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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 input the age of the oldest facility being modified.
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Can I insert a picture or graph into my narrative?
No. Photos, charts, graphs, or other computer graphic files (.jpg, .gif, etc.) may not 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 in.
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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 that you use the same password and identifiers that you used for a previous application, especially if you won an award in a prior 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 will time-out after 20 minutes with no activity. So, if you haven't clicked on a "save and continue" icon or clicked on another link for 20 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 will receive a confirmation screen upon submitting the application and will receive an e-mail confirmation receipt of the submitted application.
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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 PC. Because you will get 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 that a paper application be mailed to you. Remember, the online deadline for applications is April 4, 2008, but applications submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2008, or received by us on or before close of business (5 p.m. EST) on April 4, 2008. We will not accept late or incomplete applications.
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Is there a notification that our grant application has been received and is being considered?
Yes. When you apply electronically, you will receive an e-mail confirmation of receipt of your grant application. If you apply using a paper application, you may only receive confirmation of receipt if you send your application using a private courier or a return receipt requested via the U.S. mail.
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What are the hardware (system) and software requirements for accessing and filing the grant application online?
Most computers will 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 possible loss of an opportunity to obtain a grant. Applicants should use the toll-free number (1-866-705-5711), or the Web-based request process for government contractors and grantees ( http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/). Dun & Bradstreet will provide you with a response 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?
From 8 a.m. (EDT), March 3, 2008, until 5 p.m. (EDT) on April 4, 2008.
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When I apply, 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 and 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 the "E-Grant Application" link, and this will take you directly to the Login screen for the grant application.
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When is the grant application due?
The application deadline is April 4, 2008. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. EDT. 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 that the issuance of award decisions on all applications will continue through most of the rest of the year. Decisions on applications that cannot be supported with grant funds are also issued in batches and electronically 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 in 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. But, during the application period, the Help Desk will be staffed between the following hours:
- 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 voice-mail 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 e-mailed using our feedback form. You may also e-mail questions to FireGrants@dhs.gov.
If you are a new applicant, a PowerPoint slide presentation is available for download on the grant program's Website ( www.firegrantsupport.com ). The presentation covers many aspects of the program and gives detailed guidance on preparing and completing the online application.
An online tutorial also is available to assist applicants in completing the automated application. This tutorial explains the application screens, provides tips for navigating the application screens, and summarizes the changes in the grant program that are new this year. The tutorial also provides a review of the lessons learned from previous program years.
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Where do I send a paper application?
Applications must be received at the address below by the deadline of 5 p.m. EDT, April 4, 2008:
U.S. Fire Administration Grant Program Technical Assistance Center
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-8998
Faxed applications will not be accepted.
To meet the deadline, mailed applications must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2008, or otherwise received by 5 p.m. EDT on April 4, 2008. Remember to send the application early enough to ensure that it is received by 5 p.m. on April 4, 2008.
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Will FEMA fax or e-mail to me a copy of the application form?
No, we will not fax or e-mail an application. If an applicant does not have access over the Internet to the AFG Website, the applicant may contact us directly to request a copy via mail. Those applicants interested in receiving an application in the mail can phone 1-866-274-0960.
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How can I change the personal contact information on my grant?
To update personal information such as alternate contact names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or change password, grantees should log into their grant and at the Status screen click on "Edit Profile," which is located at the upper middle part of the screen. The page that comes up has personal information that should be updated if it has changed. Type in the updated personal information and click on Save at the bottom of the page. A note will come up reading, "Your profile has been updated. Thank You." You might think you're done at this point, but you're not! You must log out of your application for the new information to take effect. To do this, click on the "Authorized Applications" link on the upper left-hand side of the "Thank You" page, and then click on "Firefighter's Grants" on the new page so that the new information will be set and updated.
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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 us a letter explaining the need to change the main contact information. The letter must be on fire department letterhead and signed by the Chief of the department. To expedite this change you can fax a copy of 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.
500 C St. SW
Washington, DC 20472
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 Mr. Dunham 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 file. 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 choose e-grant application. You will get an application sign-in screen. Click on “FORGOT PASSWORD” and answer the two security questions and 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. Go into your email and retrieve the temporary password. Again, if the message is not there, look in the junk mail file if it is not in your email box.
When you click on submit and the computer tells you that you gave incorrect information you need to call Mr. Dunham at (202) 786-9813.
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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?
Type in 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 2008, applicants may submit one application in each of two grant program areas. Applicants may apply for any number of items or activities within the chosen program area. Below are the two grant program areas for 2008:
- Operations and Safety Program. Eligible activities are Training, Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, Wellness and Fitness, and Modifications to Fire Stations and Facilities.
- Vehicle Acquisition Program. Eligible apparatus for fire departments include but are not limited to pumpers, brush/attack units, tanker/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam trucks, and fireboats. Eligible apparatus for nonaffiliated EMS organizations includes ambulances, rescues, and command vehicles, but NOT firefighting apparatus.
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