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FEMA released the Federal Continuity Directive: Continuity Planning Framework for the Federal Executive Branch. This new directive, which introduces the Continuity Planning Framework, is the first in a series of revised federal continuity directives.
Implementing a unifying framework across executive branch departments in the federal government will enable leadership to increase resiliency and improve their organizations’ continuity capabilities.
The Continuity Planning Framework establishes a planning framework for four planning factors:
- Staff and Organization.
- Equipment and Systems.
- Information and Data
- Sites.
The directive reinforces the Biden Administration’s all-hazards approach to federal continuity planning to manage the consequences of any disruption to normal operations, up to and including incidents or disruptions that occur with little to no warning. It incorporates an understanding of the dependencies and interdependencies between the federal government and non-federal stakeholders.
The framework also helps organizations understand the realities and experiences of the whole community and how they can access and contribute to federal services. Promoting the equitable provision of essential functions allows us to meet our stakeholders where they are. Such a collaborative approach to holistic continuity and risk management strategies is essential to realizing national outcomes and strengthening our resilient nation.
For assistance or questions concerning the Continuity Planning Framework for the Federal Executive Branch, please contact FEMA’s Office of National Continuity Programs (ONCP) at FEMA-NationalContinuity@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA provides exercise support to state, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions at no cost through the agency’s National Exercise Program. Exercise support can include assistance with exercise planning, design, scenario development, conduct and evaluation.
Applications for 2024 exercise support will be accepted from Jan. 4 through March 1, 2024. Support requests are open to all state, local, tribal and territorial governments. New applicants or applicants from underserved jurisdictions are urged to apply. There is no associated cost-share for selected jurisdictions for this exercise assistance.
In January, FEMA will host several webinars to discuss the exercise support process. Each webinar will cover the same content. Register in advance by visiting FEMA’s webinar page. The webinar dates are Jan. 9, 11, 16, 18, 22 and 24.
Visit FEMA.gov/NEP for more information, including how to request support. For any specific questions, please email the program staff at NEP@fema.dhs.gov and include “2024 Exercise Support Question” in your subject line.
FEMA seeks feedback on the draft guide, “Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers,” until Feb. 9, 2024. The guide seeks to help emergency managers incorporate climate adaptation into emergency management planning efforts.
FEMA will host a series of 60-minute webinar sessions to provide an overview of the draft guide and include facilitated discussions with stakeholders to help improve the existing draft and gather feedback from all community partners. Webinars will be held on Jan. 4, 9, 17 and 25.
The guide is designed to walk state, local, tribal and territorial partners through the Six Step Planning Process identified in the “Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans,” highlighting existing climate mapping tools and potential funding resources. FEMA is seeking feedback that can be incorporated into the guide, particularly real-world case studies. A line-numbered version of the draft guide is also available to allow individuals to provide comments on specific areas within the document.
To review the document and register for the webinar sessions, visit the "Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers" on FEMA.gov.
Winter is here, and it is important to be prepared for the hazards that come with the season. From preventing home heating fires to preparing for power outages and staying safe during winter travel, there are many steps you can take to ensure you are #WinterReady.
Visit FEMA.gov for #WinterReady tips and tricks to keep you and your family safe and warm this winter.
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Tribal Cybersecurity Grants Application Period Closes Jan.10
On Nov. 1, FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) held their eighth tribal consultation with dozens of tribal representatives to discuss the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program. The application deadline for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program is Wednesday, Jan. 10.
The FY 2023 program funding is $18.2 million, including unused rollover funding from the FY 2022 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Visit FEMA.gov to learn more about the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program, including several changes based on input from the consultation.
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Invitation to the 2024 Southeast Private-Public Partners Summit in Pearl, MS
The 2024 Southeast Private-Public Partnership Summit will be held in Pearl, Mississippi, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2024. This two-day event brings together non-governmental and private sector partners with federal, state and local emergency management representatives. Emergency managers in the private sector will join in discussions about the challenges we face as emergency management leaders to better help survivors.
Register for the summit by visiting the 2024 Southeast Private-Public Partners Summit | January 31, 2024 - February 01, 2024 (eventcreate.com). Hotel information will be emailed to you once you register.
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FEMA Publishes Resources for Developing BRIC and FMA Grant Applications
On Oct. 12, FEMA announced $1.8 billion available in funding for the Fiscal Year 2023 Building Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant programs. The BRIC funding level will be $1 billion and the Flood Mitigation Assistance funding level will be $800 million.
FEMA published several program support materials and launched a series of webinars and on-demand videos that provide important resources and information for prospective applicants and sub-applicants. These resources can be used to help develop applications for these two FEMA hazard mitigation grants. The application period for both programs closes on Feb. 29, 2024.
These program support materials are resources to help state, local, tribal and territorial governments prepare applications for this grant cycle. The following program support materials are:
Information about the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance Funding Opportunities Webinar Series is available online and includes an opportunity to watch the video or download the presentation. This webinar provides an overview of and guidance on how to request Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance in fiscal year 2023. More information about this opportunity is available on the BRIC Direct Technical Assistance webpage. Please complete this form by Feb. 29, 2024.
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Application Period Open for $211M to Fund Dam Safety Grants
FEMA will commit more than $211 million in funding to enhance dam safety efforts across the nation to ensure that communities have the critical infrastructure needed to protect against disasters and prevent flooding.
The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program is making about $185 million available, and another approximately $26 million is available through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program. The investments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help protect communities from flooding, avoid disaster costs and strengthen resilience to climate change.
The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. The state administrative agency or an equivalent state agency, is eligible to apply. Each eligible state or territory may submit only one grant application. The funding opportunities are open now and will close on Feb. 29, 2024. Available opportunities may be found on Grants.gov.
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Attend the 9th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, speaking to more than 2,000 tribal leaders and emergency managers at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 80th Annual Convention, unveiled FEMA’s first-of-its-kind 2023 Tribal Strategy Progress Report and announced the opening of registration for the ninth annual Tribal Nations Training Week, to be held in March 2024.
The training will be held March 9-16, 2024, at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama. For nearly a decade, FEMA has provided no-cost, in-person training for tribal leaders, tribal emergency managers, communications, information technology, grants, health care staff and even Indian Health Services staff. In 2023, 215 students from 77 Tribal Nations attended, and FEMA seeks to increase participation for 2024.
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Application Period Open for Repetitive Flooding Mitigation Funding
Another $300 million in Swift Current funding is available to help property owners across the nation become more resilient to flooding. This funding opportunity is the second time that FEMA is using funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Swift Current, part of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. Swift Current makes homes safer and more resilient for National Flood Insurance Program policyholders with repetitively flooded properties. To be eligible, buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program.
FEMA will work with states, Tribes and territories to explore their participation during this cycle. Potential applicants who have questions may contact their FEMA regional office. The application period opened on Nov. 15 and the last eligible disaster declaration date is May 31, 2024. The funding opportunity is available on Grants.gov.
As we approach the end of the year, FEMA extends its appreciation for your support to our collective mission of helping people before, during and after disasters.
During the holiday season, FEMA's Bulletin will be on a brief hiatus. Please note that the FEMA Bulletin will not be published on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.
The FEMA Bulletin will resume on Jan. 9, bringing you a new year filled with updates and resources for emergency management and preparedness.
In the meantime, visit FEMA.gov for any immediate information or updates.
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