Question number 2 in the activity specific questions under Add Modify Facilities asks: “What is the age of the facility that is being modified?” The field only allows for one answer. How do I answer that question if I am requesting funds to modify more than one facility?
You should enter the age of the oldest facility being modified.
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Can I insert a picture or graph into my narrative?
Photos, charts, graphs or other computer graphic files (.jpg, .gif, etc.) cannot be imported into your application.
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Can I print and mail an electronic application?
No. We do not accept any printed versions of the electronic applications that are mailed.
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Can I type my narrative using word processing software and paste it into the space allowed for the narrative portion of my grant?
Yes. However, remember that only five pages are allowed, and any graphics, tables or other text enhancements (bullets, etc.) may not transfer to the text box area provided in the application.
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Can I use my password from a previous grant application?
Yes. It is preferable you use the same User ID and password you used for a previous application, especially if you won an award in a previous program year.
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Can we use Fire Grant funds to hire personnel?
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will not fund firefighter positions. However, fire departments may use funding to pay personnel expenses necessary to support and complete a program that begins and ends during the grant year.
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Does the application software have a time-out feature?
Yes. The application times out after twenty minutes if there is no activity. If you haven't clicked “save and continue" or clicked another link for twenty minutes, the application session will end and all unsaved data will be lost.
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How will I know if my electronic application was received?
Applicants receive a confirmation screen once the application is submitted and receive an email confirmation of the application submission.
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If I do not have access to a computer, will I still be able to apply?
We strongly encourage applicants to apply online. All you need is Internet access from any computer. Since you create a username and password, you can log in from anywhere and work on the application. You can save it and return later to continue working on the application from any computer that has Internet access.
If you must apply by paper, call our Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 to request a paper application be mailed to you. See the Program Guidance for information regarding the submittal dates. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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Do we receive a notification our grant application has been received and is being considered?
Yes. When you apply electronically, you receive an email confirmation of receipt for your grant application. If you apply using a paper application, you may only receive confirmation of receipt if you send your application by private courier or with a return receipt requested via the U.S. mail.
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What are the hardware and software requirements for accessing and filing the grant application online?
Most computers work with the application without difficulty if they have access to the Internet and have a web browser installed. Both Netscape and Internet Explorer web browsers will work if they are version 4.0 or higher.
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What is a "DUNS Number"? Do I need one?
Yes, you need a DUNS Number. All recipients of federal grant funds are required to obtain a nine-digit code called a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) Number. Obtain your DUNS Number as soon as possible to avoid last minute delays and or missing the grant deadline.. Applicants should use the toll-free number (1-866-705-5711), or the web-based request process for government contractors and grantees (https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg/). Dun & Bradstreet responds within 48 hours via this website. If you are using the same tax ID number as your city, you may use your city’s DUNS Number.
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When can I apply?
See the Program Guidance for information regarding the submittal dates.
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Do I have to provide my bank account number to apply for a grant?
Yes. You must provide your bank account number and routing number for our records in order to facilitate funds transfer if you receive an award. The website is on a secure server. Applicant information is not released to anyone. We must have a current routing number. If you are concerned about security, contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960.
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When I go to the Website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, how do I reach the application page?
On the left side of the screen you will see a list of menu items. Click "E-Grant Application" and you will be directed to the Login screen for the grant application.
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When is the grant application due?
See the Program Guidance for information regarding the submittal dates. Applications received after the close of the application period will not be accepted.
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When will I hear about the disposition of my application?
Award packages are sent electronically to the grantees. As a courtesy to Members of Congress, we provide advance information about awards, so that, at their discretion, they can inform their constituents prior to our official notification. We expect the issuance of award decisions on all applications will continue through most of the year. Decisions regarding applications that cannot be supported with grant funds are also issued electronically in batches throughout the year. If electronic notification is ultimately unsuccessful, we will send the applicant a letter of notification.
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Where can I obtain technical assistance with filling out the application?
There is a Help Desk and toll-free information line available for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The toll-free number is 1-866-274-0960. Normal business hours for the Help Desk are Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT. During the application period, the Help Desk will be staffed:
- 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday
- 10:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. EDT, on Saturday
This number will also accept voicemail messages after hours or if the line is busy. Questions may also be sent to a toll-free fax line, 1-866-274-0942, or emailed using our feedback form. In addition, you may email questions to FireGrants@dhs.gov.
If you are a new applicant, a PowerPoint slide presentation is available for download on the AFG Grant Program's Website (www.firegrantsupport.com). The presentation provides information about many aspects of the program and gives detailed guidance on preparing and completing the online application.
Additionally, an online tutorial is available to assist applicants with completing the automated application. This tutorial explains the application screens, provides tips for navigating the application screens, reviews lessons learned from previous program years and summarizes the changes in the grant program for the current year.
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Where do I send a paper application?
Applications must be received at the address below by the deadline. See the Program Guidance for information regarding the submittal dates.
U.S. Fire Administration Grant Program Technical Assistance Center
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-8998
Faxed applications will not be accepted.
Remember to send the application early enough to ensure it is received by the deadline.
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Will DHS fax or email to me a copy of the application form?
No, we will not fax or email an application. If an applicant does not have access to the AFG Website via the Internet, the applicant may contact us directly to request the application by mail. Those applicants interested in receiving an application by mail can call 1-866-274-0960.
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How can I change the personal contact information for my application?
To update personal information such as alternate contact names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses or passwords, you must log into your application. On the Status screen, click "Edit Profile" located at the upper middle of the screen. The page with personal contact information appears and information can be updated if it has changed. Type in the updated personal information and click “Save” at the bottom of the page. A note stating, "Your profile has been updated. Thank You" will appear. In order for the update to be complete, you must log out of your application for the new information to take effect. Click "Authorized Applications" on the upper left-hand side of the "Thank You" page, and then click "Firefighter's Grants" on the new page. This action updates the information.
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How do I gain access to my department's previous year's application when I'm going to be the primary contact on the new application and I don't know the username and password from the previous year's application (i.e., lost password, previous contact is no longer available)?
Please note: This information can only be changed by authorized personnel.
Send a letter explaining the reason the main contact information needs to be changed. The letter must be on fire department letterhead and signed by the Chief of the department. To expedite this change, fax the letter to the attention of the Password Control Officer at 866-274-0942. The letter should be addressed to:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
Assistance to Firefighters Program Office
5th Fl. TechWorld Bldg.
800 k Street, NW
Washington, DC 20472-3620
ATTN: Password Control Officer
The following information must be included in the letter:
- Grant Number
- Previous Main Contact Person's Name
- Explanation of why access to the grant is needed
- New Contact Person's Name
- New Contact Person's Mother's Maiden Name
- Date of Birth
- E-mail Address
- Two Phone Numbers
Soon after faxing the letter to the Password Control Officer you will receive an email from us with your temporary password. If you do not receive this email within two days of faxing your request, look in your Junk Mail folder. The electronic emails are sometimes filtered and sent directly to junk mail.
If that does not work, go onto the web site at www.firegrantsupport.com and click e-grant application. This takes you to an application log-in screen. Click on “FORGOT PASSWORD” and answer the two security questions; then submit your request. The screen should tell you that you successfully submitted your request and that a temporary password is being emailed to your address. Log in to your email and retrieve the temporary password. Again, if the message is not in your inbox, look in the junk mail folder.
If you click submit and the computer states that you gave incorrect information, you need to call Ms. Robinson at (202) 786-9626.
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My bank account number is larger than 15 digits and the application has space for only 15 digits. What should I do?
Enter the first 15 digits of your bank account number.
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May I apply for more than one grant? May I request items from more than one program area?
Yes. In 2009, applicants may submit one application in each grant program area. Applicants may apply for any number of items or activities within the chosen program area. Below are the two grant program areas for 2009:
- Operations and Safety Program. Eligible activities are Training, Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, Wellness and Fitness and Modifications to Facilities.
- Vehicle Acquisition Program. Eligible apparatus for fire departments include but are not limited to pumpers, aerials, quints, rescue vehicles, command vehicles, brush/attack units, tanker/tenders, ambulances, foam trucks and HAZMAT units. Eligible apparatus for nonaffiliated EMS organizations includes ambulances, rescues, and command vehicles.
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