83 FR 53646 - Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 206 (October 24, 2018)

Page Range		53646-53650
FR Document		2018-23160

Pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, as amended, the Administrator of FEMA is publishing this notice describing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program application process, deadlines, and award selection criteria. This notice explains the differences, if any, between these guidelines and those recommended by representatives of the national fire service leadership during the annual meeting of the Criteria Development Panel, which was held January 17, 2018. The application period for the FY 2018 AFG Program began September 24, 2018 and closes October 26, 2018, and was announced on the AFG website at: https:// www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program, as well as at www.grants.gov.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 206 (Wednesday, October 24, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 206 (Wednesday, October 24, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53646-53650]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23160]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID: FEMA-2018-0008]

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of
Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice of availability of grant application and application
deadline.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of
1974, as amended, the Administrator of FEMA is publishing this notice
describing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant
(AFG) Program application process, deadlines, and award selection
criteria. This notice explains the differences, if any, between these
guidelines and those recommended by representatives of the national
fire service leadership during the annual meeting of the Criteria
Development Panel, which was held January 17, 2018. The application
period for the FY 2018 AFG Program began September 24, 2018 and closes
October 26, 2018, and was announced on the AFG website at: https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program, as well as
at www.grants.gov.

DATES: Grant applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Program are accepted electronically at https://portal.fema.gov, from
September 24, 2018 through October 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time.

ADDRESSES: Assistance to Firefighters Grant Branch, DHS/FEMA, 400 C
Street SW, 3N, Washington, DC 20472-3635.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Patterson, Branch Chief,
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Branch, 1-866-274-0960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The AFG Program awards grants directly to
fire departments, non-affiliated emergency medical services (EMS)
organizations, and State Fire Training Academies (SFTAs) for the
purpose of enhancing the health and safety of first responders and
improving their abilities to protect the public from fire and fire-
related hazards.
Applications for the FY 2018 AFG Program will be submitted and
processed online at https://portal.fema.gov. Before the application
period started, the FY 2018 AFG Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
was published on the AFG website. The AFG website provides additional
information and materials useful to applicants including Frequently
Asked Questions, a Get Ready Guide, and a Quick Reference Guide. Based
on past AFG application periods, FEMA anticipates the receipt of 10,000
to 15,000 applications for the FY 2018 AFG Program, and the ability to
award approximately 2,500 grants.

Congressional Appropriations

For the FY 2018 AFG Program, Congress appropriated $350,000,000
(Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018 Pub. L. 115-
141). From this amount, $315,000,000 will be made available for AFG
awards. In addition, Section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974, as amended (15 U.S.C. 2229), requires that a
minimum of 10 percent of available funds be expended for Fire
Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S). FP&S awards will be made directly
to local fire departments and to local, regional, State, or national
entities recognized for their expertise in the fields of fire
prevention and firefighter safety research and development. Funds
appropriated for FY 2018 will be available for obligation and award
until September 30, 2019.
The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 further directs
FEMA to administer these appropriations according to the following
requirements:
Career fire department: Not less than 25 percent of
available grant funds.
Volunteer fire department: Not less than 25 percent of
available grant funds.
Combination fire department and departments using paid-on-
call firefighting personnel: Not less than 25 percent of available
grant funds.
Open Competition (career, volunteer, and/or combination
fire departments and departments using paid-on-call firefighting
personnel): Not less than 10 percent of available grant funds awarded.
Emergency Medical Services Providers including fire
departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations: Not less than 3.5
percent of available grants funds awarded, with nonaffiliated EMS
providers receiving no more than 2 percent of the total available grant
funds.
State Fire Training Academies: Not more than 3 percent of
available grant funds shall be collectively awarded to State Fire
Training Academy applicants, with a maximum of $500,000 per applicant.
Vehicles: Not more than 25 percent of available grant
funds may be used for

[[Page 53647]]

the purchase of vehicles; 10 percent of those vehicle funds will be
dedicated to the funding of ambulances. Vehicle funds will be
distributed as equally as possible among urban, suburban, and rural
community applicants.
Micro Grants: This is a voluntary funding limitation
choice made by the applicant for requests submitted within the
Operations and Safety activity; it is not an additional funding
opportunity. Micro Grants are awards that have a federal participation
(share) that does not exceed $50,000. Only fire departments and
nonaffiliated EMS organizations are eligible to choose Micro Grants,
and the only eligible Micro Grants requests are for Training,
Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Wellness and
Fitness activities. Applicants that select Micro Grants as a funding
opportunity may receive additional consideration for award. If an
applicant selects Micro Grants in their application, they will be
limited in the total amount of funding their organization can be
awarded; if they are requesting funding in excess of $50,000 federal
participation, they should not select Micro Grants.

Background of the AFG Program

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders
to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency
vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public
and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. FEMA awards
grants on a competitive basis to the applicants that best address the
AFG Program's priorities and provide the most compelling justification.
Applications that best address AFG priorities, as identified in the
Application Evaluation Criteria, will be reviewed by a panel composed
of fire service personnel.
AFG has three program activities:

Operations and Safety
Vehicle Acquisition
Regional Projects

The priorities for each activity are fully outlined in the NOFO.

Application Evaluation Criteria

Prior to making a grant award, FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. 3321
note, 41 U.S.C. 2313, and 2 CFR 200.205 to review information available
through any Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated
repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial
integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may
include the following risk based considerations of the applicant: (1)
Financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to
meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing
federal awards; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability
to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.
FEMA will rank all complete and submitted applications based on how
well they match program priorities for the type of jurisdiction(s)
served. Answers to activity specific questions provide information used
to determine each application's ranking relative to the stated program
priorities.
Funding priorities and criteria for evaluating AFG applications are
established by FEMA based on the recommendations from the Criteria
Development Panel (CDP). CDP is comprised of fire service professionals
that make recommendations to FEMA regarding the creation of new, or the
modification of, previously established funding priorities, as well as
developing criteria for awarding grants. The content of the NOFO
reflects implementation of CDP's recommendations with respect to the
priorities and evaluation criteria for awards.
The nine major fire service organizations represented on the CDP
are:

International Association of Fire Chiefs
International Association of Fire Fighters
National Volunteer Fire Council
National Fire Protection Association
National Association of State Fire Marshals
International Association of Arson Investigators
International Society of Fire Service Instructors
North American Fire Training Directors
Congressional Fire Service Institute

Review and Selection Process

AFG applications are reviewed through a multi-phase process. All
applications are electronically pre-scored and ranked based on how well
they align with the funding priorities outlined in this notice.
Applications with the highest pre-score rankings are then scored
competitively by (no less than three) members of the Peer Panel Review
process. Applications will also be evaluated through a series of
internal FEMA review processes for completeness, adherence to
programmatic guidelines, technical feasibility, and anticipated
effectiveness of the proposed project(s). Below is the process by which
applications will be reviewed:

1. Pre-Scoring Process

The application undergoes an electronic pre-scoring process based
on established program priorities listed within the NOFO and answers to
activity specific questions within the online application. Application
narratives are not reviewed during pre-scoring. Request details and
budget information should comply with program guidance and statutory
funding limitations. The pre-score is 50 percent of the total
application score.

2. Peer Review Panel Process

Applications with the highest pre-score will undergo peer review.
The peer review is comprised of fire service representatives
recommended by CDP national organizations. The panelists assess the
merits of each application based on the narrative section of the
application, including the evaluation elements listed in the Narrative
Evaluation Criteria below. Panelists will independently score each
project within the application, discuss the merits and/or shortcomings
of the application with his or her peers, and document the findings. A
consensus is not required. The panel score is 50 percent of the total
application score.

3. Technical Evaluation Process

The highest ranked applications are considered within the fundable
range. Applications that are in the fundable range undergo both a
technical review by a subject matter expert, as well as a FEMA AFG
Branch review prior to being recommended for an award. The FEMA AFG
Branch will assess the request with respect to costs, quantities,
feasibility, eligibility, and recipient responsibility prior to
recommending an application for award. Once the technical evaluation
process is complete, the cumulative score for each application will be
determined and FEMA will generate a final ranking of applications. FEMA
will award grants based on this final ranking and the statutorily
required funding limitations listed in this notice and the NOFO.

Narrative Evaluation Criteria

1. Financial Need (25 Percent)

Applicants should describe their financial need and how consistent
it is with the intent of the AFG Program. This statement should include
details describing the applicant's financial distress, summarized
budget constraints, unsuccessful attempts to secure other funding, and
proof that their financial distress is out of their control.

[[Page 53648]]

2. Project Description and Budget (25 Percent)

This statement should clearly explain the applicant's project
objectives and the relationship between those objectives and the
applicant's budget and risk analysis. The applicant should describe the
activities, including program priorities or facility modifications,
ensuring consistency with project objectives, the applicant's mission,
and any national, State, and/or local requirements. Applicants should
link the proposed expenses to operations and safety, as well as the
completion of the project goals.

3. Operations and Safety/Cost Benefit (25 Percent)

Applicants should describe how they plan to address the operations
and personal safety needs of their organization, including cost
effectiveness and sharing assets. This statement should also include
details about gaining the maximum benefits from grant funding by citing
reasonable or required costs, such as specific overhead and
administrative costs. The applicant's request should also be consistent
with their mission and identify how funding will benefit their
organization and personnel.

4. Statement of Effect/Impact on Daily Operations (25 Percent)

This statement should explain how these funds will enhance the
organization's overall effectiveness. It should address how an award
will improve daily operations and reduce the organization's risks.
Applicants should include how frequently the requested items will be
used, and in what capacity. Applicants should also indicate how the
requested items will help the community and increase the organization's
ability to save additional lives or property.

Eligible Applicants

Fire Departments: Fire departments operating in any of the 50
States, as well as fire departments in the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any federally
recognized Indian tribe or tribal organization.
A fire department is an agency or organization having a formally
recognized arrangement with a State, territory, local, or tribal
authority (city, county, parish, fire district, township, town, or
other governing body) to provide fire suppression to a population
within a geographically fixed primary first due response area.
Nonaffiliated EMS organizations: Nonaffiliated EMS organizations
operating in any of the 50 States, as well as the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any
federally recognized Indian tribe or tribal organization.
A nonaffiliated EMS organization is an agency or organization that
is a public or private nonprofit emergency medical services entity
providing medical transport that is not affiliated with a hospital and
does not serve a geographic area in which emergency medical services
are adequately provided by a fire department.
FEMA considers the following as hospitals under the AFG Program:

Clinics
Medical centers
Medical colleges or universities
Infirmaries
Surgery centers
Any other institutions, associations, or foundations providing
medical, surgical, or psychiatric care and/or treatment for the sick or
injured.

State Fire Training Academies: A State Fire Training Academy (SFTA)
operates in any of the 50 States, as well as the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Applicants must be designated either by legislation or by a Governor's
declaration as the sole fire service training agency within a state,
territory, or the District of Columbia. The designated SFTA shall be
the only agency/bureau/division, or entity within that state,
territory, or the District of Columbia.

Ineligibility

To avoid a duplication of benefits, FEMA reserves the
right to review all program activities or grant applications where two
or more organizations share a single facility. To be eligible as a
separate organization, two or more fire departments or nonaffiliated
EMS organizations will have different funding streams, personnel
rosters, or Employee Identification Numbers (EINs). If two or more
organizations share facilities and each submits an application in the
same program area (i.e., Equipment, Modify Facilities, Personal
Protective Equipment, Training, and Wellness and Fitness Programs) FEMA
will carefully review each program for eligibility.
Fire-based EMS organizations are not eligible to apply as
nonaffiliated EMS organizations. Fire-based EMS training and equipment
must be requested by a fire department under the AFG component program
Operations and Safety.
Eligible applicants may submit only one application for
each activity (e.g., Operations and Safety or Regional), but may submit
for multiple projects within each activity. Under the Vehicle Activity,
applicants may submit one application for vehicles for their department
and one separate application to host a Regional vehicle. Duplicate
applications (more than one application in the same activity) may be
disqualified.
An Operations and Safety applicant may submit one
application for an eligible project (i.e., turn out gear); it may not
submit a Regional application for the same project.

Statutory Limits to Funding

Congress has enacted statutory limits to the amount of funding that
a grant recipient may receive from the AFG Program in any single fiscal
year (15 U.S.C. 2229(c)(2)) based on the population served. Awards will
be limited based on the size of the population protected by the
applicant, as indicated below. Notwithstanding the annual limits stated
below, the FEMA Administrator may not award a grant in an amount that
exceeds one percent of the available grants funds in such fiscal year,
except where it is determined that such recipient has an extraordinary
need for a grant in an amount that exceeds the one percent aggregate
limit.
In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with
100,000 people or fewer, the amount of available grant funds awarded to
such recipient shall not exceed $1 million in any fiscal year.
In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with
more than 100,000 people, but not more than 500,000 people, the amount
of available grant funds awarded to such recipient shall not exceed $2
million in any fiscal year.
In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with
more than 500,000, but not more than 1 million people, the amount of
available grant funds awarded to such recipient shall not exceed $3
million in any fiscal year.
In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with
more than 1 million people but not more than 2,500,000 people, the
amount of available grant funds awarded to such recipient is subject to
the one percent aggregate cap of $3,500,000 for FY 2018, but FEMA may
waive this aggregate cap in individual cases where FEMA determines that
a recipient has an extraordinary need for a grant that

[[Page 53649]]

exceeds the aggregate cap; if FEMA waives the aggregate cap, the amount
of grant funds awarded to such recipient shall not exceed $6 million
for any fiscal year.
In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with
more than 2,500,000 people, the amount of available grant funds awarded
to such recipient is subject to the one percent aggregate cap of
$3,500,000 for FY 2018, but FEMA may waive this aggregate cap in
individual cases where FEMA determines that a recipient has an
extraordinary need for a grant that exceeds the aggregate cap; if FEMA
waives the aggregate cap, the amount of grant funds awarded to such
recipient shall not exceed $9 million for any fiscal year.
FEMA may not waive the population-based limits on the
amount of grant funds awarded as set by 15 U.S.C. 2229(c)(2)(A).
The cumulative total of the federal share of awards in Operations
and Safety, Regional, and Vehicle Acquisition activities will be
considered when assessing award amounts and any limitations thereto.
Applicants may request funding up to the statutory limit on each of
their applications.
For example, an applicant that serves a jurisdiction with more than
100,000 people, but not more than 500,000 people, may request up to $2
million on their Operations and Safety Application, and up to $2
million on their Vehicle Acquisition request. However, should both
grants be awarded, the applicant would have to choose which award to
accept if the cumulative value of both applications exceeds the
statutory limits.

Cost Sharing and Maintenance of Effort

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 applicable federal regulations at 2 CFR part 200, 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 a grant shall agree to
make available non-federal funds equal to not less than 15 percent of
the grant awarded. However, the cost share will vary as follows based
on the size of the population served by the organization, with
exceptions to this general requirement for entities serving smaller
communities:
Applicants that serve populations of 20,000 or less shall
agree to make available non-federal funds in an amount equal to not
less than 5 percent of the grant awarded.
Applicants serving areas with populations above 20,000,
but not more than 1 million, shall agree to make available non-federal
funds in an amount equal to not less than 10 percent of the grant
awarded.
Applicants serving areas with populations above 1 million
shall agree to make available non-federal funds in an amount equal to
not less than 15 percent of the grant awarded.
The cost share for SFTAs will apply the requirements above based on
the total population of the State.
The cost share for a regional application will apply the
requirements above based on the aggregate population of the primary
first due response areas of the Host and participating partner
organizations that execute a Memorandum of Understanding as described
in Appendix B, Section J, Regional projects, of the FY18 AFG Notice of
Funding Opportunity.
On a case-by-case basis, FEMA may allow a grant recipient that may
already own assets (equipment or vehicles), acquired with non-federal
cash, to use the trade-in allowance/credit value of those assets as
``cash'' for the purpose of meeting the cost-share obligation of their
AFG award. In-kind, cost-share matches are not allowed.
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). A grant recipient shall agree to maintain during the term of
the grant the applicant's aggregate expenditures relating to the
activities allowable under the NOFO at not less than 80 percent of the
average amount of such expenditures in the two fiscal years preceding
the fiscal year in which the grant amounts are received.
In cases of demonstrated economic hardship, and at the request of
the grant recipient, the Administrator of FEMA may waive or reduce a
grant recipient's cost share requirement or maintenance of expenditure
requirement. AFG applicants for FY 2018 must indicate at the time of
application whether they are requesting a waiver and whether the waiver
is for the cost share requirement, for the maintenance of effort
requirement, or both. As required by statute, the Administrator of FEMA
is required to establish guidelines for determining what constitutes
economic hardship. FEMA has published these guidelines at FEMA's
website: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1518026897046-483d76a37022b8a581ffb7d42fa9b17e/Eco_Hardship_Waiver_FPS_SAFER_AFG_IB_FINAL.pdf.
Prior to the start of the FY 2018 AFG application period, FEMA
conducted applicant workshops and/or internet webinars to inform
potential applicants about the AFG Program. In addition, FEMA provided
applicants with information at the AFG website: https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program to help them prepare
quality grant applications. The AFG Help Desk is staffed throughout the
application period to assist applicants with the automated application
process as well as assistance with any questions.
Applicants can reach the AFG Help Desk through a toll-free
telephone number during normal business hours (1-866-274-0960) or
electronic mail [email protected].

Application Process

Organizations may submit one application per application period in
each of the three AFG program activities (e.g., one application for
Operations and Safety, one for Vehicle Acquisition, and/or a separate
application to be a Joint/Regional Project host). If an organization
submits more than one application for any single AFG program activity
(e.g., two applications for Operations and Safety, two for Vehicles,
etc.), either intentionally or unintentionally, both applications may
be disqualified.
Applicants can access the grant application electronically at
https://portal.fema.gov. The application is accessible from the U.S.
Fire Administration's website http://www.usfa.fema.gov and http://www.grants.gov. New applicants must register and establish a user name
and password for secure access to the grant application. Previous AFG
grant applicants must use their previously established user name and
passwords.
Applicants can answer questions about their grant request that
reflect the AFG funding priorities, described below. In addition, each
applicant must complete four separate narratives for each project or
grant activity requested. Grant applicants will also provide relevant
information about their organization's characteristics, call volume,
and existing organizational capabilities.

[[Page 53650]]

System for Award Management (SAM)

Per 2 CFR 25.200, all federal grant applicants and recipients must
register in https://SAM.gov. SAM is the Federal Government's System for
Awards Management, and registration is free of charge. Applicants must
maintain current information in SAM that is consistent with the data
provided in their AFG grant application and in the Dun & Bradstreet
(DUNS) database. FEMA may not accept any application, process any
awards, and consider any payment or amendment requests, unless the
applicant or grant recipient has complied with the requirements to
provide a valid DUNS number and an active SAM registration. The grant
applicant's banking information, EIN, organization/entity name,
address, and DUNS number must match the same information provided in
SAM.

Criteria Development Panel (CDP) Recommendations

If there are any differences between the published AFG guidelines
and the recommendations made by the CDP, FEMA must explain them and
publish the information in the Federal Register prior to awarding any
grant under the AFG Program. For FY 2018, FEMA accepted, and will
implement, all of the CDP's recommendations for the prioritization of
eligible activities.

Adopted Recommendations for FY 2018

The FY 2018 AFG NOFO contains some changes to definitions,
descriptions, and priority categories. Changes to the FY 2018 AFG NOFO
include:
Under the Equipment category, FEMA has updated the reasons
for equipment purchases. The new descriptions are:

High priority--Obtain equipment to achieve minimum operational
and deployment standards for existing missions
High priority--Replace unusable/unrepairable equipment to meet
current standard
High priority--Replace non-compliant equipment to current
standard
Medium priority--Obtain equipment for new mission
Low priority--Upgrade technology to current standard

Under the PPE category, FEMA has updated the purchase
reason for PPE/SCBA. The new descriptions are:

High priority--Replace unusable/unrepairable PPE to meet
current standard
High priority--Increase supply for new hires and/or existing
firefighters that do not have one set of turnout gear (PPE) or
allocated seated positions (SCBA)
Medium priority--Replace non-compliant PPE equipment to
current standard

Priority categories for Wellness and Fitness requests have
been updated
Mass Casualty and HazMat Technician training have been
updated from a Medium to High funding priority for fire department and
regional training under the Training Activity.
Cancer Screening Programs that meet NFPA 1582 were added
as a Priority 1 activity required for a Wellness and Fitness program.
Specialized training has been added as a medium priority,
and includes training such as Crisis Intervention Training, to provide
specialized training to firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical
service workers, and other first responders to recognize individuals
who have mental illness and how to properly intervene with individuals
with mental illness, including strategies for verbal de-escalation of
crises.

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229.

Dated: October 18, 2018.
Brock Long,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2018-23160 Filed 10-23-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-64-P

53646 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 24, 2018 / Notices

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND published on the AFG website. The AFG
SECURITY SECURITY website provides additional information
and materials useful to applicants
Federal Emergency Management Federal Emergency Management including Frequently Asked Questions,
Agency Agency a Get Ready Guide, and a Quick
[Docket ID: FEMA–2018–0008] Reference Guide. Based on past AFG
[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–4399– application periods, FEMA anticipates
DR; Docket ID FEMA–2018–0001 Assistance to Firefighters Grant the receipt of 10,000 to 15,000
Program applications for the FY 2018 AFG
Florida; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of Program, and the ability to award
a Major Disaster Declaration AGENCY: Federal Emergency approximately 2,500 grants.
Management Agency (FEMA),
AGENCY:Federal Emergency Department of Homeland Security Congressional Appropriations
Management Agency, DHS. (DHS). For the FY 2018 AFG Program,
ACTION: Notice of availability of grant Congress appropriated $350,000,000
ACTION: Notice. (Department of Homeland Security
application and application deadline.
Appropriations Act, 2018 Pub. L. 115–
SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Fire 141). From this amount, $315,000,000
of a major disaster declaration for the Prevention and Control Act of 1974, as will be made available for AFG awards.
State of Florida (FEMA–4399–DR), amended, the Administrator of FEMA is In addition, Section 33 of the Federal
dated October 11, 2018, and related publishing this notice describing the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974,
determinations. Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Assistance to as amended (15 U.S.C. 2229), requires
Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program that a minimum of 10 percent of
DATES:This amendment was issued application process, deadlines, and
October 12, 2018. available funds be expended for Fire
award selection criteria. This notice Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: explains the differences, if any, between FP&S awards will be made directly to
Dean Webster, Office of Response and these guidelines and those local fire departments and to local,
Recovery, Federal Emergency recommended by representatives of the regional, State, or national entities
Management Agency, 500 C Street SW, national fire service leadership during recognized for their expertise in the
Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2833. the annual meeting of the Criteria fields of fire prevention and firefighter
Development Panel, which was held safety research and development. Funds
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice January 17, 2018. The application
of a major disaster declaration for the appropriated for FY 2018 will be
period for the FY 2018 AFG Program available for obligation and award until
State of Florida is hereby amended to began September 24, 2018 and closes
include the following areas among those September 30, 2019.
October 26, 2018, and was announced The Federal Fire Prevention and
areas determined to have been adversely on the AFG website at: https:// Control Act of 1974 further directs
affected by the event declared a major www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance- FEMA to administer these
disaster by the President in his firefighters-grant-program, as well as at appropriations according to the
declaration of October 11, 2018. www.grants.gov. following requirements:
Calhoun, Gadsden, Jackson, and Liberty DATES: Grant applications for the • Career fire department: Not less
Counties for Individual Assistance (already Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program than 25 percent of available grant funds.
designated for debris removal and emergency are accepted electronically at https:// • Volunteer fire department: Not less
protective measures [Categories A and B], portal.fema.gov, from September 24, than 25 percent of available grant funds.
including direct federal assistance under the
2018 through October 26, 2018 at 5:00 • Combination fire department and
Public Assistance program). departments using paid-on-call
p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The following Catalog of Federal Domestic firefighting personnel: Not less than 25
Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used ADDRESSES: Assistance to Firefighters
Grant Branch, DHS/FEMA, 400 C Street percent of available grant funds.
for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, • Open Competition (career,
Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora SW, 3N, Washington, DC 20472–3635.
volunteer, and/or combination fire
Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling; FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: departments and departments using
97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Catherine Patterson, Branch Chief, paid-on-call firefighting personnel): Not
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); Assistance to Firefighters Grant Branch,
97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant;
less than 10 percent of available grant
1–866–274–0960. funds awarded.
97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to
Individuals and Households in Presidentially
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The AFG • Emergency Medical Services
Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Program awards grants directly to fire Providers including fire departments
Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance— departments, non-affiliated emergency and nonaffiliated EMS organizations:
Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals medical services (EMS) organizations, Not less than 3.5 percent of available
and Households; 97.050 Presidentially and State Fire Training Academies grants funds awarded, with
Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals (SFTAs) for the purpose of enhancing nonaffiliated EMS providers receiving
and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, the health and safety of first responders no more than 2 percent of the total
Disaster Grants—Public Assistance and improving their abilities to protect available grant funds.
(Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, the public from fire and fire-related • State Fire Training Academies: Not
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Hazard Mitigation Grant. hazards. more than 3 percent of available grant
Applications for the FY 2018 AFG funds shall be collectively awarded to
Brock Long, Program will be submitted and State Fire Training Academy applicants,
Administrator, Federal Emergency processed online at https:// with a maximum of $500,000 per
Management Agency. portal.fema.gov. Before the application applicant.
[FR Doc. 2018–23157 Filed 10–23–18; 8:45 am] period started, the FY 2018 AFG Notice • Vehicles: Not more than 25 percent
BILLING CODE 9111–11–P of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was of available grant funds may be used for

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53650 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 24, 2018 / Notices

System for Award Management (SAM) gear (PPE) or allocated seated areas determined to have been adversely
Per 2 CFR 25.200, all federal grant positions (SCBA) affected by the event declared a major
applicants and recipients must register • Medium priority—Replace non- disaster by the President in his
in https://SAM.gov. SAM is the Federal compliant PPE equipment to current declaration of August 4, 2018.
Government’s System for Awards standard Lake County for Public Assistance.
Management, and registration is free of • Priority categories for Wellness and The following Catalog of Federal Domestic
charge. Applicants must maintain Fitness requests have been updated Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used
current information in SAM that is • Mass Casualty and HazMat for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030,
consistent with the data provided in Technician training have been updated Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora
their AFG grant application and in the from a Medium to High funding priority Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling;
97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034,
Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) database. for fire department and regional training
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA);
FEMA may not accept any application, under the Training Activity. 97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant;
process any awards, and consider any • Cancer Screening Programs that 97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to
payment or amendment requests, unless meet NFPA 1582 were added as a Individuals and Households In Presidentially
the applicant or grant recipient has Priority 1 activity required for a Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049,
complied with the requirements to Wellness and Fitness program. Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance—
provide a valid DUNS number and an • Specialized training has been added Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals
active SAM registration. The grant as a medium priority, and includes and Households; 97.050, Presidentially
applicant’s banking information, EIN, training such as Crisis Intervention Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals
Training, to provide specialized training and Households—Other Needs; 97.036,
organization/entity name, address, and
Disaster Grants—Public Assistance
DUNS number must match the same to firefighters, paramedics, emergency (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039,
information provided in SAM. medical service workers, and other first Hazard Mitigation Grant.
responders to recognize individuals
Criteria Development Panel (CDP) who have mental illness and how to Brock Long,
Recommendations properly intervene with individuals Administrator, Federal Emergency
If there are any differences between with mental illness, including strategies Management Agency.
the published AFG guidelines and the for verbal de-escalation of crises. [FR Doc. 2018–23156 Filed 10–23–18; 8:45 am]
recommendations made by the CDP, Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229. BILLING CODE 9111–11–P
FEMA must explain them and publish
the information in the Federal Register Dated: October 18, 2018.
prior to awarding any grant under the Brock Long, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
AFG Program. For FY 2018, FEMA Administrator, Federal Emergency SECURITY
accepted, and will implement, all of the Management Agency.
CDP’s recommendations for the [FR Doc. 2018–23160 Filed 10–23–18; 8:45 am] Federal Emergency Management
prioritization of eligible activities. BILLING CODE 9111–64–P Agency
Adopted Recommendations for FY 2018 [Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–4393–
DR; Docket ID FEMA–2018–0001]
The FY 2018 AFG NOFO contains DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
some changes to definitions, SECURITY North Carolina; Amendment No. 5 to
descriptions, and priority categories. Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration
Changes to the FY 2018 AFG NOFO Federal Emergency Management
include: Agency AGENCY: Federal Emergency
• Under the Equipment category, Management Agency, DHS.
[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–4382–
FEMA has updated the reasons for ACTION: Notice.
DR; Docket ID FEMA–2018–0001]
equipment purchases. The new
SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice
descriptions are: California; Amendment No. 4 to Notice
of a major disaster declaration for the
• High priority—Obtain equipment to of a Major Disaster Declaration
State of North Carolina (FEMA–4393–
achieve minimum operational and AGENCY: Federal Emergency DR), dated September 14, 2018, and
deployment standards for existing Management Agency, DHS. related determinations.
missions
ACTION: Notice. DATES: This amendment was issued
• High priority—Replace unusable/
unrepairable equipment to meet October 12, 2018.
SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
current standard of a major disaster declaration for the
• High priority—Replace non-compliant State of California (FEMA–4382–DR),
Dean Webster, Office of Response and
equipment to current standard Recovery, Federal Emergency
dated August 4, 2018, and related
• Medium priority—Obtain equipment determinations.
Management Agency, 500 C Street SW,
for new mission Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2833.
• Low priority—Upgrade technology to DATES: This amendment was issued SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice
current standard October 4, 2018. of a major disaster declaration for the
• Under the PPE category, FEMA has FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: State of North Carolina is hereby
updated the purchase reason for PPE/ Dean Webster, Office of Response and amended to include permanent work
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1

SCBA. The new descriptions are: Recovery, Federal Emergency under the Public Assistance program for
• High priority—Replace unusable/ Management Agency, 500 C Street SW, those areas determined to have been
unrepairable PPE to meet current Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2833. adversely affected by the event declared
standard SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice a major disaster by the President in his
• High priority—Increase supply for of a major disaster declaration for the declaration of September 14, 2018.
new hires and/or existing firefighters State of California is hereby amended to Allegany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus,
that do not have one set of turnout include the following area among those Chatham, Dare, Granville, Montgomery,

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Document Created: 2018-10-24 00:25:00
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 00:25:00

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 availability of grant application and application deadline.
Dates		Grant applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program are accepted electronically at https://portal.fema.gov, from September 24, 2018 through October 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Contact		Catherine Patterson, Branch Chief, Assistance to Firefighters Grant Branch, 1-866-274-0960.
FR Citation		83 FR 53646

83 FR 53646 - Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITYFederal Emergency Management Agency

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 206 (October 24, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency