This year's Assistance to Firefighter program mostly mirrors the general management of previous years, despite new administration under the Office of Domestic Preparedness. All program areas and activities available last year are eligible for funding again this year. The same level of funding that was available in 2003 — $750 million — is available in 2004, and the applications will be processed, evaluated and scored by the same U.S. Fire Administration peer-review process.

But there are a few significant changes. Of note:

• EMS activities are not an independent program area this year; they're incorporated under the Operations and Firefighter Safety Program.
• All applicants must obtain a DUNS number, a unique nine-character identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet. The number is free, but the process normally takes two to three weeks, so departments are encouraged to request a number by calling 800-333-0505 or 866-705-5711.
• Departments that have previously won FIRE grants for the purchase of vehicles will not be eligible for grants for vehicles this year.

In addition, new general funding priorities emphasize regional programs, interoperability, protection of critical infrastructures and projects that take an all-hazards approach. The clarity of a project's description, budget, and financial need and benefits still carry the most weight in an application's competitive score, but the “cost benefit” of a project may be increased by describing how a grant award will meet the following priorities:

• Fits in with a regional approach;
• Promotes interoperability of equipment/technology; and
• Allows your fire department to respond to all hazards.

In another change, states will be involved in processing applications that involve preparing for chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents. Following the preliminary determination of award after the panel process is complete, a representative of each state's homeland security office will perform a technical review of applications seeking equipment and/or training for preparation for CBRN incidents to certify that these requests are consistent with the state's homeland security plan and don't duplicate assistance.

To help fire departments improve their applications, the ODP opened a new Web site in February supporting the 2004 grant program at www.firegrantsupport.com. Frequently asked questions are the latest addition to the site with a tutorial soon to follow, according to Program Director Brian Cowan.

Cowan said that the online tutorial will be an easy way for applicants to get helpful hints about grant applications before they actually apply online.

“We're still conducting training sessions around the country, but the tutorial will give those who can't get to the training sessions — and even those who can — a means to refresh their memories or get an idea about what the online form is going to require,” he said.

Fire departments should carefully review the 2004 Program Guidance for the details and monitor www.firegrantsupport.com or the USFA FIRE Grants page at www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-service/grants for the final rules, frequently asked questions and the final application period dates. For more assistance, contact the FIRE Grant Program staff at 866-274-0960 or via e-mail at USFAgrants@fema.gov.

2005 Budget Proposal Submitted

On Feb. 2, President Bush proposed $500 million for the FIRE Act in his fiscal year 2005 budget request, the same amount the administration proposed for FY 2004. Congress ultimately appropriated $750 million.

The release of the president's budget request is only the first step in the annual federal funding process. After reviewing the president's request, budget committees in the House and Senate will devise spending allocations for each of 13 appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government. At that point, congressional appropriations subcommittees will determine the actual funding level for FIRE Grants and other federal programs.

In February, the International Association of Fire Chiefs reported it had received verbal assurances from top officials at the Department of Homeland Security that the program will continue to be managed in the same manner as it has been. “Specifically, they have committed to maintaining the peer review process and keeping the grant funding flowing directly to local fire departments,” the IAFC said.

Nothing is written in stone, however, until Congress passes FY 2005 appropriations bills and the president signs them. “The IAFC is actively involved in the budgeting and appropriations process and will continue to keep our membership informed as this process unfolds,” said IAFC President Ernest Mitchell.