Department of Homeland Security November 5, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This Notice describes the grant application process and the criteria for awarding grants in the fiscal year (FY) 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) Program and announces the grant application deadline. It explains the differences, if any, between these guidelines and those recommended by representatives of the Nation's fire service leadership during the annual Criteria Development meeting, which was held January 8-9, 2014. The application period for the FY 2014 AFG Program year will be held November 3, 2014 through December 5, 2014, and will be announced on the AFG Web site (www.fema.gov/firegrants), www.grants.gov, and U.S. Fire Administration Web site (www.usfa.fema.gov). The AFG Program makes grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies for the purpose of enhancing the abilities of first responders to protect the health and safety of the public as well as that of first-responder personnel facing fire and fire-related hazards. It is anticipated that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 applications will be submitted electronically, using the online application submission form and process available at https:// portal.fema.gov. Before the application period, the ``FY 2014 AFG Funding Opportunity Announcement'' will be published on the AFG Web site (www.fema.gov/firegrants). Additional information to assist applicants will be provided on the AFG Web site, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), a ``Get Ready Guide,'' and a ``Quick Reference Guide.'' In addition, the authorizing statute requires that a minimum of 10 percent of available funds be expended for fire prevention and safety grants to 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.