Dinuba City Council
August 12, 2025

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75  Provide intelligence-based operations through USBP Sector Level experts to ensure safety and operational oversight of federal and SLTT law enforcement agencies participating in OPSG operational activities;
 Support a request to any Governor to activate, deploy, or redeploy specialized National Guard Units/Packages and/or elements of state law enforcement to increase or augment specialized/technical law enforcement elements operational activities;  Continue to increase operational, material, and technological readiness of SLTT law enforcement agencies;
 Enhance the sharing of threat information and intelligence between federal and SLTT law enforcement agencies; and
 Develop and sustain a capable workforce of analysts that have the necessary experience and training, as well as access to open source, unclassified and/or classified information, products, data, SAR, tips/leads, online/social media-based threats, and the necessary services and technology to facilitate these analytic activities.

OPSG funds must be used to provide an enhanced law enforcement presence and to increase operational and intelligence capabilities of federal and SLTT law enforcement, promoting a layered, coordinated approach to law enforcement within border states and territories of the United States.  Federal and SLTT OPSG IPT: Federal and SLTT partners must establish and maintain a formalized OPSG IPT with representation from all participating law enforcement agencies, co-chaired by representatives from USBP, the SAA, and participating law enforcement agencies’ OPSG program representatives.
 No fewer than two IPT meetings must take place during every funding year:
o Before submitting the CONCOPS (application); and
o Before submitting the Campaign Plan
 OPSG funds may be used for travel and per diem in support of the IPTs and OPSG strategic planning events if the costs are otherwise compliant with other program and regulatory requirements.

8.11.4. COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS
All operational plans should be crafted in cooperation and coordination among federal and SLTT partners. Consideration will be given to applications that are coordinated across multiple jurisdictions. All applicants must coordinate with the USBP Sector Headquarters with geographic responsibility for the applicant’s location in developing and submitting an Operations Order with an embedded budget to the SAA. OPSG funds must be used to provide increased operational capabilities to SLTT partners in support of enhanced border security through:
 Enhanced Law Enforcement Presence;
 Enhanced Situational Awareness; and
 Enhanced Intelligence Collection and Distribution.

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76 After awards are announced, prospective recipients will re-scope the draft Operations Order and resubmit it as a final Operations Order with an embedded budget based on actual dollar amounts awarded. The appropriate Sector Headquarters will approve final Operations Orders and forward those orders to Headquarters, Office of Border Patrol, Washington, D.C., before funding is released.

Recipients may not begin operations, obligate, or expend any funds until FEMA and USBP Headquarters have approved the final Operations Order and the embedded budget and removed any existing special conditions and/or restrictions.

8.11.5. OPERATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To achieve unity of effort, it is essential that each participant know the roles and responsibilities within the IPT. The USBP sector’s Chief Patrol Agent, or his/her designee, will:
 Coordinate and chair the area IPT’s meetings;
 Coordinate with all interested and eligible SLTT agencies in the sector’s area of operation during the open period of the OPSG application process by:
o Assisting applicants in completing the operations planning portion of the application, which is like the Operations Order used by the USBP;
o Forwarding the approved operation portion of the application to CBP/USBP Headquarters as well as to the SAA to complete the application process set by FEMA; and o Detailing what operational support the USBP Sector anticipates for specific periods and matching the capabilities of partners to fill those gaps.  Following the announcement of grant awards, coordinate and chair a meeting with SLTT agencies that received OPSG awards to develop an individualized campaign plan. This includes:
o Working with SLTT agencies along with other federal law enforcement agencies to determine the dates, focus, and needs of each operational period thus ensuring that each operation has a nexus to border security;
o Receiving the first periodic operations order from the SLTT agencies and ensuring that the operation is conducted as outlined in the Campaign Planning section; o Monitoring and supporting the Operational Cycle throughout the performance period; o Ensuring the DAR and the AAR are submitted by SLTT agencies in the proper format and within the established timeframes;
o Providing instruction, when possible, to SLTT agencies regarding techniques, methods, and trends used by transnational criminal organizations in the area; o Providing a single point of contact to participants as a subject-matter expert in OPSG that can coordinate, collect, and report operational activities within the established reporting procedures;
o Providing verification that operations are conducted;

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77 o Documenting and conducting random, on-site operational verification of OPSG patrols by subrecipients and friendly forces;
o Verifying that subrecipients are performing OPSG enforcement duties in accordance with the applicable grant, statute, and regulatory guidance and instructions; and o Ensuring that grant funds are appropriately expended to meet sector border enforcement operational requirements and assist in enhancing subrecipient/friendly force capabilities to provide for enhanced enforcement presence, operational integration, and intelligence sharing in border communities.

The SLTT agency lead, or their designee, will:
 Coordinate with the SAA on all grant management matters including but not limited to the development and review of operations orders, expenditure of funds, allowable costs, reporting requirements;
 Upon receiving a grant award, coordinate and meet as a member of the IPT to develop an individualized campaign plan that covers the length of the grant performance period;  Work within the IPT to develop an initial Operational Cycle and determine the duration of the first operational period based on the tactical needs specific to the area;  Submit all operations orders for review and submit the operations order to the Border Patrol and ensure the operation meets the six criteria established in the Operational Execution Section (see Section 8.11.1 “Concept of Operations and Campaign Planning”):
o Conduct operations as needed throughout the length of the grant performance period; o Integrate law enforcement partners from contiguous counties and towns into their tactical operations to expand the layer of security beyond existing areas; o Ensure all required reports, including reports from friendly forces, are submitted to the Border Patrol and the SAA, when applicable, in the proper format and within established timeframes;
o Ensure applicable OPSG-derived data is shared with the designated fusion center in the state or high-risk urban areas;
o Ensure applicable intelligence is shared with the designated fusion center in the state and/or high-risk urban areas;
o Request instruction and information from the SAA, when applicable, and/or USBP and other federal law enforcement agencies regarding techniques, methods, and trends used by transnational criminal organizations in the area;
 Provide the SAA and USBP a single point of contact that maintains subject-matter expertise in OPSG who can coordinate, collect, and report operational activities within the established reporting procedures; and
 Assist as required with the coordination, management, and operational aspects of the grant.

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78 The SAA will:
 Actively engage in the IPT meetings;
 Work in direct coordination and communication with the local or tribal agency lead on all grant management matters;
 Review all operations orders created by the local or tribal agency;  Act as the fiduciary agent for the program and provide expertise in state policy and regulations;  Enter into a subaward agreement to disburse the allocated funding awarded through FEMA;  Generate biannual reports to FEMA capturing the subrecipients’ obligations and expenditures of funds;
 Determine if the grant’s performance period requires additional refinement over the federally established 36-month period;
 Conduct audits of the program to ensure that the subrecipients are following program guidance; and
 Assist as required with the coordination, management, and operational aspects of the grant.

8.11.6. DEFINITIONS (OPERATION STONEGARDEN)
Area of Interest: A specific area, areas, or facilities known to be used by transnational criminal organizations in furtherance of their criminal activity.

Border security related crime: Any action or enterprise that constitutes an offense which is punishable by law, for which prosecution would serve established border security goals as outlines by the CBP for a whole of community approach:

That results in a favorable environment for criminal enterprise network, transnational criminal, or terrorist organizations; the smuggling/trafficking of humans, contraband, narcotics, or weapons of mass destruction across or in proximity to the U.S. border; or  That has a direct nexus to illicit cross-border activity.

Campaign Plan: The first Operational Order based on the CONOP aimed at accomplishing a strategic or operational objective within a given time and space.

CONOPS: A written statement that clearly and concisely expresses what the SLTT commander intends to accomplish and how it will be done using available resources (and funding). It is also the operational equivalent of the OPSG grant application.

FRAGO: A fragmentary order is a modification of the approved campaign plan, reflecting changes to the scope or objective pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(c)(1). After an operation order has been approved, any changes to a campaign plan will be submitted via HSIN as a FRAGO for FEMA’s approval. Subsequent FRAGOs are permissible, subject to FEMA’s prior written approval, consistent with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. § 200.308, § 200.407.

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79 Friendly Forces: Local law enforcement entities supporting border security operations to whom OPSG subrecipients provide funding.

IPT: Group that coordinates on all aspects of OPSG application, planning, and de-briefings.

Operational Cycle: A deliberate on-going cycle of command, staff, and unit activities intended to synchronize current and future operations (driven by current intelligence and short-term goals that support the campaign).

Operational Discipline: The organized manner in which an organization plans, coordinates, and executes the OPSG mission with common objectives toward a particular outcome.

Operation/Operational Order: A formal description of the action to be taken to accomplish or satisfy a CONOP, Campaign Plan, or FRAGO. The Operation/Operational Order includes a detailed description of actions to be taken and required logistical needs to execute an operation.

Opioid Receptor Antagonists: Any medically approved drug or medical substance that can be utilized by first responder personnel in an emergency that is designed to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.

Performance Measure: A numerical expression that quantitatively conveys how well the organization is doing against an associated performance goal, objective, or standard.

Risk: Potential for an adverse outcome assessed as a function of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences associated with an incident, event, or occurrence.

Targeted Enforcement: The leveraging of all available assets against a specific action, area, individual, or organization and using those deemed most appropriate to mitigate risk.

Target of Interest: A specific person, group of persons, or conveyance known to be part of, or used by transnational criminal organizations to advance their criminal activity.

Threat: Information expressing intent to conduct illegal activity often derived from intelligence sources, the overall context, a specific event or series of events, or observation of suspicious activity.

Tier: Tier refers to the geographical location of a municipality, county, or tribe with respect to the United States national border, i.e., Tier 1 is a county located on the border; a Tier 2 county is a county contiguous to a Tier 1 county; and a Tier 3 is a county not located on the physical border but is a contiguous to a Tier 2 county.

Unity of Effort: Coordination and cooperation among all organizational elements, even though they may not be part of the same command structure, to achieve success.

Vulnerability: The protective measures in place are less than the protective measures needed to mitigate risk.

8.12. Supplemental Resources (Homeland Security Grant Program, Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program)
FEMA collaborates with various subject-matter experts and acknowledges the value and expertise these Federal partner agencies provide to help shape the development and implementation of the

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80 HSGP and THSGP. This continued partnership and collaboration helps provide recipients with the greatest number of resources required to effectively manage and implement funds as well as promotes transparency. Therefore, FEMA is providing links to information on various subjects and policies that are relevant to the mission and intent of FEMA and its preparedness grant programs.

8.12.1. CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DETECTION The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office is a support component within DHS established in December 2017 to counter attempts by terrorists or other threat actors to carry out an attack against the United States or its interests using a weapon of mass destruction. The CWMD Office provides guidance to improve national coordination on CBRN issues and works with federal and SLTT agencies to ensure operators have better access to current data and subject-matter expertise they need. FEMA offers implementation support on the THIRA/SPR for SLTT partners and the CWMD Office offers TA to provide guidance to SLTT partners seeking to address CBRN threats and to build or sustain CBRN detection and response capabilities. For more information or assistance, please contact [email protected].

8.12.2. NATIONAL INFORMATION EXCHANGE MODEL
National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) is a common vocabulary that enables efficient information exchange across diverse public and private organizations. NIEM can save time and money by providing consistent, reusable data terms and definitions and repeatable processes. To support information sharing, all recipients of grants for projects implementing information exchange capabilities are required to use NIEM and to adhere to the NIEM compliance rules. Go to NIEM.gov for guidance on how to utilize FEMA award funding for information sharing, exchange, and interoperability activities.

The NIEM Emergency Management domain supports emergency-related services (including preparing first responders and responding to disasters), information sharing, and activities such as homeland security and resource and communications management. The NIEM Emergency Management domain has an inclusive governance structure that includes federal, SLTT, industry, and, where necessary, international partnerships. The NIEM Emergency Management domain is committed to community support via TA and NIEM training. For more information on the NIEM Emergency Management domain, to request training or TA or to just get involved, go to the Emergency Management page on NIEM.gov.

8.12.3. INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE PLANNING FRAMEWORK
SLTT governments are faced with complex long-term decisions, limited sources of revenue, and changing populations. CISA developed the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework (IRPF) as a resource for SLTT planners. The IRPF provides a process and a series of tools and resources for incorporating critical infrastructure resilience considerations into planning activities. The IRPF can be used to support capital improvement plans, hazard mitigation plans, or other planning documents, as well as funding requests. For more information, see the IRPF.

8.12.4. INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM
The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is FEMA's national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System, and

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81 on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio. For more information, see the IPAWS page on FEMA.gov.

8.12.5. HOMELAND SECURITY INFORMATION NETWORK
HSIN is a user-driven, web-based, information sharing platform that connects all homeland security professionals including the DHS and its federal, SLTT, international, and private sector partners across all homeland security mission areas. HSIN is used to support daily operations, events, exercises, natural disasters, and incidents. To support user mission needs, HSIN provides three sets of services for secure information sharing. The first service provides a shared place for communities to securely collaborate on homeland security issues and includes core functions such as a web conferencing and instant messaging tools with white boarding, video, and chat services for real-time communication and situational awareness. The second set provides secure dissemination and sharing capabilities for homeland security alerts, reports, and products. The third set allows users to access and query a variety of shared data and services from all homeland security mission areas and trusted federal partners. Preparedness grant funds may be used to support planning, training and development costs associated with developing and managing mission critical HSIN communities of interest and sites. Learn more about HSIN on the HSIN HSGP Guidance page on DHS.gov.

8.12.6. STATE, LOCAL, TRIBAL, TERRITORIAL CYBERSECURITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM CISA is responsible for enhancing the security, resilience, and reliability of the Nation’s cyber and communications infrastructure. CISA works to prevent or minimize disruptions to critical information infrastructure to protect the public, the economy, and government services. CISA leads efforts to protect the Federal “.gov” domain of civilian government networks and to collaborate with the private sector—the “.com” domain—to increase the security of critical networks.

The DHS SLTT Cybersecurity Engagement Program within CISA was established to help non-federal public stakeholders and associations manage cyber risk. The program provides appointed and elected SLTT government officials with cybersecurity risk briefings, information on available resources, and partnership opportunities to help protect their citizens online. Through these and related activities, the program coordinates DHS’s cybersecurity efforts with its SLTT partners to enhance and protect their cyber interests. More information on all CISA resources available to support SLTT governments is available at the Resources & Tools page on CISA.gov.

8.12.7. FRAMEWORK FOR IMPROVING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CYBERSECURITY When requesting funds for cybersecurity, applicants are encouraged to propose projects that would aid in implementation of all or part of the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (the “Framework”) developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Framework gathers existing international standards and practices to help organizations understand, communicate, and manage their cyber risks. For organizations that do not know where to start with developing a cybersecurity program, the Framework provides initial guidance. For organizations with more advanced practices, the Framework offers a way to improve their programs, such as better communication with their leadership and suppliers about management of cyber risks.

CISA’s Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community C³ Voluntary Program also provides resources to critical infrastructure owners and operators to assist in adoption of the Framework and managing cyber risks. Additional information on the Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community C³ Voluntary Program can be found at the Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community C³ Voluntary Program page on CISA.gov.

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82 DHS’s Enhanced Cybersecurity Services (ECS) program is an example of a resource that assists in protecting U.S.-based public and private entities and combines key elements of capabilities under the “Detect” and “Protect” functions to deliver an impactful solution relative to the outcomes of the Cybersecurity Framework. Specifically, ECS offers intrusion prevention and analysis services that help U.S.-based companies and SLTT governments defend their computer systems against unauthorized access, exploitation, and data exfiltration. ECS works by sourcing timely, actionable cyber threat indicators from sensitive and classified Government Furnished Information (GFI). DHS then shares those indicators with accredited Commercial Service Providers (CSPs). Those CSPs in turn use the indicators to block certain types of malicious traffic from entering a company’s networks. Groups interested in subscribing to ECS must contract directly with a CSP to receive services. Please visit the ECS page on CISA.gov for a current list of ECS CSP points of contact.

8.12.8. REGIONAL RESILIENCY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
The Regional Resiliency Assessment Program (RRAP) is a cooperative assessment of specific critical infrastructure within a designated geographic area and a regional analysis of the surrounding infrastructure that address a range of infrastructure resilience issues that could have regionally and nationally significant consequences. These voluntary, non-regulatory RRAP projects are led by CISA’s Infrastructure Security Division and are selected each year by DHS with input and guidance from federal, state, and local partners. For additional information on the RRAP, visit the RRAP page on CISA.gov.

8.12.9. LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT OFFICE, OR 1033 PROGRAM LESO facilitates a law enforcement support program, which originated from the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1997. This law allows the transfer of excess Department of Defense property that might otherwise be destroyed to law enforcement agencies across the United States and its territories.

No equipment is purchased for distribution. All items were excess that had been turned in by military units or had been held as part of reserve stocks until no longer needed. Requisitions cover the gamut of items used by America’s military ― clothing, office supplies, tools and rescue equipment, vehicles, small arms, and more. There is no fee for the equipment itself; however, the law enforcement agencies are responsible for the shipping costs.

For additional information on the LESO, see the LESO page on DLA.mil.

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83 9. Nonprofit Security Grant Program

9.1. Program Funding Guidelines and Priorities
NSGP grant recipients (e.g., SAAs) and subrecipients (e.g., nonprofit organizations) may only use NSGP grant funds for the purpose set forth in the grant award and must use funding in a way that is consistent with the statutory authority for the award. See the annual NSGP NOFO for program Priorities.

9.1.1. NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION Recipients receiving NSGP funding must implement NIMS. Recipients must manage resources purchased or supported with FEMA grant funding according to NIMS resource management guidance.

9.2. Nonprofit Security Grant Program Investment Modifications – Changes in Scope or Objective
Changes in scope or objective of the award—whether as a result of intended actions by the recipient or subrecipients—require FEMA’s prior written approval, in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(c)(1), § 200.407. NSGP is competitive with applications recommended for funding based on threat, vulnerability, consequence, and their mitigation to a specific facility/location. However, consistent with 2 C.F.R § 200.308(c)(1), Change in Scope Notification, FEMA requires prior written approval of any change in scope/objective of the grant-funded activity after the award is issued. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(b), (c). Scope/objective changes will be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided the change does not negatively impact the competitive process used to recommend NSGP awards.

Requests to change the scope or objective of the grant-funded activity after the award is made must be submitted by the SAA via FEMA GO as a Scope Change Amendment. The amendment request must include the following:
 A written request from the NSGP subrecipient on its letterhead, outlining the scope or objective change including the approved projects from the subrecipient’s IJ, the funds and relative scope or objective significance allocated to those projects, the proposed changes, and any resulting reallocations as a result of the change of scope or objective;  An explanation why the change of scope or objective is necessary;  Validation from the SAA that any deviations from the approved IJ are addressed in the vulnerability assessment submitted by the subrecipient at the time of application; and  The subrecipient request must also address whether the proposed changes will impact its ability to complete the project within the award’s POP.

FEMA will generally not approve NSGP change-of-scope requests resulting from the following situations:
 Subrecipients that relocate their facilities after submitting their application who are requesting a change of scope to allow them to use NSGP funds toward projects at the new facility; or

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84  Subrecipients that renovate their facilities after submitting their application in cases where the subsequent renovations would affect the vulnerability/risk assessment upon which the IJ is based.

NSGP project funding is based on the ability of the proposed project to mitigate the risk factors identified in the IJ. For this reason, FEMA may reject requests to significantly change the physical security enhancements that are purchased with NSGP funding where FEMA believes approval of the request would change or exceed the scope of the originally approved project. FEMA will consider all requests to deviate from the security project as originally proposed on a case-by-case basis, consistent with 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(c)(1).

Subrecipients may not proceed with implementing any scope/objective changes until the SAA receives written approval from FEMA through FEMA GO and until the SAA has made any required subaward modifications.

If a subrecipient is simply making changes to its own budget without impacting the scope or objective of the subaward, and where the budget changes do not involve other prior approval requirements listed in 2 C.F.R. § 200.407, then the subrecipient does not need the prior approval of the SAA or FEMA. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.308. Instead, the subrecipient is only required to report to the SAA the budget changes. Similarly, the SAA should report those budget changes to FEMA.

9.3. Pass-Through Requirements
Pass-through funding is required under this program. Awards made to the SAA for the NSGP carry additional pass-through requirements. Pass-through is defined as an obligation on the part of the state to make subawards to selected nonprofit organizations. The SAA must provide funds awarded under NSGP to subrecipients within 45 days of receipt of the funds. A letter of intent (or equivalent) to distribute funds is not sufficient. Award subrecipients that are selected for funding under this program must be provided with funding within 45 days from the date the funds are first made available to the recipient so that they can initiate implementation of approved investments.

For the SAA to successfully meet the pass-through requirement and provide funding to the subrecipients, the SAA must meet the following four requirements:
 There must be some action by the SAA to establish a firm commitment to award the funds to the selected nonprofit organization;
 The action must be unconditional on the part of the SAA (i.e., no contingencies for availability of SAA funds);
 There must be documentary evidence of the commitment of the award of funding to the selected nonprofit organization; and
 The SAA must communicate the terms of the subaward to the selected nonprofit organization.

If a nonprofit organization is selected for an NSGP award and elects to decline the award, the SAA must notify their FEMA Preparedness Officer. The SAA may not re-obligate to another subrecipient without prior approval. “Receipt of the funds” occurs either when the SAA accepts the award or 15 calendar days after the SAA receives notice of the award, whichever is earlier. SAAs are sent notification of NSGP awards via the FEMA GO system. If an SAA accepts its award within 15 calendar days of receiving notice of the award in the FEMA GO system, the 45-calendar day pass-through period will start on the date the SAA accepted the award. Should an SAA not accept the NSGP award

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85 within 15 calendar days of receiving notice of the award in the FEMA GO system, the 45-calendar days pass-through period will begin 15 calendar days after the award notification is sent to the SAA via the FEMA GO system.

It is important to note that the POP start date does not directly affect the start of the 45-calendar day pass-through period. For example, an SAA may receive notice of the NSGP award on Aug. 20, 2023, while the POP dates for that award are Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2026. In this example, the 45-day pass-through period will begin on the date the SAA accepts the NSGP award or Sept. 4, 2023 (15 calendar days after the SAA was notified of the award), whichever date occurs first. The POP start date of Sept. 1, 2023, would not affect the timing of meeting the 45-calendar day pass-through requirement.

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86 10. Surface Transportation Security Grant Programs
(Transit Security Grant Program, Intercity Passenger
Rail Program, Intercity Bus Security Grant Program)

10.1. Program Funding Guidelines and Priorities (Transit Security Grant Program, Intercity Passenger Rail Program, Intercity Bus Security Grant Program)
Costs charged to a TSGP, IPR Program, or IBSGP award must be consistent with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200.
 NOTE: Costs charged to an IPR Program award must also be consistent with the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31.2 in lieu of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E. Any conflicts between FAR 31.2 and 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E shall be resolved in favor of the applicable provision in FAR 31.2.

See annual program NOFO for information on program-specific priorities.

10.2. Changes in Scope or Objectives (Transit Security Grant Program, Intercity Passenger Rail Program, Intercity Bus Security Grant Program) All three Surface Transportation Security Grant Programs generally do not allow for scope or objective changes unless there are extenuating circumstances (e.g., the COVID-19 or a similar pandemic preventing activities). FEMA will consider scope/objective changes on a case-by-case basis if extenuating circumstances are present.

10.3. Security Plan Requirements (Transit Security Grant Program, Intercity Passenger Rail Program, Intercity Bus Security Grant Program)

10.3.1. TRANSIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM AND INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL PROGRAM The following information regarding security plan requirements is provided in 6 U.S.C. § 1134(c)(2):

Security plans should include the following, as appropriate:
 A prioritized list of all items included in the public transportation agency’s security assessment that have not yet been addressed;
 A detailed list of any additional capital and operational improvements identified by DHS or the public transportation agency and a certification of the public transportation agency’s technical capacity for operating and maintaining any security equipment that may be identified in such list;  Specific procedures to be implemented or used by the public transportation agency in response to a terrorist attack including evacuation and passenger communication plans along with appropriate evacuation and communication measures for the elderly and individuals with disabilities;

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87  A coordinated response plan that establishes procedures for appropriate interaction with state and local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and federal officials to coordinate security measures and plans for response in the event of a terrorist attack or other major incident;  A strategy and timeline for conducting training under 49 C.F.R. § 1570.109(b) and 49 C.F.R. Part 1582;
 Plans for providing redundant and other appropriate backup systems necessary to ensure the continued operation of critical elements of the public transportation system in the event of a terrorist attack or other major incident;
 Plans for providing service capabilities throughout the system in the event of a terrorist attack or other major incident in the city or region which the public transportation system serves;  Methods to mitigate damage within a public transportation system in case of an attack on the system, including a plan for communication and coordination with emergency responders; and  Other actions or procedures as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines are appropriate to address the security of the public transportation system.

10.3.2. ADDITIONAL AMTRAK REQUIREMENTS
Sections 1512 and 1513 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (6 U.S.C. §§ 1162 and 1163) require a recipient to complete a vulnerability assessment and develop a security plan. To be eligible for the IPR Program, Amtrak must have developed, or updated, its security plan. The security plan must be based on a security assessment, such as the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement, which is performed by ’SA's Transportation Security InspectorsSurface. This security assessment must have been conducted within the last three years prior to receiving the respective fiscal year’s IPR Program award. A copy of the security plan and security assessment must be provided to DHS/FEMA upon request.

Entities providing transit security (e.g., city/county police department or a transportation agency’s own police department) must approve the security plan. The signature of a responsible official from the agency’s railroad security provider serves as this approval. Associated documentation of this approval must be provided to DHS/FEMA upon request. In addition, the agency’s railroad security provider is encouraged to review the IJs prior to submission.

Amtrak, in receiving funds through this program, must participate in RTSWGs in participating urban areas. The RTSWG should serve as the forum for regional partners to discuss risk, planning efforts, and mitigation strategies. These discussions should be held regardless of funding to continue enhancing the overall security of the region. Regional working groups are a best practice for enhancing security and are encouraged for all jurisdictions.

An application submitted by an otherwise eligible non-federal entity (i.e., the applicant) may be deemed ineligible when the person that submitted the application is not: 1) a current employee, personnel, official, staff or leadership of the non-federal entity; and 2) duly authorized to apply for an award on behalf of the non-federal entity at the time of application.

Further, the AOR and SA must be a duly authorized current employee, personnel, official, staff or leadership of the recipient and provide an email address unique to the recipient at the time of application and upon any change in assignment during the POP. Consultants or contractors of the recipient are not permitted to be the AOR or the SA of the recipient. It is the sole responsibility of the

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88 recipient to keep their points of contact for the organization up-to-date and accurate in all federal systems.

The AOR is responsible for submitting programmatic and financial performance reports, accepting award packages, signing assurances and certifications, and submitting award amendments.

10.3.3. INTERCITY BUS SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for the IBSGP, operators must have developed or updated their organization’s Vulnerability Assessment and Security Plan (VASP) that must be based on a security assessment, such as the BASE performed by Transportation Security Inspectors-Surface from TSA. Private operators providing transportation with an over-the-road bus system must have completed or updated their VASP within the past three years before the opening of the respective fiscal year’s IBSGP application period.

Additionally, a copy of the VASP certification must be submitted along with the application to be considered eligible. Failure to include this certification will result in the application being deemed ineligible. All operators must have completed or updated a VASP as required by Section 1531 of the 9/11 Act (6 U.S.C. § 1181) as follows:

Assessments and security plans should include, as appropriate:
 Identification and evaluation of critical assets and infrastructure, including buses, platforms, stations, terminals, and information systems;
 Identification of vulnerabilities to those assets and infrastructure; and  Identification of gaps in physical security; passenger and cargo security; the security of programmable electronic devices, computers, or other automated systems that are used in providing over-the-road bus transportation; alarms, cameras and other communications systems and utilities needed for over-the-road bus security purposes, including dispatching systems; emergency response planning; and employee training.

Security plans should also include, as appropriate:
 The identification of a security coordinator having authority to implement security actions, coordinate security improvements, and receive communications from appropriate federal officials regarding over-the-road bus security;
 A list of needed capital and operational improvements;  Procedures to be implemented or used by the operator in response to a terrorist attack, including evacuation and passenger communication plans that include individuals with access and functional needs;
 The identification of steps taken with state and local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and federal officials to coordinate security measures and plans for response to a terrorist attack;
 A strategy and timeline for conducting training to prepare frontline employees for potential security threats and conditions;

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89  Enhanced security measures to be taken by the operator when the Secretary of Homeland Security declares a period of heightened security risk; and
 Plans for providing redundant and backup systems required to ensure the continued operation of critical elements of the operator’s system in the event of a terrorist attack.

For additional information, see the current fiscal year’s IBSGP NOFO.

10.4. Allowable Cost Guidance

10.4.1. SPECIFIC GUIDANCE ON EXPLOSIVE DETECTION CANINE TEAMS (TRANSIT SECURITY

GRANT PROGRAM, INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL PROGRAM)
Explosive Detection Canine Team Certification
Each Explosive Detection Canine Team (EDCT), composed of one dog and one handler, must be certified by an appropriate, qualified organization. TSA-certified EDCTs will meet or exceed certification standards set by the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP). Recipient EDCTs that do not participate in the NEDCTP will be required to certify annually under their respective agency, local, and state regulations. The recipient will maintain certification, utilization, and training data to show compliance in meeting or exceeding those guidelines set forth by the Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detection Guidelines (SWGDOG), as of Sept. 14, 2007, in addition to the requirements set forth in the NOFO.

Explosive Detection Canine Team Submission Requirements

1. The recipient will ensure that a written security procedure plan exists for the safekeeping of all explosive training aids, including safe transportation. The recipient will document the removal, use, and return of explosive training aids used during training exercises or for any other reason. The plan and all documentation must be made available to FEMA upon request;

2. The recipient will comply with requirements for the proper storage, handling, and transportation of all explosive training aids in accordance with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Publication 5400.7 (ATF P 5400.7) (09/00), Federal Explosive Law and Regulation;

3. The recipient will ensure that certified EDCTs are available to respond to situations 24 hours a day, 7 days per week on an on-duty or off-duty on-call basis. If TSGP- or IPR Program-funded EDCTs are not available, other non-TSGP or non-IPR Program funded EDCTs may be utilized for this response. The intent is to provide maximum coverage during peak operating hours and to maintain the ability to promptly respond to threats that affect public safety or mass transit operations;

4. EDCTs under this grant are single purpose and will be trained to detect “live” explosives only, not “simulated” explosives. EDCTs must not have received previous training to detect any other substances;

5. The recipient will ensure that each EDCT receives on-site proficiency training at a minimum of 4 hours per week per duty cycle. This training shall include, but not be limited to, mass transit passenger cars, terminals/platforms, luggage, freight/warehouses, and vehicles. Complete, detailed, and accurate training records must be maintained for all proficiency training conducted by each EDCT. These records must be made available to FEMA upon request;

6. The recipient will conduct appropriate training or other canine activities, within view of the public, to increase public awareness of EDCTs and provide a noticeable deterrent to acts which

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90 affect public safety or mass transit operations. The recipient will also ensure that such activities include, over a period, a presence in operational areas of the mass transit system during peak and off-peak hours. The recipient agrees that EDCTs will be utilized in the field at least 80% of their duty time, annually;

7. The recipient will provide safe and sanitary kennel facilities for program canines, and these costs may be allowable with prior approval by FEMA. This applies to kenneling canines at a mass transit system, handlers’ residences, or commercial boarding facilities. Canines must not be left in makeshift accommodations or without proper supervision, protection, and care. The recipient will ensure that canines are transported on-duty and off-duty in vehicles configured with adequate temperature control, padding, and screening to ensure proper health, safety, and security; and

8. The recipient will ensure that adequate routine and emergency veterinary care are provided for all canines.

Note: FEMA reserves the right to conduct an on-site operational and record review upon 48-hour notice to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations.

10.4.2. CAPITAL (CONSTRUCTION) PROJECTS GUIDANCE (TRANSIT SECURITY GRANT

PROGRAM, INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL PROGRAM, INTERCITY BUS SECURITY

GRANT PROGRAM)
The recipient must obtain written approval from FEMA prior to the use of any program funds for construction or renovation projects. When applying for construction funds, including communications towers, the recipient must submit evidence of approved zoning ordinances, architectural plans, and any other locally required planning permits. Additionally, the recipient is required to submit a SF-424C Form and budget detail citing the project costs and a SF-424D Form for standard assurances for the construction project.

Additional guidance for Transit Security Grant Program Capital (Construction) Projects:

Capital expenditures are defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.1 as expenditures to acquire capital assets or expenditures to make additions, improvements, modifications, replacements, rearrangements, reinstallations, renovations, or alterations to capital assets that materially increase their value or useful life. Use of capital expenditures must comply with 2 C.F.R. § 200.439. See Section 4.5.1 “Construction and Renovation” for more information.

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91 11. Port Security Grant Program

11.1. Program Funding Guidelines and Priorities
PSGP grant recipients may only use PSGP grant funds for the purpose set forth in the grant award and must use funding in a way that is consistent with the statutory authority for the award. See the annual PSGP NOFO for program Priorities.

11.2. Allowable Cost Guidance

11.2.1. SPECIFIC GUIDANCE ON EXPLOSIVE DETECTION CANINE TEAMS Explosive Detection Canine Team Certification
Each EDCT, composed of one dog and one handler, must be certified by an appropriate, qualified organization. Canine (K-9) and handler should receive an initial basic training course and weekly maintenance training sessions thereafter to maintain the certification. The basic training averages ten weeks for the canine team (K-9 and handler together) with weekly training and daily exercising.

Comparable training and certification standards, such as those promulgated by the TSA Explosive Detection Canine Program, the National Police Canine Association (NPCA), the U.S. Police Canine Association (USPCA), or the International Explosive Detection Dog Association (IEDDA), may be used to meet this requirement. Certifications and training records will be kept on file with the recipient and made available to FEMA upon request.

Explosive Detection Canine Team Submission Requirements PSGP recipients are required to submit a written plan or standard operating procedure (SOP) that describes EDCT deployment policy including visible and unpredictable deterrent efforts and on-call EDCTs rapid response times. Recipients who are subject to the maritime security regulations contained in 33 C.F.R. Parts 104 (vessel security) or 105 (facility security), shall submit a Vessel Security Plan (VSP) or Facility Security Plan (FSP) amendment detailing the inclusion of a (K-9) explosive detection program into their security measures to the USCG for review and approval. The relevant portion of any USCG-approved VSP or FSP, or any agency specific security plan or SOP must be made available to FEMA and USCG upon request. The recipient will comply with requirements for the proper storage, handling, and transportation of all explosive training aids in accordance with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Publication 5400.7 (ATF P 5400.7) (09/00), Federal Explosive Law and Regulations.

Additional Explosive Detection Canine Team Resources Available for Canine Costs The PSGP, while providing the ability to defray some start-up costs, does not cover any recurring costs associated with EDCT programs. FEMA strongly encourages applicants to investigate their eligibility under other programs, and potential exclusions, when developing their K-9 programs.

11.2.2. MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS
The maritime domain is defined as “all areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean, or other navigable waterway, including all maritime-related activities, infrastructure, people, cargo, and vessels and other conveyances.” PSGP recipients are encouraged to

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92 familiarize themselves with this National Strategy. Homeland Security Presidential Directive-13 (NSPD41/HSPD-13) (Maritime Security Policy, Dec. 21, 2004). According to the National Plan to Achieve Maritime Domain Awareness for the National Strategy for Maritime Security (Oct. 2005), “Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is the effective understanding of anything associated with the global maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of the United States.

MDA is a key component of an active, layered maritime defense in depth. It will be achieved by improving our ability to collect, fuse, analyze, display, and disseminate actionable information and intelligence to operational commanders.” Id. at ii.

11.2.3. CAPITAL (CONSTRUCTION) PROJECTS GUIDANCE
Recipients must obtain written approval from FEMA prior to the use of any PSGP funds for construction or renovation projects. Additionally, PSGP funding may not be used to construct buildings or other physical facilities that are not constructed under terms and conditions consistent with the requirements of section 611(j)(9) of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. § 5196(j)(9))1 which requires compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (codified as amended at 40 U.S.C. §§ 3141 et seq.) for PSGP funded projects. Grant recipients must ensure that their contractors or subcontractors for construction projects pay workers no less than the prevailing wages for laborers and mechanics employed on projects of a character similar to the contract work in the civil subdivision of the state in which the work is to be performed. See Section 4.6 “Davis-Bacon Act Compliance” for more information.

The following types of construction and renovation projects are allowable under PSGP, provided they address a specific vulnerability or need identified in an AMSP or otherwise support the maintenance/sustainment of capabilities and equipment acquired through PSGP funding:
 Maritime Command and Control Centers;
 Interagency Operations Centers (IOCs) for maritime security;  Port Security Emergency Communications Centers;
 Buildings to house generators that support maritime security risk mitigation;  Maritime security risk mitigation facilities (e.g., dock house, ramps, and docks for existing port security assets);
 Hardened security fences/barriers at access points;
 Any other building or physical facility that enhances access control to the port/Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) facility area; and
 PSGP funding may be used to purchase and/or upgrade a barge to support a staging area for maritime/port security patrols or maritime security risk mitigation responses. (Certain areas 1 While the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, as amended at 46 U.S.C. § 70107(b)(2), requires that such activities are carried out consistent with Section 611(j)(8) of the Stafford Act, a subsequent amendment to the Stafford Act by section 3 of Pub. L. No. 109-308 in 2006 redesignated the text of Section 611(j)(8) to 611(j)(9). The cross reference in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 has not been updated.

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93 throughout the Nation may require a barge that can be permanently anchored or moored in certain areas to support maritime security risk mitigation activities.) To be considered eligible for funding, the construction of fusion centers, operations centers, or communications centers must offer a port wide benefit and support information sharing and operational coordination among regional interagency and other port security partners. Applicants are reminded that the POP is 36 months. Eligible costs for construction or renovation projects may not exceed $1 million (federal share) per project, which may not exceed 10% of the total amount of the award, as stated in 46 U.S.C. § 70107(b)(2)(A) and (B) (Section 102 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-295, as amended). Grant recipients are not permitted to use PSGP funds for construction projects that are eligible for funding under other federal grant programs. PSGP funds may only be used for construction activities directly related to maritime security risk mitigation enhancements.

All construction or renovation projects require EHP review. See Section 4.5 “Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Compliance” for more information.

11.3. Port-Wide Risk Management Plans
Port areas with existing Port Wide Risk Mitigation Plans (PRMPs) are encouraged to maintain their PRMPs and use them to identify projects that will serve to address remaining maritime security vulnerabilities. These ports are also encouraged to develop or maintain a Business Continuity and Resumption of Trade Plans (BCRTP). For purposes of regional strategic and tactical planning, these plans must take into consideration all port areas covered by their AMSP, align with the port area’s AMSP, consider the entire port system strategically as a whole, and identify actions designed to effectively mitigate security risks associated with the system’s maritime critical infrastructure and key resources.

11.4. Port Security Grant Program Investment Modifications The purpose of the grant award is to implement projects pursuant to the authorities at 46 U.S.C. § 70107. Under extreme circumstances, a recipient may reallocate award funds from one project to another with prior written approval from FEMA and in a manner consistent with 2 C.F.R. § 200.308 if it does not change the overall scope or objective of the award. Circumstances include, but are not limited to, an inability to complete the original project, disaster events perpetuating an immediate need to reprioritize funds, and changes in regulatory requirements. A recipient must explain the deviation from the original project- including why it is deviating from or scaling down the original project and what specific circumstances that occurred after the time of its award that necessitate the reallocation request- in its reallocation request. The recipient must also identify how the reallocation request aligns with PSGP priorities and the recipient’s original application and the award’s scope of work. Due to legal limitations, reallocation requests that would change the scope of the overall project(s) are not permitted. FEMA will also coordinate such reallocation requests with the USCG Captain of the Port (COTP), and these requests must be verified and supported by the COTP as essential in addressing Port Area priorities. Please also see the relevant PSGP NOFO regarding cost share requirements including the implications if the project costs are less than what was applied for.

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94 12. Emergency Management Performance Grant
Program

12.1. Alignment of the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program to the National Preparedness System
The EMPG Program contributes to the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities. Core capabilities are essential for the execution of critical tasks for each of the five mission areas outlined in the Goal. The EMPG Program’s allowable costs support efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across the Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery mission areas described in the Goal.

FEMA requires recipients to prioritize grant funding to demonstrate how EMPG Program-funded investments support the following:
 Building or sustaining those capabilities that are identified as high priority through the THIRA/SPR process and other relevant information sources, such as:
o AARs following exercises or real-world events;
o Audit and monitoring findings;
o Hazard Mitigation Plans; and/or,
o Other deliberate planning products; and
 Closing capability gaps that are identified in the state or territory’s most recent SPR.

To better understand the relationship between building capabilities and closing capability gaps, refer to CPG 201, Third Edition. In advance of issuing the EMPG Program awards, FEMA Regional Administrators will identify individual regional priorities based on their unique knowledge of each region’s preparedness and emergency management needs and will share those priorities with the states and territories within their region. The final priorities will be identified and mutually agreed to by the state/territory and Regional Administrator through a collaborative negotiation process.

Ideally, all EMPG Program-funded projects, as outlined in the approved EMPG Program Work Plan, will support the priorities identified through this collaborative approach. See the EMPG Program Work Plan template in the EMPG Program NOFO for additional guidance.

FEMA continues to place emphasis on capabilities that address the greatest risks to the security and resilience of the United States. When applicable, funding should support deployable assets that can be used anywhere in the Nation through automatic assistance and mutual aid agreements, including, but not limited to, the EMAC. The EMPG Program supports investments that improve the ability of jurisdictions nationwide to:
 Prevent a threatened or an actual act of terrorism;
 Protect our citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards;  Mitigate the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of future disasters;

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95  Respond quickly to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs in the aftermath of a catastrophic incident; or
 Recover through a focus on the timely restoration, strengthening, and revitalization of infrastructure, housing, and a sustainable economy as well as the health, social, cultural, historic, and environmental fabric of communities affected by a catastrophic incident.

The core capabilities contained in the Goal are highly interdependent and require the use of existing preparedness networks and activities to improve training and exercise programs, innovation, and appropriate administrative, finance, and logistics systems.

12.2. Implementation of the National Preparedness System

12.2.1. IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING RISK AND ESTIMATING CAPABILITY

REQUIREMENTS
By Dec. 31, 2022, recipients were required to complete a THIRA/SPR that addresses all 32 core capabilities and is compliant with CPG 201, Third Edition. Recipients are required to submit a THIRA every three years to establish a consistent baseline for assessment. 2022 was the start of the new 3-year THIRA/SPR cycle and baseline assessment year for existing recipients. Any new grant recipients during future CYs, for which the THIRA/SPR requirement applies, will start their new 3-year THIRA/SPR cycle and baseline assessment year in that year. Specific guidance on the requirements for each core capability is provided through program implementation support and supplemental guidance, as some core capabilities have fewer reporting requirements than others. Recipients must continue to respond to a series of planning-related questions as part of the THIRA/SPR process.

While the THIRA is only required every three years, jurisdictions are required to submit an SPR annually. The submission deadline is Dec. 31 each year (as applicable). For additional guidance on the THIRA/SPR, please refer to CPG 201, Third Edition. Recipients are also encouraged to refer to the Preparedness Toolkit, which is an online portal that provides the whole community with tools to aid in implementing all six areas of the National Preparedness System.

Reporting
In each EMPG Program recipient’s BSIR, the recipient must describe how expenditures support building capability, closing capability gaps, or sustaining capabilities identified in the THIRA/SPR process. EMPG Program recipients will, on a project-by-project basis, check one of the following:
 Building a capability with EMPG Program funding; or
 Sustaining a capability with EMPG Program funding.

Building and Sustaining Core Capabilities
Recipients must describe how proposed EMPG Program-funded projects will close capability gaps or sustain capabilities identified through the THIRA/SPR process, particularly SPR Step 2 (see CPG 201, Third Edition), or other relevant information sources that identify capability needs. See the EMPG Program Work Plan template in the EMPG Program NOFO for additional guidance and requirements.

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96 12.2.2. NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION EMPG Program recipients must use standardized resource management concepts for resource typing, credentialing, and an inventory to facilitate the effective identification, dispatch, deployment, tracking, and recovery of resources. EMPG Program funds may be used for NIMS implementation; specifically, to meet the requirements described in the NIMS Implementation Objectives for Local, State, Tribal, and Territorial Jurisdictions.

Reporting
 Recipients will answer questions in the applicable secondary NIMS assessment portion of the URT as part of a jurisdiction’s THIRA/SPR submission. This involves reporting on the status of the qualification system used within the jurisdiction and sub-jurisdictions, as outlined in the EMPG Program NOFO.
 Reporting will also be through a review by the FEMA Regional NIMS Coordinators during annual TA visits with the states, tribes, and territories within their regions.

12.2.3. NATIONAL QUALIFICATION SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
For FY 2023 and going forward, as a post-award requirement, all recipients in the 50 states and District of Columbia must work toward achieving the Phase 1 NQS Implementation Objectives outlined in the table below and must, at a minimum, execute the Implementation Plan they developed in FY 2022 as part of the Phase 0 NQS Implementation Objectives. Jurisdictions that began implementation in FY 2023 shall have designed and adopted organizational qualification system procedures, a certification program and credentialing standards for incident workforce personnel in alignment with the NIMS Guideline for the NQS. All other jurisdictions (including territories and EMPG Program subrecipients) are required to work toward implementation of NQS by developing an Implementation Plan, using the FEMA-provided two-page template referenced in the table below.

For all states and territories, the following requirements shall apply:
 At a minimum, only EMPG Program-funded deployable personnel, as determined by each recipient organization, will be required to meet NQS certification requirements.  Recipients and subrecipients will be considered in compliance with the NQS requirements as long they are working toward implementing the NQS Implementation Objectives as outlined in the table below.
 The expected completion date for each phase of the NQS Implementation Objectives is Dec. 31 of the applicable CY.

Additional NQS Implementation Guidance can be found at the NQS Supplemental Documents page on FEMA.gov.

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97 Table 8: National Qualification System Implementation Phase Objectives Phase 0: NQS Implementation
Objectives for CY 2022 Example Indicators
 Only the 50 States, the District of
Columbia and Puerto Rico shall work
toward implementation of NQS by
developing an Implementation Plan
using the FEMA-provided two-page
template.
 The Implementation Plan will identify
a jurisdiction’s timeline for
implementing NQS by CY 2025.
 All other jurisdictions are encouraged
to begin working toward identifying, at
a minimum, frequently deployed
positions and implementation but will
not be required until CY 2023.
 Completion of a jurisdiction
implementation plan.
 Identification of implementation
challenges.

Phase 1: NQS Implementation
Objectives for CY 2023 Example Indicators
 All jurisdictions shall work toward
implementation of NQS by developing
an Implementation Plan using the
FEMA-provided two-page template.
 Jurisdictions that began
implementation in CY 2022 shall
have designed and adopted
organizational qualification system
procedures, a certification program,
and credentialing standards for
incident workforce personnel in
alignment with the NIMS Guideline for
the NQS.
 Completion of a jurisdiction
implementation plan.
 Identification of implementation
challenges.
 Qualification policies and procedures
approved by the jurisdiction.

Procedures may include:
o Establishment of a Qualification
Review Board or equivalent review
processes for incident workforce
personnel qualifications.
o Individual and team coach and
evaluation processes for incident
workforce personnel qualifications.

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98 Phase 0: NQS Implementation
Objectives for CY 2022 Example Indicators
Phase 2: NQS Implementation
Objectives for CY 2024 Example Indicators
 All jurisdictions shall have designed
and approved organizational
qualification system procedures,
certification program, and
credentialing standards for incident
workforce personnel in alignment with
the NIMS Guideline for the NQS.
 Jurisdictions that began
implementation in CY 2022 shall
have issued position task books
(PTBs) to incident workforce
personnel, as designated by the
jurisdiction, and ensure incident
workforce personnel show progress in
working toward task endorsements
and minimum training requirements.
 In CY 2024, all jurisdictions partially
satisfy the requirement by ensuring
designated incident workforce
personnel meet the minimum training
requirements from the Job
Title/Position Qualification.
 Jurisdictions shall use a resource
management or qualification tool
system to track the qualification,
certification, and credentialing of
incident workforce personnel.
 Qualification policies and procedures
approved by the jurisdiction.
 Minimum criteria that trainees must
meet to be qualified in a specific
position is outlined in the NQS Job
Title/Position Qualification.
 PTB issuance and completion data.
 Adoption of a resource management
system, such as OneResponder: a
web-based application hosted in a
cloud environment. It allows Authority
Having Jurisdictions (AHJ) to manage
qualifications of personnel.

Phase 3: NQS Implementation
Objectives for CY 2025 Example Indicators
 All jurisdictions shall have issued
PTBs to designated incident
workforce personnel and ensure
incident workforce personnel show
progress in working toward task
endorsements and minimum training
requirements.
 PTB issuance and completion data.

Reporting
Data collection and reporting on NQS implementation will be addressed via the following:

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99  NIMS secondary assessment questions on the URT. This involves reporting on the status of the qualification system used within the jurisdiction and sub-jurisdictions.  Review by the Regional NIMS Coordinators during annual TA visits with the states, tribes, and territories within their regions.

12.3. Logistics Planning

12.3.1. DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT PLANS
EMPG Program recipients are required to develop and maintain a Distribution Management (DM) plan as an annex to their existing EOP. CPG 101 v3 provides guidance on the fundamentals of planning and development of EOPs. The Distribution Management Plan Guide 2.0 released in Jan. 2022 provides information on how to develop the DM plan annex, key DM plan components, how to review and update a DM plan, and how FEMA reviews and evaluates the plans.

A state/territory should submit its DM plan as both a Word document and PDF to its FEMA Regional Grants Division. The maturity level of the plan may vary by state/territory, but the recipient is required to submit a DM plan that accurately reflects the state or territory’s current capabilities and capacity to distribute resources to survivors after a disaster and addresses the following components: Requirements Defining; Resource Ordering; Distribution Methods; Inventory Management; Transportation; Staging; and Demobilization.

The DM plan must be reviewed by recipients on an annual basis and updated as necessary by Sept. 30 of each CY. In the applicable secondary CPG 101 assessment portion of the online URT, jurisdictions capture whether they have developed and incorporated a DM plan in their EOP.  The DM plan should focus on the distribution of commodities and supplies such as food, water, generators, and tarps to survivors following a disaster.  The DM plan should address strategies/plans for:
o Requirements Defining;
o Resource Ordering;
o Distribution Methods;
o Inventory Management;
o Staging Areas;
o Transportation; and
o Demobilization.

FEMA Regional Logistics Branch staff will work with EMPG Program recipients to provide TA during the development and maintenance of their DM plans and to ensure all recipients have effective DM plans capable of integrating with federal, NGOs, private sector, and SLTT stakeholders during major disasters. Recipients should refer to the following for additional guidance:

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 IB 442, Guidance on Distribution Management Plans for the Fiscal Year 2019 Emergency Management Performance Grants Program; and
 The Distribution Management Plan Guidance found on the Planning Guides page on FEMA.gov

12.3.2. ADDITIONAL LOGISTICS PLANNING RESOURCES
FEMA recommends that EMPG Program recipients use the following resources in developing their DM plan. To learn more about these programs and documents, or for any questions, please contact the Logistics Section Chief from your FEMA Region.
 The Logistics Capability Assessment Tool 2 (LCAT2) Flyer: The LCAT2 Flyer provides an overview of the LCAT2, how it is beneficial, how the LCAT process works, and how to obtain an LCAT2. For more information on the LCAT2, contact your FEMA Regional Logistics Branch Chief.  Points of Distribution (PODs) Training: FEMA Logistics developed a comprehensive POD training to assist states in developing actionable emergency distribution plans and understanding associated challenges. Additional information, including an explanatory DVD, POD guide, and online exam, are available on EMI’s website at the IS-26: Guide to Points of Distribution page.  Interagency Logistics (IL) Training: This basic IL training course (Interagency Logistics Training, E8540) familiarizes participants with the IL concepts of planning and response. The course also provides an overview of IL Partner disaster response organizations, discusses parameters for logistics support coordination, and creates a whole community forum to exchange the best logistics practices. Recipients may find more information on this and other courses by visiting the EMI Courses & Schedules website.
 Other Logistics Planning Resources: Recipients will find additional planning guidance at the Planning Guides page on FEMA.gov. Specific to logistics planning, CPG 101 v3 provides guidance on how to incorporate logistics into EOPs. Additionally, the Supply Chain Resilience Guide provides emergency managers with recommendations and best practices on how to analyze local supply chains and work with the private sector to enhance supply chain resilience using a fivephased approach.

Reporting
Annual DM plan reviews will be reported in the PPR for the quarter ending Sept. 30 of the most recently awarded EMPG Program. Reviews that result in an update must be submitted to the Regional Grants Division Director or Regional EMPG Program Manager for review by regional logistics staff. The regional logistics staff will review and rate the plans using the latest FEMA Distribution Management Plan Guide 2.0.

12.4. Evacuation Planning
EMPG Program recipients should review and update their EOP in accordance with CPG 101 v3.

Recipients are strongly encouraged to include an evacuation plan or annex as part of their EOP as well as plans to exercise and validate the evacuation plan and capabilities. At a minimum, recipients should incorporate the National Response Framework’s (NRF’s) Mass Evacuation Incident Annex’s planning considerations, and other FEMA documents related to evacuation planning, when developing their own Evacuation Plan or Annex. See the NRF, Fourth Edition (October 2019) and NRF Mass Evacuation Incident Annex (June 2008). Additional National Preparedness resources are

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available at National Preparedness and Planning Guides pages on FEMA.gov. Specific to evacuation planning, the Evacuation and Shelter in Place Guidance identifies relevant concepts, considerations, and principles that can inform jurisdictions in planning for evacuation and/or shelter-in-place protective actions.

12.5. Disaster Housing Planning

12.5.1. STATE-LED DISASTER HOUSING TASK FORCE
Based on lessons learned from recent disasters, FEMA strongly encourages EMPG Program recipients to establish a State-Led Disaster Housing Task Force (SLDHTF) plan as part of their EOP or as a standalone document and update their plan at least once every two years.

SLDHTFs lead and coordinate state, local, private sector, and community-based actions to assess housing impacts, identify appropriate post-disaster housing options, and establish processes for expediting post-disaster housing delivery. SLDHTF plans should clearly identify the roles, responsibilities, composition, and mobilization procedures for the SLDHTF, and how the SLDHTF integrates into the incident command structure. To have a successful SLDHTF plan, FEMA encourages recipients to establish a State Disaster Recovery Coordinator (SDRC).  Complete the State Housing Strategy Template.

12.5.2. DISASTER HOUSING EXERCISES
SLTT governments are encouraged to exercise and validate their long-term sheltering and housing stabilization plans as part of an existing exercise program. This includes:
 Validating the organizational structure of the Housing Task Force and internal readiness capabilities to address post-disaster housing recovery.  Validating disaster housing communication plans and procedures that coordinate and integrate the activities and information generated by internal/external partners.  Validating data systems, security, and exchange protocols.  Validating planned actions and milestones transitioning from emergency sheltering to temporary housing to permanent housing and long-term recovery.

12.5.3. ADDITIONAL DISASTER HOUSING PLANNING RESOURCES
SLTT governments are encouraged to review the planning guidance available at the Planning Guides page on FEMA.gov. The Planning Guides page includes Planning Considerations: Disaster Housing Guidance for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Partners (May 2020), which supplements CPG 101 v3. It provides guidance on national housing priorities, types of housing, key considerations, and housing-specific planning recommendations for SLTT jurisdictions to use, in conjunction with the SixStep Planning Process described in CPG 101 v3, to develop or improve disaster housing plans.

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12.6. State Disaster Recovery Coordinator
The Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide helps states prepare for recovery by developing predisaster recovery plans that follow a process to engage members of the whole community, develop recovery capabilities, and create an organizational framework for recovery efforts.

FEMA strongly recommends that EMPG Program recipients include pre-disaster recovery planning as part of their State Readiness and Preparedness efforts by establishing an SDRC. An effective predisaster recovery plan and process is crucial to help recipients prepare for major disaster incidents and recover effectively. Recipients are encouraged to use the Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide to help inform their identification and establishment of a SDRC. The SDRC position should be included in the State Administrative Plan with the following responsibilities:
 Development of the pre-disaster recovery plan, including state-level leadership and structure, formation of communication channels, multi-agency coordination, and building whole-community partnerships to support recovery efforts.
 Set the stage for necessary strategic, operational, and tactical post-disaster planning, actions, and processes.
 Maximize impact of federal, private sector, and nongovernmental dollars to enable recovery and resilience.
 Accelerate the delivery of resources, including funding and TA, to disaster-impacted communities.
 Enable state leadership to better organize and identify gaps in the state’s recovery capabilities.

12.7. Disaster Financial Management Policies and Procedures Lessons learned from recent hurricane seasons and wildfires demonstrate the need for impacted jurisdictions to improve their ability to immediately track and account for disaster costs. Disaster financial management includes policies and procedures that work to recover expenses pertaining to damage, emergency protective measures, and debris management during and after a disaster.

These policies and procedures include, but are not limited to, those supporting eligible contract costs and force account labor, materials, and equipment.

12.7.1. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN
FEMA strongly recommends that EMPG Program recipients include disaster financial management planning as part of their State Administrative Plan. An effective disaster financial management plan and process is crucial to help recipients prepare for declarations of emergencies or major disasters and plan for reimbursement. The table below details the processes that should be included in the State Administrative Plan and recommendations on where they should be placed.

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Table 9: State Administrative Plan Guidance
State Administrative Plan Section
Recommendations
Processes
 Section V Part D: Project Funding and
Reimbursement
 Section V Part G: Records and Reports
 A process to ensure subrecipients are
tracking and documenting disaster costs
necessary for federal reimbursement, such
as receipts, invoices, procurement
documents, contracts, and insurance
coverage/claims
 Section V Part D: Project Funding and
Reimbursement
 Section V Part G: Records and Reports
 A process to document disaster cost
operations such as labor, equipment, and
materials that are allowable under federal
requirements
 Section V Part D: Project Funding and
Reimbursement
 A process to ensure that subrecipients are
not receiving a duplication in benefits
 Section IV Part B: Organization and Staffing  A process to ensure pre-disaster contracts and procurement strategies are in place, if
necessary
Additionally, recipients are encouraged to use EMPG Program funds for training that develops, delivers, and exercises disaster financial management procedures.

12.7.2. DISASTER FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESOURCES
Recipients are encouraged to use the following resources to inform their disaster financial management planning efforts:
 State Administrative Plan Template: Recipients are recommended to use the State Administrative Plan template found on FEMA’s Public Assistance webpage to inform their planning efforts. The template includes example structure and content as a model for states to create their own Administrative Plan.
 Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide: The Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) combines all Public Assistance policy into a single volume and provides an overview of the Public Assistance program implementation process.
 Public Assistance Frequently Asked Questions and Guidance: Recipients are encouraged to view the Public Assistance Frequently Asked Questions and guidance found on the Public Assistance webpage to assist with disaster financial management planning efforts. The webpage provides information pertaining to documentation, Public Assistance grant funding eligibility, and hazard mitigation and can be found at the Public Assistance Fact Sheets, Job Aids, and FAQs page on FEMA.gov.
 DHS OIG Audit Tips: Recipients are recommended to consult the DHS OIG report, Audit Tips for Managing Disaster-Related Project Costs (OIG-17-120-D) for further assistance in documenting and accounting for disaster-related costs. This report is informed by OIG audit findings and can assist recipients in addressing issues that are frequent findings in disaster-related audits.

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 Disaster Financial Management Guide: The Disaster Financial Management Guide provides guidance for SLTT partners on establishing and implementing sound disaster financial management practices.
 PDAT Training and Resources: The PDAT provides training and other resources to assist grant recipients in their efforts to comply with federal procurement standards.

12.8. Training and Exercises

12.8.1. INTEGRATED PREPAREDNESS PLAN
Recipients are expected to engage senior leaders and other whole community stakeholders to identify preparedness priorities specific to training and exercise needs, which will guide development of a state/territory multi-year IPP. Like the EMPG Program Work Plan development process, these priorities should be informed by various factors, including jurisdiction-specific threats and hazards (i.e., the THIRA); areas for improvement identified by real-world events and exercises (i.e., AAR); external requirements such as stakeholder preparedness reviews (i.e., SPR), homeland security policy, and industry reports; and accreditation standards, regulations, or legislative requirements.

Recipients must document these priorities, in conjunction with the Work Plan development process, and use them to deploy a schedule of preparedness events and activities in the IPP. Information related to IPPs and IPPWs can be found on the HSEEP page on FEMA.gov and FEMA’s Preparedness Toolkit. FEMA Regional staff can provide TA for IPP and IPPW development.

Recipients should ensure that their EMPG Program Work Plans and IPPs align with and are complementary to one another and are used in tandem to support shared priorities for building and sustaining the state/territory’s preparedness capabilities. Recipients should include planning, training, and exercise projects in their EMPG Program Work Plan that support priorities included in their IPP. The current multi-year IPP must be submitted to [email protected] and the Regional EMPG Program Manager before Jan. 31 of each year.

This will help ensure that priorities for both the IPP and EMPG Program Work Plan are based on building capability and/or closing capability gaps documented in their THIRA/SPR and other relevant sources of information. For example, if a recipient included Logistics and Distribution Management, Resilient Communications, and Housing as priorities for its IPP, those should also be priorities in its EMPG Program Work Plan. Additionally, IPPs should include all planning, training, and exercise activities funded by the EMPG Program as well as activities funded by other sources. This inclusion will ensure that recipients’ preparedness projects, investments, and activities are concentrated, focused, and oriented toward closing gaps related to their top priorities, regardless of funding source.

12.8.2. VALIDATING CAPABILITIES THROUGH EXERCISES
All recipients are required to develop and maintain a progressive exercise program consistent with HSEEP guidance in support of the NEP. The NEP serves as the principal exercise mechanism for examining national preparedness and measuring readiness. The NEP is a two-year cycle of exercises across the nation that validates capabilities in all preparedness mission areas. The two-year NEP cycle is guided by Principals’ Strategic Priorities, established by the National Security Council, and informed by preparedness data from jurisdictions across the Nation.

The NEP provides exercise sponsors the opportunity to receive exercise design and delivery assistance, tools and resources, enhanced coordination, and the ability to directly influence and

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inform policy and preparedness programs. If you have any questions or would like to request assistance through the NEP, please visit the NEP website or reach out to the NEP directly at [email protected].

The exercises and priorities outlined in the IPP and all EMPG Program-funded exercises must be included in the current fiscal year’s EMPG Program Work Plan. To avoid duplicate reporting, applicants/recipients are not required to report EMPG Program-funded personnel costs associated with exercises in the EMPG Program Work Plan. See the EMPG Program Work Plan template in the EMPG Program NOFO for additional guidance.

12.8.3. TRAINING
Like the exercise guidance above, training activities should align to a current, multi-year IPP developed through an annual IPPW and build from training gaps identified in the THIRA/SPR and work plan development process. Further guidance concerning the IPP and the IPPW can be found at the HSEEP Resources page on Preparedness Toolkit.

Through the NPD’s training and education enterprise, consisting of CDP, EMI, and NTED’s partnerships with the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium, Continuing Training Grants partners, and the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, FEMA develops and delivers training and education programs to increase capabilities, reduce risk, and build resilient communities. More than 700 tuition-free courses are offered to members of SLTT communities. By accessing the National Preparedness Course Catalog, users will find all courses to include EMI training and includes links to the basic, advanced, and executive emergency management academies.

12.8.4. FEMA’S NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS COURSE CATALOG
Training should foster the development of a community-oriented approach to emergency management that emphasizes engagement at the community level, strengthens best practices, and provides a path toward building sustainable resilience, all of which is included in the curriculum of the EMI Basic Academy. The EMI Basic Academy provides a foundational education in emergency management as a way for emergency managers to begin or advance their career. The goal of the Basic Academy is to support the early careers of emergency managers through a training experience combining knowledge of all fundamental systems, concepts, and practices of cutting-edge emergency management.

EMPG Program funds used for training should support the nationwide implementation of NIMS. The NIMS Training Program establishes a national curriculum for NIMS and provides information on NIMS courses. Recipients are encouraged to place emphasis on the core competencies as defined in the NIMS Training Program. NIMS is also included in the curriculum of the EMI Basic Academy. The NIMS Training Program can be found at NIMS Implementation and Training.

All EMPG Program-funded personnel are expected to be trained emergency managers (see Section

12.2.3 “National Qualification System Implementation”). All EMPG Program-funded personnel must complete either the Independent Study courses identified in the Professional Development Series, or the National Emergency Management Basic Academy delivered either by EMI or at a sponsored SLTT, regional, or other designated location. Further information on the National Emergency Management Basic Academy and the Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP) can be found at the EMPP page on EMI’s website. A complete list of Independent Study Program Courses may be found at the Independent Study page on EMI’s website.

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In addition to training activities aligned to and addressed in the IPP, all EMPG Program-funded personnel (including full- and part-time SLTT recipients and subrecipients) must complete the following training requirements and record proof of completion:

1. NIMS Training, Independent Study (IS)-100 (any version), IS-200 (any version), IS-700 (any version), and IS-800 (any version)2; and

2. Professional Development Series (PDS) or the EMPP Basic Academy courses listed in the table below.

Table 10: PDS or EMPP Basic Academy Courses
PDS
Professional Development Series
Basic Academy
Basic Academy Pre-requisites and Courses
IS-120.a: An Introduction to Exercises IS-100 (any version): Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-230.d: Fundamentals of Emergency
Management
IS-700 (any version): National Incident
Management System (NIMS)-An Introduction
IS-235.b: Emergency Planning IS-800 (any version): National Response Framework, An Introduction
IS-240.b: Leadership and Influence IS-230.d: Fundamentals of Emergency Management
IS-241.b: Decision Making and Problem
Solving
E/L101: Foundations of Emergency
Management
IS-242.b: Effective Communication E/L102: Science of Disasters IS-244.b: Developing and Managing
Volunteers
E/L103: Planning Emergency Operations
IS-244.b: Developing and Managing
Volunteers
E/L104: Exercise Design
IS-244.b: Developing and Managing
Volunteers
E/L105: Public Information & Warning
The EMI Basic Academy provides this foundational Emergency Management education. To ensure the professional development of the emergency management workforce, the recipients must ensure a routine capabilities assessment is accomplished and an IPP is developed and implemented. 2 NIMS training courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 only need to be taken once to fulfill requirements. Also, previous versions of the IS courses are still considered as meeting the NIMS training requirement.

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12.8.5. TRAINING AND EXERCISE REPORTING
 All EMPG Program-funded exercise and training activities must be captured in the approved EMPG Program Work Plan and should be included in the IPP. This includes training for which the only expenses are for overtime and/or backfill costs associated with emergency management personnel attending the training.
 EMPG Program-funded exercise costs in the Work Plan can include costs to plan, conduct and evaluate the exercise (e.g., planning, materials, props, contractual services for conducting the exercise, AAR, and IP, etc.).
 All EMPG Program-funded training activities must be reported quarterly. To simplify reporting, it is recommended the recipient submit an updated Training Data Table from the EMPG Program Work Plan Template as an attachment to the quarterly PPR. For those recipients who choose not to use the EMPG Program Work Plan Template, the data and information found in the Training Data Table must still be submitted (in any chosen format) as an attachment to the PPR.  EMPG Program-funded personnel costs associated with exercises are not required in the EMPG Program Work Plan Template for application or reporting purposes.  Recipients are encouraged to enter their exercise information into the Preparedness Toolkit.  Recipients must have a current multi-year IPP that identifies preparedness priorities and activities. The current multi-year IPP must be submitted to [email protected] and the Regional EMPG Program Manager and indicate which fiscal year’s funds were used (if applicable) before Jan. 31 of each year.
 Submission of AAR/IPs to [email protected] and the Regional EMPG Program Manager must take place within 90 days following completion of the single exercise or progressive series. o Recipients are encouraged to submit AAR/IPs reflecting tabletop exercises that validate critical plans or those reflecting large-scale functional or full-scale exercises that took place at the state, territorial, tribal, or regional level. Recipients are discouraged from submitting AAR/IPs specific to local jurisdictions that reflect drills. o If a state, territory, tribe, or local jurisdiction has experienced a major disaster and they would like to request exemptions for a scheduled exercise, the recipient should send this request to its assigned Regional EMPG Program Manager through the quarterly PPR. Exemptions will be reviewed by the Region on a case-by-case basis.
 Recipients can access a sample AAR/IP template at the Improvement Planning Templates page on Preparedness Toolkit.
 Recipients must report their NIMS implementation status of their jurisdiction and subjurisdictions, including the training of personnel, in the applicable secondary NIMS assessment portion of the URT as part of their THIRA/SPR submission.  Recipients must maintain proof of completion of training requirements. Recipients are encouraged to use the OneResponder system to enter, track, and report training.  Training Information Reporting System (“Web Forms”): Web Forms is an electronic data management system built to assist SAA TPOCs and federal agencies to submit non-NTED training

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courses for inclusion in the State/Federal-Sponsored Course Catalog. The information collected is used in a two-step review process to ensure that the training programs adhere to the EMPG Program’s intent, and the course content is sound and current. While reporting training activities through Web Forms is not required under the EMPG Program, the system remains available and can be accessed through the Web-Forms section of the FEMA National Preparedness Course Catalog to support recipients in their own tracking of training deliveries.

12.9. Reviewing and Updating Planning Products
Based on the applicant’s current THIRA/SPR, capability levels, and resources, plans should be reviewed on an annual basis to determine if they remain relevant or need to be updated. This review should be based on a current THIRA/SPR and utilize information gathered during the capability validation process. These reviews will provide a means to determine priorities, direct preparedness actions, and calibrate goals and objectives.

12.10. Program Performance Reporting Requirements

12.10.1. STANDARDIZED PROGRAMMATIC REPORTING FOR THE EMERGENCY

MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The EMPG Program Work Plan Template standardizes data collection, which enables improved analysis and reporting. The EMPG Program Work Plan includes 10 components:

1. Grant Investment Strategy

2. Grant Activities Outline

3. Detailed Budget – Excluding M&A

4. Budget Narrative – Excluding M&A

5. Detailed Budget – M&A Only

6. Budget Narrative – M&A Only

7. EMPG Program Summary

8. Implementation Schedule

9. Training Data Table

10. Exercise Data Table
Although using the fiscal year’s EMPG Program Work Plan Template is not mandatory (see the EMPG Program Work Plan template in the EMPG Program NOFO), baseline data on personnel, training, and exercises, as well as the information included on the Grant Activities Outline and Implementation Schedule, must be provided in the EMPG Program Work Plan at the time of application regardless of the chosen work plan format.

The status of all EMPG Program-funded plans, training, and exercise activities, any risks that may affect project progress or success, and updates to project schedules, must be reported quarterly as part of the PPR. To facilitate reporting, recipients are encouraged to submit an updated Implementation Schedule, Training Data Table, and Exercise Data Table from the EMPG Program Work Plan Template as an attachment to the quarterly PPR. Recipients who choose not to use the EMPG Program Work Plan Template must still provide the updated data and information included in the Implementation Schedule, Training Data Table, and Exercise Data Table, but may use a different format for reporting that information in their PPR submission.

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13. Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviation Definition
AAR After-Action Report
ABA Architectural Barriers Act of 1968
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADDIE Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation AEL Authorized Equipment List
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
AMSC Area Maritime Security Committees
AMSP Area Maritime Security Plan
ANSI American National Standards Institute
AOR Authorized Organizational Representative
ASPR Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
ATF Alcohol, Tabaco, Firearms, and Explosives
BABAA Build America, Buy America Act
BASE Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement
BCRTP Business Continuity and Resumption of Trade Plans BPETS Border Patrol Enforcement Tracking System
BSIR Biannual Strategy Implementation Report
CAD Computer Assisted/Aided Dispatch
CAP Corrective Action Plans
CART Computer Aided Real-Time Translation
CBP Customs and Border Protection
CBRN Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear
CBRNE Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDP Center for Domestic Preparedness
CGC Continuity Guidance Circular

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Abbreviation Definition
CISA Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
COAM Customer-Owned and Managed
COMU Communications Unit
CONOPS Concept of Operations
COTP Captain of the Port
CPG Comprehensive Preparedness Guide
CSPs Commercial Service Providers
CTG Continuing Training Grants
CWMD Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
CY Calendar Year
DAR Daily Activity Report
DEC Disaster Emergency Communications
DHS Department of Homeland Security
DM Distribution Management
DOJ Department of Justice
DOL Department of Labor
DOT Department of Transportation
ECS Enhanced Cybersecurity Services
EDCTs Explosive Detection Canine Teams
EHP Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation
EMA Emergency Management Agency
EMAC Emergency Management Assistance Compact
EMAP Emergency Management Accreditation Program
EMI Emergency Management Institute
EMM Enterprise Mobility Management
EMP Electromagnetic Pulse
EMPG Emergency Management Performance Grant

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Abbreviation Definition
EMPP Emergency Management Professional Program
EMS Emergency Medical Services
EMSC Emergency Medica Services for Children
EO Executive Order
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
EPC Evolved Packet Core
FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation
FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation
FCD Federal Continuity Directive
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA GO FEMA Grants Outcomes
FFR Federal Financial Report
FFRMS Federal Flood Risk Management Standard
FirstNet First Responder Network
FLR First Line Review
FNARS FEMA National Radio System
FRAGO Fragmentary Order
FRTS First Responder Training System
FSP Facility Security Plan
FVA Freeboard Value Approach
FY Fiscal Year
GAAP General Accepted Accounting Principles
GAO Government Accountability Office
GFI Government Furnished Information
GIS Geographic Information Systems
GPD Grant Programs Directorate
GSA General Services Administration

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Abbreviation Definition
HHS Health and Human Services
HIDTA High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas
HPP Hospital Preparedness Program
HSA Homeland Security Act of 2002
HSEEP Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program HSGP Homeland Security Grant Program
HSIN Homeland Security Information Network
I&A Intelligence and Analysis
IAPPG Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide
IB Information Bulletin
IBSGP Intercity Bus Security Grant Program
IEDDA International Explosive Detection Dog Association IGSA Inter-Governmental Service Agreement
IJ Investment Justification
IL Interagency Logistics
INA Immigration and Nationality Act
IOC Interagency Operations Centers
IP Improvement Plan
IPAWS Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
IPP Integrated Preparedness Plan
IPPWs Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshops
IPR Intercity Passenger Rail
IPT Integrated Planning Team
IRPF Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework
ISE Information Sharing Environment
IT Information Technology
JES Joint Explanatory Statement

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Abbreviation Definition
K-9 Canines
LCAT2 Logistics Capability Tool 2
LEP Limited English Proficiency
LESO Law Enforcement Support Office
LTE Long-Term Evolution
M&A Management and Administration
MCOV Mobile Communications Office Vehicles
MDA Maritime Domain Awareness
MDM Mobile Device Management
MERS Mobile Emergency Response Support
MSAs Metropolitan Statistical Areas
MSRAM Maritime Security Risk Analysis Model
MTSA Maritime Transportation Security Act
NCSWIC National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators ND Non-Disaster
NDAA National Defense Authorization Act
NDPC National Domestic Preparedness Consortium
NECP National Emergency Communications Plan
NEDCTP National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program NEP National Exercise Program
NGO Nongovernmental Organization
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NIEM National Information Exchange Model
NIMS National Incident Management System
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity
NPCA National Police Canine Association

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Abbreviation Definition
NPD National Preparedness Directorate
NQS National Qualification System
NRF National Response Framework
NSGP Nonprofit Security Grant Program
NSI Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative NSSE National Security Special Event
NTED National Training and Education Division
NTIA National Telecommunications and Information Administration OIG Office of Inspector General
OMB Office of Management and Budget
ONCP Office of National Continuity Programs
OPSG Operation Stonegarden
PAPPG Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide
PARS Payment and Reporting Systems
PDAT Procurement Disaster Assistance Team
PHEP Public Health Emergency Preparedness
POC Point of Contact
PODs Points of Distribution
POP Period of Performance
PPD Presidential Policy Directive
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PPR Performance Progress Report
PRICE Act Personal Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act
PRMP Port Wide Risk Mitigation Plan
PSGP Port Security Grant Program
PTT Push-to-Talk
RANs Radio Access Networks

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Abbreviation Definition
RDPC Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium
RECC Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator
RECCWG Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Groups RECP Regional Emergency Communications Plan
RF Radio Frequency
RFI Request for Information
RISS Regional Information Sharing Systems
RMS Records Management Systems
R/Q Responsibility/Qualification
RRAP Regional Resilience Assessment Program
RTSWGs Regional Transportation Security Working Groups
SAA State Administrative Agency
SAC Senior Advisory Committee
SAR Suspicious Activity Report
SAT Simplified Acquisition Threshold
SCIP Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan
SDRC State Disaster Recovery Coordinator
SEFA Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards
SHSP State Homeland Security Program
SIEC Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
SIGB Statewide Interoperability Governance Board
SIMS Subscriber Identification Modules
SLDHTF State-Led Disaster Housing Task Force
SLTT State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
SPF Single Point of Failure
SPOC Single Point of Contact

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Abbreviation Definition
SPR Stakeholder Preparedness Review
sUAS Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
SWIC Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
TA Technical Assistance
the Goal National Preparedness Goal
THIRA Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment THSGP Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program
TICP Tactical Interoperability Communications Plan
TISB Transportation Infrastructure Security Branch
TPOC Training Point of Contact
TPP Training Partner Program
TSA Transportation Security Administration
TSC Terrorist Screening Center
TSGP Transit Security Grant Program
UAS Unmanned Aircraft System
UASI Urban Area Security Initiative
UAWG Urban Area Working Group
UICC Universal Integrated Circuit Cards
URT Unified Reporting Tool
USB Universal Serial Bus
USBP United States Border Patrol
USCG United States Coast Guard
USPCA U.S. Police Canine Association
USSS United States Secret Service
VASP Vulnerability Assessment and Security Plan
VPN Virtual Private Network
VSP Vessel Security Plan

Subaward Agreement Regarding FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Programs Funding for Equipment, Planning, Administration, Training and Exercises THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between the County of Tulare ("COUNTY") and _____________ ("SUBRECIPIENT"), referred to individually herein as "Party" or collectively as "Parties," on the following terms and conditions:

WHEREAS, the Fiscal Year 2024 ("FY 2024) California State Homeland Security Grant Program ("SHSGP") provides funding through Federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security to enhance the capabilities of state and local first responders by allowing the purchase of advanced types of equipment, as well as addressing other critical homeland security needs, including administration, planning, training, and exercise-related costs;
WHEREAS, COUNTY applied to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services ("CalOES") for a FY 2024 SHSGP grant;
WHEREAS, as part of its grant application, COUNTY requested sufficient funds to support certain activity(ies) or program(s) planned by SUBRECIPIENT that may be eligible for SHSGP grant funds; WHEREAS, COUNTY was awarded FY 2024 SHSGP grant funding; and COUNTY, upon recommendat ion of the local Approval Authority designated in the SHSGP Guidelines, determined to allocate some of this funding to support SUBRECIPIENT'S eligible program(s) or activity(ies).

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, COUNTY and SUBRECIPIENT hereby agree as follows:

1. GRANT SUBAWARD. Subject to the terms, conditions, and other limitations specified herein, COUNTY intends to subaward to SUBRECIPIENT a portion of its FY 2024 SHSGP Grant for the following program and/or activity:

Department/Agency: _____________________________ _
Program/Activity: ______________________________ _
Details about the specific program or activity authorized, the amounts allocated to the specified program or act ivity, and the anticipated performance and disbursement timelines shall be confirmed by subsequent award letter(s) from COUNTY ("Award Letter(s)") in accordance with this Agreement.

SUBRECIPIENT agrees not to expend any anticipated FY 2024 SHSGP grant funds until after it has received [an] Award Letter(s) authorizing the specific activity or program, and confirming the award amount. Award Letter(s) may include attachments, which are considered to be integral parts of the Award Letter(s). Unless SUBRECIPIENT notifies COUNTY before it begins spending the funds authorized in a FY 2023 SHSGP Award Letter that it declines some or all of the program, activity, and/or funds outlined in the Award Letter, SUBRECIPIENT will be deemed to have accepted all of the terms and conditions specified in the Award Letter(s), including any applicable attachments.

COUNTY reserves the exclusive right to determine the method and timing of disbursement of SHSGP funds to SUBRECIPIENT. Furthermore, and in addition to all other rights provided to COUNTY under this Agreement or t he law, COUNTY reserves the right to, issue revised Award Letter(s) to modify 1 2023 2024
Dinuba Fire Department
Dinuba Fire Department
Project 004

SUBRECIPIENT's authorized program, activity, award amounts, and/or performance periods, in accordance with the recommendations of the Local Approval Authority, the changing needs of SUBRECIPIENT and/or the likelihood of SUBRECIPIENT expending its subaward; however, such modifications will only be made after consultation with SUBRECIPIENT, and in accordance with the recommendations of the Local Approval Authority.

2. PERFORMANCE PERIOD. SUBRECIPIENT's Performance Period for all activities covered by the terms of this Agreement shall commence on September 1, 2024. Unless COUNTY specifies otherwise in SUBRECIPIENT's Award Letter(s), SUBRECIPIENT's Performance Period for all activities covered by the terms of this Agreement shall continue until whichever of the following dates or events occurs first: (i) May 31, 2027, or (ii) until otherwise terminated under the provisions of this Agreement. Only activities performed during the County-specified FY 2024 SHSGP Performance Period are eligible for funding/reimbursement pursuant to this Agreement.

3. GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND ASSURANCES. The SUBRECIPIENT hereby agrees to review, adhere to, and comply with all COUNTY, state, and federal grant award requirements. SUBRECIPIENT acknowledges that COUNTY was required to accept and agree to the "CalOES Standard Assurances" (attached as Exhibit A, and incorporated by reference herein), and that COUNTY may be required to impose some or all of these assurances on all of its subrecipients, at all levels. Accordingly, SUBRECIPIENT specifically accepts, agrees to, and will abide by the CalOES Standard Assurances, with the understanding that everywhere it references "Applicant" or "subrecipient" in Exhibit A shall be read to refer to SUBRECIPIENT. The CalOES Standard Assurances shall be binding on the SUBRECIPIENT, as well as its successors, transferees, contractors, consultants, etc. SUBRECIPIENT acknowledges that failure to comply with any of the assurances may result in suspension, termination, or reduction of grant funds.

Some of the requirements that SUBRECIPIENT hereby agrees to comply with appear in the following documents:
(a) Applicable Federal Regulations, including: (i) Title 2, Part 200 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (which contains, among other items, Government cost principles, uniform administrative requirements and audit requirements for Federal grant programs), and (ii) updates issued by the Office of Management and Budget (0MB) on http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/;
(b) Federal Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO); (c) California Supplement to the NOFO; and
(d) Federal and State Grant Program Guidelines.

By signing this Agreement, SUBRECIPIENT specifically makes the applicable certifications in Exhibit A, including the Lobbying and Political Activities and Debarment and Suspension Certifications (Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Exhibit A, respectively), as evidenced by the signature of SUBRECIPIENT's authorized agent.

4. FEDERALLY-FUNDED SERVICES. Because this grant subaward involves the provision of federal funds to SUBRECIPIENT, the terms and conditions outlined and incorporated in Exhibit B, "FederallyFunded Services," will apply to this Agreement, and are incorporated herein by reference.

S. DISPOSAL OR DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY. SUBRECIPIENT acknowledges that pursuant to 2 CFR section 200.316, any real property, equipment, and intangible property that are acquired or improved with any SHSGP award must be held in trust by SUBRECIPIENT as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project 2

or program under which the property was acquired or improved. SUBRECIPIENT may be required by COUNTY, CalOES, or the federal government to record liens or other appropriate notices of record to indicate that personal or real property has been acquired or improved with the SHSGP award and that use and disposition conditions apply to the property.

Furthermore, SUBRECIPIENT agrees that when the equipment or supplies acquired with funds from this subaward are no longer needed for the original activity or program, or for other SUBRECIPIENT activities supported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), SUBRECIPIENT must notify COUNTY to request instructions on proper disposition of the equipment or supplies. SUBRECIPIENT is not permitted to sell, assign, or otherwise transfer title to (or any other interest in) equipment or supplies purchased with SHSGP funds except as permitted by 2 CFR Part 200. Furthermore, SUBRECIPIENT must obtain the express written permission of COUNTY for disposition of property that may have a current per unit fair market value of $5,000 or more. Though not exclusive or exhaustive, additional information regarding disposition of property acquired with SHSGP funds can be found at 2 CFR Part 200, sections 200.313 through 200.316.

6. SUBAWARDS AND CONTRACTS. With the understanding that not all provisions may be applicable to subawardees, SU BRECIPIENT agrees to include all of the commitments specified in Exhibit A, and any other commitments or requirements included in this Agreement that expressly so designate, in the award documents it issues for all subawards at all tiers, including contracts under grants and cooperative agreements and subcontracts. SUBRECIPIENT further agrees that it will include the commitments in Exhibit A in all contracts paid for in full or part with FY 2024 SHSGP funds.

7. DESIGNATED COUNTY AUTHORIZED AGENT. Only those individuals designated by resolution of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors as Authorized Agents for FY 2024 SHSGP ("COUNTY Authorized Agents") are authorized to sign FY 2024 SHSGP Award Letters on behalf of COUNTY, or to suspend performance in accordance with Paragraph 16(d), below. All other notices from COUNTY may come from other COUNTY personnel.

8. PROOF OF SUBRECIPIENT AUTHORITY. Before this Agreement will be approved by COUNTY, SUBRECIPIENT must provide to COUNTY written authorization (in the form of a resolution, or some other format specifically authorized by COUNTY) from the city council, governing board, or authorized body in support of this project. This written authorization must specify that the SUBRECIPIENT and the city council, governing board, or authorized body agree:
(a) To provide all matching funds required for the grant project and that any cash match will be appropriated as required;
(b) Any liability arising out of performance of this Agreement shall be the responsibility of the SUBRECIPIENT and the city council, governing board, or authorized body; (c) Grant funds shall not be used to supplant expenditures controlled by the city council, governing board, or authorized body;
(d) SUBRECIPIENT is authorized by the city council, governing board, or authorized body to apply for federal assistance, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-federal share of project cost, if any_ to ensure proper planning, management, and completion of the project described in this application; and (e) Official executing this Agreement is authorized by the SUBRECIPIENT.

9. DISALLOWANCE AND OFFSET. If, pursuant to this Agreement, SUBRECIPIENT requests or 3

receives payment from COUNTY for programs, activities, or equipment, the reimbursement for which is later disallowed by the State ofCalifornia orthe United States Government, SUBRECIPIENT shall promptly refund the disallowed amount to COUNTY upon COUNTY's request. At its option, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, COUNTY may offset the amount disallowed from any payment due or to become due to SUBRECIPIENT under this Agreement or any other agreement between SUBRECIPIENT or COUNTY.

Furthermore, if any of COUNTY's FY 2024 SHSGP grant funding is reduced, modified, or eliminated for any reason, COUNTY reserves the right to reduce, modify, or eliminate any or all of this FY 2024 SHSGP grant subaward to SUBRECIPIENT. SUBRECIPIENT agrees to promptly return any amounts requested by COUNTY in accordance with this provision. At its option, COUNTY may offset the amount to be returned by SUBRECIPIENT from any payment due or to become due to SUBRECIPIENT under this Agreement or any other agreement between SUBRECIPIENT and COUNTY.

10. MONITORING AND REPORTS. SUBRECIPIENT is responsible for oversight of the operations of the FY 2024 SHSGP supported activities. SUBRECPIENT must monitor its activities to ensure compliance with applicable Federal requirements and achievement of specific performance expectations.

SUBRECIPIENT's monitoring must cover each program, function or activity supported by FY 2024 SHSGP funding.

SUBRECIPIENT agrees to provide ongoing performance and financial reports regarding any and all of SUBRECIPIENT's programs and activities funded with FY 2024 SHSGP funding. At a minimum, these reports will be due on an annual basis, but COUNTY reserves the right to request more frequent reporting. Within 90 days of completion or termination of FY 2024 SHSGP funded subawards, SUBRECIPIENT is also expected to provide a final performance report and a final expenditure report in a format acceptable to COUNTY, State and the Federal government. SUBRECIPIENT will be notified of any additional required reports by separateAward Letter(s) or notice(s) from COUNTY.

11. MANDATORY DISCLOSURES. Pursuant to 2 CFR section 200.113, SUBRECIPIENT must disclose, in a timely manner, and in writing to COUNTY and ultimately to the federal awardingagency, all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting this subaward.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions outlined in Appendix XII to 2 CFR Part 200 ("Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters"), SUBRECIPIENT may also be also required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR section 200.338, "Remedies for noncompliance," including suspension or debarment.

12. SUBMITTING FALSECLAIMS. Under applicable federal andstate law, ifSUBRECIPIENT submits a false claim to COUNTY under this Agreement, then SUBRECIPIENT will be liable to COUNTY for the statutory penalties set forth in those statutes, including, but notlimited to statutory fines,trebledamages, costs, and attorneys' fees. SUBRECIPIENT will be deemed to have submitted a false claim to COUNTY if SUBRECIPIENT:
(a) Knowingly presents or causes to be presented to COUNTY a false claim or request for payment or approval;
(b) Knowingly makes, uses, or causes to be made or used a false record or statement to get a false claim paid or approved by COUNTY;
(c) Conspires to defraud COUNTY, State, or the Federal Government by getting a false claim allowed or paid by COUNTY;
4

(d) Knowingly makes, uses, or causes to be made or used a false record or statement to conceal, avoid, or decrease an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to COUNTY; or (e) Is a beneficiary of an inadvertent submission of a false claim to COUNTY, later discovers the falsity of the claim, and fails to disclose the false claim to COUNTY within a reasonable time after discovery of the false claim.

13. INSURANCE. SUBRECIPIENT certifies it is insured or self-insured for general liability exposures with limits of no less than $1 million per occurrence. SUBRECIPIENT certifies it is insured or self-insured for workers' compensation and maintains statutory limits. SUBRECIPIENT agrees that coverage limits specified within the Agreement will not be used to reduce limits of coverage from SUBRECIPIENT'S full policy limits. Insurance Policies will not be used to limit liability or to limit the indemnification provisions and requirements of this Agreement or act in any way to reduce available coverage and limits from the insurer. Failure to maintain or renew coverage may be a material breach of this Agreement.

14. LIABILITY OF COUNTY. COUNTY's payment obligations to SUBRECIPIENT for FY 2024 SHSGP funds are limited by all provisions and other requirements specified in this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no event shall COUNTY be liable, regardless of whether any claim is based on contract or tort, for any special, consequential, indirect, or incidental damages arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, lost profits, equipment purchased, or activities performed in connection with this Agreement.

15. HOLD HARMLESS, INDEMNIFICATION, AND DEFENSE.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, SUBRECIPIENT must indemnify, defend (at SUBRECIPIENT'S sole cost and expense and with legal counsel approved by COUNTY, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld), protect, and hold harmless COUNTY, all subsidiaries, divisions and affiliated agencies of COUNTY, and all of their representatives, partners, designees, officers, directors, employees, consultants, agents, successors and assigns, (each, an "Indemnified Party" and collectively, the "Indemnified Parties"), from and against all claims (including, without limitation, claims for bodily injury, death or damage to property), demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, disbursements and court costs, and all other professional expert or consultants' fees and costs and COUNTY general and administrative expenses) of every kind and nature whatsoever (individually, a "Claim"; collectively, "Claims") which may arise out of, pertain to, or relate (directly or indirectly) to the negligence, recklessness, or misconduct of SUBRECIPIENT with respect to any activities and/or programs performed, training provided, or items purchased or used under or in relation to this Agreement (including, without limitation, the acts, errors, and/or omissions of SUBRECIPIENT, its principals, officers, agents, employees, vendors, suppliers, consultants, sub-consultants, contractors, anyone employed directly or indirectly by any of them, or for whose acts they may be liable, or any or all of them).

SUBRECIPIENT'S obligation to indemnify applies unless it is finally adjudicated that the liability was caused by the sole active negligence or sole willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party. If it is finally adjudicated that liability is caused by the comparative active negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party, then SUBRECIPIENT'S indemnification obligation shall be reduced in proportion to the established comparative liability.
(b) The duty to defend is a separate and distinct obligation from SUBRECIPIENT'S duty to indemnify. SUBRECIPIENT shall be obligated to defend, in all legal, equitable, administrative, or special proceedings, the Indemnified Parties immediately upon tender to SUBRECIPIENT of the Claim in any form or at any stage of an action or proceeding, whether or not liability is established. Payment to 5

SUBRECIPIENT by any Indemnified Party or the payment or advance of defense costs by any Indemnified Party cannot be a condition precedent to enforcing the Indemnified Party's rights to defense or indemnification under this Agreement. An allegation or determination that persons other than SUBRECIPIENT are responsible for the Claim does not relieve SUBRECIPIENT from its separate and distinct obligation to defend under this section. The obligation to defend extends through final judgment, including exhaustion of any appeals. The defense obligation includes an obligation to provide independent defense counsel if SUBRECIPIENT asserts that liability is caused in whole or in part by the negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party. If it is finally adjudicated that liability was caused by the comparative active negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party, then SUBRECIPIENT may submit a claim to the COUNTY for reimbursement of reasonable attorneys' fees and defense costs in proportion to the established comparative liability of the Indemnified Party. SUBRECIPIENT'S indemnification obligations under this Agreement will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement until action against the Indemnified Parties for the matter indemnified is fully and finally barred by the applicable statute of limitations or statute of repose. SUBRECIPIENT'S liability for indemnification under this Agreement is in addition to any liability SUBRECIPIENT may have to COUNTY for a breach by SUBRECIPIENT of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Under no circumstances may the insurance requirements and limits set forth in this Agreement be construed to limit SUBRECIPIENT'S indemnification obligation or other liability under this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement are contractual and the result of negotiation between the Parties. (c) SUBRECIPIENT must indemnify and hold COUNTY harmless from all loss and liability, including attorneys' fees, court costs and all other litigation expenses, for any infringement of the patent rights, copyright, trade secret or any other proprietary right or trademark, and all other intellectual property claims of any person or persons in consequence of the use by COUNTY, or any of its officers or agents, of articles or services to be supplied in the performance of this Agreement.

16. TERMINATION
(a) Without Cause (For Convenience): Either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience by giving thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the other Party of its intention to terminate pursuant to this provision, specifying the date of termination. COUNTY will not pay lost anticipated profits or other economic loss resulting from termination of this Agreement. After receiving a notice of termination for convenience from SUBRECIPIENT, and prior to the effective date of termination, COUNTY may, in its sole discretion, continue to disburse grant funding to SUBRECIPIENT for the programs or activities permitted under this Agreement and specified in the effective Award Letter(s); however, COUNTY specifically reserves the right to cancel or modify some of the programs or activities specified in the Award Letter if it seems infeasible for SUBRECIPIENT to complete its work before the termination of the contract. Any funding disbursed to SUBRECIPIENT but not yet spent at the time the Agreement is terminated must be returned to COUNTY. All such disbursements continue to be subject to the restrictions otherwise provided in this Agreement or by law.

COUNTY will not impose sanctions on SUBRECIPIENT for a termination for convenience. (b) With Cause: Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately, by written notice to the other Party, should the other Party:
(1) be adjudged a bankrupt, or
(2) become insolvent or have a receiver appointed, or
(3) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (4) suffer any judgment which remains unsatisfied for 30 days, and which would 6

substantively impair the ability of the judgment debtor to perform under this Agreement.

COUNTY also reserves the right to immediately suspend and/or to terminate this Agreement, for cause, upon discovery of a material breach by SUBRECIPIENT. A material breach includes, but is not limited to, (i) SUBRECIPIENT's failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement or of any Award Letter(s) issued by COUNTY; (ii) a material misrepresentation by SUBRECIPIENT to COUNTY in relation to this grant program; or (iii) failure to comply with all applicable laws or regulations. COUNTY will provide written notice of the material breach and its determination to either suspend or terminate the contract, specifying the date of termination. At COUNTY's sole discretion, COUNTY may provide SUBRECIPIENT with a reasonable period of time to cure the breach. If COUNTY terminates this Agreement for cause, COUNTY reserves the right to reduce, modify, or eliminate any or all of this subaward and any other outstanding SHSGP subawards to SUBRECIPIENT. Upon demand by COUNTY, SUBRECIPIENT agrees to immediately return FY 2024 SHSGP funding that has been disbursed to SUBRECIPIENT and which remains in SUBRECIPIENT's possession at the time this Agreement is terminated. In addition, the payment of any grant funds that have yet to be disbursed for work already completed by SUBRECIPIENT under this Agreement remains subject to the restrictions on payments otherwise provided in this Agreement and by law, and is further conditioned on COUNTY's confirmation of SUBRECIPIENT's satisfactory completion of the activities or programs specified in this Agreement and any related Award Letter(s).

COUNTY will not pay lost anticipated profits or other economic loss, nor will the County pay compensation or make reimbursement to cure any breach arising out of or resulting from such termination for cause. If this Agreement is terminated for cause, COUNTY may impose sanctions, including possible rejection of future proposals based on specific causes of non-performance. Furthermore, if this Agreement is terminated for SUBRECIPIENT's failure to comply with applicable federal statutes or regulations, including those specifically incorporated into this Agreement by reference, SUBRECIPIENT is advised that the COUNTY's termination decision may be considered in evaluating future applications for federal grant awards.
(c) Effects of Completion or Termination: Expiration, completion, or termination of this Agreement shall not terminate any of SUBRECIPIENT's obligations to indemnify, defend, or hold harmless; to maintain and make available any records pertaining to the Agreement; to cooperate with any audit; to be subject to offset; to make any reports of pre-termination contract activities; to honor its obligations related to the disposal or disposition of property purchased with SHSGP funding; to comply with the continuing applicable obligations contained in Exhibit A; or to comply with any other continuing or closeout obligations required by this Agreement or by federal or state law or regulation, including those specified in 2 CFR Part 200. Where SUBRECIPIENT's activities or programs have been terminated by the COUNTY for cause, said termination will not affect any rights of the COUNTY to recover damages from or against SUBRECIPIENT.
(d) Suspension of Performance: Independent of any right to terminate this Agreement, COUNTY Authorized Agents may immediately suspend performance by SUBRECIPIENT, in whole or in part, in response to health, safety or financial emergency, a change in SHSGP grant funding to COUNTY, or a failure or refusal by SUBRECIPIENT to comply with the provisions of this Agreement, until such time as the cause for suspension is resolved, or a notice of termination becomes effective.

17. RECORDS. SUBRECIPIENT shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to the activities, programs, and/or purchases funded by or related to FY 2024 SHSGP funding and/or this Agreement, including all records relating to procurement of goods and services. In addition, SUBRECIPIENT shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to any payments to employees, 7

subawardees, contractors, or subcontractors. All such records shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures and any applicable procedures required by the COUNTY or the federal or state government. All applicable records shall be clearly identified, maintained on site, and be kept readily accessible.

SUBRECIPIENT further agrees to make all such records available to federal, state, and COUNTY government representatives, as further specified in Exhibit A, Paragraph 9 and Exhibit B, Paragraph 10.

SUBRECIPIENT shall ensure that members of the public also have access to such records upon request, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and the California Public Records Act. SUBRECIPIENT specifically agrees to require any subrecipients, contractors, successors, transferees, and assignees to acknowledge and agree to comply with all of these record keeping and access requirements.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension of payments under the grant, termination of the grant, or both. SUBRECIPIENT may be ineligible for award of any future grants if COUNTY or Cal OES determines that any of the following has occurred: (1) the recipient has made false certification, or (2) violates the certification by failing to carry out the requirements as noted above.

18. NOTICES. Except as may be otherwise required by law, any notice to be given must be written and must be either personally delivered, sent by facsimile transmission, or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid and addressed as follows:

COUNTY:

Sabrina Bustamante
Emergency Services Manager
Tulare County HHSA/Office of
Emergency Services
5957 S Mooney Blvd
Visalia, CA 93277
Phone No.: (559) 624-7497
Fax No.: (559) 624-7499
SUBRECIPIENT:

Dinuba Fire Department
420 E. Tulare Street
Dinuba, CA 93618
559-591-5931
559-591-5934
With a Copy To:

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
2800 W. Burrel Ave.

Visalia, CA 93291
Phone No.: (559) 636-5005
Fax No.: (559) 733-6318
Notice personally delivered is effective when delivered. Notice sent by facsimile transmission is deemed to be received upon successful transmission. Notice sent by first class mail shall be deemed received on the fifth (5th) day after the date of mailing. Either party may change the above address by giving written notice pursuant to this paragraph.

19. CONFLICTS WITH LAWS OR REGULATIONS/ SEVERABIUTY. This Agreement is subject to all applicable laws and regulations. If any provision of this Agreement is found by any court or other legal authority, or is agreed by the parties, to be in conflict with any code or regulation governing its subject, the conflicting provision shall be considered null and void. If the effect of nullifying any conflicting provision is such that a material benefit of the Agreement to either party is lost, the Agreement may be terminated at the option of the affected party, and some or all of the grant money may need to be 8

returned to COUNTY. Such a termination will be treated as a termination for cause, in accordance with Paragraph 16 above. In all other cases, the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

20. MODIFICATION. No part of this Agreement may be modified without the written consent of both Parties.

21. EXHIBITS AND RECITALS. The Recitals and the Exhibits to this Agreement are fully incorporated into and are integral parts of this Agreement.

22. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be interpreted and governed under the laws of the State of California without reference to California conflicts of law principles. The Parties agree that this contract is made in and shall be performed in Tulare County, California.

23. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each Party will execute any additional documents and perform any further acts which may be reasonably required to effect the purposes of this Agreement.

24. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Unless specifically set forth, the Parties to this Agreement do not intend to provide any other party with any benefit or enforceable legal or equitable right or remedy.

25. WAIVERS. The failure of either Party to insist on strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement shall not be considered a waiver of any right to do so, whether for that breach or any subsequent breach. The acceptance by either Party of either performance or payment shall not be considered to be a waiver of any preceding breach of the Agreement by the other Party.

26. HEADINGS. Section headings are provided for organizational purposes only and do not in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions under the headings.

27. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between or among the body of the Agreement and any Award Letter or other communication between COUNTY and SUBRECIPIENT, then the terms and conditions of the body of this Agreement shall prevail.

28. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement is entered into by COUNTY in reliance on the identity and representations made by SUBRECIPIENT, and no part of this Agreement or this subaward (including any equipment purchased with the subaward) may be assigned, transferred, or sold by SUBRECIPIENT without the prior written consent of COUNTY, which consent COUNTY may grant, delay, deny, or condition in its absolute discretion. Any FY 2024 SHSGP funds provided to SUBRECIPIENT and not yet expended at the time of any attempted unauthorized assignment or transfer will be forfeit to COUNTY at the time of attempted assignment or transfer. Furthermore, the voluntary or involuntary assignment of this Agreement to a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, will constitute a material breach and will automatically terminate this Agreement without advance notice or opportunity to cure.

29. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. SUBRECIPIENT shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations and obtain and keep current all permits, licenses and/or approvals required by law to perform the activities or services, or to purchase any equipment, specified in this Agreement.

30. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
9

(a) SUBRECIPIENT agrees to, at all times during the performance of this Agreement, comply with the law of the State of California regarding conflicts of interests and appearance of conflicts of interests, including, but not limited to Government Code Section 1090 et seq., and the Political Reform Act, Government Code Section 81000 et seq. and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto by the California Fair Political Practices Commission. The statutes, regulations and laws previously referenced include, but are not limited to, prohibitions against any public officer or employee, including SUBRECIPIENT, from making any decision on behalf of COUNTY in which such officer, employee or consultant/contractor has a direct or indirect financial interest. A violation can occur if the public officer, employee or consultant/contractor participates in or influences any COUNTY decision which has the potential to confer any pecuniary benefit on SUBRECIPIENT or any business firm in which SUBRECIPIENT has an interest, with certain narrow exceptions.
(b) SUBRECIPIENT agrees that if any facts come to its attention which raise any questions as to the applicability of conflicts of interest laws, it will immediately inform the COUNTY designated representative and provide all information needed for resolution of this question.

31. COUNTERPARTS. The Parties may sign this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which taken together form one single document.

32. CERTIFICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The undersigned represents that he/she is authorized to enter into this Agreement for and on behalf of the SUBRECIPIENT. As the duly authorized representative of the SUBRECIPIENT, the undersigned hereby certifies that the SU BRECIPIENT has the legal authority to apply for County, State, and Federal assistance and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay any non-Federal share of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the project described in the FY 2024 SHSGP application, within the prescribed timelines.

The undersigned further acknowledges that the SUBRECIPIENT is responsible for reviewing and adhering to all COUNTY, state, and federal grant award requirements.

33. CEQA LEAD AGENCY: The SUBRECIPIENT shall be the designated lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the project and/or program funded by this Agreement. [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
10

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year signed by the last Party below.

ATTEST:

By: ___________ _
Approved as to form:

ATTEST: JASON T. BRITT
County Administrative Officer/
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: ____________ _
Deputy
Approved as to form: County Counsel
By: ___________ _
Deputy, Matter No ..
11 SUBRECIPIENT
By:------------
[Title]
Date: ____________ _

COUNTY OF TULARE
By: ____________ _
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Date: -------------
By: --===-----

CalOES

GOVERNORS OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
As the duly authorized representative of the Applicant, I hereby certify that the Applicant has the legal authority to apply for federal assistance and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay any non-federal share of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management, and completion of the project described in this application, within prescribed timelines.

The requirements outlined in these assurances apply to Applicant and any of its subrecipients.

I further acknowledge that the Applicant is responsible for reviewing and adhering to all requirements within the:
(a) Applicable Federal Regulations (see below);
(b) Federal Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO); (c) Federal Preparedness Grants Manual;
(d) California Supplement to the NOFO; and
(e) Federal and State Grant Program Guidelines.

Federal Regulations
Government cost principles, uniform administrative requirements, and audit requirements for federal grant programs are set forth in Title 2, Part 200 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) and adopted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 2 C.F.R. Part 3002.10. Updates are issued by the Office of Management and Budget (0MB} and can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/.

In the event Cal OES determines that changes are necessary to the subaward after a subaward has been made, including changes to period of performance or terms and conditions, Applicants will be notified of the changes in writing. Once notification has been made, any subsequent request for funds will indicate Applicant acceptance of the changes to the subaward.

State and federal grant award requirements are set forth below. The Applicant hereby agrees to comply with the following:

1. Proof of Authority
The Applicant will obtain proof of authority from the city council, governing board, or authorized body in support of this project. This written authorization must specify that the Applicant and the city council, governing board, or authorized body agree:

CalOES

OOVEIINOII S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
(a) To provide all matching funds required for the grant project and that any cash match will be appropriated as required;
(b) Any liability arising out of the performance of this agreement shall be the responsibility of the Applicant and the city council, governing board, or authorized body;
(c) Grant funds shall not be used to supplant expenditures controlled by the city council, governing board, or authorized body;
(d) The Applicant is authorized by the city council, governing board, or authorized body to apply for federal assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-federal share of project cost, if any) to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the project described in this application; and
(e) The official executing this agreement is authorized by the Applicant.

This Proof of Authority must be maintained on file and readily available upon request.

2. Period of Performance
The period of performance is specified in the Award. The Applicant is only authorized to perform allowable activities approved under the award, within the period of performance.

3. Lobbying and Political Activities
As required by Section 1352, Title 31 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), for persons entering into a contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement from an agency or requests or receives from an agency a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the Applicant certifies that:
(a) No federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any federal grant, the making of any federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

CalOES
OOV£RHOR S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
(b) If any funds other than federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying", in accordance with its instructions.
(c) The Applicant shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

The Applicant will also comply with provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 1501- 1508 and§§ 7324-7328) which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with federal funds.

Finally, the Applicant agrees that federal funds will not be used, directly or indirectly, to support the enactment, repeal, modification or adoption of any law, regulation, or policy without the express written approval from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) or the federal awarding agency.

4. Debarment and Suspension
As required by Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, and 2 C.F.R. § 200.214 and codified in 2 C.F.R. Part 180, Debarment and Suspension, the Applicant will provide protection against waste, fraud, and abuse by debarring or suspending those persons deemed irresponsible in their dealings with the federal government. The Applicant certifies that it and its subrecipients:
(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal department or agenc�
(b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal, state, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of federal or state antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

CalOES

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
(c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (federal, state, or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (4) (b) of this certification; and (d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application had one or more public transaction (federal, state, or local) terminated for cause or default.

Where the Applicant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, he or she shall attach an explanation to this application.

5. Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity
The Applicant will comply with all state and federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination, including:
(a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law (P.L.) 88-352 and 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et. seq.) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin and requires that recipients of federal financial assistance take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) to their programs and services; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded educational program or activity;
(c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (29 U.S.C. § 794), which prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities or access and functional needs; (d) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101et seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires buildings and structures be accessible to those with disabilities and access and functional needs;
(e) Age Discrimination Act of 1975, (42 U.S.C. §§ 6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age;
(f) Public Health Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. §§ 290 dd-2), relating to confidentiality of patient records regarding substance abuse treatment; (g) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.), relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing as implemented by the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 24 C.F.R. Partl 00. The prohibition on disability discrimination includes the requirement that new multifamily housing with four or more dwelling units - i.e., the public and common use areas and individual apartment units (all units in buildings with elevators and ground-floor units in buildings without elevators) - be designed and constructed with certain accessible features (See 24 C.F.R. § 100.201 );

�� ��.2�s

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
(h) Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors and federally assisted construction contractors and subcontractors, who do over $10,000 in Government business in one year from discriminating in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification or national origin;
(i) Executive Order 11375, which bans discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, or national origin in hiring and employment in both the United States federal workforce and on the part of government contractors;
(j) California Public Contract Code§ 10295.3, which prohibits discrimination based on domestic partnerships and those in same sex marriages; (k) DHS policy to ensure the equal treatment of faith-based organizations, under which the Applicant must comply with equal treatment policies and requirements contained in
6 C.F.R. Part 19;
(I) The California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (California Government Code§§ 12940-12957), as applicable. FEHA prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment because of ancestry, familial status, race, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, mental and physical disability, genetic information, medical condition, age, pregnancy, denial of medical and family care leave, or pregnancy disability leave, military and veteran status, and/or retaliation for protesting illegal discrimination related to one of these categories, or for reporting patient abuse in tax supported institutions;
(m)Any other nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s) under which application for federal assistance is being made; and
(n) The requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) that may apply to this application.

Civil Rights Policies for Program Beneficiaries and Subrecipients of DHS funding, pertaining to the following are available on the Cal OES website:
• Non-discrimination in Programs & Services
• Reasonable Accommodation for Program Beneficiaries
• Language Access Policy

CalOES

GOVERNOR'S OHICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs

6. Drug-Free Workplace
As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.),the Applicant certifies that it will maintain a drug-free workplace and a drug-free awareness program as outlined in the Act.

7. Environmental Standards
The Applicant will comply with state and federal environmental standards, including:
(a) The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (California Public Resources Code § § 21000-21177), to include coordination with the city or county planning agency;
(b) CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, §§ 15000-15387);
(c) The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), which establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters; (d) The Federal Clean Air Act of 1955 (42 U.S.C. § 7401) which regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources;
(e) Institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (P .L. 91-190); the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA; and Executive Order 12898 which focuses on the environmental and human health effects of federal actions on minority and low-income populations with the goal of achieving environmental protection for all communities;
(f) Evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with Executive Order 11988;
(g) Executive Order 11514 which sets forth national environmental standards; (h) Executive Order 11738 instituted to assure that each federal agency empowered to enter into contracts for the procurement of goods, materials, or services and each federal agency empowered to extend federal assistance by way of grant, loan, or contract shall undertake such procurement and assistance activities in a manner that will result in effective enforcement of the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Executive Order 11990 which requires preservation of wetlands;
(i) The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, (P.L. 93-523); (j
) The Endangered Species Act of 1973, (P.L. 93-205);

CalOES

OOVERHOR S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
(k) Assurance of project consistency with the approved state management program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16U.S.C. §§1451 et seq.);
(I) Conformity of Federal Actions to State (Clear Air) Implementation Plans under Section l 76(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§7401 et seq.); and
(m)The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. § 1271 et seq.) related to protecting components or potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system.

The Applicant shall not be: 1) in violation of any order or resolution promulgated by the State Air Resources Board or an air pollution district; 2) subject to a cease-anddesist order pursuant to section 13301 of the California Water Code for violation of waste discharge requirements or discharge prohibitions; or 3) determined to be in violation of federal law relating to air or water pollution.

8. Audits
For subrecipients expending $1,000,000 or more in federal grant funds annually, the Applicant will perform the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 and C.F.R., Part 200, Subpart F Audit Requirements.

9. Cooperation and Access to Records
The Applicant must cooperate with any compliance reviews or investigations conducted by OHS. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.337, the Applicant will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States and, if appropriate, the state, through any authorized representative, access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the award. The Applicant will require any subrecipients, contractors, successors, transferees and assignees to acknowledge and agree to comply with this provision.
1 o. Conflict of Interest
The Applicant will establish safeguards to prohibit the Applicant's employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain.

11. Financial Management
False Claims for Payment - The Applicant will comply with 31 U.S.C §§ 3729-3733 which provides that Applicant shall not submit a false claim for payment, reimbursement, or advance.

CalOES

GOVERNORS OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs

12. Reporting - Accountability
The Applicant agrees to comply with applicable provisions of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) (P.L. 109-282), including but not limited to (a) the reporting of subawards obligating $30,000 or more in federal funds, and (b) executive compensation data for first-tier subawards as set forth in 2 C.F.R. Part 170, Appendix A. The Applicant also agrees to comply with the requirements set forth in the government-wide financial assistance award term regarding the System for Award Management and Universal Identifier Requirements located at 2 C.F.R.

Part 25, Appendix A.

13. Whistleblower Protections
The Applicant must comply with statutory requirements for whistleblower protections at 10 U.S.C. § 2409, 41 U.S.C. § 4712, and 10 U.S.C. § 2324, 41 U.S.C. § 4304 and§ 4310.

14. Human Trafficking
The Applicant will comply with the requirements of Section 106(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (22 U.S.C. § 7104) which prohibits the Applicant or its subrecipients from: ( 1) engaging in trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect; (2) procuring a commercial sex act during the period of time that the award is in effect; or (3) using forced labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award.

15. Labor Standards
The Applicant will comply with the following federal labor standards:
(a) The Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. §§ 276a to 276a-7), as applicable, and the Copeland Act (40 U.S.C. § 3145 and 18 U.S.C. § 874) and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. §§ 327-333), regarding labor standards for federally-assisted construction contracts or subcontracts, and (b) The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.) as they apply to employees of institutes of higher learning (IHE), hospitals and other nonprofit organizations.

16. Worker's Compensation
The Applicant must comply with provisions which require every employer to be insured to protect workers who may be injured on the job at all times during the performance of the work of this Agreement, as per the workers compensation laws set forth in California Labor Code§§ 3700 et seq.

CalOES

OOYERNOR S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs

17. Property-Related
If applicable to the type of project funded by this federal award, the Applicant will:
(a) Comply with the requirements of Titles II and Ill of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of federal or federally-assisted programs. These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of federal participation in purchase;
(bl Comply with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (P .L. 93-234) which requires federal award subrecipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more;
(c) Assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended ( 16 U.S.C. § 470), Executive Order 11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 197 4 ( 16 U.S.C. § 469a- l et seq.); and
(d) Comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. § 4831 and 24 CFR Part 35) which prohibits the use of lead-based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures.

18. Certifications Applicable Only to Federally-Funded Construction Projects For all construction projects, the Applicant will:
(a) Not dispose of, modify the use of, or change the terms of the real property title or other interest in the site and facilities without permission and instructions from the awarding agency. Will record the federal awarding agency directives and will include a covenant in the title of real property acquired in whole or in part with federal assistance funds to assure nondiscrimination during the useful life of the project;
(b) Comply with the requirements of the awarding agency with regard to the drafting, review and approval of construction plans and specifications; and (c) Provide and maintain competent and adequate engineering supervision at the construction site to ensure that the complete work conforms with the approved plans and specifications and will furnish progressive reports and such other information as may be required by the assistance awarding agency or State.

CalOES
OOVERNOR·s OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs

19. Use of Cellular Device While Driving is Prohibited
The Applicant is required to comply with California Vehicle Code sections 23123 and 23123.5. These laws prohibit driving motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication. Drivers are also prohibited from the use of a wireless telephone without hands-free listening and talking, unless to make an emergency call to 911, law enforcement, or similar services.

20. California Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act The Applicant acknowledges that all information submitted in the course of applying for funding under this program, or provided in the course of an entity's grant management activities that are under Federal control, is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and the California Public Records Act, California Government Code § 7920.000 et seq. The Applicant should consider these laws and consult its own State and local laws and regulations regarding the release of information when reporting sensitive matters in the grant application, needs assessment, and strategic planning process.

21. Acknowledgment of Federal Funding from DHS
The Applicant must acknowledge its use of federal funding when issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid invitations, and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with federal funds.

22. Activities Conducted Abroad
The Applicant must coordinate with appropriate government authorities when performing project activities outside the United States and obtain all appropriate licenses, permits, or approvals.

23. Best Practices for Collection and Use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) OHS defines PII as any information that permits the identity of an individual to be directly or indirectly inferred, including any information that is linked or linkable to that individual. If the Applicant collects PII, the Applicant is required to have a publicly-available privacy policy that describes standards on the usage and maintenance of the PII they collect. The Applicant may refer to the OHS Privacy Impact Assessments: Privacy Guidance and Privacy Template as a useful resource.

O CalOES

OOVEAHOR'S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs

24. Copyright
Recipients must affix the applicable copyright notices of 17 U.S.C. §§ 401 or 402 to any work first produced under federal awards and also include an acknowledgement that the work was produced under a federal award (including the federal award number and federal awarding agency). As detailed in 2 C.F.R. § 200.315, a federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for federal purposes and to authorize others to do so.

25. Duplicative Costs
Applicants are prohibited from charging any cost to this federal award that will be included as a cost or used to meet cost sharing or matching requirements of any other federal award in either the current or a prior budget period. (See 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(f)).

However, recipients may shift costs that are allowable under two or more federal awards where otherwise permitted by federal statutes, regulations, or the federal financial assistance award terms and conditions.

26. Energy Policy and Conservation Act
The Applicant must comply with the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 6201 which contain policies relating to energy efficiency that are defined in the state energy conservation plan issued in compliance with this Act.

27. Federal Debt Status
The Applicant is required to be non-delinquent in its repayment of any federal debt.

Examples of relevant debt include delinquent payroll and other taxes, audit disallowances, and benefit overpayments. See 0MB Circular A-129.

28. Fly America Act of 1974
The Applicant must comply with Preference for United States Flag Air Carriers:
(a list of certified air carriers can be found at: Certificated Air Carriers List I US Department of Transportation, https://www.transportation.gov/policy/ aviationpolicy/certificated-air-carriers-list) for international air transportation of people and property to the extent that such service is available, in accordance with the International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of 197 4 (49 U.S.C. § 40118) and the interpretative guidelines issued by the Comptroller General of the United States in the March 31, 1981, amendment to Comptroller General Decision B-138942.

CalOES
OOVERNoR·s OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs

29. Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990
In accordance with Section 6 of the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990, the Applicant must ensure that all conference, meeting, convention, or training space funded in whole or in part with federal funds complies with the fire prevention and control guidelines of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 197 4, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 2225a.

30. Non-supplanting Requirement
If the Applicant receives federal financial assistance awards made under programs that prohibit supplanting by law, the Applicant must ensure that federal funds do not replace (supplant) funds that have been budgeted for the same purpose through non- federal sources.

31. Patents and Intellectual Property Rights
Recipients are subject to the Bayh-Dole Act, 35 U.S.C. § 200 et seq. and applicable regulations governing inventions and patents, including the regulations issued by the Department of Commerce at 37 C.F.R. Part 401 (Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms under Government Awards, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements) and the standard patent rights clause set forth at 37 C.F.R. § 401.14.

32. SAFECOM
If the Applicant receives federal financial assistance awards made under programs that provide emergency communication equipment and its related activities, the Applicant must comply with the SAFECOM Guidance for Emergency Communication Grants, including provisions on technical standards that ensure and enhance interoperable communications.

33. Terrorist Financing
The Applicant must comply with Executive Order 13224 and United States law that prohibit transactions with, and the provisions of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. The Applicant is legally responsible for ensuring compliance with the Order and laws.

34. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance If the total value of the Applicant's currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all federal assistance offices exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of this federal financial assistance award, the Applicant must comply with the requirements set forth in the

CalOES

OOVERNOR S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
government-wide Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters located at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Appendix XII, the full text of which is incorporated here by reference in the award terms and conditions.

35. USA Patriot Act of 2001
The Applicant must comply with requirements of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA PATRIOT Act), which amends 18 U.S.C. §§ 175-175c.

36. Use of OHS Seal, Logo, and Flags
The Applicant must obtain written permission from OHS prior to using the OHS seals, logos, crests, or reproductions of flags, or likenesses of OHS agency officials. This includes use of OHS component (e.g., FEMA CISA, etc.) seals, logos, crests, or reproductions of flags, or likenesses of component officials.

37. Performance Goals (HSGP and NSGP)
In addition to the Biannual Strategy Implementation Report submission requirements outlined in the Preparedness Grants Manual, the Applicant must demonstrate how the grant-funded project addresses the core capability gap associated with each project. The capability gap reduction must be addressed in the Project Description of the BSIR for each project.

38. Applicability of OHS Standard Terms and Conditions to Tribes The OHS Standard Terms and Conditions are a restatement of general requirements imposed upon the Applicant and flow down to any of its subrecipients as a matter of law, regulation, or executive order. If the requirement does not apply to Indian tribes or there is a federal law or regulation exempting its application to Indian tribes, then the acceptance by Tribes of, or acquiescence to, OHS Standard Terms and Conditions does not change or alter its inapplicability to an Indian tribe. The execution of grant documents is not intended to change, alter, amend, or impose additional liability or responsibility upon the Tribe where it does not already exist.

39. Required Use of American Iron, Steel, Manufactured Products, and Construction Materials
The Applicant must comply with the "Build America, Buy America" Act (BABAA), enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Executive Order 14005. Applicants receiving a federal award subject to BABAA requirements may not use federal financial assistance funds for infrastructure projects unless:

CalOES

GOVERNOR S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs
(a) All iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States - this means all manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States; (b) All manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States - this means the manufactured product was manufactured in the United States; and the cost of the components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless another standard for determining the minimum amount of domestic content of the manufactured product has been established under applicable law or regulation; and (c) All construction materials are manufactured in the United States - this means that all manufacturing processes for the construction material occurred in the United States.

The "Buy America" preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. It does not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site and removed at or before the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.

Per section 70914(c) of BABAA, FEMA may waive the application of a Buy America preference under an infrastructure program in certain cases.

40. E.O. 14074 - Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety
Recipient State, Tribal, local, or territorial law enforcement agencies must comply with the requirements of section l 2(c) of E.O. 1407 4. Recipient State, Tribal, local, or territorial law enforcement agencies are also encouraged to adopt and enforce policies consistent with E.O. 1407 4 to support safe and effective policing.

CalOES

OOVERNOR'S OFFICE

OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
FY 2024 Standard Assurances For Cal OES Federal
Non-Disaster Preparedness Grant Programs

IMPORTANT
The purpose of these assurances is to obtain federal and state financial assistance, including any and all federal and state grants, loans, reimbursement, contracts, etc.

Applicant recognizes and agrees that state financial assistance will be extended based on the representations made in these assurances. These assurances are binding on Applicant, its successors, transferees, assignees, etc. as well as any of its subrecipients.

Failure to comply with any of the above assurances may result in suspension, termination, or reduction of grant funds.

All appropriate documentation, as outlined above, must be maintained on file by the Applicant and available for Cal OES or public scrutiny upon request. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension of payments under the grant or termination of the grant or both and the Applicant may be ineligible for award of any future grants if Cal OES determines that the Applicant: ( l) has made false certification, or (2) violates the certification by failing to carry out the requirements as noted above.

All of the language contained within this document must be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers. Applicants are bound by the OHS Standard Terms and Conditions 2024, Version 2, hereby incorporated by reference, which can be found at: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/fyl 5-dhs- standard-terms-and-conditions.

EXHIBIT B - FEDERALLY FUNDED SERVICES

COUNTY OF TULARE
Subaward Agreement - FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Programs FEDERALLY-FUNDEDAGREEMENTS. COUNTY will be payingfor
the goods or services to be provided under this Agreement, in whole, or in part, with Federal grant funds, so the following additional terms and conditions will apply to this Agreement, if applicable as noted:
(1) Equal Employment Opportunity (FOR CONSTRUCTION
WORK) Except as otherwise provided under 41 CFR Part 60, if this Agreement meets the definition of "federally assisted construction contract" in 41 CFR Part 60-1.3, then during the performance of this Agreement, the CONTRACTOR agrees as follows:(!) The CONTRACTOR will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. The CONTRACTOR will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The CONTRACTOR agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.(2) The CONTRACTOR will, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on be- half of the CONTRACTOR, state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.(3) The CONTRACTOR will not dis- charge or in any other manner
discriminate against any employee • or applicant for
employment because such employee or applicant has
inquired about, discussed, or dis- closed the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.

This provision shall not ap- ply to instances in which an employee who has access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of such employee's essential job functions discloses the compensation of such other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to such information, unless such
disclosure is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or is consistent with the CONTRACTOR'S legal duty to furnish information.(4) The CONTRACTOR will send to each labor
union or representative of workers with which he has a
collective bargaining agreement or other contract or
understanding, a notice to be provided advising the said labor union or workers'
representatives of the CONTRACTOR'S commitments under
this section, and shall post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for
employment.(5) The CONTRACTOR will comply with all
provisions of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.(6) The CONTRACTOR will furnish all
information and reports required by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant thereto, and will permit access to his books, records, and accounts by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules,
regulations, and orders.(7) In the event of the CONTRACTOR'S noncompliance with the nondiscrimination clauses of this contract or with any of the said rules, regulations, or orders, this Agreement may be canceled, terminated, or
suspended in whole or in part and the CONTRACTOR may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts or federally assisted construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in Executive Order 11246 of
September 24, 1965, and such other sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, order of the Secretary of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.(8) The CONTRACTOR will include the portion of the sentence immediately preceding paragraph (1) and the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (8) in every subcon-tract or purchase order unless exempted by rules, regulations, or orders of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. The
CONTRACTOR will take such action with respect to any
subcontract or purchase order as the COUNTY may direct as a means of enforcing such pro-visions, including sanctions for noncompliance: Provided, however, that in the event
CONTRACTOR becomes involved in, or is threatened with,
litigation with a sub-contractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the COUNTY, then the CONTRACTOR may
request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect the interests of the United States. The COUNTY
further agrees that it will be bound by the above equal opportunity clause with respect to its own employment
practices when it participates in federally assisted
construction work.

The COUNTY agrees that it will assist and cooperate actively with the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor in obtaining the compliance of contractors and subcontractors with the equal opportunity clause and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor, that it will EXHIBIT B - Page 1 of 5

furnish the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor such information as they may require for the supervision of such compliance, and that it will otherwise as- sist the administering agency in the discharge of the agency's
primary responsibility for securing compliance. The COUNTY further agrees that it will refrain from entering into any contract or contract modification subject to Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, with a contractor debarred from, or who has not demonstrated eligibility for,
Government contracts and federally assisted construction contracts pursuant to the Executive Order and will carry out such sanctions and penalties for violation of the equal opportunity clause as may be imposed upon contractors and subcontractors by the administering agencyor the Secretary of Labor pursuant to Part 11, Subpart D of the Executive Order.

In addition, the COUNTY agrees that if it fails or refuses to comply with these undertakings, the administering agency may take any or all of the following actions: Cancel,
terminate, or suspend in whole or in part this grant (contract, loan, insurance, guarantee); refrain from extending any further assistance to the COUNTY under the pro- gram with respect to which the failure or refund occurred until
satisfactory assurance of future compliance has been
received from the COUNTY; and refer the case to the
Department of Justice for appropriate legal proceedings.

The CONTRACTOR and each of its subcontractors shall include the equal opportunity clause in each of its subcontracts. (2) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148).
(FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK). If this Agreement involves
payment for construction ser- vices in excess of $2,000, then the CONTRACTOR must comply with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by
Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, "Labor
Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering
Federally Financed and Assisted Construction"). In
accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, the CONTRACTOR is
required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage
determination made by the U.S. Secretary of Labor. In
addition, the CONTRACTOR is required to pay wages not less than once a week. The COUNTY must provide CONTRACTOR
with a copy of the current prevailing wage determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor with respect to the services to be provided under the subject Agreement. The CONTRACTOR'S execution of the subject Agreement
constitutes the CONTRACTOR'S acceptance of the wage
determination. The COUNTY must re- port all suspected or reported violations to the Federal awarding agency.
(3) Copeland "Anti- Kickback" Act (40 U.S.C. 3145). (FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK GREATER THAN $2000). CONTRACTOR
must comply with the Copeland "Anti- Kick- back" Act (40 U.S.C. 3145), as supplemented by Department of Labor
regulations (29 CFR Part 3, "Contractors and Subcontractors on Public Building or Public Work Financed in Whole or in Part by Loans or Grants from the United States"). Under the
Copeland "Anti- Kickback" Act, the CONTRACTOR and all
subcontractors are prohibited from inducing, by any means, any person employed in the construction, completion, or repair of public work, to give up any part of the compensation to which he or she is other- wise entitled. The COUNTY must report all suspected or re- ported violations to the Federal awarding agency.
(4) Compliance with the Contract Work Hours and Safety
Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701-3708).
{FOR AGREEMENTS >$100,000 THAT USE MECHANICS OR
LABORERS). If this Agreement involves payments for services in excess of $100,000 that include the employment of
mechanics or laborers, then the CONTRACTOR must comply
with 40 U.S.C. 3702 and 3704, as supplemented by
Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5):
(1) Overtime requirements. No contractor or subcontractor contracting for any part of the contract work which may require or involve the employment of laborers or mechanics shal! require or permit any such laborer or mechanic in any workweek in which he or she is employed on such work to work in excess of forty hours in such workweek unless such laborer or mechanic receives compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of forty hours in such workweek.
(2) Violation; liability for unpaid wages; liquidated damages.

In the event of any violation of the clause set forth in paragraph (b)(l) of this section the contractor and any subcontractor responsible therefore shall be liable for the unpaid wages. In addition, such contractor and subcontractor shall be liable to the United States (in the case of work done under contract for the District of Columbia or a territory, to such District or to such territory), for liquidated damages.

Such liquidated damages shall be computed with respect to each individual laborer or mechanic, including watchmen and guards, employed in violation of the clause set forth in paragraph (b)(l) of this section, in the sum of $27 for each calendar day on which such individual was required or
permitted to work in excess of the standard workweek of forty hours without payment of the overtime wages required by the clause set forth in paragraph (b)(l) of this section. (3) Withholding for unpaid wages and liquidated damages.

The COUNTY shall upon its own action or upon written
request of an authorized representative of the Department of EXHIBIT B - Page 2 of 5

Labor withhold or cause to be withheld, from any moneys payable on account of work performed by the contractor
or subcontractor under any such contract or any other
federal contract with the same prime contractor, or any other federally-assisted contract subject to the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, which is held by
the same prime contractor, such sums as may be
determined to be necessary to satisfy any liabilities of such contractor or subcontractor for unpaid wages and
liquidated damages as provided in the clause set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(4) Subcontracts. The contractor or subcontractor shall insert in any subcontracts the clauses set forth in
paragraph (b)(l) through (4) of this section and also a clause requiring the subcontractors to include these
clauses in any lower tier subcontracts. The prime
contractor shall be responsible for compliance by any
subcontractor or lower tier subcontractor with the
clauses set forth in paragraphs (b)(l) through (4) of this section."
Further Complionce with the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act: For contracts only subject to Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and not subject to the other statutes in 29 CFR § 5.1,the contractor or subcontractor shall maintain payrolls and basic payroll records during the course of the work and shall preserve them for a period of three years from the completion of the contract for all laborers and mechanics, including guards and watchmen, working on the contract. Such records shall contain the name and address of each such employee, social security number, correct
classifications, hourly rates of wages paid, daily and weekly number of hours worked, deductions made, and actual
wages paid. Records to be maintained under this provision shall be made available by the contractor or subcontractor for inspection, copying, or transcription by authorized representatives of the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the
Department of Labor, and the contractor or subcontractor will permit such representatives to interview employees during working hours on the job.
(S) Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or
Agreement (FOR FUNDING AGREEMENTS FOR

EXPERIMENTAL, DEVELOPMENTAL OR RESEARCH
WORK). If the Federal award supporting payments for
ser- vices under this Agreement meets the definition of "funding agreement" under 37 CFR § 401.2 (a) and the
Agreement is with a small business firm or nonprofit
organization regarding the substitution of parties,
assignment or performance of experimental,
developmental, or research work under that "funding
agreement," then the COUNTY and the CONTRACTOR
recipient or subrecipient must comply with the
requirements of 37 CFR Part 401, "Rights to Inventions
Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative
Agreements," and any implementing regulations issued by the awarding agency.
(6) Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387), as amended (FOR AGREEMENTS >$150,000). If this Agreement involves payments for ser- vices in excess of $150,000, then the CONTRACTOR must comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7401-7671q) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387). Violations must be reported to the Federal awarding agency and the Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(7) Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12S49 and 12689) (FOR ALL AGREEMENTS >$25,000). By execution of this Agreement, CONTRAC- TOR certifies to the COUNTY that it is not a party listed on the government-wide exclusions list in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the 0MB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), "Debarment and Suspension," and is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from the award of a federally-supported contract under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Or- der 12549.
(8) Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352) (FOR ALL AGREEMENTS >$100,000). If this Agreement involves payments for services in excess of $100,000, then by execution of this Agreement, the CONTRACTOR certifies to the COUNTY that it will not and has not used Federally- appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any Federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C.1352. The CONTRACTOR must also disclose to the COUNTY is writing any lobbying with nonFederal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award.
(9) Procurement of recovered materials (FOR AGREEMENTS
>$10,000 FOR CONTRACTORS WHO MUST COMPLY WITH
SECTION 6002 OF THE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ACT).

Pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.323, the COUNTY and the CONTRACTOR must comply with section 6002 of the Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The requirements of Section 6002 include procuring only items designated in guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR part 247 that contain the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable,
consistent with maintaining a satisfactory level of competition, where the purchase price of the item exceeds
$10,000 or the value of the quantity acquired during the preceding fiscal year exceeded $10,000; procuring solid waste management services in a manner that maximizes energy and resource recovery; and establishing an affirmative
EXHIBIT B - Page 3 of 5

procurement program for procurement of recovered
materials identified in the EPAguidelines.
(10) Records Retention and Access (ALL AGREEMENTS).

Pursuant to 2 CFR §§ 200.333 through 200.337, the
following provisions regarding Records Retention and
Access will apply to this Agreement:
(A) Retention requirements for records.

CONTRACTOR must retain all financial records,
supporting documents, statistical records, and all
other of its records pertinent to this Agreement for a
period of three years from the date of submission of
the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards
that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date
of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial
report, respectively, as reported to the Federal
awarding agency or COUNTY. The only exceptions to
the 3 year limit are the following:
(a) If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, then the
records must be retained until all litigation, claims,
or audit findings involving the records have been
resolved and final action taken.
(b) When the CONTRACTOR is notified in writing by
the COUNTY or Federal awarding agency, cognizant
agency for audit, oversight agency for audit, or
cognizant agency for indirect costs to extend the
retention period.
(c) Records for real property and equipment
acquired with Federal funds must be retained for 3
years after final disposition.
(d) When records are transferred to or maintained
by the COUNTY, or Federal awarding agency, the 3-
year retention requirement is not applicable to the
CON- TRACTOR.
(e) Records for program income transactions after
the period of performance. In some cases
recipients must report program income after the
period of performance. Where there is such a
requirement, the retention period for the records
pertaining to the earning of the program income
starts from the end of the CON- TRACTOR'S fiscal
year in which the program income is earned.
(f) Indirect cost rate proposals and cost allocations
plans. This paragraph applies to the following types of documents and their supporting records: indirect cost
rate computations or proposals, cost allocation plans,
and any similar accounting computations of the rate at
which a particular group of costs is chargeable (such as computer usage chargeback rates or composite fringe
benefit rates).
(1) If submitted for negotiation. If the proposal, plan, or other computation is required to be submitted to the COUNTY or the Federal Government to form the basis for
negotiation of the rate, then the 3-year retention period for its supporting records starts from the date of such submission.
(2) If not submitted for negotiation. If the proposal,
plan, or other computation is not required to be submitted to the COUNTY or Federal Government for negotiation
purposes, then the 3-year retention period for the
proposal, plan, or computation and its supporting records starts from the end of the fiscal year (or other accounting period) covered by the proposal, plan, or other
computation.
(B) Methods for collection, transmission, and storage of information. In accordance with the May 2013 Executive Order on Making Open and Machine Readable the New De- fault for Government Information, the Federal awarding agency and the CONTRACTOR should, whenever practicable, collect, transmit, and store Federal award- related in- formation in open and machine readable formats rather than in closed formats or on paper. The Federal awardingagency or COUNTY must always provide or accept paper versions of Federal award-related information to and from the CONTRACTOR
upon request. If paper copies are submit- ted, the Federal awarding agency or COUNTY must not re- quire more than an original and two copies. When original records are electronic and cannot be altered, there is no need to create and retain paper copies. When original records are paper, electronic versions may be substituted through the use of duplication or other forms of electronic media provided that they are subject to periodic quality control reviews, provide reasonable safeguards against alteration, and remain readable.
(C) Access to records.
(a) Records of CONTRACTOR. The Federal awarding
agency, Inspectors General, the Comptroller General
of the United States, and the COUNTY, or any of their
authorized representatives, must have the right of
access to any documents, papers, or other records of
the CONTRACTOR which are pertinent to the Federal
award, in order to make audits, examinations,
excerpts, and transcripts. The right also includes
timely and reasonable access to the CONTRACTOR'S
personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion
related to such documents.

EXHIBIT B - Page 4 of 5

(b) Only under extraordinary and rare
circumstances would such access include review
of the true name of victims of a crime. Routine
monitoring cannot be considered extraordinary
and rare circumstances that would necessitate
access to this information. When access to the
true name of victims of a crime is necessary,
appropriate steps to protect this sensitive
information must be taken by both the
CONTRACTOR and the Federal awarding agency or
COUNTY. Any such access, other than under a
court order or subpoena pursuant to a bona fide
confidential investigation, must be ap- proved by
the head of the Federal awarding agency or
delegate.
(c) Expiration of right of access. The rights of
access in this section are not limited to the
required retention period but last as long as the
records are retained. Federal awarding agencies
and COUNTY must not impose any other access
requirements upon CONTRACTOR.
(11) Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and
Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (ALL

AGREEMENTS WITH FUNDS AWARDED ON OR AFTER
NOVEMBER 12, 2020) CONTRACTOR must comply
with 2 CFR § 200.216, the prohibition of obligating
or expending loan or grant funds to procure or obtain,
enter into a contract to procure or obtain certain
equipment, services or systems that uses "covered
telecommunications equipment" as defined in CFR
§200.216 (3), or services as a substantial or essential component of any system
(12) Domestic Preferences For Procurement (ALL

AGREEMENTS WITH FUNDS AWARDED ON OR AFTER
NOVEMBER 12, 2020) Pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.322,
CONTRACTOR shall, as appropriate and to the extend
consistent with law, to the greatest extent practicable under a Federal award, provide a preference for the
purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or
materials produced in the United States (including but not limited to iron, aluminum, steel, cement, and other
manufactured products).
(13) Use Of OHS Seal, Logo, And Flags. (ALL AGREEMENTS) The contractor shall not use the DHS seal(s), logos, crests, or reproductions of flags or likenesses of DHS agency
officials without specific FEMA pre-approval. The
contractor shall include this provision in any subcontracts. (14) Compliance With Federal Law, Regulations and
Executive Orders (ALL AGREEMENTS). This is an
acknowledgement that FEMA financial assistance will be
used to fund all or a portion of the contract. The contractor will comply with all applicable federal law, regulations, executive orders, FEMA policies, procedures, and directives
(15) No Obligation by Federal Government. (ALL
AGREEMENTS). The federal government is not a party to this contract and is not subject to any obligations or liabilities to the non-federal entity, contractor, or any other party
pertaining to any matter resulting from the contract.
(16) Program Fraud and False or Fraudulent Statements or Related Acts. (ALL AGREEMENTS). The contractor
acknowledges that 31 U.S.C. Chap. 38 (Administrative
Remedies for False Claims and Statements) applies to the contractor's actions pertaining to this contract.
(17) Affirmative Socioeconomic Steps. (ALL AGREEMENTS) If subcontracts are to be let, the prime contractor is required to take all necessary steps identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.321(b)(l)­ (5) to ensure that small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible.
(18) License and Delivery of Works Subject to Copyright and Data Rights (ALL AGREEMENTS INVOLVING CREATION OF
COPYRIGHTABLE MATERIAL) The Contractor grants to the
COUNTY OF TULARE, a paid-up, royalty-free, nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license in data first produced in the performance of this contract to reproduce, publish, or
otherwise use, including prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly such data. For data required by the contract but not first produced in the performance of this contract, the Contractor will identify such data and grant to the COUNTY OF TULARE or acquires on its behalf a license of the same scope as for data first produced in the performance of this contract. Data, as used herein, shall include any work subject to copyright under 17 U.S.C. § 102, for example, any written reports or literary works, software and/or source code, music, choreography, pictures or images, graphics, sculptures, videos, motion pictures or other audiovisual works, sound and/or video recordings, and architectural works. Upon or before the completion of this contract, the Contractor will deliver to the COUNTY OF TULARE data first produced in the performance of this contract and data required by the contract but not first produced in the performance of this contract in formats acceptable by the COUNTY OF TULARE.
(19) Payment for Services. This project may be partially funded with Federal funds and therefore requires full
compliance with Title 2 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, §200.218 through 200.326 AND the County
Purchasing Ordinance.

EXHIBIT B - Page 5 of 5
-

CISA | DEFEND TODAY, SECURE TOMORROW
cisa.gov/SAFECOM [email protected] Linkedin.com/company/cisagov @CISAgov | @cyber | @uscert_gov Facebook.com/CISA @cisagov SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Project 25 Standards and Compliance This document summarizes compliance requirements within the Project 25 (P25) Suite of Standards outlined in the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance).

State, local, tribal, and territorial recipients of federal grants for emergency communications projects should refer to these Frequently Asked Questions to understand P25 compliance and find necessary resources. For the purpose of this document, the terms “I” and “my” refer to the agency grant applicant seeking federal funds for emergency communications projects.

Project 25
Q1. What are P25 standards?
P25 is a Suite of American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Accredited Technical Standards and specifications that promote interoperability among digital two-way land mobile radio (LMR) communications products provided by different manufacturers. The standards focus on meeting the public safety community’s unique mission and critical voice requirements. The objective is to provide technical specifications that ensure communications equipment is interoperable, regardless of manufacturer. The P25 Suite of Standards is published by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), a recognized ANSI standards development organization, and also known as TIA-102 standards. The P25 Steering Committee publishes a list of Approved Project 25 Suite of Standards that includes the most recent documents and revisions.

Q2. What is the P25 Compliance Assessment Program (CAP)? The P25 CAP is a formal, independent testing process administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, to ensure communications equipment offered by suppliers complies with the applicable published standards. Through this third-party testing by independent laboratories, the P25 CAP assures public safety agencies that the communications equipment they purchase complies with P25 standards for performance, conformance, and interoperability. Compliance test results, official summary test reports, and suppliers’ declarations of compliance are available at dhs.gov/science-and-technology/p25-cap.

Q3. What does P25 compliance mean?
In general, compliance means that equipment conforms to the technical specifications in the standard. However, federal grantors may have additional requirements beyond the P25 standards and grant recipients must address other compliance considerations, depending on operational requirements. To maximize interoperability, grant recipients should verify that digital voice systems and equipment to be purchased with federal grant funds comply with the P25 Suite of Standards as specified in their program’s grant guidance. This compliance preserves the value of federal investments in interoperable solutions for state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency responders.

Q4. Why is purchasing P25 compliant equipment so important to the public safety community? Purchasing P25 equipment ensures that digital LMR systems are compatible with other P25 systems from different manufacturers and thus will enable interoperable communications among emergency responders from various agencies, jurisdictions, and levels of government. P25 standards also enable manufacturers to compete on a more level playing field, providing agencies with a broader range of options when purchasing equipment.

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cisa.gov/SAFECOM [email protected] Linkedin.com/company/cisagov @CISAgov | @cyber | @uscert_gov Facebook.com/CISA @cisagov P25 Purchases Using Federally-Funded Grants
Following the tragic events of 9/11, Congress passed legislation to improve the interoperability of public safety communications systems and equipment. The legislation mandates that new or upgraded equipment must be interoperable in accordance with P25 standards. To assist agencies in meeting this mandate, federal grant programs and policies support the purchase of P25 compliant LMR equipment.

Q5. When applying for a federally-funded emergency communications project, how do I demonstrate that purchases are P25 compliant?
To ensure equipment and systems comply with the P25 Suite of Standards, grant applicants/ recipients should:
• Review the technical specifications detailed in the P25 Technology Interest Group’s (PTIG) Capabilities Guide to determine which standards are applicable to the proposed equipment purchase.
• Provide specific technical requirements and expectations for all functions, features, and capabilities of to be procured equipment and services to comply with all applicable P25 standards and expectations for interoperability in any Statements of Work or acquisition documents for communications procurements funded through federal grants. • Ensure all new and upgraded P25 eligible equipment, features, functions, and capabilities selected for procurement are P25 compliant and interoperable. If P25 LMR equipment and systems include non-standard features or capabilities when a comparable P25 feature or capability is available, recipients must also purchase the P25 standards-based feature or capability to ensure interoperability.
• Obtain documented evidence of P25 compliance from the manufacturer showing the equipment has passed all applicable compliance assessment test procedures and interoperability test procedures, if applicable, as defined in the latest P25 Compliance Assessment Bulletins for testing requirements. If such documentation is not available through the P25 CAP, agencies should obtain documented evidence from the manufacturer stating that all applicable tests were conducted in accordance with published P25 test procedures and successfully passed.1 Contact the P25 CAP at [email protected] for additional guidance.
1 Regardless of the status and availability of P25 CAP testing documentation, grant recipients should include comprehensive acceptance test plan(s) criteria in their procurement and contract documents. The manufacturer/vendor should verify the equipment or services are P25 standards compliant and interoperable with other equipment, features, functions, and capabilities.

CISA | DEFEND TODAY, SECURE TOMORROW
cisa.gov/SAFECOM [email protected] Linkedin.com/company/cisagov @CISAgov | @cyber | @uscert_gov Facebook.com/CISA @cisagov Q6. What will the federal agency issuing grant funding use to confirm equipment in my grant application is P25 compliant?
When reviewing grant applications, the federal agency will verify that proposed equipment purchases are P25 compliant by:
• Confirming the equipment to be purchased is on the P25 CAP Approved Equipment List. If the item is on the list, it is P25 compliant.
• Referring to the DHS Authorized Equipment List (applicable to DHS/Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] grants only). Note P25 standards may not be applicable to some items on this list.
• Reviewing the application package to confirm the applicant provided documentation from the manufacturer verifying the purchase is P25 compliant.

If the purchase cannot be verified as P25 compliant using these methods, the federal agency has the authority to request additional information, grant a waiver, or deny the purchase.

Q7. What if I want to purchase non-compliant P25 equipment? When a grant recipient wants to use federal funds to purchase equipment that does not align with P25 standards, the recipient should consult with the federal agency to determine if non-compliant P25 equipment is allowable. In such cases, written justification is often required.

Many agencies do not approve non-standards-based equipment unless there are compelling reasons for using other solutions. Funding requests to replace or add radio equipment to an existing noncompliant P25 system (e.g., new portable radios for an existing analog system) will be considered if there is a clear rationale for such equipment and written justification of how the equipment will advance interoperability and support eventual migration to an interoperable system. The written justification should also explain how that purchase will serve the needs of the applicant better than equipment or systems that meet P25 standards.

P25 Compliance for DHS Grant Recipients
Q8. DHS/FEMA requires its grant recipients to comply with the SAFECOM Guidance. As a DHS grant recipient, am I also required to comply with P25 standards? Yes, DHS/FEMA grant recipients are required to comply with P25 standards when purchasing LMR equipment. This requirement and other conditions specific to DHS/FEMA grant recipients are outlined in Appendix D of the SAFECOM Guidance. For additional information, reference the DHS Authorized Equipment List to determine allowable equipment types for individual grant programs. If the proposal includes any non-compliant P25 LMR equipment, DHS/FEMA grant recipients must apply for prior approval.

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cisa.gov/SAFECOM [email protected] Linkedin.com/company/cisagov @CISAgov | @cyber | @uscert_gov Facebook.com/CISA @cisagov P25 Compliance Resources
Q9. What resources should I use when applying for emergency communications grant funding? Grant applicants are strongly encouraged to work with their Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). The SWIC should review the application prior to submission to ensure projects support the state or territory’s strategy to improve interoperable emergency communications. The SWIC should also confirm the funding request aligns with the latest versions of their Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan and the National Emergency Communications Plan, as these are vital plans to improving interoperability.

Q10. Where can I find more information about P25 standards and/or compliance? Grant recipients are invited to explore the wide range of information available from government and industry sources, including:
• P25 Suite of Standards for Land Mobile Radio: tiaonline.org/all-standards/committees/tr-8 • P25 Technology Interest Group: project25.org (Free registration required) • P25 Compliance Assessment Program: dhs.gov/science-and-technology/p25-cap • P25 Compliance Assessment Program list of approved radio equipment: dhs.gov/science-andtechnology/approved-grant-eligible-equipment • P25 Steering Committee’s Statement of P25 User Needs: cisa.gov/publication/p25 • Best Practices, Guidelines, and Considerations for Encryption:
cisa.gov/publication/encryption
• Best Practices for Planning and Implementation of P25 Inter-RF Subsystem and Console Subsystem Interfaces (ISSI and CSSI), Volumes I and II, and Primer: cisa.gov/publication/p25 • SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators’ Land Mobile Radio Trio: LMR 101, LMR for Decision-Makers, and LMR for Project Managers:
cisa.gov/safecom/funding
About SAFECOM
SAFECOM was formed in 2001 after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as part of the Presidential E-Government Initiative to improve public safety interoperability, allowing emergency responders to communicate effectively before, during, and after emergencies and disasters.

SAFECOM is managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Through collaboration with CISA, emergency responders, and elected officials across all levels of government, SAFECOM works to improve emergency response providers’ inter-jurisdictional and interdisciplinary emergency communications interoperability across local, regional, tribal, state, territorial, international borders, and with Federal Government entities. For additional information regarding SAFECOM, visit cisa.gov/safecom.

et
SAFECOM Guidance on
Emergency Communications
Grants
Fiscal Year 2024
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants A Message to Stakeholders
On behalf of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), I am releasing the Fiscal Year 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance). This document is updated annually to provide current information on emergency communications policies, eligible costs, best practices, and technical standards for state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients investing federal funds in emergency communications projects.

This SAFECOM Guidance aligns with the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP), which emphasizes the need to enhance governance structures, plans, and protocols that enable the emergency response community to communicate requisite information under all circumstances. Grant recipients are encouraged to support the guidelines within the NECP to maximize the use of voice, video, and data communications and to ensure the security of data and information exchange. The SAFECOM Guidance also addresses the rapidly evolving emergency communications ecosystem. Throughout the past year, the emergency communications community has been greatly affected by increasing cyber attacks on critical infrastructure and systems. Recognizing these challenges, CISA strongly encourages recipients to review the best practices and resources available in the SAFECOM Guidance to help navigate this shifting landscape.

The Administration, Office of Management and Budget, and federal grant program offices recognize the SAFECOM Guidance as the primary guidance on emergency communications grants. Since 2015, the Department of Homeland Security has required its grant recipients investing in emergency communications to comply with SAFECOM Guidance. All grant applicants are encouraged to coordinate with their statewide governance bodies and emergency communications leaders (e.g., Statewide Interoperability Coordinators) to ensure projects support the state, local, tribal, or territory’s strategy to improve interoperable emergency communications. In addition, grant applicants should work with public and private entities, and across jurisdictions and disciplines, to assess needs, plan projects, coordinate resources, and improve response through cross-training and joint exercises. These coordination efforts are important to ensure interoperability remains a top priority.

The SAFECOM Guidance encourages grant applicants to participate, support, and invest in planning activities that will help states, locals, tribes, or territories prepare for deployment of new emergency communications systems or technologies. Grant recipients should continue enhancing governance and leadership, developing plans and procedures, conducting training and exercises, and investing in standardsbased equipment to sustain land mobile radio capabilities, while concurrently planning for the integration and deployment of new technologies. Grant recipients must also consider cybersecurity risks across all capabilities when planning operable, interoperable, and continuity of communications.

As in previous years, CISA developed the SAFECOM Guidance in partnership with SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators. CISA also consulted federal partners and the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center to ensure emergency communications policies are coordinated and consistent across the federal government. Grant applicants are encouraged to reference this document when developing emergency communications investments for federal funding, and to direct any questions to [email protected].

Billy Bob Brown, Jr
Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
2

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants Contents
A Message to Stakeholders............................................................................................................................2 Contents .........................................................................................................................................................3

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................4

1.1 Purpose of SAFECOM Guidance.....................................................................................................4

1.2 Report Methodology.........................................................................................................................5

1.3 Use of SAFECOM Guidance ...........................................................................................................6

1.4 Key Changes and Updates................................................................................................................8

2. Emergency Communications Priorities...................................................................................................9

2.1 Priority 1: Governance and Leadership ............................................................................................9

2.2 Priority 2: Planning and Procedures ...............................................................................................10

2.3 Priority 3: Training, Exercises, and Evaluation..............................................................................12

2.4 Priority 4: Activities that Enhance Communications Coordination ...............................................13

2.5 Priority 5: Standards-based Technology and Infrastructure ...........................................................15

2.6 Priority 6: Cybersecurity.................................................................................................................16

3. Before Applying....................................................................................................................................19

3.1 Review the NECP and SCIP...........................................................................................................19

3.2 Coordinate with Statewide Emergency Communications Leaders ................................................19

3.3 Recognize Changes in the Emergency Communications Ecosystem.............................................19

3.4 Understand Federal Grant Requirements and Restrictions.............................................................25

4. Eligible Activities..................................................................................................................................28

4.1 Personnel ........................................................................................................................................28

4.2 Planning and Organization .............................................................................................................29

4.3 Training ..........................................................................................................................................32

4.4 Exercises.........................................................................................................................................34

4.5 Equipment.......................................................................................................................................35

5. Emergency Communications Systems and Capabilities .......................................................................40

6. Grants Management Best Practices.......................................................................................................41

7. Funding Sources....................................................................................................................................42 Appendix A – Acronym List .....................................................................................................................A-1 Appendix B – Technology and Equipment Standards and Resources ......................................................B-1 Appendix C – Emergency Communications Resources............................................................................C-1 Appendix D – Compliance Requirements for DHS Grants.......................................................................D-1 3

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants

1. Introduction
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is mandated by the Homeland Security Act, 6 U.S.C. § 571 to administer responsibilities and authorities relating to the SAFECOM Program. Within DHS, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is responsible for developing coordinated guidance for federal grant programs for public safety communications. As a result, CISA develops the annual SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance) as a reference guide for entities applying for federal financial assistance for emergency communications projects. While only entities funding emergency communications projects with DHS grant funding are required to comply with the SAFECOM Guidance (see Appendix D), all entities are highly encouraged to follow the recommendations within this document to ensure interoperable, resilient, and fully effective communications. 2 1
The SAFECOM Guidance provides general information on eligible activities, technical standards, and other terms and conditions that are common to most federal emergency communications grants. It aims to ensure that policies and standards across federal grant programs provide a consistent approach to improving emergency communications nationwide. The SAFECOM Guidance achieves this consistency by aligning recommendations with the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP).4 3 SAFECOM is a public safety stakeholder-driven program sponsored by CISA, which develops policy, guidance, and future efforts by drawing on SAFECOM member expertise and recommendations. The DHS Science and Technology Directorate also supports SAFECOM-related research, development, testing, evaluation, as well as the acceleration of standards. SAFECOM works to build partnerships among all levels of government, linking the strategic planning, technical support, and implementation needs of the emergency response community with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, to improve communications.

Additionally, CISA consulted members of the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center (ECPC), which coordinates roles and activities of agencies across the federal government to improve interoperable public safety and emergency response communications. ECPC consists of 14 federal departments and agencies representing the government’s broad role in improving coordination of emergency communications efforts, including information sharing, planning, regulation, policy, operations, grants, and technical assistance. Together, SAFECOM members and federal partners coordinate emergency communications policy and standards to ensure projects are compatible, interoperable, and most importantly, meet the needs of end-users.

1.1 Purpose of SAFECOM Guidance
The SAFECOM Guidance provides insight to grant recipients5 about:
• Recommendations for planning, coordinating, and implementing projects • Emergency communications activities that can be funded through federal grants • Best practices, policies, and technical standards that help to improve interoperability • Resources to help grant recipients comply with technical standards and grant requirements 1 For more information on SAFECOM, see: cisa.gov/safecom. 2 6 U.S.C. § 571(c)(2) and 6 U.S.C. § 574. 3 Federal financial assistance includes grants, loans, cooperative agreements, and other funds provided by the federal government. For this document, these terms are used interchangeably unless otherwise indicated. 4 The NECP is the nation’s strategic plan for emergency communications and is available at: cisa.gov/nationalemergency-communications-plan. 5 In accordance with Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200, the terms “recipient” and “sub-recipient” are defined as non-federal entities that receive federal awards directly from a federal awarding agency to carry out an activity under a federal program.
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FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants The SAFECOM Guidance is designed to promote and align with the national vision established in the NECP. CISA published a second update to the NECP in September 2019 that builds upon revisions made in 2014, while also positioning the NECP to maintain its relevance in the future. Updates to the NECP goals and objectives aim to enhance emergency communications capabilities at all levels of government in coordination with the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and communities across the nation.

The plan’s success relies on the whole community embracing the NECP goals and objectives, and most importantly implementing them. Critical components for advancing emergency communications fall under three national priorities:
• Enhance effective governance across partners with a stake in emergency communications, embracing a shared responsibility of the whole community from traditional emergency responders and supporting entities to the citizens served
• Address interoperability challenges posed by rapid technology advancements and increased information sharing, ensuring the most critical information gets to the right people at the right time • Build resilient and secure emergency communications systems to reduce cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
Recommendations within the SAFECOM Guidance are intended to help state, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholders develop projects that meet critical emergency communications needs as defined in the NECP and their Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP). Best practices and technical standards located within the SAFECOM Guidance help ensure federally-funded investments are interoperable, fully effective and reliable, and support national policies. However, not all guidance is applicable to all grant programs. Grants funding emergency communications are administered by numerous federal agencies and are subject to various statutory and programmatic requirements. As a result, grant applicants and recipients should review specific grant guidance carefully to ensure their proposed activities are eligible, and all standards, terms, and conditions required by the program are met.7 6 1.2 Report Methodology
CISA consults with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to develop the SAFECOM Guidance, including:
• ECPC Grants Focus Group8
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) • SAFECOM9 and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) • U.S. Department of Commerce
o First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) o National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) o National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
o Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Management Office o Science and Technology Directorate, Office for Interoperability and Compatibility • U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs • U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 6 For information on SCIPs, see: cisa.gov/statewide-communication-interoperability-plans. 7 For the purposes of this document, “grant guidance” may include Notices of Funding Opportunity, Grant Notices, Grant Applications, and other formal notices of grants and federal financial assistance programs. 8 The ECPC Grants Focus Group is comprised of grant officers, program administrators, and communications experts representing the 14 federal agencies that participate in the ECPC. 9 For a list of SAFECOM members, see: cisa.gov/safecom/membership. 5

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants

1.3 Use of SAFECOM Guidance
The SAFECOM Guidance should be used during the planning, development, and implementation of emergency communications projects and in conjunction with other planning documents. Before proposing projects for funding, prospective applicants are encouraged to read the NECP, federal and state-specific preparedness documents (e.g., statewide plans and reports), and this SAFECOM Guidance to ensure projects support federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial plans for improving emergency communications.

Table 1 provides a list of essential resources available to recipients.

Table 1. Essential Resources for Emergency Communications Grant Recipients Resources Descriptions
National
Emergency
Communication
Plan
The NECP is the nation’s strategic plan to strengthen and enhance emergency communications capabilities. It provides guidance to those that plan for, coordinate, maintain, invest in, and use communications to support response and recovery operations. Grant applicants are encouraged to read the NECP to understand the national strategy, and to ensure investments support the goals and objectives. The NECP is available at: cisa.gov/national-emergency-communications-plan.

Statewide
Communication
Interoperability
Plan
The SCIP contains the state, territory, or tribal government’s strategy to improve emergency communications. States and territories were required to develop and submit a SCIP to DHS by December 2008 and required to submit reports annually on the progress of the state or territory in implementing its SCIP. Many federal grants funding emergency communications require grant applicants to align projects to needs identified in SCIPs. Grant recipients and sub-recipients should review the SCIP for their state/territory and work with their Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) to ensure investments support statewide plans to improve communications. To find your state’s SCIP, please contact your SWIC. Contact information for SWICs can be found on the NCSWIC membership page: cisa.gov/safecom/ncswic-membership.

SAFECOM
Website
The SAFECOM website provides information and resources for public safety agencies developing emergency communications projects. For the most recent SAFECOM Guidance and list of grants funding emergency communications, see the SAFECOM website at: cisa.gov/safecom.

IPAWS Website This website contains information on IPAWS capabilities, who can use IPAWS to send alerts, warnings, and notifications (AWN), how agencies can become Alerting Authorities, and the availability of IPAWS Technical Support Services. IPAWS is accessed through IPAWS-compatible software with the capability to draft an AWN in Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) 1.2 format, a requirement of IPAWS Open Platform for Emergency Networks (OPEN). While there is no cost to send messages through IPAWS, there are costs associated with acquiring IPAWS-compatible alert origination software. Grant recipients are encouraged to invest in alerting software. IPAWS is not mandatory and does not replace existing methods of alerting, but instead complements existing systems and offers new capabilities to deliver timely and actionable AWN. See the IPAWS website at: fema.gov/emergency-managers/practioners/integrated-publicalert-warning-system and information for Alerting Authorities at: fema.gov/emergencymanagers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public-safetyofficials/alerting-authorities.

FirstNet
Website
Grant applicants interested in investing federal funds in broadband-related projects potentially using the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN), also known as FirstNet, should consult with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), within the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the federal granting agency to understand all requirements impacting broadband investments. To find the FirstNet Authority contact for your state or territory, go to: firstnet.gov/public-safety/your-advisor. 6

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants Resources Descriptions
Office of
Management
and Budget
(OMB) Grants
Circulars
Federal awards must adhere to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards regulations, available on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website at: ecfr.gov. Grant applicants should reference specific Notices of Funding Opportunity to determine applicable requirements at: grants.gov. Additional information is on the Chief Financial Officers Council website at: cfo.gov.

Statewide
Interoperability
Coordinator
States, territories, and tribal governments are encouraged to designate a full-time SWIC who has the authority and resources to actively improve interoperability with emergency management and response agencies across all levels of government. Grant applicants are strongly encouraged to coordinate project proposals with the SWIC to ensure projects support statewide efforts to improve emergency communications. DHS/FEMA requires all states and territories that use Homeland Security Grant Program funds to designate a full-time SWIC who has the authority and resources to actively improve interoperability with emergency management and response agencies across all levels of government. cisa.gov/safecom/ncswic-membership.

State
Leadership
States and territories have designated leadership positions to assist with emergency communications projects and may include an individual or body. These leadership positions vary by area and may have resulted from grant program requirements to designate a single point of contact, such as a Broadband Coordinator.

The State Emergency Management Agency Director is responsible for ensuring the state or territory is prepared to deal with any type of emergency, as well as coordinating statewide incident response. This includes collaborating with appropriate statewide representatives for critical capabilities, such as emergency communications, statewide 911 communications, and public alerting.

State Information Technology and Security Officials, including a state or territory’s Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer manage key information technology (IT) initiatives, including IT procurement, security, and IT planning and budgeting.

The 911 Administrator manages the state or territory’s 911 functions as determined by state legislation. The official title and role of this position may vary. Grant recipients are encouraged to coordinate 911 projects with the administrator to ensure projects support state or territory 911 efforts. To find your administrator, refer to the National Association of State 911 Administrators at: nasna911.org/contact-911.

The Homeland Security Director coordinates the planning, development, and coordination of statewide policies developed in support of public and private organizations responsible for preventing terrorism, raising awareness, reducing vulnerabilities, responding to, and recovering from terrorist acts. To locate your director or office, refer to: dhs.gov/state-homeland-security-and-emergency-services.

State
Governance
The Statewide Interoperability Governing Body (SIGB) or State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) serves as the primary steering group for the statewide interoperability strategy that seeks to improve emergency response communications across the state through enhanced data and voice communications interoperability.

SIGBs and SIECs include representatives from various jurisdictions and disciplines, as well as subject matter experts. To find the SIGB or SIEC for your state or territory, contact CISA at: [email protected].

The 911 Advisory Board works with the 911 Administrator to plan and coordinate state and local 911 efforts. The official title and role of this board vary. Grant applicants are encouraged to coordinate 911 projects with the appropriate board to ensure projects support broader state or territory 911 efforts. To find your 911 Advisory Board, refer to State 911 Contacts page of the National Association of State 911 Administrators at:
nasna911.org/contact-911.
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FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants

1.4 Key Changes and Updates
This section highlights key changes to the FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance:
• Emergency Communications Priorities (Section 2). This section reviews stakeholder-driven priorities aligned to the NECP goals and recommendations, including: 1) Governance and Leadership; 2) Planning and Procedures; 3) Training, Exercises, and Evaluation; 4) Activities that Enhance Communications Coordination; 5) Standards-based Technology and Infrastructure; and 6) Cybersecurity. Based on lessons learned from federally-declared disasters, there is an urgent need to address communications survivability, resilience, and continuity. The Shields Ready campaign provides key steps to building resilience before incidents occur. Rather than listing this as a separate priority, communications resilience and continuity should be viewed as critical components across all priorities.
• Before Applying (Section 3). This section provides an overview of national policies, laws, and issues affecting emergency communications grants and the broader emergency communications ecosystem, as well as federal requirements and restrictions on funding that applicants should consider before applying. Applicants are encouraged to review available supplemental funding and new federal financial assistance opportunities to support emergency communications projects. • Eligible Activities (Section 4). This section includes a review of eligible costs commonly funded by federal grants, as well as guidance for applicants to address NECP strategic goals and recommendations. Grant applicants seeking to improve interoperable emergency communications are encouraged to allocate grant funding to these activities. However, applicants must consult the specific grant guidance they are applying for to confirm allowable costs, as all activities listed in this section may not be eligible for funding under all federal grant programs. • Emergency Communications Systems and Capabilities (Section 5). This section provides an overview of emergency communications and the importance of deploying standards-based technology and equipment. Detailed guidance, technical standards, and resources for emergency communications equipment are included in Appendix B.
• Grants Management Best Practices (Section 6). This section provides best practices to ensure the effective implementation of grants and to establish the entity as a trusted steward of federal grant funding and a credible recipient of future grant funding. The grant lifecycle includes planning applications (Pre-Award), reviewing award agreements and funding (Award), implementing grantfunded projects (Post Award), and completing federal grant projects (Closeout). • Funding Sources (Section 7). This section offers recommendations on how applicants should consider multiple funding sources, including traditional grants and other sources that may partially fund emergency communications projects.
• Appendices. The appendices include an acronym list (Appendix A), technical standards for emergency communications equipment (Appendix B), and resources recipients can reference when developing emergency communications projects (Appendix C). In Appendix D, DHS has outlined specific requirements for DHS/FEMA recipients to comply with SAFECOM Guidance. These requirements are in accordance with the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions of preparedness grants.
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FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants

2. Emergency Communications Priorities
CISA is responsible for ensuring grant guidelines and priorities relating to interoperable emergency communications are coordinated and consistent with the NECP goals and recommendations. In support of this mandate, SAFECOM Guidance identifies six investment priorities of equal merit. These priorities were developed in coordination with stakeholders and federal partners, and are informed by the NECP, as well as other applicable Presidential Policy Directives, federal statutes, and regulations. Grant recipients are encouraged to target grant funding toward the following priorities:
• Priority 1: Governance and Leadership
• Priority 2: Planning and Procedures
• Priority 3: Training, Exercises, and Evaluation
• Priority 4: Activities that Enhance Communications Coordination • Priority 5: Standards-Based Technology and Infrastructure • Priority 6: Cybersecurity

2.1 Priority 1: Governance and Leadership
Strong governance and leadership structures are essential to effective decision-making, coordination, and planning for emergency communications. While the existence and growth in governance bodies is a significant accomplishment, many of these entities were originally established to address land mobile radio (LMR) interoperability issues. Evolving technology and rising expectations in emergency communications change the traditional roles and responsibilities within the public safety community, requiring strong, broader scopes and unified governing bodies. Fortunately, there is already a strong foundation for future progress. State, local, tribal, and territorial governments should focus on formalizing, expanding, and updating current structures, processes, and investments in governance and leadership.

In FY 2024, grant recipients are encouraged to invest in emergency communications governance and leadership structures for coordinating statewide and regional initiatives that reflect the evolving emergency communications environment. These investments are critical for assessing needs, conducting statewide planning, coordinating investments, ensuring projects support the SCIP, maintaining and improving communications systems, and planning for future communications improvements. Formal governance and leadership structures can also facilitate the development of operating procedures and planning mechanisms that establish priorities, objectives, strategies, and tactics during response and recovery operations.11
10 For regional, cross-border initiatives, grant recipients should coordinate projects with national level emergency communications coordination bodies, such as the NCSWIC and the Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Groups (RECCWGs). The NCSWIC promotes and coordinates state level activities designed to ensure the highest level of public safety communications access and availability across the nation. RECCWGs are congressionally-mandated planning and coordination bodies located in each FEMA Region and provide a collaborative forum to assess and address the survivability, sustainability, operability, and interoperability of emergency communications systems at all levels of government. Grant-funded investments that are coordinated with these bodies will help ensure that federally-funded emergency communications investments are interoperable and support national policies. 10 See the Emergency Communications Governance Guide for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Officials at:
cisa.gov/safecom/governance. 11 See the National Incident Management System Implementation Objectives at: fema.gov/emergencymanagers/nims. 9

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants To support this priority, grant recipients should target funding to:
• Develop/sustain the SIGB or SIEC activities and SWIC position or fully-staffed SWIC office o In accordance with DHS/FEMA requirements, all states and territories receiving Homeland Security Grant Program funds are required to designate a full-time SWIC with authority and resources to actively improve interoperability with emergency management and response agencies across all levels of government, to include establishing statewide plans, policies, and procedures, and coordinating decisions on communications investments • Formalize and adapt governance structures and processes to address the evolving operating environment to:
o Include and coordinate with emergency communications leaders (e.g., 911 leaders, IPAWS Program Management Office, FirstNet Authority, RECCWGs, public utilities commissions) and representatives from multiple agencies, jurisdictions, disciplines, levels of government, tribes, rural areas, subject matter experts, and private industry when creating strategic and operational plans and policies, and during training and exercise development and execution o Identify and include information management, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity representatives in governance membership or through formalized coordination to undertake technology integration and migration initiatives (e.g., broadband, 911, alerts and warnings, information management, network infrastructure, cybersecurity), as well as identify and address legislative and regulatory issues associated with emerging technology o Review and update key operating documents for SIGB or SIEC (e.g., charters, agreements, policies, procedures) to ensure they are positioned to address new technology deployments and facilitate coordination with the SWIC
o Formalize and regularly review cross-jurisdictional, multi-state, or multi-organizational agreements (e.g., memoranda of understanding [MOU], mutual aid agreements) to account for changes to resources, capabilities, and information- or technology-sharing needs o Integrate emergency communications governance and leadership into broader statewide planning efforts (e.g., the operationalization, tactical integration, and continued enhancements of FirstNet, 911 system technology migration, IT enhancements, commercial broadband, auxiliary communications) to ensure emergency communications needs are represented o Increase regional structures or processes to foster multi-state coordination and information sharing
o Conduct outreach and education to continually assess and address user needs o Develop governance that aids in the coordination of messaging within partnering IPAWS Alerting Authorities; improves the common operating picture and achieves greater situational awareness; and increases awareness of existing plans, policies, and procedures

2.2 Priority 2: Planning and Procedures
The public safety community benefits from a comprehensive and inclusive approach to emergency communications planning. The NECP recommends that response agencies seek to improve responders’ ability to communicate and share information with others through formal written strategies, plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) or guidelines that integrate the capabilities of all users and account for the entire system lifecycle. Through development and updating of their SCIPs, states, tribes, and territories engage multiple jurisdictions, disciplines, and levels of government in planning, incorporating all emergency communications needs. The SCIP serves as the primary strategic plan for emergency communications, while other plans outline specific operational coordination or tactical procedures, including Field Operations Guides, Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans (TICPs), and FEMA Regional Emergency Communications Plans (RECPs). Field Operations Guides are technical references for emergency communications planning and for technicians responsible for radios that will be used in emergency responses. TICPs are designed to allow urban areas, counties, regions, states/territories, tribes, or federal agencies to document interoperable communications governance structures, technology assets, 10

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants and usage policies and procedures. RECPs, along with their associated state, territorial, or tribal annexes, serve to identify emergency communications capability shortfalls and potential resource requirements.

Grant recipients are encouraged to leverage these planning resources as a source of input and reference for all emergency communications grant applications and investment justifications. Updating plans and SOPs to address emergency communications gaps, new technologies, and stakeholder needs help to improve emergency communications and response across the whole community. This continuous and comprehensive planning enables agencies to effectively identify, prioritize, and coordinate to ensure proposed investments support broader planning priorities.

In FY 2024, grant recipients should continue to target funding toward planning activities, including updates of local, regional, statewide, tribal, and territory plans, and ensure plans incorporate the capabilities and needs of all emergency communications systems throughout their lifecycles. The goal of this priority is to ensure emergency communications needs are continually assessed and integrated into risk assessments and preparedness plans, including continuity planning efforts. These planning activities must include analyzing threats and vulnerabilities that may affect communications resilience and sustainment, while developing investment plans and SOPs to mitigate identified risks. Stakeholders are encouraged to target funding toward planning, stakeholder outreach, assessment of user needs, and other activities that will help to engage the whole community in emergency communications planning initiatives.

To support this priority, grant recipients should target funding toward critical planning activities, including the following:
• Update SCIPs, other strategic plans, and procedures to:
o Reflect the NECP strategic goals and objectives into measurable goals, activities, and milestones o Incorporate whole community concepts12
o Integrate lifecycle planning to inform agency funding decisions o Address capabilities (e.g., voice, video, data), findings, and gaps identified in state-level preparedness reports, risk and vulnerability assessments, and After-Action Reports (AAR) from real-world incidents and planned exercises
o Identify and address FCC directives affecting current or planned public safety communications systems (e.g., spectrum, licensing, interference)
o Incorporate a multifaceted approach to ensure the security, confidentiality, integrity, reliability, and availability of fully interoperable data applications and services o Include all components of the emergency communications ecosystem (e.g., AWN, 911 systems, LMR, broadband networks, video networks, auxiliary communications) • Support statewide emergency communications and preparedness planning efforts through allocation of funding to the following planning activities:
o Conduct and attend planning meetings
o Engage the whole community in emergency communications planning, response, and risk identification and mitigation
12 Per the National Preparedness Goal, whole community is formally defined as, “A focus on enabling the participation in national preparedness activities of a wider range of players from the private and nonprofit sectors, including nongovernmental organizations and the general public, in conjunction with the participation of federal, state, and local governmental partners in order to foster better coordination and working relationships.” 11

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants o Plan and develop Shared Communication Systems and Infrastructure (SCSI)13 projects for improved utilization and integration of available communications assets with partners o Develop and perform risk, resiliency, and vulnerability assessments (e.g., cyber, Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment [THIRA], communications security [COMSEC] ) 14 o Incorporate risk management strategies for cybersecurity, continuity, and recovery (e.g., National Risk Index [NRI]15)
o Integrate emergency communications assets and needs into state-level plans o Coordinate with SWIC, broadband coordinator, State Administrative Agency (SAA), 16 and statelevel planners (e.g., 911 planners, public utilities commissions) to ensure proposed investments align to statewide plans and comply with identified technical requirements o Establish a cybersecurity response plan including continuity of vulnerable communications components and implementing resilient network designs (e.g., segmenting essential functions, strong access controls, multi-factor authentication for staff logins) to limit the impact of cyber incidents
• Identify, review, establish, and improve communications SOPs or guidelines in coordination with response agencies at all levels of government to:
o Ensure federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial roles and responsibilities are clearly defined o Ensure communications assets and capabilities are integrated, deployed, and utilized to maximize interoperability
o Address threats, mitigate vulnerabilities, and identify contingencies for the continuity of critical communications

2.3 Priority 3: Training, Exercises, and Evaluation
Results from the SAFECOM Nationwide Survey, AARs, and similar assessments reveal that jurisdictions are better able to respond to emergencies due in part to regular training and exercises. Training, exercises, and evaluations help response personnel understand their communications roles and responsibilities during an emergency, as well as processes for working with other agencies. Further, as communications technologies continue to evolve, the need for training and exercises becomes even greater to ensure personnel are proficient in using existing and new technologies. The NECP recommends agencies involve traditional emergency responder disciplines from all levels of government, as well as other entities that share information during emergencies (e.g., medical facilities, utilities, and other critical infrastructure facilities, nongovernmental organizations, private citizens), to practice communications for a whole community response and approach. It also recommends agencies utilize all types of communication technologies and identify gaps and problems with technologies or protocols.

In FY 2024, grant recipients should continue to invest in communications-related training, exercises, and evaluations (in-person and virtual) to address gaps identified in response and recovery operations, which should include thoroughly testing resiliency and continuity of communications. Grant recipients are 13 SCSI projects focus on encouraging active resource sharing for organizations with national security, emergency preparedness, and public safety missions. CISA developed a SCSI 101 Fact Sheet, as well as a case study of SCSI Along the Southwest Border recommending opportunities and challenges of asset sharing for federal, state, local, and tribal public safety agencies in the region. For more information, see: cisa.gov/scsi. 14 COMSEC is a component of security that protects public safety wired and wireless transmissions from unauthorized access. When public safety transmissions include sensitive information related to tactical or investigative law enforcement operations, patient health, or logistics among agencies responding to incidents and disasters, the information may present a vulnerability if not protected. COMSEC provides the necessary structure of protections, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of critical and sensitive communications. 15 FEMA developed the NRI as an online tool to help communities analyze risk factors when preparing grant applications. The NRI is available at: fema.gov/flood-maps/products-tools/national-risk-index. 16 Many federal grants are awarded to a designated SAA as the official recipient and administrator for the grant, responsible for sub-recipient oversight of grant-funded activities. 12

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants encouraged to participate in training and exercises across all levels of government and with other entities that will better assist jurisdictions to prepare for disasters and identify, assess, and address capability gaps.

To support this priority, grant recipients should target funding toward certified training, exercises, and evaluation activities, including:
• Conduct National Incident Management System (NIMS)-compliant training (e.g., training in the Incident Command System [ICS] and the ICS Communications Unit such as Communications Unit Leader [COML], Communications Technician [COMT], Information Technology Service Unit Leader [ITSL], Radio Operator [RADO], Incident Tactical Dispatcher [INTD], Auxiliary Communications [AUXCOMM], and Incident Communication Center Manager [INCM]) 17 • Improve the ability of states, tribes, and territories to track and share trained Communications Unit personnel during response operations (e.g., include Communications Unit training plan within statewide plans such as the SCIP)
• Conduct frequent training and exercises involving personnel from all levels of government who are assigned to operate communications capabilities, to test communications systems and personnel proficiency (e.g., include emerging technologies and system failure), and utilize thirdparty evaluators with communications expertise • Incorporate human factors in training and exercises to address the demands that voice, video, and data information place on personnel, to ensure that responders effectively use and are not overloaded by available information
• Perform exercises that support and demonstrate the adoption, implementation, and use of the NIMS concepts and principles
• Participate in cross-training and state, regional, or national level exercises to validate plans and procedures to include tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector communications stakeholders
• Provide training and exercises on new and existing systems, equipment, and SOPs or guidelines • Develop or update training and exercise programs to address new technologies, data interoperability, cybersecurity, encryption, use of dedicated federal, state, local, and national interoperability channels, personally identifiable information, and continuity of communications • Test communications survivability, resilience, and continuity of communications, to include validation of continuity procedures and operational testing of secondary and backup systems and equipment • Develop and support instructor cadres to expand training for communications-support personnel • Assess and update training curriculums and exercise criteria to reflect changes in the operating environment and plain language protocols
• Identify opportunities to integrate private and public sector communications stakeholders into training and exercises, as well as cost-effective approaches (e.g., distance learning) • Offer cybersecurity training and education on the proper use and security of devices and applications, phishing, malware, other potential threats, and how to guard against attacks • Provide regular training and exercises for Alerting Authorities incorporating the use of IPAWS

2.4 Priority 4: Activities that Enhance Communications Coordination There has been significant improvement in capabilities at state, local, tribal, and territorial levels resulting in the ability of jurisdictions to more effectively coordinate communications resources and services during emergency incidents and planned events. This includes the integration of capabilities, resources, and personnel across the whole community. As incidents escalate and evolve, communications resources must be able to expand rapidly to meet responders’ needs. This requires agencies to track communications 17 Regular training on NIMS/ICS concepts is needed to ensure new and existing staff are proficient in NIMS/ICS concepts. For NIMS-compliant training, see: fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training. 13

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants resources they own or can access, then follow appropriate procedures to request and deploy resources to locations when needed.

In FY 2024, grant recipients are encouraged to update inventories of communications assets and share information within their state, tribe, or territory and region (e.g., neighboring jurisdictions, states, tribes, or territories) that are most likely to request support during emergencies or events. This can be achieved by working with SWICs to update inputs to the Communication Assets Survey and Mapping (CASM) Tool— a web-based tool that assists public safety agencies to collect and visualize data, and assess inter-agency interoperability based on communications assets and interoperability methods. Similarly, to assist in coordinating the use of 700 and 800 megahertz (MHz) public safety frequencies, agencies should use the Computer Assisted Pre-Coordination Resource and Database (CAPRAD) system and work with the 700 and 800 MHz Regional Planning Committees. Grant applicants and recipients should identify gaps in capabilities and target funding toward those gaps.
19 18
In addition, grant recipients must continue to implement NIMS ICS principles during all incidents and planned events. Grant applicants and recipients are also encouraged to actively engage neighboring jurisdictions—both internal and external to the state, local, tribe, or territory—to coordinate response planning and seek mutual aid agreements for large-scale responses. Agencies should also collaborate and encourage alerting practices between levels of government, including installing resilient communications to coordinate the distribution of alerts.

To support this priority, grant recipients should target funding to:
• Promote projects that confirm NIMS implementation, continued use of ICS, and information sharing:
o Establish or enhance primary, secondary, and backup communications capabilities and share appropriate ICS forms and information illustrating the status of an agency’s capabilities o Assess and improve the timeliness of notification, activation, and response of communications systems providers to support the Incident Commander and Incident Management Team(s) requirements at incidents and planned events • Enhance the coordination and effective usage of communications resources o Ensure inventories of emergency communications resources are updated and comprehensive, and readily share information about features, functionality, and capabilities of operable and interoperable communication resources with partners
o Promote assessment of communications assets, asset coordination, and resource sharing o Implement projects that promote regional, intra- and inter-state collaboration o Support initiatives that engage the whole community, including commercial and nontraditional communications partners (e.g., auxiliary communications, volunteers, utilities) • Develop or update operational protocols and procedures o Develop, integrate, or implement NIMS-aligned SOPs or job aides to facilitate the integration, deployment, and use of communications assets or loaned devices o Test communications capabilities and personnel proficiency through training, exercises, and real-world events and address needs identified in statewide plans, AARs, or assessments through comprehensive action plans
o Review the operationalization of FirstNet and other broadband capabilities to ensure SOPs govern the technologies’ use, training, and testing
18 CISA hosts public safety software tools on the SAFECOM website at: cisa.gov/safecom/resources. Tools include the CASM Resource Finder, the electronic National Interoperability Field Operations Guide 2.0 (eNIFOG), and electronic Auxiliary Communications Field Operations Guide (eAUXFOG) mobile applications. Users may request online training from CISA Technical Assistance at: cisa.gov/safecom/ictapscip-resources. 19 DHS Science and Technology Directorate sponsors the CAPRAD system at: caprad.org. 14

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants o Develop recommended SOPs or guidelines regarding the use of personal communications devices (e.g., bring your own device) for official duties based on applicable laws and regulations o Review usage of Priority Telecommunications Services (e.g., Government Emergency Telecommunications Service, Wireless Priority Service, and Telecommunications Service Priority), and ensure SOPs govern the programs’ use and testing o Plan for Alerting Authorities to ensure the highest state of readiness of existing capabilities for resilient and interoperable alerts, warnings, messaging, and notifications using current local, county, state, and federal systems, and when applicable, the IPAWS20 o Review uses of the NPSBN, also known as FirstNet, and other public safety broadband capabilities, and ensure SOPs govern the programs’ use and testing o Develop guidelines regarding the use of auxiliary communications devices (e.g., amateur radio, military radio, citizens band radio) for official duties based on applicable laws and regulations21
• Strengthen resilience and continuity of communications o Inventory and typing of resources and other activities that provide backup communications solutions (e.g., strategic technology reserves, radio caches, LMR site on wheels, commercial provider/supplier assets such as cell on wheels [COWs], compact rapid deployables [CRDs]) o Establish testing and usage observations of primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency communications resources
o Address system and staffing for continuity of operations planning

2.5 Priority 5: Standards-based Technology and Infrastructure Public safety agencies continue to maintain and evolve LMR technologies for mission critical voice capabilities, including the pursuit of shared Project 25 (P25) radio systems and infrastructure. With acknowledgment of the need for enhanced data capabilities, many public safety organizations have implemented complementary public safety-focused broadband solutions. In addition, Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems are being deployed and continue to mature. The public safety community continues to develop strategies and technology roadmaps for implementing standards-based, vendor-neutral devices and applications that can sustain service in the demanding public safety operating environment and provide mission critical communications. In addition, public safety agencies must address operability, interoperability, security, and resiliency challenges posed by rapid technology advancements (e.g., artificial intelligence, 5G, 6G, Internet of Things, identity management, geographic information systems) and increased information sharing, ensuring the most critical information gets to the right people at the right time.

In FY 2024, grant recipients should continue to invest in accredited technical standards-based technologies to enable interoperability between agencies and jurisdictions, regardless of provider. Grant recipients should include technical specifications and performance-based requirements in procurement agreements with providers/suppliers and obtain sufficient documentation and testing results to verify that infrastructure, equipment, and software are compliant with applicable standards and that features, functions, and services provide the expected and required interoperability. Grant recipients are strongly encouraged to invest in equipment that will sustain and maintain current capabilities while planning for new technologies and capabilities that may not have fully defined standards. As emergency communications capabilities continue to evolve, recipients should participate in community outreach and planning to ensure new capabilities are interoperable and all user requirements are incorporated. 20 FEMA IPAWS Best Practices, including information on developing an Alert Escalation Process, are available at:
fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_ipaws-best-practices-guide.pdf. 21 For more information on auxiliary communications guidelines and the SHAred RESources (SHARES) High Frequency Radio program, see: cisa.gov/shared-resources-shares-high-frequency-hf-radio-program. 15

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants To support this priority, grant recipients should target funding to:
• Sustain and maintain current LMR capabilities based on mission requirements • Purchase and use P25-compliant LMR equipment (see P25 Compliance Assessment Program [CAP] approved equipment list) for mission critical voice communications22 • Support development and deployment of interoperable public safety broadband capabilities by nationwide and regional commercial broadband service providers. Consider using the NPSBN and FirstNet-approved public safety broadband capabilities, devices, and applications dedicated for public safety using multi-layered, proven cybersecurity and network security solutions23 • Transition towards NG911 capabilities in compliance with NG911 standards24 • Transition LMR encryption capabilities to full P25 Advanced Encrypted Standard (AES) 256-bit for all LMR systems including encrypted interoperability where applicable • Support technical standards that allow for interoperability of alerts, warnings, and notifications across different systems
• Secure and protect equipment, information, and capabilities from physical and cyber threats • Acquire, sustain, and maintain Common Alerting Protocol-compliant software that meets IPAWS requirements
• Employ standards-based information exchange models and data sharing solutions • Secure standards-based interconnectivity gateway subsystems • Sustain and ensure critical communication systems connectivity and resiliency, including backup solutions, among key government leadership, internal elements, other supporting organizations, and the public
• Support standards and practices that enhance survivability and resilience to electromagnetic effects • Ensure all communications systems and networks are traced from end-to-end to identify all Single Points of Failure, including redundancy at critical infrastructure facilities, and:
o Sustain availability of backup systems (e.g., backup power, portable repeaters, satellite devices, High Frequency [HF] radios, auxiliary communications gateway equipment) o Ensure diversity of network element components and routing o Plan for geographic separation of primary and alternate transmission media o Maintain spares for designated critical communication systems o Work with commercial suppliers to remediate single points of failure o Maintain communications capabilities to ensure their readiness when needed

2.6 Priority 6: Cybersecurity
As cyber threats and vulnerabilities grow in complexity and sophistication, incidents become more numerous and severe against emergency communications systems. Therefore, it is critical that public safety organizations take proactive measures to carefully manage their cybersecurity risks. To prepare for cyber incidents, the public safety community must continually identify risks and evolve security requirements in coordination with partners. Cybersecurity is a shared mission across all levels of government, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, public safety communications end-users, and the public.
22 For more information on P25 requirements, see: project25.org. For a list of P25 CAP approved equipment, see:
dhs.gov/science-and-technology/approved-grant-eligible-equipment. 23 Applicants interested in using FirstNet for broadband investments should consult with the FirstNet Authority to ensure investments meet all technical requirements to operate and interoperate on the NPSBN. Refer to the Authority’s contact information at: firstnet.gov. 24 For more information, see the NG911 Standards Identification and Review: 911.gov/issues/ng911/standards-forenhanced-and-next-generation-911/. 16

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants In FY 2024, grant recipients should invest in solutions that enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Cybersecurity must be addressed through planning, governance, and technology solutions that secure networks. Recipients should ensure cybersecurity planning is comprehensive and maintained throughout the lifecycle of all network components. Cybersecurity risk management should also include updates to non-technology support activities, such as mutual aid agreements, SOPs, policy development, and training and education. Personnel should be trained on the latest security, resiliency, continuity and operational practices and maintain in-service training as new technology and methods are made available. Personnel should also be educated in cyber hygiene and best practices to prevent, detect, and deter cybersecurity risks whether they are natural or technological in nature, accidental or intentional.

To support this priority, grant recipients should target funding to:
• Develop and maintain cybersecurity risk management
• Implement the CISA Cyber Essentials Toolkits25
• Implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to complement an existing risk management process or to develop a credible program if one does not exist. The framework establishes six functions to integrate cybersecurity into mission functions and operations, including:
26 1) Govern: The organization’s cybersecurity risk management strategy, expectations, and policy are established, communicated, and monitored;
2) Identify: The organization’s current cybersecurity risks are understood; 3) Protect: Safeguards to manage the organization’s cybersecurity risks are used; 4) Detect: Possible cybersecurity attacks and compromises are found and analyzed; 5) Respond: Actions regarding a detected cybersecurity incident are taken; and 6) Recover: Assets and operations affected by a cybersecurity incident are restored • Employ the Cyber Resiliency Resources available for public safety27 • Reference CISA’s cybersecurity resources for NG911 projects28 • Identify and implement standards for cybersecurity that fit system and mission needs while maintaining operability and interoperability
• Develop incident response plans, recovery plans, resiliency plans, and continuity of operations plans in anticipation of physical or cybersecurity incidents29 • Mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities with consideration of the potential impacts of cybersecurity risk management on interoperability with the broader community • Identify and mitigate equipment and protocol vulnerabilities 25 CISA Cyber Essential Toolkits are available at: cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/cyber-essentials-toolkits. 26 NIST released the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, which is a voluntary risk-based approach to cybersecurity that uses industry guidelines to help organizations manage cyber risks to critical infrastructure. For more information and reference tools, see: nist.gov/cyberframework. 27 CISA Cyber Resiliency Resources are available at: cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/communications-and-cyberresiliency-toolkit. 28 CISA cybersecurity resources for NG911 projects are available at: cisa.gov/safecom/transition-next-generation-911. 29 CISA Cyber Incident and Cyber Vulnerability Playbooks are available at: cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ Federal_Government_Cybersecurity_Incident_and_Vulnerability_Response_Playbooks_508C.pdf. 17

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants • Plan and deploy AES 256-bit encryption capabilities for all LMR systems including link layer authentication and encryption (when available)
• Implement the Communications Security Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) cybersecurity best practices for public safety entities30 • Implement Phishing Resistant Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)31 30 CSRIC is an advisory committee of the FCC that provides recommendations to ensure the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. The CSRIC cybersecurity best practices for public safety entities are available using the search tool opendata.fcc.gov/Public-Safety/CSRIC-Best-Practices/qb45-rw2t/data after selecting 'Public Safety' in Industry Role(s) filter and 'Cyber Security' in Keywords filter. 31 Phishing resistant MFA requirements are available within NIST 800-63-4. For general MFA information, see CISA resources at: cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/multi-factor-authentication-mfa. 18

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants

3. Before Applying
Before applying for federal funds for emergency communications, applicants should:
• Review the NECP and SCIP
• Coordinate with statewide emergency communications leaders • Recognize changes in the emergency communications ecosystem • Understand federal grant requirements and restrictions

3.1 Review the NECP and SCIP
Grant applicants should read the NECP to understand the national emergency communications strategy and ensure proposed projects support national goals and objectives. Similarly, grant recipients should review their state or territory’s SCIP (and other applicable plans) to ensure proposals support statewide plans to improve communications across all emergency communications systems and capabilities. Some federal grants (e.g., Homeland Security Grant Program) require applicants to align project activities to their SCIP, so it is a best practice for all applicants to describe how proposed projects align with the needs identified in their strategic plans and performance measures.

3.2 Coordinate with Statewide Emergency Communications Leaders To ensure projects are compatible, interoperable, and support statewide plans and strategies, grant applicants should consult the appropriate statewide leaders or entities prior to developing projects for funding. Some federal programs require or encourage coordination of grant submissions with the SWIC and other statewide leaders (e.g., Emergency Management Agency Director, 911 Administrator, Homeland Security Director, Statewide/Regional Communications System Owners/Operators, SAAs), as well as require applicants to attach a letter of project support from these leaders. Grant applicants should also consult the SIGB or SIEC, as they serve as the primary steering group for the statewide voice and data interoperability strategy. Additionally, grant recipients should consult any subject matter experts serving on governance bodies such as broadband experts, chief information officers, representatives from utilities, or legal and financial experts when developing proposals.

3.3 Recognize Changes in the Emergency Communications Ecosystem Grant recipients should understand the more complex and interdependent ecosystem that has emerged due to evolving technologies, risks, stakeholders, and policies impacting many facets of emergency communications including planning, operations, equipment, and training. Key issues impacting federal emergency communications grants include developments in technologies, national policies and laws, spectrum issues, and the reduction and streamlining of grant programs.

Developments in Technologies
Traditionally, LMR systems are the primary capabilities the public safety community used to achieve mission critical voice communications in the field. To augment their LMR capabilities, emergency response agencies are increasingly using Broadband Push-To-Talk voice services available from the FirstNet and other commercial broadband providers. Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled networks stand to transform how public officials will communicate by providing unparalleled connectivity and bandwidth that enhance situational awareness and information sharing. Communication network modernization is also occurring with the migration of the nation’s 911 infrastructure to NG911, an IP-based model that will enable increased resilience and redundancy in call routing and information sharing. Also, the deployment of a nationwide public alerting system is using traditional media, such as broadcast and cable, as well as IP-based technologies to transmit alerts to mobile phones and other devices. 19

FY 2024 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants Public safety IT systems include sensitive data, such as law enforcement information and electronic medical records, which create new security considerations including storage, access, and authentication.

While electronic access to this data enables more effective response operations, it also poses risks including system failures, lack of user or server connections, ineffective or lack of cyber protections, and vulnerability to attacks by malicious hackers. As the community adopts new technologies and applications, it too must increase understanding and planning for the security risks associated with the increasingly interconnected architecture and vast complexity of IP-based technologies and services.

To protect against phishing, malware, and other potential threats, a multifaceted cybersecurity risk management approach is needed to ensure the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of the communication system and sensitive data. For example, comprehensive cybersecurity training and education on the proper use and security of devices, services, and applications will be required. In addition, planning must match user needs against bandwidth requirements and the options for network resiliency. Critical cybersecurity controls such as phishing resistant MFA should also be implemented.

Assessments of cyber risks and strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities must be conducted before the deployment of IP-based networks occurs to ensure mission requirements can be met securely and reliably from the outset.

The convergence of technologies and risks in this evolving ecosystem shows the importance of ongoing planning for emergency communications. Grant recipients and their respective governance and leadership must consider all components that support LMR, broadband, cyber, and IP-based technologies as they update strategic plans and common operational protocols that ensure the operability, interoperability, and continuity of emergency communications systems. Additionally, grant recipients should prioritize maintaining LMR systems and other emergency communications capabilities gained in recent years as they gradually adopt and deploy IP-based technologies and services.

National Policies and Laws
In addition to technological developments, the nation is evolving its approach to preparing for and responding to incidents through the National Preparedness Goal, which promotes a shared responsibility across all levels of government, private and nonprofit sectors, and the general public. Applicable plans, laws, and policies include the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, American Rescue Plan Act, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, NECP, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-96; 47 U.S.C. 1401), the IPAWS Modernization Act of 2015 and subsequent policies, and the Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)–8, National Preparedness:
• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Signed into law on November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided over $1.2 trillion in broadband, public works, and transportation infrastructure funding. Specifically, the Act authorized several new grant programs and policies that may be relevant to the public safety community. Grant applicants are encouraged to review these federal financial assistance opportunities for applicability to emergency communications projects, as they become available.32
• American Rescue Plan Act. Signed into law on March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act provided funding for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional appropriations included supplemental funding for existing federal emergency management grant programs. Grant applicants are encouraged to review funding opportunities for emergency communications projects, as authorized through this Act. 33 32 For more information on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, see: congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684. 33 For more information on the American Rescue Plan Act, see: congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319. 20