FY 2010 Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP)

Overview
As appropriated by the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-83) and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. §101 et seq.), the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) provides funding for the protection of National Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKRs) from terrorist attacks and natural disasters.  Grant funded assistance was provided to State and Local Governments, for Equipment acquisition and Support planning to develop Buffer Zones. 
All Buffer Zones extend outward from the CIKRs and support the deployment of actionable prevention and protective measures.  The BZPP is representative of the infrastructure security focus that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had for FY 2010.  The BZPP is just one of the  comprehensive tools authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to help strengthen the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. 

Funding
In FY 2010, the total amount of funding distributed under this grant program was $48 million.  The FY 2010 BZPP funds were allocated based the same methodology used in previous years.  Tier 1 and Tier 2 assets have been prioritized, and funds are being systematically applied to address the list of assets supported by the BZPP.  The specific sites and their locations are sensitive and DHS has directly contacted each State with information regarding the identity and location, as well as funding amounts of the selected high-risk sites in their area.  

Eligibility
Applicants eligible to apply for and administer funds under the FY 2011 BZPP were State Administrative Agencies (SAAs).  SAAs were responsible for obligating funds to the appropriate local units of government or other designated recipients.  The SAA coordinated all BZPP activities with their respective State Homeland Security Advisor (HSA).

Allowable Costs
FY 2010 BZPP allowable costs focused on planning and equipment acquisition to increase the preparedness capabilities of jurisdictions responsible for the safety and security of communities surrounding high-priority pre-designated Tier 1 and Tier 2 CIKR assets, including chemical facilities, financial institutions, nuclear and electric power plants, dams, stadiums, and other high-risk/high-consequence facilities.  See published FEMA BZPP Grant Guidance and Information Bulletins for more detailed information. The period of performance for BZPP is 36 months from the date of award.  

Application Process and Evaluation Criteria
Applications were evaluated through a Federal review process for completeness, adherence to programmatic guidelines, feasibility, and how well the proposed VRPP expenditures address the identified need(s), vulnerabilities, or capability shortfall(s).  The VRPP requires narrative on overall strategic alignment with State Homeland Security Strategies and the NIPP, impact and sustainability, and support for the national priorities and target capabilities.  These criteria will be used to evaluate the anticipated effectiveness of all proposed expenditures.  
The following process was used to provide final approval to BZPs and VRPPs submitted under the FY 2010 BZPP: 
* FEMA verified compliance with all administrative and eligibility criteria identified in the application kit. 
* IP provided a technical review via subject matter expert to ensure all of the identified need(s), vulnerabilities, or capability shortfall(s) were addressed.
* FEMA evaluated the narrative provided within the VRPP for overall strategic alignment with State Homeland Security Strategies and the NIPP, impact and sustainability, support for the national priorities and target capabilities, and equipment allowability.



“FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”
 


“FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”