Law enforcement decisionmakers should look carefully at how current funding programs may fit into their counter-terrorism planning. Grant programs that address specific topics such as communications interoperability, equipment acquisition, information sharing and analysis, investigative sciences, or surveillance may be applicable to your counter-terrorism needs.

• Appropriation and Award Announcements
• Current Opportunities
• Resources

Appropriation and Award Announcements

Department of Homeland Security Announces $9.9 Million in Grants to Secure Bus Travel
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, September 13, 2004
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the availability of 55 grants totaling approximately $9.9 million to improve bus security for operators and passengers by providing operator training and enhancing vehicle and facility security enhancements. DHS has produced two fact sheets to explain the grants' disbursements: Bus Grants Under 1 Million and Bus Grants Over 1 Million.

Department of Homeland Security Announces Additional $21 Million Grant in Partnership with American Trucking Association
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, September 13, 2004
The Department of Homeland Security has announced a $21 million grant, available for use beginning March 2005, for the American Trucking Association's (ATA) Highway Watch Program®. This cooperative agreement with ATA will help to expand the Highway Watch® program, which trains highway professionals to identify and report safety and security concerns.

Department of Homeland Security Announces $49 Million in Grants to Secure America's Ports
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, September 13, 2004
As part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) commitment to enhance security at key ports and facilities, DHS has announced that it has awarded approximately $49 million to 154 grant recipients in the fourth round of port security grants. The Port Security Grant Program provides resources for projects to improve dockside and perimeter security of the nation's seaports.

Department of Homeland Security Announces $173.5 Million in Grants to States for All-Hazards Emergency and Terrorism Preparedness
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), December 18, 2003
DHS's Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $173.5 million in grants to help state and local officials better prepare to respond to all hazards and enhance preparedness and emergency management activities. Funding is being offered through the fiscal year 2004 Emergency Management Performance Grants program, which supports comprehensive emergency management at state and local levels and encourages the improvement of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities for all hazards.

Department of Homeland Security Announces $179 Million in Grants to Secure America's Ports
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, December 10, 2003
Nearly $180 million will contribute to important security upgrades (e.g., patrol boats for harbors, surveillance equipment, and the construction of new command and control facilities) at U.S. seaports. The awards are being funded through the Port Security Grant Program, which provides resources for security planning and projects to improve dockside and perimeter security at national seaports.

Department of Homeland Security Announces Security Funding Task Force
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
DHS has created a task force of state, county, city, and tribal representatives to examine the funding process and ensure that DHS funds move quickly to local first responders. The task force will identify state and local funding solutions that work effectively and can be extended to situations where impediments lead to inefficient and ineffective fund distributions.

Early-Warning Disease Surveillance System for U.S.-Mexico Border
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, December 12, 2003
The United States-Mexico Border Health Commission will receive $5.4 million over 3 years to enhance early-warning capabilities that identify naturally occurring infectious diseases and potential bioterrorism. The funds will be made available to six Mexican border states and to Mexico's Secretariat of Health.

Guidelines for Bioterrorism Funding Announced
On May 9, 2003, Tommy G. Thompson, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, announced the release of guidelines for a $1.4 billion bioterrorism cooperative agreement program for states, territories, and municipalities. These funds are intended to upgrade public health infrastructure and health-care systems to help them better prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Since March 2003, approximately 20 percent of the $1.4 billion has been available to states to "support current activities, including smallpox vaccination for selected health workers and emergency responders." States must submit plans to HHS detailing how they will spend the funding; upon approval, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration will distribute the remainder of the funds.

HHS Announces More Than $8 Million in Medical Reserve Corps Grants
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, October 2003
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced 167 grants, totaling more than $8 million, to help community-based organizations develop Medical Reserve Corps units nationwide. One hundred twenty-five communities will join this national volunteer service effort to better prepare our communities to respond to emergency and other public health situations.

HHS Awards $26.6 Million in New Program to Provide Bioterrorism Training and Curriculum
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, September 12, 2003
In September 2001, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $26.6 million to grantees in 23 states to strengthen bioterrorism training and education for the nation's health professions workforce. The grants are the first in the HHS Bioterrorism Training and Curriculum Development Program.

HHS Awards $849 Million to Improve Public Health Preparedness
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), June 17, 2004
In June 2004, HHS awarded $849 million in awards to states, territories, and four major metropolitan areas to strengthen the ability of government and public health agencies to
respond to bioterror attacks, infectious diseases, and natural disasters. This funding was in addition to $498 million released earlier in the month to strengthen hospitals and improve overall response capability.

Homeland Security Helps Train Citizens for Emergencies With $19 Million for Community Emergency Response Teams
On May 29, 2003, Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced the availability of $19 million in grant money to train citizens to better respond to emergency situations in their communities through local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

Homeland Security Selects Texas A&M; University and University of Minnesota to Lead New Centers of Excellence on Agro-Security|
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, April 27, 2004
DHS anticipates providing Texas A&M; University and the University of Minnesota and their partners with $33 million over 3 years to address security in two key agricultural sectors: foreign animal diseases and food security. Texas A&M; University will study the consequences of foreign animal and zoonotic diseases. The University of Minnesota will establish best practices and attract new researchers to manage and respond to intentional and naturally occurring food contamination events.

President Bush Signs Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
The White House, October 2003
On October 1, 2003, President George W. Bush signed the first-ever Homeland Security Appropriations bill, committing $31 billion ($14 billion more than pre-September 11 levels) to secure the United States against terrorist attacks. Highlights of the bill include funding for agencies, programs, and a wide variety of counter-terrorism components.

Protecting America's Seaports and Securing Cargo Shipments (Fact Sheet)
The White House, February 5, 2004
This fact sheet details resource requests of increased funding for ports and cargo security in President George Bush's fiscal year 2005 budget.

Securing the Homeland: Helping Our State and Local First Responders and First Preventers
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 13, 2003
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that an additional $725 million from the FY 2004 Budget for the Urban Area Security Initiative will be allocated to urban areas and transit agencies to help enhance terrorism-related security and preparedness.

Securing the Homeland: Protecting Our Urban Areas
On May 14, the Department of Homeland Security announced the allocation of $700 million from the fiscal year 2003 supplemental budget "to enhance the security of urban areas with high density population areas and critical infrastructure." Of the total, $500 million "will be provided through the states to 30 cities and their contiguous counties and mutual aid partners."

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
On March 20, 2003, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that $1.4 billion in bioterrorism preparedness funding would be provided to states, with $280 million of that amount being made available immediately “to support current activities, including smallpox vaccination for selected health workers and emergency responders.” About $870 million of the amount “supports enhancements of states’ public health agencies,” with the remaining $498 million “provided to states to support hospital preparedness for possible bioterror or other mass casualty events.”

US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
With $330 million allocated for fiscal year 2004, DHS launched US-VISIT in January 2004, an enhanced security program that will facilitate and legitimize travel and trade through U.S. borders with the use of digital photographs and biometric scanning equipment. It will verify a visitor's identity and compliance with visa and immigration policies and is expected to add just seconds to the entry and exit process.

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Current Opportunities

2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
On or about March 1, 2004, the Office for Domestic Preparedness will announce the availability of the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. This program provides funds directly to fire departments to help them enhance their firefighting and emergency response capabilities. The 2004 Program Guidance for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is available online in PDF format and describes the application process, items that can be requested, and the application review process.

Behavioral and Social Aspects of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Program (CFDA 97.061) (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This grant program seeks proposals to develop a university-based center for research excellence in the behavioral and social aspects of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Approximately $12 million will be awarded to an estimated one grantee. Letters of intent are due by July 30, 2004. The application deadline is September 30, 2004 (4 p.m., eastern time).

FY 2004 Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program (PDF)
The Office for Domestic Preparedness is now accepting applications to enhance the capacity of emergency responders to prevent, deter, or respond to terrorist incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. Applications for funding must be submitted by July 2004.

Homeland Security Scholars and Fellows Grant Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 23, 2003
Under the new Homeland Security Scholars and Fellows Program, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will award approximately 100 recipients with stipends and tuition for either 2-year undergraduate scholarships or 3-year graduate student fellowships. In addition, awardees will be offered 8- to10-week internship opportunities. Materials for the 2004 competition will be available in fall 2003. This program is open to all students interested in pursuing scientific and technological innovations that can be applied to the DHS mission.

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Resources

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
Updated biweekly or as new program information is available, the CFDA web site provides access to federal programs that provide various types of assistance to state, territorial, tribal, and local governments and groups, organizations, and individuals. After searching for programs and determining eligibility requirements, visitors can contact the office that administers the program and find out how to apply.

Disaster Help
Disasterhelp.gov is designed to help victims of disasters locate the resources they need. The goal of the site is to combine into one central location the resources of all the federal agencies that participate in the Disaster Management e-Government Initiative.

Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Formula Grant Program (Byrne Formula Grant Program)
Bureau of Justice Assistance
The Byrne Formula Grant Program awards grants to states for use by states and units of local government to improve the functioning of their criminal justice systems, with an emphasis on drug-related crime, violent crime, and serious offenders. Grants may be used for personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, information systems, and assistance (other than compensation) to victims.

Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPGs)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency
EMPGs assist state and local officials with the development, maintenance, and improvement of emergency management capabilities, which are key components of a comprehensive national emergency management system for disasters and emergencies resulting from natural disasters or accidental or human-caused events. Funds can be allocated according to risk and to address the most urgent state and local needs in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Funding Opportunities at OJP
Office of Justice Programs
This web page lists all current OJP funding opportunities, including the availability of terrorism-related funding. OJP has provided links to every guideline, application, and form necessary to complete funding proposals.

Grants.Gov
This site allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all federal grantmaking agencies. It encompasses more than 900 grant programs offered by 26 federal grantmaking agencies and streamlines the process of awarding more than $350 billion annually to state and local governments, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other groups.

Homeland Security: Federal Assistance Funding and Business Opportunities (PDF)
James R. Riehl, Congressional Research Service, August 14, 2003
This report provides information gateways for businesses, state and local governments, research organizations, and others that wish to pursue homeland security-related business opportunities or grants from the federal government.

LEP.gov: Let Everyone Participate
LEP.gov promotes understanding of language access to federal programs and federally assisted programs by supporting fair, reasoned, and consistent implementation of all directives and regulations. It acts as a clearinghouse, providing information, tools, and technical assistance regarding limited English proficiency and language services for federal agencies, recipients of federal funds, users of federal programs and federally assisted programs, and other stakeholders.

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): Available Federal Funding
NCSL continuously updates its web page to reflect new, terrorism-related federal funding assistance available to states. NCSL is committed to ensuring that government ideas are advanced, promoted, shared, and taken to our nation's capital. Its web site contains research on critical state issues, publications, and details on meetings and seminars.

National Science Foundation
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Under the Cyber Security Research and Development Act, the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology will award $903 million over 5 years for systems security research. Additional funding information will appear on the organizations' web sites.

National Security Education Program (NSEP)
The National Security Education Act established this program to develop the nation's capacity to educate U.S. citizens about foreign cultures, to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness, and to enhance international cooperation and security. Since 1994, NSEP has funded U.S. students to study underrepresented languages and cultures critical to U.S. national security. NSEP comprises three program elements: the David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships, administered by the Academy for Educational Development; the David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships, administered by the Institute of International Education; and an institutional grants program for U.S. colleges and universities to increase the international aspects of their curricula.

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is working to craft grant programs responsive to the homeland security and counter-terrorism needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. COPS has started to announce open solicitations for 2003 grant programs. Grant application packages are available, and applicants are encouraged to download the packages and return them as soon as possible.

Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) Equipment Grant Award Program
ODP's equipment acquisition grants provide funding to improve state and local response to incidents of domestic terrorism involving the use of a weapon of mass destruction. Specialized equipment authorized for purchase under the Equipment Grant Award Program includes personal protective equipment; chemical, biological, or radiological detection equipment; decontamination equipment; and communications equipment.

Office of Justice Programs Anti-Terror Funding Sources
The Anti-Terror Funding Sources offered through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) can be used by state and local jurisdictions to prepare and respond to domestic terrorism and are available primarily through four OJP components: the Office for Domestic Preparedness, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the National Institute of Justice, and the Office for Victims of Crime.

Operation Hero Miles
Office of Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, October 2003
In the largest rest-and-relaxation program since the Vietnam War, soldiers stationed in Iraq can be granted 2-week leaves to spend time with their families. To help returning soldiers avoid having to purchase expensive, last-minute airline tickets, you can donate your frequent flyer miles to this effort.

U.S. Department of Defense's Information Assurance Scholarship Program
The U.S. Department of Defense's Information Assurance Scholarship Program enables institutions designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and their collaborating partners to establish a scholarship program for students enrolled in their institutions who want to pursue bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, and graduate (post-baccalaureate) certificate programs in information assurance disciplines.

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