**Title of Opportunity:** Homeland Security Preparedness Technical
Assistance

. Program (HSPTAP)

[]{.mark}

**Funding Opportunity DHS-09-NPD-007-2107**

[]{.mark}

**Federal Agency Name:** FEMA National Preparedness Directorate (NPD)

[]{.mark}

**Announcement Type:** Initial

[]{.mark}

**Dates:** Completed applications must be submitted **no later than
11:59 PM EDT, March 23, 2009.**

> []{.mark}

CONTENTS

# Part I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION {#part-i.-funding-opportunity-description .unnumbered}

#  {#section .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part II. AWARD INFORMATION {#part-ii.-award-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-1 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION {#part-iii.-eligibility-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-2 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION {#part-iv.-application-and-submission-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-3 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION {#part-v.-application-review-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-4 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION {#part-vi.-award-administration-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-5 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part VII. FEMA CONTACTS {#part-vii.-fema-contacts .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-6 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part VIII. OTHER INFORMATION {#part-viii.-other-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-7 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part I. {#part-i. .unnumbered}

# FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION {#funding-opportunity-description .unnumbered}

[]{.mark}

The Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program (HSPTAP)
is a capabilities-based program that is structured to build and sustain
State and local capacity in preparedness activities. Under this vision,
HSPTAP supports the efforts of State and local homeland security
personnel to address the full spectrum of mission areas, national
priorities, and target capabilities outlined in the National
Preparedness Guidelines. As capability gaps are identified, the HSPTAP
addresses those needs and builds priority capabilities in the most
critical areas. The HSPTAP is designed to be an agile program that
addresses present day areas of greatest State and local need; is
committed to transferring and institutionalizing knowledge at the State
and local level; provides a dynamic program that is responsive to
national priorities; is performance based; and that effectively
leverages limited resources. HSPTAP provides direct assistance to State,
regional, local, and Tribal jurisdictions, as well as other homeland
security organizations, to improve their ability to prevent, protect
against, respond to, and recover from major events, including threats or
acts of terrorism. HSPTAP is driven by several core tenets:

> • Grantee assistance must *support the National Preparedness
> Guidelines, National Priorities*, and national strategies and doctrine
> related to homeland security;
>
> • Grantee assistance must be *flexible and adaptable* to fully address
> current national trends or risks and the present day needs of homeland
> security personnel;
>
> • Grantee must provide for or incorporate involvement of States,
> regions, Urban Areas, local and Tribal jurisdictions, as well as
> private interests with a role in homeland security.

[]{.mark}

# A. Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council (GHSAC), {#a.-governors-homeland-security-advisory-council-ghsac .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-8 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# In July of 2006, The National Governor's Association (NGA) , in consult with DHS, formally organized The Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council (GHSAC) from one of its existing work groups, The Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), as the Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council to provide a forum for homeland security officials from each state and territory to analyze and discuss federal policies, share best practices, and provide expert advice and counsel to the nation's governors and the NGA on the impact of federal policy on the states. Thereby, in performing such functions, GHSAC is performing a highly unique and important function for DHS. NGA Center's Homeland Security and Technology Division directly supports the activities of the Council and, during the past several years, also has on behalf of the GHSAC conducted research and published issue briefs, governors guides, fact sheets and other documents on a number of salient policy issues, including: intelligence sharing; state homeland security organization, structures and governance; communications interoperability; regional planning and coordination; critical infrastructure protection; the integration of public health into homeland security plans and procedures; pandemic influenza preparedness, and the interpretation and implementation of homeland security grant funding initiatives. Also on behalf of GHSAC, NGA Center provides direct technical assistance in a variety of policy areas to individual Governors offices and serve on a number of national policy committees, including the Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative Federal Advisory Committee, the FEMA Administrator's Task Force on NIMS Credentialing, and the Emergency Management Accreditation Program Commission. As such, all of functions served by GHSAC and its administrative and facilitative body, NGS Center, are unique and vital to DHS preparedness efforts.  {#in-july-of-2006-the-national-governors-association-nga-in-consult-with-dhs-formally-organized-the-governors-homeland-security-advisory-council-ghsac-from-one-of-its-existing-work-groups-the-center-for-best-practices-nga-center-as-the-governors-homeland-security-advisors-council-to-provide-a-forum-for-homeland-security-officials-from-each-state-and-territory-to-analyze-and-discuss-federal-policies-share-best-practices-and-provide-expert-advice-and-counsel-to-the-nations-governors-and-the-nga-on-the-impact-of-federal-policy-on-the-states.-thereby-in-performing-such-functions-ghsac-is-performing-a-highly-unique-and-important-function-for-dhs.-nga-centers-homeland-security-and-technology-division-directly-supports-the-activities-of-the-council-and-during-the-past-several-years-also-has-on-behalf-of-the-ghsac-conducted-research-and-published-issue-briefs-governors-guides-fact-sheets-and-other-documents-on-a-number-of-salient-policy-issues-including-intelligence-sharing-state-homeland-security-organization-structures-and-governance-communications-interoperability-regional-planning-and-coordination-critical-infrastructure-protection-the-integration-of-public-health-into-homeland-security-plans-and-procedures-pandemic-influenza-preparedness-and-the-interpretation-and-implementation-of-homeland-security-grant-funding-initiatives.-also-on-behalf-of-ghsac-nga-center-provides-direct-technical-assistance-in-a-variety-of-policy-areas-to-individual-governors-offices-and-serve-on-a-number-of-national-policy-committees-including-the-global-justice-information-sharing-initiative-federal-advisory-committee-the-fema-administrators-task-force-on-nims-credentialing-and-the-emergency-management-accreditation-program-commission.-as-such-all-of-functions-served-by-ghsac-and-its-administrative-and-facilitative-body-ngs-center-are-unique-and-vital-to-dhs-preparedness-efforts. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-9 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# B. Appropriation Source of Funding {#b.-appropriation-source-of-funding .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-10 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# In order to facilitate specified GHSAC activities and initiatives, GHSAC overarching administrator NGA is the named recipients of the funds.  {#in-order-to-facilitate-specified-ghsac-activities-and-initiatives-ghsac-overarching-administrator-nga-is-the-named-recipients-of-the-funds. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-11 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Authorization for this cooperative agreement comes under FEMA's "State and Local Programs" (SALP) appropriation in the Appropriations Act 2009. Under which FEMA is permitted the following: "For grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and other activities, including grants to State and local governments for terrorism prevention activities, notwithstanding any other provision of law, \$3,130,500,000 which shall be allocated as follows:" The second item specified under the SALP appropriation is "2) \$1,836,000,000 for discretionary grants, as determined by the Secretary." Within this allocation, the amount of \$294,500,000 is further specified for "training, exercises, technical assistance and other programs." Therefore, this CA is given authorization under "other programs" and / or technical assistance in the 2009 Appropriations Act, Federal Emergency Management Administration's "State and Local Programs, part 2 and 3, discretionary grants for training, exercises, technical assistance and other programs, and more specifically, under the Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program, State and Local Preparedness Consortium.  {#authorization-for-this-cooperative-agreement-comes-under-femas-state-and-local-programs-salp-appropriation-in-the-appropriations-act-2009.-under-which-fema-is-permitted-the-following-for-grants-contracts-cooperative-agreements-and-other-activities-including-grants-to-state-and-local-governments-for-terrorism-prevention-activities-notwithstanding-any-other-provision-of-law-3130500000-which-shall-be-allocated-as-follows-the-second-item-specified-under-the-salp-appropriation-is-2-1836000000-for-discretionary-grants-as-determined-by-the-secretary.-within-this-allocation-the-amount-of-294500000-is-further-specified-for-training-exercises-technical-assistance-and-other-programs.-therefore-this-ca-is-given-authorization-under-other-programs-and-or-technical-assistance-in-the-2009-appropriations-act-federal-emergency-management-administrations-state-and-local-programs-part-2-and-3-discretionary-grants-for-training-exercises-technical-assistance-and-other-programs-and-more-specifically-under-the-homeland-security-preparedness-technical-assistance-program-state-and-local-preparedness-consortium. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#   {#section-12 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# PART II. {#part-ii. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# AWARD INFORMATION {#award-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-13 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-14 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# A. Award Period of Performance {#a.-award-period-of-performance .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-15 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

The period of performance for this CA is for a twelve month period.
Extensions to the period of performance will be considered only through
formal requests to FEMA with specific and compelling justifications why
an extension is required.

#  {#section-16 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-17 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# B. Available Funding {#b.-available-funding .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-18 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

The total funding for one CA is \$250,000 and will be available upon CA
award for a period not to exceed twelve months. Future years funding is
not guaranteed and is based upon appropriations and DHS and FEMA
requirements.

# []{.mark}  {#section-19 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part III {#part-iii .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION {#eligibility-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-20 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-21 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# A. Eligible Applicants {#a.-eligible-applicants .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-22 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Under this solicitation, The Governors Homeland Security Advisory Council (GHSAC) via its overarching parent organization, The National Governors Association (NGA), Center for Best Practices is the only eligible applicant.  {#under-this-solicitation-the-governors-homeland-security-advisory-council-ghsac-via-its-overarching-parent-organization-the-national-governors-association-nga-center-for-best-practices-is-the-only-eligible-applicant. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-23 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# B. Cost Sharing {#b.-cost-sharing .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-24 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

There is no cost sharing requirement for this cooperative agreement.

#  {#section-25 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# C. Restrictions []{.mark} {#c.-restrictions .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

[]{.mark}

**1. Funding.** Refer to applicable sections of this document for all
restrictions on usage and compliance requirements.

#  {#section-26 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

**2. Copyrights.** The awarding agency reserves a royalty-free,
non-exclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or
otherwise use, and authorize others to use, for Federal government
purposes:

> • The copyright in any work developed under a grant award or sub
> award; and
>
> • Any rights of copyright to which a recipient or sub recipient
> purchases ownership with support.

**3. Patents, Patent Rights, and Inventions.** If any program produces
patentable items, patent rights, processes, or inventions, in the course
of work sponsored by the Federal grant awards or sub award funds, such
facts must be promptly and fully reported to the awarding agency. Unless
there is a prior agreement between the recipient and the awarding agency
on disposition of such items, the awarding agency shall determine
whether protection on the invention or discovery shall be sought. The
awarding agency will also determine how rights in the invention or
discovery (including rights under any patents issued thereon) shall be
allocated and administered in order to protect the public interest
consistent with \"Government Patent Policy\" (President\'s Memorandum
for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, dated August 23, 1971,
and Statement of Government Patent Policy, as printed in 36 FR 16839).
Government-wide regulations have been issued at 37 CFR Part 401 by the
Department of Commerce.

**D**. **Standard Financial Requirements.**

**1. Single Point of Contact (SPOC) review.** Executive Order 12372
requires applicants from State and local units of government or other
organizations providing services within a State to submit a copy of the
application to the State SPOC, if one exists, and if this program has
been selected for review by the State. Applicants must contact their
State SPOC to determine if the program has been selected for State
review. Executive Order 12372 can be referenced at
[*http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html*](http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html)

**2. Non-supplanting.** Grant funds must be used to supplement existing
funds, and will not replace (supplant) funds that have been appropriated
for the same purpose. Applicants or grantees 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.

**3. Assurances.** It is the responsibility of the recipient of the
Federal funds to understand fully and comply with these requirements.
Failure to comply may result in the withholding of funds, termination of
the award or other sanctions. The applicant will be agreeing to these
assurances upon the submission of the application.

**4. Certifications regarding lobbying, debarment, suspension, other
responsibility matters and the drug-free workplace requirement.** This
certification, which is a required component of the on-line application,
commits the applicant to compliance with the certification requirements
under 44 CFR part 17, *Government-wide Debarment and Suspension
(Non-procurement)* and *Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Grants)*; 44 CFR parts 18, *New Restrictions on Lobbying*.

**E**. **Technology Requirements.**

**1. National Information Exchange Model (NIEM).** FEMA requires all
grantees to use the latest NIEM specifications and guidelines regarding
the use of Extensible Markup Language (XML) for all HSPTAP awards.
Further information about the required use of NIEM specifications and
guidelines is available at
*[http://www.niem.gov](http://www.niem.gov/). *

**2. Geospatial Guidance.** Geospatial technologies capture, store,
analyze, transmit, and/or display location-based information (i.e.,
information that can be linked to a latitude and longitude). FEMA
encourages grantees to align any geospatial activities with the guidance
available on the FEMA website at *<http://www.fema.gov/grants>.*

**3. \--28 C.F.R. Part 23 Guidance.**  FEMA requires that any
information technology system funded or supported by HSPTAP funds comply
with 28 C.F.R. Part 23, Criminal Intelligence Systems Operating
Policies, if this regulation is determined to be applicable.

**F**. **Administrative Requirements.**

**1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).** FEMA recognizes that much of
the information submitted in the course of applying for funding under
this program or provided in the course of its grant management
activities may be considered law enforcement sensitive or otherwise
important to national security interests. While this information under
Federal control is subject to requests made pursuant to the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA), 5. U.S.C. §552, all determinations concerning
the release of information of this nature are made on a case-by-case
basis by the FEMA FOIA Office, and may likely fall within one or more of
the available exemptions under the Act. The applicant is encouraged to
consult its own State and local laws and regulations regarding the
release of information, which should be considered when reporting
sensitive matters in the grant application, needs assessment and
strategic planning process. The applicant may also consult FEMA
regarding concerns or questions about the release of information under
State and local laws. The grantee should be familiar with the
regulations governing Sensitive Security Information (49 CFR Part 1520),
as it may provide additional protection to certain classes of homeland
security information.

**2. Compliance with Federal civil rights laws and regulations.** The
grantee is required to comply with Federal civil rights laws and
regulations. Specifically, the grantee is required to provide assurances
as a condition for receipt of Federal funds that its programs and
activities comply with the following:

-   *Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42. U.S.C.
    2000 et. seq.* -- no person on the grounds of race, color or
    national origin will be excluded from participation in, be denied
    the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any
    program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

-   *Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29
    U.S.C. 794* -- no qualified individual with a disability in the
    United States, shall, by reason of his or her disability, be
    excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or
    otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity
    receiving Federal financial assistance.

-   *Title IX of the Education Amendments of 197*2, *as amended, 20
    U.S.C. 1681 et. seq.* -- discrimination on the basis of sex is
    eliminated in any education program or activity receiving Federal
    financial assistance.

-   *The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 6101 et.
    seq.* -- no person in the United States shall be, on the basis of
    age, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or
    subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving
    Federal financial assistance.

Grantees must comply with all regulations, guidelines, and standards
adopted under the above statutes. The grantee is also required to submit
information, as required, to the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties concerning its compliance with these laws and their
implementing regulations.

**3. Services to limited English proficient (LEP) persons**. Recipients
of FEMA financial assistance are required to comply with several Federal
civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
color, religion, natural origin, and sex in the delivery of services.
National origin discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of
limited English proficiency. To ensure compliance with Title VI,
recipients are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that LEP
persons have meaningful access to their programs. Meaningful access may
entail providing language assistance services, including oral and
written translation, where necessary. The grantee is encouraged to
consider the need for language services for LEP persons served or
encountered both in developing their proposals and budgets and in
conducting their programs and activities. Reasonable costs associated
with providing meaningful access for LEP individuals are considered
allowable program costs. For additional information, see
*[http://www.lep.gov](http://www.lep.gov/).*

**4. Compliance with the National Energy Conservation Policy and Energy
Policy Acts.** In accordance with the FY 2008 DHS Appropriations Act,
all FY 2008 grant funds must comply with the following two requirements:

-   None of the funds made available through shall be used in
    contravention of the Federal buildings performance and reporting
    requirements of Executive Order No. 13123, part 3 of title V of the
    National Energy Conservation Policy Act (42 USC 8251 et. Seq.), or
    subtitle A of title I of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (including
    the amendments made thereby)**.**

-   None of the funds made available shall be used in contravention of
    section 303 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 USC13212).

**5. Environmental and Historic Preservation Compliance.** FEMA is
required to consider the potential impacts to the human and natural
environment of projects proposed for FEMA funding. FEMA, through its
Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Program, engages in a
review process to ensure that FEMA-funded activities comply with various
Federal laws including: National Environmental Policy Act, National
Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, and Executive Orders
on Floodplains (11988), Wetlands (11990) and Environmental Justice
(12898).  The goal of these compliance requirements is to protect our
nation's water, air, coastal, wildlife, agricultural, historical, and
cultural resources, as well as to minimize potential adverse effects to
children and low-income and minority populations.

The grantee shall provide any information requested by FEMA to ensure
compliance with applicable Federal EHP requirements. Any project with
the potential to impact EHP resources (see Section E.8) cannot be
initiated until FEMA has completed its review. Grantees may be required
to provide detailed information about the project, including the
following: location (street address or map coordinates); description of
the project including any associated ground disturbance work, extent of
modification of existing structures, construction equipment to be used,
staging areas, access roads, etc.; year the existing facility was built;
natural, biological, and/or cultural resources present in the project
vicinity; visual documentation such as site and facility photographs,
project plans, maps, etc; and possible project alternatives.

For certain types of projects, FEMA must consult with other Federal and
state agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State
Historic Preservation Offices, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as
well as other agencies and organizations responsible for protecting
natural and cultural resources. For projects with the potential to have
significant adverse effects on the environment and/or historic
properties, FEMA's EHP review and consultation may result in a
substantive agreement between the involved parties outlining how the
grantee will avoid the effects, minimize the effects, or, if necessary,
compensate for the effects.

Because of the potential for significant adverse effects to EHP
resources or public controversy, some projects may require an additional
assessment or report, such as an Environmental Assessment, Biological
Assessment, archaeological survey, cultural resources report, wetlands
delineation, or other document, as well as a public comment period.
Grantees are responsible for the preparation of such documents, as well
as for the implementation of any treatment or mitigation measures
identified during the EHP review that are necessary to address potential
adverse impacts. Grantees may use HSPTAP funds toward the costs of
preparing such documents and/or implementing treatment or mitigation
measures. Failure of the grantee to meet Federal, State, and local EHP
requirements, obtain applicable permits, and comply with any conditions
that may be placed on the project as the result of FEMA's EHP review may
jeopardize Federal funding.

For more information on FEMA's EHP requirements, refer to FEMA's
Information Bulletin #271, *Environmental Planning and Historic
Preservation Requirements for Grants.*

# []{.mark}  {#section-27 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part IV {#part-iv .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION {#application-and-submission-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-28 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-29 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# A. Address to Request Application Package. {#a.-address-to-request-application-package. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-30 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

FEMA participates in the Administration's e-government initiative. As
part of that initiative, all applicants must file their application
using the Administration's common electronic "storefront" --
*grants.gov.* Eligible applicants must apply through this portal,
accessible on the internet at
[*http://www.grants.gov*](http://www.grants.gov/)

The application submitted through Grants.gov must include the HSPTAP
Program Narrative, Budget, and Budget Narrative. Incomplete applications
will not be accepted.

**[Request Application Package]{.underline}** - Application forms and
instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go
to [http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) , select "Apply for
Grants," and then select "Download Application Package." Enter the CFDA
and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this
announcement. Select "Download Application Package," and then follow the
prompts to download the application package. To download the
instructions, go to "Download Application Package" and select
"Instructions." If you experience difficulties with the online process,
downloads, or general application questions, contact the Grants.Gov
Customer Support Hotline at (800) 518-4726.

# []{.mark} {#section-31 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# B. Content and Form of Application. {#b.-content-and-form-of-application. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-32 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

The application package must include the HSPTAP, Budget, and Budget
Narrative. More specifically:

**1. On-line application.** The on-line application must be completed
and submitted using *grants.gov.* The on-line application includes the
following required forms and submissions:

-   Investment Justification (complete using provided templates)

-   Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance

-   Program Narrative / plan

-   Standard Form 424A, Budget Information

-   Standard Form 424B Assurances

-   Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

-   Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other
    Responsibility Matters

-   Any additional Required Attachments

These grants are through DHS/FEMA. The program title listed in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) at
<http://12.46.245.173/cfda/cfda.html> is "*Homeland Security
Preparedness Technical Assistance."* The CFDA number is
**[97.007]{.underline}**. When completing the on-line application, the
applicant should identify their submissions as new, non-construction
applications.

#  []{.mark} {#section-33 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

**2 . DUNS Number.** The applicant must provide a Dun and Bradstreet
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number with their application.
This number is a required field within *GMS.* Organizations should
verify that they have a DUNS number, or take the steps necessary to
obtain one, as soon as possible. Applicants can receive a DUNS number at
no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at
(866) 705-5711

**3. Valid Contractor Registry (CCR) Registration.** The application
process also involves an updated and current registration by the
applicant. Eligible applicants must confirm CCR registration at
*[http://www.ccr.gov](http://www.ccr.gov/).* as well as apply for
funding through *grants.gov.*

**4. Budget and Budget Narrative. .** All HSPTAP project award
recipients are required to submit a budget narrative and detailed budget
addressing HSPTAP related costs and expenses, as a part of the HSPTAP
application. This budget narrative should be detailed and should serve
to: (1) explain how the costs were estimated, and (2) justify the need
for the costs incurred to the measurable achievement outcomes as stated
in the work plan. For clarification purposes, the narrative should
include tables describing cost and expense elements (e.g. equipment list
with unit costs/quantity). The budget and budget narrative must be
attached within *grants.gov* submission package.

**Part V**

# APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION {#application-review-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

**A. Overview \-- Application Deadline.**

Applicants must submit an application through Grants. Gov. Incomplete or
late applications will not be accepted*.* Completed Applications must be
submitted **no later than 11:59 PM EDT, March 23, 2009.**

**B. Review Process.**

FEMA will review and act on application for completeness and soundness
of proposed methodologies and pricing. Announcement of award will occur
not later than September 30, 2009. The approach to implementing and
completing the projects outlined in this guidance must be consistent
with existing DHS/FEMA policy.

[]{.mark}

**C. Selection Process**

[]{.mark}

# Under this solicitation, The Governors Homeland Security Advisory Council (GHSAC) via its overarching parent organization, The National Governors Association (NGA), Center for Best Practices is the only eligible applicant.  {#under-this-solicitation-the-governors-homeland-security-advisory-council-ghsac-via-its-overarching-parent-organization-the-national-governors-association-nga-center-for-best-practices-is-the-only-eligible-applicant.-1 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

**Part VI**

# AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION {#award-administration-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-34 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# A. Notice of Award {#a.-notice-of-award .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-35 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

**1.** **Notification**. Announcement of award approval is made through
the Grants Management System (GMS).  Once an award has been approved, a
notice to the appropriate applicant contact.. Follow the directions in
the notification and log into GMS to access the award documents. The
authorized grantee official should carefully read the award and special
condition documents. If you do not receive a notification e-mail, please
contact your Program Manager for your award number. Once you have the
award number, contact the GMS Help Desk at (888) 549-9901, option 3 to
obtain the username and password associated with the new award.

If you agree with the terms and conditions, the authorized grantee
official should sign and date both the original and the copy of the
award document page in Block 19 and initial the special conditions
page(s). Retain a copy and fax the documents to (202) 786-9905
Attention: Control Desk or send the original signed documents to:

> **U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA**
>
> **Grant Programs Directorate/Control Desk 4^th^ Floor, TechWorld**
>
> **500 C St., SW**
>
> **Washington, DC 20472**

If you do not agree with the terms and conditions, contact the Program
Manager named in the award package.

#  {#section-36 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements {#b.-administrative-and-national-policy-requirements .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-37 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# For guidance, refer to Part III, Sections C, D, E, F. {#for-guidance-refer-to-part-iii-sections-c-d-e-f. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-38 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# C. Reporting Requirements.  {#c.-reporting-requirements. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-39 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

**1. Monthly Status Reports.** The Grantee shall report to FEMA on a
monthly basis all activity and accomplishments completed or started on
this agreement. Status reports shall contain programmatic and financial
information that will be submitted by the 15th of every month to the
Program Manager. While specific details will be determined as part of
the cooperative agreement, reports will include as a minimum:

-   Program status (including hiring of personnel, integration with
    planning body, etc.);

-   Status of planning activities (products, milestones, etc.);

-   Linkage with other ongoing efforts (HSGP, RCPGP, etc.); and,

-   Status of funding obligation.

**2. Financial Status Report (FSR) \-- required quarterly.** Obligations
and expenditures must be reported on a quarterly basis through the FSR,
which is due within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter (e.g.,
for the quarter ending March 31, FSR is due no later than April 30). A
report must be submitted for every quarter of the period of performance,
including partial calendar quarters, as well as for periods where no
grant activity occurs. Future awards and fund draw downs may be withheld
if these reports are delinquent. The final FSR is due 90 days after the
end date of the performance period.

FSRs **must be filed online** through the PARS*.*

> ***Required submission: Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269a (due
> quarterly).***

**3. Categorical Assistance Progress Report (CAPR).** Following an
award, the awardees will be responsible for providing updated obligation
and expenditure information on a semi-annual basis. 

The CAPR is due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period
(July 30 for the reporting period of January 1 through June 30; and
January 30 for the reporting period of July 1 though December 31).
Updated obligations and expenditure information must be provided with
the CAPR to show progress made toward meeting strategic goals and
objectives. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if these
reports are delinquent. 

CAPRs must be filed online through the Grants Management System.

> ***Required submission: CAPR (due semi-annually).***

**4. Financial and Compliance Audit Report.** Recipients that expend
\$500,000 or more of Federal funds during their fiscal year are required
to submit an organization-wide financial and compliance audit report.
The audit must be performed in accordance with the U.S. General
Accountability Office, *Government Auditing Standards*, located at
[*http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm*](http://www.gao.gov/govaud/ybk01.htm),
and *OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations*, located at
*<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133/a133.html>.* Audit
reports are currently due to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse no later
than nine months after the end of the recipient's fiscal year. In
addition, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Comptroller General
of the United States shall have access to any books, documents, and
records of recipients of FY 2008 HSPTAP assistance for audit and
examination purposes, provided that, in the opinion of the Secretary or
the Comptroller, these documents are related to the receipt or use of
such assistance. The grantee will also give the sponsoring agency or the
Comptroller, through any authorized representative, access to, and the
right to examine all records, books, papers or documents related to the
grant.

The State shall require that sub-grantees comply with the audit
requirements set forth in *OMB Circular A-133*. Recipients are
responsible for ensuring that sub-recipient audit reports are received
and for resolving any audit findings.

**5. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act.** The Act
requires the Federal government to create a publicly searchable online
database of Federal grant recipients by January 1, 2008 with an
expansion to include sub-grantee information by January 1, 2009.

**6. National Preparedness Reporting Compliance.** The Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA) require that the Department collect
and report performance information on all programs. For grant programs,
the prioritized Investment Justifications and their associated
milestones provide an important tool for assessing grant performance and
complying with these national preparedness reporting requirements. FEMA
will work with grantees to develop tools and processes to support this
requirement. FEMA anticipates using this information to inform
future-year grant program funding decisions.

**D. Monitoring.**

Grant recipients will be monitored periodically by FEMA staff, both
programmatically and financially, to ensure that the project goals,
objectives, performance requirements, timelines, milestone completion,
budgets and other related program criteria are being met. Monitoring
will be accomplished through a combination of office-based reviews and
on-site monitoring visits. Monitoring will involve the review and
analysis of the financial, programmatic, performance and administrative
issues relative to each program and will identify areas where technical
assistance and other support may be needed.

The recipient is responsible for monitoring award activities, to include
sub-awards, to provide reasonable assurance that the Federal award is
administered in compliance with requirements. Responsibilities include
the accounting of receipts and expenditures, cash management,
maintaining of adequate financial records, and refunding expenditures
disallowed by audits.

**E. Grant Close-Out Process.**

1.  **Final FSR and CAPR.** Within 90 days after the end of the award
    period, SAAs must submit a final FSR and final CAPR detailing all
    accomplishments throughout the project. After these reports have
    been reviewed and approved by FEMA, a Grant Adjustment Notice (GAN)
    will be completed to close out the grant. The GAN will indicate the
    project as being closed, list any remaining funds that will be
    de-obligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant
    records for three years from the date of the final FSR. After the
    financial information is received and approved by GPD, the grant
    will be identified as "Closed by FEMA." *Required submissions: (1)
    final SF-269a, due 90 days from end of grant period; and (2) final
    CAPR, due 90 days from the end of the grant period.*

# Project Final Report. All awardees will submit a final report *30* days after the end of the project period. This report will detail results of the pilot project(s) and results achieved. This is a separate report from the final CAPR, but information in this report may be used in Block #12 of the final CAPR. {#project-final-report.-all-awardees-will-submit-a-final-report-30-days-after-the-end-of-the-project-period.-this-report-will-detail-results-of-the-pilot-projects-and-results-achieved.-this-is-a-separate-report-from-the-final-capr-but-information-in-this-report-may-be-used-in-block-12-of-the-final-capr. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-40 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#   {#section-41 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Part VII {#part-vii .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# FEMA CONTACTS {#fema-contacts .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

[]{.mark}

# []{.mark} {#section-42 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# This section describes several resources that may help applicants in completing a FEMA grant application. During the application period FEMA will identify multiple opportunities for a cooperative dialogue between the Department and applicants through such processes as the mid-term review. This commitment is intended to ensure a common understanding of the funding priorities and administrative requirements associated with the FY 2009 HSPTAP to help in submission of projects that will have the highest impact on  {#this-section-describes-several-resources-that-may-help-applicants-in-completing-a-fema-grant-application.-during-the-application-period-fema-will-identify-multiple-opportunities-for-a-cooperative-dialogue-between-the-department-and-applicants-through-such-processes-as-the-mid-term-review.-this-commitment-is-intended-to-ensure-a-common-understanding-of-the-funding-priorities-and-administrative-requirements-associated-with-the-fy-2009-hsptap-to-help-in-submission-of-projects-that-will-have-the-highest-impact-on .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# reducing risks.  {#reducing-risks. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-43 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# 1. Centralized Scheduling & Information Desk (CSID) Help Line. CSID is a non-emergency resource for use by emergency responders across the nation. CSID is a comprehensive coordination, management, information, and scheduling tool developed by DHS through FEMA for homeland security terrorism preparedness activities. CSID provides general information on all FEMA grant programs and information on the characteristics of CBRNE, agro-terrorism, defensive equipment, mitigation techniques, and available Federal assets and resources. CSID maintains a comprehensive database containing key personnel contact information for homeland security terrorism preparedness programs and events. These contacts include personnel at the Federal, State and local levels. CSID can be contacted at (800) 368-6498 or askcsid@dhs.gov. CSID hours of operation are from 8:00 am--6:00 pm (EST), Monday-Friday.  {#centralized-scheduling-information-desk-csid-help-line.-csid-is-a-non-emergency-resource-for-use-by-emergency-responders-across-the-nation.-csid-is-a-comprehensive-coordination-management-information-and-scheduling-tool-developed-by-dhs-through-fema-for-homeland-security-terrorism-preparedness-activities.-csid-provides-general-information-on-all-fema-grant-programs-and-information-on-the-characteristics-of-cbrne-agro-terrorism-defensive-equipment-mitigation-techniques-and-available-federal-assets-and-resources.-csid-maintains-a-comprehensive-database-containing-key-personnel-contact-information-for-homeland-security-terrorism-preparedness-programs-and-events.-these-contacts-include-personnel-at-the-federal-state-and-local-levels.-csid-can-be-contacted-at-800-368-6498-or-askcsiddhs.gov.-csid-hours-of-operation-are-from-800-am600-pm-est-monday-friday. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-44 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# 2. Grant Programs Directorate (GPD). FEMA GPD will provide fiscal support,  {#grant-programs-directorate-gpd.-fema-gpd-will-provide-fiscal-support .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# including pre- and post-award administration and technical assistance, to the grant programs included in this solicitation. Additional guidance and information can be obtained by contacting the FEMA Call Center at (866) 927-5646 or via e-mail to <ASK-GMD@dhs.gov>. {#including-pre--and-post-award-administration-and-technical-assistance-to-the-grant-programs-included-in-this-solicitation.-additional-guidance-and-information-can-be-obtained-by-contacting-the-fema-call-center-at-866-927-5646-or-via-e-mail-to-ask-gmddhs.gov. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#   {#section-45 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# 3. GSA's State and Local Purchasing Programs. The U.S. General Services  {#gsas-state-and-local-purchasing-programs.-the-u.s.-general-services .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Administration (GSA) offers two efficient and effective procurement programs for  {#administration-gsa-offers-two-efficient-and-effective-procurement-programs-for .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# State and local governments to purchase products and services to fulfill homeland security and other technology needs. The GSA Schedules (also referred to as the Multiple Award Schedules and the Federal Supply Schedules) are long-term, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, government-wide contracts with commercial firms of all sizes.  {#state-and-local-governments-to-purchase-products-and-services-to-fulfill-homeland-security-and-other-technology-needs.-the-gsa-schedules-also-referred-to-as-the-multiple-award-schedules-and-the-federal-supply-schedules-are-long-term-indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity-government-wide-contracts-with-commercial-firms-of-all-sizes. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#   {#section-46 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# [Cooperative Purchasing Program]{.underline}  {#cooperative-purchasing-program .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Cooperative Purchasing, authorized by statute, allows State and local  {#cooperative-purchasing-authorized-by-statute-allows-state-and-local .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# governments to purchase a variety of supplies (products) and services under  {#governments-to-purchase-a-variety-of-supplies-products-and-services-under .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# specific GSA Schedule contracts to save time, money, and meet their  {#specific-gsa-schedule-contracts-to-save-time-money-and-meet-their .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# everyday needs and missions.  {#everyday-needs-and-missions. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-47 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# The Cooperative Purchasing program allows State and local governments to  {#the-cooperative-purchasing-program-allows-state-and-local-governments-to .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# purchase alarm and signal systems, facility management systems, firefighting  {#purchase-alarm-and-signal-systems-facility-management-systems-firefighting .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# and rescue equipment, law enforcement and security equipment, marine craft  {#and-rescue-equipment-law-enforcement-and-security-equipment-marine-craft .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# and related equipment, special purpose clothing, and related services off of  {#and-related-equipment-special-purpose-clothing-and-related-services-off-of .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Schedule 84 and Information Technology products and professional services  {#schedule-84-and-information-technology-products-and-professional-services .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# off of Schedule 70 and the Consolidated Schedule (containing IT Special Item  {#off-of-schedule-70-and-the-consolidated-schedule-containing-it-special-item .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Numbers) only. Cooperative Purchasing for these categories is authorized  {#numbers-only.-cooperative-purchasing-for-these-categories-is-authorized .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# under Federal law by the Local Preparedness Acquisition Act (Public Law  {#under-federal-law-by-the-local-preparedness-acquisition-act-public-law .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# 110-248) and Section 211 of the E-Government Act of 2002 (Public Law 107347).  {#and-section-211-of-the-e-government-act-of-2002-public-law-107347. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-48 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Under this program, State and local governments have access to GSA  {#under-this-program-state-and-local-governments-have-access-to-gsa .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Schedule contractors who have voluntarily modified their contracts to  {#schedule-contractors-who-have-voluntarily-modified-their-contracts-to .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# participate in the Cooperative Purchasing program. The U.S. General  {#participate-in-the-cooperative-purchasing-program.-the-u.s.-general .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Services Administration provides a definition of State and local governments  {#services-administration-provides-a-definition-of-state-and-local-governments .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# as well as other vital information under the frequently asked questions section  {#as-well-as-other-vital-information-under-the-frequently-asked-questions-section .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# on its website at http://www.gsa.gov/cooperativepurchasing.  {#on-its-website-at-httpwww.gsa.govcooperativepurchasing. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-49 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# [Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program]{.underline}  {#disaster-recovery-purchasing-program .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# GSA plays a critical role in providing disaster recovery products and services  {#gsa-plays-a-critical-role-in-providing-disaster-recovery-products-and-services .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# to Federal agencies. Now State and Local Governments can also benefit  {#to-federal-agencies.-now-state-and-local-governments-can-also-benefit .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# from the speed and savings of the GSA Federal Supply Schedules. Section 833 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109-364) amends 40 U.S.C. §502 to authorize GSA to  {#from-the-speed-and-savings-of-the-gsa-federal-supply-schedules.-section-833-of-the-john-warner-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2007-public-law-109-364-amends-40-u.s.c.-502-to-authorize-gsa-to .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# provide State and Local governments the use of ALL GSA Federal Supply  {#provide-state-and-local-governments-the-use-of-all-gsa-federal-supply .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Schedules for purchase of products and services to be used to facilitate  {#schedules-for-purchase-of-products-and-services-to-be-used-to-facilitate .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# recovery from a major disaster declared by the President under the Robert T.  {#recovery-from-a-major-disaster-declared-by-the-president-under-the-robert-t. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act or to facilitate  {#stafford-disaster-relief-and-emergency-assistance-act-or-to-facilitate .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# recovery from terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological  {#recovery-from-terrorism-or-nuclear-biological-chemical-or-radiological .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# attack.  {#attack. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-50 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# a. GSA provides additional information on the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program website at http://www.gsa.gov/disasterrecovery.  {#a.-gsa-provides-additional-information-on-the-disaster-recovery-purchasing-program-website-at-httpwww.gsa.govdisasterrecovery. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-51 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# b. State and local governments can find a list of contractors on GSA's website,  {#b.-state-and-local-governments-can-find-a-list-of-contractors-on-gsas-website .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov, denoted with a PURCH or RECOV symbol.  {#httpwww.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov-denoted-with-a-purch-or-recov-symbol. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-52 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# c. Assistance is available from GSA on the Cooperative Purchasing and Disaster  {#c.-assistance-is-available-from-gsa-on-the-cooperative-purchasing-and-disaster .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Purchasing Program at the local and national levels. For assistance at the local  {#purchasing-program-at-the-local-and-national-levels.-for-assistance-at-the-local .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# level, visit http://www.gsa.gov/csd to find a local customer service director in your  {#level-visit-httpwww.gsa.govcsd-to-find-a-local-customer-service-director-in-your .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# area. For assistance at the national level, contact Tricia Reed at *tricia.reed@gsa.gov*, (571) 259-9921. More information is available on all GSA  {#area.-for-assistance-at-the-national-level-contact-tricia-reed-at-tricia.reedgsa.gov-571-259-9921.-more-information-is-available-on-all-gsa .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# State and local programs at: *www.gsa.gov/stateandlocal.*  {#state-and-local-programs-at-www.gsa.govstateandlocal. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-53 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# 4. Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program. The Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program (HSPTAP)  {#homeland-security-preparedness-technical-assistance-program.-the-homeland-security-preparedness-technical-assistance-program-hsptap .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# provides direct support assistance on a first-come, first-served basis (and subject to the availability of funding) to eligible organizations to enhance their capacity and preparedness to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist and all hazard threats. In addition to the risk assessment assistance already being provided, FEMA also offers a variety of other direct support assistance programs. More information can be found at *http://www.fema.gov/about/divisions/pppa_ta.shtm*.  {#provides-direct-support-assistance-on-a-first-come-first-served-basis-and-subject-to-the-availability-of-funding-to-eligible-organizations-to-enhance-their-capacity-and-preparedness-to-prevent-protect-against-respond-to-and-recover-from-terrorist-and-all-hazard-threats.-in-addition-to-the-risk-assessment-assistance-already-being-provided-fema-also-offers-a-variety-of-other-direct-support-assistance-programs.-more-information-can-be-found-at-httpwww.fema.govaboutdivisionspppa_ta.shtm. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-54 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# 5. Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS) System. LLIS is a national, online, secure website that houses a collection of peer-validated lessons learned, best practices, AARs from exercises and actual incidents, and other relevant homeland security documents. LLIS facilitates improved preparedness nationwide by providing response professionals with access to a wealth of validated front-line expertise on effective planning, training, equipping, and operational practices for homeland security. The LLIS website also includes a national directory of homeland security officials, as well as an updated list of homeland security exercises, events, and conferences. Additionally, LLIS includes online collaboration tools, including secure email and message boards, where users can exchange information. LLIS uses strong encryption and active site monitoring to protect all information housed on the system. The LLIS website is *https://www.llis.gov*.  {#lessons-learned-information-sharing-llis-system.-llis-is-a-national-online-secure-website-that-houses-a-collection-of-peer-validated-lessons-learned-best-practices-aars-from-exercises-and-actual-incidents-and-other-relevant-homeland-security-documents.-llis-facilitates-improved-preparedness-nationwide-by-providing-response-professionals-with-access-to-a-wealth-of-validated-front-line-expertise-on-effective-planning-training-equipping-and-operational-practices-for-homeland-security.-the-llis-website-also-includes-a-national-directory-of-homeland-security-officials-as-well-as-an-updated-list-of-homeland-security-exercises-events-and-conferences.-additionally-llis-includes-online-collaboration-tools-including-secure-email-and-message-boards-where-users-can-exchange-information.-llis-uses-strong-encryption-and-active-site-monitoring-to-protect-all-information-housed-on-the-system.-the-llis-website-is-httpswww.llis.gov. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

#  {#section-55 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# 6. Information Sharing Systems. FEMA encourages all State, regional, local, and Tribal entities using FY 2009 funding in support of information sharing and  {#information-sharing-systems.-fema-encourages-all-state-regional-local-and-tribal-entities-using-fy-2009-funding-in-support-of-information-sharing-and .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# intelligence fusion and analysis centers to leverage available Federal information  {#intelligence-fusion-and-analysis-centers-to-leverage-available-federal-information .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# sharing systems, including Law Enforcement Online (LEO) and the Homeland  {#sharing-systems-including-law-enforcement-online-leo-and-the-homeland .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# Security Information Network (HSIN). For additional information on LEO, contact the LEO Program Office at *leoprogramoffice@leo.gov* or (202) 324-8833. For additional information on HSIN and available technical assistance, contact the HSIN Help Desk at (703) 674-3003.  {#security-information-network-hsin.-for-additional-information-on-leo-contact-the-leo-program-office-at-leoprogramofficeleo.gov-or-202-324-8833.-for-additional-information-on-hsin-and-available-technical-assistance-contact-the-hsin-help-desk-at-703-674-3003. .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}

# []{.mark} {#section-56 .Style-Heading-1-+-Not-Italic}