Application Period Begins for Firefighters Seeking Federal Grant

WILMINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, announced that the open application period to help those interested in applying for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant will begin on Aug. 15 and close on Sept. 9, 2011. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) provides funding for the essentials that firefighters and first responders need to be safe and effective on the job such as protective gear, equipment, emergency vehicles, health programs and training.
 
Paid, volunteer and combination fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations from urban, suburban, and rural communities in the U.S. and its territories are eligible for the grant.
 
“Every day, the men and women of our fire and emergency service organizations put their lives on the line to protect our communities and our property in Delaware and across the country, and it is essential that we give them the equipment, training and resources necessary to do their jobs in a safe and effective manner,” said Sen. Carper. “Many emergency services organizations have had to make drastic cuts in equipment and personnel due to the challenging economy and severely strained state and local budgets. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant provides funding for vital resources to firefighters and emergency service organizations throughout the country, and especially to our fire men and women in Delaware.”      
 
AFG SUPPORTS:

•Firefighting and EMS equipment
•Personal protective equipment (PPE)
•Fire and EMS vehicles
•Training programs
•Wellness and fitness programs
•Modifications to facilities
 
NEW THIS YEAR:

•Funding priorities have been categorized as: High, medium and low. By using the priority system, applicants can increase their chances of winning an award.
 
•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.
 
HOW TO APPLY:
 
Learn more about AFG and start the application online by visiting Sen. Carper’s website or http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.
 
PLEASE NOTE: 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 applicants are not required to register, but may wish to do so now in case the applicant receives an award. CCR registration will be required if the applicant is 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

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