Welcome to Interoperabilitygrants.info! Sign Up Now to Receive Interoperability Grants Email Updates! 2007 Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program is open. State application info is here. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced $968,385,000 for the FY2007 Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program on behalf of the Department of Commerce's (DOC) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). NTIA is seeking solutions from public safety agencies that (1) achieve meaningful and measurable improvements in the state of interoperability for public safety communications and (2) fill interoperability gaps identified in the Statewide Plans. Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program  The Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program is a one-time formula-based, matching grant program intended to enhance interoperable communications with respect to voice, data, and/or video signals. The PSIC Grant Program will assist public safety agencies in the planning and coordination associated with, acquisition of, deployment of, or training for the use of interoperable communications equipment, software and systems that achieve any of the following:   utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for radio communication enable interoperability with communications systems that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for communication improve or advance the interoperability of public safety communications systems that utilize other public safety spectrum bands   PSIC Funding  The total funding for the PSIC program under this announcement is $968,385,000. The PSIC program has become prominent, representing the largest single source of funding for interoperable communications. It is also important to note that the amount of funding available in 2007 ($968,385,000) is unlikely to be repeated in future years, making it critical to understand and to access this funding in 2007 while the funding is available. PSIC Funding Usage Funding may be used for the planning and coordination associated with, acquisition of, deployment of, or training for the use of interoperable communications equipment, software and systems that: a) utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for radio communication; b) enable interoperability with communications systems that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for communication; or c) otherwise improve or advance the interoperability of public safety communications systems that utilize other public safety spectrum bands. PSIC Funding Priorities NTIA has identified the following Technology and All Hazards Mitigation priorities that states and territories must consider when selecting projects for PSIC funding: 1) Technology: adopt advanced technological solutions improve spectrum efficiency use cost-effective measures 2) All Hazards Mitigation: improve communications in areas at high risk for natural disasters continue to improve interoperability efforts in urban and metropolitan areas at high risk for threats of terrorism pre-position or secure interoperable communications in advance for immediate deployment in an emergency or major disaster  This Web site is dedicated to providing you with information, tools, and tips to help make you more successful at obtaining funds from the PSIC grant program. This is not the official PSIC grant program website. Please refer to NTIA's PSIC website to for official guidance on the application process.   How to Use This Site Be sure to register for e-mail updates, and then take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the site. It will provide you with information, tips, and guidance to help enhance your ability to develop high quality proposals for the program. Please note that this site is not intended to replace official guidance for this program, but rather to provide grant seekers with valuable expertise based on our years of experience with grants development. In any case, the official guidance provided by the grantmaking agency supersedes any information provided in this site.   Also, visit our other program-specific sites: Assistance to Firefighters Grants Distance Learning/Telemedicine Grants Intelligent Transportation Systems Funding Port Security Grants Cyber Security Grants   Next Generation Communications Interoperability  Cisco IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS) A New Interoperability Solution Beyond Just Radio  Learn more about this easy-to-use, scalable communications interoperability solution now. (View Flash Presentation - 3:40min) Technology Overview Simple, Scalable and Comprehensive Communications Interoperability Cisco® IP Interoperability and Communications System (IPICS) 2.0 facilitates coordinated, interagency response for emergencies and day-to-day operations. Cisco IPICS Case Studies and Videos Gain greater insight into how the implementation of the Cisco IPICS solution has contributed to the success of a customer. The Cisco 3200 Series Products The Cisco 1500 Wireless Products Converged Voice, Video, Data Communications Cisco Unified Communications Cisco Instant Mobile Communications System (iComm) and Rapidly Deployable Communications http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/ government/rdc.html http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/ government/WP_Deploy_SLG0107_doc.pdf http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/ government/WP_Comm_SLG0107_doc.pdf http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/ docs/gov/RDC_Austin_CCS_2012907.pdf Technical Resources http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7026/ tsd_products_support_series_home.html   NTIA information on the PSIC grants program This site will provide you with information, tips, and updates to help make you more successful at obtaining funds for your police, fire, EMS, and emergency response agency through the 2007 Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grants Program. Strategic Technical Reserve (STR) Funding The PSIC Grant Program has apportioned a total of $75 million for STR Funding. STR Funding Usage Each State or Territory has been allocated a presumptive funding amount proportionate to its total allocation under the program. To be considered for PSIC funding, the STR must be capable of re-establishing communications when existing critical infrastructure is damaged or destroyed in an emergency or a major disaster. PSIC Investment Justifications Workshops Purpose NTIA will be hosting four (4) regional workshops to discuss the development of an Investment Justification for each proposed interoperability project. Who Should Attend All who plan to submit an Investment Justification for possible PSIC funding should attend these workshops. Dates and Locations South Region:       Monday, September 24th                     Dallas, Texas Central Region:     Wednesday, September 26th               Denver, Colorado East Region:         Friday, September 28th                       Newark, New Jersey West Region:        Monday, October 1st                           Los Angeles, California Registration Please go to the official NTIA’s PSIC website to register for a workshop: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/psic/  Registration is free. Attendees are responsible for their own travel, lodging and related expenses. Questions about Workshops Please contact NTIA PSIC program staff at 202-482-5802. Frequently Asked Questions Deadlines What are the key deadlines associated with the PSIC Grant Program? The dates below represent key milestones associated with the PSIC Grant Program: • July 18, 2007 - NTIA and DHS jointly announce funding allocated for awards to States and Territories and release grant application materials. • August 22, 2007 - States and Territories submit application and brief narrative. • December 3, 2007 - States and Territories submit finalized Statewide Plans. • December 3, 2007 - States and Territories submit Investment Justifications. What is the period of performance for the PSIC Grant Program? The project period begins on October 1, 2007, and ends on September 30, 2010. All funds must be expended by September 30, 2010. Given the statutory deadline for the program, no extensions can be granted for this PSIC Grant Program. Eligible Applicants Who is eligible to apply for the PSIC Grant Program? The governor of each State and Territory has designated a State Administrative Agency (SAA), which can apply for and administer the funds awarded under the PSIC Grant Program. Accordingly, the relevant SAA is the only agent eligible to apply for the PSIC Grant Program funds. The SAA is responsible for the management and administration of all funds provided through this award and is accountable for all the deadlines, requirements, and limitations of this award. The SAA is responsible for obligating PSIC funds to eligible pass-through recipients, as well as for overseeing and monitoring the activity of these sub-recipients. Who is an eligible recipient for PSIC grant funding? PSIC grant recipients are the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. A recipient must be a public safety agency that is a state, local, or tribal government entity or nongovernmental organization authorized by such entity, whose sole or principal purpose is to protect safety of life, health or property. Where can I find the information for my State’s Administrative Agency (SAA)? To find the SAA for your State, please follow this link: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/contact_state.htm Funding How are the PSIC funds allocated? The funds are allocated using a two-part process. First, each State, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will receive a minimum of $3 million and each Territory will receive a minimum of $500,000 to ensure that it will be able to make meaningful improvements to its interoperable communications capabilities. The remaining funds - more than 80 percent - are allocated to States and Territories using a formula similar to the current Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) risk formula. This formula is the product of three variables: threat, vulnerability and consequence. What is the pass-through requirement? Each State or Territory receiving grant funds is required to pass through not less than 80 percent of the total award amount. A pass-through recipient must be a public safety agency that is a State, local, or tribal government entity or nongovernmental organization authorized by such entity, whose sole or principal purpose is to protect safety of life, health, or property. Does the PSIC Grant Program have a match requirement? Yes. Each public safety agency receiving PSIC funds is required to meet and document the 20 percent statutory match requirement for each project, during the period of performance of the grant program. The SAA is required to track and report the 20 percent match requirement for each individual project that receives PSIC funds for efforts other than planning and coordination, and training, which do not require any match. This documentation must demonstrate that match funds are from non-federal sources. The match requirements can be met through cash or in-kind sources consistent with 15 C.F.R. §§ 24.3, 24.24. Does the match requirement apply to training costs? No, under the statute, training activities are excluded from this match requirement. Training activities are capped at 20 percent of the total allocation for a given State's or Territory’s total investments. Does the match requirement apply to pre-award costs? Applicants are exempt from the 20 percent match for all pre-award costs related to the Statewide Plans.           Questions For more information about the PSIC Grant Program Guidance and Application Kit, please contact the Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk (CSID) at 1-800-368-6498 or askcid@dhs.gov. Reference Materials The following Web sites also contain materials that can help you as you develop your application: The NTIA Web Site The NTIA Public Safety Interoperable Communications Site The Official Federal Grants Information Portal Grants Office Resource Guide Grants Office has services to meet the grants development needs of any organization or municipality. For more information, click on: www.grantsoffice.com Publications Grants Office publications are available at http://www.grantsoffice.com/aboutus/articles.aspx It includes a number of articlaes that relate directly to interoperability funding. Grants Office Services Grants Office, LLC provides innovative grants development services that enable corporations, municipalities and non-profit organizations to maximize their grant initiatives and develop more strategic and integrated processes for seeking, managing and administering grants. We provide research and advisory services to organizations looking for grant funding directly and to for-profit enterprises that provide products and solutions to the public sector. Our consultants focus on proven ways of developing integrated grant programs by leveraging our years of experience in creating long-term grantseeking strategies. Based in Rochester, NY Grants Office has a unique business model that incorporates the company's strong history of grant consulting and unique approach to grant funding, enabling it to build a truly credible bridge between public sector business needs, vendor solutions and the funding necessary for program and solution success. Grants Office's growing customer base is a testament to the business and the quality of its services. Grants Office focuses on providing both for-profit and nonprofit clients with the solutions necessary to manage and grow their specific grant development programs. Our solutions allow our clients to execute their grant strategies efficiently by reducing cost, lowering their risk and shrinking the typical investment of time and resources needed. Based on the idea that grants development is an integrated system made up of four key areas; Intelligence (research), Training, Support, and Proposal development; Grants Office offers our clients a systematic approach to securing grant funding. Leveraging a proven, systematic approach allows our clients to build upon an existing grants development infrastructure or embark on implementation of a completely new grants development program. Grants Office provides a wide range of services encompassing all facets of successful grants development programs. In combination with one another or leveraged unto themselves each of our solutions plays a pivotal role in building and executing a robust grants development program. Some of our solutions: Intelligence (research) – custom grant program research, online grants database, grants development portal, program solution alignment, and annual grant planning. Training – general grant process training, specific grant program training and national speaking engagements. Support – web and phone based grants development help desk, grant program website development, and grant application review and editing. Proposal Development – grant writing, program solution narratives, and grant application development General Grants Development – outsourced grants development infrastructure, organizational needs assessment, grant strategy development, and organizational process implementation. Federal and State Grants Information Resources Grants.gov, the Federal source for grants information: www.grants.gov The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: www.cfda.gov State Government Home Pages: www.firstgov.gov Contact Us Contact Cisco Systems Cisco maintains a detailed contact page on its Web site. For more information on how to engage Cisco for your project, or for information on how to reach a local Cisco representative, contact Cisco.   Contact Grants Office Grants Office provides grants development support to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and industry partners through a variety of customized services. To find out how Grants Office can help you, contact Grants Office: On the Web: www.grantsoffice.com Phone: 585-473-1430 Fax: 585-473-1436 E-mail: info@grantsoffice.com Snail Mail: 69 Cascade Drive, Suite 102 Rochester, NY 14614 Federal and State Grants Information Resources Grants.gov, the Federal source for grants information: www.grants.gov The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: www.cfda.gov State Government Home Pages: www.firstgov.gov Why Cisco? Cisco is a world leader in leveraging the power of the network to enhance the ability of public safety and fire departments to prepare for and respond to emergencies. For more information, check out Cisco's white paper, "Meeting 21st Century Public Safety Challenges Today." Cisco's standards-based Interoperability solutions provide public safety agencies with a cost-effective strategy for meeting emerging state and federal standards and requirements. Additionally, Cisco's on-scene and headqarters telephony and video security solutions provide emergency communications that are robust, reliable, and disaster resilient. For additional information on Cisco first responder solutions, check out the Cisco Web Site. Contact Cisco Rep for Pricing & Configuration Of course, the best person to contact for detailed information on an interoperabilty solution that's right for your agency is your Cisco Representative. If you don't have a Cisco contact, Cisco maintains a detailed contact page on its Web site. For more information on how to engage Cisco for your project, or for information on how to reach a local Cisco representative, contact Cisco. To locate address, phone, fax and email information for Cisco offices worldwide, click on: Office Locations. Use the Partners & Resellers Locator to find Cisco partners and resellers that are closest to your geographical location. Tips for Writing a Proposal Be specific in your budget Most funders have no restrictions or very broad allowances for budget narratives, because they want to see specifically what you plan to buy with grant funds. Be as specific as you can, with some justification for estimates you will inevitably have to make. Be judicious in involving others in your project It may seem like a good idea to include as many officials and partners as possible in your project, but be sure each partner you have contributes to the project in a meaningful way. Make sure your letters of support for the project demonstrate real commitment Like pieces to a puzzle, your support letters should document the commitment of the project collaborators toward meeting all the objectives and milestones of the project. Be sure your narrative and budget are consistent Everything in the budget should be justified in the narrative. Generally, you'll also want to explain, either in the project narrative or budget narrative, why you chose to use one approach, solution, or technology over another. Customize each proposal Although certain funding sources may have similar guidelines and your project plan may be the same for the sources you're applying to, build each proposal based on what you know (and what you can learn) about the funder or program. Specify Who will do What by When and Why Include a detailed workplan in your narrative that identifies responsibilities and timelines for each activity and that connects each activity to one or more of the objectives you have articulated in the proposal. Use statistics to document need Statistics are available from a variety of sources, and they help justify the need you will use to build a case for support. The statistics you use may be general, as in census data, or specific to your field, such as fire metrics. Make your objectives measurable and realistic If at all possible, avoid broad, unfocused objectives. Instead, try to focus on specific, realistic outcomes that will result from implementing the project you propose. The objectives should be measurable within a certain time frame, so you will know whether you have been successful at meeting certain objectives by a certain date. Learn all you can about the funder before you submit a proposal Attend bidders' conferences and call the funder program staff to make sure you understand what the program is all about. Most funding programs have personalities, aspects common to all funded projects. Get to know the personalities of the grant programs to which you intend to apply. Submit good reports on time Funders at all levels spend a great deal of time tracking down reports from their awardees. Even if the results of your project are not great, submit your reports on time. In doing so, you'll begin to build a good working relationship with the funder. Most funders understand that many issues can influence the successful achievement of your project objectives, but they all frown on failing to file complete reports on time.   Help Desk The Grants Office Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 9AM-6PM EST for organizations currently engaged with Grants Office. You can reach the Help Desk by phone at 585-473-1430 or by e-mail at info@grantsoffice.com. Application Forms Application for the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program   NTIA encourages all applicants to submit their applications electronically. A tutorial for the application and additional technical assitance for the PSIC program can be found at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/psic/techassistance.html You can also download the PSIC Investment Justification Guidance document in PDF here. Rules and Instructions Applications for PSIC are in the format of Investment Justifications, the emerging standard for DHS-administered programs. Since the program is formula-based, applicants need only meet the basline criteria for the program. Narrative Overview In addition to completing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program application forms, you will be required to provide a written narrative describing your planned project. The narrative portion of your application must provide the details of the activities you propose to be funded and include budget details for such proposed activities. It should describe the financial need of your fire department, and elaborate on the benefits your community and/or fire department will gain from the expenditure of the grant funds.     When composing the narrative component of your application be sure to consider the AFGP priorities outlined in the Program Guidance and Notice of Funds Availability documents for the program. When reviewing your narrative, the panelists will evaluate the clarity of your proposed project including your project’s budget detail, the financial need of your department, and the benefits that would result should you be awarded the grant. These three elements carry equal weight when factored into the panelists’ scores (i.e., one-third) and as a result, your narrative should fully address these areas. Additionally, all eligible applications are ranked based on the substance of their application relative to the established program priorities for the type of community served as determined from the applicant’s answers to the activity-specific questions in the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program application.     When writing your narrative, remember that USFA encourages all applicants to submit their applications electronically. Subsequently, you will be composing your narrative off-line and copying it into the on-line application form. Space for the narrative is limited to five pages.     The application process for the 2005 program enables the formulation of a comprehensive grant proposal. Depending on the program applied to, the applicant can include a number of related “activities” within a specific programmatic area to address all of the project’s needs. Applicants are allowed to submit only one application per program year and applications are limited to only one of the identified program areas. Finally, the purchase of any equipment (communications systems and equipment or personal protective equipment or firefighting equipment) under this program should have the intent and/or goal of solving your interoperability or compatibility problems, as applicable. Any applicant seeking funding for equipment herein should provide details in the narrative section of their application regarding their local plan to enable interoperability for their jurisdiction. Building a Budget NTIA has devised an Allowable Cost Matrix to demonstrate what purchases are eligible for funding under the program. Approved Uses Assistance to Firefighters funding may be used in one of four categories. Keep in mind that you can only submit one application per program year and that you must restrict your application to one of the four identified categories, which are:   * Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety (now includes EMS)   * Fire Prevention   * Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Deadline Nationally, States are required to submit their Statewide Communications Interoperability Plans and Investment Justifications no later than December 3. State pass-through application dealines vary (widely) by state. Below is a sampling of state deadlines: Deadline has Passed     Deadline has Passed   Timely   Deadline is   Not Yet Released   Florida – 10/01   Utah – 10/18/07   California – 11/23/07   Connecticut - TBD   Georgia – 10/12/07   Arkansas – 10/26/07   Illinois – 12/31/07   Indiana - TBD   Michigan – 09/26 & 10/26   Arizona – 10/28/07     Missouri - TBD   Mississippi – 09/28/07   Maryland - 11/05/07     Oregon - TBD   North Carolina – 09/28/07       South Carolina - TBD   Ohio – 10/12/07       West Virginia - TBD   Oklahoma – 09/21/07       New Mexico - TBD   Pennsylvania – 09/14/07         Texas – 10/01/07         Virginia – 09/21/07         Washington – 09/28/07         Wisconsin – 08/31/07         This information is updated as we collect it. We would greatly appreciate any information you can provide on your state application processes or timelines. Send your feedback to info@grantsoffice.com, and Thank You for your involvement! Award Amounts and Procedures In 2003, applicants could request up to $750,000 in funding; however the average award in 2003 (through October) was $64,542.13. Awards to the states are as follows: State/Territory   PSIC Funding   Alabama   $ 13,585,399   Alaska   $ 7,250,345   American Samoa   $ 691,948   Arizona   $ 17,713,050   Arkansas   $ 11,169,402   California   $ 94,034,510   Colorado   $ 14,336,638   Connecticut   $ 12,999,879   Delaware   $ 8,196,842   District of Columbia   $ 11,857,972   Florida   $ 42,888,266   Georgia   $ 25,311,354   Guam   $ 2,600,678   Hawaii   $ 8,069,879   Idaho   $ 7,289,795   Illinois   $ 36,414,263   Indiana   $ 18,291,735   Iowa   $ 10,935,974   Kansas   $ 10,667,169   Kentucky   $ 15,405,625   Louisiana   $ 19,672,287   Maine   $ 7,567,579   Maryland   $ 22,934,593   Massachusetts   $ 21,191,988   Michigan   $ 25,039,781   Minnesota   $ 14,262,071   Mississippi   $ 10,989,345   Missouri   $ 17,465,576   Montana   $ 6,549,685   Nebraska   $ 8,582,108   Nevada   $ 12,042,417   New Hampshire   $ 5,966,760   New Jersey   $ 30,806,646   New Mexico   $ 8,288,725   New York   $ 60,734,783   North Carolina   $ 22,130,199   North Dakota   $ 7,052,490   Northern Mariana Islands   $ 719,236   Ohio   $ 29,377,337   Oklahoma   $ 11,684,183   Oregon   $ 12,182,532   Pennsylvania   $ 34,190,555   Puerto Rico   $ 9,590,025   Rhode Island   $ 7,365,694   South Carolina   $ 13,499,308   South Dakota   $ 6,549,691   Tennessee   $ 17,540,752   Texas   $ 65,069,247   U.S. Virgin Islands   $ 856,907   Utah   $ 10,353,261   Vermont   $ 4,476,761   Virginia   $ 25,012,521   Washington   $ 19,180,347   Award Procedure To be eligible to receive PSIC funding assistance from the SAA, a public safety agency must be a State, local, or tribal government entity or authorized nongovernmental organization.9 Each State will make no less than 80 percent of the total award amount available as a pass-through to such local or tribal government or authorized nongovernmental public safety agencies. The District of Columbia has no pass-through requirement. For Puerto Rico, the pass-through requirement is 50 percent of total award amount. Due to the unique nature of the Territorial governments in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, no pass-through requirements will be applied to those Territories. However, the above Territories are expected to take into account the needs of local communities prior to making funding decisions. Grants may be distribute on a formula or competitive basis. For help writing a competitive proposal, see: Tips for Writing a Proposal. Decision Time Frames Awards have been allocated to the states, and pass-through dates depend on several factors within each state, including: The state's Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan The State Administrative Agency's readiness to administer the funding The pass-through process selected by the state. Typically, formula funds are passed through more quickly than competitive funds, though less scrutiny is often given to the fitness of the project for interoperability in a formula-basd process compared with a competitive process. In any case, states are required to pass through the funding within 60 days of the acceptance (by DHS) of the state Investment Justifications. Eligible Applicants Only authorized State Administrative Agencies are eligible to receive funds from DHS, but the states are required to pass through at least 80% of the funding they receive to local public safety agencies, which can include a wide variety of local emergency response, law enforcement, and emergency management agencies. Cisco Systems Interoperability Packages In today’s world, first responders face increased threats from terrorist individuals, and nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) agents. Cisco wireless technology has made it possible to extend real time, active monitoring to critical infrastructure elements, transportation facilities, banking and retail institutions, and schools and municipal buildings. Access to real time video data by dispatchers, supervisors, and the firefighters arriving at the scene will provide a number of benefits, in terms of improved firefighter safety, effectiveness, and departmental efficiency. With the ability to remotely verify alarms, the department can expect improved force availability to respond to legitimate crises. E-learning will also provide more efficient training by allowing personnel to participate in education during down time, rather than travelling to a single location for a one-time event. This section includes a variety of helpful and informative documents, all oriented to make it easier for your department to complete your department's funding proposal. For detailed information on how Cisco is leading the way for first responders, check out Why Cisco?