FY 1997 Metropolitan Firefighters and Emergency Services National Training Program: First-Responders to Incidents.of Terrorism MENU TITLE: FY 1997 Metropolitan Firefighters and Emergency Services National Training Program: First-Responders to Incidents of Terrorism Series: BJA Program Guide and Application Kit Published: July 1997 18 pages 34,240 bytes Figures, charts, forms, and tables are not included in this ASCII plain-text file. To view this document in its entirety, download the Adobe Acrobat graphic file available from this Web site or order a print copy from BJA at 800-688-4252. U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 1997 Metropolitan Firefighters and Emergency Services National Training Program: First-Responders to Incidents of Terrorism Program Guide and Application Kit U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs 633 Indiana Avenue NW. Washington, DC 20531 Janet Reno Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice John C. Dwyer Acting Associate Attorney General Laurie Robinson Assistant Attorney General Nancy E. Gist Director, Bureau of Justice Assistance ------------------------------ U.S. Department of Justice Response Center 1-800-421-6770 ------------------------------ Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearinghouse 1-800-688-4252 ------------------------------ Bureau of Justice Assistance World Wide Web Home Page http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA ------------------------------ The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime. ------------------------------ Table of Contents Program Description Frequently Asked Questions Definitions Administrative Provisions Administrative Requirements Reporting Requirements Suspension/Termination of Funding Project Narrative and Criteria for Judging Applications Forms To Be Completed and Submitted Along with the Project Narrative and Standard Form 424 Appendix A-Application Forms Appendix B-Application Checklist ------------------------------ Director's Letter Dear Colleague: I am pleased to present the FY 1997 Metropolitan Firefighters and Emergency Services National Training Program for First-Responders to Terrorist Incidents: Program Guide and Application Kit. More commonly known as the National First-Responder Training Program, this initiative is the result of planning and collaboration between State and local firefighting and emergency services agencies and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Title VIII, subtitle B, section 819, of the Anti- Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 authorizes the Attorney General to establish training programs for State and local firefighting and emergency services agencies that may be called upon to respond to terrorist attacks and the consequences resulting from the use of weapons of mass destruction. BJA will offer demonstration funding to State agencies and local governments that have existing first- responder training programs. This funding will help identify model programs that test and document first-response capabilities and the potential for replication in other jurisdictions. This is the first time BJA has offered demonstration grant funding for anti-terrorism training. BJA is pleased with the opportunity to assist State and local jurisdictions with the resources they need to implement enhanced training procedures and operations for the critical tasks first responders face. BJA encourages State and local agencies to apply for funding under this program and to work with BJA to identify innovative approaches to firefighting and emergency services training operations that can be replicated in jurisdictions across the Nation. Sincerely yours, Nancy E. Gist Director ------------------------------ Program Description Overview Working in concert with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Justice, through the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), is providing funding to train metropolitan firefighters and emergency services agencies in terrorist incident response practices when weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are used. Funding is authorized by Public Law 104þ208, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, pursuant to title VIII, subtitle B, section 819, of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. The program guide was developed to advise State and local firefighting and emergency services agencies of the availability of funds for demonstration grant funding. Purpose of the Metropolitan Firefighting and Emergency Services National Training Program The purpose of the Metropolitan Firefighting and Emergency Services National Training Program is to test and document first-responder training operations at the State and local levels. This program will also help strengthen metropolitan firefighting and emergency services first-responder capabilities by selecting model programs that demonstrate innovative approaches to first- responder training operations for replication in other jurisdictions. Competitive Grant Offering BJA is offering demonstration grant funding to firefighting and emergency services agencies that provide first-responder training services and have the capacity to render first-responder training in responding to WMD during terrorist incidents. Demonstration grant funding will be awarded to three or more State, regional, or local jurisdictions that have first-responder training capabilities. Successful applicants will receive grants up to $250,000, which will be used to demonstrate, test, and document the effectiveness of their first-responder training operations. Successful applicants also must articulate the strengths and innovative nature of their training programs. Applicants must provide (1) copies of the curriculums that have been developed, (2) a description of existing firefighting and emergency services training operations, and (3) a detailed assessment of their effectiveness in responding to terrorist incidents in which nuclear, biological, or chemical incendiary and explosive devices, also known as WMD, have been used. BJA encourages jurisdictions with innovative first-response capabilities that are in place or ready for implementation to apply for funding. Applicants should fully describe their first-response capabilities, including the extent to which jurisdictionwide planning and coordination influenced the successful design and implementation of first-responder operations and the likelihood, evidenced by first-responder operational plans, that these operations can be replicated in other jurisdictions. Factors for consideration are the extent to which the jurisdiction engages in coordination and collaboration with other agencies at the Federal, State, regional, and local level in the design and development of first-response operations. Eligibility for Demonstration Grant Funding A State agency or State training institute may apply on behalf of itself or in concert with regional or local jurisdictions, or regional or local entities may apply on their own. The application must be submitted by the chief executive of the applicant State agency or the regional or local jurisdiction (county, city, or town), in accordance with established BJA application guidelines. The term "State" means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Use of Grant Funds Demonstration grant funds are intended to meet routine expenses associated with implementing a program or sustaining an existing training program for first responders. The training program must be designed to provide instructions for rapid firefighting and emergency medical services operations (triage) in response to WMD during terrorist incidents. The applicant should demonstrate an innovative first-response capability that emphasizes training and operations in both design and implementation. Grant funds may be used for expenses that would normally be incurred, such as purchasing training materials and training equipment, developing curriculums, photocopying, producing training videos, and paying appropriate fees for consultants, facilities, equipment, meetings, conferences, and seminars. Grant funds may not be used to purchase protective clothing; vehicles; decontamination supplies; pharmaceuticals; or detection, monitoring, or surveillance equipment. Limitation on Funding The grants offered under this program are one-time- only awards, with no supplement or renewal. They should be used to identify innovative first- response capabilities that can be replicated in other jurisdictions. Funding is intended for States, regional, and local entities with ongoing first-responder training programs or for testing the design of innovative first-responder training programs in their implementation phase. Awards will be offered for a period of 12 to 18 months. Distribution of Funds This solicitation is a competitive grant offering. At least three or more grants will be made to State agencies or regional or local jurisdictions with oversight responsibility for training and operations development for first responders. All applications will be reviewed by a peer panel, and the Director of BJA will pick the finalists based upon the panel's recommendations. Application Requirements for Demonstration Grant Funding In addition to filling out the application form in Appendix A of this application kit, applicants for demonstration grant funding are required to prepare and return a grant project narrative detailing the nature of their first-response training capability and the operational model they used to design the jurisdiction's first-response training program. The grant project narrative should include a statement of the problem; a list of goals and objectives; a project strategy or design; an implementation plan for the project; any assistance required; additional resource commitments; the name of a point of contact; and an explanation of the project management structure, organizational capability, and methods that will be used to evaluate the program. Any information that is confidential in nature should be clearly identified. Instructions for the submission of a completed application are contained in the project narrative section of this application kit. Standard Form 424 Information States should identify their submissions as new, nonconstruction applications. These competitive project grants are offered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. The catalog of Federal domestic assistance program title is the Metropolitan Firefighter and Emergency Services National Training Program for First-Responders to Terrorist Incidents. The program number is 16.599. Applicants should use the phrase "the National First-Responder Training Program" in their descriptive title of the project. The project period will be for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 18 months. Application and Award Process Notice of the availability of funds under Public Law 104-208, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, was published in the Federal Register on June 3, 1997. This program is eligible for coverage under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. Applicants may receive additional application guidelines and forms by contacting the Department of Justice Response Center at 1-800-421-6770. An award is granted by the Director of the BJA and must be accepted by the applicant agency according to the special conditions of the grant. Applicants will be notified whether they have been approved or disapproved for a grant in approximately 30 days. Appeals will be determined by the Director of the BJA. Audit requirements from OMB Circular A-133 shall apply to audits of institutions for fiscal years that begin on or after January 1, 1990. Postassistance Requirements Grantees will be required to submit fiscal reports of quarterly budget expenditures. Progress reports are due after the first quarter the grant is active and semiannually thereafter. Both final financial and progress reports are due 120 days following the end of the award. Deadline for Submission of Applications All applications must be received by, or postmarked no later than, August 20, 1997, which is a change from the original due date that was previously announced in the Federal Register. The application must be submitted by the chief executive of the applicant State agency or regional or local government entity (county, city, or town) and must be mailed or sent to Director, BJA; Attention: National First-Responder Training Program; Bureau of Justice Assistance; Room 1086; 633 Indiana Avenue, NW.; Washington, DC 20531. Further Information Questions regarding this program should be directed to the First-Responder Training Program at 202-307-6068. Copies of a fact sheet describing the program are available by calling the U.S. Department of Justice Response Center at 1-800-421-6770. The metropolitan Washington, DC, area number is 202-307-1480. Interested parties with Internet browsers and Adobe Acrobat software may download and print a copy of the application kit by accessing BJA's home page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA. ------------------------------ Frequently Asked Questions What Is the National First-Responder Training Program? The Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Public Law 104-132, authorizes the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to establish an anti-terrrorism training program for firefighters and emergency services personnel from urban jurisdictions who have a first-response capacity to terrorist incidents. In conjunction with this training, BJA is offering funding for three or more eligible agencies to demonstrate, test, and document innovative first-responder training programs for replication in other jurisdictions. Who May Apply for Funding? State agencies and local governments (counties, cities, and towns) that oversee or operate a first- responder training program for firefighters and emergency medical services may apply for funding. Law enforcement first-responder training programs are not authorized for funding under this program. The training program must involve the participation of multiple agencies within a jurisdiction and reflect the efforts of cooperative planning and collaboration in design and implementation. The types of agencies that may be involved in the collaboration process include local firefighters, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response (hazmat) teams, shock trauma or other medical centers, and State and local law enforcement or emergency management agencies. How Long Will the Funding Last? Demonstration grants will be awarded for 12 to 18 months, depending upon the activities to be accomplished and the applicant's level of sophistication and capacity to conduct training operations. What Outcomes or Products Are Expected to Result from the Demonstration Grant? The demonstration grant is designed to identify model programs that will test and document first- responder training operations and related activities that may be replicated in other jurisdictions. ------------------------------ Definitions (a) First Responder. Person or persons responsible for the first echelon of public safety in a catastrophic disaster who are firefighters or emergency medical service providers and first to respond at a disaster site at which the potential for the loss of life is real. (b) Triage. The screening or classification of wounded, sick, or injured patients during wars or other disasters to ensure the most efficient use of medical services. (c) Weapons of Mass Destruction. Nuclear, biological, or chemical incendiary or explosive devices used to inflict widespread devastation, death, and destruction. ------------------------------ Administrative Provisions For the purposes of the First-Responder Training Program, the limitations cited in this section and in all other administrative provisions authorized under section 819 of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 shall apply. (1) Land acquisition. No funds shall be used for land acquisition. (2) Nonsupplantation. No funds shall be used to supplant State or local funds that would otherwise be made available for such purposes. (3) Civil justice. No funds or other assistance shall be used with respect to civil justice matters, except to the extent that such matters bear directly and substantially upon, or are inextricably intertwined with, criminal justice matters. (4) Federal law enforcement personnel. Nothing in the enabling legislation authorizes the use of Federal law enforcement personnel to investigate violations of criminal law other than violations with respect to which investigation is authorized by other provisions of the law. (5) Direction, supervision, and control. Nothing in the enabling legislation shall be construed to authorize the Attorney General or the Federal law enforcement community to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over any police force or other criminal justice agency of an applicant for Federal law enforcement assistance. ------------------------------ Administrative Requirements (a)(1) Recordkeeping. The agency must ensure that it follows the recordkeeping requirements enumerated in Office of Management and Budget Circulars Number A-102 and Number A-128. In the case of awards made to a State agency, participating units of local government are viewed as the State's subgrantees. (2) The Attorney General and the Comptroller General of the United States shall have access, for audit and examination, to any books, documents, and records of recipients of First-Responder Training Program assistance provided under this subdivision that, in the opinion of the Attorney General or the Comptroller General, are related to the receipt or use of such assistance. The grantee will give the sponsoring agency or the Comptroller General, through any authorized representative, access to, and the right to examine, all records, books, papers, or documents related to the grant. (b)(1) Civil rights. All recipients of Federal grant funds are required to comply with nondiscrimination requirements contained in various Federal laws. All applicants should consult the assurances to understand the applicable legal and administrative requirements. Section 809(c)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended, provides that "no person in any State shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under or denied employment in connection with any programs or activity" in which Federal law enforcement assistance is provided under this chapter. Recipients of assistance under the First-Responder Training Program are also subject to the provisions of section 809(c) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended; title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and the Department of Justice Non-Discrimination Regulations, 28 CFR part 42, subparts C, D, E, and G. (2) If any court or administrative agency makes a finding of discrimination on grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or age against a recipient of funds after a due-process hearing, the recipient must agree to forward a copy of the finding to the Office of Justice Programs, Office of Civil Rights. (3) If the applicant is applying for a grant of $500,000 or more, U.S. Department of Justice regulations (28 CFR 42.301) require the filing of an Equal Employment Opportunity Plan. The plan should be submitted with the application if it is not already on file. (c) Confidentiality of information. Section 812 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (as amended and implemented by 28 CFR part 20) shall apply with respect to information submitted in program applications, progress reports, or any other requested data, including information on criminal history or criminal intelligence systems operating with the support of Federal law enforcement assistance. ------------------------------ Reporting Requirements Grantees are required to submit a progress report for the first quarter of the grant period. Following the first submission, all subsequent progress reports are due on a semiannual basis. The progress reports should describe activities for the 6-month period and the status or accomplishments of objectives set forth in the approved grant application. Progress reports are due on the 30th day following the end of each 6-month period. A final report, which should summarize progress toward achieving the objectives of the grant, significant results, and any products developed because of the grant, is due 120 days following the end of the grant. Report forms will be provided to the grantee by BJA. Financial reports are required quarterly and are due 45 days following the end of the calendar quarter. The Office of the Comptroller, Office of Justice Programs, will send the requisite financial forms to the grantee at the end of each calendar quarter. The recipient of funding is responsible for submitting financial status reports regardless of whether the recipient has received the form. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld from recipients if progress and financial reports are delinquent. ------------------------------ Suspension/Termination of Funding BJA may suspend grants in whole or in part, terminate funding, or impose other sanctions for any of the following reasons: o Failing to comply substantially with the requirements or statutory objectives of the program guidelines issued thereunder or other provisions of Federal law. o Failing to make satisfactory progress toward the goals or strategies set forth in the application for a grant. o Failing to follow grant agreement requirements or special conditions. o Proposing or implementing substantial changes in the plan to the extent that, if originally submitted, the application would not have been selected for funding. o Filing a false certification in the application or other report or document. o Other good cause shown. Before imposing sanctions, BJA will provide the grantee reasonable notice of intent to impose sanctions and will make efforts to resolve the problem informally. Hearing and appeal procedures comport with U.S. Department of Justice regulations in 28 CFR part 18. ------------------------------ Project Narrative and Criteria for Judging Applications Applicants for demonstration grant funding shall submit, both in hard copy and on computer diskette, a grant project narrative that addresses the issues identified in subsections A through I. A. Problem Statement (10 points) State agencies or regional/local governments wishing to apply shall provide a full description of the jurisdiction's first-responder training program and include an assessment of the jurisdiction's first-responder operational capabilities. This assessment should include a description of first-responder operational responsibilities for firefighters and emergency medical services personnel as they currently exist within the jurisdiction; a discussion of the composition of the training curriculum and related first-responder training programs; a description of jurisdictionwide collaboration and coordination that have occurred to ensure comprehensive planning in the design and development of first-responder operations; evidence of a capacity to train for rapid response to a terrorist incident; a description of the resources that can be made available in response to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) during a terrorist incident; evidence of the innovative nature of first-response operations with emphasis on the number and types of agencies involved; and a description of the manner in which first-response training operations have enhanced the delivery of services or resources (e.g., firefighter and emergency medical services personnel and equipment) to the scene of an incident involving WMD. B. Goals and Objectives (20 points) The applicant must provide a description of the goals, objectives, and methods of implementation for the project that are consistent with the program announcement. Objectives should be clear, measurable, attainable, and focused on first- response training operations and other methods deemed appropriate that will be used to administer the project. Favorable consideration will be given to applicants who establish clear linkages of goals and objectives to outcomes, demonstrate innovative approaches to first-response training operations, and provide evidence that these activities can be replicated by other metropolitan jurisdictions. C. Project Strategy or Design (20 points) The project strategy or design should describe the First-Responder Training Program as a problem that the applicant intends to demonstrate as a model. The project's strategy and design should address the myriad issues that contribute or lead to implementation of the program. For example, the applicant should discuss the overall structure of the first-response training program, as well as specific programmatic issues and technical concerns surrounding first- responder training in WMD. The applicant should discuss the program's intended training audience, training cadre capabilities and background, and type(s) of training curriculum. The project strategy also should address efforts to foster collaboration and coordination within the jurisdiction, between multiple agencies, and, outside the jurisdiction, with other agencies that have an interest in responsibility for coordinating first-responder operations with adjacent jurisdictions. D. Implementation Plan (15 points) The applicant will provide a program implementation plan that includes a schedule of milestones for significant tasks. The implementation plan should be presented as a chart. Applicants should identify the steps they will undertake to implement the program, with deadlines for completing each step. For example, steps should include the types of training modules anticipated or planned and the phases and level of training required for first responders in relation to the type of training being provided to respond to WMD. Other examples include steps to produce training materials or training aids; to conduct public awareness campaigns and outreach efforts to interested groups; to hold conferences, meetings, and seminars; to select key agencies to participate in time-phased training programs; and to develop an information management capability using databases or other automated capabilities that will enhance the effectiveness of the first-responder training program. Subsequent steps should include documenting the program's replication potential and assessing the program's evaluation design. E. Assistance Required (10 points) The applicant should provide a specific statement of the proposed use of grant funds, such as outlays for training materials and supplies; public information materials and awareness campaigns; training programs for first responders; audiovisual equipment; administrative costs; computer system upgrades; additional personnel; travel expenses; and anticipated overtime costs. F. Point of Contact (no points assigned) A specific person, preferably the jurisdiction's or training institute's emergency response manager or fire chief, as appropriate, must be designated as the primary point of contact for administration of the program. It will be that person's responsibility to devise a program plan that coordinates efforts among the agencies involved in first-responder operations. These agencies include public and private organizations, the media, and, most important, first-responder firefighting and emergency services agencies. G. Project Management Structure (10 points) The applicant should describe how the project will be structured, organized, and managed. The application should identify and describe the qualifications and experience of the project director and project staff, how they will be selected, and their roles and responsibilities. The applicant should provide an organizational chart of the agency and describe how the project fits into the total organizational structure. H. Organizational Capability (10 points) The applicant should describe the organizational experience, both programmatic and financial, and the prior grant experience that qualify the organization to manage the project. I. Program Evaluation (5 points) The applicant should indicate how the implementation of the project will be assessed, including the extent to which the strategy has achieved its goals and objectives. This section should describe what will be measured, the types of data that will be collected, how often data will be collected, and the individual responsible for collecting the data. The applicant also should describe the type of analysis to be conducted and how it will be used to evaluate the program. Most important, the evaluation must document whether the program has the potential to be replicated in other jurisdictions. ------------------------------ Forms To Be Completed and Submitted Along with the Project Narrative and Standard Form 424 Budget Detail Worksheet Using the forms provided, submit a complete line item budget and accompanying detailed narrative describing the costs for which funding is requested. Provide sufficient information to document the costs associated with first-responder training and how they are derived. (See sample.) Assurances Submit a signed and dated assurances statement certifying compliance with all Federal statutes, regulations, policies, guidelines, and requirements. Certifications Submit two certification statements. The first statement deals with lobbying; debarment, suspension, and other matters related to responsibility, and drug-free workplace requirements. The second deals with debarment, suspension, ineligibility, and voluntary exclusion. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Any applicant requesting a grant of more than $100,000 should review and sign the lobbying certification form, if applicable, after carefully reading the instructions provided with the form. Signing this form commits the applicant to compliance with the certification requirements under 28 CFR part 69, New Restrictions on Lobbying, and 28 CFR part 67, Government-Wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-Wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Grants). The certification will be treated as a material and relied upon by the U.S. Department of Justice in awarding grants. Submission of Forms All required forms should be signed by the chief executive officer of the applicant agency and in accordance with BJA application guidelines. The forms should be submitted directly to Director, Bureau of Justice Assistance; Attention: National First-Responder Training Program; U.S. Department of Justice; 633 Indiana Avenue, NW.; Washington, DC 20531. ------------------------------ Appendix A Application Forms ------------------------------ Appendix B Application Checklist _____Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, including the supporting budget and program narratives. _____A project narrative, both in hard copy form and on a computer diskette, that addresses subsections A through I in the Project Narrative and Criteria for Judging Applications section. _____Budget Detail Worksheet, OMB Approval #1121- 0188. _____OJP Form 4000/3, Assurances. _____OJP Form 4061/1, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion Lower-Tier-Covered Transactions. _____OJP Form 4061/6, Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements. _____ Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. ------------------------------ The National First-Responder Training Program is authorized by title VIII, subtitle B, section 819, of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. Funding for local firefighting and emergency services training is provided pursuant to Public Law 104-208, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. For additional information, contact the Program Management Office, National First-Responder Training Program, Bureau of Justice Assistance, 10th Floor, 633 Indiana Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20531, 202-616-2356.