When can I apply?
From 8 a.m. (EDT), May 30, 2006, until 5 p.m. (EDT) on June 30, 2006.

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When is the grant application due?
The application deadline is June 30, 2006. 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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May I submit more than one grant application?
You may submit only one funding application to SAFER. If an applicant is found to have submitted more than one application for SAFER funding, all of its applications will be deemed ineligible.

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What are the hardware (system) and software requirements for accessing and filing the online grant application?
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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Will DHS 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 a paper application by mail should phone 1-866-274-0960.

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Can an independent rescue squad or emergency medical services unit apply?
No. Only fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations are eligible for SAFER grants.

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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. If you must apply by mail, call our Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 to request that a paper application be mailed to you.

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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 login 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 mail, 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 June 30, but applications submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than June 26, 2006, or received by us on or before close of business (5 p.m. EDT) on June 30, 2006. We will not accept late, incomplete, or faxed applications.
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Where do I send a paper application?
Faxed applications will not be accepted. To meet the deadline, mailed applications must be postmarked no later than June 24, 2005, or otherwise received by 5 p.m. EDT on June 28, 2005. Remember to send the application early enough to ensure that it is received by 5 p.m. on June 28, 2005.

U.S. Fire Administration Grant Program Technical Assistance Center
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-8998

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Can I fax my application in or submit it by e-mail?
No. The only applications that will be accepted are those that are received on or before the application deadline from applicants who submit using the automated application or the approved paper application. The SAFER Grant Program Office will supply a copy of the approved paper application to anyone who requests it.

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When I go to the Website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (www.firegrantsupport.com), 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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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 login to their grant and at the "Status" screen click on "Edit Profile," which is located at the upper part of the screen. If the profile that appears needs to be updated, type in the correct information and click on "Save" at the bottom of the page. A note will appear that reads, "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 "Firefighters 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 Mr. William Dunham at 866-274-0942. The letter should be addressed to:

DHS/FEMA/Grant Programs Directorate
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
William Dunham - Room 5066D
Tech World Bldg - South Tower 5th Floor
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472

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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Can I use my password from a previous grant application?
Yes. You should 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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Do I have to provide my bank account number to apply for a grant?
Yes. You must provide your current bank account number and routing number for our records and to facilitate funds transfer should you receive an award. The Website of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness is on a secure server. Applicant information is not released to anyone. If you are concerned about security, contact the Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960.

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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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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), not the Web-based request process. It may take as much as 30 days to receive one via the Dun & Bradstreet 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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If I apply for both SAFER Program activities-Hiring of Firefighters and Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters-do I have to write two narrative statements?
No. You have a choice of dividing your narrative into two separate parts and addressing each activity or combining your requests into one narrative statement.
If you choose to combine your requests into one narrative, you may discuss the four items (shown below) required for both the Hiring of Firefighters Activity and the Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters Activity.

1. A statement that describes why the applicant needs the grant funds, i.e., how the recruitment of new firefighters and retention of current firefighters will be used within the department and a description of the specific benefit these firefighters will be to the fire department and community. This statement should include specifics about the recruitment and/or retention plan and what specific benefit the efforts would provide to the community.
2. A statement regarding how the community and current firefighters are at risk without the needed firefighters, and to what extent that risk will be reduced if the applicant is awarded.
3. An explanation of the applicant's inability to address the need without Federal assistance.
4. A statement relating to how the applicant will ensure, to the extent possible, that it will seek, recruit, and hire members of racial and ethnic minority groups and women to increase their ranks within the department.

There are two additional items (shown below) that also must be discussed in the Hiring Firefighters activity.

• A statement regarding how the applicant plans to meet the match requirements for the 5 years required under the grant award. This statement should include any long-term plans to retain the new firefighter positions.
• A statement regarding how the applicant plans to meet the requirement to ensure that firefighter positions filled under the SAFER grants are not discriminated against for, or prohibited from, engaging in volunteer activities in another jurisdiction during off-duty hours.

You may choose to discuss the four items for both activities in the early portion of your presentation and add the two additional items for the Hiring Firefighters activity at the end of your narrative. Remember, you are limited to six pages for your narrative. It is recommended that you type your narrative offline in a word processing document and paste it into the space provided. Please check it to make sure all your text is shown in the six pages provided.

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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 six 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 insert a picture or graph into my narrative?
No. Photos, charts, graphs, or other computer graphic files (.jpg, .gif, etc.) will not be imported into your application.

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How will I know if my application was received?
When you apply electronically, you will receive a confirmation screen upon submitting the application and will receive an e-mail confirmation of receipt of the submitted application. If you apply using a paper application, you will 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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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 them with 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 begin in July and continue throughout 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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