or wellness will be deemed to be in the ``competitive range'' and will be forwarded to the second level of application review, which is the scientific panel review process. This panel will be comprised of scientists and technology experts who have expertise pertaining to the subject matter of the proposal. The Scientific Technical Evaluation Panel for the R&D Activity will review the application and evaluate it using the following criteria: Project purpose(s), goals and objectives, and specific aims Literature Review Project Methods Project Measurements Project Analysis Dissemination and Implementation Cost vs. Benefit (additional consideration) Financial Need (additional consideration) Eligible Applicants The following entities are eligible to apply directly to FEMA under this solicitation: 1. Fire Prevention and Safety (FP &S) Activity: Eligible applicants for this activity include fire departments, national, regional, state, local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations that are recognized for their experience and expertise in fire prevention and safety programs and activities. Both private and public non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding in this activity. For-profit organizations, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to receive a FP &S Grant Award under the FP &S Activity. 2. Firefighter Safety Research and Development (R&D) Activity: Eligible applicants for this activity include national, state, local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations, such as academic (e.g., universities), public health, occupational health, and injury prevention institutions. Both private and public non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding in this activity. The aforementioned entities are encouraged to apply, especially those that are recognized for their experience and expertise in firefighter safety, health, and wellness research and development activities. Fire departments are not eligible to apply for funding in the R &D activity. Additionally, for-profit organizations, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to receive a grant award under the R &D Activity. Statutory Limits to Funding Applications and awards are limited to a maximum federal share of $1.5 million dollars, regardless of applicant type. Cost Sharing Grant recipients must share in the costs of the projects funded under this grant program as required by 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(1) and in accordance with 2 CFR 200.101(b)(1), but they are not required to have the cost-share at the time of application nor at the time of award. However, before a grant is awarded, FEMA will contact potential awardees to determine whether the grant recipient has the funding in hand or if the grant recipient has a viable plan to obtain the funding necessary to fulfill the cost-sharing requirement. In general, an eligible applicant seeking an FP&S grant to carry out an activity shall agree to make available non-federal funds to carry out such activity in an amount equal to, and not less than, five percent of the grant awarded. Cash match and in-kind matches are both allowable in the FP &S Grant Program. Cash (hard) matches include non- federal cash spent for project-related costs. In-kind (soft) matches include, but are not limited to, the valuation of in-kind services. In- kind is the value of something received or provided that does not have a cost associated with it. For example, where an in-kind match (other than cash payments) is permitted, then the value of donated services could be used to comply with the match requirement. Also, third party in-kind contributions may count toward satisfying match requirements provided the grant recipient receiving the contributions expends them as allowable costs in [[Page 27161]] compliance with provisions listed above. Grant recipients under this grant program must also agree to a maintenance of effort requirement as required by 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(3) (referred to as a ``maintenance of expenditure'' requirement in that statute). Per this requirement, a grant recipient shall agree to maintain during the term of the grant, the grant recipient's aggregate expenditures relating to the activities allowable under the FP&S Funding Opportunity Announcement at not less than 80 percent (80%) of the average amount of such expenditures in the two (2) fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which the grant amounts are received. In cases of demonstrated economic hardship, and on the application of the grant recipient, the Administrator of FEMA may waive or reduce certain grant recipient's cost share or maintenance of expenditure requirements. This policy applies to FP &S per Sec. 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-498, as amended) (15 U.S.C 2229). For complete requirements concerning these waivers, including a description of how a grant recipient may demonstrate economic hardship and apply for a waiver, please refer to FEMA Policy FP 207-088-01, dated April 8, 2014, at: http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1398109239435-ec23997d8351382710896fa77d02bc7d/AFG+Economic+Hardship+Waiver+Policy.pdf. Per 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(4)(C), FP&S grant recipientsthat are not fire departments are not eligible to receive a waiver of their cost share or economic hardship requirements. System for Award Management (SAM) On July 29, 2010, the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) was moved into the System for Award Management (SAM). The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance to federal agencies requiring all prime recipients of federal grants to register in SAM. SAM is the primary vendor database for the Federal Government to collect, validate, store, and disseminate data from a secure centralized system. SAM consolidated the capabilities found in CCR and other federal procurement systems into one new system. There is no charge to register in SAM.gov. Registrations must be completed on-line at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. The applicant organization is responsibile for having a valid Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number at the time of registration. Organizations with an active record in CCR have an active record in SAM, but may need to validate their information. For registration, go to https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. Application Process Applicants may only submit one (1) application, but may submit for up to three (3) projects under each activity (FP&S and R&D). Any applicant that submits more than one (1) application may have all applications for any duplicated request(s) deemed ineligible. Under the FP &S Activity, applicants may apply under the following categories: General Education/Awareness Fire & Arson Investigation Code Enforcement/Awareness National/State/Regional Programs and Studies Under the R&D Activity, applicants may apply under the following categories: Clinical Studies Technology and Product Development Database System Development Dissemination and Implementation Research Preliminary Studies Prior to the start of the FY 2015 FP&S Grant Program application period, FEMA will provide applicants with technical assistance tools (available at the AFG Web site: www.fema.gov/firegrants) and other online information to help them prepare quality grant applications. AFG will also staff a Help Desk throughout the application period to assist applicants with navigation through the automated application as well as assistance with any questions they have. Applicants can reach the AFG Help Desk through a toll-free telephone number (1-866-274-0960) or electronic mail ([email protected]). Applicants are advised to access the application electronically at https://portal.fema.gov. The application also will be accessible from the grants.gov Web site (http://www.grants.gov). New applicants are required to register and establish a username and password for secure access to their application. Applicants that applied to any previous AFG or Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) funding opportunities were required to use their previously established usernames and passwords. In completing an application under this funding opportunity, applicants will be asked to provide relevant information on their organization's characteristics and existing capabilities. Those applicants are asked to answer questions about their grant request that reflect the funding priorities, described below. In addition, each applicant will complete narratives for each project or grant activity requested. The following are the funding priorities for each category under the FP&S Activity: General Education/Awareness--Under the General Education/ Awareness category there are two funding priorities: [cir] The first priority will be given to programs that target high risk population to conduct both door-to-door smoke alarm installations and provide home safety inspections (including sprinkler awareness), as part of a comprehensive home fire safety campaign. [cir] The second priority will be given to programs that include sprinkler awareness that affect the entire community, such as educating the public about residential sprinklers, promoting residential sprinklers, and demonstrating working models of residential sprinklers. Code Enforcement/Awareness--projects that focus on first time or reinstatement of code adoption and code enforcement. Fire & Arson Investigation--projects that aim to aggressively investigate every fire. National/State/Regional Programs and Studies--projects that focus on residential fire issues and/or firefighter behavior and decision-making. Under the R&D Activity, in order to identify and address the most important elements of firefighter safety, FEMA looked to the fire service for its input and recommendations. In June 2005, the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation (NFFF) hosted a working group to facilitate the development of an agenda for the nation's fire service, and in particular for firefighter safety. In November 2015, the NFFF hosted their third working group to update the agenda with current priorities. A copy of the research agenda is available on the NFFF Web site at http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/resources/research-symposium-reports/. Projects that meet the intent of this research agenda with respect to firefighter health and safety, as identified by the NFFF working group, will be given consideration under the R&D Activity. However, the applicant is not limited to these specific projects. All proposed projects, regardless of whether they have been identified by this working group, will be evaluated on their relevance to firefighter health and safety, and scientific rigor. The electronic application process will permit the applicant to enter and [[Page 27162]] save the application data. The system does not permit the submission of incomplete applications. Except for the narrative textboxes, the application will use a ``point-and-click'' selection process or require the entry of data (e.g., name and address). Applicants will be encouraged to read the FP&S Funding Opportunity Announcement for more details. Criteria Development Process Each year, DHS convenes a panel of fire service professionals to develop the funding priorities and other implementation criteria for AFG. The Criteria Development Panel is comprised of representatives from nine major fire service organizations who are charged with making recommendations to FEMA regarding the creation of new funding priorities, the modification of existing funding priorities, and the development of criteria for awarding grants. The nine major fire service organizations represented on the panel are: Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) The FY 2015 criteria development panel meeting occurred January 8- 9, 2014. The content of the FY 2015 FP&S Funding Opportunity Announcement reflects the implementation of the Criteria Development Panel's recommendations with respect to the priorities, direction, and criteria for awards. All of the funding priorities for the FY 2015 FP&S Grant Program are designed to address the following: First responder safety Enhancing national capabilities Risk Interoperability Changes for FY 2015 FY 2015 FP&S Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement. (1) The ``Guidance and Application Kit'' has been reformatted from the Funding Opportunity (FOA) Announcement template to match the DHS Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Announcement template. (2) Sustainability is no longer a scored evaluation criteria under the Fire Prevention and Safety Activity, thus the evaluation criteria weights have changed for the other criteria components. (3) The Narrative Statement for the R&D Activity increased in page limitation from 20 pages to 25 pages per project. (4) Micro Grants are now eligible for the Fire Prevention and Safety Activity. The cumulative Federal total of the request must be $25,000 or less. Application Review Process and Considerations The program's authorizing statute requires that each year DHS publish in the Federal Register a description of the grant application process and the criteria for grant awards. This information is provided below. DHS will review and evaluate all FP&S applications submitted using the funding priorities and evaluation criteria described in this document, which are based on recommendations from the AFG Criteria Development Panel. Peer Review Process Technical Evaluation Process--Fire Prevention and Safety Activity All eligible applications will be evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP). The TEP is comprised of a panel of Peer Reviewers. The TEP will assess each application's merits with respect to the detail provided in the Narrative Statement on the activity, including the evaluation elements listed in the Evaluation Criteria identified above. The panel of Peer Reviewers will independently score each project within the application, discuss the merits and/or shortcomings of the application, and document the findings. A consensus is not required. The highest ranked applications will receive further technical review to assess strengths and weaknesses, how readily weaknesses may be resolved, and the likely impact of the proposed activities on the safety of the target audience. Technical Evaluation Process--Research and Development Activity R&D applications will go through a two-phase review process. First, all applications will be reviewed by a panel of fire service experts to assess relevance, meaning the likely impact of the proposed R&D application to enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or wellness. They will also assess the need for the research results and the likelihood that the results would be implemented by the fire service in the U.S. Applications that are deemed likely to be implemented to enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or wellness will then receive further consideration by a science review panel. This panel will be comprised of scientists and technology experts who have expertise pertaining to the subject matter of the proposal. Reviewers will independently score applications and, if necessary, discuss the merits or shortcomings of the application in order to reconcile any major discrepancies identified by the reviewers. A consensus is not required. With input from these panels, for the highest ranked applications, FEMA will review each application's strengths and weaknesses, how best the strengths fit the priorities of the FP&S Program, and how readily the weaknesses may be resolved to support likely impact of the project to improve firefighter safety, heath, or wellness. Technical Review Process Projects receiving the highest scores then will undergo a technical review by a subject matter specialist to assess the technical feasibility of the project and a programmatic review to assess eligibility and other factors. After the completion of the technical reviews, DHS will select a sufficient number of awardees from this application period to obligate all of the available grant funding. It will evaluate and act on applications within 90 days following the close of the application period. Award announcements will be made on a rolling basis until all available grant funds have been committed. Awards will not be made in any specified order. DHS will notify unsuccessful applicants as soon as it is feasible. Evaluation Criteria for Projects--Fire Prevention and Safety Activity Funding decisions will be informed by an assessment of how well the application addresses the criteria and considerations listed below. Applications will be reviewed by the TEP using weighted evaluation criteria to score the project. These scores will impact the ranking of a project for funding. The relative weight of the evaluation criteria in the determination of the grant award is listed below. Financial Need (10%): Applicants should provide details on the need for financial assistance to carry out the proposed project(s). Included in the [[Page 27163]] description might be other unsuccessful attempts to acquire financial assistance or specific examples of the applicant's operational budget. Vulnerability Statement (25%): The assessment of fire risk is essential in the development of an effective project goal, as well as meeting FEMA's goal to reduce risk by conducting a risk analysis as a basis for action. Vulnerability is a ``weak link'' demonstrating high risk behavior, living conditions or any type of high risk situation or behavior. The Vulnerability Statement should include a description of the steps taken to determine the vulnerability (weak link) and identify the target audience. The methodology for determination of vulnerability (how you found the weak link) should be discussed in-depth in the application's Narrative Statement. [cir] The specific vulnerability (weak link) that will be addressed with the proposed project can be established through a formal or informal risk assessment. FEMA encourages the use of local statistics, rather than national statistics, when discussing the vulnerability. [cir] The applicant should summarize the vulnerability (weakness) the project will address in a clear, to-the-point statement that addresses who is at risk, what the risks are, where the risks are, and how the risks can be prevented. [cir] For the purpose of the FY 2015 FP&S NOFO, formal risk assessments consist of the use of software programs or recognized expert analysis that assess risk trends. [cir] Informal risk assessments could include an in-house review of available data (e.g., National Fire Incident Reporting System) to determine fire loss, burn injuries or loss of life over a period of time, and the factors that are the cause and origin for each occurrence. Implementation Plan (25%): Projects should provide details on the implementation plan which discusses the proposed project's goals and objectives. The following information should be included to support the implementation plan: [cir] Goals and objectives. [cir] Details regarding the methods and specific steps that will be used to achieve the goals and objectives. [cir] Timelines. [cir] Where applicable, examples of marketing efforts to promote the project, who will deliver the project (e.g., effective partnerships), and the manner in which materials or deliverables will be distributed. [cir] Requests for props (i.e., tools used in educational or awareness demonstrations), including specific goals, measurable results, and details on the frequency for which the prop will be utilized as part of the implementation plan. Applicants should include information describing the efforts that will be used to reach the high risk audience and/or the number of people reached through the proposed project. Evaluation Plan (25%): Projects should include an evaluation of effectiveness and should identify measurable goals. Applicants seeking to carry out awareness and educational projects, for example, should identify how they intend to determine that there has been an increase in knowledge about fire hazards, or measure a change in the safety behaviors of the audience. Applicants should demonstrate how they will measure risk at the outset of the project in comparison to how much the risk decreased after the project is finished. There are various ways to measure the knowledge gained including the use of surveys, pre- and post-tests or documented observations. Cost-Benefit (10%): Projects will be evaluated based on how well the applicant addresses the fire prevention needs of the department or organization in an economic and efficient manner. It should show how to maximize the level of funding that goes directly into the delivery of the project. The costs associated with the project must also be reasonable for the target audience that will be reached, and a description of how the anticipated benefit(s) of their projects outweighs the cost(s) of the requested item(s) should be included. Providing justification for costs assists the Technical Evaluation Panel with this review. Funding Priorities (5%): Applicants will be evaluated on whether or not the proposed project meets the stated funding priority (listed below) for the applicable category. [cir] General Education/Awareness Priority: Comprehensive home fire safety campaign with door-to-door smoke alarm installations or residential sprinkler awareness projects/activities. [cir] Fire/Arson Investigation Priority: Projects that aim to aggressively investigate every fire. [cir] Code Enforcement/Awareness Priority: Projects that focus on first time or reinstatement of code adoption and code enforcement. [cir] National/State/Regional Programs and Studies Priority: Projects that focus on residential fire issues, and/or firefighter safety projects or strategies that are designed to measureably change firefighter behavior and decision-making. Experience and Expertise (additional consideration): Applicants that demonstrate their experience and ability to conduct fire prevention and safety activities, and to execute the proposed or similar project(s), will receive additional consideration. Evaluation Criteria for Projects--Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity Funding decisions will be informed by an assessment of how well the application addresses the criteria and considerations listed below. All applications will reviewed by a fire service expert panel using weighted evaluation criteria, and those applications deemed to be in the ``competitive range'' will then be reviewed by a scientific peer review panel evaluation using weighted evaluation criteria to score the project. Scientific evaluations will impact the ranking of the project for funding. In addition, other Science Panel considerations are indicated in the list below: Fire Service Evaluation Criteria Purpose (25%): Applicants should clearly identify the benefits of the proposed research project to improve firefighter safety, health, or wellness, and identify specific gaps in knowledge that will be addressed. Implementation by Fire Service (25%): Applicants should discuss how the outcomes/products of this research, if successful, are likely to be widely/nationally adopted and accepted by the fire service as changes that enhance firefighter safety, health, or wellness. Potential Impact (15%): Applicants should discuss the potential impact of the research outcome/product on firefighter safety by quantifying the possible reduction in the number of fatal or non- fatal injuries, or on wellness by significantly improving the overall health of firefighters. Barriers (15%): Applicants should recognize that all research contains some level of risk and that the proposed outcomes may not be realized. The applicant needs to identify and discuss potential fire service and other barriers to successfully complete the study on schedule, including contingencies and strategies to deal with barriers if they materialize. This may include barriers that could inhibit the proposed fire service participation in the study or the adoption of successful results by the fire service when the project is completed. Partners (20%): Applicants should recognize that participation of the fire service as a partner in the research, from development to dissemination, is [[Page 27164]] regarded as an essential part of all projects. Applicants should describe the fire service partners and contractors that will support the project to accomplish the objectives of the study. The specific roles and contributions of the partners should be described. Partnerships may be formed with local and regional fire departments, and also with national fire-related organizations. Letters of support and letters of commitment to actively participate in the project should be included in the appendix of the application. Generally, participants of a diverse population, including both career and volunteer firefighters, are expected to facilitate acceptance of results nationally. In cases where this is not practical, due to the nature of the study or other limitations, these circumstances should clearly be explained. Science Panel Evaluation Criteria Project goals, objectives, and specific aims (15%): Applicants should address how the purpose, goals, objectives, and aims of the proposal will lead to results that will improve firefighter safety, health, or wellness. For multi-year projects, greater detail should be given for the first year. Literature Review (10%): Applicants should provide a literature review that is relevant to the project's goals, objectives, and specific aims. The citations should be placed in the text of the narrative statement, with references listed at the end of the Narrative Statement (and not in the Appendix) of the application. The review should be in sufficient depth to make it clear that the proposed project is necessary, adds to an existing body of knowledge, is different from current and previous studies, and offers a unique contribution. Project Methods (20%): Applicants should provide a description of how the project will be carried out, including demonstration of the overall scientific and technical rigor and merit of the project. This includes the operations to accomplish the purpose, goals and objectives, and the specific aims of the project. Plans to recruit and retain human subjects, where applicable, should be described. Where human subjects are involved in the project, the applicant should describe plans for submission to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) (for further guidance and requirements, see Appendix B--Programmatic Information and Priorities, Section IV. Other Eligible Project and Ineligible Projects and Costs, Section B. Research and Development Project Eligibility Information, Section i. Human Subject Research). Project Measurements (20%): Applicants should provide evidence of the technical rigor and merit of the project, such as data pertaining to validity, reliability, and sensitivity (where established) of the facilities, equipment, instruments, standards, and procedures that will be used to carry out the research. The applicant should discuss the data to be collected to evaluate the performance methods, technologies, and products proposed to enhance firefighter safety, health, or wellness. The applicant should demonstrate that the measurement methods and equipment selected for use are appropriate and sufficient to successfully deliver the proposed project objectives. Project Analysis (20%): The applicant should indicate the planned approach for analysis of the data obtained from measurements, questionnaires, or computations. The applicant should specify within the plan what will be analyzed, the statistical methods that will be used, the sequence of steps, and interactions as appropriate. It should be clear that the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team have the expertise to perform the planned analysis and defend the results in a peer review process. Dissemination and Implementation (15%): Applicants should indicate dissemination plans for scientific audiences (such as plans for submissions to specific peer review publications) and for firefighter audiences (such as Web sites, magazines, and conferences). Also, assuming positive results, the applicant should indicate future steps that would support dissemination and implementation throughout the fire service, where applicable. These steps are likely to be beyond the current study, so those features of the research activity that will facilitate future dissemination and implementation should be discussed. All applicants should specify how the results of the project, if successful, might be disseminated and implemented in the fire service to improve firefighter safety, health, or wellness. It is expected that successful R&D Activity Projects may give rise to future programs including FP&S Activity Projects. Cost vs. Benefit (additional consideration): Cost vs. benefit in this evaluation element refers to the costs of the grant for the research and development project as it relates to the benefits that are projected for firefighters who would have improved safety, health, or wellness. Applicants should demonstrate a high benefit for the cost incurred, and effective utilization of federal funds for research activities. Financial Need (additional consideration): In the Applicant Information section of the application, applicants should provide details on the need for federal financial assistance to carry out the proposed project(s). Applicants may include a description of unsuccessful attempts to acquire financial assistance. Applicants should provide detail about the organization's operating budget, including a high-level breakdown of the budget; describe the department's inability to address financial needs without federal assistance; and discuss other actions the department has taken to meet their staffing needs (e.g., state assistance programs, other grant programs, etc.). Other Selection Information Awards will be made using the results of peer-reviewed applications as the primary basis for decisions, regardless of activity. However, there are some exceptions to strictly using the peer review results. The applicant's prior AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant management performance will also be taken into consideration when making recommendations for award. All final funding determinations will be made by the Administrator of FEMA, or the Administrator's delegate. Fire departments and other eligible applicants that have received funding under the FP&S program in previous years are eligible to apply for funding in the current year. However, DHS may take into account an applicant's performance on prior grants when making funding decisions on current applications. Once every application in the competitive range has been through the technical evaluation phase, the applications will be ranked according to the average score awarded by the panel. The ranking will be summarized in a Technical Report prepared by the AFG Program Office. A Grants Management Specialist will contact the applicant to discuss and/or negotiate the content of the application and SAM.gov registration before making final award decisions. Dated: April 5, 2016. W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2016-10481 Filed 5-4-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-12-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 87 / Thursday, May 5, 2016 / Notices 27159
unrelated to the flood hazard County, California, and Incorporated (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
determinations will also be considered Areas’’. These tables contained 97.022, ‘‘Flood Insurance.’’)
before the FIRM and FIS report are inaccurate information as to the Dated: April 12, 2016.
made final. preliminary dates featured in the tables.
Roy E. Wright,
In this document, FEMA is publishing
Correction tables containing the accurate Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance
In the proposed flood hazard information. The information provided and Mitigation, Department of Homeland
determination notice published at 81 FR below should be used in lieu of that Security, Federal Emergency Management
19231–19232 in the April 4, 2016, issue Agency.
previously published for San Mateo
of the Federal Register, FEMA County, California, and Incorporated I. Non-watershed-based studies:
published two tables titled ‘‘San Mateo Areas.
Community Community map repository address
San Mateo County, California, and Incorporated Areas
Maps Available for Inspection Online at: http://www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata
Project: 11–09–0852S Preliminary Date: September 14, 2015
City of Daly City ........................................................................................ Public Works, Engineering Division, 333 90th Street, Daly City, CA
94015.
City of Half Moon Bay .............................................................................. City Hall, 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
City of Pacifica .......................................................................................... Engineering Division, 151 Milagra Drive, Pacifica, CA 94044.
Unincorporated Areas of San Mateo County ........................................... Planning and Building Department, 455 County Center, Redwood City,
CA 94063.
San Mateo County, California, and Incorporated Areas
Maps Available for Inspection Online at: http://www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata
Project: 11–09–1227S Preliminary Date: August 13, 2015
City of Belmont ......................................................................................... Public Works Department, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA 94002.
City of Brisbane ........................................................................................ Public Works, 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA 94005.
City of Burlingame .................................................................................... City Hall, 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.
City of East Palo Alto ............................................................................... Community and Economic Development Department, 1960 Tate Street,
East Palo Alto, CA 94303.
City of Foster City ..................................................................................... Public Works, 610 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404.
City of Menlo Park .................................................................................... City Hall, 701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
City of Millbrae .......................................................................................... City Hall, 621 Magnolia Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030.
City of Redwood City ................................................................................ City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063.
City of San Bruno ..................................................................................... Public Works, 567 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066.
City of San Carlos .................................................................................... Building Division, 600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070.
City of San Mateo ..................................................................................... Public Works Department, 330 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
94403.
City of South San Francisco .................................................................... City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080.
Unincorporated Areas of San Mateo County ........................................... Planning and Building Department, 455 County Center, Redwood City,
CA 94063.
[FR Doc. 2016–10484 Filed 5–4–16; 8:45 am] awarding Fire Prevention and Safety electronically at https://portal.fema.gov,
BILLING CODE 9110–12–P (FP&S) grants in the fiscal year (FY) from April 4–May 6, 2016.
2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grant ADDRESSES: Assistance to Firefighters
(AFG) Program year. It explains the Grants Branch, Stop 3620, DHS/FEMA,
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND differences, if any, between these 400 C Street SW., Washington, DC
SECURITY guidelines and those recommended by 20024.
representatives of the Nation’s fire
Federal Emergency Management FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
service leadership during the annual
Agency Catherine Patterson, Chief, Assistance to
Criteria Development meeting, which
[Docket ID FEMA–2016–0008] was held October 27–28, 2014. The Firefighters Grants Branch, 1–866–274–
application period for the FY 2015 FP&S 0960.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Grant Program year will be held April SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Program; Fire Prevention and Safety 4–May 6, 2016, and will be announced purpose of the AFG Program is to
Grants on the AFG Web site (www.fema.gov/ enhance the safety of the public and
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AGENCY: Federal Emergency firegrants), www.grants.gov, and U.S. firefighters with respect to fire and fire-
Management Agency, DHS Fire Administration Web site related hazards. The FEMA Grant
(www.usfa.fema.gov). Programs Directorate administers the
ACTION: Notice of guidance.
FP&S Grant Program as part of the AFG
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229. Program.
SUMMARY: This Notice provides
guidelines that describe the application DATES: Grant applications for the FP&S FP&S Grants are offered to support
process for grants and the criteria for Grant Program will be accepted projects in two activities:
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![27164 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 87 / Thursday, May 5, 2016 / Notices
regarded as an essential part of all • Project Measurements (20%): utilization of federal funds for research
projects. Applicants should describe the Applicants should provide evidence of activities.
fire service partners and contractors that the technical rigor and merit of the • Financial Need (additional
will support the project to accomplish project, such as data pertaining to consideration): In the Applicant
the objectives of the study. The specific validity, reliability, and sensitivity
Information section of the application,
roles and contributions of the partners (where established) of the facilities,
applicants should provide details on the
should be described. Partnerships may equipment, instruments, standards, and
be formed with local and regional fire procedures that will be used to carry out need for federal financial assistance to
departments, and also with national the research. The applicant should carry out the proposed project(s).
fire-related organizations. Letters of discuss the data to be collected to Applicants may include a description of
support and letters of commitment to evaluate the performance methods, unsuccessful attempts to acquire
actively participate in the project should technologies, and products proposed to financial assistance. Applicants should
be included in the appendix of the enhance firefighter safety, health, or provide detail about the organization’s
application. Generally, participants of a wellness. The applicant should operating budget, including a high-level
diverse population, including both demonstrate that the measurement breakdown of the budget; describe the
career and volunteer firefighters, are methods and equipment selected for use department’s inability to address
expected to facilitate acceptance of are appropriate and sufficient to financial needs without federal
results nationally. In cases where this is successfully deliver the proposed assistance; and discuss other actions the
not practical, due to the nature of the project objectives. department has taken to meet their
study or other limitations, these • Project Analysis (20%): The staffing needs (e.g., state assistance
circumstances should clearly be applicant should indicate the planned programs, other grant programs, etc.).
explained. approach for analysis of the data
obtained from measurements, Other Selection Information
Science Panel Evaluation Criteria questionnaires, or computations. The
• Project goals, objectives, and applicant should specify within the Awards will be made using the results
specific aims (15%): Applicants should plan what will be analyzed, the of peer-reviewed applications as the
address how the purpose, goals, statistical methods that will be used, the primary basis for decisions, regardless
objectives, and aims of the proposal will sequence of steps, and interactions as of activity. However, there are some
lead to results that will improve appropriate. It should be clear that the exceptions to strictly using the peer
firefighter safety, health, or wellness. Principal Investigator (PI) and research review results. The applicant’s prior
For multi-year projects, greater detail team have the expertise to perform the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant
should be given for the first year. planned analysis and defend the results management performance will also be
• Literature Review (10%): in a peer review process. taken into consideration when making
Applicants should provide a literature • Dissemination and Implementation recommendations for award. All final
review that is relevant to the project’s (15%): Applicants should indicate funding determinations will be made by
goals, objectives, and specific aims. The dissemination plans for scientific the Administrator of FEMA, or the
citations should be placed in the text of audiences (such as plans for Administrator’s delegate.
the narrative statement, with references submissions to specific peer review
listed at the end of the Narrative publications) and for firefighter Fire departments and other eligible
Statement (and not in the Appendix) of audiences (such as Web sites, applicants that have received funding
the application. The review should be in magazines, and conferences). Also, under the FP&S program in previous
sufficient depth to make it clear that the assuming positive results, the applicant years are eligible to apply for funding in
proposed project is necessary, adds to should indicate future steps that would the current year. However, DHS may
an existing body of knowledge, is support dissemination and take into account an applicant’s
different from current and previous implementation throughout the fire performance on prior grants when
studies, and offers a unique service, where applicable. These steps making funding decisions on current
contribution. are likely to be beyond the current applications.
• Project Methods (20%): Applicants study, so those features of the research
should provide a description of how the Once every application in the
activity that will facilitate future
project will be carried out, including competitive range has been through the
dissemination and implementation
demonstration of the overall scientific technical evaluation phase, the
should be discussed. All applicants
and technical rigor and merit of the should specify how the results of the applications will be ranked according to
project. This includes the operations to project, if successful, might be the average score awarded by the panel.
accomplish the purpose, goals and disseminated and implemented in the The ranking will be summarized in a
objectives, and the specific aims of the fire service to improve firefighter safety, Technical Report prepared by the AFG
project. Plans to recruit and retain health, or wellness. It is expected that Program Office. A Grants Management
human subjects, where applicable, successful R&D Activity Projects may Specialist will contact the applicant to
should be described. Where human give rise to future programs including discuss and/or negotiate the content of
subjects are involved in the project, the FP&S Activity Projects. the application and SAM.gov
applicant should describe plans for • Cost vs. Benefit (additional registration before making final award
submission to the Institutional Review consideration): Cost vs. benefit in this decisions.
Board (IRB) (for further guidance and evaluation element refers to the costs of
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requirements, see Appendix B— the grant for the research and Dated: April 5, 2016.
Programmatic Information and development project as it relates to the W. Craig Fugate,
Priorities, Section IV. Other Eligible benefits that are projected for Administrator, Federal Emergency
Project and Ineligible Projects and Costs, firefighters who would have improved Management Agency.
Section B. Research and Development safety, health, or wellness. Applicants [FR Doc. 2016–10481 Filed 5–4–16; 8:45 am]
Project Eligibility Information, Section i. should demonstrate a high benefit for BILLING CODE 9110–12–P
Human Subject Research). the cost incurred, and effective
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Document Created: 2016-05-05 01:15:48
Document Modified: 2016-05-05 01:15:48
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of guidance. | |
| Dates | Grant applications for the FP&S Grant Program will be accepted electronically at https://portal.fema.gov, from April 4-May 6, 2016. | |
| Contact | Catherine Patterson, Chief, Assistance to Firefighters Grants Branch, 1-866-274-0960. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 27159 |
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