When was the date for the enactment of the ARRA? We need that information in order to cite health code violations.

February 17, 2009
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We are planning to apply for a Fire Station Construction Grant, but we are concerned that it won't be competitive because the cost of construction is much higher in our region than it is some other areas of the country. How will our application be competitive with the applications from areas where construction costs are lower?
We are fully aware of the regional cost differences and are making suitable adjustments. That is why we have construction officials on staff from various parts of the country to technically review applications.  As long as your project meets the funding priorities of the grants, demonstrates a strong cost-benefit, justifies financial need, meets the needs of your community and is a viable project, your application will be competitive.

However, it is critical that you justify your method of determining your project costs. We suggest you use “RS Means” or some other estimating software. If awarded, you will be required to provide documentation including, contracts, plans, bid specs, etc.
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The program guidance indicates that "Panelists review each application in its entirety and rate the application according to the established evaluation criteria. How will applications with more than one project be scored? Along the lines of the AFG, if one activity is a very low priority, does that low priority item decrease the overall score? Or, like Fire Prevention/SAFER application scoring, is there more flexibility and independence in scoring each project?
Each project will have to be fully justified in the narrative. Some applications may have multiple projects that are similar (eradication of mold in 20 stations) and would/could be handled via a single justification. But requesting a renovation to one station and building a new station on one application would require specific justification for each project. Each application will be evaluated in its entirety, and the lack of adequate justification for one of several projects should have an adverse affect on the evaluation. However, if the panel thinks the application has merit "except project A," then the Program Office may fund the application – with the exception of project A.
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If a state agency is applying for a fire station grant, what unemployment rate do they use?
The unemployment rate should be the rate in the county where the fire station will be constructed. Applicants can obtain that information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Website: http://data.bls.gov/map/servlet/map.servlet.MapToolServlet?survey=la. Applicants may only use the unemployment statistics from this website for their SCG application.
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Can our department apply for funding to consolidate stations?
As long as your proposed consolidation will improve response times based on NFPA 1710 or 1720 and incorporate the requirements for NFPA 1500, it is eligible for funding.
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We are applying for a Fire Station construction Grant for our local fire department. Are there any special requirements we need to adhere to in our preparation of the SCG application?
Yes. First you need to ask your fire department's leadership staff if they have ever applied for any other AFG Program Grant. If so, you must acquire and use the department's User ID and password they used for their previous AFG Program grant applications.
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How do I gain access to my fire department's previous year's User ID  and password when I'm going to be the primary contact on the new SCG application and I don't know the user ID and password from their 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
• Email 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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Where should I send letters of support from the community, political leaders, and others for my department's application?

Letters of support should be sent to:

Mr. Ross Ashley, Assistant Administrator
DHS/FEMA/Grant Programs Directorate
Tech World Building – South Tower 9th Floor
800 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20472-3620

Letters of support may also be faxed to:

Letters of support may also be faxed to:

202-786-9938/or 866-274-0942

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