FAQ-Applications
When
will I here about the disposition of my application?
Award packages are sent electronically to the grantees. As a courtesy
to Members of Congress, we provide 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 continue through most
of 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.
When can I apply?
From 8 a.m. (EST), March 7, 2005, until 5 p.m. (EDT) on April
8, 2005.
May I apply for more than one grant?
No. Applicants may submit
only one application in one of two grant program areas. Applicants
may apply for any number of items or activities within one chosen
program area. Below are the two grant program areas for 2005:
- Operations and Safety Program.
Eligible activities are Training, Equipment, Personal
Protective Equipment, Wellness and Fitness, and Modifications
to Fire Stations and Facilities.
- Vehicle Acquisition Program.
Eligible apparatus for fire departments include but are not
limited to pumpers, brush/attack units, tanker/tenders, rescue
vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam trucks, and fireboats.
Eligible apparatus for nonaffiliated EMS organizations includes
ambulances, rescues, and command vehicles, but NOT firefighting
apparatus.
Can we include activities from more
than one program area in our grant request?
No, all activities requested must be confined to those activities
eligible within a single program area.
Where can I obtain technical assistance
in filling out an application?
There is a toll free information line available for the Assistance
to Firefighters Grant Program. The toll free number is 866-274-0960.
Calling hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00
pm and 8:00 am to 4:30 pm E.S.T Sunday. This number will also
accept voice-mail messages after hours, on weekends, or if the
line is busy. Questions may also be sent to a toll free fax line,
866-274-0942, or e-mailed using our feedback form.
Will FEMA fax or e-mail me a copy
of the application?
No, we will not fax or e-mail an application. If an applicant
does not have access over the Internet to the FEMA/USFA website,
the applicant may contact us directly to request a copy via mail.
Those applicants interested in receiving an application in the
mail can phone 866-274-0960.
When is the grant application due?
The application deadline is April 8, 2005. Applications must be
received by 5 p.m. EDT. Applications received after the close
of the application period will not be accepted.
What are the hardware (system) and
software requirements for accessing, downloading, and filing the
FY2002 grant application on-line?
Most computers will work provided that they have access to the
Internet and have a web browser installed. Both Netscape and Internet
Explorer will work if they are version 4.0 or higher.
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 log in 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 paper, 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 April 8, 2005, but applications
submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than April 5, 2005,
or received by us on or before close of business (5 p.m. EST)
on April 8, 2005. We will not accept late or incomplete applications.
How do I change or amend my application
prior to submission?
You may access your application anytime after you have provided
minimum login information identifying you as an applicant. Only
those who have access to the username and password may have access
to the application once the process of applying has begun.
Can I insert a picture or graph into my narrative?
Photos, charts, graphs or other computer (.jpg or .gif) files
may not be imported into your application.
Can I download the application to
my computer and fill out the application at a later date or on
another computer?
It is possible to begin an application, save it, and work on it
at a later date and time from any computer with Internet access.
Can we use Fire Grant Funds to hire
personnel?
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will not fund firefighter
positions, however, fire departments may use funding to pay personnel
expenses necessary to complete a program that begins and ends
during the grant year.
Is there a notification that our
grant application has been received and is being considered?
Yes. When you apply electronically, you will receive an email
confirmation of receipt of your grant application. If you apply
using paper application, you may only receive confirmation of
receipt if you send your application using a private courier or
receipt requested U.S. Mail.
Can I use my password from 2004
in my 2005 application?
Yes. It is preferable that you use the same password and identifiers
in the 2004 application, especially if you won an award last year.
When I apply, do I have to provide
my bank account number in order to apply for a grant?
We would like to have the bank account number and the routing
number for our records, in order to facilitate funds transfer
if you are awarded. The FEMA website is a secure server. Applicant
information is not released to anyone. We must have a current
routing number. If you are concerned about security contact the
help desk at 1-866-274-0960.
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 five 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.
When I go to the Website for the
Assistance to Firefighters Act, how do I reach the application
page?
In the left side of the screen you will see "Firefighter"
and "Mitigation". Click on "Firefighter" that
will take you directly to the application for our grant.
Does the application software have
a time out feature?
Yes. The application will time out after 30 minutes with no activity,
so if you haven't clicked on a "save and continue" icon,
or answered questions for 30 minutes the application session will
be ended and all unsaved data will be lost.
Can I print and mail an electronic application?
No. We do not recommend that our applicants mail in electronic
applications. Applicants will receive a confirmation screen upon
submitting the application, and will receive an E-mail confirmation
of receipt of the submitted application.
May my fire department partner with
several other fire departments to propose a grant that will provide
enhancements for all of our departments?
Yes, however, the "host" department must take responsibility
for the match, and all reporting during the period of performance.
If I partner with another fire department
that is serving as the "host" fire department, may I
also file for a grant?
Yes, if you do not replicate the "host's" grant request,
i.e., as long as you don't ask for the same items on both applications.
Last Updated: October 3, 2008 02:59
