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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5925-5930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-01303]

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 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2025-0003]

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 
1974, as amended, the Administrator of FEMA is publishing this notice 
describing the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant 
(AFG) Program application process, deadlines, and award selection 
criteria. This notice explains the differences, if any, between these 
guidelines and those recommended by representatives of the national 
fire service leadership during the annual meeting of the Criteria 
Development Panel (CDP), which was held July 9, 2024. The application 
period for the FY 2024 AFG Program was Nov. 12, 2024-Dec. 20, 2024, and 
was announced on the FEMA AFG Program website at https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters, as well as at https://www.grants.gov.

DATES: Grant applications for the FY 2024 AFG Program are being 
accepted electronically through the FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) 
system at https://go.fema.gov/, through 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 20, 2024.

ADDRESSES: DHS/FEMA/Grant Programs Directorate, Assistance to 
Firefighters Grants Branch, 400 C St. SW, 3N, FEMA Headquarters, 
Washington, DC 20472-3635.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Parsons, Chief, Assistance to 
Firefighters Grants Branch, 1-866-274-0960 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The AFG program awards grants directly to 
fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) 
organizations, and state fire training academies (SFTA) for enhancing 
the health and safety of first responders and improving their abilities 
to protect the public from fire and fire-related hazards. Applications 
for the FY 2024 AFG Program are submitted and processed online through 
https://go.fema.gov/. Before the application period started, the FY 
2024 AFG Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was published on 
FEMA's AFG Program website at https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/assistance-grants. The AFG Program website provides 
additional information and materials useful for FY 2024 AFG Program 
applicants, including Frequently Asked Questions, Application 
Checklist, AFG Narrative Development Toolkit, Self-Evaluation Sheets 
for Vehicle Acquisition and Operations Safety, and a Cost-Share 
Calculator. Based on past AFG Program application periods, FEMA 
anticipates receiving 8,000 to 10,000 AFG applications this year and 
$291,600,000 in available funding will support approximately 2,000 
grant awards.

Congressional Appropriations

    For the FY 2024 AFG Program, Congress appropriated $324 million 
through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024, 
Public Law 118-47, Title III, Protection, Preparedness, Response, and 
Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Assistance (2024 
DHS Appropriations Act). From this amount, $291.6 million will be made 
available for FY 2024 AFG Program awards. In addition, section 33 of 
the Federal Fire

[[Page 5926]]

Prevention and Control Act of 1974, as amended (15 U.S.C. 2229), 
requires that a minimum of 10% of available funds be expended for Fire 
Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program grants. FP&S Program awards will 
be made directly to local fire departments and to local, regional, 
state, or national entities recognized for their expertise in the 
fields of fire prevention and firefighter safety research and 
development. The funds appropriated for FY 2024 are available for 
obligation and award until Sept. 30, 2025. The Federal Fire Prevention 
and Control Act of 1974 further directs FEMA to administer these 
appropriations according to the following requirements:
     Career fire departments: Not less than 25% of available 
grant funds.
     Volunteer fire departments: Not less than 25% of available 
grant funds.
     Combination fire departments and departments using paid-
on-call firefighting personnel: Not less than 25% of available grant 
funds.
     Open competition (career, volunteer, and/or combination 
fire departments and departments using paid-on-call firefighting 
personnel): Not less than 10% of available grant funds awarded.
     EMS providers including fire departments and nonaffiliated 
EMS organizations: Not less than 3.5% of available grant funds awarded.
     Nonaffiliated EMS providers: Not more than 2% of the total 
available grant funds.
     State Fire Training Academies (SFTAs): Not more than 3% of 
available grant funds shall be collectively awarded to SFTA applicants, 
with a maximum of $500,000 per applicant.
     Vehicles: Not more than 25% of available grant funds may 
be used for the purchase of vehicles; by policy and based on 
recommendations, FEMA intends to dedicate 10% of those vehicle funds 
for ambulances.
     Micro grants: This is a voluntary funding limitation 
choice made by the applicant for requests submitted within the 
operations and safety activity. It is not an additional funding 
opportunity. Micro grants are awards that have a Federal participation 
(share) that does not exceed $75,000. Applicants that select micro 
grants may receive additional consideration for award. If an applicant 
selects micro grants in their application, they will be limited in the 
total amount of funding their organization can be awarded. If they are 
requesting funding in excess of $75,000 Federal participation, they 
should not select micro grants.

Background of AFG

    Since 2001, AFG has awarded approximately $8.7 billion in grant 
funding to help firefighters and other first responders obtain 
critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, 
training, and other resources needed to protect the public and 
emergency personnel from fire and fire-related hazards. FEMA awards 
grants on a competitive basis to the applicants that best address the 
AFG Program's priorities and provide the most compelling justification. 
Applications that best address AFG Program priorities, as identified in 
the Application Evaluation Criteria, are reviewed by a panel composed 
of fire service personnel. The AFG Program has three program 
activities:
     Operations and Safety;
     Vehicle Acquisition; and
     Regional Projects.
    The priorities for each activity are fully outlined in the funding 
notice.

Application Evaluation Criteria

    Before making a grant award, FEMA is required by 31 U.S.C. 3354, as 
amended by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, Public Law 
116-117 (2020), 41 U.S.C. 2313, and 2 CFR 200.206 to review information 
available through any Office of Management and Budget-designated 
repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial 
integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may 
include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant: (1) 
Financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to 
meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing 
Federal awards; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability 
to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.
    FEMA will rank all complete and submitted applications based on how 
well they align with program priorities for the type of jurisdiction(s) 
served. Answers to activity-specific questions provide information used 
to determine each application's ranking relative to the stated program 
priorities.
    Funding priorities and criteria for evaluating AFG applications are 
established by FEMA based on the recommendations from the Criteria 
Development Panel (CDP). The CDP is composed of fire service 
professionals who make recommendations to FEMA regarding creating new, 
or modifying previously established, funding priorities, as well as 
developing criteria for awarding grants. The content of the funding 
notice reflects implementation of the CDP's recommendations with 
respect to the priorities and evaluation criteria for awards.
    The nine major fire service organizations represented on the CDP:

 Congressional Fire Service Institute
 International Association of Arson Investigators
 International Association of Fire Chiefs
 International Association of Fire Fighters
 International Society of Fire Service Instructors
 National Association of State Fire Marshals
 National Fire Protection Association
 National Volunteer Fire Council
 North American Fire Training Directors

Review and Selection Process

    AFG applications are reviewed through a multi-phase process. All 
applications are electronically pre-scored and ranked based on how well 
they align with the funding priorities outlined in the funding notice. 
Applications with the highest pre-score rankings are then scored 
competitively by no less than three members of a Peer Review Panel. 
Applications are also evaluated through a series of internal FEMA 
review processes for completeness, adherence to programmatic 
guidelines, technical feasibility, and anticipated effectiveness of the 
proposed project(s). Below is the process by which applications are 
reviewed:

1. Pre-Scoring Process

    The application undergoes an electronic pre-scoring process based 
on established program priorities listed in the funding notice and 
answers to activity-specific questions within the online application. 
Application narratives are not reviewed during pre-scoring. Request 
details and budget information should comply with program guidance and 
statutory funding limitations. The pre-score is 50% of the total 
application score.

2. Peer Review Panel Process

    Applications with the highest pre-score undergo peer review. The 
peer review is comprised of fire service representatives recommended by 
the organizations represented on the CDP. The panelists assess the 
merits of each application based on the narrative section of the 
application, including the evaluation elements listed in the Narrative 
Evaluation Criteria below. Panelists independently score each project 
within the application, discuss

[[Page 5927]]

the merits and/or shortcomings of the application with their peers, and 
document the findings. A consensus is not required. The panel score is 
50% of the total application score.

3. Technical Evaluation Process

    The highest ranked applications will be considered within the 
fundable range. Applications that are in the fundable range will 
undergo both a Technical Review by a subject-matter expert as well as a 
FEMA Program Office review before being recommended for award. The FEMA 
Program Office will assess the request with respect to costs, 
quantities, feasibility, eligibility, and recipient responsibility 
prior to recommending any application for award. Once the Technical 
Evaluation Process is complete, each application's cumulative score 
will be determined, and a final ranking of applications will be 
created. FEMA will award grants based on this final ranking and the 
ability to meet statutorily required funding limitations outlined in 
the funding notice.

Narrative Evaluation Criteria

1. Financial Need (25%)

    Applicants should describe their financial need and how consistent 
it is with the intent of the AFG Program. This statement should include 
details describing the applicant's financial distress, summarized 
budget constraints, unsuccessful attempts to secure other funding, and 
proof that their financial distress is out of their control.

2. Project Description and Budget (25%)

    This statement should clearly explain the applicant's project 
objectives and the relationship between those objectives and the 
applicant's budget and risk analysis. The applicant should describe the 
activities, including program priorities or facility modifications, 
ensuring consistency with project objectives, the applicant's mission, 
and any national, state and/or local requirements. Applicants should 
link the proposed expenses to operations and safety, as well as the 
completion of the project goals.

3. Cost Benefit (25%)

    Applicants should describe how they plan to address the operations 
and personal safety needs of their organization, including cost 
effectiveness and sharing assets. This statement should also include 
details about gaining the maximum benefits from grant funding by citing 
reasonable or required costs, such as specific overhead and 
administrative costs. The applicant's request should also be consistent 
with their mission and identify how funding will benefit their 
organization and personnel.

4. Statement of Effect on Daily Operations (25%)

    This statement should explain how these funds will enhance the 
applicant's overall effectiveness. It should address how an award will 
improve daily operations and reduce the applicant's risks. Applicants 
should include how frequently the requested items will be used, and in 
what capacity. Applicants should also indicate how the requested items 
will help the community and increase the organization's ability to save 
additional lives or property. Jurisdictions that demonstrate their 
commitment and proactive posture to reducing fire risk, by explaining 
their code enforcement (to include Wildland Urban Interface code 
enforcement) and mitigation strategies (including whether the 
jurisdiction has a FEMA-approved mitigation strategy) may receive 
stronger consideration under this criterion.

Eligible Applicants

    Fire Departments: Fire departments operating in any of the 50 
states, as well as fire departments in the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any federally 
recognized Indian Tribe or tribal organization. A fire department is an 
agency or organization having a formally recognized arrangement with a 
state, territory, local (city, county, parish, fire district, township, 
town or other governing body), or tribal authority to provide fire 
suppression to a population within a geographically fixed primary first 
due response area.
    Nonaffiliated EMS organizations: Nonaffiliated EMS organizations 
operating in any of the 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any 
federally recognized Indian Tribe or tribal organization. A 
nonaffiliated EMS organization is an agency or organization that is a 
public or private nonprofit emergency medical services entity providing 
medical transport that is not affiliated with a hospital and does not 
serve a geographic area in which emergency medical services are 
adequately provided by a fire department. FEMA considers the following 
as hospitals under the AFG Program:
     Clinics;
     Medical centers;
     Medical colleges or universities;
     Infirmaries;
     Surgery centers; and
     Any other institutions, associations, or foundations 
providing medical, surgical, or psychiatric care and/or treatment for 
the sick or injured.
    State Fire Training Academies: SFTAs operating in any of the 50 
states, as well as the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American 
Samoa, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Applicants must be 
designated either by legislation or by a Governor's declaration as the 
sole fire service training agency within a state, territory, or the 
District of Columbia and recognized by the National Fire Academy. The 
designated SFTA shall be the only agency/bureau/division, or entity 
within that state, territory, or the District of Columbia to be an 
eligible SFTA applicant under the AFG Program.
    Non-Federal airport and/or port authority fire or EMS 
organizations: These entities are eligible only if they have a formally 
recognized arrangement with the local jurisdiction to provide fire 
suppression or emergency medical services on a first-due basis outside 
the confines of the airport or port facilities. Airport or port 
authority fire and EMS organizations whose sole responsibility is 
suppression of fires or EMS response on the airport grounds or port 
facilities are not eligible for funding under the AFG Program.

Ineligibility

    FEMA considers two or more separate fire departments or 
nonaffiliated EMS organizations with different funding streams, 
personnel rosters, and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) but 
sharing the same facilities, as being separate organizations for the 
purposes of AFG eligibility. If two or more organizations share 
facilities and each submits an application in the same program area 
(i.e., Equipment, Modifications to Facilities, Personal Protective 
Equipment (PPE), Training, or Wellness and Fitness Programs), FEMA 
reserves the right to review all of those program area applications for 
eligibility. This determination is designed to avoid the duplication of 
benefits.
    Examples of ineligible applications and/or organizations include:
     Nonaffiliated EMS organization requests for any activity 
that is specific or unique to structural/proximity/wildlands 
firefighting gear.
     Fire departments that are a Federal Government entity, or 
contracted by the Federal Government, and are solely

[[Page 5928]]

responsible under a formally recognized agreement for suppression of 
fires on Federal installations or land.
     Fire departments or nonaffiliated EMS organizations that 
are not independent entities but are part of, controlled by, or under 
the day-to-day operational command and control of a larger department, 
agency or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
    [cir] However, if a fire department is considered to be the same 
legal entity as a municipality or other governmental organization, and 
otherwise meets the eligibility criteria, that municipality or other 
governmental organization may apply on behalf of that fire department 
as long as the application clearly states that the fire department is 
considered part of the same legal entity.
     Fire-based EMS organization applying as a nonaffiliated 
EMS organization.
     Auxiliaries, hospitals or fire service associations or 
interest organizations that are not the AHJ over the applicant.
     Dive teams, search and rescue squads, or similar 
organizations that do not provide medical transport.
     Fire departments, regional or nonaffiliated EMS 
organizations that are for profit.
     State or local agencies, or subsets of any governmental 
entity, or any authority that do not meet the requirements as defined 
by 15 U.S.C. 2229(a), (c).
     If an applicant submits two or more applications for the 
same equipment or other eligible activity (for example, if an applicant 
submits two or more applications, one under the Regional activity, and 
one under the Operations and Safety activity for self-contained 
breathing apparatus [SCBA]), both applications may be disqualified. If 
an applicant submits two separate applications for the same activity 
(i.e., two separate vehicle applications for the same vehicle) during 
the same application period, both applications may be disqualified.
    [cir] This is different from when an entity is applying on behalf 
of other organizations that are agencies or instrumentalities of the 
applicant (e.g., multiple fire departments under the same county, city, 
borough, parish, or other municipality). In that situation, the 
applicant may request similar or the same equipment as long as the 
application clearly states which equipment (including quantities) is 
for which agency/instrumentality. This is permissible even if that 
entity submits multiple applications across regional versus direct 
applications.
    [cir] Eligible Fire Department and nonaffiliated EMS applicants may 
submit only one application for each of the following application 
types: Individual Operations and Safety, Individual Vehicle, Regional 
Operations and Safety, and Regional Vehicle. Under the Operations and 
Safety applications, applicants may submit for multiple activities and 
for multiple items within each activity. Under the Vehicle application, 
applicants may submit one application for a vehicle activity (or 
activities) for their department and one separate application for a 
regional vehicle (the same vehicle(s) may not be requested for both 
purposes). All duplicate application submissions may be disqualified.

Statutory Limits to Funding

    Congress has enacted statutory limits to the amount of funding that 
a grant recipient may receive from AFG in any single fiscal year based 
on the population served (15 U.S.C. 2229(c)(2)). Awards will be limited 
based on the size of the population protected by the applicant, as 
indicated below. Notwithstanding the annual limits stated below, the 
FEMA Administrator may not award a grant in an amount that exceeds 1% 
of the available grant funds in such fiscal year, except where it is 
determined that such recipient has an extraordinary need for a grant in 
an amount that exceeds the 1% aggregate limit.
     In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with 
100,000 people or fewer, the amount of available grant funds awarded to 
such recipient shall not exceed $1 million in any fiscal year.
     In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with 
more than 100,000 people, but not more than 500,000 people, the amount 
of available grant funds awarded to such recipient shall not exceed $2 
million in any fiscal year.
     In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with 
more than 500,000 people, but not more than 1 million people, the 
amount of available grant funds awarded to such recipient shall not 
exceed $2.91 million in any fiscal year.
     In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with 
more than 1 million people, but not more than 2.5 million people, the 
amount of available grant funds awarded to such recipient is subject to 
the 1% aggregate cap of $2.91 million for FY 2024. FEMA may waive this 
aggregate cap in individual cases where FEMA determines that a 
recipient has an extraordinary need for a grant that exceeds the 
aggregate cap. If FEMA waives the aggregate cap, the amount of grant 
funds awarded to such a recipient shall not exceed $6 million for any 
fiscal year.
     In the case of a recipient that serves a jurisdiction with 
more than 2.5 million people, the amount of available grant funds 
awarded to such recipient is subject to the 1% aggregate cap of $2.91 
million for FY 2024. FEMA may waive this aggregate cap in individual 
cases where FEMA determines that a recipient has an extraordinary need 
for a grant that exceeds the aggregate cap. If FEMA waives the 
aggregate cap, the amount of grant funds awarded to such recipient 
shall not exceed $9 million for any fiscal year.
     FEMA may not waive the population-based limits on the 
amount of grant funds awarded as set by 15 U.S.C. 2229(c)(2)(A).
    The cumulative total of the Federal share of awards in Operations 
and Safety, Regional, and Vehicle Acquisition activities will be 
considered when assessing award amounts and any limitations thereto. 
Applicants may request funding up to the statutory limit on each of 
their applications.
    For example, an applicant that serves a jurisdiction with more than 
100,000 people, but not more than 500,000 people, may request up to $2 
million on their Operations and Safety Application and up to $2 million 
on their Vehicle Acquisition request. However, should both grants be 
awarded, the applicant would have to choose which award to accept if 
the cumulative value of both applications exceeds the statutory limits.

Cost Sharing and Maintenance of Effort

    Grant recipients must share in the costs of the projects funded 
under this grant program as required by 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(1) and in 
accordance with applicable Federal regulations at 2 CFR part 200, but 
they are not required to have the cost-share at the time of application 
nor at the time of award. However, before a grant is awarded, FEMA 
validates that the grant recipient has provided sufficient evidence 
that the cost-share requirement will be fulfilled during the 
performance period of the grant award.
    In general, an eligible applicant seeking a grant shall agree to 
make available non-Federal funds equal to not less than 15% of the 
grant awarded. However, the cost share will vary as follows based on 
the size of the population served by the organization, with exceptions 
to this general requirement for entities serving smaller communities:
     Applicants that serve populations of 20,000 or less shall 
agree to make available non-Federal funds in an amount equal to not 
less than 5% of the grant awarded.

[[Page 5929]]

     Applicants serving areas with populations above 20,000, 
but not more than 1 million, shall agree to make available non-Federal 
funds in an amount equal to not less than 10% of the grant awarded.
     Applicants serving areas with populations above 1 million 
shall agree to make available non-Federal funds in an amount equal to 
not less than 15% of the grant awarded.
    The cost share for SFTAs will apply the requirements above based on 
the total population of the state.
    The cost share for a regional application will apply the 
requirements above based on the aggregate population of the primary 
first due response areas of the host and participating partner 
organizations that execute a Memorandum of Understanding as described 
in Appendix B, Section g., Regional Applications, of the FY 2024 AFG 
funding notice.
    On a case-by-case basis, FEMA may allow a grant recipient that may 
already own assets (equipment or vehicles), acquired with non-Federal 
cash, to use the trade-in allowance/credit value of those assets as 
``cash'' for the purpose of meeting the cost-share obligation of their 
AFG Program award. In-kind, cost-share matches are not allowed. Grant 
recipients under this grant program must also agree to a maintenance of 
effort requirement as required by 15 U.S.C. 2229(k)(3) (referred to as 
a ``maintenance of expenditure'' requirement in that statute). A grant 
recipient shall agree to maintain during the term of the grant the 
applicant's aggregate expenditures relating to the activities allowable 
under the funding notice at not less than 80% of the average amount of 
such expenditures in the two fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in 
which the grant amounts are received.
    In cases of demonstrated economic hardship, and at the request of 
the grant recipient, the Administrator of FEMA may waive or reduce a 
grant recipient's cost-share requirement or maintenance of effort 
requirement. AFG applicants for FY 2024 must indicate at the time of 
application whether they are requesting a waiver and whether the waiver 
is for the cost-share requirement, for the maintenance of effort 
requirement, or both. As required by statute, the Administrator of FEMA 
is required to establish guidelines for determining what constitutes 
economic hardship. FEMA has published these guidelines on FEMA's 
website at https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/Eco_Hardship_Waiver_FPS_SAFER_AFG_IB_FINAL.pdf.
    Before the start of the FY 2024 AFG application period, FEMA 
conducted applicant internet webinars to inform potential applicants. 
In addition, FEMA provided applicants with information at the AFG 
website, https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters, to help 
them prepare quality grant applications. The AFG Program Help Desk is 
staffed throughout the application period to assist applicants with the 
automated application process as well as answer any questions. 
Applicants can reach the AFG Program Help Desk through a toll-free 
telephone number Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET at 866-274-
0960 or electronic mail at [email protected].

Application Process

    Organizations may submit one application per application period in 
each of the three AFG Program activities (e.g., one application for 
Operations and Safety, one for Vehicle Acquisition, and/or a separate 
application to be a Joint/Regional project host). If an organization 
submits more than one application for any single AFG Program activity 
(e.g., two applications for Operations and Safety, two for Vehicles), 
either intentionally or unintentionally, both applications may be 
disqualified.
    Applicants may access the grant application electronically at 
https://go.fema.gov/. New applicants must register and establish a 
username and password for secure access to the grant application. 
Previous AFG Program applicants must use their previously established 
username and password.
    Applicants are expected to answer questions about their grant 
request that reflect the AFG Program funding priorities. In addition, 
each applicant must complete four separate narratives for each project 
or grant activity requested. Grant applicants will also provide 
relevant information about their organization's characteristics, call 
volume, and existing organizational capabilities.
System for Award Management (SAM)
    Per 2 CFR 25.200, all Federal grant applicants and recipients must 
register at https://sam.gov/content/home. SAM is the Federal 
Government's System for Award Management, and registration is free of 
charge.
    Effective April 4, 2022, the Federal Government transitioned from 
using the Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS number, to a new, 
non-proprietary identifier known as a Unique Entity Identifier or UEI. 
For entities that had an active registration in SAM.gov before this 
date, the UEI has automatically been assigned and no action is 
necessary. For all entities filing a new registration in SAM.gov, the 
UEI will be assigned to that Entity as part of the SAM.gov registration 
process.
    FEMA will not make a Federal award until the applicant has complied 
with all applicable SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant's SAM 
registration must be active not only at the time of application, but 
also during the application review period and when FEMA is ready to 
make a Federal award.

Criteria Development Panel Recommendation

    If there are any differences between the published AFG Program 
guidelines and the recommendations made by the CDP, FEMA must explain 
them and publish the information in the Federal Register before 
awarding any AFG grant.

Adopted Recommendations for FY 2024

    Below is a list of changes between FY 2023 and FY 2024 to the AFG 
Program. The FY 2024 AFG Program funding notice contains some changes 
to definitions, descriptions, and priority categories. Changes include:
     Under Narrative Evaluation Criteria: A character count for 
each narrative section and a link to the Narrative Development Toolkit 
and Self-Evaluation sheets was added.
     Under Application Tips: Clarification that scores for 
applications with a mix of ``High,'' ``Medium,'' and ``Low'' priorities 
may be negatively impacted was added to this section. Applicants must 
consider priorities under each Activity listed in the NOFO when 
applying.
     Under Equipment Activity:
    [cir] Clarification that FEMA will consider only ``High'' priority 
items for funding was added.
    [cir] The following EMS equipment was added as High Priority:

 Suction Unit (non-disposable)
 CPAP Device
 Power Stair Chair
 Patient Carbon Monoxide Monitor
 Capnography/capnometer Device
 The following EMS equipment was added as Medium Priority:
 O2 Kit
 Non-disposable Splints

    [cir] The following EMS equipment was added as Low Priority:

 Stretcher
 Backboard
 Trauma Bag
 Mass Casualty Kit

    [cir] A clarification that non-construction repairs to fixed and 
mobile props for SFTA applicants cannot affect the building structure 
was added.

[[Page 5930]]

     Under Wellness and Fitness Activity: A clarification that 
Priority 1 programs must be already in place or requested in the 
application before Priority 2 programs will be considered for funding. 
In addition, the following items were added as ineligible:

 Saunas (including infrared)
 Hyperbaric chambers
 Ice baths
 Purchase of medical equipment

     Under Grant Writer/Preparation Fees: Clarification that 
the grant writer fee is subject to the cost share requirement was 
added.
     References in the funding notice to wildland fire were 
updated to wildfire where applicable.
     Eligible expenses for travel were updated to ensure 
uniformity within various activities funded.
     Minor updates to the AFG application were implemented to 
ensure equipment items are listed similarly to the funding notice.
     The following topics were discussed at the criteria 
development meeting but did not result in a recommendation for 
implementation:
     Changes to current equipment priority levels.
     Changes to Personal Protective Equipment activity, 
specific to replacement of air cylinders, PPE alternatives, and 
procurement of a second set of PPE gear.
     Changes to some of the existing definitions and guidance 
in the funding notice, specifically to the definition of a Combination 
fire department and changes to guidance for regional applications 
hosted by fire departments with nonaffiliated EMS organizations as 
partners.
     Additional considerations for applicants with little to no 
structural fire calls.

Recommendations Not Adopted for FY 2024

    Below is a list of recommendations that were not adopted for FY 
2024. These recommendations are considered long-term goals and are 
being evaluated for future consideration.
     CDP recommended utilizing technology (e.g., artificial 
intelligence) within the application that will collect data sets 
entered by each applicant to generate a Cost Benefit narrative.
     CDP recommended reorganization of Priority 2 Wellness and 
Fitness activities into high, medium, and low priorities with specific 
dropdowns in the application.
     CDP recommended that FEMA investigate the scoring 
elements/metrics used in vehicle application and vehicle pre-score 
calculation to ensure that various vehicle types being requested 
receive equal consideration.
    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2229.

Deanne Criswell,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2025-01303 Filed 1-16-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-64-P
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