Solar Pedestrian Lights, Restrooms, Seating Areas, Parking Lot and Drinking Fountains 325
ELLIOTT PROPERTY PARK P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n
visalia.gov
326
P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n ELLIOTT PROPERTY PARK
visalia.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS
327
P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n ELLIOTT PROPERTY PARK
visalia.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The top six park amenities chosen for the Elliott Property are as follows:
Elliott Property
Amenity
Walking Path w/ Lights
Restrooms
Pickleball Courts
BMX Pump Track
Parking Lot
Botanical Garden
Votes
72 65
56 42
36 28
328
P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n ELLIOTT PROPERTY PARK
visalia.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The top ten amenities when you combine the Elliott Property and the Pearl Wood Property together:
Amenity Votes
Walking Path w/ Lights
Restrooms
Pickleball Courts
Pump Track
Parking Lot
Botanical Garden
Athletic Field Space
Amphitheater
Traditional Playground
Adventure Playground
Basketball Courts
Mini Pitch (Pearl Wood Only)
Votes
121
101
98 87
57 47
47 37
45 43
16 8
329
P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n ELLIOTT PROPERTY PARK
visalia.gov
CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS
The design teams used the feedback gathered during the three community input meetings to create three conceptual designs for the Elliott Property Park. In addition to the valuable input provided by the public, the design teams, working in collaboration with City staff, carefully considered several other key factors. These included park size, fit, available space, compatibility of amenities with the surrounding neighborhood and the City, overall functionality, initial construction costs relative to the available budget, and the long-term cost and complexity of ongoing maintenance.
330
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN #1
ELLIOTT PROPERTY
Amenity Features
Basketball Court
Restrooms
Pickleball Courts
Lit Walking Path
Passive Play Area
Traditional Playground
Kodak Moment
331
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN #2
ELLIOTT PROPERTY
Amenity Features
Pump Track
Basketball Court
Pickleball Courts
Lit Walking Path
Passive Play Area
Traditional Playground
Restrooms
Kodak Moment
332
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN #3
ELLIOTT PROPERTY
Amenity Features
Pump Track
Mini Pitch
Passive Play Area
Lit Walking Path
Cornhole/ Horseshoe Pits
Fitness Course
Traditional Playground
Kodak Moment
333
ELLIOTT PROPERTY PARK P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n
visalia.gov
On September 9, 2025,
the Visalia Parks and
Recreation Commission
recommended to the
Visalia City Council
conceptual design
number 3 for the Elliott
Park Property.
334
P A R K S & R E C R E A T I O N
ESTIMATED BUDGET
visalia.gov
Elliott Property Park Cost Estimate
$4,780,800.00
Elliott Property Park Current Budget
$5,197,370.00
335
ELLIOTT PROPERTY PARK P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n
visalia.gov
• Staff recommends that the Visalia City Council approve conceptual design number (3) for the Elliott Property.
336
liveandplayvisalia.com 559-713-4365 [email protected] 345 N Jacob St. Visalia, CA 93291 Thank you!
Questions?
337
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK
PRESENTATION
PEARL WOOD
PROPERTY PARK
Presented By:
Parks and Recreation
338
AGENDA
History
Public Meetings
Conceptual Designs
Budgets
Park Projects
Recommendations
339
PEARL WOOD
PROPERTY HISTORY
• The property was publicly noticed and went to the Visalia Planning Commission & the Visalia City Council.
• The Pearl Wood Property (Road 148 and Cameron Creek)
was recommended by the Visalia Planning Commission to
move forward on 6/12/23(5-0 Vote) & approved by the
Visalia City Council on 7-17-23. (5-0 Vote)
340
PEARL WOOD
PROPERTY HISTORY
DR Horton choose Quad Knopf to design the Pearl Wood Property Park.
The Pearl Wood Property is 5.5 acres with a 5 acre ponding basin.
Quad Knopf engaged with City Staff to get public input on park amenities from the community to create three conceptual designs for the Pearl Wood Property Park.
The three public input meetings were held for the Pearl Wood Property during the spring of 2025.
341
The public voted on different types of amenities ranging from Traditional Sports, Community Amenities, Active Amenities, and Site Amenities Traditional Sports Amenities:
Multi-Purpose Lighted Athletic Field (Soccer, Baseball, Flag Football and Softball), Lighted Pickleball Courts, Lighted Tennis Courts and Lighted Basketball Courts
Community Amenities:
Amphitheater, Demonstration Garden, Botanical Garden, Butterfly Garden, Interpretive Signage and Public Art
Active Amenities:
Traditional Playground (2-5, 5-12) w/ Shade Sail Structures, Adventure/Nature Playground w/ Shade Sail Structures, Obstacle Course, Parcourse Equipment, Disc Golf, BMX Pump Track, Cornhole, Lighted Walking Path, Mini Pitch Court and Outdoor Handball Court
Site Amenities:
Solar Pedestrian Lights, Restrooms, Seating Areas, Parking Lot and Drinking Fountains
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY
PUBLIC MEETINGS
342
PEARL WOOD
PROPERTY
PUBLIC MEETINGS
343
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY PUBLIC MEETINGS
The top six park amenities chosen are as follows:
Pearl Wood Property
Amenity
Walking Path w/ Lights
BMX Pump Track
Pickleball Courts
Restrooms
Adventure Themed Playground
Amphitheatre
Votes
72 65
56 42
36 28
344
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY PUBLIC MEETINGS
Amenity Votes
Walking Path w/ Lights
Restrooms
Pickleball Courts
Pump Track
Parking Lot
Botanical Garden
Athletic Field Space
Amphitheater
Traditional Playground
Adventure Playground
Basketball Courts
Mini Pitch (Pearl Wood Only)
Votes
121
101
98 87
57 47
47 37
45 43
16 8
The top ten amenities when you combine the
Elliott Property and the Pearl Wood Property together:
345
CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS
The design teams used the feedback gathered during the six community input meetings to create three conceptual designs for the Pearl Wood Property Park. In addition to the valuable input provided by the public, the design teams—working in collaboration with City staff, carefully considered several other key factors. These included park size, fit, available space, compatibility of amenities with the surrounding neighborhood and the City, overall functionality, initial construction costs relative to the available budget, and the long-term cost and complexity of ongoing maintenance. 346
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN #1
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY
347
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN #2
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY
348
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN #3
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY
349
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN #3
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY
Staff and the PR
Commission Recommends
to the Visalia City Council
Conceptual Design # 3 for
the Pearl Wood Property
350
Pearl Wood Property Park Budget Estimate
ESTIMATED BUDGETS
$7,567,000.00
Pearl Wood Property Park Current Funding
$3,042,372.00
351
Current Park Projects
Project Project Cost Total Budget Shortfall Comments
Dog Park 2,000,000 300,000 (1,700,000) Includes GF Grant $177,952 Riverway Sports Park North Parking lot 3,701,000 1,701,000 (2,000,000) Pearlwoods Park 7,567,500 3,042,372 (4,525,128)
Inclusive Park 9,780,352 7,880,352 (1,900,000)
Total $ 23,048,852 $ 12,923,724 $ (10,125,128)
352
Current Park Projects
Project Description 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 1 East Side Regional Park EIR 106,600
2 East Side Regional Park Site Master Plan 1,863,500 11,694,200 83,500 3 East Side Regional Park Basin G 32,599
4 East Side Regional Park Basin F 137,469 1,433,200
5 East Side Regional Park (ESRP) Basin E 156,200 445,600 23,700 6 Eastside Park Regional Park Basin D 510,159
7 Riverway Sports Park North Parking Lot 1,614,790
8 Riverway Community Dog Park 49,433
9 Victory Oaks 2-Acre Neighborhood Park 2,250,000 1,250,000 10 Road 148-Mineral King to St. John's Parkway 3,403,500 160,700 8,690,000 8,300,000 11 Elliot Property 4-Acre Neighborhood Park 5,197,370
12 Pearlwoods 5-Acre Neighborhood Park 3,042,372
13 City Inclusive Park 33,593
14 Removal of Orchard Eastside Regional Park 37,393
15 Goshen-Virmargo Park/Pond Design 1,700,000
16 Park Master Plan Update 100,000
17 Southside Open Space and Basin 944,600
18 New Recreation Center 50,000 20,000,000
Total $ 18,378,778 $3,944,700 $ 9,185,600 $ 33,417,900 $8,383,500 353
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY
RECOMMENDATIONS
• At the December 9, 2025, the Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission recommended that the City Council eliminate the following amenities at the Pearl Wood Park location: Musco field lighting ($600,000), restrooms ($250,000), and parking ($47,000). These reductions would generate cost savings of $897,000 and reduce the total project cost to $6,670,500 and approve conceptual design number 3 for the Pearl Wood Property
354
To address the funding gap, staff propose the following actions:
Approve the Parks and Recreation Commission’s recommended reductions. Transfer $2,240,000 from the Victory Oaks Property in fiscal year 2025–26 and appropriate these funds to the Pearl Wood Property Project.
Transfer $1,388,200 from the Riverway Sports Park North Parking Lot Project in fiscal year 2025–26 and appropriate these funds to the Pearl Wood Property project.
These actions will fully fund the Pearl Wood Property Park Project at a revised total cost of $6,670,500. Staff further recommends moving both the Riverway Sports Park North Parking Lot Project and the Victory Oaks Property Park project to the outer fiscal years.
Once City Council approves a conceptual design, the engineering firms will create construction docs based off the chosen conceptual plan for the Pearl Wood Property Park.
PEARL WOOD PROPERTY
RECOMMENDATIONS
355
THANK YOU!
liveandplayvisalia.com [email protected]
559-713-4365 345 N Jacob St. Visalia,
CA 93291
QUESTIONS?
356
Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0609 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 5.
Agenda Item Wording:
Aquatic facility presentation - Parks and Recreation Department management with consultants from Aquatics Design Group will deliver a presentation on aquatic facilities with a competitive pool and recreation amenities and receive direction from Council.
Prepared by: Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director, (559) 713-4042 [email protected] and Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager, (559) 713-4336 [email protected].
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council consider the information provided in the presentation on aquatics facilities and provide comments and direction:
1. Direct staff to focus on plans for a 50-meter competitive pool and a large recreational pool; and/or
2. Direct staff to further assess the feasibility of two to four of the proposed aquatic facility sites to include development costs, preliminary environmental assessments, property owner willingness to sell if not a City-owned property, and other aspects of the parcels proposed for the development of an aquatics facility; and
3. Provide staff with direction regarding the timeline for development of this facility, whether the project could be phased, the priority for development given current available funding, and direct staff to return with funding options for development of a phased project or the complete project.
Summary:
Type of aquatic facility:
This presentation will review site considerations, acreage requirements, capital costs, operating costs, programming opportunities, and various pool configurations for a proposed aquatic complex.
The City Council will be presented with three conceptual aquatic facility options:
· A 50-meter competitive pool with a small recreation pool · A 50-meter competitive pool with a medium-sized recreation pool · A 50-meter competitive pool with a large recreation pool (5.1 acres) For each concept, preliminary capital cost estimates, required acreage, and operation and maintenance costs are provided in the presentation.
Staff has focused on a 50-meter competitive pool rather than 35-meter competitive pool and other competitive pool options based on Council discussion at the last work session. If Council wants to consider smaller options, that information can be discussed during the work session.
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council on whether there is interest in pursuing the development of an aquatic facility and if so, confirmation of the size of the facilities.
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File #: 25-0609 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 5.
Location of aquatic facility:
Staff will also verbally review the map of potential City pool sites for Council consideration. The map depicts the current public agency pools that have some public access (Visalia Unified School District pools). The map includes four City owned potential aquatic facility sites, and four sites held by other public and private entities that could potentially be aquatic facility sites. As with most situations, each site has opportunities and challenges. Council may want to select two-four of the sites for further exploration. Council could also focus on a primary site for Staff to conduct further study on including underground utilities, environmental review and testing, utility and infrastructure availability and costs, and, in the case of sites owned by others, the willingness to sell the property. If the Council chooses a more focused single sight approach, staff recommends that Council select a back-up sight for Staff to explore should the first sight not be feasible.
Priority, timeline and funding:
Council may also want to provide Staff with direction regarding how this project should be approached and Council’s expectations on a timeline. If the project, either in a phased approach or as a total project, is to proceed in the near future, Staff will need to return with funding options that could include moving other large projects into future years to make funding available, and/or returning with funding source options that could include a sales tax enhancement, increase in Transient Occupancy Tax, other new and existing funding sources, and redirecting current funding sources and projects. To fund the entire project in the near future, a comprehensive approach would be needed to fund the approximately $33 million project, and the operating subsidy for the complete project of $300,000 - 1 million annually would also need to be considered beginning in the first year of operation.
Consultant and public outreach:
Once Council provides direction on the size of the facility, and a timeline, Staff will solicit proposals for an experienced aquatics facility consultant, and work with the consultant to develop an appropriate plan for soliciting public input on the configuration, features and amenities that the public is seeking in both facilities. The consultant would use this information, and further Council input, to design the facility.
Background Discussion:
At the January 2025 Strategic Planning Session, City Council requested that staff provide information on aquatics facilities. Subsequently, at the October 20, 2025 City Council meeting, Parks and Recreation staff presented an overview that included the history of aquatics facilities, current facilities, previous community needs assessments, existing City aquatic programs, and various types of aquatic facility models.
At the conclusion of the October 20th presentation, City Council directed staff to research the development of an aquatics facility that would accommodate both competitive and recreational use, including a fifty-meter competitive pool and recreational aquatic amenities. Council further directed staff to return within 60 days with potential site locations, projected development costs, and estimated annual operation and management costs.
Staff met with consultant Dennis Berkshire from Aquatics Design Group, a design and consulting service company in the aquatics industry for the past 40+ years. The company specializes in architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical design services for swimming pools and water features across a range of market segments, including parks and recreation, high schools, higher education, hospitality, and health care. Their expertise covers all types of aquatic environments, such Visalia City Council Page 2 of 4 Printed on 1/16/2026
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File #: 25-0609 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 5.
education, hospitality, and health care. Their expertise covers all types of aquatic environments, such as competition pools, recreational and leisure facilities, therapeutic water spaces, and decorative or natural water features.
Dennis Berkshire, Aquatics Design Group Principal and President has more than 40 years of experience in the aquatics industry, with extensive expertise in swimming pool design, construction, operations, and training. He has worked with multiple states on swimming pool environmental health codes and chaired the Operator Training Module for the Model Aquatic Health Code. Dennis currently serves on the National Sanitation Foundation Joint Committee on Recreational Water Facilities and is an instructor for the certified pool operator and aquatic facility operator courses, having trained more than 1,000 operators nationwide. He was named to Aquatics International Magazine’s “Power 25” for a second time in February 2023 in recognition of his leadership in shaping the Model Aquatic Health Code. As President, he oversees project management, commissioning, and aquatic facility assessments and studies.
Aquatics Design Group is providing consultation services to the City of Visalia at no cost during these preliminary discussions to assist staff in evaluating potential facility options, site considerations, and associated costs.
Fiscal Impact: Project cost for a 5- meter pool and large recreational facility is estimated at $33 million. Annual operating subsidy for the entire project is expected to be $300,000 - $1 million, depending on Council policies regarding fees, utilities and other expenses, and actual usage.
Prior Council Action:
· January 2025 - Council requested information from staff on aquatic facilities. · October 2025 - Council directed staff to research development of an aquatic facility for competitive and recreational use.
Other: None
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I move to:
1. Propose an aquatics facility that includes a 50-meter competitive pool and a large recreational pool; and/or
2. Direct staff to conduct further feasibility research on the identified site(s) for an aquatics facility; and/or
3. Direct staff to return with funding options for total and phased approaches to the project, including projected timelines.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 1/20/2026
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File #: 25-0609 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 5.
Attachments: Aquatics Facility Presentation
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City of Visalia
Aquatic Center Feasibility
361
Project Team
Aquatic Design Group
Dennis Berkshire, President
362
ADG FIRM PROFILE
Firm Founded in 1984
Industry Involvement:
Competitive Facilities
Recreational Facilities
Leisure Facilities
20 Years Average Experience- Principals and Associates
Over 3,000 Completed Projects
363
364
ADG DESIGNED POOLS
• 11 World Records
• 26 American Records
• 39 U.S. Open Records
• 21 Olympic Trial Meet Records
•USA Swim Nat. Championship 6 of
Last 10 Years in Calf.
5 of 6 @ ADG Designs
365
Agenda
• Introduction
• Goals & Objectives
• Aquatic Opportunities
• Construction Costs
• Operating Costs
• Pool Options
• Proforma Options 1-3
• Site Considerations
366
Goals and Objectives
• Create a center that is a source of civic pride
• Serve the full range of aquatics interests
• Provide “something for everyone”
• Create a water-safe community through learn-toswim and water safety classes 367
Goals and Objectives
• Support the pursuit of excellence in aquatic sports
• Provide economic benefit to Visalia and local business • Be responsible stewards of the public’s money
and resources
• Develop facilities that are environmentally sensitive and sustainable
368
California Average Community
Survey Top Ten Aquatics Programs
369
Project &
Construction Costs
370
Construction Costs
• Building Gross Square Footage Costs
• Site Costs
• Preparation/Mobilization
• Infrastructure
• Site Improvements & Landscaping
• Parking
• Fixed Equipment Costs
371
Soft Costs
• Design and Engineering
• Site Development
• Fees and Testing
• Equipment and Furnishings
• Contingencies
372
Construction Costs
+
Soft Costs
= Total Project Costs
+ Escalation to the Midpoint of Construction
373
Cost Recovery
374
Revenue
55% 28%
7%
7%
3%
Recreation Admissions
Swim Lessons
Aquatic Programs
Group Sales
Competitive Meets
* Based on California mean averages will vary based on location and economic conditions 375 Expenses
60%
24%
5% 11%
Salaries and Benefits
Utilities
Maintenance / Repairs
All Other
* Based on California mean averages will vary based on location and economic conditions 376 * Based on California mean averages will vary based on location and economic conditions Cost Recovery
377
Pool Options
378
The Right Balance
• Identify City Goals and Objectives
• Market/Programming
• Space Program
• Site Opportunities
• Project Operating
• Costs and Revenue
• Project Budget
379
50-Meter x 25-Yard Pool
• Lanes: 20
• Depth: 3.5’ – 12’
• Uses: Competitive Aquatics
(Swim, Water polo,
Synchro), Advanced
Instruction
• Square Feet: 12,350
• Construction Cost
(Pool Only): $5,600,000
• Estimated Subsidy:
($500,000)
380
Multipurpose Recreation Pool
• Lanes: Optional
• Depth: 0’ – 4’
• Uses: Lap Swim, Swim
Instruction, Family &
Recreation Swim, Water
Exercise, Rehabilitation
• Square Feet: 4,715
• Construction Cost (Pool
Only): $1,272,000
• Estimated Net Revenue:
$100,000
381
Building Support Spaces
• Lobby/Entry/Control Desk
• Public Locker Rooms, Showers & Bathrooms
• Family Changing Rooms
• Staff Office
• Classroom/Meeting Room
• Concession
• Lifeguard/First Aid/Training
• Pool & Chemical Storage
• Pool Mechanical
• Janitorial
Required Spaces:
382
Building Support Spaces
• Team Locker Rooms, Showers, & Bathrooms
• Coach Offices
• Timing Station
• Birthday Party Rooms
• Fitness Center or Weight Training Room
• Aerobics/Yoga Studio
• Events Center
• Child watch
• Playground or Lounge
Additional Options:
383
Concept Options
384
50 – Meter Option
385
Small Recreation Option 2,500 ft2
386
Medium Recreation Option 4,500 ft2
387
Large Recreation Option 6,500 ft2
388
Concept Options*
Option 1: 50-Meter Pool + Small Recreation Pool
Option 2: 50-Meter Pool + Medium Recreation Pool
Option 3: 50-Meter Pool + Large Recreation Pool
* Pools shown are not recommended configuration. They are examples for size of pool. 389
Option 1
50-Meter Pool & Small Recreation Pool
ITEM DESCRIPTION AREA (SQ. FT.)
1.1 50-Meter Pool 12,350
1.2 Small Recreation Pool 2,500
1.3 Pool Decking 22,275
1.4 Shade Areas 1,500
1.5 Entry/Lobby 1,300
1.6 Lockers (25)/Bathrooms 1,830
1.7 Operators Office 0
1.8 Aquatics Office 150
1.9 Classroom 800
1.10 Concession 500
1.11 Lifeguard/First Aid 500
1.12 Meet Mgt. 0
1.13 Indoor Storage 400
1.14 Pool Mechanical 1,200
1.15 Custodial 64
1.16 TOTAL BUILDING 8,670
1.17 Parking Spaces (248) 62,370
1.18 Sidewalks 5,495
1.19 Landscape 656,458
1.20 TOTAL SQAURE FEET 180,697
1.21 TOTAL ACRES 4.15 390
Option 1
50-Meter Pool + Small Recreation Pool
Project Estimate: $25M - $28M
ORDER OF MAGNITUDE
Annual Operating Revenue $600k - $700k
Annual Operating Expenses ($1,200k) – ($1,700k)
Required Subsidy * ($500k) – ($1,000k)
* Based on California mean averages will vary based on location and economic conditions 391 Option 2
50-Meter Pool & Medium Recreation Pool
ITEM DESCRIPTION AREA (SQ. FT.)
1.1 50-Meter Pool 12,350
1.2 Small Recreation Pool 4,500
1.3 Pool Decking 25,275
1.4 Shade Areas 1,500
1.5 Entry/Lobby 1,300
1.6 Lockers (25)/Bathrooms 1,950
1.7 Operators Office 0
1.8 Aquatics Office 150
1.9 Classroom 800
1.10 Concession 500
1.11 Lifeguard/First Aid 500
1.12 Meet Mgt. 0
1.13 Indoor Storage 500
1.14 Pool Mechanical 1,500
1.15 Custodial 64
1.16 TOTAL BUILDING 9,320
1.17 Parking Spaces (281) 70,770
1.18 Sidewalks 6,095
1.19 Landscape 68,958
1.20 TOTAL SQAURE FEET
197,197
1.21 TOTAL ACRES 4.5 392
Option 2
50-Meter Pool + Medium Recreation Pool
Project Estimate: $28M - $31M
ORDER OF MAGNITUDE
Annual Operating Revenue $800k - $900k
Annual Operating Expenses ($750k) – ($1,800k)
Required Subsidy * ($400k) – ($900k)
* Based on California mean averages will vary based on location and economic conditions 393
Option 3
50-Meter Pool & Small Recreation Pool
ITEM DESCRIPTION AREA (SQ. FT.)
1.1 50-Meter Pool 12,350
1.2 Small Recreation Pool 7,500
1.3 Pool Decking 29,775
1.4 Shade Areas 1,500
1.5 Entry/Lobby 1,300
1.6 Lockers (25)/Bathrooms 2,100
1.7 Operators Office 0
1.8 Aquatics Office 150
1.9 Classroom 800
1.10 Concession 500
1.11 Lifeguard/First Aid 500
1.12 Meet Mgt. 0
1.13 Indoor Storage 800
1.14 Pool Mechanical 2,000
1.15 Custodial 64
1.16 TOTAL BUILDING 10,508
1.17 Parking Spaces (331) 83,370
1.18 Sidewalks 6,995
1.19 Landscape 72,708
1.20 TOTAL SQAURE FEET 265,716
1.21 TOTAL ACRES 5.1 394
Option 3
50-Meter Pool + Large Recreation Pool
Project Estimate: $31M - $33M
ORDER OF MAGNITUDE
Annual Operating Revenue $900k - $1,100k
Annual Operating Expenses ($800k) – ($1,950k)
Net Subsidy * ($300k) – ($800k)
* Based on California mean averages will vary based on location and economic conditions 395
Staff Recommends Option 3
50-Meter Pool + Large Recreation Pool
396
Potential Site Options
397
Site Evaluation
398
Questions?
399
Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0588 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 1.
Agenda Item Wording:
Authorization to read ordinances by title only.
Visalia City Council Page 1 of 1 Printed on 1/6/2026
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Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0468 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 2.
Agenda Item Wording:
Authorization to Accept COPS Grant Expenditures - Authorize and accept recommended expenditures for training, equipment, salary, and benefits for 1.5 police officer positions through the State of California fiscal year 2025/26 Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) Program funds of $224,616 and $223,197 for fiscal year 2024-25 COPS Growth funds for a total grant of $447,813 and appropriate $67,500 in the 631 grant fund.
Prepared by: Police Chief Jason Salazar, 713-4215, [email protected]; Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, 713-4250, [email protected]
Department Recommendation: Authorize and accept recommended expenditures for training, equipment, salary, and benefits for 1.5 police officer positions through the State of California fiscal year 2025/26 Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) Program funds of $224,616 and $223,197 for fiscal year 2024-25 COPS Growth funds for a total grant of $447,813 and appropriate $67,500 in the 631 grant fund.
Summary:
AB 3229 creates the Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) Program. The bill allocates money to cities and counties for law enforcement and public safety purposes. California Government Code section 30061 to 30063 regulates the funding.
The City of Visalia was allocated a total of $447,813 and will be deposited in and expensed from Fund 631. The Grant will be used to continue funding salary and benefits for 1.5 existing police officer positions. In addition, the Department will use the funds for training, equipment and other front line law enforcement services.
Background Discussion:
In FY 2025/26 the State allocated a total of $214,200,000 for COPS and Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention (JJCPA) and it is shared among County and City Agencies. The State allocates 5.15% to the County Sheriff’s Office, 5.15% to the District Attorney’s Office, 50% for JJCPA and 39.7% for City and County front line law enforcement services. The allocations are calculated in a manner that provides a minimum Grant allocation of $100,000 to each law enforcement jurisdiction. The City Council is responsible for appropriating the COPS Grant funds, which may only be spent on “front line law enforcement services” and may not be used to supplant existing law enforcement services. “Front line law enforcement services” is not specifically defined in the legislation, but includes antigang and community crime prevention programs, equipment, or services. The funds may not be used for capital construction projects. Funds must be expended or encumbered annually.
Fiscal Impact: The COPS Grant is budgeted annually, which includes projected revenue and Visalia City Council Page 1 of 3 Printed on 1/15/2026
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File #: 25-0468 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 2.
expenditures. Once the final Grant allocation is announced and expenditures are finalized, adjustment are made to the budget. The police officer position is included in the budget projections for the current fiscal year. A budget adjustment in the amount of $67,500 is required as indicated on the table below.
Current
Budget
Budget
Adjustment
Revenue
State COPS 25-26 Allocation $ 224,616 $ 400,000
State COPS Prior Year -Growth 24/25 $ 223,197
Total Revnue 447,813 $ 47,813
Expenditures
Salary & Benefits (Includes OT) 360,500 $ 323,800 $ 36,700 Lexipol (LEFTA) - (New General Fund Contract) - $ 3,100 $ (3,100) Executive Training -Chief Leadership 11,000 $ - $ 11,000 Officer Training 7,000 $ 7,000
$ - $ -
Allocations 28,300 $ 12,400 $ 15,900
Total Expenditures $ 406,800 $ 339,300 $ 67,500
Revenues over (under) Expenditures $ 41,013
Fund Balance 7/1/2025 $ (26,137)
Committed Expenditures
SEU Surveillance Camera System (Replacement) (13,609)
Total Committed Expenditures (13,609)
Funds available for other uses $ (39,746)
Projected Fund Balance 6/30/2026 $ 1,267
Citizens Option For Public Safety (COPS) 631 Fund Activity FY 2025-26
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Decline the designated grant money.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I motion to authorize and accept the recommended expenditures for training, equipment, salary, and benefits for 1.5 police officer positions through the State of California fiscal year 2025/26 Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) program funds of $224,616 and $223,197 for fiscal year 2024-25 COPS growth funds for a total grant of $447,813 and appropriate $67,500 in the 631 grant fund.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Visalia City Council Page 2 of 3 Printed on 1/15/2026
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File #: 25-0468 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 2.
Deadline for Action: 1/20/2026
Attachments: COPS Grant
Visalia City Council Page 3 of 3 Printed on 1/15/2026
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Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0519 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 3.
Agenda Item Wording:
Youth Non-Profit Grant Awards - Review and approval of the Citizens Advisory Committee recommendations for the 2026 Youth Non-Profit Grant Awards.
Prepared by: Renee Nagel, Finance & Technology Services Director, 559-713-4375, [email protected]; Ruth Pena, Financial Analyst, 559-713-4327, [email protected]; Miguel Salgado, CAC Non-Profit Grant Subcommittee Chair Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council review and approve the Citizen Advisory Committee’s (CAC) recommendation to award a distribution of $75,000 among 14 non-profit organizations for the 2026 calendar year.
Summary:
The CAC received 35 applications from non-profit organizations for grant amounts ranging from $2,000 to $6,500 for a total requested amount of $215,100. The CAC recommends awarding 14 grants ranging from $2,500 to $6,500 for a total of $75,000.
Background Discussion:
On June 17, 2024, the City Council authorized the allocation of $75,000 in non-profit grants from the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. The process for awarding these funds is administered by the CAC, which brings recommendations to Council annually for approval. The CAC received 35 applications from non-profit organizations for grant amounts ranging from $2,000 to $6,500 for a total requested amount of $215,100. The CAC recommends awarding 14 grants ranging from $2,500 to $6,500 for a total of $75,000.
The grant announcement was posted on the city’s Facebook page and advertised via the City’s website and newsletter. The deadline for proposals to be submitted via email or in person was September 30, 2025. The period of performance for grants awarded will be January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
The CAC established a Non-Profit Grant Subcommittee of four regular CAC committee members to review all applications received and recommend grant awards. The Subcommittee conducted two workshops on August 26 and 27, 2025, to explain the application process to interested applicants.
The CAC received 35 grant applications and reviewed 33. The two applications not reviewed were incomplete. The total amount of grant funds requested was $215,100. Of the 35 applications submitted, 14 are recommended for funding. As in prior years, grant awards are restricted to activities and programs that are based within the City of Visalia.
The CAC Subcommittee reviewed the applications and came to a consensus recommendation to award 14 grants between $1,500 and $6,500 for a total of $72,500. The recommendation was presented to and reviewed by the full CAC committee at its November 5, 2025 and January 7, 2026 Visalia City Council Page 1 of 5 Printed on 1/14/2026
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File #: 25-0519 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 3.
meetings. The CAC unanimously adopted the subcommittee’s recommendations.
Table 1 compares grant application statistics from the last two cycles with the current cycle:
Table 1: Grant Year Comparisons 2024 2025 2026
Number of grant applications received 26 22 35
Number of grant applications reviewed 22 22 33
Number of reviewed applications not recommended for
funding 11 10 19
Number of grants recommended for funding 11 13 14
Total amount requested $157,650 $94,000 $215,100
Total amount awarded $65,000 $75,000 $75,000
Highest grant awarded $6,500 $6,500 $6,500
Lowest grant awarded $2,500 $1,500 $2,500
Average grant requested $6,063 $4,273 $6,146
Average grant awarded $5,909 $5,769 $5,357
As shown in table 1, the number of applications increased from last year. This increase caused the CAC youth grant committee to review and recommend the proposed applications that focus on achieving greater impact. During review, there was a lot of focus on programs that display their contribution to more youth. There were also new programs that demonstrated their effectiveness to grow beyond their initial goal to obtain seed funds. The CAC made the collective effort to provide funding to programs that focus on youth from various backgrounds and areas that may not be as represented. With all 14 applications recommended, 2 of the applications are not fully funded.
Table 2 lists the Non-Profit funding recommendations and program descriptions.
Program Description Requested
($)
Recommended
($)
New
Program
1 Adapted Athlete Community Programs 6,500 6,500 no
2 American GI Forum Youth Boxing Program 6,500 6,500 no 3 Arborbotics Robotics Team 6,500 2,500 no
Table 2: Non-Profit Grant Recommendations and Program Descriptions for 2026 Agency
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File #: 25-0519 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 3.
Program Description Requested
($)
Recommended
($)
New
Program
1 Adapted Athlete Community Programs 6,500 6,500 no
2 American GI Forum Youth Boxing Program 6,500 6,500 no 3 Arborbotics Robotics Team 6,500 2,500 no
4 Arts Visalia Youth Art Program 6,500 6,500 no
5 CASA Foster Youth
Adventures Program 6,500 6,500 no
6 Champions Recovery
Alternative Programs
Youth Intervention
Programs 6,500 6,500 no
7 Cultural Heritage Foundation Youth Cultural Events 6,500 2,500 no 8 Green Rose Productions Storytelling Podcast 6,500 6,500 yes 9 Happy Trails Riding
Academy
Therapeutic Riding for
Children w/ Disabilities 2,500 2,500 no
10 ImagineU Children's Museum Field Trip Scholarships 5,000 2,500 no 11 Neighborhood Degree Redwood Thrive
Program 6,500 6,500 yes
12 Police Activities League (PAL) PAL Leadership 6,500 6,500 no 13 Sequoia Symphony Link-up Youth Concerts 6,500 6,500 no 14 Targeted Interventions
Mentorship Education
Lowrider Bike Build
Program 6,500 6,500 yes
Recommended 85,500 75,000
Table 2: Non-Profit Grant Recommendations and Program Descriptions for 2026 Agency
Program Description Requested
($)
Recommended
($)
New
Program
1 Assistance League of Visalia Operation Literacy 6,500 0 no 2 Blanket Ladies Blanket, Bears & More 2,000 0 no
3 Boys and Girls Club Youth Development 6,500 0 no
4 CA Health Collaborative Youth-Led Art
& Wellness 6,500 0 yes
5 Central Valley Youth
Sports & Education Girls Soccer 6,100 0 yes
6 Clip Arts Performing Arts 6,500 0 no
7 Friends of Tulare County Annual Toy Drive 5,000 0 no
8 Kiwanis Club of Visalia Nature Immersion
Program 6,500 0 no
9 JEMA Music & Performing Arts 6,500 0 no
10 OMG Youth Sports Thrive 360 6,500 0 yes
11 Proteus Scholarship Funding 6,000 0 no
Applicants Not Recommended for Funding
Agency
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File #: 25-0519 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 3.
Program Description Requested
($)
Recommended
($)
New
Program
1 Assistance League of Visalia Operation Literacy 6,500 0 no 2 Blanket Ladies Blanket, Bears & More 2,000 0 no
3 Boys and Girls Club Youth Development 6,500 0 no
4 CA Health Collaborative Youth-Led Art
& Wellness 6,500 0 yes
5 Central Valley Youth
Sports & Education Girls Soccer 6,100 0 yes
6 Clip Arts Performing Arts 6,500 0 no
7 Friends of Tulare County Annual Toy Drive 5,000 0 no
8 Kiwanis Club of Visalia Nature Immersion
Program 6,500 0 no
9 JEMA Music & Performing Arts 6,500 0 no
10 OMG Youth Sports Thrive 360 6,500 0 yes
11 Proteus Scholarship Funding 6,000 0 no
12 Riding for a Reason Transportation for
Medical Treatment 6,500 0 yes
13 South Valley Water Polo Club Youth Aquatics 6,500 0 no 14 Tulare Co Child Abuse
Prevention Council
Child Abuse Prevention
Kick-off 6,500 0 yes
15 Tulare Co Realtors Charitable
Foundation
Back to School Support
Program 6,500 0 yes
16 Tulare-Kings Resources
for Life Educational Program 6,500 0 yes
17 Unity Transitional Housing Children's Necessities
& Activities 6,500 0 yes
18 Visalia Little League
Youth Baseball
Visalia Little League
Youth Baseball 6,500 0 yes
19 Visalia Youth Athletics
Goshen Bears Football Youth Sports 6,500 0 yes
20 WFO Foundation Youth Leadership &
Empowerment Program 6,500 0 yes
21 Young Lives of Tulare County Teenage Parent Lunch,
Mentor Connection 6,500 0 no
Not Recommended 129,600 0
Total 215,100 75,000
Applicants Not Recommended for Funding
Agency
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File #: 25-0519 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 3.
Fiscal Impact: The 2025-26 General Fund appropriation of $75,000 is already in the budget, and no additional funding is requested.
Prior Council Action: Adoption of FY 2025-26 Budget - June 17, 2024.
Other: Committee/Commission Review and Action - CAC Review and Adoption of Subcommittee Recommendations - November 5, 2025 and January 7, 2026.
Alternatives: Redirect awards within the $75,000 amount allocated by the City Council.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I move to award the non-profit grants as recommended by the Citizens Advisory Committee as shown in Table 2.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 1/20/2026
Attachments: Attachment 1 - Grant Applications Recommended for Funding; Attachment 2 - Grant Applications Not Recommended for Funding
Visalia City Council Page 5 of 5 Printed on 1/14/2026
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Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0605 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 4.
Agenda Item Wording:
Fire Department grant application confirmation - Confirm authorization for staff to apply for the fiscal year 2026 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the replacement purchase of standardized rescue personal protective equipment and life-safety rescue rope, in the amount of $18,225; authorize staff to accept the grant and appropriate funds if awarded.
Prepared by: Fire Chief Dan Griswold, 713-4220 [email protected]; Battalion Chief Karl Krauss, 713-4544 [email protected]; Crissy Balderama, Senior Administrative Analyst 713- 4513 [email protected]
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council confirm authorization for personnel to apply for the 2026 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the purchase of standardized rescue personal protective equipment and life-safety rescue rope in the amount of $18,225. Staff also recommends Council authorize staff to accept the grant and appropriate funds if awarded.
Summary: Fire Administration recommends applying for the SHSGP to replace current rescue equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) that is currently past the recommended service life or that is expected to meet the service life by the time of the grant award. New PPE recommended is long sleeve shirts recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) for technical rescue operations.
Background Discussion:
As part of the department’s all-hazard responsibility, the Visalia Fire Department has trained personnel and the necessary equipment to respond to the technical rescue needs of the community and surrounding area. Technical rescue potential in Visalia includes, but is not limited to, entrapments and entanglements at industrial, construction, and agricultural sites and operations.
Other rescue potential includes trench and confined space rescue, machinery extrication, and entrapments and entanglements at the large structures of the industrial park during construction and during normal operations.
During the last several years, the Fire Department has experienced personnel turnover yielding the opportunity, and the priority, to train and equip personnel in technical rescue. Rescue team members are equipped with a rescue helmet, rope gloves, utility gloves, a rescue belt, goggles, a headlamp, a long-sleeve shirt, and a gear bag. If approved and accepted, this grant opportunity would equip 16 personnel with the appropriate, current PPE. Fire Administration is also recommending using this grant opportunity to replace current rescue life-safety ropes are expected to meet their life expectancy within the funding period of the grant.
Fire Administration’s plan is to properly train and equip newer members to serve on the department’s rescue team. These personnel are, in part, assigned to Truck 51 which is the fire apparatus that carries the current rescue equipment. Rebuilding the roster of properly trained personnel will Visalia City Council Page 1 of 2 Printed on 1/14/2026
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File #: 25-0605 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 4.
carries the current rescue equipment. Rebuilding the roster of properly trained personnel will enhance safety and efficiency when these high risk, low frequency incidents occur in the City of Visalia and the surrounding area. Increasing the number of qualified and competent technical rescue team members for Visalia, and in the area, aligns with the HSGP’s Investment Justification - Enhance Multi-Jurisdictional/Inter-Jurisdictional All- Hazards/Whole Community Incident Planning, Response & Recovery Capabilities and therefore qualifies for funding through this grant.
State Homeland Security Grant funding, if awarded, would reduce the financial impact to the City’s General Fund while allowing the Fire Department to strengthen its technical rescue capabilities.
The history of the SHSGP is, following the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001, the State of California and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security established grant programs to assist state and local agencies with emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities. Since 2001, the Tulare County Office of Emergency Services has served as the intermediary recipient of these funds, disbursing allocations to cities and local agencies based on regional needs.
Fiscal Impact: If approved, staff requests authorization to appropriate $18,225 from the General Fund for the purchase of the rescue personal protective equipment and life-safety rescue rope. If awarded, these funds will be reimbursed through the State Homeland Security Grant Program administered by the Tulare County Office of Emergency Services.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Deny the request to apply for the 2026 State Homeland Security Grant Program and consider this project during a future capital improvement program budget.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I move to confirm authorization for personnel to apply for the 2026 State Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase of rescue personal protective equipment and life-safety rescue rope in the amount of $18,225; and authorize staff to accept the grant and appropriate $18,225 from the General Fund if awarded.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 1/20/2026
Attachments: Fiscal year 2025 State Homeland Security Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Visalia City Council Page 2 of 2 Printed on 1/14/2026
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program
Fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and other criminal or noncriminal misconduct related to this program may be reported to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1 (800) 323-8603 and TTY 1 (844) 889-4357.
Contents
1. Basic Information........................................................................................................................ 4 A. Agency Name............................................................................................................................. 4 B. NOFO Title ................................................................................................................................ 4 C. Announcement Type .................................................................................................................. 4 D. Funding Opportunity Number.................................................................................................... 4 E. Assistance Listing Number ........................................................................................................ 4 F. Expected Total Funding ............................................................................................................. 4 G. Anticipated Number of Awards................................................................................................. 4 H. Expected Award Range ............................................................................................................. 4 I. Projected Application Start Date................................................................................................. 4 J. Projected Application End Date.................................................................................................. 4 K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date .......................................................................................... 4 L. Anticipated Award Date............................................................................................................. 4 M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date ............................................................................. 4 N. Projected Period of Performance End Date ............................................................................... 4 O. Executive Summary................................................................................................................... 4 P. Agency Contact .......................................................................................................................... 5
2. Eligibility .................................................................................................................................... 6 A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types.................................................................................................... 6 B. Project Type Eligibility .............................................................................................................. 8 C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties.......................................................... 8 D. Maximum Number of Applications........................................................................................... 9 E. Additional Restrictions............................................................................................................... 9 F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO................................................................ 10 G. Cost Sharing Requirement....................................................................................................... 10 H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions....................................................................... 10 I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example............................................................................................ 10 J. Required information for verifying Cost Share ........................................................................ 11
3. Program Description ................................................................................................................. 11 A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History .......................................................... 11 B. Goals and Objectives............................................................................................................. 12 C. Program Rationale ................................................................................................................. 23 D. Federal Assistance Type........................................................................................................ 23 E. Performance Measures and Targets....................................................................................... 24 F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs.................................................................................... 24 590
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G. General Funding Requirements............................................................................................. 25 H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs)............................................................. 25 I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs................................................................... 26 J. Pre-Award Costs.................................................................................................................... 27 K. Beneficiary Eligibility.............................................................................................................. 27 L. Participant Eligibility ............................................................................................................... 27 M. Authorizing Authority............................................................................................................. 27 N. Appropriation Authority .......................................................................................................... 28 O. Budget Period .......................................................................................................................... 28 P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services....................................................................... 28
4. Application Contents and Format ............................................................................................. 28 A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers .............................................................. 28 B. Application Content and Format ........................................................................................... 28 C. Application Components....................................................................................................... 28 D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information ..................................................... 28 E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants................................................... 33
5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines ............................................................................. 33 A. Address to Request Application Package.............................................................................. 33 B. Application Deadline............................................................................................................. 35 C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline............................................................................... 35 D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline ............................................................................. 35 E. Effects of Missing the Deadline ............................................................................................ 35
6. Intergovernmental Review........................................................................................................ 36 A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact................................................. 36
7. Application Review Information .............................................................................................. 36 A. Threshold Criteria.................................................................................................................. 36 B. Application Criteria ............................................................................................................... 37 C. Financial Integrity Criteria .................................................................................................... 39 D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review ......................................................... 40 E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection ....................................................................................... 40 F. Merit Review Process............................................................................................................ 40 G. Final Selection....................................................................................................................... 40
8. Award Notices ......................................................................................................................... 41 A. Notice of Award .................................................................................................................... 41 B. Pass-Through Requirements .................................................................................................... 41 C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs............................................................................................ 42 D. Obligation of Funds ................................................................................................................. 42 E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants.................................................................................. 42
9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration ........................................................................ 42 A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements............................................................... 42 B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions................................................................................... 42 C. Financial Reporting Requirements Financial Reporting Requirements................................ 42 D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements........................................................... 43 E. Closeout Reporting Requirements......................................................................................... 43 F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 .................................................................... 43 G. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance................................. 43 591
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H. Single Audit Report............................................................................................................... 43 I. Monitoring and Oversight ..................................................................................................... 44 J. Program Evaluation............................................................................................................... 44 K. Additional Performance Reporting Requirements ................................................................ 44 L. Termination of the Federal Award ........................................................................................ 46 M. Best Practices.......................................................................................................................... 48 N. Payment Information................................................................................................................ 48 O. Immigration Conditions........................................................................................................... 50
10. Other Information ................................................................................................................... 50 A. Period of Performance Extension.......................................................................................... 50 B. Other Information.................................................................................................................. 50
11. Appendix A: HSGP Target Allocations.................................................................................. 53 A. SHSP Target Allocations....................................................................................................... 53 B. UASI Target Allocations....................................................................................................... 54 C. OPSG Target Allocations...................................................................................................... 56
12. Appendix B: Allowable Costs ................................................................................................ 58 A. Allowable Cost Matrix for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG............................................................ 58 B. SHSP and UASI Other Direct Costs ..................................................................................... 62 C. OPSG Other Direct Costs...................................................................................................... 71 592
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1. Basic Information
A. Agency Name U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
B. NOFO Title Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) • State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP)
• Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
• Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)
C. Announcement
Type
Initial
D. Funding
Opportunity Number
DHS-25-GPD-067-00-98
E. Assistance Listing
Number
97.067
F. Expected Total
Funding
$1,008,000,000
See Appendix A for the FY 2025 HSGP funding target allocation tables.
G. Anticipated
Number of Awards
56 awards
H. Expected Award
Range
SHSP: $997,200 - $61,229,940
UASI: $3,086,934 - $92,180,364
OSGP: $0 or $200,000 - $33,708,000
I. Projected
Application Start
Date
07/28/2025 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
J. Projected
Application End Date
08/15/2025 05:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
K. Anticipated
Funding Selection
Date
No later than 08/23/2025
L. Anticipated
Award Date
No later than 09/30/2025
M. Projected Period
of Performance Start
Date
09/01/2025
N. Projected Period
of Performance End
Date
08/31/2028
O. Executive
Summary
HSGP strengthens the nation's capacity to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events through the following three components:
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• SHSP: Supports the implementation of risk-driven,
capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets.
• UASI: Focuses on high-risk Urban Area efforts to address their unique security needs.
• OPSG: Enhances cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.
P. Agency Contact a. Program Office Contact
FEMA has assigned Preparedness Officers to each state for the HSGP.
If you are unsure who your Preparedness Officer is, please contact FEMA Grants News by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by email at fema[email protected], Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.
b. FEMA Grants News
This channel provides general information on all FEMA grant programs and maintains a comprehensive database containing key personnel contact information at the federal, state, and local levels.
FEMA Grants News Team is reachable at fema-grants[email protected]. OR (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.
c. Grant Programs Directorate’s (GPD) Award Administration Division
GPD’s Award Administration Division (AAD) provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. AAD can be contacted at [email protected].
d. FEMA Regional Offices
FEMA Regional Offices also may provide fiscal support, including pre- and post-award administration and technical assistance. FEMA Regional Office contact information is available at
https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts.
e. Civil Rights
Consistent with Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination & Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, the FEMA Office of Civil Rights is responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of federal civil rights obligations in connection with programs and services conducted by FEMA. They are reachable at FEMA[email protected]. f. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation
The FEMA Office of Environmental Planning and Historic
Preservation (OEHP) provides guidance and information about the 594
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EHP review process to FEMA programs and recipients and
subrecipients. Send any inquiries regarding compliance for FEMA grant projects under this NOFO to FEMA-OEHP[email protected]. h. FEMA GO
For technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at [email protected]. or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.
i. FEMA Preparedness Toolkit
The FEMA Preparedness Toolkit (PrepToolkit) provides access to tools and resources needed to implement the National Preparedness System and provide a collaborative space for communities completing the Unified Reporting Tool (URT). Recipients complete and submit their Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), and other required assessments using the PrepToolkit. For assistance, contact [email protected].
j. Preparedness Grants Manual
Recipients seeking guidance on policies and procedures for managing preparedness grants should reference the Preparedness Grants Manual at Preparedness Grants Manual.
2. Eligibility
A. Eligible
Entities/Entity Types
Only the following entities or entity types are eligible to apply. a. Applicants
1. Eligible Applicants
The State Administrative Agency (SAA) is the only entity eligible to submit HSGP applications to DHS/FEMA. HSGP funds are provided to SAAs, which manage and distribute the funds within their respective states or territories. SAAs issue subawards to local governments and other eligible organizations, ensuring that resources reach areas that need them to enhance security and disaster response.
For this funding opportunity, the term "state" includes all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Tribal governments are not eligible to apply directly for HSGP funding but may receive funding through their state’s SAA.
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b. Subapplicants
SAAs distribute HSGP funds through subawards to other state, local, or tribal organizations. These organizations, called subrecipients, use the funds to improve local and regional security efforts.
1. Subrecipient Eligibility
Under HSGP, FEMA provides funds to each state's SAA. The SAA distributes these funds to other state or local organizations, such as city agencies or county departments. These distributed funds are called subawards, and the organizations receiving them are referred to as subrecipients.
• SHSP: All U.S. states and territories listed above are eligible.
Tribal governments must work through their state’s SAA. • UASI: FEMA identifies high-risk urban areas based on
terrorism risk. SAAs distribute subawards to these designated urban areas. See Appendix 11.B. for the complete list.
• OPSG: Eligible subrecipients include county-level or
equivalent governments and federally recognized tribal
governments in states bordering Canada or Mexico, or those with international water borders. Applicants must have active U.S. Border Patrol operations coordinated with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection sector office to qualify. OPSG
subrecipients are divided into three tiers based on their location:
o Tier 1 includes counties or tribal governments directly on the land borders with Canada and Mexico, or those located directly on physical borders with Canada, Mexico, or along international water borders.
o Tier 2 includes counties or tribal governments next to Tier 1 locations.
o Tier 3 includes counties or tribal governments next to Tier 2 locations.
The tier structure is only applicable with regard to eligibility.
OPSG funding target allocations are based on the assessed border security risks as determined by the U.S. Border Patrol.
2. Reducing Subapplicant Burden
For FY 2025, each SAA is strongly encouraged to re-evaluate its process for collecting and evaluating subaward applications. FEMA encourages each SAA to minimize the type and quantity of information that it collects as part of the subaward application process, in order to decrease the overall financial and time burden associated 596
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with applying for subawards under this grant program. Each SAA should review its subaward application and reduce or eliminate the request for any information that is not needed for legal, financial, or oversight purposes.
c. All Recipients - Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws An immigration term and condition may be material to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to make this grant award, and the Department of Homeland Security may take any remedy for noncompliance, including termination, if the state or territorial recipient or any local government subrecipient fails to comply with this term and condition. No final agency determination has been made as of the date of this publication.
For more details on eligibility requirements or restrictions to subawards/subrecipients, please see the Preparedness Grants Manual.
B. Project Type
Eligibility
a. Unallowable Project Types
See Section 3.F “Program-Specific Unallowable Costs” and 7.A.b “Ineligible Projects” for more information on unallowable project types.
b. Allowable Project Types
Allowable costs for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG generally fall into five main categories: planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises (POETE). All projects funded under SHSP and UASI must demonstrate a clear connection to building capabilities that prevent, prepare for, protect against, or respond to acts of terrorism.
Please see Appendix 12.B: Allowable Costs for more information on allowable costs. If there are questions about specific experiences, contact your FEMA Preparedness Officer.
C. Requirements for
Personnel, Partners,
and Other Parties
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, official, or leader of the recipient organization; and
2. Authorized to apply for the award on behalf of the entity at the time of submission.
Additionally, the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) must:
1. Be a current authorized employee, official, or leader of the recipient organization.
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2. Use a unique email address associated with the recipient organization at the time of application and upon any change in assignment during the period of performance.
Consultants or contractors are not permitted to serve as the AOR of the recipient organization. For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the AOR, refer to FEMA's guidance on Roles and Permissions.
Subapplicants should not have foreign nationals or noncitizens included. If a subapplicant has foreign nationals, they must be properly vetted and must adhere to all government statutes, policies, and procedures including “staff American, stay in America” and security requirements.
Subapplicants/subrecipients must submit short bios and resumes. This should include the type of entity, organizational leadership, and board members along with both the names and addresses of the individuals.
Resumes are subject to approval.
D. Maximum
Number of
Applications
The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is:
1. One per SAA
E. Additional
Restrictions
Applicants/subapplicants or recipients/subrecipients are required to certify their compliance with federal statutes, DHS directives, policies, and procedures.
Under HSGP, there are specific funding guidelines / requirements for allocating funds:
a. Pass-Through Requirements
SAAs are required to pass-through at least 80% of SHSP and UASI funding to local or tribal governments. For detailed information on pass-through requirements, please refer to Section 8, "Award Notices," in the NOFO and consult the "Pass-Through Requirements" section within the Preparedness Grants Manual.
b. National Priority Areas (NPAs) Minimum Spend Requirements Requires that SHSP and UASI recipients allocate at least 30% of their funds between the five NPAs. The five NPAs, along with the relevant minimum spend percentage, are:
• Enhancing the Protection of Soft Targets/Crowded Places: No minimum spend.
• Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers:
No minimum spend.
• Enhancing Cybersecurity: No minimum spend.
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• Enhancing Election Security: At least 3% of the total SHSP and UASI target allocation must be dedicated to this area.
• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement: At least 10% of the total SHSP and UASI target allocation must be dedicated to this area.
c. Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA)
1. Legal Requirement: Per section 2006 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002(codified as amended at 6 U.S.C. § 607(a)) DHS/FEMA is required to ensure that at least 25% of grant funding under HSGP is used for LETPA.
2. FY 2025 Update: DHS/FEMA has maintained this requirement at the FY 2024 level, mandating at least 35% HSGP funds are used for LETPA.
3. Recipient Obligations: The requirement can be fulfilled by funding projects across any of the five NPAs or other
investments that meet the LETPA criteria.
Additional Guidance: Information Bulletin (IB) 485 includes the most up-to-date information on project selection considerations and allowable activities for LETPA investments and compliments IB 473.
Both IBs are applicable to the FY 2025 HSGP NOFO. For
comprehensive LETPA requirements, refer to the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities Resource Guide.
For more information on funding restrictions, refer to General Funding Requirements.
F. References for
Eligibility Factors
within the NOFO
Please see the following references provided below:
1. “Responsiveness Review Criteria” subsection
2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection
3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection
4. FEMA may/will request financial information such as
Employer Identification Number (EIN) and bank information as part of the potential award selection. This will apply to everyone prospered, including subrecipients.
G. Cost Sharing
Requirement
There is no cost share requirement.
H. Cost Share
Description, Type
and Restrictions
Not applicable.
I. Cost Sharing
Calculation Example
Not applicable.
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J. Required
information for
verifying Cost Share
Not applicable.
3. Program Description
A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History
Background
HSGP includes three key grant programs designed to enhance the capabilities of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as nonprofits, in preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks. These programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the nation's communities against potential terrorist threats.
In FY 2025, HSGP continues to include three key grant programs:
• SHSP: Supports the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets.
• UASI: Focuses on high-risk Urban Area efforts to address their unique security needs. • OPSG: Enhances cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.
These programs collectively aim to strengthen the nation's ability to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other threats.
Program Purpose and History
Since its inception in 2003, HSGP has significantly enhanced the nation's preparedness. HSGP addresses evolving threats such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the protection of soft targets and crowded places. It represents a comprehensive approach to national security, fostering collaboration across all levels of government and within communities to build a safer, more resilient nation. Through planning, training, equipment procurement, and exercises, the program ensures jurisdictions are prepared for a wide range of risks.
In recent years:
• Funding priorities have evolved to include cybersecurity, election security, and countering emerging national security threats.
• Key accomplishments include the development of interoperable communication systems, emergency response training, and investment in physical and cybersecurity measures.
• The program emphasizes strategic investments to address identified capability gaps, requiring alignment with Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).
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This support equips various jurisdictions with the necessary tools and resources to effectively manage and mitigate a wide range of threats and hazards, aligning with FEMA's goal of building a secure and resilient nation.
B. Goals and Objectives
As HSGP is comprised of three different grant programs, this section is divided into SHSP and UASI (together) and OPSG, each with its own focus and goals. SHSP and UASI aim to strengthen the ability of states and urban areas to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other hazards. OPSG, on the other hand, remains unique to border security, and focuses on improving cooperation between local, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement to secure America’s international borders. These programs work together to build a secure and resilient nation, giving communities the tools and resources they need to handle various threats and emergencies effectively.
a. SHSP and UASI Goal
The goal of SHSP is to support statewide and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in building, enhancing, and sustaining the capabilities needed to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. SHSP funding is intended to help SLTT agencies address capability gaps identified through the THIRA/SPR process, as well as prioritize resources toward high-impact security focus areas, known as NPAs.
The goal for the UASI program is to enhance the security and resilience of high-risk urban areas by building, sustaining, and improving capabilities to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. This goal focuses on enabling urban areas to address identified security gaps, increase interagency coordination, and strengthen critical infrastructure protection to reduce vulnerabilities in locations facing heightened risks.
Together, SHSP and UASI under HSGP aim to build a cohesive and collaborative approach to homeland security by promoting national preparedness and resilience. b. SHSP and UASI Objectives
SHSP and UASI provides resources that support eligible SLTT governments in meeting the following objectives:
• Build and sustain core capabilities, including LETPA and the NPAs (see priorities below);
• Address capability gaps identified in their THIRA and SPR process; and • Implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address enduring security needs of communities that includes planning, training and awareness campaigns, equipment and capital projects, and exercises.
c. SHSP and UASI Funding Priorities and Requirements
HSGP establishes specific funding requirements to ensure resources are allocated effectively and address critical national priorities.
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1. Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) • Description: LETPA are initiatives funded through HSGP aimed at enhancing law enforcement's ability to prevent terrorist attacks. These activities focus on building and sustaining capabilities in areas such as intelligence analysis, information sharing, threat recognition, and terrorist interdiction.
• Allocation Requirement: At least 35% of each state/territory SHSP/UASI (where applicable) allocation must be allocated to LETPA activities. • Flexibility: LETPA funds can come from SHSP, UASI, or both to meet this requirement. • Project Alignment: LETPA funds can be applied to projects across the five NPAs or other investments that meet LETPA criteria.
• Additional Guidance: For detailed guidance on allowable LETPA expenditures and requirements, refer to FEMA's Preparedness Grants Manual and Information Bulletin 485 and Information Bulletin 497.
2. National Priority Areas (NPAs)
• Description: FY 2025 HSGP aligns with the Administration’s priorities by directing resources toward the most urgent threats facing the Nation. Through the SHSP and UASI, HSGP supports the development and sustainment of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal (NPG): “A secure and resilient Nation.” To ensure strategic focus, DHS has identified five NPAs that reflect the evolving risk landscape and national policy objectives. These priorities serve as a framework for targeting investments that build capability, reduce risk, and promote cross-sector coordination.
The FY 2025 NPAs are:
• Enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places, o This includes faith-based organizations and election sites; • Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers; • Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency;
• Enhancing election security; and
• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement.
o Example activities under border crisis response and enforcement support may include:
1. Participation in the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) training program;
2. Cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers; and
3. Other jurisdictional responsibilities to support the enforcement of United State immigration law.
These NPAs are rooted in the core mission areas of the NPG—prevention, protection, mitigation, and response, and reflect a whole-of-government approach to homeland security. Applicants should use these priorities to guide planning, investment, and implementation to drive measurable outcomes and long-term resilience.
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• Allocation Requirement:
Recipients must allocate at least 30% of their SHSP and UASI funds to the five NPAs.
Funds can be applied to projects across the five NPAs and can be used to meet LETPA criteria. By meticulously outlining how each investment and project meets LETPA and NPA requirements within the Investment Justifications (IJ), applicants can enhance the effectiveness and compliance of their funding proposals. • Minimum Spend:
o Enhancing Election Security requires at least 3% of total SHSP and UASI funds. o Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement requires at least 10% of total SHSP and UASI funds.
o The remaining 17% can be allocated across all NPAs.
Failure to meet NPA spending requirements will result in a hold on affected funds until compliance issues are resolved.
Priority Areas Description Minimum Allocation
Requirement
Enhancing the Protection
of Soft Targets/Crowded
Places
Improving security at locations
accessible to the public and vulnerable
to attacks.
No minimum allocation
Supporting Homeland
Security Task Forces and
Fusion Centers
Promoting coordination of activities
and critical information sharing and
analysis to prevent and respond to
threats.
No minimum allocation
Enhancing
Cybersecurity
Strengthening the protection of
computer systems and networks
against cyber threats.
No minimum allocation
Enhancing Election
Security
Ensuring the integrity and security of
voting systems.
At least 3% of the total
SHSP and UASI
allocation must be
dedicated to this area
Supporting Border Crisis
Response and
Enforcement
Supporting collaboration between
state and local law enforcement and
U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g)
program to identify and remove
individuals who pose a threat to public
safety and national security.
At least 10% of the total
SHSP and UASI
allocation must be
dedicated to this area
States are encouraged to review the Strategic Framework for Countering Terrorism and Targeted Violence when developing investments.
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• NPA Investments: SHSP and UASI
o Enhancing and Protection of Soft Targets/Crowded Places (no minimum percent)
Soft targets and crowded places, like parks, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and event venues, are increasingly appealing to terrorists because of their accessibility and the large gatherings. These areas often lack strict security measures, making them vulnerable. To address this, public and private sectors must collaborate to strengthen the security of locations such as transportation centers, restaurants, polling places, and similar facilities. Personnel responding to incidents at these sites should also be trained in key operational systems, such as the Incident Command System (ICS), to ensure effective on-scene incident management.
In addition, the malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) poses safety and security risks to soft targets and crowded places. Detecting drones is an allowable use of funds under the HSGP in accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, which allows the purchase of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, and FEMA Information Bulletin 530. Before purchasing and deploying these systems, as outlined in the Domestic Counter-UAS National Action Plan, recipients must:
• Consult FEMA and Legal Experts: Work with FEMA's Preparedness Officer and legal experts to ensure your policies and procedures comply with federal and state laws regarding surveillance and communication. • Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Establish clear guidelines to ensure operations are conducted in a manner consistent with First and Fourth Amendment protections, and other applicable provisions of federal law.
• Provide Training and Certification: Ensure personnel operating UAS systems are properly trained and certified, in accordance with FEMA and Federal Aviation Administration standards.
Applicants are encouraged to submit an investment related to protecting soft targets/crowded places. The proposed investment will be subject to DHS/FEMA’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed investments. States are encouraged to engage DHS’ Protective Security Advisors for security assessments of soft targets to ensure that recommendations from those assessments are taken into consideration when allocating grant funding.
Additional Resources
Further guidance and resources for securing soft targets and crowded places can be found through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. For comprehensive compliance and operational details, refer to FEMA's Preparedness Grants Manual and related program documents.
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o Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers (no minimum percent)
This priority supports the Administration’s direction under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which calls for the establishment of Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) nationwide. These multi-agency teams— composed of federal and local law enforcement partners—are tasked with disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations, targeting cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks (especially those involving children), and using all appropriate law enforcement tools to support lawful immigration enforcement.
Activities under this NPA also enhance broader national efforts in:
Counterterrorism
Cybersecurity
Border security
Immigration enforcement
Transnational organized crime
Protection of economic and critical infrastructure
Allowable Costs:
Applicants may use grant funds for:
Establishing or enhancing multi-agency HSTFS, including operational coordination centers
Enhancing capabilities and integration with local fusion centers Procurement of technology or equipment to support surveillance, communications, and data analysis
Development of standard operating procedures for information sharing, joint operations, and immigration enforcement coordination Personnel training, credentialing, and certification to improve interoperability and mission alignment
Intelligence analysis, reporting, and suspicious activity monitoring Exercises and simulations focused on joint operations, intelligence sharing, or interdiction/disruption of criminal or smuggling networks Community engagement efforts to foster trust and encourage threat reporting
Fusion Center Requirements: While there is no minimum spending requirement for this NPA, applicants must include at least one project in support of the state or territory’s designated fusion center. Applicants must clearly justify how their project will enhance information sharing, collaboration, and a culture of national preparedness. DHS/FEMA will evaluate these investments based on their effectiveness and alignment with program objectives. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on fusion center performance measures.
Additional resources and information regarding collaboration and information sharing are also available through the Department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis. 605
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o Cybersecurity (no minimum percent)
In today’s interconnected world, increased connectivity brings greater risks, including the potential for adversaries and terrorists to exploit cyber vulnerabilities and disrupt critical systems. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for ongoing or high-priority cybersecurity projects. DHS/FEMA will evaluate these investments based on their effectiveness.
Cybersecurity investments should enhance the security and functioning of critical infrastructure and core capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.
o Election Security (3% minimum allocation)
In January 2017, DHS designated the infrastructure used to administer the Nation’s elections as critical infrastructure. This designation recognizes that the United States’ election infrastructure is of such vital importance to the American way of life that its incapacitation or destruction would have a devastating effect on the country.
Additionally, the Homeland Threat Assessment 2024 indicates that electoral processes remain an attractive target for many adversaries.
Securing election infrastructure, ensuring its continued operation in the face of threats and harassment, advancing the safety of election officials, and protecting against foreign interference are national security priorities. Because threats to election systems are constantly evolving, defending these systems requires constant vigilance, innovation, and adaptation. By integrating the directives of Executive Order 14248, Preserving and Protection the Integrity of American Elections, into the Election Security NPA, HSGP recipients can ensure that their efforts contribute to a secure, transparent, and resilient electoral process, thereby reinforcing public trust and the integrity of democratic institutions.
To address these priorities, each state and high-risk urban area must make at least one (1) investment that supports physical and/or cyber election security. Proposed investments must meet or exceed the FY 2025 national priority percentage for election security (minimum 3%) and will be evaluated by DHS/FEMA for effectiveness and alignment with program goals.
To further strengthen election integrity, jurisdictions must:
Prioritize compliance with the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) 2.0 established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission; Complete testing through a Voting System Test Laboratory (VSTL) accredited by the Commission;1
1 Exec. Order No. 14,248, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections, 90 Fed. Reg. 14,005 (Mar. 25, 2025).
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Utilize the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification Entitlements system for the verification of anyone working at a polling place in any capacity is a U.S. Citizen.
Demonstrate proof of compliance before accessing the full HSGP award—3% of the award will be withheld from drawdown until compliance is confirmed.
Additional resources and information regarding election security are available through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. • Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement (10% minimum allocation) State and local law enforcement agencies are essential partners in safeguarding national security and public safety. Pursuant to Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, it is the policy of the United States to enforce immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens—particularly those who threaten the safety or security of the American people. This includes the efficient execution of these laws through lawful incentives and enhanced detention capabilities.
This NPA supports efforts that align with this policy and promote cooperation between local and federal partners. Projects may include, but are not limited to:
o Participation in the DHS/ICE 287(g) program, allowing trained local officers to support ICE with immigration enforcement;
o Cooperation with ICE detainers and other jurisdictional responsibilities related to immigration enforcement; and
o Supportive activities such as officer training, technology and information sharing, operational support, and community engagement.
At least one (1) investment must support efforts under this NPA. Applicants must allocate at least 10% of total SHSP and UASI funds to this area. All investments will be reviewed by DHS/FEMA to ensure they are effective, lawful, and aligned with program goals. The SAA must coordinate with ICE on all projects and related matters. Additional guidance and information on the 287(g) program is available through the ICE 287(g) program website.
d. Other FY 2025 SHSP and UASI Funding Priorities
There are several enduring security needs that crosscut the homeland security enterprise to which recipients should consider allocating funding across core capability gaps and national priorities.
The following are enduring needs that help recipients implement a comprehensive approach to securing communities:
• Effective planning; 2
2 Including assessment of critical infrastructure system vulnerabilities and plans to reduce consequences of disruptions, using the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework and Regional Resiliency Assessment Methodology produced by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. 607
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• Training and awareness campaigns;
• Equipment and capital projects; and
• Exercises.
The table below provides a breakdown of the FY 2025 SHSP and UASI priorities showing the core capabilities enhanced and lifelines supported, as well as examples of eligible project types for each area. More information on allowable investments can be found in Appendix 12.B and in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
DHS/FEMA expects that national priorities will continue to be included in future years, evolving as threats change and capability gaps are addressed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to start planning now to sustain existing capabilities using funding sources other than DHS preparedness grants.
Projects listed in the table below may be useful in preparing for disasters unrelated to terrorism, as long as they also support the primary goals of preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.
Example Project Types
All priorities in this table concern the Safety and Security Lifelines.
Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types
National Priorities
Enhancing the
Protection of Soft
Targets/ Crowded
Places (Securing Public
Gathering Locations)
• Operational
coordination
• Public information and
warning
• Intelligence and
information sharing
• Interdiction and
disruption
• Screening, search, and
detection
• Access control and
identity verification
• Physical protective
measures
• Risk management for
protection programs
and activities
• Operational overtime. For more information on
operational overtime, see Appendix 12.B of this
NOFO.
• Physical security enhancements
o Security cameras (closed-circuit television
[CCTV])
o Security screening equipment for people and
baggage
o Lighting
o Access controls
o Fencing, gates, barriers, etc.
• UAS and detection technologies
Enhancing
Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity
• Intelligence and
information sharing
• Planning
• Public information and
warning
• Operational
coordination
• Screening, search, and
detection
• Access control and
identity verification
• Cybersecurity risk assessments
• Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet
domain
• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in
cybersecurity risk assessments
o Improving cybersecurity of critical infrastructure
to meet minimum levels identified by the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Cybersecurity Framework (Version
1.1)
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Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types
• Supply chain integrity
and security
• Risk management for
protection programs
and activities
• Long-term
vulnerability reduction
• Situational assessment
• Infrastructure systems
• Operational
communications
o Adoption of cybersecurity performance goals
(CISA's Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance
Goals)
• Cybersecurity training, planning, and exercises
Supporting Homeland
Security Task Forces
and Fusion Centers
• Intelligence and
information sharing
• Interdiction and
disruption
• Public information and
warning
• Operational
coordination
• Risk management for
protection programs
and activities
• Establishing or enhancing multi-agency Homeland
Security Task Forces (HSTFs), including operational
coordination centers
• Enhancing capabilities and integration with local
fusion centers
• Procurement of technology or equipment to support
surveillance, communications, and data analysis
• Development of standard operating procedures for
information sharing, joint operations, and
immigration enforcement coordination
• Personnel training, credentialing, and certification to improve interoperability and mission alignment
• Intelligence analysis, reporting, and suspicious
activity monitoring
• Exercises and simulations focused on joint
operations, intelligence sharing, or
interdiction/disruption of criminal or smuggling
networks
• Community engagement efforts to foster trust and
encourage threat reporting
• Information sharing with all DHS components;
fusion centers; other operational, investigative, and
analytic entities; and other federal law enforcement
and intelligence entities
• Cooperation with DHS and other entities in
intelligence, threat recognition, assessment, analysis, and mitigation
• Identification, assessment, and reporting of threats of violence
• Intelligence analysis training, planning, and exercises • Coordinating the intake, triage, analysis, and
reporting of tips/ leads and suspicious activity, to
include coordination with the Nationwide Suspicious
Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI)
Enhancing Election
Security
• Cybersecurity
• Intelligence and
information sharing
• Planning
• Long-term
vulnerability reduction
• Situational assessment
• Infrastructure systems
• Prioritize compliance with the VVSG 2.0 established
by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission
• Complete testing through a VSTL accredited by the
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
• Physical security planning and exercise support
• Physical/site security measures – e.g., locks, shatter proof glass, alarms, access controls, etc.
• General election security navigator support
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Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types
• Operational
coordination
• Community resilience
• Cyber and general election security navigator support • Cybersecurity risk assessments, training, and
planning
• Projects that address vulnerabilities identified in
cybersecurity risk assessments
• Iterative backups, encrypted backups, network
segmentation, software to monitor/scan, and endpoint
protection
• Distributed Denial of Service protection
• Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet
domain
• Online harassment and targeting prevention services
• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns discussing
election security and integrity measures
• Long-term vulnerability reduction and community
resilience
Supporting Border
Crisis Response and
Enforcement
• Community resilience
• Operational
coordination
• Risk management for
protection programs
and activities
• Staffing support to expand 287(g) screening
operations within correctional facilities
• Operational overtime costs directly tied to 287(g)
screening, processing, and enforcement activities
• Training programs for state and local law
enforcement officers in immigration law, civil rights
protections, and 287(g) procedures
• Development or enhancement of information-sharing
platforms between ICE and local agencies
• Procurement of screening, detection, and
communications technology to support immigration
enforcement activities
• Establishing secure and dedicated communication
networks with ICE Field Offices
• Conducting joint training exercises with ICE and
local law enforcement to test operational
coordination
• Support for facilities upgrades, such as creating
dedicated interview rooms and secure processing
spaces
• Community engagement and public briefings to
promote transparency and understanding of 287(g)
operations and protections
Enduring Needs
Planning • Planning
• Risk management for
protection programs
and activities
• Risk and disaster
resilience assessment
• Threats and hazards
identification
• Operational
coordination
• Community resilience
• Development of:
o Security Risk Management Plans
o Threat Mitigation Plans
o Continuity of Operations Plans
o Response Plans
o Vulnerability Assessments
• Efforts to strengthen governance integration
between/among regional partners
• Joint training and planning with DHS officials and
other entities designated by DHS
• Cybersecurity training and planning
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Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types
Training and
Awareness
• Long-term
vulnerability reduction
• Public information and
warning
• Operational
coordination
• Situational assessment
• Community resilience
• Active shooter training
• Intelligence analyst training
• SAR and terrorism indicators/behaviors training
• Security training for employees
• Public awareness/preparedness campaigns
• Cybersecurity training and planning
• Sharing and leveraging intelligence and information
Equipment and Capital
Projects
• Long-term
vulnerability reduction
• Infrastructure systems
• Operational
communications
• Interdiction and
disruption
• Screening, search and
detection
• Access control and
identity verification
• Physical protective
measures
• Protection of high-risk, high-consequence areas or
systems that have been identified through risk
assessments
• Physical security enhancements
o Security cameras (CCTV)
o Security screening equipment for people and
baggage
o Lighting
o Access Controls
Fencing, gates, barriers, etc.
• Enhancing Weapons of Mass Destruction and/or
improvised explosive device prevention, detection,
and response capabilities
o Chemical/Biological/Radiological/
Nuclear/Explosive detection, prevention, and
response equipment
Exercises • Long-term
vulnerability reduction
• Operational
coordination
• Operational
communications
• Community resilience
• Response exercises, including exercise planning with
community-based organizations
For FY 2025, each SHSP and UASI recipient is required to submit an Investment Justification (IJ) for the NPAs with minimum spend requirements (i.e., Enhancing Election Security and Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement). The investments must also account for at least the relevant minimum percentage of the applicant’s SHSP and UASI target allocations.
SAAs may submit complete project-level information at the time of application, including the NPA IJs, but are not required to do so. As a reminder, all SHSP and UASI-funded projects must have a demonstrated nexus to achieving target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to acts of terrorism. At the same time, these projects can also help improve preparedness for other types of disasters. e. Goals and Objectives for OPSG
Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP)/United States Border Patrol (USBP), and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to strengthen border security.
The programs objectives are to:
• Enhance collaboration and coordination among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to strengthen border security; 611
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• Support joint efforts to secure borders, including land and water routes, and critical travel corridors; and
• Improve information and intelligence sharing to address border-related threats effectively.
f. OPSG Funding Priorities
FY 2025 Emphasis:
• Jurisdictions are encouraged to participate in the 287(g) program as part of their OPSG efforts when coordinated with and endorsed by USBP.
• Funding dedicated to support 287(g) activities under OPSG is encouraged but does not count toward the 10% minimum allocation required for the new “Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement” National Priority Area (NPA) under SHSP and UASI.
The table below provides examples of project types.
FY 2025 OPSG - Example Project Types
Priority Areas Core Capabilities Example Project Types
National Priorities
Supporting Border
Crisis Response and
Enforcement
• Community resilience
• Operational
coordination
• Risk management for
protection programs
and activities
• Enhance collaboration and coordination among
federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law
enforcement agencies to strengthen border security
• Support joint efforts to secure borders, including land and water routes, and critical travel corridors
• Improve information and intelligence sharing to
address border-related threats effectively
• Provide staffing support to expand 287(g) screening
operations within correctional facilities
• Operational overtime costs directly tied to 287(g)
screening, processing, and enforcement activities
• Training programs for state and local law enforcement officers in immigration law, civil rights protections,
and 287(g) procedures
CBP/USBP, remains the lead federal entity in determining eligibility, setting operational priorities, and coordinating all OPSG activities. Any use of 287(g) as part of eligibility must be developed in close coordination with CBP and reflect USBP’s operational assessments and strategic goals.
C. Program Rationale
The stated goals, objectives, and priorities of HSGP support Section 2002 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-296 (codified as amended at 6 U.S.C. § 603).
D. Federal Assistance Type
Grant
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E. Performance Measures and Targets
a. SHSP and UASI
1. Number of recipients and stakeholders participating in SHSP and UASI.
2. Number of recipients and stakeholders addressing capability gaps identified through the THIRA/SPR process.
3. Number of gaps mitigated in core capabilities that have a target(s) rated as high priority.
4. Percentage change in year-over-year capability levels relating to targeted high priority capabilities identified through the THIRA/SPR process.
FEMA will calculate and analyze the above metrics through a review of state/territory and urban area SPR submissions and required programmatic reports. b. OPSG
1. Number of OPSG-supported arrests for border-related offenses.
2. Number of OPSG-funded overtime hours contributed by subrecipients to support and strengthen the U.S. CBP’s border security operations.
3. Number of SLTT law enforcement agencies participating in joint OPSG activities.
F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs
a. Unallowable Costs for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG
Per FEMA policy, the purchase of weapons and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is not allowed with HSGP funds. Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of the following equipment: firearms; ammunition; grenade launchers; bayonets; or weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind with weapons installed. Unauthorized exercise-related costs include:
• Reimbursement for the maintenance or wear and tear costs of general use vehicles (e.g., construction vehicles), medical supplies, and emergency response apparatus (e.g., fire trucks, ambulances); and
• Equipment that is purchased for permanent installation and/or use, beyond the scope of the conclusion of the training or exercise (e.g., electronic messaging sign).
HSGP funds may not be used to support the hiring of sworn public safety officers for purposes of fulfilling traditional public safety duties or to supplant traditional public safety positions and responsibilities (6 USC 609(b)(1)(A)).
As directed by Section 2008(b)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (codified as amended at 6 USC 609(b)(2)), all personnel and personnel-related costs, including those of intelligence analysts and operational overtime, are allowed up to 50 percent of HSGP funding without time limitation placed on the period of time that such personnel can serve. FEMA may provide a waiver at the request of the recipient to allow personnel expenses to exceed 50 percent of the amount awarded.
Applicants should refer to IB 421b or contact their FEMA Headquarters (HQ) Preparedness Officer for guidance and clarification.
b. Unallowable Costs for OPSG Only
OPSG funds may not be used for the following:
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• Evidence collection, arrest processing, prosecution, and Traffic/DUI checkpoints, such as evidence documentation cameras, fingerprinting supplies, alcohol breathalyzers, portable work lights, traffic barricades, and similar law enforcement expenses; • Staffing (other than overtime) and general information technology computing equipment and hardware, such as personal computers, faxes, copy machines, and modems; • Hiring full-time or permanent sworn public safety officers; • Supplanting of inherent routine patrols and law enforcement operations or activities not directly related to providing enhanced coordination between local and federal law enforcement agencies;
• Construction and/or renovation costs; or
• Exercise expenses.
G. General Funding Requirements
Costs charged to federal awards (including federal and non-federal cost share funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, policies, this NOFO, the Preparedness Grants Manual, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered within the budget period. 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h).
Recipients may not use federal funds or any cost share funds for the following activities:
1. Matching or cost sharing requirements for other federal grants and cooperative agreements (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306).
2. Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C. § 1913 or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.
3. Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.435).
1. Funds Transfer Restriction
Recipients are not allowed to move funds between programs (SHSP, UASI, and OPSG). While projects can be funded by multiple sources (e.g., SHSP and UASI), recipients cannot shift funds from one program to another.
H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) Indirect costs are allowed for recipients and subrecipients.
Indirect costs (IDC) are costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to specific cost objectives without disproportionate effort. Applicants with a current negotiated IDC rate agreement who desire to charge indirect costs to a federal award must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their applications.
Not all applicants are required to have a current negotiated IDC rate agreement. Applicants that are not required to have a negotiated IDC rate agreement, but are required to develop an IDC rate proposal, must provide a copy of their proposal with their applications. Applicants without a current negotiated IDC rate agreement (including a provisional rate) and wish to charge the de minimis rate must reach out to FEMA for further instructions. Applicants who wish to use a cost 614
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allocation plan in lieu of an IDC rate proposal must reach out to FEMA for further instructions.
As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.332 and 200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards.
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on establishing indirect cost rates.
I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs
M&A costs are allowed.
Recipients can use up to 5% of their HSGP funds for M&A purposes. Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4, § 1101. Subrecipients may also use up to 5% of the funding passed through by the state specifically for M&A related to the HSGP award.
Recipients or subrecipients can apply M&A costs toward meeting the NPA spending requirements. For example, if a recipient spent $5,000 on administering election security projects, it could count toward the mandatory 3% allocation for the election security NPA.
The total M&A funds a state can retain are based on 5% of the combined total of its SHSP, UASI, and OPSG awards. However:
• States must ensure subrecipient awards meet the mandatory pass-through requirements before retaining M&A funds.
• Pass-through percentages are calculated based on the total HSGP award, before M&A deductions.
Under OPSG, subrecipients - including local law enforcement agencies referred to as "friendly forces" - can use up to 5% of their awarded funds for M&A expenses (Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4, § 1101); however, the total amount retained cannot exceed 5% of the subrecipient’s subaward. Friendly forces are local law enforcement entities that are subordinate subrecipients under OPSG. In other words, friendly forces are entities that receive a subaward from a subrecipient under the OPSG program.
Friendly forces must comply with all requirements of subrecipients under 2 C.F.R. Part 200. In retaining these funds, states may retain a maximum of 2.5% of the OPSG allocation, which must be withheld from the pass-through to each subrecipient county or tribe in an equal percentage.
The SAA may also retain additional funding from its SHSP award to manage and administer the OPSG award, but that additional amount is also capped at an amount equal to 2.5% of the OPSG award.
Examples of applying this principle:
SAA 1:
• Total award: $6,000,000
• SHSP: $1,000,000 OPSG: $2,500,000 UASI: $2,500,000
• M&A Maximum: $300,000 (5% of $6,000,000)
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• Maximum M&A for SHSP = $50,000
• Maximum M&A for OPSG = $125,000. Of that amount, $62,500 (2.5%) may be retained from the OPSG allocation, and the other $62,500 would come from the SHSP allocation.
Any amount used to manage and administer OPSG that is charged to SHSP may be above and beyond $50,000 available to make the SHSP allocation. • Maximum M&A for UASI = $125,000
SAA 2:
• Total award: $4,500,000
• SHSP: $3,500,000 OPSG: $1,000,000
• M&A Maximum: $225,000 (5% of $4,500,000)
• Maximum M&A for SHSP = $175,000
• Maximum M&A for OPSG = $50,000. Of that amount, $25,000 (2.5%) may be retained from the OPSG allocation, and the other $25,000 would come from the SHSP allocation.
Any amount used to manage and administer OPSG that is charged to SHSP may be above and beyond the $175,000 available to manage the SHSP allocation.
M&A charged to OPSG, SHSP, or UASI funding must be used to support that particular program.
M&A are not overhead costs but are necessary direct costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such, M&A costs can be itemized in financial reports. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on M&A costs.
J. Pre-Award Costs
Pre-award costs are defined as costs incurred by the applicant prior to the start date of the period of performance of the federal award and are allowable only with the prior written approval of DHS/FEMA and as included in the award agreement. To request pre-award costs, a written request must be included with the application, signed by the AOR of the entity. The letter must outline what the pre-award costs are for, including a detailed budget break-out of pre-award costs from the post-award costs, and a justification for approval. For more information, please contact your assigned FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer.
K. Beneficiary Eligibility
This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any beneficiary.
L. Participant Eligibility
This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any participant.
M. Authorizing Authority
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Section 2002 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-296 (codified as amended at 6 U.S.C. § 603).
N. Appropriation Authority
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4 § 1101.
O. Budget Period
There will be only a single budget period with the same start and end dates as the period of performance.
P. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on prohibitions on expending funds on covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services.
4. Application Contents and Format
A. Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers
Not allowable.
B. Application Content and Format
Not applicable.
C. Application Components
The following forms or information are required to be submitted via FEMA GO. The Standard Forms (SF) are also available at Forms | Grants.gov.
• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
• Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification Regarding Lobbying • SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction)
o For construction under an award, submit SF-424C, Budget Information (Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424A
• SF-424B, Standard Assurances (Non-Construction)
o For construction under an award, submit SF-424D, Standard Assurances (Construction), in addition to or instead of SF-424B
• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
D. Program-Specific Required Documents and Information
Start by visiting Grants.gov and searching for the Homeland Security Grant Program posting.
Once you find the posting, go to the Related Documents tab to download the necessary templates. Fill out these forms carefully, ensuring all information is accurate and clearly labeled.
Save the completed forms as Adobe PDF files. Finally, log in to FEMA GO and upload the PDFs as part of your application.
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The following program-specific forms or information are required to be submitted in FEMA GO:
SHSP
• FEMA GO – Web based Summary of Grant Request Details
• Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) Charter and Membership / Point of Contact List UASI
• FEMA GO – Web based Summary of Grant Request Details
• Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) Charter and Membership / Point of Contact List OPSG
Operations Orders – Post Award (See Section 9.K.d)
Applicable to All Programs (as appropriate)
• Detailed Budgets (web based)
• Pre-Award Costs
• Indirect Cost Agreement
For additional documents and post-award application requirements (e.g., SAFECOM letter and others), please refer to Section 9 Post-Award Requirements and Administration for guidance. a. IJ Development: SHSP and UASI
Each IJ begins with an overview that aligns the proposed investments with the applicant's homeland security strategy and the program's goals.
1. Investments: Applicants must propose a minimum of two and a maximum of twelve investments within the IJ. Each investment represents a strategic area of focus and should include:
• Investment Name: A clear title that reflects the focus area. • Description: An explanation of how the investment supports planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises.
• Alignment: Identification of goals and objectives from the State or Urban Area Homeland Security Strategy that the investment supports.
2. Projects: Each investment contains one or more projects detailing specific activities. For each project, the IJ requires:
• Project Name and Description: A concise title and summary of the project's purpose and activities.
• Subrecipient Information: Details about any subrecipients involved, including their names and whether they are state or local entities.
• Location: The primary location's zip code where the project will be implemented. • Core Capability Supported: The main capability the project aims to build or sustain.
• Shareability and Deployability: Information on whether the project's activities can be shared with or deployed to other jurisdictions.
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3. Funding Details: The IJ must specify the funding amount for each investment and project, ensuring alignment with program guidelines and the minimum spending thresholds for NPAs and LETPA.
4. Capability Gaps and Outcomes: Applicants should describe existing capability levels, identify gaps the investment intends to address, and outline the expected outcomes and improvements resulting from the proposed projects.
b. LETPA and NPA Requirements
Applicants must ensure their IJs meet specific requirements for LETPA and the NPAs.
1. LETPA
• At least 35% of SHSP and UASI funds must go toward LETPA projects that prevent terrorism, such as law enforcement training or equipment. • Eligible activities must have a clear nexus to law enforcement terrorism prevention, including equipment, training, exercises, and operational overtime directly related to preventing terrorism.
• Applicants should clearly identify which investments and projects contribute to the LETPA allocation within their IJs.
• It's allowable for an investment to simultaneously support LETPA and an NPA, provided it meets the criteria for both.
• Investments and projects meeting LETPA requirements must be clearly labeled in the IJ.
NPA:
• At least 30% of SHSP and UASI funds must go toward projects in five NPAs:
• Protecting soft targets/crowded places;
• Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers; • Enhancing cybersecurity;
• Enhancing election security (requires at least 3%); and • Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement (requires at least 10%). • Among these, only "Enhancing election security" and “Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement” have a specified minimum spend requirement of 3% and 10%, respectively. The remaining 17% can be flexibly allocated across the remaining NPAs.
• For NPAs with a minimum spend requirement (election security and border crisis response), related projects must be consolidated into a single, clearly labeled IJ. • Other NPA projects may be combined into one or more IJs, but applicants must clearly identify which NPAs each project supports to ensure they count toward the 30% minimum allocation.
c. Fusion Center Project IJ Requirement
For SHSP and UASI funded investments, each applicant must designate one project in support of the state or territory’s designated fusion center under the “Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers” priority area. Coordination with the fusion center is required when 619
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developing the project prior to submission. Additional guidance on developing fusion center projects can be found below and in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
Note: applicants may also identify additional fusion center projects or projects in support of homeland security task forces under this priority area in addition to the required designated fusion center project.
Applicants must identify a fusion center project that includes:
• Alignment with the Designated Fusion Center: Clearly indicate which fusion center the project supports and that it’s under the “Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers” priority area.
• Project Description and Funding Details: Provide a brief narrative describing the proposed activities and a detailed funding breakdown that directly supports the fusion center.
The narrative and financial itemization must align with fusion center improvement or sustainment needs, as outlined in the Fusion Center Performance Measures section of the Preparedness Grants Manual. Recipients can also refer to the Fusion Centers | Homeland Security website for more information.
d. What Happens if IJ Requirements Aren’t Met?
• If IJs don’t meet the NPA and LETPA spending requirements, FEMA will place a hold on those impacted funds until the issues are resolved.
• Applicants can provide project details either during the application process or by including them in the Biannual Strategy Implementation Report (BSIR) due by January 30, 2026.
e. How to Succeed
• Clearly explain how your projects meet LETPA and NPA goals, and which IJ includes the Fusion Center.
• Ensure investments and projects align with homeland security strategies and fill capability gaps.
• Maintain detailed records to support your application and help FEMA review it.
By following these steps, applicants can ensure their funding proposals are clear, meet program requirements, and align with homeland security priorities. f. FEMA GO - Grant Request Details (Web-Based)
When completing the Grant Request Details section in the FEMA GO Application, entities are strongly encouraged to provide complete details about their proposed projects. This includes project names, descriptions, and associated costs to ensure clarity and accuracy in funding requests.
However, applicants will not be penalized if they do not enter full details at this stage. They will have another opportunity to refine and expand upon this information when completing the Winter BSIR.
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At a minimum, applicants must submit the IJ to demonstrate the projects they intend to fund. The IJ provides a high-level summary of proposed initiatives and aligns them with grant priorities.
For additional guidance on completing the Grant Request Details section, refer to the FEMA GO Application Process Guide or consult your HQ FEMA Preparedness Officer. g. Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) Charter and Advisory List Recipients are required to establish a SAC and provide a copy of the SAC Charter with their application. The SAC Charter should include a detailed description of the committee's composition, governance processes, meeting frequency, decision-making procedures, and defined roles and responsibilities. All members of the SAC should sign and date the charter to indicate their agreement with its content and their representation on the committee. Recipients must include the information as an attachment in FEMA GO when submitting their application.
SAA will use the URT to verify compliance with SAC charter requirements. For more information on SAC composition, scope, responsibilities, see the Preparedness Grants Manual. h. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation Prior to allocation of any federal preparedness awards, recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS, including implementation of important operational systems defined under NIMS, such as the Incident Command System (ICS). The list of objectives used for progress and achievement reporting is on FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims/implementation-training.
Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information on NIMS. i. Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Membership In support of the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal), SHSP recipients must participate in the EMAC. Exceptions are made for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to join EMAC at this time.
All assets supported in part or entirely with FY 2025 HSGP funding must be readily deployable and NIMS-typed, when possible, to support emergency or disaster operations per existing EMAC agreements. In addition, funding may be used for the sustainment of core capabilities that, while they may not be physically deployable, support national response capabilities, such as Geographic/Geospatial Information Systems, interoperable communications systems, and capabilities as defined under the Mitigation Mission Area of the Goal. j. Urban Area Point of Contact
An SAA must confirm a specific POC with the designated high-risk urban area. The SAA POC is responsible for identifying and coordinating with the POC for the Urban Area Working Group (UAWG). This information must be provided to FEMA with the grant application. SAAs must work with existing high-risk urban areas to ensure that information for current POCs is on file with FEMA. For more information on UAWG composition, scope, responsibilities, and charter, see the Preparedness Grants Manual.
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k. Detailed Budget
Applicants must complete the web-based budget summary within FEMA GO for all funds requested at the time of the application. For detailed guidance, refer to the FEMA GO Application Process Guide.
For a visual guide on entering sub-recipient management costs in FEMA GO, you may find the following tutorial helpful: How To Enter Sub-recipient Management Costs In FEMA-Go.
E. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants Not applicable.
5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
A. Address to Request Application Package
Applications are processed through the FEMA GO system. To access the system, go to https://go.fema.gov/.
Steps Required to Apply For An Award Under This Program and Submit an Application:
To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:
a. Apply for, update, or verify their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and EIN from the Internal Revenue Service;
b. In the application, provide an UEI number;
c. Have an account with login.gov;
d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;
e. Register in FEMA GO, add the organization to the system, and establish the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see https://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/documents/181607; f. Submit the complete application in FEMA GO; and
g. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency. As part of this, applicants must also provide information on an applicant’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable.
Per 2 C.F.R. § 25.110(a)(2)(iv), if an applicant is experiencing exigent circumstances that prevents it from obtaining an UEI number and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA as soon as possible. Contact fema-grants[email protected] and provide the details of the exigent circumstances.
How to Register to Apply:
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General Instructions:
Registering and applying for an award under this program is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. Below are instructions for registering to apply for FEMA funds. Read the instructions carefully and prepare the requested information before beginning the registration process. Gathering the required information before starting the process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.
The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. To ensure an application meets the deadline, applicants are advised to start the required steps well in advance of their submission.
Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration.
Obtain a UEI Number:
All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI number.
Applicants must enter the UEI number in the applicable data entry field on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to SAM.gov.
Obtain Employer Identification Number:
In addition to having a UEI number, all entities applying for funding must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN can be obtained from the IRS by visiting https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employeridentification-number-ein-online.
Create a login.gov account:
Applicants must have a login.gov account in order to register with SAM or update their SAM registration. Applicants can create a login.gov account at:
https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email?request_id=34f19fa8-14a2-438c-8323- a62b99571fd.
Applicants only have to create a login.gov account once. For existing SAM users, use the same email address for both login.gov and SAM.gov so that the two accounts can be linked.
For more information on the login.gov requirements for SAM registration, refer to https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/loginFAQ.jsf.
Register with SAM:
In addition to having a UEI number, all organizations must register with SAM. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through FEMA GO. SAM registration must be renewed annually and must remain active throughout the entire grant life cycle.
For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to: Register with SAM 623
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Note: per 2 C.F.R. § 25.200, applicants must also provide the applicant’s immediate and highestlevel owner, subsidiaries, and predecessors that have been awarded federal contracts or federal financial assistance within the past three years, if applicable.
Register in FEMA GO, Add the Organization to the System, and Establish the AOR:
Applicants must register in FEMA GO and add their organization to the system. The organization’s electronic business point of contact (eBiz POC) from the SAM registration may need to be involved in this step. For step-by-step instructions, see : FEMA GO Startup Guide.
Note: FEMA GO will support only the most recent major release of the following browsers:
Google Chrome;
Mozilla Firefox;
Apple Safari; and
Microsoft Edge.
Applicants using tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA GO.
Submitting the Final Application:
Applicants will be prompted to submit the standard application information, and any programspecific information required. Standard Forms (SF) may be accessed in the Forms tab under the:
SF-424 Family | Grants.gov.
Applicants should review these forms before applying to ensure they are providing all required information.
After submitting the final application, FEMA GO will provide either an error message, or an email to the submitting AOR confirming the transmission was successfully received.
B. Application Deadline
08/15/2025 05:00:00 PM Eastern Time
C. Pre-Application Requirements Deadline
Not applicable.
D. Post-Application Requirements Deadline
Not Applicable.
E. Effects of Missing the Deadline
All applications must be completed in FEMA GO by the application deadline. FEMA GO automatically records proof of submission and generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives an application. The submitting AOR will receive via email the 624
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official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number to serve as proof of timely submission prior to the application deadline.
Applicants experiencing system-related issues have until 3:00 PM ET on the date applications are due to notify FEMA. No new system-related issues will be addressed after this deadline. Applications not received by the application submission deadline will not be accepted.
6. Intergovernmental Review
A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.
7. Application Review Information
A. Threshold Criteria
The SAA is the sole entity authorized to submit HSGP applications to FEMA on behalf of the state and subrecipients. This section highlights the specific criteria that determine ineligibility, ensuring applicants understand and adhere to the program’s requirements. a. Entities Ineligible for HSGP Funding
• Non-SAA Organization - SAA are the only eligible applicants to submit HSGP applications to FEMA. This includes applications for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG. • Unaffiliated or Unauthorized Representatives - Applications submitted by individuals who are not current employees, personnel, or authorized representatives of the applicant organization (e.g., consultants or contractors acting on behalf of an organization) will be deemed ineligible.
• Organizations Not Registered in SAM.gov - Applicants that fail to register and maintain an active profile in SAM.gov, or those without a UEI, are not eligible to receive funding.
• Direct Applications by Tribal Governments - Tribal governments cannot directly apply for HSGP funding (SHSP, UASI, OPSG). However, they may receive funding as subrecipients through their state’s SAA.
b. Ineligible Projects
• Projects that do not align with the purposes of the HSGP, including those that fail to demonstrate a clear nexus to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.
• Activities not permitted under HSGP guidance or that do not meet criteria for allowable costs as outlined in the NOFO and Preparedness Grants Manual. c. Non-Compliance with Federal Requirements
• Failure to submit a complete and accurate application by the deadline. • Applications missing required documentation or information, such as an active registration in SAM.gov or compliance with UEI requirements. 625
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• Entities with a history of non-compliance with federal statutes, regulations, or program requirements that impact eligibility for federal funding.
B. Application Criteria
a. Programmatic Criteria
1. Risk Methodology
The risk methodology determines the relative risk3
of terrorism a jurisdiction faces by assessing
the expressed or implied threats, the asset/system vulnerabilities, and the communal consequences of an attack. The equation for relative risk is comprised of three components:
Threat x Vulnerability x Consequence. Each component is comprised of data elements that are reviewed yearly, in collaboration with FEMA stakeholders, to ensure alignment with the changing U.S. terrorism threat environment. Each eligible jurisdiction’s relative risk is assessed, which helps to inform grant funding. For more information on the SHSP, UASI, and OPSG target allocation processes, please see Appendix 11.A.
The three components of risk and their functions are outlined below:
• Threat: Assesses reports documenting indication of potential harm to life, information, operations, the environment and/or property within a jurisdiction. • Vulnerability: Assesses assets and systems - such as infrastructure, borders, special events, and movements of individuals or groups - that may render terrorist attacks on a jurisdiction more likely to succeed, if attempted.
• Consequence: Assesses the impact of a terrorist attack on a jurisdiction through direct measures such as the numerical values for its population, gross domestic product, and infrastructure.
NOTE: The risk methodology is separate from the THIRA/SPR process. Risk methodology results do affect grant target allocations while the THIRA/SPR process does not. b. Application Evaluation Criteria
FEMA will evaluate the FY 2025 HSGP applications for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed investments. FEMA’s review will include verification that each IJ and project:
• Aligns with at least one core capability identified in the Goal; • Demonstrates how investments support building capability and/or closing capability gaps or sustaining capabilities identified in the THIRA/SPR process; and • Supports a NIMS-typed resource and whether those assets are deployable/shareable to support emergency or disaster operations per existing EMAC agreements. 3 DHS defines risk as: “potential for an adverse outcome assessed as a function of hazard/threats, assets and their vulnerabilities, and consequences.” See DHS Lexicon Terms and Definitions: 2018 Edition – Revision 04, (Apr. 2018)
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In addition to the above, FEMA will evaluate whether proposed projects are: 1) both feasible and effective at reducing the risks for which the project was designed; and 2) able to be fully completed within the three-year period of performance. FEMA will use the information provided in the application and after the submission of the first BSIR to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a grant project. To that end, IJs should include:
• An explanation of how the proposed project(s) will achieve objectives as identified in the SPR, including expected long-term impact where applicable, and which core capability gap(s) it helps to close and how;
• A summary of the status of planning and design efforts accomplished to date (e.g., included in a capital improvement plan); and
• A project schedule with clear milestones.
Recipients are expected to conform, as applicable, with accepted engineering practices, established codes, standards, modeling techniques, and best practices, and participate in the development of case studies demonstrating the effective use of grant funds, as requested.
FEMA will also review any submitted NPA-aligned IJs and projects to ensure they meet the minimum spend requirements. Additional information on how the NPA IJs and projects will be reviewed for effectiveness is included in the Review and Selection Process section below. b. Review and Selection Process
1. SHSP and UASI
FY 2025, HSGP applications will be reviewed through a two-phase state and federal review process for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, feasibility, and how well the IJ (project description and justification) addresses the identified risk(s).
State Review
The SAA is the sole entity authorized to submit HSGP applications to FEMA on behalf of the state and subrecipients. The SAA reviews subaward applications to ensure they meet the legal, financial, and programmatic requirements set forth by FEMA and the state's guidelines before submitting on behalf of the state to DHS/FEMA.
Federal Review
All proposed investments will undergo a federal review by DHS/FEMA to ensure compliance with all administrative and eligibility criteria identified in the NOFO. The Federal Reviewers will check each proposed investment for the following:
• Eligibility, feasibility, and alignment with the application criteria listed in this NOFO; • Compliance and effectiveness in addressing NPAs, ensuring required spend percentages are met;
• Compliance with SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance); and,
• LETPA project alignment with program objectives and required spend percentages.
National Priority Area Funding Holds
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If applicants submit IJs and project-level details at the time of application, FEMA will evaluate effectiveness prior to award. If projects do not sufficiently align with NPAs, up to 30% of funds may be placed on hold until revisions are made.
If applicants submit IJs and project-level details as part of their December 2026 BSIR, 30% of funds will be placed on hold until FEMA reviews the BSIR and confirms alignment with NPAs.
2. OPSG
For OPSG, applications will be reviewed by the SAA and USBP Sector Headquarters for completeness and adherence to programmatic guidelines and evaluated for anticipated feasibility, need, and impact.
DHS/FEMA will verify compliance with all administrative and eligibility criteria outlined in the NOFO.
OPSG funds will be allocated among the eligible jurisdictions based on risk-based prioritization using the OPSG Risk Assessment described in Appendix A. Final funding allocations are determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who may consider information and input from various law enforcement offices or subject-matter experts within the Department.
Factors considered include, but are not limited to:
• Threat and vulnerability assessments
• Total miles of the border
• Border-specific law enforcement intelligence
• Feasibility of Operations Orders to designated localities within border states and territories.
This comprehensive review and selection process ensures that HSGP and OPSG funds are distributed effectively to enhance national preparedness, border security, and overall homeland security efforts.
C. Financial Integrity Criteria
Before making an award, FEMA is required to review OMB-designated databases for applicants’ eligibility and financial integrity information. This is required by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020)), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and the “Do Not Pay Initiative” (31 U.S.C. 3354). For more details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.
Thus, the Financial Integrity Criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:
1. Financial stability.
2. Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards.
3. History of performance in managing federal award.
4. Reports and findings from audits.
5. Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements. 628
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D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review Before making an award expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently a total federal share of $250,000) over the period of performance:
FEMA is required by 41 U.S.C. § 2313 to review or consider certain information found in SAM.gov. For details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2).
1. An applicant may review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.
2. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, FEMA will consider any comments by the applicant.
E. Reviewers and Reviewer Selection
Reviewers for the HSGP NOFO are selected from within FEMA, across the federal government, and, where applicable, may include external subject matter experts. These reviewers are chosen based on their expertise in homeland security, emergency management, and grant administration.
To prevent conflicts of interest, reviewers must disclose any personal or professional relationships with applicants before the review process begins. Any individual with a conflict is recused from evaluating the affected application. Additionally, reviewers are required to complete ethics and impartiality training to ensure a fair and unbiased review process.
F. Merit Review Process
HSGP applications are not reviewed solely on merit. While merit plays a role—such as evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility, and impact of proposed investments—the review process heavily incorporates risk-based methodologies and compliance criteria. HSGP does not use a weighted scoring method. All criteria are considered equally during the review process.
Review Process:
• State Review (SHSP and UASI): The SAA conducts an initial eligibility review and prioritizes projects for submission to FEMA.
• OPSG Review: OPSG applications are reviewed in coordination with the SAA and USBP Sector Headquarters to assess completeness, feasibility, need, and the anticipated impact of proposed Operations Orders.
• Federal Review: FEMA conducts a federal review of all applications to ensure eligibility, feasibility, and compliance with NOFO requirements.
While merit is a key factor in assessing alignment with national priorities, state and local needs, expected impact, and cost-effectiveness, funding decisions also weigh risk assessments, eligibility criteria, and available funding target allocations.
G. Final Selection
The Secretary of Homeland Security makes the final funding decisions, considering risk assessments, subject-matter expert input, and project feasibility, while also ensuring alignment with national priorities and compliance with legal, financial, and policy guidelines for strategic allocation of funds.
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8. Award Notices
A. Notice of Award
The Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) should carefully read the federal award package before accepting the federal award. The federal award package includes instructions on administering the federal award as well as terms and conditions for the award.
By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the prerequisites stated in this NOFO and the material terms and conditions of the federal award, should they receive an award.
FEMA will provide the federal award package to the applicant electronically via FEMA GO.
Award packages include an Award Letter, Summary Award Memo, Agreement Articles, and Obligating Document. An award package notification email is sent via the grant application system to the submitting AOR.
Recipients must accept their awards no later than 60 days from the award date. Recipients shall notify FEMA of their intent to accept the award and proceed with work via the FEMA GO system. For more information on award acceptance, refer to the FEMA GO Award Acceptance Guide.
For HSGP, “receipt of funds” happens when the recipient accepts the award or 15 calendar days after receiving the award notification, whichever comes first. IF the recipient accepts the award within 15 calendar days of the notification, the 45-day pass-through period starts on the acceptance date. If the recipient does not accept the award within 15 calendar days, the 45-day pass-through period automatically begins 15 calendar days after the notification is sent through FEMA GO. For detailed guidance on managing preparedness grants, including pass-through requirements and timelines, please refer to the FEMA Preparedness Grants Manual, PassThrough Requirements.
Funds will remain on hold until the recipient accepts the award via FEMA GO and all other conditions of the award have been satisfied, or until the award is otherwise rescinded. Failure to accept a grant award within the specified timeframe may result in a loss of funds.
B. Pass-Through Requirements
Under HSGP, SAAs must pass at least 80% of SHSP and UASI funding to local or tribal governments. The state may retain up to 20% for state-level needs. "Pass-through" means SAAs must allocate funds to eligible entities as defined by law, such as counties, municipalities, tribal governments, or other public entities. For detailed guidance on HSGP pass-through requirements and timelines, please see Section 8 of the FEMA Preparedness Grants Manual.
After award acceptance, the state must pass through at least 80% of SHSP and UASI funds to local or tribal governments within 45 days. The timeline starts when the SAA accepts the award or 15 days after FEMA notifies the SAA, whichever is sooner. Funds must be distributed unconditionally, and the SAA must certify to FEMA that the pass-through is complete, listing amounts and recipients. U.S. territories are exempt, except for Puerto Rico, which must comply.
States may keep more than 20% of funds only with written consent from local recipients, outlining the retained amount and purpose.
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C. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs
Even if pre-award costs are allowed, beginning performance is at the applicant and/or subapplicant’s own risk.
D. Obligation of Funds
The funds are obligated when the SAA’s signatory authority accepts the award and signs the award package.
E. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants
During the post-award review, FEMA will notify the recipient about unsuccessful subrecipients or projects and provide feedback. The SAA is then responsible for notifying the subapplicants and sharing any relevant feedback or information.
9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Presidential Executive Orders
Recipients must comply with the requirements of Presidential Executive Orders related to grants (also known as federal assistance and financial assistance), the full text of which are incorporated by reference.
In accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty (June 6, 2025), and to the extent allowed by law, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients under this NOFO are permitted to purchase unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as drones, or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies.
Recipients must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and adhere to any statutory requirements on the use of federal funds for such unmanned aircraft systems, equipment, or services.
Subrecipient Monitoring and Management
Pass-through entities must comply with the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management as set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.331-333.
B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions
A recipient under this funding opportunity must comply with the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions in effect of the date of the federal award. The DHS Standard Terms and Conditions are available DHS Standard Terms and Conditions | Homeland Security. For continuation awards, the terms and conditions for the initial federal award will apply unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions of the continuation award. The specific version of the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions applicable to the federal award will be in the federal award package.
C. Financial Reporting Requirements Financial Reporting Requirements 631
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See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on financial reporting requirements.
D. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on performance reporting requirements.
E. Closeout Reporting Requirements
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on closeout reporting requirements and administrative closeout.
Anytime there is a change in personnel for any of the awardees and/or subrecipients, their information needs to be submitted for approval (all the previous personal information identified).
F. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335
Before entering into a federal award, the applicant must notify FEMA if it knows that the applicant or any of the principals (as defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.995) for the federal award:
1. Are presently excluded or disqualified;
2. Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against you for one of those offenses within that time period;
3. Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) with the commission of any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a); or
4. Have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.
This is requirement is fully described in 2 C.F.R. §180.335.
Additionally, 2 C.F.R. § 180.350 requires recipients to provide immediate notice to FEMA at any time after entering a federal award if:
1. The recipient learns that either it failed to earlier disclose information as required by 2 C.F.R. § 180.335;
2. Due to changed circumstances, the applicant or any of the principals for the federal award now meet the criteria at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 listed above.
G. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance Appendix XII to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 states the terms and conditions for recipient integrity and performance matters used for this funding opportunity.
If the total value of all active federal grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts for a recipient exceeds $10,000,000 at any time during the period of performance:
1. The recipient must maintain the currency of information reported in SAM.gov about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in paragraph 2 of Appendix XII;
2. The required reporting frequency is described in paragraph 4 of Appendix XII.
H. Single Audit Report
A recipient expending $1,000,000 or more in federal awards (as defined by 2 C.F.R. § 200.1) during its fiscal year must undergo an audit. This may be either a single audit complying with 2 632
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C.F.R. § 200.514 or a program-specific audit complying with 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.501 and 200.507.
Audits must follow 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F, 2 C.F.R. § 200.501, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards.
I. Monitoring and Oversight
Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.337, DHS and its authorized representatives have the right of access to any records of the recipient or subrecipient pertinent to a Federal award to perform audits, site visits, and any other official use. The right also includes timely and reasonable access to the recipient’s or subrecipient’s personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents or the Federal award in general.
Pursuant to this right and per 2 C.F.R. § 200.329, DHS may conduct desk reviews and make site visits to review and evaluate project accomplishments and management control systems as well as provide any required technical assistance. Recipients and subrecipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to DHS requests for information relating to a federal award.
J. Program Evaluation
Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-435 (2019) (Evidence Act), PUBL435.PS urges federal agencies to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, improve delivery, and elevate program service and delivery across the program lifecycle. Evaluation means “an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.” Evidence Act, § 101 (codified at 5 U.S.C. § 311). OMB A-11, Section 290 (Evaluation and Evidence-Building Activities) further outlines the standards and practices for evaluation activities. Federal agencies are required to specify any requirements for recipient participation in program evaluation activities (2 C.F.R. § 200.301). Program evaluation activities incorporated from the outset in the NOFO and program design and implementation allow recipients and agencies to meaningfully document and measure progress and achievement towards program goals and objectives, and identify program outcomes and lessons learned, as part of demonstrating recipient performance (2 C.F.R. § 200.301).
As such, recipients and subrecipients are required to participate in a Program Office (PO) or a DHS Component-led evaluation, if selected. This may be carried out by a third-party on behalf of the PO or the DHS Component. Such an evaluation may involve information collections including but not limited to, records of the recipients, surveys, interviews, or discussions with individuals who benefit from the federal award, program operating personnel, and award recipients; and site visits or other observation of recipient activities, as specified in a DHS Component or PO-approved evaluation plan. More details about evaluation requirements may be provided in the federal award, if available at that time, or following the award as evaluation requirements are finalized. Evaluation costs incurred during the period of performance are allowable costs (either as direct or indirect) in accordance with 2 C.F.R.§ 200.413.
Recipients and subrecipients are also encouraged, but not required, to participate in any additional evaluations after the period of performance ends, although any costs incurred to participate in such evaluations are not allowable and may not be charged to the federal award.
K. Additional Performance Reporting Requirements
Award recipients must submit the following reports: quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports and BSIR submissions, final financial and performance reports, and an 633
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annual audit report (if required). These must follow the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, found at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, or specific conditions of the award. If reports are late, future funding or fund access may be delayed, and additional reports may be requested in some cases. a. Reporting on the Implementation of the National Preparedness System Recipients are required to complete the THIRA every three years and the SPR annually through the URT on the Preparedness Toolkit no later than Dec. 31. These assessments help jurisdictions identify and address capability gaps to enhance overall preparedness. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on reporting on the Implementation of the National Preparedness System.
b. BSIR
In addition to submitting semi-annual progress reports, recipients are required to complete the BSIR. The BSIR is submitted twice a year—in June and December—and provides detailed updates on the status and progress of funded projects. For comprehensive guidance on BSIR submission and other reporting requirements, see the Preparedness Grants Manual. c. Emergency Communications Investments - SAFECOM Compliant Letter An Emergency Communications Investments - SAFECOM Compliant Letter is required when utilize federal grants to fund emergency communications projects. The signatory authority for the SAA must certify in writing to DHS/FEMA their compliance with the SAFECOM Guidance.
The certification letter should be coordinated with the Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWIC) for each state and must be uploaded to FEMA GO at the time of the Winter BSIR submission.
For detailed information on SAFECOM Guidance and compliance requirements, refer to the https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/funding. If you have further questions or need assistance, contact the SAFECOM Program at [email protected].
d. Operations Orders for OPSG
The Operations Order (OO) is a detailed plan that explains the specific aspects of an operation, including its goals, tasks, timelines, and resources needed. It provides clear instructions on how to carry out the operation, identifying who is responsible for each task, the resources required, and the expected results. Recipients are required to submit an OO to show their ability to implement the proposed activities effectively, align with program goals, and meet funding requirements.
1. Accessing the OO Template Instructions
To access the OPSG OO Template:
• Find the HSGP posting via the search function on Grants.gov; • Select the Related Documents tab on the posting; and
• Click on the OPSG OO Template and fill out all sections of the template. 634
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• Writing the Executive Summary
The OO Executive Summary must:
• Identify the organization name, point of contact, committees, and other structures accountable for implementing OPSG in the jurisdiction (typically this will be a program lead or manager overseeing operations and individuals assigned to that agency); and • Describe how federal and SLTT law enforcement agencies will work together to establish and enhance coordination and collaboration on border security issues.
3. Budget Requirements Overview
The OO Detailed Annual Budget must:
• Explain how costs and expenses were estimated; and
• Provide a narrative justification for costs and expenses. • Supporting tables describing cost and expense elements (e.g., equipment, fuel, vehicle maintenance costs) may be included.
4. Submission Requirements
The OO must meet the following submission requirements:
• Must be submitted as an Adobe PDF document;
• All documents submitted must use the unique identifier created by the OPSG data management system from the original associated operation order; and • Applicable OPSG sector representatives must coordinate with the SAA and OPSG participants to submit an accurate inventory of all specified OPSG purchased property with each Operations Order/ Fragmentary Order (FRAGO).
L. Termination of the Federal Award
1. Paragraph C.XL of the FY 2025 DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, v.3 sets forth a term and condition entitled “Termination of a Federal Award.” The termination provision condition listed below applies to the grant award and the term and condition in Paragraph C.XL of the FY 2025 DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, v.3 does not.
2. Termination of the Federal Award by FEMA
FEMA may terminate the federal award in whole or in part for one of the following reasons identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.340:
a. If the recipient or subrecipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award.
b. With the consent of the recipient, in which case FEMA and the recipient must agree upon the termination conditions. These conditions include the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
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c. If the federal award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. Under this provision, FEMA may terminate the award for these purposes if any of the following reasons apply:
i. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that a specific award objective is ineffective at achieving program goals as described in this NOFO; ii. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that an objective of the award as described in this NOFO will be ineffective at achieving program goals or agency priorities;
iii. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that the design of the grant program is flawed relative to program goals or agency priorities; iv. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, determines that the grant program is not aligned to either the DHS Strategic Plan, the FEMA Strategic Plan, or successor policies or documents;
v. If DHS/FEMA, in its sole discretion, changes or re-evaluates the goals or priorities of the grant program and determines that the award will be ineffective at achieving the updated program goals or agency priorities; or vi. For other reasons based on program goals or agency priorities described in the termination notice provided to the recipient pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.341. vii. If the awardee falls out of compliance with the Agency’s statutory or regulatory authority, award terms and conditions, or other applicable laws.
3. Termination of a Subaward by the Pass-Through Entity The pass-through entity may terminate a subaward in whole or in part for one of the following reasons identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.340:
a. If the subrecipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the Federal award. b. With the consent of the subrecipient, in which case the pass-through entity and the subrecipient must agree upon the termination conditions. These conditions include the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. c. If the pass-through entity’s award has been terminated, the pass-through recipient will terminate its subawards.
4. Termination by the Recipient or Subrecipient
The recipient or subrecipient may terminate the federal award in whole or in part for the following reason identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.340: Upon sending FEMA or pass-through entity a written notification of the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if FEMA or the passthrough entity determines that the remaining portion of the federal award will not accomplish the purposes for which the Federal award was made, FEMA or the pass-through entity may terminate the Federal award in its entirety.
5. Impacts of Termination
a. When FEMA terminates the Federal award prior to the end of the period of performance due to the recipient’s material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the 636
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Federal award, FEMA will report the termination in SAM.gov in the manner described at 2 C.F.R. § 200.340(c).
b. When the Federal award is terminated in part or its entirety, FEMA or the pass-through entity and recipient or subrecipient remain responsible for compliance with the requirements in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.344 and 200.345.
6. Notification requirements
FEMA or the pass-through entity must provide written notice of the termination in a manner consistent with 2 C.F.R. § 200.341. The federal award will be terminated on the date of the notification unless stated otherwise in the notification.
7. Opportunities to Object and Appeal
Where applicable, when FEMA terminates the Federal award, the written notification of termination will provide the opportunity and describe the process, to object and provide information challenging the action, pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.342.
8. Effects of Suspension and Termination
The allowability of costs to the recipient or subrecipient resulting from financial obligations incurred by the recipient or subrecipient during a suspension or after the termination of a federal award are subject to 2 C.F.R. 200.343.
M. Best Practices
While not a requirement in the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, as a best practice, entities receiving funds through this program should ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into the design, development, operation, and maintenance of investments that impact information technology (IT) and/ or operational technology (OT) systems. Additionally,, “The recipient and subrecipient must … take reasonable cybersecurity and other measures to safeguard information including protected personally identifiable information (PII) and other types of information.” 2 C.F.R. § 200.303(e).
N. Payment Information
Recipients will submit payment requests in FEMA GO for FY25 awards under this program.
Instructions to Grant Recipients Pursuing Payments
FEMA reviews all grant payments and obligations to ensure allowability in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.305. These measures will ensure funds are disbursed appropriately while continuing to support and prioritize communities who rely on FEMA for assistance. Once a recipient submits a payment request, FEMA will review the request. If FEMA approves a payment, it will process through FEMA GO and inform recipients accordingly for drawdown purposes. If FEMA disapproves a payment, FEMA will inform the recipient.
Processing and Payment Timeline
FEMA must comply with regulations governing payments to grant recipients. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.305. For grant recipients other than States, 2 C.F.R. § 200.305(b)(3) stipulates that FEMA is 637
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to make payments on a reimbursement basis within 30 days after receipt of the payment request, unless FEMA reasonably believes the request to be improper. For state recipients, 2 C.F.R. § 200.305(a) instructs that federal grant payments are governed by Treasury-State Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) agreements ("Treasury-State agreement") and default procedures codified at 31 C.F.R. part 205 and Treasury Financial Manual (TFM) 4A-2000, "Overall Disbursing Rules for All Federal Agencies." See 2 C.F.R. § 200.305(a).
Treasury-State agreements generally apply to "major federal assistance programs” that are governed by 31 C.F.R. part 205, subpart A and are identified in the Treasury-State agreement. 31 C.F.R. §§ 205.2, 205.6. Where a federal assistance (grant) program is not governed by subpart A, payment and funds transfers from FEMA to the state are subject to 31 C.F.R. part 205, subpart B. Subpart B requires FEMA to "limit a funds transfer to a state to the minimum amounts needed by the state and must time the disbursement to be in accord with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the state in carrying out a federal assistance program or project. The timing and amount of funds transfers must be as close as is administratively feasible to a state's actual cash outlay for direct program costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs." 31 C.F.R. § 205.33(a). Nearly all FEMA grants are not “major federal assistance programs.” As a result, payments to states for those grants are subject to the "default” rules of 31 C.F.R. part 205, subpart B.
If additional information is needed, a request for information will be issued by FEMA to the recipient; recipients are strongly encouraged to respond to any additional FEMA request for information inquiries within three business days. If an adequate response is not received, the request may be denied, and the entity may need to submit a new reimbursement request; this will re-start the 30-day timeline.
Submission Process
All non-disaster grant program reimbursement requests must be reviewed and approved by FEMA prior to drawdowns.
For all non-disaster reimbursement requests (regardless of system), please ensure submittal of the following information:
1. Grant ID / Award Number
2. Total amount requested for drawdown
3. Purpose of drawdown and timeframe covered (must be within the award performance period)
4. Subrecipient Funding Details (if applicable).
• Is funding provided directly or indirectly to a subrecipient? o If no, include statement “This grant funding is not being directed to a subrecipient.”
• If yes, provide the following details:
o The name, mission statement, and purpose of each subrecipient receiving funds, along with the amount allocated and the specific role or activity being reimbursed. o Whether the subrecipient’s work or mission involves supporting aliens, regardless of whether FEMA funds support such activities.
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o Whether the payment request includes an activity involving support to aliens. o Whether the subrecipient has any DEI practices.
5. Supporting documentation to demonstrate that expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and necessary under 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and in compliance with the grant’s NOFO, award terms, and applicable federal regulations.
O. Immigration Conditions
1. Materiality of Pending Immigration Condition
An immigration term and condition, including those in the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, may be material to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to make this grant award, and the Department of Homeland Security may take any remedy for noncompliance, including termination, if the state or territorial recipient or any local government subrecipient fails to comply with this term and condition. No final agency determination has been made as of the date of this publication.
10. Other Information
A. Period of Performance Extension
Extensions to the period of performance are allowed.
Recipients should consult with their FEMA point of contact for requirements related to a performance period extension.
B. Other Information
a. Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on EHP compliance. b. Procurement Integrity
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on procurement integrity c. Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure
1. Recipients and subrecipients must comply with FEMA’s implementation requirements of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act §§ 70901-70927, Pub. L. No. 117-58 (2021); and Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers. See also 2 C.F.R. Part 184, Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects and Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Memorandum M-24-02, Implementation Guidance on Application of Buy America Preference in Federal Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure.
None of the funds provided under this program may be used for a project for infrastructure unless the iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in that infrastructure are produced 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. As such, 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 639
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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.
To see whether a particular FEMA federal financial assistance program is considered an infrastructure program and thus required to implement FEMA’s Build America, Buy America requirements, please see Programs and Definitions: Build America, Buy America Act | FEMA.gov.
2. Waivers
When necessary, recipients (and subrecipients through their pass-through entity) may apply for, and FEMA may grant, a waiver from these requirements.
A waiver of the domestic content procurement preference may be granted by the agency awarding official if FEMA determines that:
• Applying the domestic content procurement preference would be inconsistent with the public interest, or
• The types of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality, or
• The inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25%.
The process for requesting a waiver from the Buy America preference requirements can be found on FEMA’s website at: "Buy America" Preference in FEMA Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure | FEMA.gov.
3. Definitions
For definitions of the key terms of the Build America, Buy America Act, please visit Programs and Definitions: Build America, Buy America Act | FEMA.gov. d. Mandatory Disclosures
The non-Federal entity or applicant for a federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. (2 C.F.R. § 200.113)
e. Adaptive Support
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on disability integration. f. Record Retention
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g. Actions to Address Noncompliance
See the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on actions to address noncompliance. h. Audits
See the for information on audits.
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11. Appendix A: HSGP Target Allocations
HSGP Programs FY 2025 Target Allocation
SHSP $373,500,000
UASI $553,500,000
OPSG $ 81,000,000
Total $1,008,000,000
A. SHSP Target Allocations
For FY 2025, DHS/FEMA will distribute SHSP funds based on their risk assessment methodology and legal minimums outlined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended.
THIRA and SPR results do not affect how grant funds are allocated.
Each state and territory will receive a guaranteed minimum amount:
• All 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico will receive at least 0.35% of the total funds available under Sections 2003 and 2004 of the Homeland Security Act. • The four territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands) will receive at least 0.08% of the total funds available under these sections.
States must include a separate IJ for the NPA focused on Enhancing Election Security (at least 3% minimum spend requirement) and Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement (at least a 10% minimum spend requirement), but there is flexibility on the remaining 17% required to meet the overall 30% minimum spend requirement for the NPAs associated with the SHSP allocation.
These are target allocations pending final decisions by the Department of Homeland Security.
These target allocations act as an estimate, and final allocations may be different in the award letter.
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Fiscal Year 2025 State Homeland Security Program Target Allocations State/Territory FY 2025 Target
Allocation
State/Territory FY 2025 Target
Allocation
Alabama $4,362,750 Montana $4,362,750
Alaska $4,362,750 Nebraska $4,362,750
American Samoa $997,200 Nevada $4,362,750
Arizona $5,023,205 New Hampshire $4,362,750
Arkansas $4,362,750 New Jersey $5,065,776
California $55,863,486 New Mexico $4,362,750
Colorado $4,362,750 New York $38,200,874
Connecticut $4,362,750 North Carolina $4,631,809
Delaware $4,362,750 North Dakota $4,362,750
District of Columbia $4,362,750
Northern Mariana
Islands $997,200
Florida $15,745,665 Ohio $5,643,542
Georgia $7,272,801 Oklahoma $4,362,750
Guam $1,110,150 Oregon $4,362,750
Hawaii $4,362,750 Pennsylvania $9,407,455
Idaho $4,362,750 Puerto Rico $4,362,750
Illinois $10,419,556 Rhode Island $4,362,750
Indiana $4,362,750 South Carolina $4,362,750
Iowa $4,362,750 South Dakota $4,362,750
Kansas $4,362,750 Tennessee $4,362,750
Kentucky $4,362,750 Texas $26,066,797
Louisiana $4,362,750
U.S. Virgin
Islands $997,200
Maine $4,362,750 Utah $4,362,750
Maryland $4,990,556 Vermont $4,362,750
Massachusetts $5,390,887 Virginia $8,770,850
Michigan $4,362,750 Washington $5,483,241
Minnesota $4,362,750 West Virginia $4,362,750
Mississippi $4,362,750 Wisconsin $4,362,750
Missouri $4,362,750 Wyoming $4,362,750
Total $373,500,000.00
B. UASI Target Allocations
For FY 2025, the UASI program will provide funding to high-risk urban areas. Eligibility has been determined through an analysis of relative risk of terrorism faced by the 100 most populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in the United States, as outlined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. Detailed information on MSAs is available from the U.S. Census 643
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Bureau at Metropolitan and Micropolitan (census.gov). It is important to note that results from THIRA/SPR do not impact grant allocations or awards.
The Metropolitan Areas Standardization and Protection (MAPS) Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-219) prohibits automatic updates to core-based statistical areas, which are used to define MSAs, for grantmaking purposes. Any changes require a formal rulemaking process with public notice and comment. If changes become necessary in FY 2025, FEMA will initiate this process as required by the MAPS Act.
The table below lists the UASI allocations for each high-risk urban area based on DHS/FEMA’s risk-informed assessment in accordance with the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended.
Each high-risk urban area, through its state, must include a separate IJ for the NPA “Enhancing Election Security”, which has a required minimum spend of 3%, and “Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement”, which has a 10% minimum spend requirement. All projects related to these requirements must be included in the separate IJs. Additionally, the combined funding across all five NPAs must total at least 30% of the area’s overall UASI allocation.
These are target allocations pending final decisions by the Department of Homeland Security.
These target allocations act as an estimate, and final allocations may be different in the award letter.
Fiscal Year 2025 Urban Area Security Initiative Target Allocations State/Territory Funded Urban Area FY 2025 UASI
Target Allocation
Arizona Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ $12,910,357
California
Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, CA $8,842,298
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA $38,664,255
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $7,134,344
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $4,516,008
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $17,716,678
San Francisco-San Jose-Oakland, CA $32,451,685
Colorado Colorado Springs, CO $2,926,754
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO $6,909,902
District of
Columbia
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MDWV $25,270,521 Florida
Jacksonville, FL $4,589,968
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL $15,683,707
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $6,611,279
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $7,296,816
Georgia Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA $14,564,394 Hawaii Honolulu, HI $6,338,443
Illinois Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI $33,479,819 Indiana Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN $3,367,289
Louisiana New Orleans-Metairie, LA $4,546,754
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Maryland Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $7,709,724
Massachusetts Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $16,838,838 Michigan Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $8,123,989
Minnesota Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $9,526,217 Missouri St. Louis, MO-IL $6,281,491
Kansas City, MO-KS $4,191,663
Nevada Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV $8,958,896
New Jersey Newark-Jersey City-New Brunswick, NJ-PA $13,928,247 New York New York-White Plains, NY $92,180,364
North Carolina Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $4,285,035 Ohio
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $4,166,331
Columbus, OH $4,062,892
Cleveland-Elyria, OH $4,309,739
Oregon Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $6,703,242
Pennsylvania Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $18,464,547 Pittsburgh, PA $4,716,651
Tennessee Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $4,150,624 Texas
Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX $3,753,183
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $16,798,290
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $26,233,082
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX $6,627,754
Virginia Richmond, VA $3,485,377
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC $8,382,039
Washington Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $12,713,580
Wisconsin Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $3,086,934
Total $553,500,000
C. OPSG Target Allocations
For FY 2025, DHS/FEMA will award OPSG funds based on two main factors: the risk to border security and the anticipated effectiveness of proposed projects. The OPSG risk assessment identifies potential threats to border security, guiding the distribution of funds to areas with the highest need. Eligible applicants are local, and tribal law enforcement agencies located along the U.S. borders.
For OPSG, "risk" refers to the potential for adverse outcomes, assessed by evaluating threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences associated with specific incidents or events. The risk model used to allocate OPSG funds considers the potential risk that certain threats pose to border security and estimates the relative risk faced by a given area. In evaluating threat, DHS/CBP considers intelligence, situational awareness, criminal trends, and statistical data specific to each of the border sectors, and the potential impacts that these threats pose to the security of the border area. For vulnerability and consequence, DHS/CBP considers the expected impact and consequences of successful border events occurring in specific areas. The effectiveness of proposed investments is evaluated based on the subrecipient’s investment strategy, budget, collaboration, and past performance.
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These are target allocations pending final decisions by the Department of Homeland Security.
These target allocations act as an estimate, and final allocations may be different in the award letter.
Fiscal Year 2025 Operation Stonegarden Eligible* Target Allocations State/Territory FY 2025 Target
Allocation State/Territory
FY 2025
Target
Allocation
Alabama $350,000 Montana $1,672,000
Alaska $750,000 Nebraska $0
American Samoa $0 Nevada $0
Arizona $12,220,000 New Hampshire $200,000
Arkansas $0 New Jersey $0
California $12,100,000 New Mexico $2,675,000
Colorado $0 New York $2,670,000
Connecticut $0 North Carolina $0
Delaware $0 North Dakota $1,542,000
District of Columbia $0 Northern Mariana Islands $0
Florida $2,790,000 Ohio $825,000
Georgia $90,000 Oklahoma $0
Guam $0 Oregon $0
Hawaii $0 Pennsylvania $170,000
Idaho $180,000 Puerto Rico $1,330,000
Illinois $0 Rhode Island $0
Indiana $0 South Carolina $0
Iowa $0 South Dakota $0
Kansas $0 Tennessee $0
Kentucky $0 Texas $33,708,000
Louisiana $810,000 U.S. Virgin Islands $90,000
Maine $1,410,000 Utah $0
Maryland $0 Vermont $150,000
Massachusetts $0 Virginia $0
Michigan $2,286,000 Washington $1,435,000
Minnesota $972,000 West Virginia $0
Mississippi $575,000 Wisconsin $0
Missouri $0 Wyoming $0
Total $81,000,000
*Eligibility does not guarantee grant funding
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12. Appendix B: Allowable Costs
A. Allowable Cost Matrix for SHSP, UASI, and OPSG
The following matrix lists allowable cost activities across cost categories described above and below. The Preparedness Grants Manual includes additional information on allowable costs.
Recipients and subrecipients must follow all applicable requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. HSGP funds may be used to cover the costs for evaluating the impact of these grants on the state or urban area’s core capabilities and capability gaps. This list is not exhaustive, therefore, if there are any questions regarding allowable costs, please contact the appropriate FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer.
Allowable Program Activities SHSP UASI OPSG
Allowable Planning Costs
Developing hazard/threat-specific annexes Y Y N
Developing and implementing homeland security support programs and adopting ongoing DHS/FEMA nationalinitiatives Y Y N
Developing related terrorism and other catastrophic event prevention activities Y Y N
Developing and enhancing plans and protocols Y Y N
Developing or conducting assessments Y Y N
Hiring of full- or part-time staff or contract/consultants to assist with planning, engagement, and volunteer management activities Y Y N Materials required to conduct planning, engagement, and volunteer management activities Y Y N
Travel/per diem related to planning, engagement, and volunteer management activities Y Y Y
Overtime and backfill costs (in accordance with operational Cost Guidance) Y Y Y
Issuance of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant Tribal identification cards Y N N
Activitiesto achieve planning inclusive of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs and limited English proficiency. Y Y N Coordination with Citizen Corps Councils for public
information/education and development of volunteer programs Y Y N Coordination and material support to Citizen Corps Councils and local firehouses for the establishment, training and maintenance of CERTs Y Y N Update governance structures and processes and plans for emergency communications Y Y N
Development, and review and revision of continuity of operations plans Y Y N Development, and review and revision of the THIRA/SPR and continuity of operations plans Y Y N
Allowable Organizational Activities
Note: Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant only to the extent that such expenses are for the allowable activities within the scope of the grant.
Program management Y Y N
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Allowable Program Activities SHSP UASI OPSG
Development of whole community partnerships Y Y N
Structures and mechanisms for information sharing between the public and private sector Y Y N
Implementing models, programs, and workforce enhancement initiatives Y Y N Tools, resources, and activities that facilitate shared situational awareness between the public and private sectors
Y Y N
Operational support Y Y N
Utilization of standardized resource management concepts Y Y N Responding to an increase in the threat level under the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), or needs in resulting from a National Special Security Event
Y Y N
Reimbursement for select operational expenses associated with increased security measures at critical infrastructure sites incurred (up to 50% of the allocation)
Y Y Y
Overtime for information, investigative, and intelligence sharing activities(up to 50% of the allocation) Y Y Y
Hiring of new staff positions/contractors/consultants for participation in information/intelligence analysis and sharing groups or fusion center activities(up to 50% of the allocation).
Y Y Y
Hiring or maintaining staff positions/contractors/consultants at SLTT levels to deliver community preparedness training, resources and material to schools, community-based organizations, faith-based institutions and local businesses.
Y Y N
Hiring or maintaining staff positions/contractors/consultants to create, support and maintain CERT or Teen CERT Y Y N
Cost of migrating online services to the “.gov” domain Y Y N Allowable Equipment Categories
Personal Protective Equipment Y Y Y
Explosive Device Mitigation and Remediation Equipment Y Y N CBRNE Operational Search and Rescue Equipment Y Y N
Information Technology Y Y Y
Cybersecurity Enhancement Equipment Y Y N
Interoperable Communications Equipment Y Y Y
Detection Y Y Y
Decontamination Y Y N
Medical countermeasures Y Y Y
Power (e.g., generators, batteries, power cells) Y Y Y
CBRNE Reference Materials Y Y N
CBRNE Incident Response Vehicles Y Y N
Terrorism Incident Prevention Equipment Y Y Y
Physical Security Enhancement Equipment Y Y Y
Inspection and Screening Systems Y Y Y
Animal Care and Foreign Animal Disease Y Y N
CBRNE Prevention and Response Watercraft Y Y N
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Allowable Program Activities SHSP UASI OPSG
CBRNE Prevention and Response Unmanned Aircraft Y Y N
CBRNE Aviation Equipment Y Y N
CBRNE Logistical Support Equipment Y Y N
Intervention Equipment (e.g., tactical entry, crime scene processing) Y Y Y Critical emergency supplies Y Y N
General use vehicle acquisition, lease, and rental N N Y Specialized vehicle acquisition, lease, and rental Y Y Y Other Authorized Equipment Y Y Y
Allowable Training Costs
Overtime and backfill for emergency preparedness and response personnel attending DHS/FEMA-sponsored and approved training classes
Y Y N
Overtime and backfill expenses for part-time and volunteer emergency response
personnel participating in DHS/FEMA training
Y Y N
Training workshops and conferences Y Y Y
Activities to achieve training inclusive of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs and limited English proficiency Y Y N Full- or part-time staff or contractors/consultants Y Y Y Travel Y Y Y
Supplies Y Y N
Instructor certification/re-certification Y Y N
Coordination with Citizen Corps Councils and CERT in conducting training exercises Y Y N
Preparedness training for community preparedness initiatives and programs
Y Y N
Interoperable communications training Y Y N
Activities to achieve planning inclusive of people with limited English proficiency Y Y N
Immigration enforcement training Y Y Y
Allowable Exercise Related Costs
Design, Develop, Conduct, and Evaluate an Exercise Y Y N Full- or part-time staff or contractors/consultants Y Y N Overtime and backfill costs, including expenses for part-time and volunteer emergency response personnel participating in DHS/FEMA exercises
Y Y N
Implementation of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Y Y N
Activities to achieve exercises inclusive of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs Y Y N
Travel Y Y N
Supplies Y Y N
Interoperable communications exercises Y Y N
Activities to achieve planning inclusive of people with limited English Y Y N 649
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Allowable Program Activities SHSP UASI OPSG
proficiency
Allowable M&A Costs
Hiring of full- or part-time staff or contractors/consultants to assist with the management of the respective grant program, application requirements, and compliance with reporting and data collection requirements
Y Y Y
Development of operating plans for information collection and processing necessary to respond to DHS/FEMA data calls Y Y Y Overtime and backfill costs Y Y Y
Travel Y Y Y
Meeting related expenses Y Y Y
Authorized office equipment Y Y Y
Recurring expenses such as those associated with cell phones and faxes during the period of performance of the grant program Y Y N Leasing or renting of space for newly hired personnel during the period of performance of the grant program Y Y N
Completing the Civil Rights Evaluation Tool Y Y Y
Conducting activities related to evaluating project effectiveness for HSGP-funded projects Y Y Y
LETPA Costs
Integration and interoperability of systems and data, such as computer aided dispatch (CAD) and record management systems (RMS), to facilitate the collection
Y Y N
Maturation, enhancement, and sustainment of designated state and major Urban Area fusion centers, including information sharing and analysis, threat recognition, terrorist interdiction, and intelligence analyst training and salaries (subject to certain conditions)
Y Y N
Regional counterterrorism training programs for small, medium, and large jurisdictions to exchange information and discuss the current threat environment, lessons learned, and best practices to help prevent, protect against, and mitigate acts of terrorism
Y Y N
Coordination of regional full-scale training exercises (federal, state, and local law enforcement participation) focused on terrorism-related events Y Y N Law enforcement Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives detection and response capabilities, such as bomb detection/disposal capability development, sustainment, or enhancement, including canine teams, robotics platforms, and x-ray technology Y Y N
Coordination between fusion centers and other operational analytic, and investigative efforts Y Y N
Implementation, maintenance, and sustainment of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative Y Y N
Implementation of the "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign Y Y N
Increase physical security, through law enforcement personnel and other protective measures, by implementing preventive and protective Y Y N 650
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Allowable Program Activities SHSP UASI OPSG
measures at critical infrastructure locations
B. SHSP and UASI Other Direct Costs
Recipients must comply with all the requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). In general, recipients should consult with their FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer prior to making any investment that does not clearly meet the allowable expense criteria. Funding guidelines established within this section support four of the five mission areas—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, and Response—and associated core capabilities within the Goal. While Recovery is part of the Goal, it is not explicitly part of the HSGP. Allowable investments made in support of the national priorities, as well as other capability-enhancing projects must have a nexus to terrorism preparedness and fall into the categories of planning, organization, exercises, training, or equipment, aligned to building capability, closing capability gaps, and/or sustaining capabilities, as defined by CPG 201: THIRA/SPR Guide—3rd Edition (Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 201, 3rd Edition (fema.gov)). Recipients are encouraged to use grant funds for evaluating grant-funded project effectiveness and return on investment. FEMA encourages recipients to provide the results of that analysis to FEMA. a. Planning
SHSP and UASI funds may be used for a range of emergency preparedness and management planning activities, such as those associated with the development, review, and revision of the THIRA, SPR, continuity plans, and other planning activities that support the Goal and placing an emphasis on updating and maintaining a current Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that conforms to the guidelines outlined in Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 v3.
Planning efforts can also include conducting risk and resilience assessments on increasingly connected cyber and physical systems, on which security depends, using the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework and related CISA resources.
Additionally, SHSP and UASI funds may be used for planning efforts related to state court cybersecurity, 911 call capabilities, alert and warning capabilities, and implementation of the REAL ID Act (Pub. L. No. 109-13).
b. Organization
Organization costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual.
States and high-risk urban areas must justify proposed expenditures of SHSP or UASI funds to support organization activities within their IJ submission. Organizational activities include:
1. Program management;
2. Development of whole community partnerships, through groups such as Citizen Corp Councils;
3. Structures and mechanisms for information sharing between the public and private sector;
4. Implementing models, programs, and workforce enhancement initiatives to address ideologically inspired radicalization to violence in the homeland; 651
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5. Tools, resources, and activities that facilitate shared situational awareness between the public and private sectors;
6. Operational Support;
7. Utilization of standardized resource management concepts such as typing, inventorying, organizing, and tracking to facilitate the dispatch, deployment, and recovery of resources before, during, and after an incident;
8. Responding to an increase in the threat level under the NTAS or needs resulting from a National Special Security Event;
9. Paying salaries and benefits for personnel to serve as qualified Intelligence Analysts. Per the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act (PRICE Act), Pub. L. No. 110-412, § 2, codified in relevant part, as amended, at 6 U.S.C. § 609(a), SHSP and UASI funds may be used to hire new staff and/or contractor positions to serve as intelligence analysts to enable information/intelligence sharing capabilities, as well as support existing intelligence analysts previously covered by SHSP or UASI funding. See 6 U.S.C. § 609(a). To be hired as an intelligence analyst, staff and/or contractor personnel must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Complete training to ensure baseline proficiency in intelligence analysis and production within six months of being hired; and/or,
• Previously served as an intelligence analyst for a minimum of two years either in a federal intelligence agency, the military, or state and/or local law enforcement intelligence unit.
10. All fusion center analytical personnel must demonstrate qualifications that meet or exceed competencies identified in the Common Competencies for state, local, and tribal intelligence analysts, which outlines the minimum categories of training needed for intelligence analysts. A certificate of completion of such training must be on file with the SAA and must be made available to the recipient’s respective FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer upon request; and
11. Migrating online services to the “.gov” internet domain.
All SAAs are allowed to use up to 50% of their SHSP funding, and all high-risk urban areas are allowed to use up to 50% of their UASI funding, for personnel costs per 6 U.S.C. § 609(b)(2)(A).
Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant only to the extent that such expenses are for the allowable activities within the scope of the grant. Personnel expenses may include, but are not limited to training and exercise coordinators, program managers and planners, intelligence analysts, and SWICs.
At the request of a recipient, the FEMA Administrator (or their designee) may grant a waiver of this 50% limitation under 6 U.S.C. § 609(b)(2)(B). Requests for waivers to the personnel cap must be submitted by the authorized representative of the SAA to FEMA in writing on official letterhead, with the following information:
1. Documentation explaining why the cap should be waived;
2. Conditions under which the request is being submitted; and
3. A budget and method of calculation of personnel costs both in percentages of the grant award and in total dollar amount.
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Please see IB 421b, Clarification on the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act of 2008 (Public L. No. 110–412 – the PRICE Act), dated October 30, 2019, for additional information on the waiver request process. c. Equipment
Equipment costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual.
The 21 allowable prevention, protection, mitigation, and response equipment categories for HSGP are listed on the Authorized Equipment List (AEL). Some equipment items require prior approval from FEMA before obligation or purchase of the items. Please reference the grant notes for each equipment item to ensure prior approval is not required or to ensure prior approval is obtained if necessary. Recipients and subrecipients may purchase equipment not listed on the AEL, but only if they first seek and obtain prior approval from FEMA.
Unless otherwise stated, all equipment must meet all mandatory regulatory and/or FEMAadopted standards to be eligible for purchase using these funds. In addition, recipients will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary certifications and licenses for the requested equipment. Investments in emergency communications systems and equipment must meet applicable SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance) recommendations. Such investments must be coordinated with the SWIC and the State Interoperability Governing Body to ensure interoperability and long-term compatibility.
For personal protective equipment (PPE), recipients are encouraged to give procurement preference to domestic manufacturers of PPE or PPE raw materials to the maximum practicable and allowed by law.
Grant funds may be used for the procurement of medical countermeasures. Procurement of medical countermeasures must be conducted in collaboration with state, city, or local health departments that administer federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services for this purpose and with existing Metropolitan Medical Response System committees where available, to sustain their long-term planning for appropriate, rapid, and local medical countermeasures, including antibiotics and antidotes for nerve agents, cyanide, and other toxins.
Procurement must have a sound threat-based justification with an aim to reduce the consequences of mass casualty incidents during the first crucial hours of a response. Prior to procuring pharmaceuticals, recipients must have in place an inventory management plan to avoid large periodic variations in supplies due to coinciding purchase and expiration dates. Recipients are encouraged to enter into rotational procurement agreements with vendors and distributors.
Purchases of pharmaceuticals must include a budget for the disposal of expired drugs within each fiscal year’s Period of Performance (POP) for HSGP. The cost of disposal cannot be carried over to another FEMA grant or grant period.
EMS electronic patient care data systems should comply with the most current data standard of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System.
Recipients are reminded that school hardening is an eligible activity under SHSP and UASI.
School hardening measures include but are not limited to:
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1. Bullet resistant doors and glass;
2. Hinge-locking mechanisms;
3. Immediate notification to emergency 911 systems;
4. Mechanisms that provide real time actionable intelligence directly to law enforcement and first responders;
5. Installation of distraction devices or other countermeasures administered by law enforcement; and
6. Other measures determined to provide significant improvements to schools’ physical security.
Additionally, SHSP and UASI funds may be used for equipment purchases related to state court cybersecurity, 911 call capabilities, alert and warning capabilities, and implementation of the REAL ID Act (Pub. L. No. 109-13).
sUAS and critical emergency supply costs are allowable under this program. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
1. General Purpose Equipment
HSGP allows expenditures on general purpose equipment if it aligns to and supports one or more core capabilities identified in the Goal and has a nexus to terrorism preparedness. General purpose equipment, like all equipment funded under the HSGP, must be sharable through the EMAC4 and allowable under 6 U.S.C. § 609, and any other applicable provision of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. Examples of such general-purpose equipment may include:
• Law enforcement/general use vehicles (OPSG only);
• Emergency medical services equipment and vehicles;
• Fire service equipment and vehicles, to include hose, pump accessories, and foam concentrate for specialized chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear/explosive (CBRNE) response;
• Interoperability of data systems, such as CAD and RMS; and • Office equipment for staff 5 engaged in homeland security program activity.
2. Controlled Equipment
For decades, the federal government has provided equipment to state, local, and tribal LEAs through federal grants. Some federal grant programs have assisted LEAs as they carry out their critical missions to keep the American people safe. The equipment acquired by LEAs through these programs includes administrative equipment, such as office furniture and computers. Some federal grant programs also may include military and military-styled equipment, firearms, and tactical vehicles provided by the federal government, including property covered under 22 C.F.R. 4 Except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time.
5 This applies to all homeland security personnel and is not limited to M&A staff, and costs are to be captured outside the cap on M&A costs.
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Part 121 and 15 C.F.R. Part 774 (collectively, "controlled equipment").
However, not all equipment that is considered controlled equipment is allowable under the HSGP. Grant funds under this program may not be used for the purchase of equipment not approved by DHS/FEMA. For example, the purchase of tracked armored vehicles, camouflage uniforms, weapons, and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is generally not allowed with HSGP funds.
DHS/FEMA will continue to collaborate with federal agency partners to ensure that there is a consistent and reasonable approach to the restrictions placed on certain equipment expenditures while continuing to support these investments when there is a justifiable need. Further, DHS/FEMA will continue to maintain an awareness of the evolving policy developments related to certain equipment expenditures and keep grant recipients up to date on future developments.
Additional information on controlled equipment is pending publication. Please visit FEMA’s website for current and upcoming guidance.
3. Construction and Renovation
Construction and renovation costs to achieve capability targets related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism are allowed under this program. For construction and renovation costs to be allowed, they must be specifically approved by DHS/FEMA in writing prior to the use of any program funds. Limits on the total amount of grant funding that may be used for construction or renovation may apply. Additionally, recipients are required to submit SF-424C and SF-424D.
All proposed construction and renovation activities must undergo an EHP review, including approval of the review from FEMA, prior to undertaking any action related to the project. Failure of a grant recipient to meet these requirements may jeopardize Federal funding. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
d. Training and Exercises
Training and exercise costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual. Recipients are encouraged to consider tuition-free courses offered by FEMA first, before investing in training. For more information and a catalog of courses please refer to the National Preparedness Course Catalog at the National Training and Education Division (NTED).
Allowable training-related costs under HSGP include the establishment, support, conduct, and attendance of training specifically identified under the SHSP and UASI program and/or in conjunction with emergency preparedness training by other federal agencies (e.g., HHS and Department of Transportation [DOT]). Training conducted using HSGP funds should address a performance gap identified through an Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP) or other assessments (e.g., National Emergency Communications Plan Goal Assessments) and contribute to building a capability that will be evaluated through a formal exercise. When developing new courses, recipients are encouraged to apply the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and 655
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Evaluation model of instructional design.
4. Law Enforcement Readiness
SHSP or UASI grant funds may be requested and may be approved on a case-by-case basis for immigration enforcement training in support of the border security mission. Requests for training will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and can only be used for certification in the section 287(g) program provided by DHS/ICE. SHSP or UASI subrecipients with agreements under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)) to receive delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions may also be reimbursed for section 287(g) related operational activities with approval from FEMA on a caseby-case basis. e. Maintenance and Sustainment
Maintenance and sustainment related costs are allowed under this program only as described in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
f. Travel
Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program, as provided for in this NOFO.
International travel is not an allowable cost under this program unless approved in advance by DHS/FEMA. See the Allowable Cost Matrix above for more information on allowable travel activities under SHSP and UASI.
g. Personnel
Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant to perform allowable HSGP planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities. All recipients and subrecipients of HSGP funds, including SHSP and UASI allocations, may not use more than 50% of their awards to pay for personnel activities unless a waiver is approved by FEMA. For more information on the 50% personnel cap, please see FEMA IB 421b, Clarification on the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-412) – the PRICE Act.
HSGP funds may not be used to support the hiring of any personnel to fulfill traditional public health and safety duties nor to supplant traditional public health and safety positions and responsibilities. The following definitions apply to personnel costs:
• Hiring. State and local entities may use grant funding to cover the salary of newly hired personnel who are exclusively undertaking allowable FEMA grant activities as specified in this guidance. This may not include new personnel who are hired to fulfill any nonFEMA HSGP program activities under any circumstances. Hiring will always result in a net increase of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees.
• Overtime. These expenses are limited to the additional costs that result from personnel working over and above 40 hours of weekly work time as the direct result of their performance of FEMA-approved activities specified in this guidance. Overtime associated with any other activity is not eligible.
• Backfill-Related Overtime. Also called “Overtime as Backfill,” these expenses are limited to overtime costs that result from personnel who are working overtime (as 656
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identified above) to perform the duties of other personnel who are temporarily assigned to FEMA-approved activities outside their core responsibilities. Neither overtime nor backfill expenses are the result of an increase of FTE employees. • Supplanting. Grant funds will be used to supplement existing funds and will not replace (supplant) funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose. Applicants or recipients may be required to supply documentation certifying that a reduction in nonfederal resources occurred for reasons other than the receipt or expected receipt of federal funds.
1. Operational Overtime Costs
In support of efforts to enhance capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting, and preventing acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events, operational overtime costs are allowable for increased protective security measures at critical infrastructure sites or other high-risk locations and to enhance public safety during mass gatherings and high-profile events. In that regard, HSGP recipients are urged to consider using grant funding to support soft target preparedness activities.
SHSP or UASI funds may be used to support select operational expenses associated with increased security measures in the authorized categories cited in the table below, but this table is not exhaustive. FEMA retains the discretion to approve other types of requests that do not fit within one of the categories of the table.
Authorized Operational Overtime Categories
Category Description
1 National Terrorism
Advisory System
(NTAS)
Security measures in response to an increase in the threat level under the NTAS to an “elevated” or “imminent” alert status.
FEMA Information Bulletin No. 367, Impact of National
Terrorism Advisory System on Homeland Security Grant
Programs, remains applicable; therefore, advance authorization from FEMA is not required. Refer to National Terrorism
Advisory System | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) for additional information on the NTAS.
2 National Security
Special Event
(NSSE)
Security measures for a designated NSSE. NSSEs are events of national or international significance deemed by DHS to be a potential target for terrorism or other criminal activity. 3 Special Event
Assessment Rating
(SEAR) Level 1
through Level 4
Events
Security measures required for SEAR Level 1 through Level 4 events as designated by DHS and included in the DHS National Special Events List, as defined below:
• SEAR 1: A significant event with national and/or
international importance that may require extensive
federal interagency support.
• SEAR 2: A significant event with national and/or
international importance that may require some level of federal interagency support.
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Category Description
• SEAR 3: An event of national and/or international
importance that requires only limited federal support.
• SEAR 4: An event with limited national importance that is managed at state and local level.
NOTE: In cases where a threat of terrorism can be associated with a SEAR Level 5 event, the event planners should
coordinate with their state or territory Homeland Security Advisor to seek re-adjudication of the SEAR rating. Operational overtime for security measures associated with such events will be considered for approval by FEMA if re-adjudication results in a SEAR 1 through 4 rating.
4 States of Emergency
Declarations of states of emergency by the Governor associated with a terrorism-related threat or incident. This excludes Presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies where federal funding support for the proposed grant-funded activity is made available through the FEMA Public Assistance program or other federal disaster grants.
5 National Critical
Infrastructure
Prioritization
Program (NCIPP)
Protection of Level 1 and Level 2 facilities identified through DHS’s NCIPP based on a terrorism-related threat to critical infrastructure.
6 Directed Transit
Patrols
Targeted security patrols in airports and major transit hubs based on a terrorism-related threat to transportation systems. 7 Other Related
Personnel Overtime
Costs
Overtime costs may be authorized for personnel assigned to directly support any of the security activities relating to the categories above. Examples include firefighters and emergency medical services personnel; public works employees who may be responsible for installing protective barriers and fencing; public safety personnel assigned to assist with event access and crowd control; emergency communications specialists; backfill and overtime for staffing state or major urban area fusion centers; state Active Duty National Guard deployments to protect critical infrastructure sites, including all resources that are part of the standard National Guard deployment package (note: consumable costs, such as fuel expenses, are not allowed except as part of the standard National Guard deployment package); contract security services for critical infrastructure sites; participation in Regional Resiliency Assessment Program activities, increased border security activities in coordination with USBP, etc.
8 Operational Support
to a Federal Agency
Overtime costs are allowable for personnel to participate in information, investigative, and intelligence sharing activities related to homeland security/terrorism preparedness and 658
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Category Description
specifically requested by a federal agency. Allowable costs are limited to overtime associated with federally requested participation in eligible activities, including anti-terrorism task forces, Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs), Area Maritime Security Committees (as required by the Maritime
Transportation Security Act of 2002), DHS Border Enforcement Security Task Forces, and Integrated Border Enforcement Teams. In addition, reimbursement for operational overtime law enforcement activities related to combating transnational crime organizations in support of efforts to enhance capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting, and preventing acts of terrorism is an allowable expense under SHSP and UASI on a case-bycase basis. Grant funding can only be used in proportion to the federal man-hour estimate and only after funding for these activities from other federal sources (i.e., FBI JTTF payments to state and local agencies) has been exhausted.
9 Response to
Catastrophic
Incidents that are
Acts of Terrorism
Operational overtime is allowable for responding to acts of terrorism. This includes overtime accrued during the immediate response to events, such as mass casualty acts of targeted violence or other activities where the act (i) is dangerous to human life or potentially destructive of critical infrastructure or key resources; and (ii) is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State or other subdivision of the United States, and the act appears to be intended to coerce civilian populations, influence the policy of a government by
intimidation or coercion, or affect the conduct of a government by mass destructions, assassination, or kidnapping.
All allowable operational overtime costs are also subject to the administration requirements outlined in the following subsection.
2. Administration of Operational Overtime Requests
• Except for an elevated NTAS alert, SHSP or UASI funds may only be spent for operational overtime costs upon prior written approval by FEMA. The SAA must submit operational overtime requests in writing to its assigned FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer.
FEMA will consider requests for special event activities up to one year in advance.
However such requests must be within the award’s current POP and must not result in the need for a request to extend the period of performance. SAAs should contact FEMA Grants News by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (800) 368- 6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET, for clarification. • All operational overtime requests must clearly explain how the request meets the criteria of one or more of the categories listed in the table above. Requests must address the threat environment as it relates to the event or activity requiring operational overtime 659
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support and explain how the overtime activity is responsive to the threat. Request letters sent to FEMA must be UNCLASSIFIED but may be labeled “For Official Use Only.” If explaining the threat will require the sharing of classified information, the letter should state that fact. FEMA will then plan for the sharing of classified information through official channels;
• Post-event operational overtime requests will only be considered on a case-by-case basis, where it is demonstrated that exigent circumstances prevented submission of a request in advance of the event or activity;
• Under no circumstances may FEMA grant funding be used to pay for costs already supported by funding from another federal source;
• States with UASI jurisdictions can use funds retained at the state level to reimburse eligible operational overtime expenses incurred by the state (per the above guidance limitations). Any UASI funds retained by the state must be used in direct support of the high-risk urban area. States must provide documentation to the UAWG and FEMA upon request demonstrating how any UASI funds retained by a state would directly support the high-risk urban area; and
• FEMA will consult and coordinate with appropriate DHS components as necessary to verify information used to support operational overtime requests.
h. Secure Identification
Secure identification costs are allowed under this program. SHSP funds may be used to support the implementation activities associated with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), including the issuance of WHTI-compliant tribal identification cards. i. Multiple Purpose or Dual-Use of Funds
Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual for information on multiple purpose of dual-use of funds under SHSP and UASI.
C. OPSG Other Direct Costs
Recipients must comply with all the requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). In general, recipients should consult with their FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer prior to making any investment that does not clearly meet the allowable expense criteria. Funding guidelines established within this section support four of the five mission areas—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, and Response—and associated core capabilities within the Goal. While Recovery is part of the Goal, it is not explicitly part of the HSGP. Allowable investments made in support of the national priorities, as well as other capability-enhancing projects must have a nexus to terrorism preparedness and fall into the categories of planning, organization, exercises, training, or equipment, aligned to building capability, closing capability gaps, and/or sustaining capabilities, as defined by CPG 201: THIRA/SPR Guide—3rd Edition (Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 201, 3rd Edition (fema.gov)). Recipients are encouraged to use grant funds for evaluating grant-funded project effectiveness and return on investment. FEMA encourages recipients to provide the results of that analysis to FEMA. a. Planning
Planning costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice. See the Allowable Cost Matrix above for more information on allowable planning activities for OPSG. 660
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b. Organization
Organization costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual. See the Allowable Cost Matrix above for more information on allowable organizational activities for OPSG.
c. Equipment
Equipment costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual.
OPSG equipment is intended to be incidental to the enhanced border security operations being performed. The grant is not intended to be used to outfit or supply general equipment to SLTT law enforcement agencies. Equipment must be relatable to and justified by the operational benefit it will provide. Each appropriate OPSG sector coordinator is required to keep an inventory of OPSG purchased equipment that includes at a minimum: 1) grant funding year; 2) purchase amount; 3) purchase date; 4) purchase quantity; 5) equipment ID; 6) source of funding for the property, including the Federal Award Identification Number; 7) who holds title to the property; 8) federal share percent of the property; 9) location of the property; 10) use and condition of the property; 11) disposal date; and 12) brief disposal justification information and sale price if sold. Each Operations Order/FRAGO will require that each friendly force submit the equipment inventory for each Operations Order/FRAGO submission.
1. Equipment Marking. Because equipment purchased with OPSG funding is intended to be used to support OPSG activities, it may be appropriately marked to ensure its ready identification and primary use for that purpose. When practicable, any equipment purchased with OPSG funding should be prominently marked as follows: "Purchased with DHS funds for Operation Stonegarden Use."
2. Fuel Cost and Mileage Reimbursement. There is no cap for reimbursement of fuel or mileage costs in support of operational activities. Subrecipients and friendly forces may not claim reimbursements for both mileage and fuel/maintenance for the same equipment at the same time.
3. Vehicle and Equipment Acquisition, Including Leasing and Rentals. Allowable purchases under OPSG include patrol vehicles and other mission-specific equipment whose primary purpose is to increase operational capabilities on or near a border nexus in support of approved border security operations. A detailed justification must be submitted to the respective FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer prior to purchase.
4. Medical Emergency Countermeasures. Allowable purchases under OPSG include narcotic antagonist pharmaceuticals, detection and identification equipment, safe storage and transportation, personnel protective equipment, and initial equipment training, as reflected in the AEL.
1. Requirements for sUAS
sUAS are allowable under the HSGP. See the Preparedness Grants Manual for more information.
2. General Purpose Equipment
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HSGP allows expenditures on general purpose equipment if it aligns to and supports one or more core capabilities identified in the Goal and has a nexus to terrorism preparedness. General purpose equipment, like all equipment funded under the HSGP, must be sharable through the EMAC6 and allowable under 6 U.S.C. § 609, and any other applicable provision of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. Examples of such general-purpose equipment may include:
• Law enforcement/general use vehicles (OPSG only);
• Emergency medical services equipment and vehicles;
• Fire service equipment and vehicles, to include hose, pump accessories, and foam concentrate for specialized chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear/explosive (CBRNE) response;
• Interoperability of data systems, such as CAD and RMS; and • Office equipment for staff 7 engaged in homeland security program activity.
3. Controlled Equipment
For decades, the federal government has provided equipment to state, local, and tribal LEAs through federal grants. Some federal grant programs have assisted LEAs as they carry out their critical missions to keep the American people safe. The equipment acquired by LEAs through these programs includes administrative equipment, such as office furniture and computers. Some federal grant programs also may include military and military-styled equipment, firearms, and tactical vehicles provided by the federal government, including property covered under 22 C.F.R.
Part 121 and 15 C.F.R. Part 774 (collectively, "controlled equipment").
However, not all equipment that is considered controlled equipment is allowable under the HSGP. Grant funds under this program may not be used for the purchase of equipment not approved by DHS/FEMA. For example, the purchase of tracked armored vehicles, camouflage uniforms, weapons, and weapons accessories, including ammunition, is generally not allowed with HSGP funds.
DHS/FEMA will continue to collaborate with federal agency partners to ensure that there is a consistent and reasonable approach to the restrictions placed on certain equipment expenditures while continuing to support these investments when there is a justifiable need. Further, DHS/FEMA will continue to maintain an awareness of the evolving policy developments related to certain equipment expenditures and keep grant recipients up to date on future developments.
Additional information on controlled equipment is pending publication. Please visit FEMA’s website for current and upcoming guidance.
4. Construction and Renovation
6 Except for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are not required to belong to EMAC at this time.
7 This applies to all homeland security personnel and is not limited to M&A staff, and costs are to be captured outside the cap on M&A costs.
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OPSG funds may not be used for any construction.
d. Training and Exercises
Training and exercise costs are allowed under this program only as described in this funding notice and the Preparedness Grants Manual (e.g., related to EHP compliance). Recipients are encouraged to consider tuition-free courses offered by FEMA first, before investing in training.
For more information and a catalog of courses please refer to the National Preparedness Course Catalog at NTED.
1. Law Enforcement Readiness
OPSG grant funds may be used to increase operational, material, and technological readiness of SLTT law enforcement agencies. The Delegation of Immigration Authority, Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) program allows a state or local law enforcement entity to enter into a partnership with ICE, under a joint Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to receive delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions.
OPSG grant funds may be requested and may be approved on a case-by-case basis for immigration enforcement training in support of the border security mission. Requests for training will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and can only be used for certification in the section 287(g) program provided by DHS/ICE. OPSG subrecipients with agreements under section 287(g) of the INA (8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)) to receive delegated authority for immigration enforcement within their jurisdictions may also be reimbursed for section 287(g) related operational activities with approval from FEMA on a case-by-case basis. For OPSG, subrecipients must be authorized by USBP Headquarters and Sectors, and operational activities must be coordinated through a USBP Sector.
e. Maintenance and Sustainment
Maintenance and sustainment related costs are allowed under this program only as described in the Preparedness Grants Manual.
f. Travel
Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program, as provided for in this NOFO and in the Preparedness Grants Manual. International travel is not an allowable cost under this program unless approved in advance by DHS/FEMA. See the Allowable Cost Matrix in Appendix B for more information on allowable travel activities under OPSG. g. Personnel
Personnel hiring, overtime, and backfill expenses are permitted under this grant to perform allowable HSGP planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities. Under OPSG, overtime costs are allowable only in so far as they meet the intent of the program. All recipients and subrecipients of HSGP funds, including OPSG allocations, may not use more than 50% of their awards to pay for personnel activities unless a waiver is approved by FEMA. For more information on the 50% personnel cap, please see FEMA IB 421b, Clarification on the Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-412 – the PRICE Act).
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Further, changes in scope or objective also require FEMA’s prior written approval pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(c)(1). If the cost changes are allowable under the grant, a FRAGO must be submitted to Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) to obtain FEMA’s prior written approval of such changes in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(c)(1). These modifications will be annotated in the annex section of the FRAGO.
OPSG funds may be used for domestic travel and per diem, including costs associated with the deployment/redeployment of personnel to border areas and for travel associated with law enforcement entities assisting other local jurisdictions in law enforcement activities. In addition, allowable costs include supporting up to six-month deployment of law enforcement personnel to critical Southwest Border locations for operational activities (travel costs must be in accordance with applicable travel regulations).
OPSG funds may be used to pay additional current part-time law enforcement personnel salaries to bring them to temporary full-time status. OPSG funds may support a Governor’s request to activate, deploy, or redeploy specialized National Guard Units/Package and/or elements of state law enforcement serving as friendly forces to increase or augment specialized/technical law enforcement elements’ operational activities. Costs associated with backfill for personnel supporting operational activities are allowable.
As with all OPSG personnel costs, OPSG grant funds will be used to supplement existing funds and will not replace (supplant) funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose.
Applicants or recipients may be required to supply documentation certifying that a reduction in non-federal resources occurred for reasons other than the receipt or expected receipt of federal funds.
1. Operational Overtime Costs
OPSG funds should be used for operational overtime costs associated with law enforcement activities in support of border law enforcement agencies for enhanced border security. Overtime pay is for increased patrol time for certified public safety officers, along with limited support for other law enforcement direct support personnel (e.g., Communication Officers/Dispatchers, nonsworn patrol pilots, etc.). Overtime shall be reimbursed consistent with the non-federal entity’s overtime policy and the requirements as stated below:
• Overtime is time worked that exceeds the required number of hours during an employee’s designated shift;
• Overtime must be worked to increase patrol capacity and be in support of identified and approved USBP border security operations;
• The OPSG overtime hourly rate of pay will be no more than the approved overtime rate per local law and policy and must be in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations;
• All overtime expenses under OPSG must be reasonable for the services rendered and conform to the non-federal entity’s established written policy, which must apply to both federally funded and non-federally funded activities and comply with the other applicable requirements under 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.430-200.431; and
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• The non-federal entity may not utilize OPSG funding to pay for an employee’s overtime hours or pay that exceeds 16-hours worked in any 24-hour period.
2. Intelligence Support
Per 6 U.S.C. § 609(a), OPSG funds may, as applicable and operationally beneficial, be used to pay salaries and benefits or overtime for personnel to serve as qualified Intelligence Analysts to enable and enhance information/intelligence sharing capabilities, as well as support existing intelligence analysts previously covered by OPSG funding. Qualified OPSG-funded intelligence analysts can be assigned to an applicable law enforcement facility/intelligence function as long as information/intelligence sharing is maintained. To serve as an OPSG-funded intelligence analyst, personnel must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Complete training to ensure baseline proficiency in intelligence analysis and production within six months of being hired; and/or,
• Previously served as an intelligence analyst for a minimum of two years either in a federal intelligence agency, the military, or state and/or local law enforcement intelligence unit.
OPSG-funded intelligence analysts must demonstrate qualifications that meet or exceed competencies identified in the Common Competencies for state, local, and tribal intelligence analysts, which outlines the minimum categories of training needed for intelligence analysts. A certificate of completion of such training must be on file with the SAA and must be made available to the recipient’s respective FEMA HQ Preparedness Officer upon request. h. Regional Border Projects
Recipients are encouraged to prioritize the acquisition and development of regional projects on the borders to maximize interoperability and coordination capabilities among federal agencies and with state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners. Such regional projects include:
1. Communications equipment;
2. Radio systems and repeaters;
3. Integration with regional intelligence and information sharing effort (i.e., fusion centers):
• Intelligence analysts.
4. Situational Awareness equipment:
• License Plate Reader Networks;
• Visual detection and surveillance systems;
• Sensor Systems;
• Radar Systems (for air and/or marine incursions); and • Aircraft systems (manned or unmanned).
i. Transportation Costs and Costs Related to the Provision of Acute Medical Care Vehicle, fuel, mileage, operational overtime, and other types of costs otherwise allowable under an OPSG award’s HSGP NOFO are allowable where the costs are in support of the necessary transportation of individuals interdicted while carrying out allowable OPSG-funded activities or operations from the point of interdiction to an applicable law enforcement facility.
When transporting individuals interdicted in the course of carrying out allowable OPSG-funded 665
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activities or operations from the point of interdiction, non-Federal entities may charge vehicle, fuel, mileage, operational overtime, and other types of costs otherwise allowable under an OPSG award’s HSGP NOFO associated with necessary transportation to provide acute medical care for individuals being transported from the point of interdiction. In such cases, non-Federal entities may also charge operational overtime for personnel that monitor a detained individual receiving acute medical care where the individual remains in the custody of the non-Federal law enforcement agency. Costs incurred beyond the acute phase of medical care (e.g., upon admission to the hospital, or after transfer from an acute care facility to the hospital) and costs incurred once the custodial responsibility of the individual is transferred to CBP are not allowable under OPSG.
Costs described above are allowable regardless of what entity or agency initially makes the interdiction. Personnel costs incurred by non-Federal law enforcement agencies eligible under OPSG (including deputies, corrections officers, or detention officers) for costs described above are allowable.
j. Temporary or Term Appointments
Temporary or term appointments are allowable under an OPSG award, so long as they comply with the following:
1. Subrecipients may utilize temporary or term appointments to augment the law enforcement presence on the borders. However, applying funds toward hiring full-time or permanent sworn public safety officers is unallowable;
2. OPSG-funded temporary or term appointments may not exceed the approved period of performance:
• For OPSG purposes, temporary appointments are non-status appointments for less than one year; and
• For OPSG purposes, term appointments are non-status appointments for one year, extendable for one year as necessary.
3. OPSG funding for temporary or term appointments may pay for salary only. Benefits are not allowable expenses for term or temporary employees;
4. OPSG remains a non-hiring program. Appropriate uses of temporary or term appointments include:
• To carry out specific enforcement operations work for ongoing OPSG-funded patrols throughout the Sector Area of Operation;
• To staff operations of limited duration, such as OPSG-enhanced enforcement patrols targeting specific locations or criminal activity; and
• To fill OPSG positions in activities undergoing transition or personnel shortages and local backfill policies (medical/military deployments).
5. OPSG term and temporary appointments must have all necessary certifications and training to enforce state and local laws. OPSG funds will not be used to train or certify term or temporary appointments except as otherwise stated in this NOFO and the Preparedness Grants Manual; and
6. FEMA provides no guarantee of funding for temporary or term appointments. In addition to the terms of this NOFO, subrecipients must follow their own applicable policies and procedures regarding temporary or term appointments.
666
Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0604 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 5.
Agenda Item Wording:
General Plan annual progress report - Receive and accept the City of Visalia’s General Plan annual progress report for 2025 and authorize staff to submit to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
Prepared by:
Josh Dan, Senior Planner, [email protected], 559-713-4003; Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, [email protected], 559-713-4025 Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council receive and accept the City of Visalia 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and authorize staff to submit to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
Background Discussion:
Government Code Section 65400 requires the City of Visalia (City) to prepare and submit an Annual Progress Report (APR) on the entire General Plan (Attachment 1). The Government Code requires the APR to be “considered at an annual public meeting before the legislative body where members of the public shall be allowed to provide oral testimony and written comments,” and then submitted to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI).
Summary:
California Government Code Section 65400 mandates that cities and counties submit an annual progress report (APR) each year on the General Plan and progress on its implementation to the legislative body, (in this case the City Council), followed by the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI). The four basic purposes of the annual report are as follows:
· To provide information to assess progress on implementation of the General Plan in accordance with the stated goals, policies, and implementation measures. · To provide information to identify necessary course adjustments or modifications to the General Plan as a means to improve implementation.
· To provide a clear correlation between land use decisions made during the reporting period, and the goals, policies, and implementation measures in the General Plan. · To provide information regarding local agency progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the development of housing.
This year will be the City of Visalia’s third APR regarding the 2030 General Plan. The APR covers the period of the previous calendar year, 2025. The APR for the General Plan and for the Housing Element of the General Plan have separate reporting requirements and forms, and as such have Visalia City Council Page 1 of 2 Printed on 1/14/2026
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File #: 25-0604 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 5.
been prepared as two separate documents.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Prior Council Action: None.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I move to accept and approve the General Plan Annual Progress Report and direct staff to submit the document to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
Environmental Assessment Status:
This document is a reporting document. The material and information provided within does not create or alter policy. Content provided within this document is provided for informational purposes only and is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CEQA Review:
The requested action is considered exempt under Section 15306, which exempts data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
Deadline for Action: 1/20/2026
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1 - City of Visalia 2025 GP APR
Visalia City Council Page 2 of 2 Printed on 1/14/2026
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General Plan Annual Progress Report
2025
City of Visalia
Prepared by the City of Visalia, Planning and Preservation Department, Planning Division
669
Table of Contents
Page
I. Adopted Amendments to the Plan, Projects, and Accomplishments................................ 3 II. General Plan Elements...................................................................................................... 7 Land Use Element................................................................................................. 7 Historic Preservation Element .............................................................................. 8 Circulation Element .............................................................................................. 8 Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities............................................. 8 Open Space and Conservation Element................................................................ 9 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Element ........................................................ 9 Safety and Noise Element..................................................................................... 9 III. General Plan and Zoning Code Updates......................................................................... 10 IV. Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 10 Appendix A................................................................................................................................. 11 Appendix A Government Code Section 65400
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Introduction
This report has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of Government Code Section 65400.
Guidance for preparation of the report is provided by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
The purpose of the document is to report on the City of Visalia’s progress in implementing its General Plan. The document will be provided to the Planning Commission and City Council for their review and submitted to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
General Plan Background
The State of California requires that every city and county adopt a long-term General Plan. A jurisdiction’s General Plan addresses state General Plan requirements. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302, a General Plan shall consist of a statement of development policies and shall include diagrams and text setting forth objectives, principles, standards, and plan proposals.
General Plans shall also address eight specific topics or “elements,” listed in Section 65302. The General Plan may also address other topics the community feels are relevant. Regardless of the format or issues addressed, the Plan must be internally consistent.
The City of Visalia’s 2030 General Plan was adopted as a comprehensive update to the General Plan on October 14, 2014. The Plan includes six of the eight elements required by State law: Land Use, Circulation, Open Space, Conservation, Safety, and Noise. Open Space and Conservation are combined, as are Safety and Noise. It also includes two optional elements that address local concerns: Historic Preservation and Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities. The General Plan clearly communicates the City’s vision of its future and establishes a policy framework to govern decision-making concerning the physical development of the community.
It also provides assurances that the community at large will be supported by an adequate range of public services and infrastructure systems.
Purpose of the General Plan Annual Progress Report
California Government Code Section 65400 mandates that cities and counties submit an annual progress report (APR) each year on the General Plan and progress on its implementation to the legislative body, (in this case the City Council), followed by the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The four basic purposes of the annual report are as follows:
• To provide information to assess progress on implementation of the General Plan in accordance with the stated goals, policies, and implementation measures. • To provide information to identify necessary course adjustments or modifications to the General Plan as a means to improve implementation.
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• To provide a clear correlation between land use decisions made during the reporting period, and the goals, policies, and implementation measures in the General Plan. • To provide information regarding local agency progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the development of housing.
This year, will be the City of Visalia’s third APR regarding the 2030 General Plan. The APR covers the period of the previous calendar year, 2025. The APR for the General Plan and for the Housing Element of the General Plan have separate reporting requirements and forms, and as such have been prepared as two separate documents.
The rest of this report will present the chronology of adopted amendments to the General Plan through 2025, present major milestones and projects that occurred in the reporting period, a status update of the implementation measures for the General Plan, and finally a summary of any grants received to assist in implementing the General Plan, along with the next areas of focus in the plan’s continued implementation.
Informational Document
This document is a reporting document. The material and information provided within does not create or alter policy. Content provided within this document is provided for informational purposes only and is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Guidelines Section 15306, which exempts data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
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I. Adopted Amendments to the Plan, Projects, and Accomplishments Adopted Amendments
The General Plan remains a current document, responsive to the community’s needs. Requests for amendments may be submitted by individuals or initiated by the City. Amendments to the Visalia General Plan through December 2025 are listed below.
Amendments to the Visalia General Plan (January 2025 – December 2025) General Plan
Amendment
(GPA) Number
Action Applicant Description
GPA 2024-05 Approved by
Council on
04/28/2025
City of Visalia A request by the City of
Visalia to expand the Urban
Growth Boundary by
annexing two parcels into
the City limits, and to change
approximately one acre on
the site from Residential
Very Low Density land use
designation to
Parks/Recreation land use
designation.
GPA 2025-01 Approved by
Council on
02/10/2025
Seefried Industrial
Properties, Inc.
A request by Seefried
Industrial Properties, Inc. to
decrease the Light Industrial
land use designation and to
increase the Industrial land
use designation on the
project site consisting of 284
acres.
GPA 2025-02 Continued to Date
Uncertain
City of Visalia A request by the City of
Visalia to change the land
use designation on a 16-acre
portion of a 21-acre parcel
from Parks/Recreation to
Commercial Mixed Use.
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GPA 2025-03 Yet to be
scheduled for
public hearing.
D.R. Horton A request by D.R. Horton to
move residential land use
designations within a project
site with no reduction to the
acreage assigned to each
residential land use.
GPA 2024-04 Yet to be
scheduled for
public hearing.
Tulare County
Office of Education
(TCOE) – 4Creeks
A request by the Tulare
County Office of Education
to amend the Urban
Development Boundary to
include the project site and
redesignate the General Plan
Land Use Designation on the
project site from Agriculture
to Mixed-Use Commercial.
Building Permits
The Engineering and Building Division received a grand total of 5,925 building permits in 2025.
This figure includes new construction and renovations; however, staff will focus primarily on new construction for this section. New single-family residential units accounted for 612 of those permits, while 51 were for residential second units and 28 were for new commercial buildings.
In the 2025 calendar year, building staff processed and finaled a total of 4,013 permits. Of that total, there were 335 single-family home production permits, 34 multi-family production permits, and 24 single-family second unit permits.
In the 2025 calendar year, City staff received a total of six residential development proposals to review. The proposals totaled 898 proposed housing units. The housing applications were submitted to the Planning Division for either entitlement or deemed a “by-right” use and reviewed for zoning consistency and development standards or state allowances.
Planning Entitlements and Site Plan Review
The Planning Department also processed a variety of land use permits during 2025, including but not limited to conditional use permits (CUP), variances, subdivisions, and associated environmental reviews. During the past year, the Planning Commission agendas included the following application types:
• 37 Conditional Use Permits
• 19 Tentative Parcel Maps
• 1 Conditional Zoning Agreements
• 6 Tentative Subdivision Maps
• 9 Variance
Of the projects reviewed by the Planning Commission, seven (7) projects were also presented to 674
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the City Council.
Other Plans and Projects
The following discussion summarizes other projects which the City expended substantial efforts in 2025.
Environmental Justice Element
The City began preliminary work on the proposed Environment Justice Element of the General Plan in 2022 to meet the requirements set out by the Department of Housing and Community Development when certifying the City’s sixth cycle of the Housing Element Update. The creation of the Environment Justice Element required a considerable amount of time and effort as it involved incorporating goals, policies and implementations found in other areas of the General Plan, and creating goals, policies and implementations relevant to the objectives and goals mandated for the Environmental Justice Element. The Environmental Justice Element was presented to Planning Commission on January 27, 2025, and was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. The Environmental Justice Element was then presented to the City Council and approved/adopted on February 17, 2025.
Zoning Ordinance/General Plan Update
The City adopted a comprehensive General Plan update in 2014. One of the follow-up actions directed in the 2014 General Plan was to update the Zoning Ordinance. Staff worked with QK, Inc., in 2015 through 2017 to prepare updated Zoning and Subdivision sections and incorporated the Planning Commission’s and City Council’s input into a comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance update. In the 2024 calendar year, staff begun collecting inconsistency or portions of the zoning ordinance which were either conflicting or could benefit from textual “clean-up” for an eventual zoning ordinance update or intermittent correction. Several code updates were presented to the City Council and those zone text amendments to the zoning ordinance were adopted by the City Council in 2025.
Senate Bill 1425 – Open Space
In 2025, Planning staff began preparing for the implementation requirement of the Senate Bill 1425. Senate Bill (SB) 1425 was approved by the state legislature and signed into law by the Governor in 2022. The law requires each local jurisdiction to update the open space element of its General Plan to address the following:
• Access to open space for all residents in a manner that considers social, economic, and racial equity, correlated with the environmental justice element or environmental justice policies in the general plan;
• Climate resilience and other co-benefits of open space, correlated with the safety element; and
• Rewilding opportunities, correlated with the land use element.
Following draft guidelines provided by the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), Planning Department staff is undertaking a comprehensive review of existing General Plan 675
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documents to determine if the requirements of SB 1425 have been satisfied through existing General Plan policies and related implementation measures. In addition, the City is undertaking a comprehensive parks master facility plan update to guide future investments, policies, and dayto-day operations. The parks master plan will provide a comprehensive framework for parks, recreation facilities, programs, and operations. It will be grounded in measurable service levels, realistic capital and maintenance funding approaches, and broad community engagement. 676
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II. General Plan Elements
The General Plan details the City’s guiding principles for a variety of planning topics and is the roadmap for future development. California Government Code Section 65300 et seq. provides direction and specifications for the content of the General Plan. The following eight elements are required:
• Land Use
• Circulation
• Conservation
• Open Space
• Noise
• Safety
• Environmental Justice
The elements may be combined or renamed, but basic requirements must be included. An agency may adopt any type of optional element, such as an Economic Element, at its discretion.
Only the Housing Element must be certified by another agency (i.e., HCD), although the State Geologist and CalFire provide some oversight of other aspects.
The City of Visalia General Plan consists of the following Elements:
• Land Use
• Historic Preservation
• Circulation
• Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities
• Open Space and Conservation
• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
• Safety and Noise
Subtopics are included in the elements to meet California’s requirements. The following sections address implementation for each of the County’s General Plan Elements.
Land Use Element
The purpose of the Land Use Element is to present a framework to guide future land use decisions and development in Visalia, while also enhancing community character and improving the city’s look and feel. The element forms the core of the General Plan, and its policies articulate the community’s land use and growth management priorities through 2030.
The element includes the Land Use Diagram, land use classifications, standards for density and intensity, and growth boundaries and phasing. The objectives and policies focus on several distinct areas: economic development; urban boundaries and growth management; rural buffer and edge conditions; community design; infill development incentives; residential neighborhoods; commercial and mixed uses; Downtown and East Downtown; industrial land uses; institutional and civic land uses; and the airport. Together, these policies help define Visalia’s physical development and reinforce its commitment to balancing land use requirements with community needs and economic growth, while also allowing for flexibility in implementation to respond to the real estate market.
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Historic Preservation Element
As the oldest Central Valley city south of Stockton, Visalia hosts an impressive collection of historic sites and structures, including four that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Numerous distinctive architectural styles are present in Visalia, concentrated in the city’s historic core; particularly notable examples are recorded in the city’s local registry.
The Historic Preservation Element features a summary of Visalia’s historic resources and its existing historic district. It presents the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, and identifies other complementary programs, as well as factors that may have the effect of discouraging historic preservation. The Element presents a set of objectives and policies that reflect recommendations of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, as confirmed by the General Plan Update Review Committee (GPURC).
Circulation Element
The Circulation Element of the 2030 General Plan is intended to provide guidance and specific actions to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of Visalia’s circulation system. The Element is based on a fundamental philosophy that traffic conditions in the City can be managed through a comprehensive program of transportation planning, land use planning, and growth management strategies. This Element includes provisions for roadways, transit, aviation, pedestrian, and bicycle transportation modes, as well as parking conditions.
The Circulation Element responds directly to the Government Code [Section 65302(b)], which requires “a circulation element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, any military airports and ports, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan.” State Law recognizes that circulation and land use are closely related and requires that policies in this Element and the Land Use Element be linked. Careful integration of the City’s traffic and circulation policies with its land use policies will ensure that there is sufficient roadway capacity to accommodate traffic generated by planned future development. The City is committed to designing a system of regional routes, local roads, public transit and bicycle and pedestrian pathways that will enhance the community and protect the environment.
The Land Use Element contains policies related to the physical framework for development that the circulation system is designed to serve all transportation users including vehicles, trucks, bicyclists and pedestrians. This Element also addresses landscaping along major streets and planning for street connectivity in new neighborhoods. It discusses how to create pedestrianfriendly environments and design for alternate modes of transportation. The Noise Element of the General Plan includes policies to alleviate noise generated by traffic conditions.
Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities
This element presents Visalia’s policies and programs for the development and maintenance of parks, schools, and other fundamental building blocks for new neighborhoods to be built over the next two decades. As presented in the Land Use Element, new neighborhoods are designed 678
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to protect and enhance community assets, including small town character and a strong sense of community. Policies in this chapter also reinforce the linkages between schools and parks envisioned in the Transportation Element, with roadways, bikeways, trails, safe routes to schools and pedestrian facilities. Finally, this chapter presents objectives and policies for the fire and police services, water supply and conservation, wastewater and solid waste collection, treatment and disposal, and utilities that are essential to support urban development.
Open Space and Conservation Element
The Open Space and Conservation Element establishes policies for the conservation of natural resources in Visalia. The Element addresses open space resources; land resources including farmland and minerals; water resources including groundwater and waterways; biological resources; and cultural and historic resources. Air quality and greenhouse gases are also important environmental issues for the Planning Area and are addressed in Chapter 7.
The City of Visalia defines open space as any parcel of land or body of water that is essentially unimproved and undeveloped or is used for recreation. This includes agricultural land, recreation areas, areas with hazardous conditions, and conservation areas as well as open space to shape and limit urban form. Currently there are approximately 39,760 acres in agricultural use, accounting for 65 percent of all land in the Planning Area. In addition, there are about 400 acres of land in and along waterways or canals, and 1,167 acres of park land.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Element
Visalia is located in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAB). The Air Quality monitoring has been conducted in the SJVAB for many years. While new and innovative pollution controls have made the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) a leader in the rate of improvement, the region is not in attainment for numerous criteria air pollutants and the air basin still has poor air quality. Much of this pollution is attributed to the Valley’s topography, meteorology, two major highways, and intensive agricultural uses. In 2011, the major sources of air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley were heavy duty trucks, other mobile sources, autos and light trucks, and fuel combustion from stationary sources. Ozone and particulate matter are the two largest contributors to the Valley’s poor air quality. The causes and effects of these and other air pollutants are discussed in the next section. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) operates a regional network of air pollution monitoring stations that provide information on ambient concentrations of criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants. In Tulare County, CARB measures certain air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM-2.5). Data is collected at five active air quality stations located in Tulare County. The station in Visalia is on North Church Street
Safety and Noise Element
The purpose of the Safety and Noise Element is to identify the natural and man-made public health and safety hazards that exist within the City, and to establish preventative and responsive policies and programs to mitigate their potential impacts. This Element addresses geologic hazards, flood hazards, hazardous materials, wildfire hazards, and safety services. It also includes policies on natural hazards mitigation planning, which respond to the Federal Disaster Mitigation 679
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Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s implementing regulations and support the County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Airport safety is addressed in the Land Use and Circulation Elements, as well as in the Noise section of this chapter. The purpose of the Noise section is to identify the noise sources that exist within the City, and to establish policies and programs to mitigate their potential impacts through both preventative and responsive measures. The regulation of some noise sources such as railroad operations and aircraft operations is overseen by state and federal agencies. This element has a direct correlation with the land use, circulation, and housing elements. It guides the location of industrial land uses and transportation facilities, since they are common sources of excessive noise levels. This element also guides the location of particularly noise– sensitive uses, such as residences, schools, churches, and hospitals, so that they may be less affected by noise.
III. General Plan and Zoning Code Updates
The City comprehensively updated its General Plan on October 14, 2014. One of the follow-up actions was to update the City’s Zoning Code per the direction provided in the General Plan.
During the past several years staff has been working to update the Zoning Code based primarily on state changes to housing law.
IV. Conclusion
The General Plan is the City’s constitution and guiding vision. Due to the world’s ever-changing nature, upkeep and maintenance of the General Plan is a continuous process. The City implements the General Plan’s vision on a day-to-day basis in its many planning projects and strives to include the public in the decision-making process.
The City provided leadership and participated in many planning activities in 2023, as identified in this report. It continued its project review responsibilities to further the General Plan’s goals, policies, programs, and implementation measures.
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Appendix A
Government Code Section 65400
(a) After the legislative body has adopted all or part of a general plan, the planning agency shall do both of the following:
(1) Investigate and make recommendations to the legislative body regarding reasonable and practical means for implementing the general plan or element of the general plan, so that it will serve as an effective guide for orderly growth and development, preservation and conservation of open-space land and natural resources, and the efficient expenditure of public funds relating to the subjects addressed in the general plan. (2) Provide by April 1 of each year an annual report to the legislative body, the Office of Planning and Research, and the Department of Housing and Community Development that includes all of the following:
(A) The status of the plan and progress in its implementation. (B) The progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs determined pursuant to Section 65584 and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 65583.
The housing element portion of the annual report, as required by this paragraph, shall be prepared through the use of forms and definitions adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2). Prior to and after adoption of the forms, the housing element portion of the annual report shall include a section that describes the actions taken by the local government towards completion of the programs and status of the local government’s compliance with the deadlines in its housing element. That report shall be considered at an annual public meeting before the legislative body where members of the public shall be allowed to provide oral testimony and written comments. The report may include the number of units that have been substantially rehabilitated, converted from non-affordable to affordable by acquisition, and preserved consistent with the standards set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 65583.1. The report shall document how the units meet the standards set forth in that subdivision.
(C) The degree to which its approved general plan complies with the guidelines developed and adopted pursuant to Section 65040.2 and the date of the last revision to the general plan.
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(b) If a court finds, upon a motion to that effect, that a city, county, or city and county failed to submit, within 60 days of the deadline established in this section, the housing element portion of the report required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) that substantially complies with the requirements of this section, the court shall issue an order or judgment compelling compliance with this section within 60 days. If the city, county, or city and county fails to comply with the court’s order within 60 days, the plaintiff or petitioner may move for sanctions, and the court may, upon that motion, grant appropriate sanctions. The court shall retain jurisdiction to ensure that its order or judgment is carried out. If the court determines that its order or judgment is not carried out within 60 days, the court may issue further orders as provided by law to ensure that the purposes and policies of this section are fulfilled. This subdivision applies to proceedings initiated on or after the first day of October following the adoption of forms and definitions by the Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), but no sooner than six months following that adoption.
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Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0521 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 6.
General Plan reserve area appropriation and contract award - Appropriate an additional $25,000 from the General Fund and authorize the City Manager to award the contract for professional services for preparation of reserve area land use designations, specific plan for potential industrial land uses and program environmental impact report to QK, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $491, 517.
Deadline for Action: 01/20/2026
Submitting Department: Planning and Community Preservation Contact Name and Phone Number:
Jarred Olsen, Principal Planner, [email protected], (559) 713-4449; Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, [email protected], (559) 713-4190; Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, [email protected], (559) 713- 4025
Department Recommendation:
Appropriate an additional $25,000 to CIP0671, in anticipation for the preparation of a Water Supply Assessment (WSA) that will need to be prepared by Cal Water’s consultant, and authorize the City Manager to award the contract for Request for Proposals (RFP) 24-25-55 - “Professional Services for Preparation of Reserve Area Land Use Designations, Specific Plan for Potential Industrial Land Uses and Program Environmental Impact Report” (herein referred to as “RFP No. 24-25-55”) to QK, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $491,517 (Capital Improvement Project (CIP) #CP0671). Please note, QK, Inc., fee schedule includes an optional fee/task in the amount of $7,000 for the preparation of a Water Supply Assessment (WSA), should the California Water Service (“Cal Water”) allow the City (or its consultant) to prepare a WSA; however, Cal Water is not obligated to permit the preparation of the WSA by the City’s consultant and thus may require the preparation of the WSA by their own consultant.
Summary:
In February 2025, the City Council received a presentation on the results of the industrial land inventory analysis (ILIA). One of the main recommendations of the ILIA was to designate 405 acres of additional industrial land within the reserve area located near State Route (SR) 99 and Caldwell and SR99, to help address the anticipated shortfall of available industrial development space through 2033 and ensure the City could continue to realize industrial development opportunities. The reserve area is particularly suitable for this designation due to its proximity to SR99 and the Caldwell Avenue interchange, enhancing transportation connectivity. In addition to the ILIA, there is extensive interest from property owners who own property in the reserve area who are seeking to develop their property with urban uses, which resulted in two development considerations submitted through the Visalia City Council Page 1 of 5 Printed on 1/15/2026
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File #: 25-0521 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 6.
property with urban uses, which resulted in two development considerations submitted through the County of Tulare’s land review process due to this area not having designated land uses under Visalia’s General Plan.
Based on the interest in the area, the City Council received a presentation and report on the reserve area and appropriated monies towards CP0671 to hire a consultant to help with identifying and establishing land use designations for the reserve area, preparing the appropriate environmental document, and updating the General Plan. This resulted in the City issuing a corresponding RFP.
Discussion:
At the February 18th City Council meeting, Council appropriated funds and directed staff to hire a consultant to help with identifying and establishing land use designations for the Reserve area and update the General Plan and issue a corresponding RFP.
RFP No. 24-25-55 was advertised beginning July 11, 2025, and closed on August 21, 2025. The project received the following four proposals:
· QK, Inc. - Visalia, CA
· Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group - Clovis, CA
· 4Creeks, Inc. - Visalia, CA
· Precision Engineering, Inc. - Fresno, CA
Proposals were evaluated based on the following criteria:
· Merit of Proposals Submittal / Presentation (15 points) o Proposal thoroughness
· Knowledge and Expertise of Personnel/Firm (25 points) o Capability of personnel
o Firm qualifications and experience
o Knowledge and expertise in preparation of comprehensive specific plans and zoning codes
o Knowledge of contemporary CEQA practices and environmental issues · Understanding of Project (25 points)
o Knowledge of project and requirements
o Ability and resources to develop a detailed, professional, and technically sound specific plan and Program EIR, and establish land use designations in accordance with State law
· Record of Past Performance (25 points)
o References
o Ability to work effectively with City staff, other public agencies and related parties. o Demonstrated ability to complete work tasks within project timelines and budget.
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File #: 25-0521 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 6.
o Satisfactory record of ability to perform on similar projects o Project work in Tulare, Kings, and southern Fresno counties · Timeline (5 points)
o Demonstrated efficient and flexible allocation of time resources focused on completing the tasks within the City’s timeframes
· Local Knowledge Preference (5 points)
o Familiarity with the City of Visalia, its policies, ordinances, and procedures QK’s proposal was determined to be the most qualified for this project based upon the aforementioned criteria, and as a result, staff recommends that the City Council award a contract to QK, Inc. and their project team, which includes project partners Bollard Acoustical Consultants, Kosmont Companies, and Yamabe & Horn Engineering, Inc. QK, Inc. and its team, as part of its scope of work [Exhibit “A” of the Agreement (Attachment 3)] will identify the following items and conduct the following services in coordination with appropriate City staff:
· Public outreach via social media and study sessions with Planning Commission and City Council.
· Preparation of land use and circulation alternatives and preparation of a fiscal analysis report, for approval by Council.
· Preparation of an Industrial Specific Plan, with design standards, wastewater and water system diagrams.
· Preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and its technical studies, with focus on air quality, biological and cultural resources, greenhouse gases, noise, and traffic.
Upon reviewing the fees proposed by QK, Inc. [Exhibit “B” of the agreement (attachment 3], staff found that the fee was higher than what was previously appropriated by Council on February 8th.
Several questions were asked during the proposers’ conference with regards to flexibility on the budget. Given recent legal challenges to industrial projects, and the recent adoption of Assembly Bill 98 (2024), the necessity for more technical studies and additional environmental review justifies the additional cost. QK’s tasks will be performed at a fixed cost, ensuring that cost overruns for in-scope work would not occur. Additionally, some of these technical studies needed for preparation can be reused in a future General Plan update. Lastly, City staff intend to prepare a Specific Plan implementation fee that would be imposed on development within the Specific Plan that would reimburse the City for the Specific Plan area’s fair share of this effort’s costs, which would over time reduce the City’s cost burden.
In addition to the QK contract, Cal Water is required by California law to prepare a WSA for the project. Based on correspondence with applicants whose own projects required the preparation of a WSA, it is anticipated that an additional $40,000 will be needed in order for Cal Water’s consultant to prepare the WSA. While QK is capable of preparing a WSA for significantly less than what is estimated by Cal Water. Nevertheless, as good stewards of taxpayer dollars and its preference for local firms, staff will work diligently to keep costs down by discussing with Cal Water the ability to use local firms. The proposed agreement with QK includes a WSA as an optional task, should the opportunity arise.
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File #: 25-0521 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 6.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval of staff’s recommendation would appropriate an additional $25,000 from the General Fund specifically for this project. A total of $500,000 is currently budgeted in the CIP under CP0671. As mentioned above, City staff intend to recover some of these funds through an implementation fee that would be imposed on development within the Industrial Specific Plan area.
Prior Council Action:
· On June 10, 2022, the City Council approved the budget for FY 2022/23 and 2023/24, which included $60,000 for the preparation of the ILIA (CIP #CP0536) and $150,000 towards funding for the reserve area (#CP0532). Funds from CP0532 were transferred to CP0671. · On July 17, 2023, the City Council awarded a contract to 4Creeks, Inc. in an amount of $60,000 for the preparation of an ILIA (CIP #CP0536).
· On June 17, 2024, the City Council approved the budget for FY 2024/25 and 2025/26, which included CP0671 and appropriated $130,000 towards it.
· On February 3, 2025, the City Council received the ILIA report and requested staff to come back to discuss potentially proceeding with the recommendations of the report. · On February 18, 2025, the City Council received the report on the reserve area and appropriated an additional $170,000 towards CP0671 to hire a consultant to help with identifying and establishing land use designations for the reserve area and update the General Plan and issue a corresponding RFP.
Other: N/A
Alternatives:
The City Council may, in lieu of the recommendation, consider any of the following alternatives:
1. May elect not to appropriate additional funds nor award the contract for RFP No. 24-25-55.
2. Continue the matter to a future City Council hearing for additional information per Council direction.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I move to authorize the appropriation of an additional $25,000 from the General Fund and authorize the City Manager to award the contract for professional services for preparation of reserve area land use designations, specific plan for potential industrial land uses, and program environmental impact report to QK, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $491,517.
Environmental Assessment Status: This item is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code sections 21000 et seq. (“CEQA”) and 14 Cal. Code Re. sections 15000 et seq. (“CEQA Guidelines”). The analysis conducted is not for any particular project or action that would result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment.
Attachments:
1. RFP No. 24-25-55
2. Addendum 1 to RFP No. 24-25-55
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File #: 25-0521 Agenda Date: 1/20/2026 Agenda #: 6.
3. Agreement with Scope of Work and Fees
4. Ownership Disclosure
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RFP No. 24-25-55
Preparation of Reserve Area Land Use Plan, Specific Plan for Potential Industrial Lands, and Program Environmental Impact Report