U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
Washington, DC 20528 


Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Interoperable Emergency Communications 
Grant Program (IECGP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. 
What is the purpose of the FY 2010 Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant 
Program (IECGP)? 
The purpose of the FY 2010 IECGP is to improve interoperable emergency communications 
capabilities across states, territories, local and tribal governments and support the 
implementation of the Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans (SCIP). All 
activities proposed under IECGP must be integral to interoperable emergency 
communications and must be aligned with the goals, objectives and initiatives identified in 
the approved SCIPs. IECGP will also advance the DHS’ near-term priorities that are deemed 
critical to improving interoperable emergency communications and are consistent with the 
goals and objectives of the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP). 

2. 
How much funding is available under the FY 2010 IECGP? 
The total amount of funds to be distributed under the FY 2010 IECGP is $48 million. 

3. 
What are the priorities for the FY 2010 IECGP? 
For FY 2010, two priority groups were identified that are deemed critical for advancing 
interoperable emergency communications in alignment with the criteria established for the 
SCIP process: 1) Gaps in Leadership and Governance and Common Operational Planning 
and Protocols; and 2) Emergency Responder Skills and Capabilities Development through 
Training and Exercises. If a State Administrative Agency (SAA) certified that its state or 
territory has fulfilled all of the objectives of Priority Groups 1 and 2, the program provides 
the flexibility to purchase interoperable communications equipment with any remaining 
IECGP funds. 

4. 
Who was eligible to apply for FY 2010 IECGP funds? 
Eligible applicants to apply for and administer funds under the FY 2010 IECGP were SAAs 
for all 56 states, territories and the District of Columbia. SAAs will be responsible for 
obligating funds to the appropriate local units of government or other designated recipients. 

5. 
How were the FY 2010 IECGP awards determined? 
The allocation methodology for IECGP is determined by the legislation that created the grant 
program. Per the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, all 

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50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will receive a 
minimum of 0.50 percent of the total funds allocated. Four territories (American Samoa, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will 
receive a minimum allocation of 0.08 percent of the total funds allocated. The remainder of 
the funds will be based upon a risk methodology. 

6. 
What legislation authorized funding for the FY 2010 IECGP? 
The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-83) 
provided funding for this program. 

7. 
Where is the FY 2010 IECGP Guidance and Application Kit located? 
The FY 2010 IECGP Guidance and Application Kit is located online at 
http://www.fema.gov/grants as well as on www.grants.gov. 


8. 
What other resources are available to address programmatic, technical, and financial 
questions? 
. 
For additional program-specific information, please contact the Centralized 
Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) help line at (800) 368-6498 or 
askcsid@dhs.gov. CSID hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, 
Monday through Friday. 

. 
For financial-related questions, including pre-and post-award administration and 
technical assistance, applicants may contact the FEMA Grant Programs Directorate 
Call Center at (866) 927-5646 or via e-mail to ASK-GMD@dhs.gov. 

9. 
What is the FY 2010 IECGP period of performance? 
The period of performance of this grant program is 36 months. 

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