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Volunteer and Combination Fire Departments only: AFG-S Round 2 Fire Grant Application Period Open Oct. 6-Nov. 13, 2020

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FY 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – COVID 19 Supplemental (AFG-S)

FEMA is providing a second opportunity for volunteer and combination fire departments to apply for funding under the Fiscal Year 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – COVID 19 Supplemental (AFG-S):

  • Through this AFG-S Round 2 funding opportunity, FEMA will directly award funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to support coronavirus (COVID-19) response.
  • This includes reimbursement for applicable PPE expenditures made since Jan. 1, 2020.
  • Grants will be awarded, using a competitive process, to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG-S grant opportunity.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available for $31 million in funding for the Fiscal Year 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant – COVID-19 Supplemental Program (AFG-S) to help provide personal protective equipment to firefighters and first responders who are managing emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FEMA will begin accepting AFG-S applications at 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday October 6, 2020. The application period will close at 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 13, 2020 .The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Office (AFGP) has developed tools to help potential applicants plan their AFG-S application ahead of the application period. These documents can be viewed on the AFGP website at FY 2020 AFG-S COVID-19 Guidance Documents (https://www.fema.gov/media-collection/fy-2020-assistance-firefighters-grant-program-covid-19-supplemental-afg-s) and/or downloaded to your computer.

FY 2020 AFG-S Notice of Funding Opportunity


Cost Share Calculator: This calculator will help you understand and determine your organization’s cost share for AFG-S grants

Key Questions about the FY20 AFG-S Round 2 application

Why are only volunteer and combination fire departments eligible in round 2?

By law, 25 percent of available AFG-S funds must be awarded to volunteer fire departments and another 25 percent must be awarded to combination fire departments. This second application period will be limited to those categories of fire departments to fulfill this requirement.

Can my department apply again?

Volunteer and combination fire departments are eligible to apply in the FY20 AFG-S Round 2 even if they were awarded a grant under the first application period of the FY20 AFG-S. However, such applications must support new capabilities. Departments that applied in the first application period but were unsuccessful must reapply to be considered for funding in this second application period. Applications from the first application period will not automatically carry forward to Round 2 for automatic consideration.

Application Portal

The online application is available through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program’s FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) portal at https://go.fema.gov.

All users need their own FEMA GO account. Each account is specific to the authorized user and must not be shared with other personnel. A FEMA GO Account Creation User Guide can be viewed on the AFGP website or downloaded to your computer.

An application number will be assigned when the application is started. Be sure to write it down for future reference.

NOTE: When completing the Applicant Information section of the application, the “applicant name” should be the name of the fire department applying for the grant, not the name of the person who is completing the application.

FEMA GO is compatible with Internet Explorer (version 11 or higher), Firefox (version 73 or higher), or Chrome (version 80 or higher). Users who attempt to use tablet type devices or other browsers may encounter issues with using FEMA GO.

AFG-S Round 2 Webinars

Please see FEMA’s Webinar Schedule page for information on upcoming live webinars related to the AFG-S application. Webinars will be offered on various dates through the month of October. The presentations will outline important information and reminders about program priorities, eligible costs, how to navigate the grant application, and tips for preparing an AFG-S application.

SAM.gov Refgistration

SAM.GOV REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE GRANTS

All eligible applicants must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM) before they can both begin and submit an application. Per 2 CFR § 25.205, FEMA may not make an award to an entity until the entity has complied with the requirements to provide a valid DUNS number and maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information. SAM.gov consolidates federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). To register, or validate your information, please visit: https://www.sam.gov/

Find more information on this funding opportunity at https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters

Combo Fire Departments & VFDs: AFG-S COVID Response Round 2 fire grant opens Oct. 5, 2020

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COVID-19 Fire Grant for combination and Volunteer Fire Departments only

Assistance to Firefighter Grant Supplemental Coronavirus Fire Grant application round opens Oct. 5, 2020 and closes Nov. 4, 2020

The Notice of Funding Opportunity will be out soon. While similar to the first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for AFG-S Round 1, Round 2 excludes career departments. FEMA is expecting $31 million dollars for awards in the second round.

FEMA advised that a final round of awards for AFG, AFG-S, SAFER, and FP&S will happen possibly this Friday, Sept. 25. FEMA also advised all money needs to be allocated by September 30, 2020, and departments not receiving grants will soon start to get the turn-down notice.

Micro-grants will be allowed.

FEMA will allow micro-grants for AFG-S for up to $3,000 or less.

Only PPE is eligible for consideration.

Only Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the Notice of Funding Opportunity will be awarded. FEMA will reimburse departments for PPE that has been purchased from January 1, 2020 until the grant opens.

Round 1 winners may apply again.

If you were awarded on the first round of AFG-S you can reapply.

The application process will be the same as the first round of AFG-S which is the same as the AFG application, so you will need to apply using FEMA GO.

Pay attention to cost-share requirements.

The cost share on the application advises:

  • When serving a jurisdiction of 20,000 residents or fewer, the applicant shall agree to make available non-federal funds in an amount equal to not less than 5 percent of the grant awarded;
  • When serving a jurisdiction of more than 20,000 residents, but not more than 1 million residents, the applicant shall agree to make available non-federal funds in an amount equal to not less than 10 percent of the grant awarded.

Personal Protective Equipment is allowed on this grant

Your AFG-S Round 2 application should focus on PPE, but some PPE is consideration a higher priority than other gear, equipment, or supplies:

High Priority for funding

  • Eye Protection: Appropriately fitted, indirectly vented goggles or single use disposable face shield that fully covers the front and sides of the face.
  • Isolation Gowns: Nonsterile, single use fluid-resistant and impermeable disposable patient isolation gown.
  • Protective Coveralls: 360-degree protection of the whole body, including the back, lower legs and feet.
  • Gloves: Single-use, disposable patient examination gloves.
  • Footwear Covers: Single-use, disposable medical footwear covers.
  • Respirators: Any NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e., N-95 or higher level respirator). Includes the purchase of filters appropriate for use.
  • Surgical-Type Face Masks: Loose-fitting, single-use disposable physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer to allow fire and EMS personnel to meet. Must meet CDC recommendations and/or state mandates for face covering when in a public setting other than direct patient contact.

Low priority for funding

Other supplies are also eligible, however they will be considered a lower priority than items listed above. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Decontamination supplies and services for PPE, station-quarters, and vehicles.
  • Replacement High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters and other types of disposable filtration supplies used on EMS respiratory and/or ventilator equipment.
  • Personally-issued antiseptic hand washes, antiseptic hand rubs such as alcohol based hand sanitizers, foams or gels, and reasonable refill supply.

Grant writer fees may be reimbursed from the grant

FEMA will allow the grant writer fee to be reimbursed on this grant up to $1,500 if you have not been awarded the grant writer fee this year.

Combination and volunteer fire departments of sizes nationwide may be able to benefit from this second round of FEMA AFG coronavirus fire grant funding.

Need help applying for this grant?

Contact us today

New Hampshire FD wins fire grant for forestry truck

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First AFG vehicle award in New Hampshire since 2018

During recent award rounds for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, New Hampshire’s Tamworth Fire Department brought home a big win.

In the first AFG vehicle award in The Granite State since 2018, Tamworth FD was awarded $179,937 for a Type V forestry truck.

“Vehicle acquisitions are one of the most challenging grants to win,” says Greg Bavis, Grants Consultant for First Responder Grants. “With the right grant-writing training, a compelling narrative, and a thorough, data-driven application, any department can bring home a grant that helps their operations and benefits their community.”

Ready to win AFG?

Online AFG Training

Grant Writing & Review

Annual Grants Service

Contact a Grants Consultant

$351,500 in AFG fire grants awarded to 2 First Responder Grants Clients

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AFG Fire Grant Awards for Aug. 14, 2020

Firefighters

Two more First Responder Grants clients have joined the Winner’s Circle for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG):

  • Lincoln Fire Department, New Hampshire, $155,500
  • Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District, Arizona, $196,000

Both departments will use their AFG fire grants toward the procurement of SCBA for their personnel.

“Fire Service Organizations of all sizes can find themselves in the AFG winner’s circle,” says Greg Bavis, Grants Consultant for First Responder Grants. “By winning these two AFG fire grants, two fire departments on opposite sides of the country will be able to more effectively respond to incidents and protect their first responders.”

Ready to win AFG?

Online AFG Training

Grant Writing & Review

Annual Grants Service

Contact a Grants Consultant

$6,107 AFG COVID-19 grant awarded to Maine Fire Department

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In August 2020, Maine’s Arundel Fire Department was awarded funds to bolster the department’s PPE and response around coronavirus and COVID-19.

The $6,107 COVID fire grant serves two main functions:

  1. Reimburse personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases already made due to the national COVID-19 pandemic
  2. Procure additional PPE stocks of N95 masks, gowns, and eye protection for future COVID-19 responses

“Response to coronavirus has stressed departments of all sizes,” says Greg Bavis, Grants Consultant at First Responder Grants. “These COVID-specific fire grants can help departments nationwide stock up on needed supplies to protect both the community and their personnel.”

Ready to win AFG?

Online AFG Training

Grant Writing & Review

Annual Grants Service

Contact a Grants Consultant

FEMA announces second AFG-COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S) Application Period for Volunteer and Combination Fire Departments this Fall

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FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA is providing an additional chance for volunteer and combination fire departments to apply for funding under the FY 2020 AFG-S. Through this funding opportunity, FEMA will directly award funding for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies to support COVID-19 response. This includes reimbursement for expenditures made since Jan. 1, 2020. Grants will be awarded, using a competitive process, to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of AFG-S.

FEMA will provide more information on the application period soon.

Why are only volunteer and combination fire departments eligible?

By law, 25 percent of available AFG-S funds must be awarded to volunteer fire departments and another 25 percent must be awarded to combination fire departments. This second application period will be limited to those categories of fire departments to fulfill this requirement.

Can I apply again?

Volunteer and combination fire departments are eligible to apply in this round even if they had a successful application in the first round. However, applications must support new capabilities. Departments that applied in the first round but were unsuccessful must reapply to be considered for funding in this round. Applications from the first round will not automatically carry forward to this round for consideration.

Find more information on this funding opportunity at https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters

Webinars will start on Aug. 18, 2020, and run three times a week for three weeks. Please see our Webinar Schedule page in the days ahead for information on upcoming webinars.

Need help with your AFG-S application?

Contact our grant consultants today

FEMA announces AFG fire grant winners

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Image: Ada Be http://flic.kr/p/8FKgee

6 First Responder Grants clients and students awarded over $680,000

Award rounds have begun for the Assistance To Firefighters Grants. On Friday, July 31, FEMA began posting AFG fire grant winners to their website. To-date hundreds of grant winners have been announced, primarily in the Operations and Safety program.

In the first award round, six First Responder Grants clients and students were awarded over $680,000:

  • Pittsboro Fire Rescue, North Carolina, Vehicle Exhaust System, $101,429
  • Dwight Fire Protection District, Illinois, New Pagers, $35,943
  • Berlin Fire Department, Berlin, New Hampshire, SCBA, $176,350
  • Holderness Fire Department, Holderness, New Hampshire, SCBA, Compressor $ 152,854
  • New Hampton Fire & Rescue, New Hampton, New Hampshire, Auto Extrication Equipment $ 50,000
  • Pittsfield Fire Department, Pittsfield, New Hampshire, SCBA $ 163,550

FEMA will continue posting awards at FEMA.gov. Check back regularly for more updates.

Are you applying for AFG this year?

Contact us for AFG help

$800,000 Heavy Rescue Vehicle in Service for Washington Fire Department Thanks to AFG Fire Grant

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In March 2020, Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, Washington, took delivery of an $800,000 Rescue 61 (GSO 11050) from KME thanks to an AFG grant

In March 2020, Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, Washington, took delivery of an $800,000 Rescue 61 (GSO 11050) from KME. CPFR won an FY 2017 fire grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, with grant writing and consulting assistance from Kurt Bradley at First Responder Grants.

Dubbed “Clyde,” the Heavy Rescue has already seen service on the old bridges, forest roads, and rugged terrain of Washington state. During a cliffside rescue incident outside of Mount Rainier National Park, in the middle of the night Clyde provided scene lighting, personnel transport, and rehab (not to mention fresh coffee, thanks to a Kuerig coffeemaker added by the CPFR team after taking delivery of Clyde.)

“Central Pierce is a key reminder that fire service organizations nationwide can get crucial funding for their operations, training, and equipment, including vehicles and apparatus,” says Kurt Bradley, Senior Grant Consultant with First Responder Grants. “Their needs assessment, understanding of the data needed to back up their application, and ability to state a clear case made them stand out. Now they have a new vehicle crucial to protecting their community and personnel.”

What equipment or training will your department request in this year’s AFG?

Contact us to get started

AFG COVID-19 Supplemental Awards Underway

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Supplemental grants help Fire Service Organizations nationwide against coronavirus

FEMA has begun announcing award rounds for Fire Service Organizations awarded Supplemental AFG grants to aid their operations against the novel coronavirus. Awards will continue until all funding is exhausted.

View the award list

Recipients will be notified through email and must log into the FEMA GO portal to review their award package and accept the award. Information on all AFG grant awards is posted on the AFG website at www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program and updated on a regular basis.

May 27 is new FY2019 NEW SAFER Application Period Deadline

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Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants

In recognition of the economic hardships facing local jurisdictions and fire departments across the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf has waived the cost share, position cost limit, supplanting, and minimum budget requirements for FY19 SAFER grant applicants. For more information, see Information Bulletin 450 which can be found here.  In addition, the application period is being extended to May 27, 2020 at 5 p.m. ET. 

Please note: Funds under the FY 2019 SAFER Hiring of Firefighters Activity must be used to hire new, additional firefighters, and the costs to hire those firefighters must be at the usual annual costs of a first-year (i.e., entry-level) firefighter. This requirement has not been waived.

Additionally, the waiver of the requirements identified above does not apply to the FY 2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) or to the FY 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant – COVID-19 Supplemental Program (AFG-S).

In consideration of the economic impact of the pandemic, Acting Secretary Wolf has also authorized waivers for certain provisions of the FY 2020 SAFER Grant Program. DHS/FEMA will provide more details on the FY 2020 changes soon.

Applicants no longer need to request an economic hardship waiver within the FY 2019 online application. If you have already submitted your FY 2019 application, no further action is needed at this time. The waiver of these provisions and the adjustments to the requested amount will be handled by the SAFER Program Office during their technical review of applications.

If you have not yet submitted your application, please note that the applications will continue to show the cost share/position cost limit. However, as stated above, there is nothing additional that applicants need to do regarding these provisions. The adjustment will be made by the SAFER Program Office.

The FEMA Grant Outcomes (GO) system automatically records proof of timely submission and the system generates an electronic date/time stamp when FEMA GO successfully receives the application. The individual with the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) role that submitted the application will also receive the official date/time stamp and a FEMA GO tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission. Applications received by FEMA GO after the extended application submission deadline will be deemed as late and typically will not be considered for funding.

DHS/FEMA will not review applications that are received after the extended deadline or consider them for funding except in cases where a technical problem outside of the applicant’s control prevented submission of the application by the deadline.