Emergency Management Performance Grants Program
Grant: Emergency Management Performance Grants Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Division: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Deadline: June 24, 2013
Description: The Emergency Management Performance Grants Program (EMPG) supports states in their effort to improve preparedness for all hazards on the state, local, tribal and territorial level. FEMA provides necessary direction, coordination and guidance so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards. The awards made focus on the planning, operations, equipment acquisitions, training, exercises, and construction and renovation in enhancing and sustaining emergency management capabilities. In FY 2013, focus is placed on projects using a whole community approach rather than the exclusive effort of any single organization or level of government.
The program guidelines state that funds may be used for the development and/or enhancement of evacuation plans, including plans for alerts/warnings, crisis communications, pre-positioning of equipment for areas potentially impacted by mass evacuations sheltering and re-entry. The purchase of telecommunications equipment to carry out emergency alert and warning activities could fall within these budget parameters.
Applicants wishing to develop or improve emergency communications activities should comply with the FY 2013 SAFECOM Guidance for Emergency Communication Grants. Emergency communications activities include the purchase of interoperable communications equipment and technologies such as voice-over-internet protocol bridging or gateway devices, or equipment to support the build out of wireless broadband networks.
Be sure to review the program notice for more specific details. Please note the EMPG is a formula grant program where funds go directly to a state and/or region. Interested stations must contact their State Administrative Agency (SSA) to find out whether they can play a role.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: Stations will find a natural fit as partners here. As key communicators in the community, stations can work with state agencies to improve emergency alert and communication efforts on the local and/or state level. DHS strongly encourages the use of partnerships through their “Whole Community” approach to security and emergency management, looking for a collaborative effort to improve the community’s overall well-being. Stations with experience, or an interest in public alerts and warnings should reach out to their State Administrative Agency to partner.
Eligibility: Stations cannot apply directly to this program. Only State Administrative Agencies are eligible to apply. FEMA will accept one application from each state or territory. All 56 states and territories, as well as the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, are eligible to apply for the FY 2013 EMPG Program funds. A full listing and point of contact for each SSA is provided, here.
Anticipated Funding: The EMPG is a formula grant program that goes directly to a state and/or region. In 2013 a total of $332,456,012 was allocated. A full list of the breakdown of allocated funds by state can be found in Appendix A of the Program Notice. These numbers are the maximum amount states are eligible to receive under this program. They do not illustrate the final amount states actually received.
All grants awarded must not exceed 50 percent of the total budget. A cash or in-kind match is required.
How to Apply: Applicants are required to submit a Standard Form 424 via Grants.gov to determine eligibility no later than June 17, 2013. Once eligibility has been verified, applicants must submit the full application package via the Non Disaster (ND) Grants system through FEMA. Applicants are encouraged to begin their ND Grants registration when the solicitation is announced to ensure they have adequate time to start and complete their application submission. If you need assistance registering for the ND Grants system please contact ndgrants@fema.gov or (800) 865-4076.
Resources:
Program Notice
Program Website
SAA Point of Contact Resource
Office of Emergency Communications FY13 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants
