2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application period announced

By Federal Emergency Management Agency

The open application period will run from August 15 – September 9, 2011. FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) provides funding for the essentials that firefighters and first responders need to be safe and effective on the job. If your department or agency has critical needs, AFG can help.

Who's eligible for AFG?
Paid, volunteer and combination fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations from urban, suburban, and rural communities in the U.S. and its territories.

What does AFG support?
• Firefighting and EMS equipment
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Fire and EMS vehicles
• Training programs
• Wellness and fitness programs
• Modifications to facilities

What's new this year?
• Funding priorities have been categorized as: High, medium and low. Use our priority system to increase your chances of winning an award.
• We've added new items/activities eligible for funding in 2011: Behavioral health programs, boats under 20 Ft., and extended warranties.
• Flashover simulators are not eligible for funding.
• Applicants may apply for more than one vehicle. However, driver/operator training/certification is required in order to receive a vehicle award.

Where do I apply?
Learn more about AFG and start your application online at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

Need help? Take advantage of AFG resources
We offer a variety of assistance to ensure that deserving applicants are successful:
• View an AFG Application Tutorial - Coming Soon!
• Review the AFG Program Guidance and Application Kit:
http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/documents.shtm 
• Download the Get Ready Guide: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants
• Call or email the Help Desk: 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov
• Contact your Regional Representative: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/program/contact.shtm
• Review applicable NFPA standards: http://www.nfpa.org/nfpaafg2011

New this year: Grant recipients must register in the central contractor registration (CCR) system
As of August 2010, prime recipients of Federal grants are required to register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system. As a potential grantee you are not required to register, but you may wish to do so now in case you receive an award. CCR registration will be required if you are selected for an award.

How to register:
1. Obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
If you already have a DUNS number, skip to #2.
2. Once you have a DUNS number, register here: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx.
For more information on grantee registration in the CCR system, download the AFG Get Ready Guide or visit their website: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/grantees.aspx

Still have questions?
AFG program staff will be available to anwser your questions at the following events:

IAFF Redmond Symposium
August 14-18, 2011
Roundtable Workshop: Wednesday 8/17/2011, 3:30-5:00 pm
"Writing Winning Grants: Fire Act, AFG SAFER and Beyond"
http://www.iaff.org/Events/2011Redmond/ 

Fire-Rescue International
August 23-27, 2011 (Exhibits: August 26 & 27)
Georgia World Congress Center
Booth 71
Workshop: Friday, 8/26/2011, 10:30-12:00pm Room B407
Session WK109 "Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program"
http://s36.a2zinc.net/clients/iafc/fri11/Public/MainHall.aspx?ID=2514