Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program-COVID-19 Supplemental Round 2 (AFG-S 2), 73287-73290 [2020-25330]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 222 / Tuesday, November 17, 2020 / Notices Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W246, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Jun Fang, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Research Technology and Contract Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W246, Rockville, MD 20850, 240– 276–5460, jfang@mail.nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; NCI Program Project I (P01). Date: February 9–10, 2021. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W618, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Mukesh Kumar, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Research Program Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W618, Rockville, MD 20850, 240–276–6611, mukesh.kumar3@nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; Participant Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing Centers (PE–CGS). Date: February 11, 2021. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W102, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Shakeel Ahmad, Ph.D., Chief, Research Technology and Contract Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W102, Rockville, MD 20850, 240–276–6442, ahmads@mail.nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; NCI Program Project (P01) Review II. Date: February 16–17, 2021. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W634, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Michael E. Lindquist, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Research Programs Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 7W634, Rockville, MD 20850, 240–276–5735, mike.lindquist@nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network. Date: February 18–19, 2021. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:46 Nov 16, 2020 Jkt 253001 Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 7W608, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Nadeem Khan, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Research Technology and Contract Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W608, Rockville, MD 20850, 240–276–5856, nadeem.khan@nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; Physical Sciences—Oncology Projects (PS–OP). Date: February 24, 2021. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W114, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Jeffrey E. DeClue, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Research Technology and Contract Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W114, Rockville, MD 20850, 240–276–6371, decluej@mail.nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; Metastasis Research Network. Date: February 25–26, 2021. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W612, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Shari Williams Campbell, DPM, MSHS, Scientific Review Officer, Resources and Training Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 7W612, Rockville, MD 20850, 240– 276–7381, shari.campbell@nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Initial Review Group; Subcommittee I—Transition to Independence. Date: February 24–25, 2021. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Cancer Institute at Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W602, Rockville, MD 20850 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Delia Tang, M.D., Scientific Review Officer, Resources and Training Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W602, Rockville, MD 20850, 240– 276–6456, tangd@mail.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.392, Cancer Construction; 93.393, Cancer Cause and Prevention Research; 93.394, Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research; 93.395, Cancer Treatment Research; 93.396, Cancer Biology Research; 93.397, Cancer Centers Support; 93.398, Cancer Research Manpower; 93.399, Cancer Control, National Institutes of Health, HHS) PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 73287 Dated: November 10, 2020. Patricia B. Hansberger, Supervisory Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–25279 Filed 11–16–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID: FEMA–2020–0034] Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program—COVID–19 Supplemental Round 2 (AFG–S 2) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (‘‘CARES Act’’). This bill provides $100 million for AFG–S to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally. Specifically, AFG–S funds shall be for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and related supplies, including reimbursements for previously purchased PPE back to January 1, 2020. On May 12, 2020, FEMA published a Notice of availability announcing the application period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 AFG–S Program which opened on April 28, 2020 and closed on May 15, 2020. By law, at least 25 percent of available AFG–S funds must be awarded to volunteer fire departments and at least another 25 percent must be awarded to combination fire departments. FEMA did not receive enough applications to award at least 25 percent of the available AFG–S funds to volunteer or combination fire departments under that initial application period. As a result, FEMA has opened a second application period for the remaining $31 million available. This second application—or AFG–S 2—is limited to volunteer and combination fire departments to fulfill this requirement. Volunteer and combination fire departments are eligible to apply in this round even if they had a successful application in the first round of AFG–S funding. However, such applications must support new or additional needs or capabilities. Departments that applied in the first round of AFG–S funding but were unsuccessful can reapply to be SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM 17NON1 73288 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 222 / Tuesday, November 17, 2020 / Notices considered for funding in this round. Applications from the first round of AFG–S funding will not automatically carry forward to this round for consideration. Pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, as amended, the Administrator of FEMA is publishing this notice describing the AFG–S 2 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 a Criteria Development meeting, held April 20, 2020. The application period for the FY 2020 AFG–S Program opened on October 6, 2020, and closed on November 13, 2020, and was announced on the AFG website at https:// www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/ firefighters, as well as at https:// www.grants.gov. Grant applications for AFG–S 2 will be accepted electronically at https://go.fema.gov, from October 6, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time through November 13, 2020, at 5 p.m. ET. DATES: 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 FY 2020 AFG–S 2 is a modified supplemental funding opportunity under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG is one of three grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMA’s focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. AFG–S 2 accomplishes this by providing financial assistance directly to eligible volunteer and combination fire departments for critical PPE and supplies needed to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID–19 public health emergency. Applications for AFG–S 2 will be submitted and processed online at https://go.fema.gov. Before the application period started, the FY 2020 AFG–S 2 NOFO was published on the AFG website, which provides additional information and materials useful to applicants including Frequently Asked Questions. FEMA anticipates receiving 500 to 1,000 applications for AFG–S 2, and the ability to award approximately 500 grants. Congressional Appropriations: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Div. B (Pub. L. ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:46 Nov 16, 2020 Jkt 253001 116–136). The CARES Act provides an additional amount of Federal assistance through the AFG Program to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally. Accordingly, the amount provided shall be for the purchase of PPE and related supplies, including reimbursements. Allocations and Restrictions of Available Grant Funds by Organization Type Aggregate Cap: Awards are capped at 1 percent of the total available grant funds for the entire FY 2020 AFG–S, or $1 million. FEMA may waive this aggregate cap of $1 million in certain cases as described in the AFG–S 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that is published on the AFG website. Micro Grants: The selection of the voluntary Micro Grant option (cumulative Federal funding of $3,000) for eligible activities does not impact an applicant’s request or Federal participation under regional projects. Applicants who select Micro Grants as a funding opportunity choice may still apply for a regional project. Further, at least $150,000 of the available funds will be allocated toward this applicant type. Regional Projects: A regional application is an opportunity for a volunteer or combination fire department to act as a host and apply for funding on behalf of itself and any number of other participating AFG–S 2 eligible organizations. Fire Departments that serve as host regional applicants can apply on behalf of other eligible fire departments within the same application. Career fire departments are not eligible to apply under the Regional activity or be included in a Regional award. Regional activities should achieve cost effectiveness, support regional efficiency and resilience, and benefit more than one local jurisdiction (county, parish, town, township, city, or village) directly from the activities implemented with the grant funds. 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 part 200 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 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements. Funding priorities and criteria for evaluating AFG–S 2 applications are established by FEMA based on the recommendations from the Criteria Development Panel (CDP). CDP is composed 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 FY 2020 AFG–S 2 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; and • Congressional Fire Service Institute. Review and Selection Process AFG–S 2 applications are reviewed through a multi-phase process. All applications are electronically prescored and ranked based on how well they align with the funding priorities outlined in the FY 2020 AFG–S 2 NOFO. Applications with the highest pre-score rankings are then scored competitively by (no less than three) members of the Peer Review Panel 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. i. Pre-Scoring Process The application undergoes an electronic pre-scoring process based on established program priorities listed within the FY 2020 AFG–S 2 NOFO and answers to activity-specific questions within the online application. Application narratives are not reviewed during pre-scoring. Request details and E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM 17NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 222 / Tuesday, November 17, 2020 / Notices budget information should comply with program guidance and statutory funding limitations. The pre-score is 50 percent of the total application score. ii. Peer Review Panel Process Applications with the highest prescore will undergo peer review. The peer review panel 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. iii. 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. During this review, priority for award will be given to applications that did not receive funding in the first round of AFG S application. Once the technical evaluation process is complete, the cumulative score for each application will be determined and FEMA will generate a final application ranking. FEMA will award grants based on this final ranking and the statutorily required funding limitations listed in this notice and the FY 2020 AFG–S 2 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–S 2 Program. This statement should include details describing the applicant’s financial distress, such as summarized budget constraints, unsuccessful attempts to secure other funding, and proving that the financial distress is out of their control. 2. Project Description and Budget (25 Percent) The Project Description and Budget statement should clearly explain the applicant’s project objectives and its VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:46 Nov 16, 2020 Jkt 253001 relationship to the applicant’s budget and risk analysis. Applicants should link the proposed expenses to operations and safety, as well as to the completion of the project’s goals. Applicants should describe how their current response capabilities are impacted by COVID–19 as well as the overall rate of COVID–19 in their community. Applicants can reference data supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through referencing state level data from the website https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/ cases-in-us.html. This data will be considered when prioritizing funding. 3. 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 on Daily Operations (25 Percent) The Statement of Effect on Operations should explain how this funding request will enhance an organization’s overall effectiveness. It should address how an award will impact the daily operations and reduce an organization’s risk(s). Applicants should include how frequently the requested item(s) will be used and in what capacity. Applicants should detail whether award funding will seek reimbursement of pre-award expenses related to the acquisition of eligible PPE, acquire PPE for immediate use, or acquire PPE resources to strengthen future response capabilities. Applicants will be evaluated on the current inventory of supplies, response usage of requested supplies, and anticipated future needs (i.e., actual or anticipated burn rate percentage of PPE resources). Eligible Applicants Volunteer and Combination Fire Departments: Volunteer and Combination 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 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 73289 federally-recognized Indian Tribe or Tribal organization. A fire department is an agency or organization having a formally recognized arrangement with a state, local, tribal or territorial 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. Combination Fire Department, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 2229, means a fire department that has paid firefighting personnel and volunteer firefighting personnel. Departments that pay fees or stipends to firefighting personnel for each event to which they respond (paid on call) are also considered under this category. Volunteer Fire Department, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 2229, means a fire department that has an all-volunteer force of firefighting personnel. Eligible Activities Activities under this solicitation are limited to the purchase of PPE and supplies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID–19 public health emergency. This includes reimbursement for expenditures made since January 1, 2020. 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 costsharing 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 E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM 17NON1 73290 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 222 / Tuesday, November 17, 2020 / Notices amount equal to not less than 10 percent of the grant awarded. Cost share of non-Federal cash is the only allowable recipient contribution for AFG–S 2 activity. On a case-by-case basis, FEMA may allow recipients already owning assets acquired with non-Federal cash, to use the trade-in allowance/credit value of those assets as cash for the purpose of meeting the costshare obligation. For FEMA to consider a trade-in allowance/credit value as cash, the allowance amount must be reasonable, and the allowance amount must be a separate entity clearly identified in the acquisition documents. In-kind cost share is not allowable for AFG–S 2. In cases of demonstrated economic hardship, and at the request of the grant recipient, the Administrator of FEMA may waive or reduce certain recipients’ AFG–S 2 cost-share requirement or maintenance of expenditure requirement. FY 2020 AFG–S 2 applicants must indicate at the time of application whether they are requesting a waiver and whether the waiver is for the cost-share requirement, maintenance of effort requirement, or both. The FEMA Administrator is required by statute to establish guidelines for determining what constitutes economic hardship. FEMA has published these guidelines at https://www.fema.gov/ media-library-data/1518026897046483d76a37022b8a581ffb7d42fa9b17e/ Eco_Hardship_Waiver_FPS_SAFER_ AFG_IB_FINAL.pdf. Before the start of the FY 2020 AFG– S 2 application period, FEMA conducted applicant workshops/ internet webinars to inform potential applicants AFG–S 2. In addition, FEMA provided applicants with information at the AFG website: https://www.fema.gov/ welcome-assistance-firefighters-grantprogram 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 (firegrants@fema.dhs.gov). activity (e.g., two applications for Operations and Safety, two for Joint/ Regional Project, 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 also accessible from the U.S. Fire Administration’s website https:// www.usfa.fema.gov and https:// www.grants.gov. New applicants must register and establish a username and password for secure access to the grant application. Previous AFG grant applicants must use their previously established username and passwords. Applicants must answer questions about their grant request that reflect the AFG–S 2 funding priorities described above. In addition, each applicant must complete a separate narrative 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. 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, 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 [FR Doc. 2020–25330 Filed 11–16–20; 8:45 am] VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:46 Nov 16, 2020 Jkt 253001 System for Award Management (SAM) Per 2 CFR part 25, 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–S 2 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. Further guidance is provided in the FY 2020 AFG–S 2 NOFO. Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. BILLING CODE 9111–64–P PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [OMB Control Number 1615–0099] Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for T Nonimmigrant Status U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day notice. AGENCY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed revision of a currently approved collection of information. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for 60 days until January 19, 2021. ADDRESSES: All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 1615–0099 in the body of the letter, the agency name and Docket ID USCIS– 2006–0059. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal website at https://www.regulations.gov under eDocket ID number USCIS–2006–0059. USCIS is limiting communications for this Notice as a result of USCIS’ COVID– 19 response actions. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, Samantha Deshommes, Chief, telephone number 202–272–8377 (This is not a toll-free number. Comments are not accepted via telephone message). Please note contact information provided here is solely for questions regarding this notice. It is not for individual case status inquiries. Applicants seeking information about the status of their individual cases can check Case Status Online, available at the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800–375–5283 (TTY 800–767–1833). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM 17NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 222 (Tuesday, November 17, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73287-73290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25330]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID: FEMA-2020-0034]


Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program--COVID-19 Supplemental 
Round 2 (AFG-S 2)

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

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (``CARES Act''). 
This bill provides $100 million for AFG-S to prevent, prepare for, and 
respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally. Specifically, 
AFG-S funds shall be for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment 
(PPE) and related supplies, including reimbursements for previously 
purchased PPE back to January 1, 2020. On May 12, 2020, FEMA published 
a Notice of availability announcing the application period for the 
Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 AFG-S Program which opened on April 28, 2020 and 
closed on May 15, 2020. By law, at least 25 percent of available AFG-S 
funds must be awarded to volunteer fire departments and at least 
another 25 percent must be awarded to combination fire departments. 
FEMA did not receive enough applications to award at least 25 percent 
of the available AFG-S funds to volunteer or combination fire 
departments under that initial application period. As a result, FEMA 
has opened a second application period for the remaining $31 million 
available. This second application--or AFG-S 2--is limited to volunteer 
and combination fire departments to fulfill this requirement. Volunteer 
and combination fire departments are eligible to apply in this round 
even if they had a successful application in the first round of AFG-S 
funding. However, such applications must support new or additional 
needs or capabilities. Departments that applied in the first round of 
AFG-S funding but were unsuccessful can reapply to be

[[Page 73288]]

considered for funding in this round. Applications from the first round 
of AFG-S funding will not automatically carry forward to this round for 
consideration. Pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act 
of 1974, as amended, the Administrator of FEMA is publishing this 
notice describing the AFG-S 2 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 a Criteria Development 
meeting, held April 20, 2020. The application period for the FY 2020 
AFG-S Program opened on October 6, 2020, and closed on November 13, 
2020, and was announced on the AFG website at https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters, as well as at https://www.grants.gov.

DATES: Grant applications for AFG-S 2 will be accepted electronically 
at https://go.fema.gov, from October 6, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern 
Daylight Time through November 13, 2020, at 5 p.m. ET.

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 FY 2020 AFG-S 2 is a modified 
supplemental funding opportunity under the Assistance to Firefighters 
Grant (AFG) Program. AFG is one of three grant programs that constitute 
DHS/FEMA's focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters 
with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. AFG-S 2 accomplishes 
this by providing financial assistance directly to eligible volunteer 
and combination fire departments for critical PPE and supplies needed 
to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 public health 
emergency. Applications for AFG-S 2 will be submitted and processed 
online at https://go.fema.gov. Before the application period started, 
the FY 2020 AFG-S 2 NOFO was published on the AFG website, which 
provides additional information and materials useful to applicants 
including Frequently Asked Questions. FEMA anticipates receiving 500 to 
1,000 applications for AFG-S 2, and the ability to award approximately 
500 grants.
    Congressional Appropriations: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 
Security (CARES) Act, Div. B (Pub. L. 116-136). The CARES Act provides 
an additional amount of Federal assistance through the AFG Program to 
prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or 
internationally. Accordingly, the amount provided shall be for the 
purchase of PPE and related supplies, including reimbursements.

Allocations and Restrictions of Available Grant Funds by Organization 
Type

    Aggregate Cap: Awards are capped at 1 percent of the total 
available grant funds for the entire FY 2020 AFG-S, or $1 million. FEMA 
may waive this aggregate cap of $1 million in certain cases as 
described in the AFG-S 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that is 
published on the AFG website.
    Micro Grants: The selection of the voluntary Micro Grant option 
(cumulative Federal funding of $3,000) for eligible activities does not 
impact an applicant's request or Federal participation under regional 
projects. Applicants who select Micro Grants as a funding opportunity 
choice may still apply for a regional project. Further, at least 
$150,000 of the available funds will be allocated toward this applicant 
type.
    Regional Projects: A regional application is an opportunity for a 
volunteer or combination fire department to act as a host and apply for 
funding on behalf of itself and any number of other participating AFG-S 
2 eligible organizations. Fire Departments that serve as host regional 
applicants can apply on behalf of other eligible fire departments 
within the same application. Career fire departments are not eligible 
to apply under the Regional activity or be included in a Regional 
award. Regional activities should achieve cost effectiveness, support 
regional efficiency and resilience, and benefit more than one local 
jurisdiction (county, parish, town, township, city, or village) 
directly from the activities implemented with the grant funds.
    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 part 
200 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.
    Funding priorities and criteria for evaluating AFG-S 2 applications 
are established by FEMA based on the recommendations from the Criteria 
Development Panel (CDP). CDP is composed 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 FY 2020 
AFG-S 2 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; and
     Congressional Fire Service Institute.

Review and Selection Process

    AFG-S 2 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 the FY 2020 
AFG-S 2 NOFO. Applications with the highest pre-score rankings are then 
scored competitively by (no less than three) members of the Peer Review 
Panel 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.

i. Pre-Scoring Process

    The application undergoes an electronic pre-scoring process based 
on established program priorities listed within the FY 2020 AFG-S 2 
NOFO and answers to activity-specific questions within the online 
application. Application narratives are not reviewed during pre-
scoring. Request details and

[[Page 73289]]

budget information should comply with program guidance and statutory 
funding limitations. The pre-score is 50 percent of the total 
application score.

ii. Peer Review Panel Process

    Applications with the highest pre-score will undergo peer review. 
The peer review panel 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.

iii. 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. During this review, priority for 
award will be given to applications that did not receive funding in the 
first round of AFG S application.
    Once the technical evaluation process is complete, the cumulative 
score for each application will be determined and FEMA will generate a 
final application ranking. FEMA will award grants based on this final 
ranking and the statutorily required funding limitations listed in this 
notice and the FY 2020 AFG-S 2 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-S 2 Program. This statement should 
include details describing the applicant's financial distress, such as 
summarized budget constraints, unsuccessful attempts to secure other 
funding, and proving that the financial distress is out of their 
control.

2. Project Description and Budget (25 Percent)

    The Project Description and Budget statement should clearly explain 
the applicant's project objectives and its relationship to the 
applicant's budget and risk analysis. Applicants should link the 
proposed expenses to operations and safety, as well as to the 
completion of the project's goals. Applicants should describe how their 
current response capabilities are impacted by COVID-19 as well as the 
overall rate of COVID-19 in their community. Applicants can reference 
data supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
through referencing state level data from the website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html. This 
data will be considered when prioritizing funding.

3. 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 on Daily Operations (25 Percent)

    The Statement of Effect on Operations should explain how this 
funding request will enhance an organization's overall effectiveness. 
It should address how an award will impact the daily operations and 
reduce an organization's risk(s). Applicants should include how 
frequently the requested item(s) will be used and in what capacity. 
Applicants should detail whether award funding will seek reimbursement 
of pre-award expenses related to the acquisition of eligible PPE, 
acquire PPE for immediate use, or acquire PPE resources to strengthen 
future response capabilities. Applicants will be evaluated on the 
current inventory of supplies, response usage of requested supplies, 
and anticipated future needs (i.e., actual or anticipated burn rate 
percentage of PPE resources).

Eligible Applicants

    Volunteer and Combination Fire Departments: Volunteer and 
Combination 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, local, tribal or territorial 
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.
    Combination Fire Department, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 2229, means a 
fire department that has paid firefighting personnel and volunteer 
firefighting personnel. Departments that pay fees or stipends to 
firefighting personnel for each event to which they respond (paid on 
call) are also considered under this category.
    Volunteer Fire Department, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 2229, means a 
fire department that has an all-volunteer force of firefighting 
personnel.

Eligible Activities

    Activities under this solicitation are limited to the purchase of 
PPE and supplies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 
public health emergency. This includes reimbursement for expenditures 
made since January 1, 2020.

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

[[Page 73290]]

amount equal to not less than 10 percent of the grant awarded.
    Cost share of non-Federal cash is the only allowable recipient 
contribution for AFG-S 2 activity. On a case-by-case basis, FEMA may 
allow recipients already owning assets 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.
    For FEMA to consider a trade-in allowance/credit value as cash, the 
allowance amount must be reasonable, and the allowance amount must be a 
separate entity clearly identified in the acquisition documents.
    In-kind cost share is not allowable for AFG-S 2.
    In cases of demonstrated economic hardship, and at the request of 
the grant recipient, the Administrator of FEMA may waive or reduce 
certain recipients' AFG-S 2 cost-share requirement or maintenance of 
expenditure requirement. FY 2020 AFG-S 2 applicants must indicate at 
the time of application whether they are requesting a waiver and 
whether the waiver is for the cost-share requirement, maintenance of 
effort requirement, or both. The FEMA Administrator is required by 
statute to establish guidelines for determining what constitutes 
economic hardship. FEMA has published these guidelines at https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1518026897046-483d76a37022b8a581ffb7d42fa9b17e/Eco_Hardship_Waiver_FPS_SAFER_AFG_IB_FINAL.pdf.
    Before the start of the FY 2020 AFG-S 2 application period, FEMA 
conducted applicant workshops/internet webinars to inform potential 
applicants AFG-S 2. 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, 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 Joint/Regional Project, 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 also accessible from the 
U.S. Fire Administration's website https://www.usfa.fema.gov and https://www.grants.gov. New applicants must register and establish a username 
and password for secure access to the grant application. Previous AFG 
grant applicants must use their previously established username and 
passwords.
    Applicants must answer questions about their grant request that 
reflect the AFG-S 2 funding priorities described above. In addition, 
each applicant must complete a separate narrative 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.

System for Award Management (SAM)

    Per 2 CFR part 25, 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-S 2 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. Further guidance is provided in the FY 2020 AFG-S 2 NOFO.

Pete Gaynor,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2020-25330 Filed 11-16-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-64-P
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