83 FR 11548 - Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 51 (March 15, 2018)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 51 (March 15, 2018)
| Page Range | 11548-11553 | |
| FR Document | 2018-05214 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 51 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 11548-11553] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-05214] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA-2018-0017] 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 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will use for awarding Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. 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 February 28--March 3, 2017. The application period for the FY 2017 FP&S Grant Program year will be February 12, 2018--March 16, 2018, and will be announced on the AFG website (www.fema.gov/firegrants), www.grants.gov, and the U.S. Fire Administration website (www.usfa.fema.gov). DATES: Grant applications for the FP&S Grant Program will be accepted electronically at https://portal.fema.gov, from February 12, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. ET to March 16, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. ET. ADDRESSES: Assistance to Firefighters Grants Branch, DHS/FEMA, 400 C Street SW, 3N, Washington, DC 20472-3635. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Patterson, Chief, Assistance to Firefighters Grants Branch, 1-866-274-0960. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the FP&S Program is to reduce fire and fire-related injuries and prevent deaths among the public and firefighters by assisting fire prevention programs and supporting firefighter health and safety research and development. 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: 1. Activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death, injuries, and property damage caused by fire and fire-related hazards (``FP&S Activity''). 2. Projects aimed at improving firefighter safety, health, or wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries (``R&D Activity''). The grant program's authorizing statute requires that DHS publish in the Federal Register each year 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 2017 Fire Prevention and Safety Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which will be available for download at www.fema.gov/firegrants and at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: FEMA-2018-0017. Appropriations Congress appropriated $345,000,000 for AFG in FY 2017 pursuant to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2017, Public Law 115-31. From this amount, $34,500,000 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 2017 AFG awards, pursuant to Public Law 115-31, will be available for obligation and award until September 30, 2018. From the approximately 1,000 applications that will be requesting assistance, FEMA anticipates that it will award approximately 150 FP&S Grants from available grant funding. Background of the AFG Program DHS awards grants on a competitive basis to 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:Financial Need Vulnerability Statement Implementation Plan Evaluation Plan Cost-Benefit Funding Priorities 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 enable improvement in firefighter safety, health, or wellness will be deemed to be in the ``competitive range'' and 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 goals, objectives, and specific aims Literature Review Project Methods Project Measurements Project Analysis Dissemination and Implementation Cost vs. Benefit (additional consideration) Financial Need (additional consideration) Mentoring (additional consideration for Early Career Investigator Projects only) [[Page 11549]] Eligible Applicants Under the FY 2017 FP&S Grant Program, eligible applicants are limited to those entities described below within each activity: 1. Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Activity: Eligible applicants for this activity include fire departments; and national, regional, State, local, federally recognized 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, federally recognized 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. Funding Limitations Awards are limited to a maximum federal share of $1.5 million dollars, regardless of applicant type, in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 2229(d)(2). FP&S Research and Development applicants applying under the Early Career Investigator category are limited to a maximum federal share of $75,000 per project year. 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 may contact potential awardees to determine whether the grant recipient has the funding in hand or whether 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, 5 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; complementary activities; and provision of staff, facilities, services, material, or equipment. 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 compliance with provisions listed above. Grant recipients under this program must also agree to a maintenance of effort requirement per 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 NOFO at not less than 80 percent of the average amount of such expenditures in the 2 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which the grant amounts are received. In cases of demonstrated economic hardship and upon the request of the grant recipient, the FEMA Administrator may waive or reduce certain grant recipient's cost share or maintenance of expenditure requirements (15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(4)(A)). As required by 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(4)(B), the Administrator established guidelines for determining what constitutes economic hardship and published these guidelines at FEMA's website www.fema.gov/grants. Per 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(4)(C), FP&S nonprofit organization grant recipients that are not fire departments or emergency medical services organizations are not eligible to receive a waiver of their cost share or economic hardship requirements. System for Award Management (SAM) Per 2 CFR 25.200, all grant applicants and recipients are required to register in https://SAM.gov, which is available free of charge. They must maintain validated information in SAM that is consistent with the data provided in their AFG grant application and in the Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) database. FEMA will not accept any application, process any awards, consider any payment or amendment requests, or consider any amendment unless the applicant or grant recipient has complied with the requirements to provide a valid DUNS number and an active SAM registration with current information. The banking information, employer identification number (EIN), organization/entity name, address, and DUNS number provided in the application must match the information that is provided in SAM. Application Process Applicants may only submit one application, but may submit for up to three projects under each activity (FP&S and R&D). Any applicant that submits more than one application may have all applications deemed ineligible. Under the FP&S Activity, applicants may apply under the following categories: Community Risk Reduction 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 Early Career Investigator Prior to the start of the FY 2017 FP&S Grant Program application period, FEMA provided applicants with technical assistance tools (available at the AFG website: 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 related questions. Applicants can reach the AFG Help Desk through a toll-free telephone number (1-866-274-0960) or email (firegrants@fema.dhs.gov). Applicants are advised to access the application electronically at https://portal.fema.gov. The application also is accessible from the Grants.gov website [[Page 11550]] (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 are required to use their previously established usernames and passwords when applying for an FP&S grant. 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: Community Risk Reduction--Under the Community Risk Reduction category there are three funding priorities: [cir] Priority will be given to programs that target a specific high-risk population to conduct both door-to-door smoke alarm installations and provide home safety inspections, as part of a comprehensive home fire safety campaign. [cir] 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. [cir] Priority will be given to programs to conduct community- appropriate comprehensive risk assessments and risk reduction planning. Code Enforcement/Awareness--These are projects that focus on first time or reinstatement of code adoption and code enforcement, including Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) codes for communities with a WUI-wildfire risk. Fire & Arson Investigation--These are projects that aim to aggressively investigate every fire. National/State/Regional Programs and Studies--These are 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 its third working group to update the agenda with current priorities. A copy of the research agenda is available on the NFFF website at http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/resources/research-symposium-reports/. 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 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 are encouraged to read the FP&S NOFO 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 composed of representatives from nine major fire service organizations that 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: 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 2017 criteria development panel meeting occurred February 28-March 3, 2017. The content of the FY 2017 FP&S Notice of Funding Opportunity 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 2017 FP&S Grant Program are designed to address the following: First responder safety Enhancing national capabilities Risk Interoperability Changes for FY 2017 FY 2017 FP&S Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (1) Under the Fire Prevention and Safety Activity, a new priority has been added under the Community Risk Reduction Category to add community-appropriate comprehensive risk assessments and risk reduction planning. (2) Under the Fire Prevention and Safety Activity, clarification has been provided to the Code Enforcement/Awareness Priority to ensure inclusion of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) codes for communities with a WUI-wildfire risk. (3) Under the Research and Development Activity, a new category has been added for Early Career Investigator projects. (4) Under the Research and Development Activity, special emphasis topics have been added. 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 Peer Review Panel Process--Fire Prevention and Safety Activity All FP&S activity applications will be evaluated by a peer review process. A panel of peer reviewers is composed of fire service representatives recommended by the Criteria Development Panel. These reviewers 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 below. The panel 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. [[Page 11551]] Peer Review Panel 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 the need for the research results and the likelihood that the results would be implemented by the fire service in the United States. Applications that are deemed 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 project review, which is the science review panel process. This panel will be composed of scientists and technology experts who have expertise pertaining to the subject matter of the proposal. Scientific reviewers will independently score applications in the competitive range and, if necessary, discuss the merits or shortcomings of the project in order to reconcile any major discrepancies identified by the reviewers. A consensus is not required. Technical Evaluation Process The highest ranked projects from both Activities will be deemed in the fundable range. Applications that are in the fundable range will undergo a Technical Review by the FEMA Program Office prior to being recommended for award. The FEMA Program Office will assess the request with respect to costs, quantities, feasibility, eligibility, and recipient responsibility prior to recommending any application for award. Once the review process is complete, each project's score will be determined and a final ranking of project applications will be created. FEMA will award grants based on this final ranking. 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 peer reviewers 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 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 assessment 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 (i.e., how the weak link was found) should be discussed in-depth in the application's rrative 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 2017 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., tional 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, discussing 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 outlining the chronological project steps. [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 economical and efficient manner. The applicant should show how it will 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. The application should provide justification for all costs included in the project in order to assist the FEMA Program Office with the Technical Evaluation Panel review. Funding Priorities (5%): Applicants will be evaluated on whether the proposed project meets the stated funding priority (listed below) for the applicable category. [cir] Community Risk Reduction Priority: Comprehensive home fire safety campaign with door-to-door smoke alarm installations and/or sprinkler awareness and/or community risk assessments. [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, including Wildland [[Page 11552]] Urban Interface (WUI) codes for communities with a WUI-wildfire risk. [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 measurably change firefighter behavior and decision-making. [ssquf] Meeting the needs of people with disabilities (additional consideration): Applicants in the Community Risk Reduction category will receive additional consideration if, as part of their comprehensive smoke alarm installation and education program, they address the needs of people with disabilities (e.g., deaf/hard-of- hearing) in their community. [ssquf] 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--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 be reviewed by a fire service expert panel using weighted evaluation criteria, and those projects 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. 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 the projected wellness by significantly improving the overall health of firefighters. Barriers (15%): 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 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 participants for research, where applicable, should be described. Where human participants are involved in the project, the applicant should describe plans for submission to the Institutional Review Board (for further guidance and requirements, see page 23 of the FY 2017 FP&S NOFO. 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 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 websites, 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 [[Page 11553]] 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.). Mentoring (additional consideration for Early Career Investigator Projects only): An important part of Early Career Investigator projects is the integration of mentoring for the principal investigator by experienced researchers in areas appropriate to the research project, including exposure to the fire service community as well as support for ongoing development of knowledge and skills. Mentoring is regarded as critical to the research skills development of early career principal investigators. As part of the application Appendix, the applicant should identify the mentor(s) who have agreed to support the applicant and the expected benefit of their interactions with the researcher. A biographical sketch and letter of support from the mentor(s) are encouraged and should be included in the Appendix materials. 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 FEMA Administrator, or the Administrator's designee. Fire departments and other eligible applicants that have received funding under the FP&S Grant 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. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229. Dated: March 9, 2018. Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2018-05214 Filed 3-14-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-64-P
![11548 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 51 / Thursday, March 15, 2018 / Notices
Date: April 4, 2018. ADDRESSES: Assistance to Firefighters assistance, FEMA anticipates that it will
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Grants Branch, DHS/FEMA, 400 C Street award approximately 150 FP&S Grants
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant SW, 3N, Washington, DC 20472–3635. from available grant funding.
applications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Place: National Institutes of Health, 6701 Background of the AFG Program
Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 Catherine Patterson, Chief, Assistance to
Firefighters Grants Branch, 1–866–274– DHS awards grants on a competitive
(Telephone Conference Call).
Contact Person: Yvonne Owens Ferguson, 0960. basis to applicants that best address the
Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FP&S Grant Program’s priorities and
Scientific Review, National Institutes of purpose of the FP&S Program is to provide the most compelling
Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive Room 3139, reduce fire and fire-related injuries and justification. Applications that best
Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–827–3689, prevent deaths among the public and address the Program’s priorities will be
fergusonyo@csr.nih.gov. reviewed by a panel composed of fire
firefighters by assisting fire prevention
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance programs and supporting firefighter service personnel.
Program Nos. 93.306, Comparative Medicine;
health and safety research and Award Criteria
93.333, Clinical Research, 93.306, 93.333,
93.337, 93.393–93.396, 93.837–93.844, development. The FEMA Grant
All applications for grants will be
93.846–93.878, 93.892, 93.893, National Programs Directorate administers the
FP&S Grant Program as part of the AFG prepared and submitted through the
Institutes of Health, HHS) AFG e-Grant application portal (https://
Program.
Dated: March 9, 2018.
FP&S Grants are offered to support portal.fema.gov).
Natasha M. Copeland, projects in two activities: The FP&S Grant Program panels will
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory 1. Activities designed to reach high- review the applications and score them
Committee Policy. risk target groups and mitigate the using the following criteria areas:
[FR Doc. 2018–05216 Filed 3–14–18; 8:45 am] incidence of death, injuries, and • Financial Need
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P property damage caused by fire and fire- • Vulnerability Statement
related hazards (‘‘FP&S Activity’’). • Implementation Plan
2. Projects aimed at improving • Evaluation Plan
firefighter safety, health, or wellness • Cost-Benefit
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND • Funding Priorities
SECURITY through research and development that
reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries The applications submitted under the
Federal Emergency Management (‘‘R&D Activity’’). R&D Activity will be reviewed first by
Agency The grant program’s authorizing a panel of fire service members to
statute requires that DHS publish in the identify those applications most
[Docket ID FEMA–2018–0017] Federal Register each year the relevant to the fire service. The
guidelines that describe the application following evaluation criteria will be
Assistance to Firefighters Grant process and the criteria for grant used for this review:
Program; Fire Prevention and Safety awards. Approximately 1,000 • Purpose
Grants applications for FP&S Grant Program • Potential Impact
AGENCY: Federal Emergency funding are anticipated to be submitted • Implementation by the Fire Service
Management Agency, DHS. electronically, using the application • Partners
submission form and process available • Barriers
ACTION: Notice of guidance.
at the AFG e-Grant application portal: The applications that are determined
SUMMARY: This Notice provides https://portal.fema.gov. Specific most likely to enable improvement in
guidelines that describe the application information about the submission of firefighter safety, health, or wellness
process for grants and the criteria the grant applications can be found in the will be deemed to be in the
Federal Emergency Management Agency FY 2017 Fire Prevention and Safety ‘‘competitive range’’ and forwarded to
(FEMA) will use for awarding Fire Program Notice of Funding Opportunity the second level of application review,
Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants in (NOFO), which will be available for which is the scientific panel review
the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Assistance to download at www.fema.gov/firegrants process. This panel will be comprised of
Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. It and at www.regulations.gov under scientists and technology experts who
explains the differences, if any, between Docket ID: FEMA–2018–0017. have expertise pertaining to the subject
these guidelines and those Appropriations matter of the proposal.
recommended by representatives of the The Scientific Technical Evaluation
Congress appropriated $345,000,000 Panel for the R&D Activity will review
Nation’s fire service leadership during
for AFG in FY 2017 pursuant to the the application and evaluate it using the
the annual Criteria Development
Department of Homeland Security following criteria:
meeting, which was held February 28—
Appropriations Act, 2017, Public Law • Project goals, objectives, and specific
March 3, 2017. The application period
115–31. From this amount, $34,500,000 aims
for the FY 2017 FP&S Grant Program
will be made available for FP&S Grant • Literature Review
year will be February 12, 2018—March
awards, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. • Project Methods
16, 2018, and will be announced on the
AFG website (www.fema.gov/firegrants),
2229(h)(5), which states that not less • Project Measurements
www.grants.gov, and the U.S. Fire
than 10 percent of available grant funds • Project Analysis
• Dissemination and Implementation
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
each year are awarded under the FP&S
Administration website
Grant Program. Funds appropriated for • Cost vs. Benefit (additional
(www.usfa.fema.gov).
all FY 2017 AFG awards, pursuant to consideration)
DATES: Grant applications for the FP&S Public Law 115–31, will be available for • Financial Need (additional
Grant Program will be accepted obligation and award until September consideration)
electronically at https://portal.fema.gov, 30, 2018. • Mentoring (additional consideration
from February 12, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. ET From the approximately 1,000 for Early Career Investigator Projects
to March 16, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. ET. applications that will be requesting only)
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 51 / Thursday, March 15, 2018 / Notices 11553
development project as it relates to the applicant’s performance on prior grants SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
benefits that are projected for when making funding decisions on
What action is the Department of
firefighters who would have improved current applications.
Once every application in the Homeland Security (DHS) taking under
safety, health, or wellness. Applicants
competitive range has been through the this notice?
should demonstrate a high benefit for
the cost incurred, and effective technical evaluation phase, the The Secretary of Homeland Security
utilization of Federal funds for research applications will be ranked according to is exercising her authority under 8 CFR
activities. the average score awarded by the panel. 214.2(f)(9) to extend the suspension of
• Financial Need (additional The ranking will be summarized in a the applicability of certain requirements
consideration): In the Applicant Technical Report prepared by the AFG governing on-campus and off-campus
Information section of the application, Program Office. A Grants Management employment for F–1 nonimmigrant
applicants should provide details on the Specialist will contact the applicant to students whose country of citizenship is
need for Federal financial assistance to discuss and/or negotiate the content of Syria, who are lawfully present in the
carry out the proposed project(s). the application and SAM.gov United States in F–1 nonimmigrant
Applicants may include a description of registration before making final award student status, obtained F–1
unsuccessful attempts to acquire decisions. nonimmigrant status by September 9,
financial assistance. Applicants should Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229. 2016, and who are experiencing severe
provide detail about the organization’s economic hardship as a direct result of
Dated: March 9, 2018.
operating budget, including a high-level the civil unrest in Syria since March
breakdown of the budget; describe the Brock Long,
Administrator, Federal Emergency
2011. See 77 FR 20038 (April 3, 2012);
department’s inability to address 81 FR 62520 (September 9, 2016). The
Management Agency.
financial needs without Federal original notice was effective from April
assistance; and discuss other actions the [FR Doc. 2018–05214 Filed 3–14–18; 8:45 am]
3, 2012 until October 3, 2013. A
department has taken to meet their BILLING CODE 9111–64–P
subsequent notice provided for an 18-
staffing needs (e.g., State assistance month extension from October 3, 2013,
programs, other grant programs, etc.). through March 31, 2015. See 78 FR
• Mentoring (additional DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY 36211 (June 17, 2013). A third notice
consideration for Early Career provided another 18-month extension
Investigator Projects only): An important [DHS Docket No. ICEB–2013–0001] from March 31, 2015, through
part of Early Career Investigator projects September 30, 2016. See 80 FR 232
is the integration of mentoring for the RIN 1653–ZA13
(January 5, 2015). A fourth notice
principal investigator by experienced Extension of Employment provided another 18-month extension
researchers in areas appropriate to the Authorization for Syrian F–1 from September 30, 2016, through
research project, including exposure to Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing March 31, 2018, and expanded the
the fire service community as well as Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct applicability of such suspension to
support for ongoing development of Result of Civil Unrest in Syria Since Syian F–1 students who lawfully
knowledge and skills. Mentoring is March 2011 obtained F–1 nonimmigrant student
regarded as critical to the research skills
AGENCY: U.S. Immigration and Customs status between April 3, 2012 and
development of early career principal
Enforcement (ICE), DHS. September 9, 2016. See 81 FR 62520
investigators. As part of the application
(September 9, 2016). Effective with this
Appendix, the applicant should identify ACTION: Notice.
publication, suspension of the
the mentor(s) who have agreed to
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public employment limitations is extended for
support the applicant and the expected
of the extension of an earlier notice, 18 months from March 31, 2018 until
benefit of their interactions with the
which suspended certain requirements September 30, 2019.
researcher. A biographical sketch and
letter of support from the mentor(s) are for F–1 nonimmigrant students whose F–1 nonimmigrant students granted
encouraged and should be included in country of citizenship is Syria and who employment authorization through the
the Appendix materials. are experiencing severe economic notice will continue to be deemed to be
hardship as a direct result of the civil engaged in a ‘‘full course of study’’ for
Other Selection Information unrest in Syria since March 2011. This the duration of their employment
Awards will be made using the results notice extends the effective date of that authorization, provided they satisfy the
of peer-reviewed applications as the notice. The extension of the suspension minimum course load requirement
primary basis for decisions, regardless applies to such students whose country described in 77 FR 20038. See 8 CFR
of activity. However, there are some of citizenship is Syria and who lawfully 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F).
exceptions to strictly using the peer obtained F–1 nonimmigrant student
status by September 9, 2016. Who is covered under this action?
review results. The applicant’s prior
AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant DATES: This notice is effective March 15, This notice applies exclusively to
management performance will also be 2018 and will remain in effect until F–1 nonimmigrant students whose
taken into consideration when making September 30, 2019. country of citizenship is Syria and who
recommendations for award. All final FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: were lawfully present in the United
funding determinations will be made by Rachel Canty, Director, Student and States in F–1 nonimmigrant status
under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
the FEMA Administrator, or the Exchange Visitor Program, MS 5600,
Administrator’s designee. U.S. Immigration and Customs Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),
Fire departments and other eligible Enforcement, 500 12th Street SW, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i), on September
applicants that have received funding Washington, DC 20536–5600; email: 9, 2016, and are—
under the FP&S Grant Program in sevp@ice.dhs.gov, telephone: (703) 603– (1) Enrolled in an institution that is
previous years are eligible to apply for 3400. This is not a toll-free number. Student and Exchange Visitor Program
funding in the current year. However, Program information can be found at (SEVP)-certified for enrollment of F–1
DHS may take into account an http://www.ice.gov/sevis/. students,
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Document Created: 2018-03-15 02:37:50
Document Modified: 2018-03-15 02:37:50
| 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 February 12, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. ET to March 16, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. ET. | |
| Contact | Catherine Patterson, Chief, Assistance to Firefighters Grants Branch, 1-866-274-0960. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 11548 |
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