What small specialty access vehicles are eligible for funding?
For 2009, small specialty access vehicles such as ATVs, boats, gators, snowmobiles, etc., are not eligible for funding.
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Advance payment bonds are a requirement for vehicle grants. What are advance payment bonds and where can I get one?
An advance payment bond is like an insurance policy that protects you in the event the manufacturer with whom you contracted to build your vehicle cannot fulfill the contract, i.e., cannot finish building your vehicle for any reason. An advance payment bond is a financial tool used to guarantee that, in the event of manufacturer/contractor default, funds will be available to finish the construction of your vehicle and ensure its proper operation. From the vehicle grantee's point of view, the insolvency of a contractor during the construction of a vehicle will most likely result in delayed completion of the vehicle, additional expenses for a different manufacturer/contractor to finish the work or even loss of grant funds. For this reason, we now require manufacturers/contractors to provide a bond from an independent bank, insurance company or bonding agency so the vehicle grantees can recover damages they may sustain if the manufacturer/contractors default during the construction of a vehicle. The amount of the bond should be equal to, or greater than, the sum of any payments, compensation and/or consideration provided prior to the delivery of the vehicle.

If no down payment is required, an advance payment bond is not required.
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Are there other requirements for vehicle contracts?
Regardless of whether a performance bond is obtained, each vehicle purchase contract must include a performance clause.  The clause will provide a specific date for delivery of the vehicle and a clause imposing a penalty for non-delivery.  Non-delivery by the contract’s guaranteed date will result in a penalty for non-performance of no less than $100 per day until the manufacturer delivers the vehicle to the grantee.  Delivery is not acceptable unless the vehicle is “operational” and “functioning” when delivered.
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In my application, I indicated that my existing vehicle was unsafe and I would remove it from service. What do I need to do in order to comply with this requirement?
The unsafe vehicle cannot be used in emergency service. It cannot be sold, donated and/or given to another department.  The unsafe vehicle may be traded in, taken to the junk yard for scrap, donated to a museum, relegated to farm use or given to a training academy as long as it will not be utilized for driver training (they could use it for training firefighters to operate the pump).  In order to assure that an unsafe vehicle is removed, we'll require the grantee to transfer title of the vehicle to any individual or organization that is not in the business of providing first-responder services.
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Vehicle awards require a formal driver/operator training program. What is included in a formal driver/operator training program?
A comprehensive driver training program includes instruction on driving and/or operating a particular type of vehicle and includes instruction on appropriate preventative maintenance (NFPA 1451). If you request a vehicle, you must certify personnel who will drive and operate the requested vehicle meet or exceed the national standards for drivers/operators (fire vehicles NFPA 1002, EMS DOT or KKK standards).  Be advised NFPA 1002 (1.4.2) requires drivers:  1) pass physicals (meeting NFPA 1582); comply with their department's formal policies regarding traffic laws (NFPA 1500 chapter 6 (10.1-10.1.3)) and 3) meet the training requirements of NFPA 1001.  If you do not have an established driver training program or do not have a plan to obtain the training through this grant program or some other source, your application is not eligible for funding.
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At one time, AFG policy allowed up to 50 percent of the grant funds to be used for a down payment. Is that the case for this year's program?
NO.  To encourage better cash management practices, grantees may only request 25 percent for down payments.  There will not be any additional funds available for chassis payments in 2009.  If a grantee is required to pay for the chassis, they will have to use the 25 percent allowance or their own resources for the down payment.
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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 program areas.  Applicants may apply for any number of items or activities within the chosen program area. The two grant program areas for 2009 are:

1. Operations and Safety Program. Eligible activities are Training, Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, Wellness and Fitness and Modifications to Facilities.
2. 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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Can I buy a tow-vehicle with grant funds?
Any plan to purchase a vehicle with grant funds must be applied for under the Vehicle Acquisition Program Area. A tow vehicle is a very low priority. Tow-vehicles for a training program, e.g., for a burn-trailer, may be eligible as a transportation expense if adequately justified in the proposal, but these expenses will be limited to $6,000 per year.

The tractor and trailer can be considered as separate single units, or the combination of the tractor-trailer may be considered as a single unit, depending upon local need and the ability to justify the request. However, no more than $6,000 per year can be expended for the procurement of the tractor.
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What types of costs are eligible under the Vehicle Acquisition Program Area?
There are several related costs that can be charged to a vehicle grant. However, all costs should be explained in the narrative portion of your application. Any requests must be reasonable and all costs requested will be considered when the application is evaluated. These additional costs can be added to your application budget by clicking "Add Additional Funding" on the Request Details screen and entering your costs on the appropriate budget line.

• Travel costs to visit the vehicle manufacturer to inspect a piece of apparatus may be eligible.
• Equipment included in NFPA 1901 for fire apparatus is considered an eligible expense.
• Driver training is also be eligible.