FY25 IPR NOFO-FACT-SHEET [https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fy25-ipr-nofo-fact-sheet] Release Date: Aug 13, 2025 THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Fiscal Year 2025 Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) 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. A. Agency Name. B. NOFO Title. C. Announcement Type. D. Funding Opportunity Number E. Assistance Listing Number F. Expected Total Funding. G. Anticipated Number of Awards. H. Expected Award Range. I. Projected Application Start Date. J. Projected Application End Date. K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date. L. Anticipated Award Date. M. Projected Period of Performance Start Date. N. Projected Period of Performance End Date. O. Executive Summary. P. Agency Contact 2. Eligibility. A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types. B. Project Type Eligibility. C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties. D. Maximum Number of Applications. E. Additional Restrictions. F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO. G. Cost Sharing Requirement H. Cost Share Description, Type and Restrictions. I. Cost Sharing Calculation Example. J. Required information for verifying Cost Share. 3. Program Description. A.    Background, Program Purpose, and Program History. B. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities. C. Program Rationale. D. Federal Assistance Type. E. Performance Measures and Targets. F. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs. G. General Funding Requirements. H. Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administrative Costs) I. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs. J. Pre-Award Costs. K. Beneficiary Eligibility. L. Participant Eligibility. M. Authorizing Authority. Appropriation Authority. N. Budget Period. O. Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services. 4. Application Contents and Format A.    Pre-Application, Letter of Intent, and Whitepapers. Application Content and Format C. Application Components. D.   Program-Specific Required Documents and Information. Post-Application Requirements for Successful Applicants. 5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines. A.   Address to Request Application Package. B.   Application Deadline. C.   Pre-Application Requirements Deadline. D.   Post-Application Requirements Deadline. E.   Effects of Missing the Deadline. 6. Intergovernmental Review. A.   Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact 7. Application Review Information. A. Threshold Criteria. B.   Application Criteria. C.   Financial Integrity Criteria. D.   Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review. E.   Reviewers and Reviewer Selection. F.   Merit Review Process. G.  Final Selection. 8. Award Notices. A.   Notice of Award. B.   Pass-Through Requirements. C.   Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs. D.   Obligation of Funds. E.   Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants. 9. Post-Award Requirements and Administration. A.   Administrative and National Policy Requirements. B.   DHS Standard Terms and Conditions. C.   Financial Reporting Requirements. D.   Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements. E.   Closeout Reporting Requirements. F.   Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R.  180.335. G.  Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance. H.  Single Audit Report I.    Monitoring and Oversight J.    Program Evaluation. K.  Additional Performance Reporting Requirements. L.   Termination of the Federal Award. M.  Best Practices. N.   Payment Information. O.  Immigration Conditions. 10.OTHER INFORMATION. A.   Period of Performance Extension. B.   Other Information. 11. APPENDIX A: ALLOWABLE COSTS. A. Planning. B. Operational Activities. C.   Equipment and Capital Projects. D.   Training and Awareness Campaigns. E.   Exercises. F.   Construction and Renovation. G.  Backfill, Overtime, and Hiring. H.  Travel I.    Maintenance and Sustainment J.    Excess Funds. 1. BASIC INFORMATION A. Agency Name U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) B. NOFO Title Fiscal Year 2025 Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) Program C. Announcement Type Initial D. Funding Opportunity Number DHS-25-GPD-157-00-98 E. Assistance Listing Number 97.157 F. Expected Total Funding $9,000,000 G. Anticipated Number of Awards 1 award H. Expected Award Range $9,000,000 I. Projected Application Start Date 08/01/2025 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) J. Projected Application End Date 08/15/2025 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) K. Anticipated Funding Selection Date No later than August 23, 2025 L. Anticipated Award Date No later than September 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 The IPR provides funds to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. P. Agency Contact A. _PROGRAM OFFICE CONTACT_ FEMA has assigned a Preparedness Officer for the IPR. If you do not know your Preparedness Officer, please contact please contact FEMA Grants News by phone at (800) 368-6498 or by email at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 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-news@fema.dhs.gov. OR (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET. C. _GRANT PROGRAMS DIRECTORATE (GPD) AWARD ADMINISTRATION DIVISION_ GPD's Award Administration Division (AAD) provides support regarding financial matters and budgetary technical assistance. AAD can be contacted at ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov. 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-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov. F. _ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION_ The FEMA Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (OEHP) provides guidance and information about the 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-NOFOQuestions@fema.dhs.gov. H. _FEMA GO_ For technical assistance with the FEMA GO system, please contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at femago@fema.dhs.gov. or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET. I. _FEMA PREPAREDNESS TOOLKIT_ The FEMA Preparedness Toolkit [https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/] (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 support@preptoolkit.fema.dhs.gov. 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. [https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291] 2. ELIGIBILITY A. Eligible Entities/Entity Types Only the following entities or entity types are eligible to apply. A. _APPLICANTS_ 1. Eligible Applicants The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) is the only eligible entity per the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-4, § 1101. 2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria Sections 1512 and 1513 of the _Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007_ (6 U.S.C. §§ 1162 and 1163) require a recipient to complete a vulnerability assessment and develop a security plan. To be eligible for the FY 2025 IPR, Amtrak must have developed, or updated, its security plan. The security plan must be based on a security assessment, such as the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement, which is performed by TSA's Transportation Security Inspectors-Surface. This security assessment must have been conducted within the last three years prior to receiving the FY 2025 IPR award. A copy of the security plan and security assessment must be provided to DHS/FEMA upon request. Please see the Preparedness Grants Manual [https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual] for more information on security plan requirements. Amtrak, in receiving funds through this program, must participate in Regional Transit Security Working Groups (RTSWGs) in participating urban areas. The RTSWG should serve as the forum for regional partners to discuss risk, planning efforts, and mitigation strategies. These discussions should be held regardless of funding to continue enhancing the overall security of the region. Regional working groups are a best practice for enhancing security and are encouraged for all jurisdictions. B. _SUBAPPLICANTS_ Subapplicants and subawards are not allowed. B. Project Type Eligibility A. _UNALLOWABLE PROJECT TYPES_ See Section 3.F "Program-Specific Unallowable Costs" for more information on unallowable project types. B. _ALLOWABLE PROJECT TYPES_ Costs generally need to fit within one of the categories listed below to be allowable under this program. Specific investments made in support of the NOFO funding priorities generally fall into one of the following allowable cost categories: * Planning * Operational Activities * Equipment and Capital Projects * Training and Awareness Campaigns * Exercises Please see the Appendix A: Allowable Costs for more information on these allowable categories. The manual also contains additional information on unallowable costs and excess funds. Applicants who have questions about whether a cost is allowable under this program should contact their 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, PERSONNEL, OFFICIAL, STAFF OR LEADERSHIP of the non-federal entity; and 2) DULY AUTHORIZED TO APPLY for an award on behalf of the non-federal entity at the time of application. Further, the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and Signatory Authority (SA) must be a duly authorized current employee, personnel, official, staff or leadership of the recipient and PROVIDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS UNIQUE TO THE RECIPIENT AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION AND UPON ANY CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT DURING THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE_. CONSULTANTS OR CONTRACTORS OF THE RECIPIENT ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE THE AOR OR THE SA OF THE RECIPIENT._ IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RECIPIENT TO KEEP THEIR POINTS OF CONTACT FOR THE ORGANIZATION UP-TO-DATE AND ACCURATE IN ALL FEDERAL SYSTEMS. The AOR is responsible for submitting programmatic and financial performance reports, accepting award packages, signing assurances and certifications, and submitting award amendments. D. Maximum Number of Applications The maximum number of applications that can be submitted is: 1. 1 per Applicant _ _ E. Additional Restrictions A. NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) IMPLEMENTATION Prior to allocation of any federal preparedness awards, recipients must ensure and maintain adoption and implementation of NIMS. 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 [https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291] for more information on NIMS. F. References for Eligibility Factors within the NOFO Please see the following references provided below: 1. "Programmatic 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 _ _ J. Required information for verifying Cost Share Not applicable   3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION A. Background, Program Purpose, and Program History The Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) - Amtrak program is one of four grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMA's focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the Nation's critical infrastructure against potential terrorist attacks. The IPR provides funds to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. Examples of recent IPR accomplishments include successfully executed full-scale and tabletop exercises building upon the outcomes of previously funded exercises with a focus on response plans, policies, and procedures. Additional examples of IPR accomplishments include efforts to increase security awareness through public campaigns (e.g., Text-a-Tip, passenger security awareness videos displayed through kiosks, etc.), as well providing training for law enforcement personnel focusing on railroad infrastructure and counter-terrorism. DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration in building a national mindset of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other threats to our national security. DHS and its homeland security mission were born from the "failures among federal agencies and between the federal agencies and state and local authorities to share critical information related to the threat of terrorism" prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks. However, the threat profile has changed in the past two decades. We now face continuous cyberattacks by sophisticated actors, as well as ongoing threats to soft targets and crowded places, such as intercity passenger rail infrastructure. The IPR reflects DHS's commitment to risk-informed investment, collaboration, and resilience. To ensure that priorities reflect the current threat environment, FEMA's Preparedness Grant Programs are guided by annually designated National Priority Areas (NPAs). The FY 2025 NPAs are: a. Enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places, i. This includes faith-based organizations and election sites; b. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers; c. Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency; d. Enhancing election security; and e. Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement. i. 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 States immigration law. For FY 2025, the Administration encourages applicants to propose innovative solutions that support the broader homeland security mission reflected in the NPAs, as applicable. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed projects address an NPA and how they align with the stated purpose and objectives of this NOFO. For FY 2024, one application was received and one approved for funding. Amtrak is the only permitted recipient for this grant. B. Goals, Objectives, and Priorities Goals: Strengthen the nation's critical transportation infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. Objectives: IPR achieves this goal through the following objectives: * Building and sustaining core capabilities (identified in the National Preparedness Goal) relevant to transit security and annual NPAs. * Continuously engaging in a process of effective emergency related planning, exercising, and training. Using this cycle to test plans, validate capabilities and identify gaps, inform investments, and continuously update plans to reflect organizational changes, as well as findings from exercises and real-world events. Priorities: Given the evolving threat landscape, it is incumbent upon DHS/FEMA to continuously evaluate the national risk profile and set priorities that help ensure appropriate allocation of scarce security dollars. The FY 2025 NPAs reflect FEMA's broader mission across all preparedness efforts. Applicants should be familiar with these NPAs, as they represent DHS's current focus areas and may shape future guidance: a. Enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places, i. This includes faith-based organizations and election sites; b. Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and fusion centers; c. Enhancing and integrating cybersecurity resiliency; d. Enhancing election security; and e. Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement. ii. 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 States immigration law. Enduring needs include: * Effective planning * Training and awareness campaigns * Equipment and capital projects * Exercises * Is funding provided directly or indirectly to a subrecipient? A. Planning Relevant program funds may be used for the following types of planning activities: 1. Development and enhancement of system-wide security risk management plans that ensure the continuity of essential functions, to include cybersecurity; 2. Development or further strengthening of continuity plans, response plans, station action plans, risk assessments, and asset-specific remediation plans; 3. Development or further strengthening of security assessments, including multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional partnerships and conferences to facilitate planning activities; 4. Hiring of full or part-time staff and contractors or consultants to assist with planning activities only to the extent that such expenses are for the allowable activities within the scope of the grant (not for the purpose of hiring public safety personnel); hiring of contractors/consultants must follow the applicable federal procurement requirements at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327; 5. Materials required to conduct planning activities; 6. Conducting risk and resilience assessments on increasingly connected cyber and physical systems, on which security depends, using the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework [http://www.cisa.gov/idr-program] and related Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) resources; 7. Planning activities related to alert and warning capabilities; and 8. Other project planning activities with prior approval from FEMA. B. Operational Activities FEMA encourages applicants to develop innovative operational approaches to enhance the security of transit systems. Projects that use visible, unpredictable deterrence, to include OPacks dealing with explosive detection canine teams, mobile screening teams, and anti-terrorism teams, directly support enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places. Implementation of one of the three OPack models discussed below complements existing security systems and provides an appropriate, practical, and cost-effective means of protecting assets. Agencies may submit IJ to fund transit security police forces/law enforcement providers for patrols and activities on overtime, such as directed patrols, additional canine teams, mobile screening teams, or anti-terrorism team patrols. These activities must be dedicated to the transit environment and must be anti-terrorism in nature. Agencies must identify the type of activity, length of operation (hours), number of personnel, and cost based on length of operation and personnel. Agencies should also provide a risk-based justification for the request, to include linkage to a known event, such as hosting a significant regional sporting or political event; or a period of heightened awareness, such as a national holiday. Three OPack types have been developed to support operational activities and are available for funding under the IPR Program. * EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINE TEAMS (EDCTS). When combined with the existing capability of a transit security/police force, the added value provided through the addition of an EDCT is significant. EDCTs are a proven, reliable resource to detect explosives and are a key component in a balanced counter-sabotage program. The IPR Program will provide funds to establish dedicated security/police force canine teams. Each canine team will be composed of one dog and one handler. * ANTI-TERRORISM TEAMS (ATTS). The ATT capability provided through the IPR Program funding is for uniformed, dedicated transit patrols on a normal operational basis, rather than using teams only for a surge capacity as provided by FEMA in the past. ATTs do not supersede other local transit security forces; rather, they augment current capabilities. Each ATT will consist of four individuals, including two overt elements (e.g., uniformed transit sector law enforcement officer, canine team, mobile explosive screeners), and two discreet observer elements. * MOBILE EXPLOSIVE SCREENING TEAMS (MESTS). The MEST OPack will allow recipients the flexibility to deploy combinations of certified explosive ordinance technicians with mobile explosive screening technologies, including during local National Special Security Events. This screening technology will be coupled with mobile explosive screening technologies. Each MEST should have a minimum of two members and one mobile explosive screening apparatus. _Note: Funds for canine teams may not be used to fund drug detection and apprehension technique training. Only explosives detection training for the canine teams will be funded._ _ _ [Text Box: Five-Year Security Capital Plan and Operational Sustainment Applicant requests for OPack funding must include the submission of a Five-Year Security Capital and Operational Sustainment Plan in FEMA GO. This plan must include how the agency proposes to implement capital projects and demonstrate how the agency will sustain the operational investments (including officers hired with federal funding) and capabilities after grant funding has been expended. Requests for OPacks will not be funded if the applicant does not have a Security Capital and Operational Sustainment Plan. ] A. FUNDING AVAILABILITY FOR OPACKS OPacks have the potential to be funded for up to 36-months from the award date. The monetary figures presented below are stated in terms of cost per period of performance (which indicates actual/complete funding for a 36-month period). Additionally, any OPack costs after the period of performance (including expenses related to the maintenance, personnel, equipment, etc.) are the responsibility of the applicable transit system. Additional funding may be applied for in future grant cycles to maintain this operational capability, but future funding is not guaranteed and requires approval. If these positions are not sustained, the public transportation agency may not be eligible for this personnel support in the future. The table below identifies the maximum funding available for the different OPack types. AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR OPACKS OPERATIONAL PACKAGE MAXIMUM FUNDING PER YEAR (12 MONTHS) MAXIMUM FUNDING PER PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (36 MONTHS) EDCT $150,000 per team $450,000 per team ATT $500,000 per team $1,500,000 per team MEST $600,000 per team $1,800,000 per team B. OPACK REQUIREMENT IPR OPack funds may be used for new positions or to sustain existing capabilities/programs (e.g., canine teams) already supported by the recipient. Applicants submitting IJs for both new OPacks and sustainment funding for existing OPacks must indicate in their IJs which funding the higher priority for their agency is. Additionally, applicants must provide the number of existing teams (EDCT, ATT, and MEST) already in place, regardless of how they are funded (e.g., in-house funding or IPR grant funding). The below table identifies specific OPack requirements. OPACK REQUIREMENTS OPERATIONAL PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS Explosives Detection Canine Teams (EDCTs) Please refer to the Preparedness Grants Manual [https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual] for detailed information regarding EDCTs for the IPR Program. Anti-Terrorism Teams (ATT) Specific for the Canine Team within the ATT: * Each canine team, composed of one dog and one handler, must be certified by an appropriate, qualified organization; * Canines should receive an initial basic training course and also weekly maintenance training sessions thereafter to maintain the certification; * The basic training averages 10 weeks for the team, with weekly training and daily exercising; (comparable training and certification standards, such as those promulgated by the TSA Explosives Detection Canine Program, the National Police Canine Association (NPCA), the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA), or the International Explosive Detection Dog Association (IEDDA) may be used to meet this requirement); * The individuals hired for the covert and overt elements must be properly trained law enforcement officers; and * Certifications should be on file with the recipient and must be made available to FEMA upon request. Mobile Explosives Screening Team (MEST) Certifications should be on file with the recipient and must be made available to FEMA upon request C. ALLOWABLE EXPENSES FOR OPACKS The below table identifies allowable expenses for the various OPacks. Please see the inserted notes for clarification of certain allowable costs. ALLOWABLE EXPENSES FOR OPACKS OPERATIONAL PACKAGE SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION EQUIPMENT COSTS PURCHASE AND TRAIN A CANINE CANINE COSTS B 1) EDCT a ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ c ✓ 2) ATT ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3) MEST ✓ ✓ d a Travel costs associated with training for personnel, handlers, and canines are allowable b Canine costs include but are not limited to veterinary, housing, and feeding costs c One type of allowable training is training specific to the detection of common explosives odors d Equipment and other costs can include but are not limited to explosives detection; stainless steel search tables; consumables such as gloves, swabs, and alcohol; and land mobile radios C. Equipment and Capital Projects Priority projects include TTAL risk remediation and protection of other high-risk, high-consequence areas or systems that have been identified through system-wide risk assessments. These costs include:   1. Projects related to physical security enhancements at rail stations, including security cameras, security screening equipment for people and baggage, and access control (e.g., fences, gates, barriers, etc.); and 2. Projects related to cybersecurity of access control, sensors, security cameras, badge/ID readers, Industrial Control Systems (ICS)/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, process monitors and controls, etc. or passenger/vehicle/cargo security screening equipment support. Cybersecurity assessments are allowable. A. EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION Program funds may be used for the following categories of equipment. A comprehensive listing of allowable equipment categories and types is found in the Authorized Equipment List [http://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list] (AEL). [http://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list] These costs include: 1. Personal protective equipment; * Explosive device mitigation and remediation equipment; * Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) operational search and rescue equipment, logistical support equipment, reference materials, or incident response vehicles * Interoperable communications equipment, including alert and warning capabilities; * Components or systems needed to address flaws in the computerized systems that control generators, switching stations, and electrical substations as well as other threats to infrastructure critical to the U.S. economy; * Detection Equipment; * Power equipment; * Terrorism incident prevention equipment; and * Physical security enhancement equipment. Recipients and subrecipients may purchase equipment not listed on the AEL, but ONLY if they first seek and obtain PRIOR APPROVAL from FEMA. Additional information on controlled equipment is pending publication. Please visit FEMA's website for current and upcoming guidance. Unless otherwise noted, equipment must be certified as meeting required regulatory and FEMA-adopted standards to be eligible for purchase using program funds. Equipment must comply with the _Occupational Safety and Health Act_ requirement for certification of electrical equipment by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and demonstrate compliance with relevant FEMA-adopted standards through a supplier's declaration of conformity with appropriate supporting data and documentation per International Organization for Standardization/International Electro-technical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17050, Parts One and Two. Agencies must have all necessary certifications and licenses for the requested equipment, as appropriate, prior its purchase. DHS adopted standards are found at DHS Implementation Statement Regarding Standard Terms and Conditions for Research Grants | Homeland Security [https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-implementation-statement-regarding-standard-terms-and-conditions-research-grants]. In addition, recipients that are using IPR funds to support emergency communications equipment activities must comply with the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants [https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/funding], including provisions on technical standards that ensure and enhance interoperable communications. For more information about SAFECOM, see the Preparedness Grants Manual [https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual]. B. REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (SUAS) For information on sUAS allowability, please see the Preparedness Grants Manual [https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291]. C. CYBERSECURITY PROJECTS Program funds may be used for projects that enhance the cybersecurity of: Access controls, sensors, security cameras, badge/ID readers, ICS/SCADA systems, process monitors and controls (such as firewalls, network segmentation, predictive security cloud, etc.); and passenger/vehicle/cargo security screening equipment (cybersecurity assessments are allowable). When requesting funds for cybersecurity, applicants are encouraged to propose projects that would aid in implementation of all or part of the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, Version 1.1 [https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework] (the "Framework") developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Framework gathers existing international standards and practices to help organizations understand, communicate, and manage their cyber risks. For organizations that do not know where to start with developing a cybersecurity program, the Framework provides initial guidance. For organizations with more advanced practices, the Framework offers a way to improve their programs, such as better communication with their leadership and suppliers about management of cyber risks. DHS's Enhanced Cybersecurity Services (ECS) program is an example of a resource that assists in protecting U.S.-based public and private entities and combines key elements of capabilities under the "Detect" and "Protect" functions to deliver an impactful solution relative to the outcomes of the Cybersecurity Framework. Specifically, ECS offers intrusion prevention and analysis services that help U.S.-based companies and SLTT governments defend their computer systems against unauthorized access, exploitation, and data exfiltration. ECS works by sourcing timely, actionable cyber threat indicators from sensitive and classified Government Furnished Information (GFI). DHS then shares those indicators with accredited Commercial Service Providers (CSPs). Those CSPs in turn use the indicators to block certain types of malicious traffic from entering a company's networks. Groups interested in subscribing to ECS must contract directly with a CSP to receive services. Please visit http://www.cisa.gov/enhanced-cybersecurity-services-ecs for a current list of ECS CSP points of contact. D. CAPITAL (CONSTRUCTION) PROJECTS GUIDANCE See the Preparedness Grants Manual [https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual] for more information about IPR Program Capital (Construction) Projects Guidance. D. Training and Awareness Campaigns A. TRAINING Program funds may be used for the following training activities: 1. TRAINING TOPICS. Priority topics include active shooter training, security training for employees, and public awareness/preparedness campaigns. 2. TRAINING WORKSHOPS. Grant funds may be used to plan and conduct training workshops to include costs related to planning, meeting space and other meeting costs, facilitation costs, materials and supplies, travel, and training plan development. Recipients are strongly encouraged to use free public space/locations/facilities, whenever available, prior to the rental of space/locations/facilities. Training should provide the opportunity to demonstrate and validate skills learned, as well as to identify any gaps in these skills. Any training or training gaps, including those for children and individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs, should be identified in an After-Action Report/Improvement Plan (AAR/IP) and addressed in the training cycle. 3. HIRING OF FULL OR PART-TIME STAFF OR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS. Full or part-time staff or contractors/consultants may be hired to support training-related activities. Hiring of contractors/consultants must follow the applicable federal procurement requirements at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327. Reimbursement of these costs should conform with the policies of the state or local unit(s) of government or the awarding agency, whichever is applicable. Such costs must be included within the funding allowed for program management personnel expenses, which must not exceed 10% of the total allocation. Dual compensation is unallowable. That is, an employee of a unit of government may not receive compensation from their unit or agency of government and from an award for a single period of time (e.g., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), even though such work may benefit both activities. 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. 4. OVERTIME AND BACKFILL COSTS. The entire amount of overtime costs, including payments related to backfilling personnel, that are the direct result of attendance at FEMA and approved training courses and programs are allowable. Reimbursement of these costs should follow the policies of the state or local unit(s) of government or the awarding agency, whichever is applicable. In no case is dual compensation allowable. 5. TRAVEL. Domestic travel costs (e.g., airfare, mileage, per diem, and hotel) are allowable as expenses by employees who are on travel status for official business related, approved training, subject to the restrictions at 2 C.F.R. Part 200. International travel is not an allowable expense. 6. SUPPLIES. Supplies, items that are expended or consumed during the course of the planning and conduct of the training projects (s) (e.g., gloves and non-sterile masks), are allowable expenses. 7. FUNDS USED TO DEVELOP, DELIVER, AND EVALUATE TRAINING, including costs related to administering the training, planning, scheduling, facilities, materials and supplies, reproduction of materials, and equipment are allowable expenses. Training should provide the opportunity to demonstrate and validate skills learned, as well as to identify any gaps in these skills. Any training or training gaps, including those for children and individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs, should be identified in the AAR/IP and addressed in the training cycle. For IPR, recipients are encouraged to use existing training rather than developing new courses. When developing new courses, recipients are encouraged to apply the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model of instruction design. Information on FEMA-approved training can found at http://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/. [http://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/] B_. AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS_ Program funds may be used for the development and implementation of awareness campaigns to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime and for associated efforts to increase the sharing of information with public and private sector partners, including nonprofit organizations. DHS currently sponsors or supports a number of awareness campaigns. Please review materials, strategies, and resources at https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-campaigns before embarking on the development of an awareness campaign for local constituencies and stakeholders. NOTE: DHS REQUIRES THAT ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS WANTING TO IMPLEMENT AND/OR EXPAND THE DHS "IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING" CAMPAIGN ("CAMPAIGN") USING GRANT FUNDS WORK DIRECTLY WITH THE DHS OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT (OPE). THIS WILL HELP ENSURE THAT THE AWARENESS MATERIALS (E.G., VIDEOS, POSTERS, TRIFOLDS, ETC.) REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH DHS'S MESSAGING AND STRATEGY FOR THE CAMPAIGN AND COMPLIANT WITH THE INITIATIVE'S TRADEMARK, WHICH IS LICENSED TO DHS BY THE NEW YORK METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY. COORDINATION WITH OPE, THROUGH THE CAMPAIGN'S OFFICE (SEESAY@HQ.DHS.GOV), MUST BE FACILITATED BY THE FEMA HQ PREPAREDNESS OFFICER. E. Exercises Program funds may be used for the following exercise activities: 1. FUNDS USED TO DESIGN, DEVELOP, CONDUCT AND EVALUATE AN EXERCISE. This includes costs related to planning, meeting space, and other meeting costs, facilitation costs, materials and supplies, travel, and documentation. Exercises afford organizations the opportunity to validate plans and procedures, evaluate capabilities, and assess progress toward meeting capability targets in a controlled, low risk setting. Any shortcoming or gap identified, including those for children and individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs, should be identified in an effective corrective action program that includes development of improvement plans that are dynamic documents, with corrective actions continually monitored and implemented as part of improving preparedness through the exercise cycle. 2. HIRING OF FULL OR PART-TIME STAFF OR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS. Full or part-time staff may be hired to support exercise-related activities. In order to be eligible for reimbursement, the costs for hiring staff must conform to the policies of the non-federal entity and federal statutes, where applicable. See, e.g., 2 C.F.R. § 200.430(a). The costs for hiring contractors or consultants must comply with the applicable federal procurement standards at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317 - 200.327. The costs for hiring staff, consultants, or contractors to support exercise-related activities costs must be included within the funding allowed for program management personnel expenses, which must not exceed 10% of the total allocation. Dual compensation is never allowable, meaning, in other words, that an employee of a unit of government may not receive compensation from their unit or agency of government and from an award for a single period of time (e.g., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), even though their work may benefit both entities. 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. 3. OVERTIME AND BACKFILL COSTS. The entire amount of overtime costs, including payments related to backfilling personnel, which are the direct result of time spent on the design, development and conduct of exercises are allowable expenses. These costs are allowed only to the extent the payment for such services is in accordance with the policies of the state or unit(s) of local government and has the approval of the state or the awarding agency, whichever is applicable. Dual compensation is never allowable. 4. TRAVEL. Domestic travel costs are allowable as expenses by employees who are on travel status for official business related to the planning and conduct of exercise projects, subject to the restrictions at 2 C.F.R. Part 200. International travel is not an allowable expense. 5. SUPPLIES. Supplies are items that are expended or consumed during the course of the planning and conduct of the exercise projects (e.g., gloves, non-sterile masks, and disposable protective equipment). 6. OTHER ITEMS. These costs include the rental of space/locations for exercise planning and executing, rental of equipment, etc. Recipients are encouraged to use free public space/locations/facilities, whenever available, prior to the rental of space/locations/facilities. These also include costs that may be associated with inclusive practices and the provision of reasonable accommodations and modifications to provide full access for children and adults with disabilities. F. 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 costs to be allowed, they must be specifically approved by DHS/FEMA in writing prior to the use of any program funds for construction or renovation. 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. _See_ the Preparedness Grants Manual [https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/manual] for additional information. Additionally, recipients are required to submit an SF-424C Form and budget detail citing the project costs. G. Backfill, Overtime, and Hiring Backfill, overtime, and hiring costs are allowed under this program only as described in this NOFO. H. Travel Domestic travel costs are allowed under this program as described in this NOFO. International travel is not an allowable cost under this program unless approved in advance by DHS/FEMA. I. Maintenance and Sustainment Maintenance and sustainment related costs are allowed under this program only as described in this NOFO and the Preparedness Grants Manual [https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/178291]. J. Excess Funds After completing the initial project proposed in the recipient's application, AMTRAK may have unexpended funds remaining in their budgets. These excess funds may result from any combination of under-budget acquisition activities or competitive procurement processes. In such cases, excess funds must be returned to FEMA upon project completion. Please also see Section 2.G. of this NOFO regarding cost share requirements, including the implications if the project costs are less than what was applied for.