On March 21, 2001, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published in the Federal Register the interim final rules covering a new $100 million grant program. Under the program, competitive grants will be made directly to local fire departments that are recognized by the State or other appropriate political entity. Joining us today are three experts from FEMA who will answer your questions regarding these grants. The experts are: Kristina Simpson, Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Margaret Larson, Advisor from the Office of Congressional Affairs Brian Cowan, Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives This page will automatically refresh every 45 seconds. To manually refresh the page, please click the "Refresh" button on the bottom of this page.

Charlie (Knoxville, TN) While departments not participating in NFIRS be eligible for grants? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Fire department recieving a grant will be required to report to NFIRS during the grant period. Non-participating departments may still apply. MIGUEL ASCARRUNZ (SAN BERNARDINO, CA) WAS THE ORIGINAL $300 MILLION FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR FY 2002 REDUCED TO $100 MILLION? AND IS ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROJECTED TO BE ALLOCATED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: 300 Million was authorized by Congress in Public Law 106-398 not appropriated. 100 million has been requested in the President's Budget for Fiscal Year 2002. This budget request will be sent to Congress next week. Karen C. (Stamford, CT) Our City has more than one volunteer department. Does FEMA prefer the departments to collaborate on one application or should each department submit its own? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Each volenteer department needs to submit thier own application. One application per department, not to be confused with multiple stations. Grants Office (Stamford, CT) Can we request multiple items within one eligible grant catefory? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The vehicle category is the only one in which you are restricted to one item, however when requesting multiple items in other categories they should be similar in nature. For example, like in a fire prevention program you might want to propose purchase of items that support the entire program. Other example would be multiple pieces of extrication equipment. Frank blackley (Wilmington, NC) When will grants be awarded? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: By September 30, 2001 MIGUEL ASCARRUNZ (SAN BERNARDINO, CA) FOR SUBSEQUENT YEARS, WILL AN ADDITIONAL FUNDING CATEGORY EXIST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FIRE STATIONS AND/OR STATION IMPROVEMENTS?? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The legislation states funds may be used " to modify fire stations, fire training facilities, and other facilities to protect the health and safety of firefighting personnel. IF funding is secured in future years, all categories are expected to be funded. Rita JOHNSON (Madison, WI) In the vehicle category, how will service improvement vs replacement be prioritized in the evaluation? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Replacement of outdated equipment will gain a higher competitive rating than improvement or expansion of current service. Steve Balstad (Fargo, ND) What are the chances of a small well equipped Fire Department being granted monies from this program? It seems that these grants are for Depts. that lacking the basic needs. Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The grants are intended for those with the greatest needs. t.crew (gastonia, NC) my City has agreed to build an empty structure - a bay area - and allow me to raise funds and/or in kind donations to outfit it as an education center. May I allow the construction costs that will incur to count as part of the 30% that we are spending on the total cost of our project? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Construction costs are not allowed; however, training, content, or props (or equipment) would be allowed. William West (Joplin, MO) Is a narrative or summary describing or justifying a grant request required as part of the submittal package? If so, how in depth or extensive should it be? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes. Five pages, doubled spaced per category of application. The legislation requires information about financial need and cost benefit anaylsis. Please see application package (www.usfa.fema.gov) for further guidance. Edward J. Moran (Hollywood, FL) Under the Training Category, would a Training Tower/Burn Building have a better chance of receiving a grant award if submitted as a regional training site or available for access by neighboring Departments? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Construction is not an eligible cost in any category. FEMA is authorized to make grants directly to eligible fire departments. However, in the cost benifit narritive you can note that there is shared benifit to other jurisdictions. Charlie Barker (Knoxville, TN) Can a department not participating in state or national Fire Incident Reporting, apply and receive a grant for related hardware and software to become NFIRS compliant? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: see previous answer Curtis Behnke (Warren, MI) Are there specific amounts of funding for each of the six categories? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes, the targeted amounts are: 15 million for vehicles 12 million for fire prevention programs 35 millioin for personal protective ewquip 6.5 for wellness and fitness 15 million for fire fighting equipment 6.5 for training William West (Joplin, MO) I have read that this is not a good time to request funding in order to help construct training facilities. If this is the case where should our focus be? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Correct. Construction is not an eligible expenditure this fiscal year. You may want to look at the funding alternative guidebook compiled by the USFA --please see www.usfa.fema.gov for information on publications Carl (Birmingham, AL) Can training funds be used to construct a training tower? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: No, see previous answer on construction Curtis Behnke (Warren, MI) Are there specific amounts of funding for each of the six categories? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: see previous answer please S.A. Castricone (Yuma, AZ) concerning the city's contribution, Will the program allow salaries to credit for the required "matching funds"? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: If the salary funds are expended on project results they are an allowable cost. However, you can not hire people or surplant exsisting personnel funding. Also additional costs for project implementation may effect your competitive rating. Briana (Gator City, FL) If we apply for funding for a quint unit, would it disqualify us altogether since the priority items are fire trucks? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: No, You would not be disqualified. But quints and ladders earn a much lower competitive rating. Kathleen Fenton (Lima, OH) Is the cost of a percentage of an administrator's salary & benefits for administering the grant eligible to be counted as part of the local match? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Please see previous answer. Thank you Michelle (Boston, MA) Would a fireboat be considered to be a vehicle or equipment? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: A vehicle with an engine would go into the vehicle category. Rocky H (Chambersburg, PA) How can we apply seperately if our training courses are colectively funded by several different departments? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: One fire department has to be the lead agency in applying for the grant. This means that the lead agency would take the responsiblity to coordinate the training for the different departments. Norm Scott (Fargo, ND) Our city has no capabilities for trench rescue, would this be an area that would be considered for funding? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: This is a good question. It could be funded as training or fire equipment. You make the call which category you can justify the cost benifit the best. Roger Blackly (Eavers Falls, ND) What exactly is acceptable as a cost share, cash only or is in-kind? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Hard Non-Federal CASH match Michelle (Boston, MA) Can you further explain the 30% cost share? How does this effect drawdown of grant money--if a grant is awarded? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: At the end of the grant period, the fire department should be able to account for the total project cost demonstrating the appropriate cost share amounts. Hence, cost share does not effect draw down. john bauer (Teaneck, NJ) Would vehicles for fire inspectors be submitted under VEHICLES or FIRE PREVENTION? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The vehicle category. Thank you. Karen C. (Stamford, CT) Is overtime for firefighters an eligible cost in the training or fitness categories? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Sorry, No. D Smits (Calumet City, IL) What is considered an "old,high mileage vehicle" as per the instructions? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: It is a combination of age, mileage, and number of calls. The inquiries we are receiving are generally for vehicles that are greater than 20 years old. Charlie Barker (Knoxville, TN) Can a department that is not currently participating in state or federal fire incident reporting systems apply for and potentially receive a grant to purchase hardware and software to become NFIRS compliant? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: As part of the grant, participation in NFIRS is required for those who received grants. Therefore, hardware and software can be an eligible cost. Cedric Scott (Macon, GA) What is the maxium amount of money that one department can receive? And, are there any formal forms other than the ones provided on the internet? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: 750 thousand is the max any one fire department may be awarded. No other forms then those on www.usfa.fema.gov are required. Dan Smits (Calumet City, IL) Does "firefighting vehicles" include vehicles such as a combination hazmat/rescue/investigation vehicle Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes, thank you for asking. Mark Whelpley (northlauderdale, FL) Will funds be available to build smoke towers and physical agility training facilies? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Please see previous answers regarding costruction. S.A. Castricone (Yuma, AZ) We need props for a regional training facility. Will the grant score this need favorably? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The grant is scored based on need and cost benifit. For further information please see program guidance in the application. Grants must be made directly to an eligible fire department and not a regional training organization. Mark Whelpley (northlauderdale, FL) Can we submit for a new pumper to replace our backup, which is a 1987 Pierce? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes. Thank you very much. You may wish to see previous responses on vehicle replacement. Amy (Olympia, WA) Is it a good idea to include extra information not asked for in the application packet such as letters of endorsements from our legislators? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: It will not effect your competitive rating. Tiffany (Tampa, FL) Will it be permitted for those of us applying for a grant pertaining to Wellness & Fitness to utilize some of the funds for hiring an occupational health professional to provide some of the services? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The grant does not allow for the hiring of personnel, however you could procure medical services to ensure that firefighting personnel are physically able to carry out their duties. Please see program guidance for further information in application package. S.A. Castricone (Yuma, AZ) Will the grant allow for associated travel costs related to sending personel to "Train the Trainer" education when the community is rural and far from major metropolitan areas? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes John Bauer (Teaneck, NJ) We're looking to get a heavy rescue vehicle. Will the grant cover the cost of the truck and the equipment or just the truck? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Normal equipment associated with accomplishing the rescue task are eligible for inclusion on the vehicle. Roy De La Cruz (Eagle Pass, TX) Under the category of vehicles, could this include Haz-Mat vehicles? Under the Personal Protective Clothing category could we request Haz-Mat suits? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes to both questions. Sandra (Mt. Airy, NC) Could we apply for travel and related expenses to attend training at NETC? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Travel is already covered through the normal acceptance process for classes at NFA and EMI. The grant will not cover overtime for people who are attending classes or for backfilling their position. Cedric Scott (Macon, GA) (1) What is the maximum amount of money that one department can receive? (2) Are there any other forms other than the ones on the website that we need to fill out? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Please see below answers to those questions. Thanks Roy De La Cruz (Eagle Pass, TX) Could communications systems be considered under the category of firefighting equipment? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Limited communication equipment is eligible; such as radios and pagers, but not cad systems or communication towers or consoles. Glen (Pocatello, ID) What is the CFDA number or other identfying number assigned to this grant? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: CFDA number is prefilled on to the form 424 in the application package-- get it here www.usfa.fema.gov... Kathleen (Lima, OH) Please discuss what criteria demonstrate financial need. Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Factors such as department's budget vs. population protected, limited funding sources, ... Don Perdue (Hollywood, FL) Under the wellness/fitnes catagory would contracting with an outside source to provide the program be acceptable? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: :) Yes Sparky Simmons (Winter, ND) Would a fire prevention campaign or public awareness event be accetable for a grant? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: :)YES please submit the cost associated with the program/campaign. anonymous (anytown, FL) Will a "for-Profit" (Rural Metro) fire department be quilified for this grant even if they do not have any tie or contract with the municipality? Contract provider only. Kristina, Margaret and Brian: If they provide public(residents, as opposed to airports or theme parks) fire protection through contract services, they are eligible. Ron Jordan (Wilmington, NC) In an article I read recently, it stated Personnel Protective Equipment is allowed in this grant period. Is this just for firefighting bunker gear or would total encapsulating dive suits be allowed also. Kristina, Margaret and Brian: It is really based on your ability to justify the cost benfit under Personal Protective Equipment. t. crew (gastonia, NC) is the cost for professional medical evaluations (both post and pre)and continuing regulations and adjustments eligible for grant funding for a fitness program Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes, please see previous answer. Thanks Carol Alarie (Rome, NY, NY) 1. Our area has three different kinds of fire departments, the City Fire Department, a volunteer Fire District established formally by the state, and volunteer Fire Companies that enter into independent fire protection contracts with local towns and villages and the city as secondary responders. Do these companies with contracts qualify as fire departments under this grant? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes Carol Alarie (Rome, NY) Can we apply as a consortium with the other fire departments in our region or do we each have to apply individually? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: We can not accept applications from fire consortiums, if a group sends in an application on behalf of the group-- FEMA must consider the application ineligible. The grants are intended for eligible fire departments. Carol Alarie (Rome, NY) Is it more advantageous to apply together as one cooperative consortium or should we apply separately? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Please see previous answer. Thank you for the question. Div. Chief James Scott (Canton, OH) Would diesel exhaust systems for the fire stations qualify as an acceptable item under the wellness catagory or is there a different they would qualify under. Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The category could be either one-- the one you would be able to justify the best. Carol Alarie (Rome, NY) Federal Funds – we contract with the former Griffiss Air Force Base for fire protection but it is not our sole responsibility. This would not prevent us from applying would it.? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: No it does not effect your eligibility. Carol Alarie (Rome, NY) Is there some way to get the application as a word document in my microsoft word program? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: No, but you could go to your local library for assistance. It is possible to down load it so you can fill in the application on a computer. Steve Coffman (Dallas, TX) A program that we are considering for submission will take a good portion of the first year to implement. Our concern regards the measures in place at the end of the first year. It may take several years to develop enough data as to the effectiveness of the program. What criteria are you looking for us to provide in terms of measures? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: The applicant needs to identify what project results will be achieved by the end of the grant period. The project narrative can identify expected short and long range results. S.A. Castricone (Yuma, AZ) The rules allow you to submit in two catagories, can you be awarded in both as long as you don not exceed the $750,000 ceiling? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes you can. Keith MacIsaac (Wheeling, IL) How would a submission for an ARFF (airport crash truck) be viewed in the grant process? Airport protected is non-FAA indexed/general aviation & existing ARFF vehicle is 1985 model. Also, if approved, would grant be subject to community matching funds? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: You have to provide fire protection to the residental general public. This makes you an eligible fire department. If you protect the airport as PART of your mission IN ADDITION to off site responses, ARFF vehicles would be eligible. All grants are subject to hard cash non-Federal match. Ted Brookman (Lima, OH) When asking for a vehicle, does it matter if your 20 year old vehicle that you want to replace is a backup to a newer vehicle (13years old) Kristina, Margaret and Brian: It would not disqualify from eligiblity. But, would gain a very low competitive rating as compared with other applicants. Ron Moeder (Denver, CO) The Rocky Mountain Fire Academy is a Front Range Regional tranining center(Fort Collins south to Colorado Springs. Would the RFMA (Denver Fire and Aurora Fire Departments) be eligible for a grant up to $500,000 to replace our existing burn building. What other fire ground props would be available for the training Center? Another question is there matching funds for paid departments? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: They are direct grants to eligible fire departments and not regional training centers. Dan Smits (Calumet City, IL) Would producing a video to address fires in a high risk category be considered self-sustaining. i.e. We would produce enough videos to handout over several years. Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes it could be... Ron Jordan (Wilmington, NC) Would money be allowed for the start up and promotion of Fire Prevention Educational Programs targeted toward elementary grade children and the elderly? Under Fire Prevention? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Yes. Yes. Thank you susan (culver city, CA) Would the replacement of 15 year old protective equipment that has been discontinued by the manufacturer receive a high priority? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: If you are not in compliance with OSHA or NFPA standards, then it would receive a higher priority. S.A. Castricone (Yuma, AZ) Would you please post the date,time and channel for the up coming tele-conference scheduled for next week? Thankyou Kristina, Margaret and Brian: We would love to have you join us on April 9 at 7:00 PM EDT your local EENET channel. Please tell your friends and neighbors. Please check our web site at www.usfa.fema.gov. Thank you very much for your time and questions!!!!! Sharon (Harrisonburg, VA) Can CDBG money be used as part of the non-federal cost share? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Great Question! Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but the answer is.... You may be able to, as CDBG becomes non-Federal once the city recieves it. You may use CDBG monies as the hard cash non-federal cost share if your city obtained the CDBG monies for the purpose of pubic safety. Jason (Rogers, MT) For search and rescue team, would dogs be considered personnel or equipment? Kristina, Margaret and Brian: Personnel costs are not covered.