The Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) application deadline of Friday, December 6, is approaching fast. But it isn’t too late. You still have time to submit your application for essential firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) training, equipment, vehicles, and more. This is your organizations opportunity to obtain needed financial assistance. Don’t delay! Start your application today at http://www.fema.gov/e-grant-application-access.
As a reminder, applications must be received by Friday, December 6, 2013, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
What’s New for FY 2013 AFG
Lower cost share: The cost share for applicants who serve a population greater than 1 million has been reduced to 15%. The cost share for applicants who serve a population 20,000 to 1 million has been reduced to 10%.
Applicants will compete with departments from the same organization type: Career, Combination, Volunteer organizations are guaranteed 25% of the funding. Additionally, consideration will be given to balancing awards in the vehicle category between rural, urban and suburban departments.
Micro grants: A new activity was established for departments who have needs that are under $25,000. For example, if the department only needs three sets of PPE. Micro grants receive streamlined processing and additional award consideration.
*Note* Please refer to the FY 13 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for complete details regarding FY 2013 program changes.
SAM.GOV REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO SUBMIT YOUR FY 2013 AFG APPLICATION
Starting with the upcoming FY2013 AFG application period, a valid registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), formerly the Central Contractor Registry, or CCR, will be required in order to submit an AFG application. Federal law now requires that applicants to Federal grant programs have a valid registration within SAM.gov at the time of registration. Applicants will be asked to affirm that they have a current registration prior to submitting their application.
As part of the SAM.gov registration process, every eligible grantee must have their SAM.gov account validated through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and have their CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code validated in order to be eligible for award. These validations are conducted as part of the registration process after the organization has submitted their SAM.gov registration. A valid SAM.gov registration is now also required for any payment or amendment request to an existing, open award. A valid SAM.gov registration is now also required for any payment or amendment request to an existing, open award. If your department has not yet registered within SAM.gov, you are encouraged to do. SAM.gov is administered through the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Technical assistance may be obtained through the Federal Service Desk at 866-606-8220.
Please be advised that during peak activity periods, it may take more than 2 weeks to complete the registration process.
Help Desk
Help Desk Specialists can answer questions by telephone (toll-free at 1-866-274-0960) or by e-mail (firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.) The Help Desk hours of operation during the application period are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, but the hours may be extended based on volume and demand.
After you submit: Once your application has been submitted successfully and received, you will receive a confirmation e-mail message in the “Mail Center” of the e-Grant system. Applicants should print and keep on file a copy of the submitted application and the confirmation e-mail.