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SENATE REAUTHORIZES USFA AND FIRE SERVICE GRANT PROGRAMS; APPROVES CHANGES TO PSOB PROGRAM

On Thursday, November 29th, the Senate unanimously approved an amendment to S. 3254, the National Defense Authorization Act, that reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as well as the United States Fire Administration.  The amendment, sponsored by Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT) and co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins (ME), Thomas Carper (DE) and Scott Brown (MA), authorizes funding for USFA and the two grant programs through the end of Fiscal Year 2017.  In addition, the amendment makes several critical improvements to the AFG and SAFER grant programs, including raising current grant caps, reducing the local match under FIRE, significantly simplifying the local match under SAFER, and providing waivers for communities facing significant economic hardship.

"We are very grateful to Senator Lieberman and the co-sponsors of this amendment for working diligently to bring reauthorization of these programs one step closer to reality," said Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute.  "We also extend our thanks to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senator John McCain, and Senator Carl Levin for their efforts."

The Senate is expected to complete work on S. 3254 by Friday, November 30th.  Then the House and Senate will convene a conference to resolve difference between their respective measures.  The House approved its version of the legislation on May 18th; however, their version does not contain reauthorization language for AFG, SAFER and USFA.  Therefore, Senate negotiators will need to convince their House counterparts to retain the Senate language.

Additionally, the Senate approved an amendment offered by Senator Patrick Leahy (VT) on Wednesday, November 28th.  The Leahy amendment makes several changes to the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program, intended to strengthen the program.  The changes include:

  • Providing mandatory funding for disability benefits;
  • Expanding coverage to certain non-profit EMS providers; and
  • Addition of vascular rupture under the causes of death covered by the Hometown Heroes provisions.

      • On February 14th the House passed H.R. 4018, sponsored by Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick (PA-8), that would make the same changes as the Leahy amendment.   

      The national fire service organizations have been working closely with a number of other organizations on the recent efforts to reauthorize AFG, SAFER and USFA - namely the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  Working together, this coalition has delivered a consistent and unified message that got the attention of congressional leaders. 

      Strength in numbers can make a difference. 

     

     

    APPLICATION PERIOD TO OPEN FOR FY 2012 FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY GRANTS OPENS DECEMBER 17, 2012

     

    The following release is from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

    Starting Monday, December 17, 2012, online applications will be accepted for FY 2012 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants. The deadline for all FP&S grant applications will be Friday, January 18, 2013, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

    HOW TO APPLY:

    For information on how to apply, visit the FP&S Grants Web page on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Website (www.fema.gov/firegrants).

     The first step is to read the FY 2012 FP&S Funding Opportunity Announcement. This document describes how to apply for a grant, activities that will be funded, types of organizations that are eligible to receive awards, the evaluation criteria for making awards, and the federal requirements for grantees.

     While the format of the FY 2012 Funding Opportunity Announcement has been updated, the funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and evaluation criteria remain the same as they were for the FY 2011 FP&S Grant Program.

     Activities Eligible for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants:

    • Fire Prevention and Safety Activity:   Projects designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards.        
    • Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity:  Projects aimed at improving firefighter safety, health, and wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries.

        • RESOURCES FOR FP&S APPLICANTS                                                                                                                            

         A number of resources have been developed to help potential applicants plan and submit their FP&S grant applications. The following resources can be downloaded from the FP&S Grants Web page:

        • FP&S Grants Get Ready Guide. A short guide to help you kick-start your grant application and identify and address the most important elements of all the grant application questions.
        • FP&S Self-Evaluation Sheet. Based on the application scoring dimensions used by peer reviewers, this tool can help you assess your organization's readiness to apply for a grant and help you plan your grant application. 
        • Fire Prevention and Safety Grants video: Provides a short overview of the FP&S Grant Program, including highlights of eligible activities.
        • Community Risk Assessment and Fire Prevention and Safety Grants video: Describes the different types of risk assessments that applicants can use and explains how the risk assessment's information can support grant requests. Community risk assessments are critical to creating an effective fire prevention and safety project, and they are required to obtain a FP&S grant.
        • AFG Help Desk. If you have questions about the FP&S Funding Opportunity Announcement or any of the resources, contact the AFG Help Desk by telephone (toll-free at 1-866-274-0960) or by e-mail (firegrants@fema.dhs.gov).

            • AFG CALENDAR

            NOTE: All information, including dates and projected application periods are subject to change. When a conference is listed, the AFG Program either will be exhibiting and/or giving a presentation or workshop.

            DECEMBER 2012

            FY 2012 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Application Period

            Application Period:  Monday, December 17, 2012, through Friday, January 18, 2013, 5 p.m. ET.

            AFG Home Page: www.fema.gov/firegrants

             

            AFG Help Desk:E-mail: firegrants@fema.dhs.gov

             

            Telephone Toll-Free: 1-866-274-0960