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Registration is now open for the Resilient Nation Partnership Network (RNPN) 2024 Partnership Forum co-hosted with the Sundance Institute.
The theme of this year's forum is, “Stories of Resilience: Voices that Inspire.” It will feature panel discussions with filmmakers and community leaders on resilience challenges and will focus on ways to use storytelling to advance action toward natural hazard resilience.
Sessions will take place online each Thursday in April from 1 – 3 p.m. ET. Each session will feature diverse speakers discussing and inspiring community-led resilience.
As FEMA launches 2024 as its Year of Resilience, partnerships such as these allow the agency to reach broader audiences. This year’s forum will show what resilience looks like through the lens of those who are often left out of the conversation. It is a unique chance to improve community trust, promote equity and build resilience.
The RNPN represents a diverse network of voices united in their commitment to helping communities act and become more resilient toward natural disasters and climate-related events.
What started as a handful of like-minded individuals has flourished to more than 1,600 organizations represented. Its mission is to inform, educate and motivate communities to protect themselves from the loss of life, property, and prosperity as a result of natural hazards.
Registration is open to all. To register and learn more, visit Resilient Nation Partnership Network | FEMA.gov.
FEMA is requesting public review and comment on its updated Integrated Public Assistance Application (IPA) forms. These forms standardize required information and documentation for the agency’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide. The updated forms are available for a 60-day public comment period, which closes April 1.
These documents reduce the administrative burden of collecting required information by 20%, which meets the Paperwork Reduction Act requirements. Questions are displayed in a cascading manner and when configured into Public Assistance systems, they will eliminate duplicate requests for information by pre-populating answers to questions previously answered in another form, project or declaration.
This integrated approach to collecting required information will reduce program complexities. The information provided in the initial forms facilitate early identification of an applicant’s critical needs and the type of customer support required to dynamically tailor federal resources to an applicant based on their specific circumstances and resulting needs.
FEMA published the notice for the revision of the forms in the Federal Register (Federal Register: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Public Assistance Program). We encourage you and your colleagues to provide comments on these updated forms and their proposed system integration and functionality, which is defined in the footnotes on each form.
Key improvements of the revised IPA forms include:
- Simplifying applicant forms by reducing jargon and eliminating redundant questions.
- Implementing a risk-based approach by recognizing that not all applicants or projects require the same level of resources, documentation or oversight.
- Using technology to identify underserved communities to improve FEMA’s resource allocation and staffing needs.
- Identifying all-hazards mitigation opportunities for applicant projects and reducing the burden to incorporate building codes and standards.
- Introducing climate adaptation resources available to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters.
- Introducing a project application that improves applicants’ ability to enforce building codes and floodplain management regulations, increasing speed of recovery.
The IPA forms and comment matrix may be accessed at Integrated Public Assistance Application (IPA) Public Comment Period | FEMA.gov.
FEMA’s National Integration Center released updated NIMS Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Skillsets for national engagement.
NIMS is a critical component of our national incident management capabilities, enabling organizations from across the nation to effectively collaborate during incidents of all kinds and sizes. The nationwide implementation is a fundamental part of building our national preparedness.
Rather than replacing existing qualification systems, the primary goal of EOC Skillsets is to provide a framework for building the capabilities and qualifications of EOC personnel. These skillsets offer a minimum baseline for EOC personnel when formal qualifications do not exist to help enhance EOC personnel's professionalism and contribute to our nation's resilience.
Regardless of structure, EOC personnel typically perform these common functions:
- Collect, analyze and share information.
- Support resource needs and requests, including allocation and tracking.
- Coordinate plans and determine current and future needs.
- In some cases, it provides strategic coordination and policy direction.
EOC Skillsets break these functions into distinct responsibilities aligned with demonstrable tasks that leaders can use to build EOC Position Task Books (PTB), qualify personnel and request support. The NIMS EOC Skillsets provide a flexible approach to EOC qualifications. EOC leaders can mix and match skillsets, combining them together to form EOC PTB that reflects the needs of their EOC.
This update is based on best practices and lessons learned related to operations, assessing processes and transitioning, capabilities, infrastructure (technology), personnel and comprehensive training to support temporary or extended virtual EOC operations or replace the typical EOC model with a hybrid/virtual option.
With the release of these updated NIMS EOC Skillsets, we can ensure that our nation's EOC personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to effectively respond to any incident, ensuring the safety of our communities and our nation.
FEMA will host two webinars that will focus on the Resource Typing Library Tool (the tool), a web-based catalog that serves as an authoritative source for all FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Qualification System (NQS) resource types. The webinars will be held on March 13 and 19 from 1-2 p.m. ET.
Resource management is critical to prepare for and respond to incidents that require mutual aid among agencies and jurisdictions. The tool includes:
- Resource Typing Definitions.
- Job Titles/Position Qualification Sheets.
- Position Task Book Templates.
The tool presents these resources in an accessible format, helping resource managers and users plan mutual aid efforts. During the webinars, participants will learn more about the tool's role in the resource management process.
The webinars will cover the basic capabilities and functions of the Resource Typing Library Tool and explore new features recently added to the tool, including skillsets, the resource typing calculator function and access to historical versions of entries. Participants will also be able to ask questions at the end of the presentation.
To attend the webinars, FEMA encourages participants to register in advance. Visit the links below to register for the March 13 or March 19 session:
For more information on the Resource Typing Library Tool, visit Resource Typing Library Tool.
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Youth Preparedness Council Application Period Closes March 4
The FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council. The online application process is open to students in grades 8 through 11. Students must apply by March 4.
Students interested in applying for the council can learn more about the process and have their questions answered during a webinar that will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. ET. Register in advance at Webinar Registration - Zoom.
If you know a teen interested in preparedness and community service, encourage them to apply. To learn more, visit the Youth Preparedness Council webpage.
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Help Recruit Summer Interns from HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions
FEMA is recruiting students from Minority Serving Institutions for the 2024 summer internship program, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions, such as Tribal Colleges and Universities. The application period is open until Feb. 29. FEMA will select participants between March 5 and March 18, with the internship beginning mid-May through mid-August.
Paid summer internships are offered in:
- Atlanta, GA (Region 4).
- Lakewood, CO (Region 8).
- Washington, DC (FEMA HQ).
For additional information and qualification requirements, visit HBCU and Minority Serving Institutions Summer Internship Program | FEMA.gov.
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Nonprofit Security Grant Program Webinar Series
FEMA’s Grants Program Directorate invites interested organizations to attend upcoming webinars regarding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The program uses a competitive process to award grants for facility hardening and other security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.
The webinars will be held on the following dates and times. Click on a webinar below to register:
All interested organizations are required to register in advance for the webinars. Please note that the webinars will cover the same content and will not be recorded for future viewing.
If you have any questions regarding these webinars or require special accommodations, please contact FEMA-NSGP@fema.dhs.gov.
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FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System to Host In-Person Tabletop Exercise for Emergency Alerts
FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) will conduct its next in-person tabletop exercises for emergency alerts on Thursday, Feb. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET at the National Harbor, Maryland.
The event will help alert originators practice, review and exercise their alert, warning and notification capabilities for winter weather emergencies. Registration is limited to provide an efficient exercise for all involved. Email the IPAWS Technical Support Services Facility Training and Exercise Staff to participate. Please include the following:
- Your request to participate.
- A primary point of contact for your organization or agency name.
- The number of expected participants.
For general IPAWS questions, send an email to fema-ipaws-lab@fema.dhs.gov. Learn more about IPAWS Tabletop Exercises in this FEMA video.
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FEMA Hosts Webinar Connecting the Exercise Cycle and Continuous Improvement Process
FEMA will host a webinar that will connect the exercise cycle and continuous improvement process. The webinar is focused on providing attendees with the knowledge and skills to use both FEMA's Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program and National Continuous Improvement Guidance to create an ongoing culture of learning.
To register for the webinar on Thursday, Feb. 29, from 5 to 6 p.m. ET - Register Here.
To download the National Continuous Improvement Guidance or read the guidance online, visit https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/web/cip-citap/ncig.To download the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Plan doctrine, visit https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/web/hseep-resources/policy-and-guidance.
For questions or issues in registering for a webinar, please contact FEMA-CITAP@fema.dhs.gov.
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Request Free FEMA Help for Mitigation Planning and Project Support by February 29
If your community or Tribal Nation lacks resources to start climate resilience or project design, FEMA provides free help with hazard mitigation planning and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) project support.
To be considered for selection, applicants do not need a previous BRIC grant sub-application, award or a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. Interested communities and Tribal Nations can apply to this program by submitting a BRIC Direct Technical Assistance Request Form to fema-bric-dta-submission@fema.dhs.gov for this cycle of selections.
FEMA will select up to 80 communities and Tribal Nations to receive direct technical assistance, which will be announced later this summer. Communities and Tribal Nations requesting BRIC Direct Technical Assistance must identify at least two ongoing or potential community partners in the request form to apply for FEMA’s fiscal year 2023 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Please complete this form by Feb. 29. Once completed, email the form to fema-bric-dta-submission@fema.dhs.gov.
To learn more about BRIC Direct Technical Assistance, visit FEMA.gov.
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FEMA Publishes Resources for Developing BRIC and FMA Grant Applications
On Oct. 12, 2023, 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.
The application period for both programs close on Feb. 29. Apply through Grants.gov.
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.
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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 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. Available opportunities may be found on Grants.gov.
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Request FEMA National Exercise Support by March 1
FEMA provides exercise support to state, local and Tribal Nation 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 through March 1. New applicants or applicants from underserved jurisdictions are urged to apply. There is no associated cost-share for selected jurisdictions for this exercise assistance.
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.
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Attend the 9th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week
In November 2023, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell unveiled FEMA’s first-of-its-kind 2023 Tribal Strategy Progress Report.
She also announced the opening of registration for the ninth-annual Tribal Nations Training Week, to be held March 9-16 at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama.
Register by March 6 to attend! For registration information, contact David Emigh, CDP Tribal Nations Training Coordinator, at 256-847-2649 or 771-217-3779 or via email at David.emigh@fema.dhs.gov.
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Take Control in 1, 2, 3: Introducing the Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers
In recognition of caregivers’ dedication and commitment to those in their care, FEMA and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) created the "Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers" to help them navigate unique challenges that may arise during disasters.
FEMA and RCI are hosting a webinar on Thursday, March 7, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. ET for caregivers and communities to introduce the guide and provide an opportunity to learn how the guide addresses the unique challenges faced by caregivers and offers practical solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of both caregivers and care recipients in the event of a disaster. To attend this virtual event on Zoom for Government, please register in advance on Zoom.
For more information about FEMA and RCI’s efforts to support caregivers, please visit the RCI webpage at rosalynncarter.org.
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Apply to FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant by March 8
There’s less than one month remaining to apply for the Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program which will award $324 million to enhance public and firefighters' safety against fire-related deaths and hazards nationwide.
The AFG application period will close on Friday, March 8, at 5 p.m. ET.
The funding notice for this program is available at www.grants.gov and on the FEMA website, where there are also technical assistance documents and additional information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants.
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FEMA Seeks Comments on Simplified Homeowner Flood Insurance Form to Improve Customer Experience
FEMA is seeking public comments to improve the homeowner policyholder experience through a new proposed Homeowner Flood Form to simplify the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) standard flood insurance policy. The proposed Homeowner Flood Form aims to provide homeowners with a more customizable and user-friendly experience with five new proposed endorsements, allowing policyholders to modify their coverage.
Comments can be submitted until April 8 on www.regulations.gov Docket ID: FEMA-2024-0004. Please follow the instructions on the page to submit comments and contact the Regulations.gov Help Desk if you encounter technical issues.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $150 Million to Help Underserved Communities Fund Resilience Projects
FEMA announced the second funding opportunity for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant program to make communities safer from natural hazards. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program provides capitalization grants to eligible applicants nationwide. Applicants then offer low-interest loans directly to local communities to reduce their vulnerability to disasters, promote equity, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster impacts.
The Safeguarding Tomorrow funding notice is available at Grants.gov. Eligible entities must apply for funding using the Non-Disaster Grants Management System (ND Grants). Applications must be received by Tuesday, April 30, at 3 p.m. ET.
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Application Period Open for Repetitive Flood Mitigation Funding
An additional $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 assets 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. Buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program to be eligible.
FEMA will work with states and Tribal Nations 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, 2023, and the last eligible disaster declaration date is May 31, 2024. The funding opportunity is available on Grants.gov.
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